: Like other adipokines, omentin-1 is secreted from visceral adipose tissue and plays a vital role in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular events. Recent studies have shown that circulating omentin-1 levels are associated with various metabolic risk factors, such as high blood pressure, increased waist circumference, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance. The decrease in serum omentin level is an independent predictor of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and is associated with the severity of this disease. Since there is no relevant review in the literature, we aimed to summarize the studies on the relationship between omentin-1 and CAD.

Beta-blockers have unfavorable effects on metabolic parameters in hypertensive treatment. New generation beta-blockers with vasodilatory capabilities are superior to traditional beta-blockers, but studies examining their effects on metabolic parameters are still lacking. This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 new generation beta-blockers, carvedilol and nebivolol, on insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles in patients with essential hypertension. This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, single-center clinical trial. A total of 80 patients were randomized into 2 groups: the carvedilol group (n = 40, 25 mg of carvedilol daily) and the nebivolol group (n = 40, 5 mg of nebivolol daily). Follow-up was performed for 4 months. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, and the lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], total cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoprotein AI, and apolipoprotein B levels) were measured and IR was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. These variables were compared before and 4 months after treatment. Blood pressure and heart rate were significantly and similarly reduced in the carvedilol and nebivolol groups after treatment compared to those before treatment (both P < .001). Serum glucose (P < .001), insulin (P < .01), HOMA-IR (P < .01), HDL (P < .001), LDL (P < .001), total cholesterol (P < .001), and apolipoprotein B (P < .05) levels decreased in a similar manner in the carvedilol and nebivolol groups after treatment compared to those before treatment. Serum triglyceride and apolipoprotein AI levels did not change after treatment with both drugs. New generation beta-blockers, carvedilol and nebivolol, efficiently and similarly decrease blood pressure. They have similar favorable effects on glucose, insulin, IR, and the lipid profile.

Visfatin is an adipokine that plays a role in the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate whether adipokine is associated with the extent of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The study population included 110 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG) due to stable angina pectoris. The severity of CAD was assessed by the ‘Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX)’ score. We evaluated patients in two groups: group 1 with a SYNTAX score <22 (low) and group 2 with a SYNTAX score ⩾22 (intermediate to high). Serum visfatin (8.6 ± 4.2 ng/ml versus 13.4 ± 5.2 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels [0.46 (0.25–0.77) mg/dl versus 0.71 (0.32–1.10) mg/dl, p < 0.001] were lower in group 1. A positive significant correlation was found between serum visfatin level and SYNTAX score (r = 0.559, p < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, visfatin [odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.36; p < 0.001], CRP (OR 6.22, 95% CI 1.70–22.7; p = 0.006), and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.10–13.2; p = 0.034) were found to be independent predictors of SYNTAX score. Serum visfatin level was positively correlated with CAD severity in patients with high SYNTAX score. Serum visfatin level can be a useful biomarker for predicting high SYNTAX scores in patients with angina pectoris undergoing CAG.

Aim: Ascending aortic dilatation is a common clinical issue. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between ascending aortic diameter with left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) functions, and LV mass index (LVMI) in a population with normal LV systolic function.Methods: A total of 127 healthy participants with normal LV systolic function took part in the study. Echocardiographic measurements were obtained from each subject.Results: The mean age of the participants was 43 ± 14.1 years and 76 (59.8%) were female. The mean aortic diameter of the participants was 32.2 ± 4.7 mm. A negative correlation was found between aortic diameter and LV systolic function (LVEF r = ‐.516, p < .001; Gls r = ‐.370). In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between aortic diameter with LV wall thicknesses, LVMI (r = .745, p < .001), and systolic and diastolic diameters. The relationship between aortic diameter and diastolic parameters was evaluated, a negative correlation with Mitral E, Em, E/A ratio, and a positive correlation with MPI, Mitral A, Am, E/Em ratio were found.Conclusion: A strong correlation between ascending aortic diameter with LV and LA functions, and LVMI in individuals with normal LV systolic function.