Metabolic endotoxemia: a molecular link between obesity and cardiovascular risk.

 Obesity associates with significantly increased cardiovascular (CV) risk and mortality. Several molecular mechanisms underlying this association have been implied, among which the intestinal barrier has gained a growing interest. In experimental models of obesity significant alterations in the intestinal barrier lead to increased intestinal permeability, favoring translocation of microbiome-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the bloodstream. This has been shown to result in 2-3 fold increase of its serum concentrations, a threshold named 'metabolic endotoxemia' (ME). ME may trigger toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 mediated inflammatory activation, eliciting a chronic low-grade proinflammatory and pro-oxidative stress status, which may result in high CV risk and target-organ damage. In this review, we discuss the potential molecular implications of ME on several CV risk factors, such as obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, as well as its potential impact on the development of CV target-organ disease.

Study shows vascular link in Alzheimer's disease with cognition

 "Researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that, across a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular disease affecting circulation of blood in the brain was significantly associated with dementia. The researchers contend that people already exhibiting clinical features of Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairments may benefit from effective therapies currently available to reduce vascular problems. Thus, early management of vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, and adopting a 'heart healthy' diet as well as exercise and other lifestyles in midlife may delay or prevent the onset of dementia due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease"

Autoantibodies could be a warning sign for cardiovascular disease in people with rheumatoid arthritis

ScienceDaily (Nov. 10, 2012) — The presence of autoantibodies in the blood may be connected to a higher risk of the development of cardiovascular disease, not just in individuals with diagnosed autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, but in the general population, according to new research findings presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Study IDs immune system glitch tied to fourfold higher likelihood of death

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified an immune system deficiency whose presence shows someone is up to four times likelier to die than a person without it. The glitch involves an antibody molecule called a free light chain; people whose immune systems produce too much of the molecule are far more likely to die of a life-threatening illness such as cancer, diabetes and cardiac and respiratory disease than those whose bodies make normal levels. The study is published in the June issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Researchers discover first-ever link between micro RNA and imminent heart attack risk

Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute have, for the first time ever, made a connection between tiny genetic molecules called #microRNAs and the imminent threat of a #heart attack, according to a new study.