The Klotho gene, identified as an 'aging suppressor' gene, encodes a single-pass transmembrane protein.The extracellular domain of Klotho is cleaved and released in the blood stream, where it may function as a vasculoprotective hormone. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) have been reported as early predictors of atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Klotho levels and early atherosclerotic predictors, including EFT, FMD and CIMT in healthy adults. Fifty healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study, consisting of 21 males and 29 females with median age of 32 years. They were free of known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Serum Klotho levels were determined by the ELISA method. The study population was divided into two groups (n = 25 for each) according to the median serum Klotho level (459.4 pg/mL): higher Klotho (HK) group (613.6 pg/mL; ranges of 501.2-772.6 pg/mL) and lower Klotho (LK) group (338.7 pg/mL; ranges of 278.8-430.3 pg/mL). EFT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and CIMT and FMD were measured with standard procedures. The LK group showed lower values of FMD (p = 0.012) and larger values of EFT (p = 0.01) and CIMT (p < 0.001), compared to the HK group. Thus, the low serum Klotho levels were associated with increased EFT and CIMT and with the decreased FMD in the study population. We propose that the lower serum Klotho level is a newly identified predictor of atherosclerosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low intensity exercise on heart of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: A (control), B (diabetic untreated), and C (diabetic treated with low intensity exercise); each group contains 8 animals. B and C groups received STZ. Diabetes was induced in 2 groups by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (40 mg/kg, freshly dissolved in 0,1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.2). 2 days after STZ treatment, diabetes in 2 experimental groups was confirmed by measuring blood glucose levels. Rats with blood glucose levels of 250 mg/dl or higher were considered to be diabetic. Animals in the exercise group were made to run the treadmill once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. Exercise started 3 days prior to STZ administration. After induction of diabetes, histological abnormalities were observed, including myofibrillar loss, vacuolization of cytoplasm and irregularity of myofibrils. These alterations were attenuated by low intensity exercise. Our data indicates a significant reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes after exercise. Treatment of diabetic animals with low intensity exercise, decreased the elevated tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the reduced activities of the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in cardiac tissue. These findings suggest that low intensity exercise has a therapeutic protective effect in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and by preservation of myocardial integrity.

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Our study showed that the sympathetic nervous system is dominant in young patients with VEBs and without significant comorbidities. There is a higher risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with VEBs and they should be monitored closely for atrial fibrillation.

Background and Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, haematological and biochemical parameters, and serum endocan concentrations in lichen planus (LP) patients. Methods: This study was conducted with 86 cases, including 43 LP patients and 43 healthy controls. Cardiovascular risk factors, haematological and biochemical parameters, and endocan levels were evaluated. Results: The serum endocan concentrations of LP patients were not significantly different from those of the healthy controls (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the serum endocan levels according to classification by cardiovascular risk factors and smoking history (p > 0.05). In the LP group, white blood cell count, platelet distribution width and monocyte count/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios were significantly higher when compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.05). The LP group had a lower mean platelet volume than the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Serum endocan levels did not change significantly in patients with LP, and there were significant differences in haematological and biochemical parameters.