Microvascular function and oxidative stress in adult individuals with early onset of cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Early detection of hypertensive changes is crucial for intervention.
• Retinal microvascular function may serve as an indicator of systemic vascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate retinal vascular function in individuals with early hypertensive changes.
• To assess the relationship between retinal microvascular function and systemic anti-oxidative defence capacity.
• To compare these parameters in normal individuals versus those with early hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Dynamic retinal vessel analysis was used to assess microvascular function in 201 participants.
• Blood pressure, lipid panel, reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were measured.
• Participants were categorized based on ESC/ESH guidelines for hypertension.

Main Results:

• Grade 1 hypertension showed significantly altered retinal arterial diameter fluctuation, dilation, constriction time, and slope.
• Individuals with high normal and grade 1 hypertension exhibited prolonged time to maximum arterial dilation.
• Reduced glutathione levels negatively correlated with blood pressure, while oxidized glutathione levels positively correlated.

Conclusions:

• Microvascular alterations are detectable at blood pressure levels still considered normal.
• These retinal changes parallel alterations in systemic oxidative stress levels.
• Retinal vascular function assessment may identify individuals at risk for hypertension and related complications early.