SPOC week 3 AI generated Flashcards
(42 cards)
Describe the classical signs of inflammation.
The classical signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, tenderness, and heat.
What is systemic low-grade inflammation?
Systemic low-grade inflammation is inflammation present in cardio-metabolic diseases, characterized by low levels of inflammation affecting the entire body.
How is low-grade inflammation linked to obesity?
Low-grade inflammation in obesity is triggered by stressed tissue cells, particularly fat cells, which secrete inflammatory factors like cytokines.
Define cytokines and their role in inflammation.
Cytokines are signaling molecules produced by cells. In inflammation, they attract immune cells and promote further cytokine production, contributing to the inflammatory response.
What are some nutrients that can combat inflammation?
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts, as well as fruits and vegetables, can help combat inflammation.
What are some markers of low-grade inflammation?
Markers include cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which are elevated in conditions like obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Describe the role of the endothelium in controlling vascular tone.
The endothelium controls vascular tone by balancing vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) through factors like Nitric Oxide.
Define endothelial dysfunction and its implications in cardiovascular health.
Endothelial dysfunction is the impairment of normal endothelial function, leading to reduced vasodilation, increased inflammation, and a pro-thrombotic state, contributing to atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis.
How does Nitric Oxide contribute to vasodilation in blood vessels?
Nitric Oxide is released by endothelial cells in response to shear stress, causing relaxation of smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls, leading to vasodilation.
Describe the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and cardiometabolic diseases.
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with conditions like elevated LDL, low HDL, increased triglycerides, hypertension, inflammation, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia commonly seen in cardiometabolic diseases.
What is the significance of low-grade inflammation in endothelial function?
Low-grade inflammation in the endothelium, particularly in stressed or activated endothelium, can lead to the secretion of inflammatory factors and activation of adhesion factors, contributing to atherosclerosis.
How can green leafy vegetables like beetroot impact blood pressure through Nitric Oxide synthesis?
Green leafy vegetables are a good source of nitrate, which can be converted to Nitric Oxide in the body. Nitric Oxide helps relax blood vessels, potentially reducing blood pressure.
Describe the FMD method in measuring vascular function.
The FMD method measures the degree of vasodilation of an artery in response to increased shear stress by occluding the artery with a pressure bandage, then releasing the occlusion to allow blood flow, leading to the release of relaxation factors like NO.
Define arterial stiffness and its implications on health.
Arterial stiffness is when arteries lose elasticity due to factors like aging or atherosclerosis, leading to impaired blood pressure control and increased risk of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
How is pulse wave velocity (PWV) related to arterial stiffness?
Pulse wave velocity is the speed at which a pulse wave travels through the vascular system, with higher speeds indicating stiffer arteries and an increased risk for cardiovascular events.
What are the main two lipids in the blood, and how are they transported?
The main two lipids are cholesterol and triglycerides, transported in the blood by lipoproteins which act as carriers due to the lipids’ inability to flow easily in the watery blood environment.
Describe the classification of lipoproteins based on size and lipid composition.
Lipoproteins range from chylomicrons (largest, mainly containing triglycerides) to very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) with varying amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides.
How does the liver contribute to cholesterol levels in the body?
The liver secretes bile containing cholesterol, with two-thirds of the body’s cholesterol delivered through bile and only one-third from the diet, facilitating the absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol.
Describe the role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the process of lipid metabolism.
LPL breaks down triglycerides carried by chylomicrons into free fatty acids that can be taken up by cells.
What is the main function of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the body?
The main function of LDL is to transport cholesterol from the liver to other organs where it is needed.
Define HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and its role in the body.
HDL is considered ‘good’ cholesterol and is associated with removing cholesterol from the arterial wall and transporting it back to the liver, a process known as reverse cholesterol transport.
How are lipoproteins like LDL, IDL, and VLDL categorized in terms of cholesterol content and their impact on health?
These lipoproteins are often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol as they can deposit cholesterol in the artery wall, leading to atherosclerosis and increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Describe the relationship between high triglyceride levels and the risk of coronary heart disease.
High blood levels of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, potentially due to the presence of triglyceride-rich VLDL and IDL particles in circulation.
What is the significance of Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in cardiovascular health?
High concentrations of Lp(a) have been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, with a probable causal effect. Lp(a) levels are genetically controlled and relatively stable throughout life.
