Title : Association between endothelial dysfunction assessed by reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI) and diabetes mellitus in heart transplant recipients
Abstract:
Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a key factor in cardiovascular disease and is commonly observed in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. The reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI) is a validated, noninvasive marker of ED. Diabetes mellitus (DM), a well-established risk factor for vascular dysfunction, may exacerbate ED in HTx recipients; however, this association remains unclear.
Objective: To investigate the association between peripheral endothelial function and DM in HTx recipients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 39 HTx recipients (aged 18-65 years, ≥6 months post-transplant), with stable clinical conditions. Endothelial function was assessed using the EndoPAT 2000 device.
Results: Endothelial dysfunction was identified in 31% of HTx recipients. Participants were stratified into two groups based on LnRHI: those with ED (n = 12) and those with normal endothelial function (n = 27). In the group with ED, 67% had DM. A significant association was observed between LnRHI and DM, with a moderate effect size (p = 0.012, effect size = 0.43).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that HTx recipients with DM are more likely to present with endothelial dysfunction, underscoring the importance of optimizing metabolic control in this population. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical implications.
