Key result
Methamphetamine use linked to ~5-point lower nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation, indicating smooth muscle dysfunction.
Why the study?
Methamphetamine use is a strong risk factor for stroke, but arterial function and structure in methamphetamine users have not been well characterized.
Cross-Sectional (n=41)
Absolute Event Rate: 8.5% vs 13.4%
p-value: p=0.03
Impaired smooth muscle function in methamphetamine users may signal vascular risk; leaves open mechanistic contribution to stroke.
Objectives: Methamphetamine use is a strong risk factor for stroke. This study was designed to evaluate arterial function and structure in methamphetamine users ultrasonographically.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 20 methamphetamine users and 21 controls, aged between 20 and 40years, were enrolled. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) marker of early atherogenesis, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) determinants of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation (NMD) independent marker of vasodilation were measured in two groups.Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding demographic and metabolic characteristics. The mean (±SD) CCA-IMT in methamphetamine users was 0.58±0.09mm, versus 0.59±0.07mm in the controls (p=0.84). Likewise, FMD% was not significantly different between the two groups [7.6±6.1% in methamphetamine users vs. 8.2±5.1% in the controls; p=0.72], nor were peak flow and shear rate after hyperemia. However, NMD% was considerably decreased in the methamphetamine users [8.5±7.8% in methamphetamine users vs. 13.4±6.2% in controls; p=0.03].Conclusion: According to our results, NMD is reduced among otherwise healthy methamphetamine users, which represents smooth muscle dysfunction in this group. This may contribute to the high risk of stroke among methamphetamine users.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Nabaei et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional in Methamphetamine use (n=41). Methamphetamine use vs. Controls was evaluated on Nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation (NMD%) (p=0.03). Methamphetamine use was associated with a significant decrease in nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation compared to controls (8.5% vs 13.4%, p=0.03), indicating impaired smooth muscle vasodilatory function.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: