Ricerc@Sapienza

Background. The mechanism underlying the association between personality profile and
subclinical atherosclerosis is poorly understood. This study explores the association between
personality, carotid atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness, and the contribution of genes and
environment to this association.
Methods. Early atherosclerotic traits, including carotid intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT),
aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and heart rate, were assessed in 318 adult twins, who

To characterize nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase isoform 2 (NOX2), oxidative stress, and endothelial function in children with and without allergic rhinitis and to ascertain the effect of passive smoke exposure on these factors, because there is an established association between allergic rhinitis and increased cardiovascular risk in adults.

This study explored oxidative stress, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-2 (Nox2) activity and endothelial function in children exposed or not to passive smoking. Compared with controls (n=57), Nox2 activity and isoprostanes were higher in children exposed to passive smoking (n=57); conversely, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and flow-mediated dilation were lower in children exposed to passive smoking. A bivariate analysis showed that Nox2 activity correlated with flow-mediated dilation, NO bioavailability and isoprostanes.