Glycoxidation, Arterial Biomechanics, and Target Organ Damage

Vascular target organ damage (TOD), defined as structural or functional deleterious changes in large and small arteries, is related to unfavorable arterial biomechanics, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction due to unfavorable redox and glycation states on the bases of these phenomena. However, little is known about the role of glycoxidation on arterial biomechanics and TOD in apparently healthy individuals. The main hypothesis is that glycation and glycoxidation status are associated with arterial biomechanical abnormalities and TOD in patients with moderate to high cardiovascular risk. This is an observational, ambispective, and multicenter project that will include non-smoking patients over 18 years, without diabetes mellitus or established cardiovascular disease. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical-anthropometric variables will be collected, including data from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The investigators will measure the serum percentage of glycated hemoglobin, glycated albumin, and fructosamine levels; along with quantification of skin advanced glycation and glycoxidation end productos (AGEs). Plasma concentration, activity, and structure of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in relation to the patient's glycation and glycoxidation status will be also evaluated. Concurrently, several biomechanical parameters will be assessed in the Common, Internal Carotid Artery, and distal limb arteries using ultrasound exploration. Incipient microvasculature damage will be also evaluated by retinal image. Patients will be followed up for the development of arterial biomechanical abnormalities and TOD, along with cardiovascular events.