RESUMO
Physical activities that are unaccustomed and involve eccentric muscle contractions have been demonstrated to temporarily impair macrovascular and microvascular functions, which may be caused by exercise-induced oxidative stress. Jaboticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) is a famous Brazilian berry that has been described to exhibit high antioxidant activity. However, no human study has investigated the protective effects of jaboticaba consumption against the vascular damage induced by eccentric exercise. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess whether supplementation with jaboticaba berry juice could positively affect macro- and microvascular functions within 48 hours after eccentric exercise. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial enrolled 24 healthy participants consuming 250 mL per day of jaboticaba berry juice (containing â¼1,300 mg of total polyphenols) or placebo for 6 days. At the baseline, pre-exercise, and 24 h and 48 h postexercise stages, blood samples were taken for analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Also, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), blood flow, and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) responses to 5-minute cuff occlusion were assessed using Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Our findings revealed significant decreases in blood GSH (P < 0.001, ES = 0.76), FMD (P = 0.005, ES = 0.48), reperfusion slope of StO2 (P = 0.018, ES = 0.42) at 24 h and blood flow (P = 0.012, ES = 0.42) at 48 h following eccentric exercise in the control group as compared to the jaboticaba berry juice group. Our results demonstrated that jaboticaba berry juice prevented the exercise-induced increase in reactive oxygen species production and protected macro- and microvascular functions against the damage caused by eccentric exercise, suggesting that jaboticaba berry consumption could protect the vascular function under conditions of imbalance in redox homeostasis.
Assuntos
Suplementos Nutricionais , Exercício Físico , Sucos de Frutas e Vegetais , Frutas , Myrtaceae , Humanos , Masculino , Myrtaceae/química , Método Duplo-Cego , Frutas/química , Adulto , Adulto Jovem , Feminino , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Glutationa/metabolismoRESUMO
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supervised exercise and folinic acid supplementation on endothelial function in HIV-infected individuals. A randomized clinical trial, double blinded, was conducted with 16 HIV-infected individuals, antiretroviral therapy (at least 6 months) with undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL), and CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3. The subjects were randomized to aerobic exercise (n = 5) and daily intake for 4 weeks of 5 mg of folinic acid (n = 6) or placebo (n = 5) groups. To assess endothelial function, venous occlusion plethysmography in the brachial artery by the protocol of reactive hyperemia was performed. The aerobic protocol consisted in cycling exercise, 3 times/week at 60-80% VO2max, for 4 weeks. Exercise group (Δ6.5 mL/min/100 mL) and folinic acid group (Δ7.3 mL/min/100 mL) improved reactive hyperemia, but no difference was found in placebo group (from Δ -0.3 ml/min/100 ml, time p < 0.001, interaction p = 0.02). Results demonstrate that supervised exercise and folinic acid supplementation in very short term improve endothelial function in HIV-infected individuals. As exercise and folate supplementation are safe and relatively inexpensive, this finding deserves more attention in large randomized clinical trials in an attempt to reduce cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected population.
Assuntos
Suplementos Nutricionais , Exercício Físico/fisiologia , Infecções por HIV/complicações , Leucovorina/administração & dosagem , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Contagem de Linfócito CD4 , Método Duplo-Cego , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fluxo Sanguíneo Regional , Vasodilatação , Carga ViralRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Endothelial function at high altitude has been measured only in populations that are genetically adapted to chronic hypoxia. The objective of this study was to evaluate endothelial dysfunction (ED) in a nongenetically adapted high-altitude population of the Andes mountains, in Huancayo, Peru (3,250 meters above sea level). METHODS: Participants included 61 patients: 28 cases and 33 controls. The cases were subjects with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, or a history of stroke or coronary artery disease. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured in the supine position, at noon, after 5 minutes of resting. The brachial artery was identified above the elbow. Its basal diameter was measured during diastole, and FMD was tested after 5 minutes of forearm ischemia. Intima-media complex in the right carotid artery was also determined. An increase in the artery's baseline diameter <10% indicated a positive test. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was evaluated with sublingual nitrate administration. The intima-media complex in the right carotid artery was also measured. RESULTS: 100% of diabetics had ED; ED was also found in 68.8% of obese individuals, 55% of hypertensive patients, and 46.5% of controls. Age, height, body mass index, and waist diameter were higher in the cases as compared with the controls. A total of 57.9% (n=11) of the cases and 45.2% (n=19) of the controls presented ED. Patients without ED had a mean increase in brachial artery diameter of 23.16%, while in those with ED it was only 3.84%. Individuals with diabetes or hypertension had a greater thickness of the carotid artery intima media layer (1.092 versus 0.664 cm) (p=0.037). A positive test for ED was associated with a greater basal diameter of the brachial artery (4.66±0.62 versus 4.23±0.59 cm) (p=0.02). A total of 7 patients presented paradoxical response, developing posthyperemia vasoconstriction. DISCUSSION: The proportion of ED was high among controls and among patients with risk factors. Controls showed better FMD profiles than subjects studied in Tibet and the Himalayas.
Assuntos
Altitude , Artéria Braquial/fisiopatologia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/fisiopatologia , Diabetes Mellitus/fisiopatologia , Endotélio Vascular/fisiopatologia , Obesidade/fisiopatologia , Vasoconstrição , Vasodilatação , Aclimatação , Administração Sublingual , Idoso , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Doenças Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Cardiovasculares/epidemiologia , Espessura Intima-Media Carotídea , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Diabetes Mellitus/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiologia , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Nitratos/administração & dosagem , Obesidade/diagnóstico , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Peru/epidemiologia , Fluxo Sanguíneo Regional , Fatores de Risco , Vasodilatação/efeitos dos fármacos , Vasodilatadores/administração & dosagemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of short-term hormone replacement therapy with 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens daily on endothelial function of healthy postmenopausal women, using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. METHODS: We performed a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial over 3 years. Randomization was performed using computer-generated sorting. All participants were blinded to the use of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) or placebo and FMD was assessed by a blinded examiner, before and after 28 days of medication. A total of 64 healthy postmenopausal women were selected and randomly assigned into two groups of treatment: 0.625 mg of CEE or placebo. RESULTS: FMD values were statistically different between the groups (p = 0.025): the group receiving CEE showed a FMD value of 0.011 compared to the placebo group (FMD = -0.082). The two groups were additionally evaluated for homogeneity through the Shapiro-Wilk test in respect to variables that could interfere with endothelial function such as age (p = 0.729), body mass index (p = 0.891), and time since menopause (p = 0.724). Other variables were excluded during selection of the participants such as chronic vascular conditions, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the administration of 0.625 mg CEE for 28 days is effective in improving vascular nitric oxide-dependent dilation assessed by FMD of the brachial artery in postmenopausal women. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01482416.
Assuntos
Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Terapia de Reposição de Estrogênios , Estrogênios Conjugados (USP)/administração & dosagem , Estrogênios/administração & dosagem , Pós-Menopausa/efeitos dos fármacos , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Brasil , Método Duplo-Cego , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The effect of statins on the endothelial function in humans remains under discussion. Particularly, it is still unclear if the improvement in endothelial function is due to a reduction in LDL-cholesterol or to an arterial pleiotropic effect. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that modulation of the endothelial function promoted by statins is primarily mediated by the degree of reduction in LDL-cholesterol, independent of the dose of statin administered. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial with two groups of lipid-lowering treatment (16 patients/each) and one placebo group (14 patients). The two active groups were designed to promote a similar degree of reduction in LDL-cholesterol: the first used statin at a high dose (80 mg, simvastatin 80 group) and the second used statin at a low dose (10 mg) associated with ezetimibe (10 mg, simvastatin 10/ezetimibe group) to optimize the hypolipidemic effect. The endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMV) before and 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The decrease in LDL-cholesterol was similar between the groups simvastatin 80 and simvastatin 10/ezetimibe (27% ± 31% and 30% ± 29%, respectively, p = 0.75). The simvastatin 80 group presented an increase in FMV from 8.4% ± 4.3% at baseline to 11% ± 4.2% after 8 weeks (p = 0.02). Similarly, the group simvastatin 10/ezetimibe showed improvement in FMV from 7.3% ± 3.9% to 12% ± 4.4% (p = 0.001). The placebo group showed no variation in LDL-cholesterol level or endothelial function. CONCLUSION: The improvement in endothelial function with statin seems to depend more on a reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels, independent of the dose of statin administered, than on pleiotropic mechanisms.
Assuntos
Anticolesterolemiantes/administração & dosagem , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Ezetimiba/administração & dosagem , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases/administração & dosagem , Hiperlipidemias/tratamento farmacológico , Sinvastatina/administração & dosagem , Adulto , Análise de Variância , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Artéria Braquial/fisiopatologia , LDL-Colesterol/sangue , LDL-Colesterol/efeitos dos fármacos , Método Duplo-Cego , Endotélio Vascular/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Humanos , Hiperlipidemias/sangue , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Efeito Placebo , Valores de Referência , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do Tratamento , Vasodilatação/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Abstract Background: The effect of statins on the endothelial function in humans remains under discussion. Particularly, it is still unclear if the improvement in endothelial function is due to a reduction in LDL-cholesterol or to an arterial pleiotropic effect. Objective: To test the hypothesis that modulation of the endothelial function promoted by statins is primarily mediated by the degree of reduction in LDL-cholesterol, independent of the dose of statin administered. Methods: Randomized clinical trial with two groups of lipid-lowering treatment (16 patients/each) and one placebo group (14 patients). The two active groups were designed to promote a similar degree of reduction in LDL-cholesterol: the first used statin at a high dose (80 mg, simvastatin 80 group) and the second used statin at a low dose (10 mg) associated with ezetimibe (10 mg, simvastatin 10/ezetimibe group) to optimize the hypolipidemic effect. The endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMV) before and 8 weeks after treatment. Results: The decrease in LDL-cholesterol was similar between the groups simvastatin 80 and simvastatin 10/ezetimibe (27% ± 31% and 30% ± 29%, respectively, p = 0.75). The simvastatin 80 group presented an increase in FMV from 8.4% ± 4.3% at baseline to 11% ± 4.2% after 8 weeks (p = 0.02). Similarly, the group simvastatin 10/ezetimibe showed improvement in FMV from 7.3% ± 3.9% to 12% ± 4.4% (p = 0.001). The placebo group showed no variation in LDL-cholesterol level or endothelial function. Conclusion: The improvement in endothelial function with statin seems to depend more on a reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels, independent of the dose of statin administered, than on pleiotropic mechanisms.
Resumo Fundamento: O efeito das estatinas na função endotelial em seres humanos permanece em discussão. Particularmente, ainda carece resposta se a melhora na função endotelial deve-se à redução do LDL-colesterol ou a um efeito pleiotrópico arterial. Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que a modulação da função endotelial promovida por estatinas é prioritariamente mediada pelo grau de redução do LDL-colesterol, independente da dose de estatina utilizada. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado com dois grupos de tratamento hipolipemiante (16 pacientes/cada) e um grupo placebo (14 pacientes). Os dois grupos ativos foram desenhados para promover graus semelhantes de redução de LDL-colesterol: o primeiro utilizou estatina em alta dose (80 mg, grupo sinvastatina 80) e o segundo em baixa dose (10 mg) associada a ezetimiba (10 mg, grupo sinvastatina 10/ezetimiba) para otimizar o efeito hipolipemiante. A função endotelial foi analisada pela vasodilatação mediada por fluxo (VMF) antes e após 8 semanas de tratamento. Resultados: A redução no LDL-colesterol foi semelhante entre os grupos sinvastatina 80 e sinvastatina 10/ezetimiba (27% ± 31% e 30% ± 29%, respectivamente, p = 0,75). O grupo sinvastatina 80 apresentou incremento da VMF de 8,4% ± 4,3% no basal para 11% ± 4,2% após 8 semanas (p = 0,02). Da mesma forma, o grupo sinvastatina 10/ezetimiba apresentou melhora da VMF de 7,3% ± 3,9% para 12% ± 4,4% (p = 0,001). O grupo placebo não apresentou variação no nível de LDL-colesterol ou da função endotelial. Conclusão: A melhora da função endotelial com uso de estatina parece depender mais da redução do LDL-colesterol, independente da dose de estatina utilizada, do que de mecanismos pleiotrópicos.
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases/administração & dosagem , Sinvastatina/administração & dosagem , Ezetimiba/administração & dosagem , Hiperlipidemias/tratamento farmacológico , Anticolesterolemiantes/administração & dosagem , Valores de Referência , Fatores de Tempo , Vasodilatação/efeitos dos fármacos , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Artéria Braquial/fisiopatologia , Endotélio Vascular/fisiopatologia , Efeito Placebo , Método Duplo-Cego , Análise de Variância , Resultado do Tratamento , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Hiperlipidemias/sangue , LDL-Colesterol/efeitos dos fármacos , LDL-Colesterol/sangueRESUMO
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different therapeutic 1-MHz ultrasound waveforms on endothelial function before and after cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. Forty-two healthy volunteers aged 27.2 ± 3.8 y underwent interventions and an evaluation for endothelial function (n = 15; with COX inhibition, n = 15; duration of the vasodilator effect, n = 12) by technique flow-mediated dilation. Continuous ultrasound therapy (0.4 W/cm(2 SATA)), pulsed ultrasound therapy (20% duty cycle, 0.08 W/cm(2 SATA)) or placebo (equipment power off) was randomly applied over the brachial artery for 5 min. COX inhibition (aspirin) was carried out 30 min before treatments. In relation to the placebo, flow-mediated dilation increased by 4.8% using continuous ultrasound and by 3.4% using pulsed ultrasound. After COX, flow-mediated dilation was enhanced by 2.1% by continuous ultrasound and 2.6% by pulsed ultrasound. This vasodilation persisted for 20 min. Continuous and pulsed therapeutic 1-MHz ultrasound waveforms improved endothelial function in humans, which provided them with anti-inflammatory vascular effects.
Assuntos
Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo/fisiologia , Artéria Braquial/fisiologia , Artéria Braquial/efeitos da radiação , Endotélio Vascular/fisiologia , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos da radiação , Terapia por Ultrassom/métodos , Adulto , Aspirina/administração & dosagem , Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo/efeitos dos fármacos , Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo/efeitos da radiação , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Método Duplo-Cego , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Valores de Referência , Resultado do Tratamento , Ondas Ultrassônicas , Vasodilatação/fisiologia , Vasodilatação/efeitos da radiação , Vasodilatadores/administração & dosagem , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Abstract Background: Studies suggest that statins have pleiotropic effects, such as reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in endothelial function and vascular stiffness. Objective: To analyze if prior statin use influences the effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on blood pressure, endothelial function, and vascular stiffness. Methods: Patients with diabetes and hypertension with office systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mmHg had their antihypertensive medications replaced by amlodipine during 6 weeks. They were then randomized to either benazepril or losartan for 12 additional weeks while continuing on amlodipine. Blood pressure (assessed with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation), and vascular stiffness (pulse wave velocity) were evaluated before and after the combined treatment. In this study, a post hoc analysis was performed to compare patients who were or were not on statins (SU and NSU groups, respectively). Results: The SU group presented a greater reduction in the 24-hour systolic blood pressure (from 134 to 122 mmHg, p = 0.007), and in the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (from 6.5 to 10.9%, p = 0.003) when compared with the NSU group (from 137 to 128 mmHg, p = 0.362, and from 7.5 to 8.3%, p = 0.820). There was no statistically significant difference in pulse wave velocity (SU group: from 9.95 to 9.90 m/s, p = 0.650; NSU group: from 10.65 to 11.05 m/s, p = 0.586). Conclusion: Combined use of statins, amlodipine, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors improves the antihypertensive response and endothelial function in patients with hypertension and diabetes.
Resumo Fundamentos: Estudos sugerem que as estatinas possuem efeitos pleotrópicos, como melhora da função endotelial, da rigidez vascular e redução da pressão arterial. Objetivo: Analisar se o uso prévio de estatina influenciou o efeito sobre a pressão arterial, a função endotelial e a rigidez vascular de drogas inibidoras do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona. Métodos: Pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos com pressão arterial de consultório sistólica ≥ 130 mmHg e/ou diastólica ≥ 80 mmHg tiveram suas medicações anti-hipertensivas substituídas por anlodipino durante 6 semanas. Em seguida, foram randomizados para associação de benazepril ou losartana por mais 12 semanas. Pressão arterial (através da monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial), função endotelial (dilatação mediada por fluxo da artéria braquial) e rigidez vascular (velocidade da onda de pulso) foram avaliados antes e após o tratamento combinado. Neste trabalho, uma análise post-hoc foi realizada para comparar pacientes que vinham (grupo CE) ou não (grupo SE) em uso de estatina. Resultados: O grupo CE apresentou maior redução na pressão arterial sistólica nas 24 horas (134 para 122 mmHg, p = 0,007) e na dilatação mediada por fluxo da artéria braquial (6,5 para 10,9%, p = 0,003) quando comparado com o grupo SE (137 para 128 mmHg, p = 0,362, e 7,5 para 8,3%, p = 0,820). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na velocidade de onda de pulso (grupo CE 9,95 para 9,90 m/s, p = 0,650 e grupo SE 10,65 para 11,05 m/s, p = 0,586). Conclusão: O uso combinado de estatinas, anlodipino e inibidores do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona melhora a resposta anti-hipertensiva e a função endotelial em pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos.
Assuntos
Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Aminoácidos/farmacologia , Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/farmacologia , Anti-Hipertensivos/farmacologia , /tratamento farmacológico , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Hipertensão/tratamento farmacológico , Sistema Renina-Angiotensina/efeitos dos fármacos , Aminoácidos/uso terapêutico , Anlodipino/farmacologia , Anlodipino/uso terapêutico , Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/uso terapêutico , Anti-Hipertensivos/uso terapêutico , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Benzazepinas/farmacologia , Benzazepinas/uso terapêutico , Pressão Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Endotélio Vascular/fisiologia , Losartan/farmacologia , Losartan/uso terapêutico , Análise de Onda de Pulso , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do Tratamento , Rigidez Vascular/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that statins have pleiotropic effects, such as reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in endothelial function and vascular stiffness. OBJECTIVE: To analyze if prior statin use influences the effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on blood pressure, endothelial function, and vascular stiffness. METHODS: Patients with diabetes and hypertension with office systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mmHg had their antihypertensive medications replaced by amlodipine during 6 weeks. They were then randomized to either benazepril or losartan for 12 additional weeks while continuing on amlodipine. Blood pressure (assessed with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation), and vascular stiffness (pulse wave velocity) were evaluated before and after the combined treatment. In this study, a post hoc analysis was performed to compare patients who were or were not on statins (SU and NSU groups, respectively). RESULTS: The SU group presented a greater reduction in the 24-hour systolic blood pressure (from 134 to 122 mmHg, p = 0.007), and in the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (from 6.5 to 10.9%, p = 0.003) when compared with the NSU group (from 137 to 128 mmHg, p = 0.362, and from 7.5 to 8.3%, p = 0.820). There was no statistically significant difference in pulse wave velocity (SU group: from 9.95 to 9.90 m/s, p = 0.650; NSU group: from 10.65 to 11.05 m/s, p = 0.586). CONCLUSION: Combined use of statins, amlodipine, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors improves the antihypertensive response and endothelial function in patients with hypertension and diabetes.
Assuntos
Aminoácidos/farmacologia , Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/farmacologia , Anti-Hipertensivos/farmacologia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/tratamento farmacológico , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Hipertensão/tratamento farmacológico , Sistema Renina-Angiotensina/efeitos dos fármacos , Aminoácidos/uso terapêutico , Anlodipino/farmacologia , Anlodipino/uso terapêutico , Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/uso terapêutico , Anti-Hipertensivos/uso terapêutico , Benzazepinas/farmacologia , Benzazepinas/uso terapêutico , Pressão Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Artéria Braquial/efeitos dos fármacos , Endotélio Vascular/fisiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Losartan/farmacologia , Losartan/uso terapêutico , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise de Onda de Pulso , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do Tratamento , Rigidez Vascular/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The use of solid fuels for cooking and heating is likely to be the largest source of indoor air pollution on a global scale; these fuels emit substantial amounts of toxic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) when used in simple cooking stoves (such as open "three-stone" fires). Moreover, indoor air pollution from biomass fuels is considered an important risk factor for human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exposure to PAHs from wood smoke and vascular dysfunction; in a group of Mexican women that use biomass combustion as their main energy source inside their homes. We used 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as an exposure biomarker to PAHs and it was assessed using high performance liquid chromatography. The endothelium-dependent vasodilation was assessed through a vascular reactivity compression test performed with a pneumatic cuff under visualization of the brachial artery using high resolution ultrasonography (HRU). Assessment of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was used as an atherosclerosis biomarker (also assessed using HRU); and clinical parameters such as anthropometry, blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, among others were also evaluated. The mean concentration of urinary 1-OHP found in exposed women was 0.46±0.32µmol/mol Cr (range: 0.086-1.23µmol/mol Cr). Moreover, vascular dysfunction (diminished endothelium dependent vasodilation) was found in 45% of the women participating in the study. Association between vascular function and 1-OHP levels was found to be significant through a logistic regression analysis (p=0.034; r(2)=0.1329). Furthermore, no association between CIMT and clinical parameters, urinary 1-OHP levels or vascular dysfunction was found. Therefore, with the information obtained in this study, we advocate for the need to implement programs to reduce the risk of exposure to PAHs in communities that use biomass fuels as a main energy source.