Lecture Notes: Study on Serum Insulin Levels and Carotid Artery Plaque Vulnerability

Introduction

• Recent study links a biomarker (serum insulin levels) with unstable plaque in carotid and coronary arteries.
• Title: "Serum Insulin Levels Are Associated with Vulnerable Plaque Components in the Carotid Artery: The Rotterdam Study".
• Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
• Type: Prospective cohort study similar to UK Biobank and NHANES (US).

Key Findings

• Association: High fasted insulin levels linked with higher concentrations of vulnerable plaque (intra-hemorrhagic plaque - IHP) in carotid artery.
• Health Risks: Vulnerable plaque increases the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Study Details

• Participants: 1,740 individuals, median age 72, over 65 with higher stroke/heart attack risk.
• Biomarkers: Higher serum insulin levels linked to vulnerable carotid plaque.
• Measurements: Carotid artery measured for vulnerable plaque, not coronary artery.
• Insulin and IHP: Serum insulin levels associated with intraplaque hemorrhage.

Methodology

• Participants grouped by fasting insulin levels (low, medium, high).
• Baseline characteristics included HDL, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, diabetes status, smoking status, gender, statin, and vitamin K antagonist use, BMI.
• Notably absent: LDL cholesterol.

Concerns and Observations

• Missing Data: LDL cholesterol not included, despite relevance to cardiovascular disease.
• Emailing Authors: Intention to contact authors for supplementary materials regarding LDL.

Statistical Outcomes

• Odds Ratio: 32-46% greater odds of high vulnerable plaque with high insulin.
• Not all individuals with high insulin have high vulnerable plaque.

Additional Insights

• Population Observation: Higher fasting serum insulin levels associated with carotid intraplaque hemorrhage.
• No Glucose Association: Fasting glucose levels not linked with carotid plaque components.
• Contrasting Studies: Previous studies link fasting glucose with vascular disease, but current findings differ for non-diabetics.

Implications

• Insulin's Role: High serum insulin may play a role in plaque vulnerability.
• Future Research: Further longitudinal studies needed to confirm findings.

Recommendations

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Sauna therapy recommended during winter months for detoxification.
• Product Promotion: Bond Charge At Home Sauna Blanket suggested for detoxifying heavy metals and pollutants.

Conclusion

• Study Summary: Serum insulin levels correlate with vulnerable carotid plaque components, emphasizing the need for more research.
• Discussion Encouragement: Viewers invited to share thoughts and discuss findings in comments.