Detailed Instructions: Given a passage with a context and an answer, construct a question on the basis of the information present in the passage. Construct the question in such a way that (i) it is unambiguous, (ii) it is answerable from the passage, (iii) its answer is unique (iv) it answer uses text phrases from the passage. Avoid creating questions that (i) can't be answered correctly without actually understanding the passage and (ii) uses the same words or phrases given in the passage.
Problem:Context: To evaluate the relationship between pro-atherogenic biomarkers and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.', 'Plasma nitric oxide (NO), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, EAT thickness, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were determined in patients aged >18 years who were referred for echocardiography for heart ischemia or non-ischemic diseases. Cardiovascular risk factors (Framingham score [FS]\u2009≥\u200920) were weighted.', 'Hypertension, dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus were prevalent (≥55% of 40 patients). Patients with FS\u2009≥\u200920 (n\u2009=\u200921) showed significantly higher EAT and CIMT values. Globally, MDA, CIMT, age, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and FS were associated with EAT thickness. EAT was significantly associated with NO in patients with FS\u2009≥\u200920. Significant differences in EAT thickness were found between patients stratified by NO value, FMD, age, smoking status, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and FS. An EAT-associated atherogenic risk (CIMT\u2009≥\u20091\u2009mm) model was statistically significant when MDA and type 2 diabetes mellitus were included.
Answer: EAT thickness was associated with MDA, CIMT, age, waist circumference, HDL-C and FS globally, but with NO only in patients with FS≥20. EAT may be used to identify vascular damage stage, possibly influenced by MDA and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Solution:
Are pro-atherogenic mediators and subclinical atherogenesis related to epicardial adipose tissue thickness in patients with cardiovascular risk?