Factors related to cardiac rupture after acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Cardiac rupture (CR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a fatal mechanical complication. The early identification of factors related to CR in high-risk cases may reduce mortality. The purpose of our study was to discover relevant risk factors for CR after AMI and in-hospital mortality from CR. Methods: In this study, we enrolled 1,699 AMI cases from October 2013 to May 2020. A total of 51 cases were diagnosed with CR. Clinical diagnostic information was recorded and analyzed retrospectively. We randomly matched these cases with AMI patients without CR in a 1:4 ratio. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and stratifying analysis were used to identify risk factors for CR. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression hazard analysis and stratifying analysis were used to assess predictors of in-hospital mortality from CR. Results: The incidence of CR after AMI was 3.0% and in-hospital mortality was approximately 57%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, anterior myocardial infarction, a Killip class of >II, and albumin level were independently associated with CR (p < 0.05). Stratifying analysis showed that age, systolic blood pressure, and bicarbonate were independent risk factors for female CR (p < 0.05) but not male CR. Triglyceride and cardiac troponin I were independent risk factors for male CR (p < 0.05) but not female CR. Anterior myocardial infarction, a Killip class of >II, and neutrophil percentage were independent risk factors for male and female CR (p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the time from symptom to CR and the site of CR were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality from CR (p < 0.05). Stratification analysis indicated that risk factors did not differ based on gender, but platelet counts were predictors for in-hospital mortality in female and male CR. Conclusion: Low albumin, a high white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, anterior myocardial infarction, and a Killip class of >II were independent and significant predictors for CR. However, risk factors are different in male and female CR. The time from symptom to CR, the site of CR, and platelet counts were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality from CR. These may be helpful in the early and accurate identification of high-risk patients with CR and the assessment of prognosis. In addition, gender differences should be considered.

Corrigendum: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings in Danon disease: a case series of a family.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1159576.].

The burden and management competency of cardiomyopathies in China: a nationwide survey study.

Background: The public health burden of cardiomyopathies and competency in their management by health agencies in China are not well understood. Methods: This study adopted a multi-stage sampling method for hospital selection. In the first stage, nationwide tertiary hospital recruitment was performed. As a result, 88 hospitals with the consent of the director of cardiology and access to an established electronic medical records system, were recruited. In the second stage, we sampled 66 hospitals within each geographic-economic stratification through a random sampling process. Data on (1) the outpatient and inpatient visits for cardiomyopathies between 2017 and 2021 and (2) the competency in the management of patients with cardiomyopathies, were collected. The competency of a hospital to provide cardiomyopathy care was evaluated using a specifically devised scale. Findings: The outpatient and inpatient visits for cardiomyopathies increased between 2017 and 2021 by 38.6% and 33.0%, respectively. Most hospitals had basic facilities for cardiomyopathy assessment. However, access to more complex procedures was limited, and the integrated management pathway needs improvement. Only 4 (6.1%) of the 66 participating hospitals met the criteria for being designated as a comprehensive cardiomyopathy center, and only 29 (43.9%) could be classified as a primary cardiomyopathy center. There were significant variations in competency between hospitals with different administrative and economic levels. Interpretation: The health burden of cardiomyopathies has increased significantly between 2017 and 2021 in China. Although most tertiary hospitals in China can offer basic cardiomyopathy care, more advanced facilities are not yet universally available. Moreover, inconsistencies in the management of cardiomyopathies across hospitals due to differing administrative and economic levels warrants a review of the nation allocation of medical resources. Funding: This work was supported by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2023-I2M-1-001) and the National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding (2022-GSP-GG-17).

Genetic and functional variants of the TBX20 gene promoter in dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. As DCM is a genetically heterogeneous disease, genetic variants of cardiac transcription factor genes may play an important role. Transcription factor TBX20, an indispensable factor in normal heart development, is involved in the regulation of cardiac structure and function. Although the TBX20 gene is associated with the occurrence and development of DCM, the influence of genetic variants of the TBX20 gene promoter region on DCM has not been reported. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study consisting of 107 DCM patients and 210 healthy controls. Genetic variants within TBX20 gene promoter region were identified using sequencing techniques and were functionally analyzed by dual-luciferase reporting assay. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to investigate DNA-protein interactions. RESULTS: In this study cohort (n = 317), we identified eight variants within TBX20 gene promoter. One novel DNA sequence variants (DSV) (g.4275G>T) and four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) [g.4169G>A (rs1263874255), g.4949C>T (rs1191745927), g.5114G>A (rs112076877), g.5252C>T (rs1356932911)] were identified in DCM patients, but in none of controls. Among them, the DSV (g.4275G>T) and three SNPs [g.4949C>T (rs1191745927), g.5114G>A (rs112076877) and g.5252C>T (rs1356932911)] significantly altered the transcription activity of TBX20 gene promoter by dual-luciferase reporting assay (p < 0.05). Further, EMSA assay indicated that the DSV (g.4275G>T) and three SNPs [g.4949C>T (rs1191745927), g.5114G>A (rs112076877) and g.5252C>T (rs1356932911)] affected the binding of transcription factors. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the DSV (g.4275G>T) and three SNPs [g.4949C>T (rs1191745927), g.5114G>A (rs112076877) and g.5252C>T (rs1356932911)] increase transcription activity of TBX20 gene promoter in both HEK-293 and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) cell lines by affecting the binding of transcription factors. But the mechanism remains to be verified in vivo.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings in Danon disease: a case series of a family.

Background: Cardiac involvement constitutes the primary cause of mortality in patients with Danon disease (DD). This study aimed to explore the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features and progressions of DD cardiomyopathies in a family with long-term follow-up. Methods: Seven patients (five females and two males), belonging to the same family and afflicted with DD, were enrolled in this study between 2017 and 2022. The cardiac structure, function, strain, tissue characteristics on CMR and their evolutions during follow-up were analyzed. Results: Three young female patients (3/7, 42.86%) exhibited normal cardiac morphology. Four patients (4/7, 57.14%) displayed left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH), and mostly with septal thickening (3/4, 75%). A single male case (1/7, 14.3%) showed decreased LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Nonetheless, the global LV strain of the four adult patients decreased in different degree. The global strain of adolescent male patients was decreased compared to the age-appropriate female patients. Five patients (5/7, 71.43%) exhibited late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), with proportion ranging from 31.6% to 59.7% (median value 42.7%). The most common LGE location was the LV free wall (5/5, 100%), followed by right ventricle insertion points (4/5, 80%) and intraventricular septum (2/5, 40%). Segmental radial strain (rs = -0.586), circumferential strain (r = 0.589), and longitudinal strain (r = 0.514) were all moderately correlated with the LGE proportions of corresponding segments (P < 0.001). T2 hyperintense and perfusion defect foci were identified, overlapping with the LGE areas. During follow-up, both the young male patients exhibited notable deterioration of their cardiac symptoms and CMR. The LVEF and strain decreased, and the extent of LGE increased year by year. One patient underwent T1 mapping examination. The native T1 value was sensitively elevated even in regions without LGE. Conclusions: Left ventricular hypertrophy, LGE with sparing or relatively less involved IVS, and LV dysfunction are prominent CMR features of Danon cardiomyopathy. Strain and T1 mapping may have advantages in detecting early-stage dysfunction and myocardial abnormalities in DD patients, respectively. Multi-parametric CMR can serve as an optimal instrument for detecting DD cardiomyopathies.

[Genetic analysis of a Chinese pedigree affected with Mucopolysaccharidosis type â ¢A].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as the initial manifestation of Mucopolysaccharidosis type Ⅲ A (MPS Ⅲ A). METHODS: A female patient with MPS Ⅲ A who was admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University in January 2022 and her family members (seven individuals from three generations) were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the proband were collected. Peripheral blood samples of the proband was collected and subjected to whole exome sequencing. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Heparan-N-sulfatase activity was determined for the disease associated with the variant site. RESULTS: The proband was a 49-year-old woman, for whom cardiac MRI has revealed significant thickening (up to 20 mm) of left ventricular wall and delayed gadolinium enhancement at the apical myocardium. Genetic testing revealed that she has harbored compound heterozygous variants in exon 17 of the SGSH gene, namely c.545G>A (p.Arg182His) and c.703G>A (p.Asp235Asn). Based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were predicted to be pathogenic (PM2_Supporting +PM3+PP1Strong+PP3+PP4; PS3+PM1+PM2_Supporting +PM3+PP3+PP4). Sanger sequencing confirmed that her mother was heterozygous for the c.545G>A (p.Arg182His) variant, whilst her father, sisters and her son were heterozygous for the c.703G>A (p.Asp235Asn) variant. Determination of blood leukocyte heparan-N-sulfatase activity suggested that the patient had a low level of 1.6 nmol/(g·h), whilst that of her father, elder and younger sisters and son were all in the normal range. CONCLUSION: The compound heterozygous variants of the SGSH gene probably underlay the MPS ⅢA in this patient, for which hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an associated phenotype.

Genetic Variants and Functional Analyses of the ATG16L1 Gene Promoter in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a common complex disease caused by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors, is a serious type of coronary artery disease and is also a leading cause of death worldwide. Autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1) is a key regulatory factor of autophagy and plays an important role in induced autophagy. In the cardiovascular system, autophagy is essential to preserve the homeostasis and function of the heart and blood vessels. No studies have hitherto examined the association between AMI and ATG16L1 gene promoter. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study, using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing techniques, dual luciferase reporter assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, to analyze genetic and functional variation in the ATG16L1 gene promoter between AMI and controls. A variety of statistical analyses were used to analyze the allele and genotype frequencies and the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and AMI. RESULTS: In all, 10 SNPs and two DNA-sequence variants (DSVs) were identified in 688 subjects, and three ATG16L1 gene promoter mutations [g.233250693 T > C (rs185213911), g.233250946 G > A (rs568956599), g.233251133 C > G (rs1301744254)] that were identified in AMI patients significantly altered the transcriptional activity of ATG16L1 gene promoter in HEH2, HEK-293, and H9c2 cells (P < 0.05). Further electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that the SNPs affected the binding of transcription factors (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ATG16L1 gene promoter mutations in AMI patients may affect the binding of transcription factors and change the transcriptional activity of the ATG16L1 gene, changing the level of autophagy and contributing to the occurrence and development of AMI as rare and low-frequency risk factors.

Progression of Danon disease with medical imaging: two case reports.

Danon disease is a rare X-linked dominant genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 gene. Progression of Danon disease is unknown because of its rare incidence in a diverse ethnic population. We report longitudinal data from two patients who were diagnosed with Danon disease by a genetic test. The evaluation protocol included electrocardiographic monitoring, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to dilated cardiomyopathy was observed in the first patient. He died from sudden cardiac arrest. The second patient is currently suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Development of the hypertrophic phase progressing into the dilated phase in Danon disease may provide useful information for early identification and clinical decisions in patients with this disease.

Functional Genetic Variant in ATG5 Gene Promoter in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an inflammatory and metabolic disease mainly caused by atherosclerosis. Dysfunctional autophagy has been associated with abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation. In previous studies, we have reported altered autophagic activity in AMI patients. As autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) is a core protein in autophagy, we speculated that altered ATG5 level may contribute to CAD and AMI development. In this study, the promoter of the ATG5 gene was genetically and functionally investigated in large groups of AMI patients (n = 378) and ethnic-matched healthy controls (n = 386). The results showed that a total of 15 genetic variants including 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ATG5 gene promoter were found in this study population. A novel deletion variant (g.106326168_70delTCT) and an SNP [g.106325757C > G (rs190825454)] were found in one 66-year-old male patient with non-ST-segment elevated AMI, but in none of controls. In cultured HEK-293 and H9c2 cells, the deletion variant significantly decreased the transcriptional activity of the ATG5 gene promoter (P < 0.01). In contrast, the genetic variants either identified only in controls or found in both AMI patients and controls did not affect the transcriptional activity of the ATG5 gene promoter (P > 0.05). Furthermore, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the deletion variant evidently affected the binding of a transcription factor. Therefore, the genetic variant identified in AMI may affect the activity of the ATG5 gene promoter and change the ATG5 level, contributing to AMI as a rare risk factor.

The Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations of GAA Gene in Mainland Chinese Patient with Classic Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease.

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare and fatal neuromuscular disease, which is an autosomal recessive disorder. This is the first study to report a case of the compound heterozygous c.1822C>T and c.2297A>C mutations of the GAA gene in mainland Chinese patient, which led to the classic infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This case highlights that the detection of GAA activity in peripheral blood by dried blood spot and GAA gene analysis can clarify the diagnosis of IOPD and provides the genetic counseling to those parents whose children have IOPD for giving birth in the future. Although PD is rare, and universal screening has not yet been established, we suggest that clinicians should consider the possibility of Pompe in the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Genetic variants of VEGFR-1 gene promoter in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common complex disease caused by atherosclerosis. Vascular epithelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) stimulates angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and functions as a decoy to sequester VEGF and prevent initiation of intracellular signaling. VEGFR-1 knockout mice exhibit significantly higher mortality due to heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac dysfunction. An evident increase in macrophage infiltration and cardiac fibrosis are also observed after transverse aortic constriction. Therefore, VEGFR-1 gene variants may be involved in CAD. In this study, VEGFR-1 gene promoter was genetically and functionally analyzed in large cohorts of AMI patients and ethnic-matched controls. RESULTS: A total of 16 DNA sequence variants (DSVs) including six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the VEGFR-1 gene promoter and 5'-untranslated region. Five novel DSVs and one SNP were only identified in AMI patients group. These DSVs and SNP significantly altered the transcriptional activity of the VEGFR-1 gene promoter in both HEK-293 and H9c2 cells (P < 0.05). Further electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that the DSVs and SNPs evidently affected the binding of transcription factors. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic variants in VEGFR-1 gene identified in AMI patients may alter the transcriptional activity of the VEGFR-1 gene promoter and change VEGFR-1 level, contributing to AMI development.

Genetic and Functional Variants Analysis of the GATA6 Gene Promoter in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) which is a specific type of coronary artery disease (CAD), is caused by the combination of genetic factors and acquired environment. Although some common genetic variations have been recorded to contribute to the development of CAD and AMI, more genetic factors and potential molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The GATA6 gene is expressed in the heart during embryogenesis and is also detected in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), different human primary endothelial cells (ECs), and vascular ECs in mice. To date, no studies have directly linked GATA6 gene with regulation of the CAD. Methods: In this study, we used a case-control study to investigate and analyze the genetic variations and functional variations of the GATA6 gene promoter region in AMI patients and controls. A variety of statistical analysis methods were utilized to analyze the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with AMI. Functional analysis of DNA sequence variants (DSVs) was performed using a dual luciferase reporter assay. In vitro, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was selected to examine DNA-protein interactions. Results: A total of 705 subjects were enrolled in the study. Ten DSVs were found in AMI patients (n = 352) and controls (n = 353), including seven SNPs. One novel heterozygous DSV, (g.22168409 A > G), and two SNPs, [g.22168362 C > A(rs1416421760) and g.22168521 G > T(rs1445501474)], were reported in three AMI patients, which were not found in controls. The relevant statistical analysis, including allele and genotype frequencies between AMI patients and controls, five genetic models, linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype analysis, and SNP-SNP interactions, suggested no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The transcriptional activity of GATA6 gene promoter was significantly increased by the DSV (g.22168409 A > G) and SNP [g.22168362 C > A(rs1416421760)]. The EMSA revealed that the DSV (g.22168409 A > G) and SNP [g.22168362 C > A(rs1416421760)] evidently influenced the binding of transcription factors. Conclusion: In conclusion, the DSV (g.22168409 A > G) and SNP [g.22168362 C > A(rs1416421760)] may increase GATA6 levels in both HEK-293 and H9c2 cell lines by affecting the binding of transcription factors. Whether the two variants identified in the GATA6 gene promoter can promote the development and progression of human AMI by altering GATA6 levels still requires further studies to verify.

Identification and functional analysis of genetic variants in TBX5 gene promoter in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD), including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is a common complex disease. Although a great number of genetic loci and variants for CAD have been identified, genetic causes and underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Epidemiological studies have revealed that CAD incidence is strikingly higher in patients with congenital heart disease than that in normal population. T-box transcription factors play critical roles in embryonic development. In particular, TBX5 as a dosage-sensitive regulator is required for cardiac development and function. Thus, dysregulated TBX5 gene expression may be involved in CAD development. METHODS: TBX5 gene promoter was genetically and functionally analysed in large groups of AMI patients (n = 432) and ethnic-matched healthy controls (n = 448). RESULTS: Six novel heterozygous DNA sequence variants (DSVs) in the TBX5 gene promoter (g.4100A > G, g.4194G > A, g.4260 T > C, g.4367C > A, g.4581A > G and g.5004G > T) were found in AMI patients, but in none of controls. These DSVs significantly changed the activity of TBX5 gene promoter in cultured cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, three of the DSVs (g.4100A > G, g.4260 T > C and g.4581A > G) evidently modified the binding sites of unknown transcription factors. CONCLUSIONS: The DSVs identified in AMI patients may alter TBX5 gene promoter activity and change TBX5 level, contributing to AMI development as a rare risk factor.

Correlation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis with duration of hypertension, severity of hypertension and caspase-3 expression in hypertensive rats.

Correlation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis with duration of hypertension, severity of hypertension and caspase-3 expression in hypertensive rats was analyzed. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and randomly divided into the observation group (n=30) and control group (n=30), and the rat models of hypertension were established by virtue of transverse aortic constriction (TAC). The rats in the two groups were further divided into the 7-day subgroup (n=10), 14-day subgroup (n=10) and 28-day subgroup (n=10), respectively according to their survival time after TAC. The blood pressure values of the rats in each group were measured through intubation of carotid artery to calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP). The conditions of cardiomyocyte apoptosis were detected using terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to measure the expression of caspase-3 in the myocardial tissues, and correlation analysis was performed. The MAPs in 7-, 14- and 28-day subgroups of the observation group were significantly higher than those in the corresponding subgroups of the control group (P<0.05). The 7-, 14- and 28-day subgroups of the observation group had remarkably elevated myocardial caspase-3 expression levels compared with the subgroups of the control group (P<0.05). The apoptosis rates of myocardial cells in the three subgroups of the observation group were obviously higher than those in the corresponding subgroups of the control group (P<0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that the cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate of hypertensive rats was positively correlated with the duration of hypertension, severity of hypertension and caspase-3 expression (P<0.05). Hypertension can induce apoptosis of myocardial cells, and the apoptosis becomes more serious with the constantly elevated level and prolonged duration of hypertension. In addition, the activity of caspase-3 has a close correlation with cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Functional genetic variants of the GATA4 gene promoter in acute myocardial infarction.

Coronary artery disease (CAD), including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is a common complex disease; however, the genetic causes remain largely unknown. Recent epidemiological investigations indicated that the incidence of CAD in patients with congenital heart diseases is markedly higher than that observed in healthy controls. It was therefore hypothesized that the dysregulated expression of cardiac developmental genes may be involved in CAD development. GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) serves essential roles in heart development and coronary vessel formation. In the present study, the GATA4 gene promoter was analyzed in patients with AMI (n=395) and in ethnically­matched healthy controls (n=397). A total of 14 DNA variants were identified, including two single­nucleotide polymorphisms. Three novel heterozygous DNA variants (g.31806C>T, g.31900G>C and g.32241C>T) were reported in three patients with AMI. These DNA variants significantly increased the activity of the GATA4 gene promoter. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that the DNA variant g.32241C>T influenced the binding ability of transcription factors. Taken together, the DNA variants may alter GATA4 gene promoter activity and affect GATA4 levels, thus contributing to AMI development.

Functional genetic variants in the SIRT5 gene promoter in acute myocardial infarction.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common complex disease. To date, genetic causes for atherosclerosis remain largely unknown. It has recently been proposed that low frequency and rare genetic variants may be the main causes. Mitochondrial sirtuins, SIRT3, SIRT4 and SIRT5, function as critical regulators of mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress and cell survival. We speculated that altered SIRT5 level resulting from DNA sequence variants (DSVs) within SIRT5 gene regulatory regions may contribute to the CAD and AMI development. In this study, the SIRT5 gene promoter was genetically and functionally analyzed in large cohorts of AMI patients (n = 381) and healthy controls (n = 391). A total of eleven DSVs and SNPs were found. Two novel heterozygous DSVs (g.13574131C>A and g.13574287G>C) and three heterozygous SNPs [g.13573450A>G (rs573515169), g.13574110G>A (rs2804924) and g.13574259G>C (rs112443954)] were identified only in AMI patients. The DSVs and SNPs significantly decreased the transcriptional activity of the SIRT5 gene promoter in both HEK-293 and H9c2 cells (P < 0.05). Further electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that the SNPs significantly affected the binding of transcription factors. In contrast, the DSVs and SNPs found only in controls or in both AMI patients and controls did not significantly change the SIRT5 gene promoter activity (P > 0.05). Therefore, our data suggested that the DSVs and SNPs identified in AMI patients may change SIRT5 level by affecting activity of SIRT5 gene promoter, contributing to the AMI development as a risk factor.

Functional variants in the LC3B gene promoter in acute myocardial infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common disease mainly caused by atherosclerosis, for which genetic causes remain largely unknown. Recently, low frequency and rare genetic variants have been proposed as risk factors. Autophagy has been involved in many cellular processes, such as lipid metabolism and inflammation, and implicated in human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. In previous studies, we have reported reduced levels of LC3B, a core protein and a marker for autophagy, in AMI patients. In this study, the LC3B gene promoter was genetically and functionally analyzed in large cohorts of AMI patients (n = 383) and healthy controls (n = 390). A total of 25 DNA sequence variants (DSVs) including SNPs were found. Seven DSVs and three SNPs were only identified in AMI patients. All the DSVs and SNPs (except one) significantly decreased the transcriptional activity of the LC3B gene promoter in both HEK-293 and H9c2 cells (P < 0.05). Further electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that the DSVs affected the binding of transcription factors. In contrast, the DSVs and SNPs found only in controls or in both AMI patients and controls did not significantly affected LC3B gene promoter activity (P > 0.05). Therefore, our data suggested that the DSVs identified in AMI patients may change LC3B level by affecting the transcriptional activity of LC3B gene promoter, contributing to the AMI development. Upregulation of the LC3B gene expression may provide a novel and potential therapy for AMI patients.

Right-to-left shunt and subclinical ischemic brain lesions in Chinese migraineurs: a multicentre MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is considered as a risk factor for subclinical brain ischemic lesions, and right-to-left shunt (RLS) is more common among migraineurs. This cross-sectional study assessed the association of RLS with the increased prevalence of subclinical ischemic brain lesions in migraineurs. METHODS: We enrolled 334 migraineurs from a multicentre study from June 2015 to August 2016. Participants were all evaluated using contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and completed a questionnaire covering demographics, the main risk factors of vascular disease, and migraine status. RLS was classified into four grades (Grade 0 = Negative; Grade I = 1 ≤ microbubbles (MBs) ≤ 10; Grade II = MBs > 10 and no curtain; Grade III = curtain). Silent brain ischemic infarctions (SBI) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were evaluated on MRI. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between migraineurs with RLS and migraineurs without RLS in subclinical ischemic brain lesions.SBI and WMHs did not increase with the size of the RLS(p for trend for SBI = 0.066, p for trend for WMHs = 0.543). Furthermore, curtain RLS in migraineurs was a risk factor for the presence of SBI (p = 0.032, OR = 3.47; 95%CI: 1.12-10.76). There was no association between RLS and the presence of WMHs. CONCLUSION: Overall, RLS is not associated with increased SBI or WMHs in migraineurs. However, when RLS is present as a curtain pattern, it is likely to be a risk factor for SBIs in migraineurs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No. NCT02425696 ; registered on April 21, 2015.

Prevalence and extent of right-to-left shunt on contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler in Chinese patients with migraine in a multicentre case-control study.

Background The association between RLS and migraine is still debated. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and grade of RLS in Chinese patients with migraine and to evaluate the relationship between RLS and migraine. Methods A multi-center case-control study of contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler was conducted in 931 consecutive patients with migraine (240 of 931 had migraine with aura and 691 of 931 were in the migraine without aura group) and 282 were healthy adults. Clinical trial no. NCT02425696. Results The prevalence of RLS was 63.8% and 39.9% in the migraine with aura group (MA+) and migraine without aura group (MA-), respectively, significantly higher than that of the healthy group (29.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The positive rate of large RLS in the MA+ group and MA- group was 32.1% and 16.5%, respectively, significantly higher than healthy group (6.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). There was no difference among groups in terms of positive rate of permanent RLS ( p = 0.704). Conclusion This multi-centre case-control study suggested that there is an association between RLS and migraine with and without aura, especially when the shunt is large.