The concentration of resistin in perivascular adipose tissue after CABG and postoperative atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in up to 30% of patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and its cause is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether concentration of resistin in surrounding coronary artery perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. METHODS: A total number of 46 patients (35 male, 11 female; median age 66.5) were qualified for elective CABG. Medical history, laboratory test results and echocardiographic parameters were noted. Patients were monitored up to 3 days after CABG and then were divided into groups with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. Fragments of PVAT were collected intra-operatively: near the left anterior descending artery and main left coronary artery. The concentration of resistin was determined by Human Resistin Quantikine ELISA Kit and expressed as ng/g. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to find variables related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. RESULTS: Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 14 (30.4%) patients. The patients with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation were similar in age, gender, epicardial adipose tissue thickness and laboratory parameters. The concentration of resistin in PVAT near the left main coronary artery was significantly higher in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than in those without the complication (P = 0.03). In the multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis the concentration of resistin above cut-off point 54 ng/g in PVAT near left main coronary artery was independently related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence (OR: 7.7; 95% CI:1.4-42.2 p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The higher concentrations of resistin in PVAT near the left main coronary artery which is located close to the left atrium are associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Multicenter registry of Impella-assisted high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions and cardiogenic shock in Poland (IMPELLA-PL).

BACKGROUND: Impella is a percutaneous mechanical circulatory support device for treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS) and high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR-PCIs). IMPELLA-PL is a national retrospective registry of Impella-treated CS and HR-PCI patients in 20 Polish interventional cardiological centers, conducted from January 2014 until December 2021. AIMS: We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of Impella using real-world data from IMPELLA-PL and compare these with other registries. METHODS: IMPELLA-PL data were analyzed to determine primary endpoints: in-hospital mortality and rates of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 12 months post-discharge. RESULTS: Of 308 patients, 18% had CS and 82% underwent HR-PCI. In-hospital mortality rates were 76.4% and 8.3% in the CS and HR-PCI groups, respectively. The 12-month mortality rates were 80.0% and 18.2%, and post-discharge MACCE rates were 9.1% and 22.5%, respectively. Any access site bleeding occurred in 30.9% of CS patients and 14.6% of HR-PCI patients, limb ischemia in 12.7% and 2.4%, and hemolysis in 10.9% and 1.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Impella is safe and effective during HR-PCIs, in accordance with previous registry analyses. The risk profile and mortality in CS patients were higher than in other registries, and the potential benefits of Impella in CS require investigation.

Simultaneous placement of leadless pacemaker and dialysis catheter in patient with exhausted vasculature.

The problem with limited venous access may occur in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis treatment with no possibility of arteriovenous access or in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device-related infection leading to the removal of cardiac implantable electronic device. We present a case report where both situations occur simultaneously. Using recent development in cardiac pacing-leadless cardiac pacemaker-we manage to overcome the vascular access problem. The described case emphasizes the necessity of multispecialty collaboration and gains of new pacing technology in patients who need placement of vascular access for hemodialysis and cardiac implantable electronic device where vascular access is scarce.

The influence of acute coronary syndrome on levels of clopidogrel active metabolite and platelet inhibition in patients with and without CYP2C19*2(681 G>A), *3(636 G>A) and ABCB1(C3435C> T) gene polymorphisms.

INTRODUCTION: Although ticagrelor and prasugrel remain the standard antiplatelet treatments in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), numerous patients still present with indications for clopidogrel use. AIM: We aimed to assess the levels of clopidogrel active metabolite and to evaluate the effect of the drug on platelet inhibition in patients with ACS as compared with those with stable coronary disease. Patients were assessed for the presence of the most common genetic polymorphisms that reduce the absorption (ABCB1) and activation (CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3) of clopidogrel to exclude the effect of genetic variability on drug concentrations and activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This single-center, open-label, prospective study included 199 patients hospitalized due to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI (NSTEMI) in Killip class I-III, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The control group included 22 patients with stable coronary artery disease. RESULTS: The mean (SD) levels of active clopidogrel were 17.1 (12.3) ng/ml in controls and 16.4 (12.0) ng/ml in the whole study group (p < 0.68). No differences were noted in clopidogrel levels between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI (mean (SD), 17.6 (2.3) ng/ml and 15.1 (11.5) ng/ml; p < 0.45) or between STEMI and NSTEMI groups and controls (p < 0.38 and p < 0.61, respectively). No effect of ABCB1 or CYP2C19 polymorphism was observed in the study subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that ACS does not affect the levels of clopidogrel active metabolite or platelet inhibition in patients in Killip class I-III with or without CYP2C19 or ABCB1 gene polymorphisms.

Original and generic clopidogrel: A comparison of antiplatelet effects and active metabolite concentrations in patients without polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene and the allele variants CYPC19*2 and *3.

BACKGROUND: Ticagrelor and prasugrel are widely used as antiplatelet therapy after coronary angioplasty. However, there is a group of patients with indications for clopidogrel treatment. This population includes patients with chronic or acute coronary syndrome who are treated invasively and have contraindications to the use of novel antiplatelet drugs due to antithrombotic treatment (particularly with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants). A wide range of generic forms of clopidogrel are available on the market. However, it is unclear whether they are as effective as the originator drug. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we aimed to assess the concentrations of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and its effect on platelet aggregation inhibition in patients receiving the originator drug in comparison with those receiving generic clopidogrel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 22 healthy individuals without polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene and the allele variants CYPC19*2 and CYPC19*3. All participants received a loading dose of clopidogrel (600 mg), followed by a maintenance dose of 75 mg for the next 3 days. On day 3, blood samples were obtained 1 h after drug administration to assess active metabolite concentrations using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. In each participant, platelet aggregation was assessed with light transmission aggregometry after 5-µmol/L and 10-µmol/L adenosine diphosphate (ADP) stimulation. Assays were performed for the originator clopidogrel and 2 different generic groups. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) concentrations of active clopidogrel did not differ between the originator drug and 2 generic products with clopidogrel (12.7±5 pg/µL compared to 13.0 ±4 pg/µL compared to 14.4 ±4 pg/µL). Platelet aggregation inhibition after stimulation with 5 µmol/L and 10 µmol/L ADP was similar for all preparations. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with original clopidogrel, the use of its generic form does not affect the blood concentrations of the active metabolite or its antiplatelet effect.

Distribution of polymorphisms in the CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genes among patients with acute coronary syndrome in Lower Silesian population.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel administered to treat patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still being used. However, despite the proven efficacy of this treatment regimen, thromboembolic complications have been observed in some individuals. The reason for this phenomenon is linked to the so-called increased responsiveness of platelets despite high platelet resistance (HPR). A significant role in HPR is attributed to genetically determined differences in the absorption and activation of clopidogrel. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of polymorphisms of the ABCB1 and CYPC19 genes that encode proteins involved in the absorption and metabolism of clopidogrel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was performed in 199 consecutive patients from Lower Silesian voivodeship (Poland) who underwent coronary angioplasty with stenting for ACS. The single nucleotide polymorphism of the CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genes was performed using a mini sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed the high incidence of patients who may be unresponsive to antiplatelet treatment due to genetic causes. The CYPC19*2 allele in the form of homozygote or mutation heterozygote appeared in 26.1% of the study population. ABCB1 (C3435C> T) polymorphism was associated with 84% of patients. The total incidence of allelic disorders of low drug absorption and metabolism reached 14.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained should prompt clinicians to use more recent antiplatelet agents (ticagrelor or prasugrel) first, instead of clopidogrel.

Plasma YKL-40 levels correlate with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed with the SYNTAX score.

Introduction YKL­40 is a protein released locally by inflammatory cells. Thus, it may constitute a biomarker of inflammatory conditions, such as atherosclerosis. Objectives The aim of the study was to determine YKL­40 levels in patients with ischemic heart disease and to analyze the correlation of this biomarker with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Patients and methods The study included 158 patients: 52 with stable ischemic heart disease and 67 with acute coronary syndrome: ST­segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; n = 47) or non-ST­segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI; n = 20). The control group included 39 individuals without abnormalities in coronary vessels. We evaluated plasma YKL­40 levels and their correlation with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed with the SYNTAX score. Results Patients with myocardial infarction had higher plasma YKL­40 levels than those with stable ischemic disease (median [range], 235.3 [161.6-366.1] ng/ml vs 61.2 [53.1-83.1] ng/ml; P <0.001) or controls (median [range], 235.3 [161.6-366.1] ng/ml vs 55.7 [51.2-75.2] ng/ml; P <0.001). No differences were found in YKL­40 concentrations between STEMI and NSTEMI patients (median [range], 263 [150.3-363.7] ng/ml and 214.9 [163.4-367.6] ng/ml, respectively; P = 0.7). The SYNTAX score in patients with ischemic heart disease correlated positively with YKL­40 concentrations (R = 0.34; P <0.001). Conclusions YKL­40 can be considered a potential biomarker of coronary atherosclerosis severity.

A suicide attempt by intoxication with Taxus baccata leaves and ultra-fast liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry, analysis of patient serum and different plant samples: case report.

BACKGROUND: Taxus (yew) is one of the most frequently reported plants causing potentially fatal outcome when taken incidentally or for suicidal reasons. A fast and reliable method of detection of poisonous compounds or their metabolites is critical in life-saving procedures in cases of yew ingestion. Previously, several chromatographic analytical procedures have been described usually taking longer than one hour of total analysis time. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report we describe a suicide case study and an ad hoc developed fast method of detection and quantitation of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol - the main taxane metabolite in the blood plasma from the patient as well as the determination of major taxine components in the plant material (Taxus baccata). At present, there is no reasonable alternative for mass spectrometry that could match its high sensitivity and accuracy, and Multiple Reaction Monitoring could be adequate and useful mass spectrometry technique in analyzing and identification of plants material compounds that cause severe poisoning in humans. In the reported case, intensive cardiac care together with the astuteness of the treating physicians not only saved the patient's life, but also allowed for his complete recovery and return to work. CONCLUSIONS: The development of ultra fast liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry UFLC-MS/MS method provides a fast means to confirm yew alkaloids and their metabolite in various material. The applied analytical procedure allows early detection of main metabolite in patient material as well as comparing to those extracted from the plant. In our study, the taxanes remained undetected, probably due to the time elapsing from the patient admittance and collection of plasma. In cases like those reported in this study, retaining the gastric material should be obligatory to confirm the ingestion of yew. The possibility of using this approach in detection of native taxine compounds in human plasma remains to be verified.

Left main aneurysm and what's next?

The purpose of the case report is to present a case of a 65-year-old male, referred for coronary angiography because of a typical chest pain. The coronary angiography showed an aneurysm of the left main coronary artery. Despite the absence of obvious ischemic symptoms and because of the potential complications of the aneurysm with a width of 15 mm, the patient underwent surgery.

Soluble Cell Adhesion Molecules - Does Estimating sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 Concentration Provide Additional Information About Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease?

OBJECTIVES: Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are thought to have a great impact on endothelium functioning. Interaction between CAM and a receptor may lead to macrophage activation and the release of multiple enzymes such as elastases and colagenases. These enzymes can, in turn, play a role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and initiation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The main aim of this study was to assess the role of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in the risk stratification of ACS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 63 patients - mean age 62.7 ± 9.5 years (26 women, 37 men) - were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: I - patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosed by coronary angiography (n = 45: 15 women; 30 men); and II - patients without apparent CAD in coronary angiography (n = 18: 11 women, 7 men). In both groups, samples required for sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 level measurements were collected before the angiography. RESULTS: Mean age, prevalence of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease did not differ between the groups. Levels of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 were significantly higher in group I (group I vs. group II: 850.3 ± 337.9 vs. 675.9 ± 178.8; p = 0.02 and 737.2 ± 353.5 vs. 428.5 ± 157.3; p = 0.001 respectively). ROC analysis revealed that there is significantly higher risk of ACS above the level of 700.15 ng/mL for sVCAM-1 and 407.8 ng/mL for sICAM-1. The level of sVCAM-1 was also found to be an independent risk factor of NSTEMI, OR 1.003 (95% CI: 1.0007-1.004); p = 0.007, but not of STEMI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 were found to be negative predictors of acute coronary syndrome. Further studies should assess the relationship between sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels and the survival of patients suffering from CAD.

Evaluation of the significance of cystatin C levels in patients suffering from coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Cystatin C is a novel marker used in the diagnosis of preclinical chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the study was to assess the role of cystatin C in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 63 patients of a mean age of 62.7 ± 9.5 years. The population was divided into two groups: Group I were patients with angiographically diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) with their first acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n = 45); Group II were patients who had clinically diagnosed coronary disease but were negative on angiography (n = 18). Cystatin C levels were measured before angiography in both groups; in Group I they were also measured 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: Cystatin C levels were significantly higher in Group I (p = 0.01), and this depended on the type of CAD: non-ACS, non-ST elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) (p = 0.01). Cystatin C levels correlated inversely with the left ventricular ejection fraction in the whole study population (p = 0.003) and in patients with NSTEMI (p = 0.03). A high cystatin C level was found to be a risk factor for ACS (OR: 1.002 95% CI [1.00029-1.004], p = 0.02) and STEMI (OR: 1.0009 95% CI [0.99-1.002], p = 0.04) but not for NSTEMI (OR: 0.99 95% CI [0.99-1.0], p = 0.21. A ROC analysis revealed that there is a significantly higher risk of ACS above a cystatin C level of 727.85 ng/mL (OR: 5.5 CI [1.65-18.3], p = 0.004) and a significantly higher risk of STEMI above 915.22 ng/mL (OR: 5.9 CI [1.7-19.7], p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The available data suggest that a high cystatin C level is a risk factor for ACS and STEMI. This could play an important role in the early diagnosis and prevention of adverse cardiovascular events.

Cardiac arrest during percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient 'resistant' to clopidogrel - successful 50-minute mechanical chest compression.

We report a case of 72-year-old female patient with end-stage chronic kidney disease, undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) that resulted in a cardiac arrest caused by a thrombus mediated flow limitation in the left coronary artery. With mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) PCI of the left main artery was performed successfully during 50 min cardiac arrest. The patient was discharged from the hospital without compromising cardiac function and neurological deficits.

Effect of intravenous dopamine infusion on pituitary and thyroid function and on nephroprotection.

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCTION; Catecholamines, including dopamine, are used in cardiac intensive care. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of intravenous dopamine infusion on the function of pituitary gland in patients with acute cardiac failure. We analyzed changes in the serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), as well as potential nephroprotection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved 29 patients with chronic decompensated heart failure (New York Heart Association class III/IV; mean age 77.4 ± 13.3 years). Dopamine was administered intravenously in doses varying from 1 to 5 µg/kg/min. Measurements of TSH, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and ACTH were taken directly before dopamine infusion, after 12 hours of continuous infusion, and 12 hours after the 72-hour infusion was completed. RESULTS: Serum FT3 levels were significantly higher before dopamine infusion than at 12 hours post infusion (5.12 ± 1.16 vs. 4.27 ± 0.89 pmol/l, P < 0.005). Serum FT4 levels before the infusion were significantly higher than after 12 hours of continuous infusion as well as after 12 hours post infusion (18.79 ± 5.33 vs. 17.06 ± 4.61 pmol/l, P < 0.05; 18.79 ± 5.33 vs. 16.26 ± 4.53 pmol/l, P < 0.05, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between serum TSH and ACTH levels or in creatinine clearance before, during, and 12 hours post infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous infusion of dopamine may downregulate endocrine thyroid function; however, it has no significant effect on the pituitary gland-derived TSH and ACTH. There was no significant nephroprotective effect of low-dose dopamine infusion in patients with chronic decompensated chronic heart failure.