Circ_TNFRSF21 promotes cSCC metastasis and M2 macrophage polarization via miR-214-3p/CHI3L1.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a highly invasive disease with the potential to metastasize and cause fatality. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanism behind cSCC in order to devise effective strategies to combat this disease. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the function of circ_TNFRSF21/miR-214-3p/CHI3L1 axis in cSCC. METHODS: The features of circ_TNFRSF21 was characterized using Sanger sequencing, and RNase R/actinomycin D treatment. Genes and M1/M2 markers levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and IHC. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation, EdU incorporation, and transwell assays. Tumor growth and metastasis in vivo were evaluated by nude mouse xenograft model. Interactions of circ_TNFRSF21/miR-214-3p and miR-214-3p/CHI3L1 were validated by RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assay. RESULTS: Circ_TNFRSF21 and CHI3L1 expression were elevated in both human cSCC tissues and cells, whereas miR-214-3p was reduced. Circ_TNFRSF21 silencing or miR-214-3p overexpression suppressed cSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and M2 macrophage polarization. Circ_TNFRSF21 functioned as a sponge for miR-214-3p while miR-214-3p directly targeted CHI3L1. Knockdown of miR-214-3p reversed the effects of circ_TNFRSF21 knockdown on cSCC development, while CHI3L1 upregulation reversed the effects of miR-214-3p overexpression. Furthermore, knockdown of circ_TNFRSF21 inhibited cSCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSION: Circ_TNFRSF21 plays a significant role in cSCC progression by enhancing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and M2 macrophage polarization through inhibiting miR-214-3p and subsequent disinhibition of CHI3L1. These findings deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanism of cSCC and propose the circ_TNFRSF21/miR-214-3p/CHI3L1 axis as promising diagnosis markers or therapeutic targets for cSCC.

M2 macrophage facilitated angiogenesis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma via circ_TNFRSF21/miR-3619-5p/ROCK axis.

In recent years, the role of circular RNA in cancer cells has been studied broadly; however, the functional significance of circular RNA in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to reveal the role of circ_TNFRSF21 in M2 macrophage-induced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) angiogenesis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the levels of the indicated genes. Direct binding between circ_TNFRSF21 and miR-3619-5p, miR-3619-5p, and ROCK2 was verified by dual-luciferase activity. The migration and invasion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were evaluated by wound healing and transwell assays. Tube formation was performed to detect in vitro angiogenesis. Circ_TNFRSF21 and ROCK2 were upregulated in cSCC tissue, while miR-3619-5p was downregulated. Circ_TNFRSF21 negatively regulated the expression of miR-3619-5p, while miR-3619-5p negatively regulated the expression of ROCK2. miR-3619-5p suppressed tube formation by inhibiting ROCK signaling. M2 macrophages facilitated tube formation via the circ_TNFRSF21/miR-3619-5p/ROCK2 axis. Our present study revealed that circ_TNFRSF21 was elevated in M2 macrophages and mediated M2 macrophage-induced tube formation in vitro.

MELD-XI score predict no-reflow phenomenon and short-term mortality in patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: No-reflow phenomenon (NRP) is one of the complications that mostly occur during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we comprehensively examined the relationship between the model for end-stage liver disease-XI (MELD-XI) score and NRP. Moreover, we discussed whether the MELD-XI score could be considered as an accurate risk assessment score of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are candidates for PCI. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 693 patients with acute STEMI and who underwent an emergency PCI. They were divided into a normal reflow group or a no-reflow group on the basis of the flow rate of post-interventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction. Univariate, multivariate logistic regression, and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of NRP in both groups. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to estimate the predictive values of the MELD-XI score. RESULTS: MELD-XI score was found to be an independent indicator of NRP (odds ratio: 1.247, 95% CI: 1.144-1.360, P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis also revealed that the MELD-XI score is an independent prognostic factor for 30-day all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.155, 95% CI: 1.077-1.239, P < 0.001). Moreover, according to the ROC curves, the cutoff value of the MELD-XI score to predict NRP was 9.47 (area under ROC curve: 0.739, P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier curves for 30-day all-cause mortality revealed lower survival rate in the group with a MELD-XI score of > 9.78 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The MELD-XI score can be used to predict NRP and the 30-day prognosis in patients with STEMI who are candidates for primary PCI. It could be adopted as an inexpensive and a readily available tool for risk stratification.

Angiography-derived radial wall strain predicts coronary lesion progression in non-culprit intermediate stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Intermediate coronary lesions (ICLs) are highly prevalent but ported mixed prognosis. Radial strain has been associated with plaque vulnerability, yet its role in predicting lesion progression is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of angiography-derived radial wall strain (RWS) for progression of untreated non-culprit ICLs. METHODS: Post-hoc analysis was conducted in a study cohort including 603 consecutive patients with 808 ICLs identified at index procedure with angiographic follow-up of up to two years. RWS analysis was performed on selected angiographic frames with minimal foreshortening and vessel overlap. Lesion progression was defined as ≥ 20% increase in percent diameter stenosis. RESULTS: Lesion progression occurred in 49 ICLs (6.1%) with a median follow-up period of 16.8 months. Maximal RWS (RWSmax), frequently located at the proximal and throat plaque regions, distinguished progressive ICLs from silent ones. The largest area under the curve value of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67-0.82, P < 0.001) was reached at the optimal RWSmax cutoff value of > 12.6%. According to this threshold, 178 ICLs were classified as having a high strain pattern. Exposure to a high strain amplitude with RWSmax > 12.6% was independently associated with an increased risk of lesion progression (adjusted HR = 6.82, 95% CI: 3.67-12.66, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of RWS from coronary angiography is feasible and provides independent prognostic value in patients with untreated ICLs.

Atrial High-Rate Event Incidence and Predictors in Patients With Permanent Pacemaker Implantation.

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the incidence and predictors of atrial high-rate events (AHREs) in patients with permanent pacemaker implants. Methods: A total of 289 patients who were implanted with a dual-chamber pacemaker due to complete atrioventricular block or symptomatic sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and had no previous history of atrial fibrillation were included in the present study. AHREs are defined as events with an atrial frequency of ≥175 bpm and a duration of ≥5 min. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not AHREs were detected during the follow-up: group A (AHRE+, n = 91) and group N (AHRE-, n = 198). Results: During the 12-month follow-up period, AHREs were detected in 91 patients (31.5%). The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that patient age [odds ratio [OR] = 1.041; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.018-1.064; and P < 0.001], pacemaker implantation due to symptomatic SSS (OR = 2.225; 95% CI, 1.227-4.036; and P = 0.008), and the percentage of atrial pacing after pacemaker implantation (OR = 1.010; 95% CI, 1.002-1.017; and P = 0.016) were independent AHRE predictors. Conclusion: The AHRE detection rate in patients with pacemaker implants was 31.5%. Patient age, pacemaker implantation due to symptomatic SSS, and the percentage of atrial pacing after pacemaker implantation were independent AHRE predictors.

Clinical efficacy and safety of tirofiban combined with conventional dual antiplatelet therapy in ACS patients undergoing PCI.

Challenges remain for clinicians over balancing the efficacy of active antithrombotic therapy and simultaneous bleeding reduction in patients. The clinical data of 347 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were retrospectively analyzed. On the basis of the given tirofiban, the patients were assigned into three different dose groups: high dose group (group H), medium dose group (group M), and low dose group (group L). The tirofiban efficacy was evaluated in terms of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) parameters and lab endpoints, including platelet count and function. The tirofiban safety was assessed by the occurrence of bleeding events. The patients were followed up for 1 month after the PCI. No significant difference in MACE events was evident among these groups (p > 0.05). Groups H and M reported an obvious reduction in platelet count (p < 0.05 for both) and an increased platelet inhibition rate (p < 0.05 for both). Group H showed a higher rate of total bleeding events than the other groups (Group H vs. Group M: 34.4% vs. 16.5%; Group H vs. Group L: 34.4% vs. 10.3%; p < 0.05 for both). A proper administration of a low dose of tirofiban may be a superior alternative in treating ACS patients, which can produce a similar favorable clinical outcome and a decrease in bleeding complication.

Effects of the valsartan/amlodipine combination and nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system monotherapy on brachial pulse pressure and radial augmentation index in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: In a substudy of a randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of the valsartan/amlodipine single-pill combination and nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) monotherapy on brachial pulse pressure (bPP) and radial augmentation index (rAI) in patients with previously uncontrolled hypertension. METHODS: We performed measurements of clinic blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate and rAI (n = 63) and ambulatory BP monitoring (n = 42) at baseline and 12-week of follow-up. Analysis of covariance was performed to calculate the least square mean change from baseline and between-group differences [95% confidence interval (CI)]. Correlation analysis was performed to study the interrelationship between the changes in bPP and rAI and in pulse rate. RESULTS: After 12-week treatment, clinic and ambulatory SBP/DBP and pulse rate were not differently changed between the valsartan/amlodipine (n = 29) and nifedipine GITS groups (n = 34, P ≥ 0.06) except daytime SBP (P = 0.01). The reductions in 24-h and daytime ambulatory bPP were significantly greater in the former than the latter group (P ≤ 0.04). rAI increased slightly by 3.5% (P = 0.20) and 5.2% (P = 0.06) in the valsartan/amlodipine and nifedipine groups, respectively, with a between-group difference of -1.7% (95% CI -9.6 to 6.1%, P = 0.66). In the two groups combined, the changes in clinic and ambulatory bPP were not or weakly associated with that in clinic or ambulatory pulse rate (r = -0.14 to 0.36, P = 0.02-0.95), while the changes in rAI were more strongly or significantly associated with that in clinic or ambulatory pulse rate (r = -0.39 to -0.23, P = 0.02-0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Antihypertensive drug-induced changes in rAI but not bPP were dependent on pulse rate.

Low Serum Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Level is Associated with Severity of Coronary Stenosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the serum calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) level and severity of coronary stenosis. METHODS: A total of 233 eligible patients who underwent coronary angiography were divided into two groups: a control and a coronary heart disease (CHD) group. The angiographic severity of coronary stenosis was evaluated by SYNTAX and Gensini scores. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events within two years was collected. RESULTS: A negative correlation between serum CGRP levels and Gensini scores was observed in all patients (r=-0.352, p<0.001), the control group (r=-0.422, p<0.001) and the CHD group (r=-0.393, p<0.001). Serum CGRP levels were negatively associated with SYNTAX scores in the CHD group (r=-0.522, p<0.001). The area under the curve of CGRP for identifying high SYNTAX scores (>22) was 0.772 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.673-0.870, p<0.001], and for identifying high Gensini scores was 0.744 (95% CI: 0.646-0.842, p<0.001). A CGRP concentration of 25.05 pg/ml was selected as the cutoff point. A low CGRP level (<25.05 pg/ml) was an independent predictor of severe coronary stenosis, a SYNTAX score >22 [odds ratio (OR) =5.819, 95% CI: 2.240-15.116; p<0.001] and a high Gensini score (>64) (OR=4.943, 95% CI: 2.020-12.095; p<0.001). The low CGRP group had a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events within two years (11.1 vs. 3.1%, p=0.031). CONCLUSION: In coronary atherosclerosis patients without acute myocardial injury, serum CGRP levels were negatively associated with the severity of coronary stenosis.

Over-expansion of second-generation drug-eluting stents, risk of restenosis, and relation to major adverse cardiac events.

The relationship between stent expansion conditions and clinical outcomes is not completely understood. This prospective cohort study included patients who were successfully implanted with second-generation drug-eluting stent in 2012 and received follow-up angiography in 9-12 months. Stent over-expansion was defined as ≥ 1.05 of the stented segment over the reference artery diameter. Imaging parameters were measured, and the follow-up period was 7 years. A total of 123 patients with 161 lesions were enrolled, and 75 (46.58%) stents were found to be over-expanded. The baseline clinical and procedural data were comparable. Stent over-expansion showed a markedly increased diameter stenosis percentage (DSP) at 1-year follow-up (24.12 ± 21.10% vs. 14.65 ± 16.75%, P = 0.002) and high late lumen loss (LLL) in-segment (0.54 ± 0.62 mm vs. 0.31 ± 0.55 mm, P = 0.014). Furthermore, 63 patients with ≥ 1 over-expanded stented lesions were classified into the over-expansion group. Cumulative major cardiac adverse event (MACE) was higher in the over-expansion group than the norm-expansion group (17.5% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.133). Target lesion revascularization/target vessel revascularization increased during the 7-year follow-up period in the over-expansion group compared with the norm-expansion group (11.1% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.098). The Kaplan-Meier cumulative MACE-free survival showed a better tendency for statistical differences in the norm-expansion group than in the over-expansion group (log-rank test; P = 0.083). Conclusion: Stent over-expansion is associated with a significant increase in LLL and DSP at 1-year angiographic follow-up and with the increasing trend of cumulative MACE during 7-year clinical follow-up period compared with stent norm-expansion. Stent over-expansion needs to be avoided.

The impact of echocardiographic parameter ratio of E/E' on the late recurrence paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients accepted radiofrequency catheter ablation: A retrospective clinical study.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the echocardiographic parameter ratio E/E' on the late recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients after receiving radiofrequency catheter ablation.We retrospectively examined total of 288 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients that underwent a preliminary radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in our hospital. During the first phase in this study, the patients were divided into 2 groups upon AF recurrence after RFCA: Recurrent group, n = 67 patients with rapid trial arrhythmia that lasted for more than 30 seconds at 3 months after RFCA and the Nonrecurrent group, n = 221. The clinical conditions were compared between the 2 groups. During the second phase of this study, based on the results in the first phase, the patients were divided into another 2 groups according to whether the ratio of E/E' ≥13 .45: Higher ratio of E/E' group, n = 55 and Lower ratio of E/E' group n = 233. The late AF recurrent rates were also compared between the 2 groups.During the first phase, the univariate analysis indicated that the risk factors(P < .05)for PAF late recurrence included early recurrence, E', and the ratio E/E'. The Cox multivariate analysis showed that the ratio of E/E' and early recurrence were the independent predictors for late PAF recurrence. The ratio of E/E' that was cut off at 13.45 also predicted atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence with 40.3% sensitivity and 87.3% specificity. In the second phase, after completing the 1:1 matching, the Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the ratio of E/E' ≥ 13.45 was associated with further recurrences after RFCA (log-rank P = .009), compared to the patients with a ratio of E/E' < 13.45. The univariate Cox analysis indicated that an elevated ratio of E/E'(≥13.45) was the independent predictor for late PAF recurrence (HR = 3.322, 95%CI: 1.560-7.075, P = .002). However, the ratio of E/E' cut off at 13.25 predicted atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence with 75% sensitivity and 62.2% specificity.The ratio of E/E' ≥ 13.25 is an important predictor of the late recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Baseline Serum sLOX-1 Concentrations Are Associated with 2-Year Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events in Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) may be a potential biomarker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association and prognostic value of elevated sLOX-1 concentrations with regard to long-term major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients with CAD undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 1011 patients were enrolled. Serum sLOX-1 concentrations were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were followed for 2 years. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were explored to assess the association between sLOX-1 and MACCEs. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of sLOX-1. RESULTS: Two-year MACCEs were associated with serum sLOX-1 concentrations (HR 1.278, 95% CI 1.019-1.604, P = 0.034), left main disease (HR 2.938, 95% CI 1.246-6.925, P = 0.014), small-caliber stents used (HR 2.207, 95% CI 1.189-4.095, P = 0.012), and total stent length (HR 1.057, 95% CI 1.005-1.112, P = 0.030). Serum sLOX-1 concentration ≥ 1.10 ng/ml had maximum sensitivity and specificity in predicting the occurrence of 2-year MACCEs (P < 0.001). Patients with higher serum sLOX-1 concentrations showed a significantly higher incidence of MACCEs in the Kaplan-Meier curve (P < 0.001). The combination of any of the risk factors identified in multiple Cox regression was associated with a stepwise increase in MACCE rate (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High baseline serum sLOX-1 concentration predicts 2-year MACCEs and shows an additional prognostic value to conventional risk factors in patients after primary PCI. sLOX-1 determination might play a complementary role in the risk stratification of patients with CAD treated with PCI.

Combining current of injury and P-wave sensing optimized right atrial active-fixation leads implantation.

BACKGROUND: Pacing parameters may influence pacing lead life and pacemaker life. This study sought to determine whether different right atrial active-fixation lead implantation parameters are associated with chronic pacing performance. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on all consecutive patients implanted with an active-fixation atrial lead at our institution from July 2014 to October 2016. Atrial leads with a P-wave sensing of ≥2.0 mV, a pacing threshold of ≤1.0 V, and a lead impedance of 300-1,000 ohms were assigned as the optimized group, while atrial leads that did not meet these specifications were assigned as the conventional group. A total of 98 patients who received active-fixation atrial leads (55 patients were male, mean age was 63±12 years old) were studied, and the lead performance of 67 of these patients were optimized in 3 months. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, current of injury [COI; COI10min, odds ratio (OR): 0.296, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.093-0.939, P=0.039] and P-wave sensing (P10min, OR: 0.449, 95% CI: 0.265-0.762, P=0.003) were recorded at 10 minutes after lead fixation, and were considered predictors of lead optimized performance. The cut-off value of COI10min and P10min was 1.04 mV (sensitivity: 0.58 and specificity: 0.77) and 3.3 mV (sensitivity: 0.67 and specificity: 0.74), respectively, for predicting lead optimized performance after 3 months. COI10min ≥1.04 mV and P10min ≥3.3 mV were combined and considered as the predictable criteria, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.806 (sensitivity =0.70 and specificity =0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Optimized atrial lead performance at 3 months was predictable from COI10min ≥1.04 mV and P10min ≥3.3 mV.

Crush versus Culotte stenting techniques for coronary bifurcation lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In patients with complex true coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs), Crush or Culotte stenting has been the commonest approaches of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the optimal one remains in debate. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies searched from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP information database, and WangFang Data Information Site, to compare the long-term safety and efficacy of PCI with Crush versus Culotte in patients with CBLs. The primary end point was target lesion revascularization (TLR) and secondary end points were a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac death (CD), myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) by PCI or bypass surgery, and each individual component at long-term follow-up. Furthermore, omitting each study in turn was used to sensitivity analysis for high heterogeneity of studies. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies were included to perform a meta-analysis, 3 randomized trials and 4 observational studies with 2211 patients, 1281 treated with Crush and 930 with Culotte. There was no significant difference in TLR and MACE between Crush and Culotte [RR 0.76, 95% CI (0.48-1.23), I = 57%; RR 0.78, 95% CI (0.47-1.29), I = 83%, respectively]. ST tended to be lower in patients treated with Crush [RR 0.61, 95% CI (0.37-1.01), I = 23%]. CD and MI were comparable between the 2 groups [RR 0.80, 95% CI (0.43-1.49), I = 0%; RR 0.74, 95% CI (0.49-1.13), I = 32%, respectively]. TVR was also associated with the similar risk [RR 0.76, 95% CI (0.49-1.16), I = 60%]. However, high heterogeneity was detected for TLR, MACE, and TVR, and the source of heterogeneity was DKCRUSH-III study by Chen, SL. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions, TLR and MACE were not significant difference between the Crush and Culotte groups, but TLR and MACE were also regarded as high heterogeneity mainly due to better outcomes achieved by DK Crush and there was a trend toward lower ST in the Crush group. Crush, particularly DK Crush, may be superior to conventional Culotte for treatment of CBLs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018111868.

Higher serum lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in patients with stable coronary artery disease is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events: A multicentre pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Circulating soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) has been linked to the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to test if baseline serum sLOX-1 was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with stable CAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre pilot study enrolled 833 stable CAD patients. All patients were followed for two years. Serum sLOX-1 concentrations were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The association between sLOX-1 concentrations and MACE was assessed by logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the predictors of complex lesion. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that sLOX-1 concentration was an independent predictor of MACE (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.52 - 2.82; P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curves showed that the incidence of MACE in patients with a high sLOX-1 concentration was significantly higher than in patients with an intermediate or low sLOX-1 concentration (P < 0.001). Soluble LOX-1 concentrations were independently correlated with coronary complex lesions (OR 2.32, 95%CI 1.81 - 2.97; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline sLOX-1 concentrations were correlated with 2-year MACE in stable CAD patients. Furthermore, patients with high serum sLOX-1 concentrations had higher cumulative incidence of MACE compared to those with low serum sLOX-1 concentrations.

The correlation of pulmonary arterial hypertension with late recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is one of the most common clinical arrhythmias. Although radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation has continuously matured and developed in recent years, some patients treated with RFCA continued to have atrial fibrillation recurrence, and the recurrence rate was high. Determining indicators to predict the recurrence of PAF after RFCA is significantly important for improving the surgical success rate and guiding clinical work. This study aimed to investigate the influence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on the late recurrence of PAF after RFCA. METHODS: A total of 300 patients with PAF, who underwent RFCA for the first time at the Department of Cardiology of Fujian Union Medical College Hospital from January 2013 to October 2016, were retrospectively studied. These patients were regularly followed-up from 3 months at least to 3 years and clinical data were collected. In order to observe the 100 PAF patients with PAH were assigned into the observation group, and 200 PAF patients without PAH were assigned as the control group. PAH and its related clinical characteristics were evaluated by univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The follow-up results revealed that 34 patients had early recurrence, and the early arrhythmia recurrence rate was 11.3%. Furthermore, 22 patients had late recurrence, including 19 patients with atrial fibrillation and three patients with atrial flutter; and the late recurrence rate was 7.3%. The univariate ANOVA revealed that PAH (P=0.001), early recurrence (P=0.014) and Left atrial diameter (LAD) (P=0.023) had significant effects on late recurrence after PAF ablation. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed that PAH (P=0.049, OR =1.053, 95% CI: 1.000-1.109) was independently correlated to late recurrence of PAF. CONCLUSIONS: PAH is a predictive factor for late recurrence of PAF after RFCA.

Treatment effects of systematic two-stent and provisional stenting techniques in patients with complex coronary bifurcation lesions: rationale and design of a prospective, randomised and multicentre DEFINITION II trial.

INTRODUCTION: Provisional stenting (PS) for simple coronary bifurcation lesions is the mainstay of treatment. A systematic two-stent approach is widely used for complex bifurcation lesions (CBLs). However, a randomised comparison of PS and two-stent techniques for CBLs has never been studied. Accordingly, the present study is designed to elucidate the benefits of two-stent treatment over PS in patients with CBLs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This DEFINITION II study is a prospective, multinational, randomised, endpoint-driven trial to compare the benefits of the two-stent technique with PS for CBLs. A total of 660 patients with CBLs will be randomised in a 1:1 fashion to receive either PS or the two-stent technique. The primary endpoint is the rate of 12-month target lesion failure defined as the composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI) and clinically driven target lesion revascularisation. The major secondary endpoints include all causes of death, MI, target vessel revascularisation, in-stent restenosis, stroke and each individual component of the primary endpoints. The safety endpoint is the occurrence of definite or probable stent thrombosis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol and informed consent have been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Nanjing First Hospital, and accepted by each participating centre. Written informed consent was obtained from all enrolled patients. Findings of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02284750; Pre-results.

Elevated Human Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule-1 Level and Its Association With Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). Previous studies suggested that human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) may be a novel endothelial dysfunction marker. This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum endocan level and the presence and severity of CAD in patients with hypertension. METHODS: A total of 190 eligible hypertension patients were enrolled in this study. Serum endocan level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence and severity of CAD were evaluated by coronary angiography. RESULTS: Hypertensive patients with CAD had significantly higher serum endocan level than those without CAD (1.63 ± 0.51 ng/mL vs 1.31 ± 0.65 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that serum endocan level was independently associated with the presence of CAD (odds ratio, 2.662; 95% confidence interval, 1.560-4.544; P < 0.001). Spearman rank correlation analysis demonstrated that serum endocan level was associated with SYNergy between PCI with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery score (r = 0.349, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum endocan level is independently correlated with the presence and severity of CAD in hypertension patients, and those with high endocan level may have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Telmisartan reduces atrial arrhythmia susceptibility through the regulation of RAS-ERK and PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that displays unique PPAR-γ modulating activity. PPAR-γ agonists have been shown to decrease susceptibility to atrial fibrillation through their antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether telmisartan would have a greater effect on susceptibility to atrial arrhythmia in a hypertensive rat model than valsartan, which is a traditional angiotensin II receptor blocker. In this study, spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated with 10 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)·d(-1) telmisartan (TEL group), 10 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)·d(-1) valsartan (VAL group), or vehicle (saline; SHR group) for 4 weeks. Age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were used as normotensive controls. After 4 weeks of treatment, we performed echocardiographic assessment, electrophysiological analysis, histological evaluation, and Western blot analysis. Telmisartan decreased systolic blood pressure to a similar extent as valsartan. Relative to the WKY controls, atrial arrhythmia susceptibility was significantly increased in the SHR group, and was significantly decreased by both telmisartan and valsartan, albeit to a greater extent with telmisartan. Arrhythmogenic atrial remodeling, including enlargement of the left atrium, myocyte hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and myocyte apoptosis, was observed in the SHR group, and was accompanied by activated RAS-ERK signaling and suppressed PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling. The results suggest that telmisartan reduced susceptibility to atrial arrhythmia to a greater extent than valsartan, ameliorated atrial remodeling, and reversed imbalances in the RAS-ERK and PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathways.

Transfemoral Device Occlusion and Minimally Invasive Surgical Repair for Doubly Committed Subarterial Ventricular Septal Defects.

Transfemoral device occlusion and minimally invasive surgical repair are performed for doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect (dcVSD) to reduce the invasiveness of the conventional surgical repair through a median sternotomy. However, few studies have compared them in terms of effectiveness and cost. Inpatients with isolated dcVSD who had undergone transfemoral device occlusion or minimally invasive surgical repair from January 2011 to June 2014 were reviewed for a comparative investigation between the two procedures. Procedure success was achieved in 36 transfemoral (75 %) and in 36 surgical (100 %) procedures (p = 0.001). Transfemoral patients were older, with a VSD size similar to that of surgical patients (14.5 ± 11.7 vs 4.4 ± 2.9 years, p < 0.001; 4.5 ± 1.5 vs 4.4 ± 1.3 mm, p = 0.577, respectively). No significant difference was observed in complication rates between the two treatment groups (p = 1). No large residual shunt was observed. Small residual shunt was noted in two transfemoral patients and four surgical patients (p = 0.674). All these small residual shunts closed spontaneously during follow-up. The surgical repair costs 26 % less than the device occlusion (Yuan 22063.2 ± 343.9 vs Yuan 29970.1 ± 1335.2, p < 0.001), where most of the cost was attributed to the occluder in the amount of Yuan 19,500. Compared with device occlusion, minimally invasive surgical repair can provide superior efficacy and comparable complication rates. In addition, it is 26 % cheaper than device occlusion. In low-income countries where healthcare resources are limited, medical resources must be judiciously allocated to the treatment that allows for effective treatment of the largest number of patients.