Atherogenic Combined Index: Validation of a Novel Predictive Lipid Biomarker for the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The balance between atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipid particles significantly influences coronary artery disease (CAD), as an imbalance may contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which affects the risk and severity of CAD. This study aims to introduce and validate the atherogenic combined index (ACI) as a novel lipid biomarker that, comprehensively assesses the balance between atherogenic and antiatherogenic particles in the blood to effectively reflect the cumulative atherogenic effect and its association with the presence and severity of CAD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1,830 patients diagnosed with CAD and a total of 650 patients without CAD were included in the study cohort for comprehensive analysis and comparison. Based on the tertiles of the SYNTAX score (SS), three subgroups of patients with CAD were identified. ACI and other atherogenic indices were compared to predict the presence and severity of CAD. RESULTS: The levels of ACI and other non-traditional lipid markers levels were higher in the CAD group compared to the non-CAD group (p <0.05, for all). ACI showed a good linear association with the SYNTAX score (r = 0.527; p <0.001). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that ACI was an independent predictor of the presence (OR: 1.602, 95% CI: 1.509-1.701, p <0.001) and severity (OR: 1.296, 95% CI: 1.243-1.351, p <0.001) of CAD after adjustment for various confounders. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ACI may serve as a promising and stronger tool for predicting the presence and severity of CAD.

Predictive Ability of Inflammatory Markers on In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients Admitted to Coronary Care Unit (MORCOR-TURK INFLAME).

We investigated the prognostic implications of the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and triglyceride/glucose index (TGI) in the MORtality predictors in the CORonary Care Units in TURKey (MORCOR-TURK) population. This is the largest registry of coronary care unit (CCU) patients in Turkey (3157 patients admitted to CCU in 50 different centers). The study population was divided into two according to in-hospital survival status; 137 patients (4.3%) died in-hospital follow-up. A significant correlation was found between death and SII, CAR, NLR, and PNI but not for AIP and TGI in logistic regression. In Model 1 (combining parameters proven to be risk predictors), the -2 log-likelihood ratio was 888.439, Nagelkerke R2 was 0.235, and AUC (area under curve) was 0.814 (95% CI: 0.771-0.858). All other models were constructed by adding each inflammatory marker separately to Model 1. Only Model 3 (CAR + Model 1) had a significantly greater AUC than Model 1 (DeLong P = .01). Our study showed that CAR, but not other inflammatory index, is a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality in CCU patients when added to proven risk predictors.

Comparison of the Effect of Non-HDL-C/HDL-C Ratio on Coronary Slow Flow with Other Non-Traditional Lipid Markers.

Background: Coronary slow flow (CSF) is a microvascular disease characterized by delayed opacification of the epicardial coronary arteries during angiography. The main pathogenesis of CSF is endothelial dysfunction caused by diffuse atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia is one of the primary factors raising the risk of atherosclerosis. Compared to conventional lipid profiles, non-traditional lipid profiles more accurately reflect dyslipidemic status. In this work, we compared the non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C)/HDL-C ratio (NHHR) with other conventional and non-conventional lipid profiles in order to determine its impact on CSF. Methods: A total of 9112 subjects who underwent coronary angiography were screened retrospectively, of whom 130 subjects with CSF and 130 subjects with normal CF were included. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of CSF. Additionally, in order to predict CSF, the diagnostic accuracies of NHHR and other non-traditional lipid profiles were examined. Results: There were significantly higher non-traditional lipid profiles in the CSF group (all p < 0.001). Compared to other non-traditional lipid profiles, NHHR had a stronger association with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (r = 0.3593, p < 0.0001). In addition to NHHR, non-HDL-C, Castelli's risk index-II, atherogenic index of plasma, plasma glucose, dyslipidemia, smoking, and body mass index were identified as independent predictors of CSF. The ability of NHHR to detect CSF was superior to other non-traditional lipid profiles (area under the curve: 0.785; confidence interval: 0.730-0.840; p < 0.001). Conclusions: NHHR was found to be a potent and reliable predictor of CSF. This indicates that NHHR can be used as a reliable biomarker for risk stratification of CSF.

The non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio is a strong and independent predictor of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: No-reflow (NR) is the inability to achieve adequate myocardial perfusion despite successful restoration of attegrade blood flow in the infarct-related artery after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio has been shown to be superior to conventional lipid markers in predicting most cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we wanted to reveal the predictive value of the NR by comparing the Non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio with traditional and non-traditional lipid markers in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A total of 1284 consecutive patients who underwent pPCI for STEMI were included in this study. Traditional lipid profiles were detected and non-traditional lipid indices were calculated. Patients were classified as groups with and without NR and compared in terms of lipid profiles. RESULTS: No-reflow was seen in 18.8% of the patients. SYNTAX score, maximal stent length, high thrombus burden, atherogenic index of plasma and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio were determined as independent predictors for NR (p < 0.05, for all). The non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio predicts the development of NR in STEMI patients with 71% sensitivity and 67% specificity at the best cut-off value. In ROC curve analysis, the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio was superior to traditional and non-traditional lipid markers in predicting NR (p < 0.05, for all). CONCLUSION: The non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio can be a strong and independent predictor of NR in STEMI patients and and therefore non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio may be a useful lipid-based biomarker that can be used in clinical practice to improve the accuracy of risk assessment in patients with STEMI.

Effect of Hand Dominance on Radial Artery Spasm and Occlusion: A Prospective Observational Study.

Transradial access has become the most commonly used method for cardiac catheterization. Many medical and technical applications have been proposed to reduce TRA complications. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of hand dominance on radial artery spasm and radial artery occlusionin subjects undergoing CC via TRA. Between April 2020 and August 2022, 1713 subjects who underwent CC via TRA were included in the study. Patient data were obtained in terms of hand dominance of the catheterized side and RAS and RAO during a 1-month follow-up period. RAS was seen in 9.6% of the subjects. The RAS in patients catheterized by the dominant hand was significantly higher than that performed by the non-dominant hand (12 vs 7.8%; P = .004). RAO was seen in 1% of the subjects. RAO was significantly higher in the spasm side than in the no-spasm side (3 vs .8%; P = .009). Hand dominance was determined as an independent predictor of radial artery spasm (P = .006). In our study, RAS and RAO were more common on the dominant hand side than on the non-dominant side. Choosing the non-dominant hand for TRA for CC may reduce the incidence of RAS and RAO.

Disruption of the endothelial glycocalyx layer is associated with idiopathic complete atrioventricular block in the elderly population: An observational pilot study.

Idiopathic atrioventricular block (iCAVB) is the most common reason for the need for a permanent pacemaker in the elderly population. The fibrotic process that occurs in the conduction system of the heart with aging is the main pathogenesis in the development of iCAVB. However, the processes that trigger the development of iCAVB in the elderly population have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to reveal the possible relationship between the endothelial glycocalyx (EG) layer and idiopathic complete atrioventricular block. A group of 68 consecutive patients who developed iCAVB and a group of 68 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors were included in the study. The groups were compared for clinical, laboratory, and levels of Syndecan-1 (SDC1), an EG layer marker. In the study, SDC1 levels were found to be significantly higher in the iCAVB group compared to the control group (23.7 ± 7.5 vs 16.7 ± 5.2; p = 0.009). In multivariable regression analysis, SDC1 was determined as an independent potential predictor for iCAVB (OR: 1.200; 95% CI: 1.119-1.287; p < 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, SDC1 predicted iCAVB with 74% sensitivity and 72% specificity at the best cut-off value of 18.5 ng/mL (area under the curve: 0.777; confidence interval: 0.698-0.856; p < 0.001). Disruption of the endothelial glycolic layer may be one of the main triggering factors for the process leading to iCAVB.

The HbA1c/C-Peptide Ratio is Associated With the No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Currently, the gold standard treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), but even after successful pPCI, a perfusion disorder in the epicardial coronary arteries, termed no-reflow phenomenon (NR), can develop, resulting in short- and long-term adverse events. The present study assessed the relationship between NR and HbA1c/C-peptide ratio (HCR) in 1834 consecutive patients who underwent pPCI due to STEMI. Participants were divided into two groups according to NR status and the demographic, clinical and periprocedural characteristics of the groups were compared. NR developed in 352 (19.1%) of the patients in the study. While C-peptide levels were significantly lower in the NR group, HbA1c and HCR were significantly higher (P < .001, for all). In multivariable analysis, C-peptide, HbA1c, and HCR, were determined as independent predictors for NR (P < .05, for all). In Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, HCR predicted the NR with 80% specificity and 77% sensitivity. In STEMI patients, combining HbA1c and C-peptide in a single fraction has a predictive value for NR independent of diabetes. This ratio may contribute to risk stratification of STEMI patients.

Comparative Evaluation of Intermountain Risk Score With Mehran Risk Score for Risk Estimation of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and Short-Term Mortality in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has become one of the most important causes of in-hospital acute renal failure with the increasing use of contrast-mediated imaging tools. This significantly increases the morbidity and mortality of the affected subjects and causes a financial burden on the health system. In this context, prediction of CIN is important and some risk scores have been developed to predict CIN. The most frequently used and popular among these is the Mehran Score (MS), which is based on a number of hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. The Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS) is a recently developed risk score that highly predicts short-term mortality based on common laboratory parameters, and many parameters of this risk score have been found to be closely associated with CIN. In this context, we aimed to compare MS and IMRS in terms of CIN and short-term mortality estimation. The study included 931 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. CIN developed in 21.5% of patients. Both MS and IMRS independently predicted CIN. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, IMRS was found to be non-inferior to MS in predicting CIN and IMRS was superior to MS in predicting short-term mortality. IMRS and MS were independently associated with short-term mortality.

Efficacy of combination of N-acetylcysteine and primrose in spinal cord injury; an experimental study.

Introduction: Spinal cord trauma represents a major cause of emergency department admissions, with high morbidity and mortality rates. It requires early and urgent treatment. This experimental study assessed the effectiveness of a combination of primrose and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in managing spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: We divided 46 adult male Wistar albino rats (6-8 months old, weighing 300-350 g) into five groups. Group 1 (n = 10) received only primrose; group 2 (n = 10) received only NAC; group 3 (n = 10) received a combination of NAC and primrose; group 4 (n = 10) received no intervention (first control group); group 5 (n = 10) underwent laminectomy only (second control group). Intergroup neurological and motor function were evaluated on days 1, 7, and 14. Oxidative biochemical markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. Results: Significant differences were recorded in the GPX, SOD, and MDA values of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p = 0.097, respectively). Groupwise comparisons were conducted to identify the clinical significance of these markers. GPX and SOD levels were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2; MDA levels were lower in group 1. GPX and SOD levels were significantly higher than in group 3 than in group 1; MDA levels were lower in group 3. Compared with group 5, group 1 demonstrated significantly higher GPX and SOD levels and lower MDA levels. Results in group 2 were similar to results in group 5. In group 3, GPX and SOD levels were significantly higher than in groups 2 and 5; MDA levels were significantly lower. Comparisons according to inclined plane angle level and motor function values revealed significant results on day 14, in favor of group 3 rats that had received the combined treatment. Conclusion: The combined administration of NAC and primrose for traumatic SCI was more effective than either treatment alone in terms of improving biochemical and neurological functions. These findings suggest that the combination of NAC and primrose can serve as an effective treatment option for traumatic SCI.

HbA1c/C-peptide ratio is associated with angiographic thrombus burden and short-term mortality in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: Angiographic high thrombus burden (HTB) is associated with increased adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). HbA1c and C-peptide are two interrelated bioactive markers that affect many cardiovascular pathways. HbA1c exhibits prothrombogenic properties, while C-peptide, in contrast, exhibits antithrombogenic effects. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the value of combining these two biomarkers in a single fraction in predicting HTB and short-term mortality in patients with STEMI. METHODS: 1202 patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for STEMI were retrospectively included in this study. The study population was divided into thrombus burden (TB) groups and compared in terms of basic clinical demographics, laboratory parameters and HbA1c/C-peptide ratios (HCR). In addition, short-term mortality of the study population was compared according to HCR and TB categories. RESULTS: HCR values were significantly higher in the HTB group than in the LTB group (3.5 ±â€Š1.2 vs. 2.0 ±â€Š1.1; P  < 0.001; respectively). In the multivariable regression analysis, HCR was determined as an independent predictor of HTB both as a continuous variable [odds ratio (OR): 2.377; confidence interval (CI): 2.090-2.704; P  < 0.001] and as a categorical variable (OR: 5.492; CI: 4.115-7.331; P  < 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, HCR predicted HTB with 73% sensitivity and 72% specificity, and furthermore, HCR's predictive value for HTB was superior to HbA1c and C-peptide. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curve showed that short-term mortality increased at HTB. In addition, HCR strongly predicted short-term mortality in Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, HCR is closely associated with HTB and short-term mortality in STEMI patients.

Relationship between Vitamin D Level and Index of Cardio Electrophysiological Balance in Children.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with various cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, peripheral vascular diseases, and sudden cardiac death. In the literature, it has been reported that many electrocardiographic parameters have been developed to predict ventricular arrhythmias. In recent studies, it is noteworthy that the index of cardio-electrophysiological balance (iCEB) and correct cardio-electrophysiological balance (iCEBc), which are electrocardiographic parameters, can be used as new, easy, cheap and non-invasive parameters to predict ventricular arrhythmias. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and iCEB and iCEBc values in children. METHODS: A total of 186 patients were included in this study. Group 1 included 114 patients with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml; 50 patients with vitamin D levels of 21-29 ng/ml were included in Group 2; Group 3 consisted of 36 patients with a vitamin D level above 30 ng/ml. iCEB and iCEBc values were calculated by taking 12-lead ECG from all individuals and comparing them between groups. RESULTS: A total of 186 children, 114 subjects in Group 1, 36 subjects in Group 2, and 36 subjects in Group 3, were included in the study. Demographic characteristics and height-weight values of the groups were similar. Significant differences were found between the groups in terms of QT, QTc, QT/QRS, and QTc/QRS levels (p: 0.003, 0.028, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). In the correlation analysis, a negative correlation was found between QTc/QRS and vitamin D level (r=-0.320, p=<0.001) and between QT/QRS and vitamin D level (r=-0.268, p=<0.001). Moreover, vitamin D level (ß=0.389, p<0.001) was determined as an independent predictor of QTc/QRS in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: iCEB and iCEBc parameters increase significantly in children with low vitamin D levels. These parameters are also evaluated during the follow-up of children with vitamin D deficiency in terms of the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. iCEBc can be used as an easy, inexpensive, non-invasive, and reproducible parameter.

Could Zonulin and Presepsin Be Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Acute Myocarditis? / Zonulina e Presepsina Poderiam ser Biomarcadores e Alvos Terapêuticos para Miocardite Aguda?

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute myocarditis is usually made with clinical and laboratory parameters. This can sometimes be mixed up with diseases that have similar clinical features, making the diagnosis difficult. Therefore, the use of more specific biomarkers, in addition to the classically used biomarkers such as troponin, will accelerate the diagnosis. In addition, these biomarkers may help us to understand the mechanism of myocarditis development and thus predict unpredictable clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to reveal the possible relationship between intestinal permeability and acute myocarditis. METHODS: In this study, we wanted to evaluate serum levels of zonulin and presepsin in 138 consecutive subjects, including 68 patients with myocarditis and another 70 as the control group, matched for age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors. P-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, zonulin and presepsin were significantly higher in the patient group with myocarditis (p < 0.001, for all). Zonulin levels were positively correlated with presepsin, peak CK-MB, and peak troponin levels (r = 0.461, p < 0.001; r = 0.744, p < 0.001; r = 0.627, p < 0.001; respectively). In regression analysis, presepsin and zonulin were determined as independent predictors for myocarditis (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001-1.003, p = 0.025; OR 12.331, 95% CI 4.261-35.689; p < 0.001; respectively). The predictive value of acute myocarditis of presepsin and zonulin in ROC curve analysis was statistically significant (p < 0.001, for both). CONCLUSION: This study showed that zonulin and presepsin could be biomarkers that can be used in the diagnosis of myocarditis, and they can also be therapeutic targets by shedding light on the developmental mechanism of myocarditis.

FUNDAMENTO: O diagnóstico de miocardite aguda geralmente é feito diante de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais, podendo, por vezes, ser confundido com doenças que compartilham de características clínicas semelhantes, o que dificulta o diagnóstico. Sendo assim, o uso de biomarcadores mais específicos, para além dos clássicos como a troponina, acelerará o diagnóstico. Além disso, esses biomarcadores podem nos ajudar a compreender melhor o mecanismo de desenvolvimento da miocardite e, assim, prever resultados clínicos imprevisíveis. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo revelar a possível relação entre permeabilidade intestinal e miocardite aguda. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo, buscamos avaliar os níveis séricos de zonulina e presepsina em 138 indivíduos consecutivos, incluindo 68 pacientes com miocardite e outros 70 usados como grupo controle, pareados por idade, sexo e fatores de risco cardiovascular. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Em comparação com o grupo controle, zonulina e presepsina foram significativamente maiores no grupo de pacientes com miocardite (p < 0,001, para todos). Os níveis de zonulina foram positivamente correlacionados com presepsina, pico de CK-MB e níveis máximos de troponina (r = 0,461, p < 0,001; r = 0,744, p < 0,001; r = 0,627, p < 0,001; respectivamente). Na análise de regressão, presepsina e zonulina foram determinadas como preditores independentes para miocardite (OR de 1,002, IC de 95% 1,001-1,003, p = 0,025; OR de 12,331, IC de 95% 4,261-35,689; p < 0,001; respectivamente). O valor preditivo de miocardite aguda de presepsina e zonulina na análise da curva ROC foi estatisticamente significativo (p < 0,001, para ambos). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostrou que a zonulina e a presepsina podem ser biomarcadores para o diagnóstico de miocardite e também podem ser alvos terapêuticos para esclarecer o mecanismo de desenvolvimento da miocardite.

Rationale, Design, and Methodology of the MORCOR-TURK Trial: Predictors of In-hospital MORtality in CORonary Care Patients in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Coronary care units are sophisticated clinics established to reduce deaths due to acute cardiovascular events. Current data on coronary care unit mortality rates and predictors of mortality in Turkey are very limited. The MORtality predictors in CORonary care units in TURKey (MORCOR-TURK) trial was designed to provide information on the mortality rates and predictors in patients followed in coronary care units in Turkey. METHODS: The MORCOR-TURK trial will be a national, observational, multicenter, and noninterventional study conducted in Turkey. The study population will include coronary care unit patients from 50 centers selected from all regions in Turkey. All consecutive patients admitted to coronary care units with cardiovascular diagnoses between 1 and 30 September 2022 will be prospectively enrolled. All data will be collected at one point in time, and the current clinical practice will be evaluated (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05296694). In the first step of the study, admission diagnoses, demographic characteristics, basic clinical and laboratory data, and in-hospital management will be assessed. At the end of the first step, the predictors and rates of in-hospital mortality will be documented. The second step will be in cohort design, and discharged patients will be followed up till 1 year. Predictors of short- and long-term mortality will be assessed. Moreover, a new coronary care unit mortality score will be generated with data acquired from this cohort. RESULTS: The short-term outcomes of the study are planned to be shared by early 2023. CONCLUSION: The MORCOR-TURK trial will be the largest and most comprehensive study in Turkey evaluating the rates and predictors of in-hospital mortality of patients admitted to coronary care units.

Can increased intestinal permeability and low-grade endotoxemia be the triggering pathogenesis in isolated coronary artery ectasia?

PURPOSE: Isolated coronary artery ectasia (ICAE) is a rare coronary artery disease (CAD) encountered during coronary angiography. Although many mechanisms have been suggested today that may be associated with ICAE, the underlying pathogenesis has not been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to reveal the possible relationship between intestinal permeability and ICAE. METHODS: Of the 12 850 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 138 consecutive patients with ICAE and 140 age- and sex-matched subjects with normal coronary arteries as the control group and 140 subjects with stenotic CAD were included in the study. RESULTS: Serum zonulin and lipopolysaccharide levels were significantly higher in patients with ICAE than in the control group and CAD group. Additionally, zonulin and lipopolysaccharide levels were significantly higher in the CAD group than in the ICAE group. In the correlation analysis, serum zonulin levels were correlated with the mean diameter and length of the ecstatic segment. In multivariate analysis, zonulin and lipopolysaccharide were identified as independent predictors for ICAE. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there may be a pathophysiological relationship between increased intestinal permeability and ICAE.

C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio as a Novel Predictor of Contrast Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris.

The relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with acute coronary syndrome has been reported. However, the relevance of CAR in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) has not been clarified. We hypothesized that CAR might predict the development of CIN in patients with SAP undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). Patients (n = 554) with SAP who underwent CAG were included in the study. CIN was defined as a ≥25% increase in serum creatinine compared with baseline value within 72 h of CAG. Participants were divided into two groups: CIN (n = 87) and non-CIN (n = 467). Age, CRP, CAR, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), urea, uric acid, contrast medium volume, the percent of percutaneous coronary intervention were significantly greater, whereas albumin and high-density lipoprotein were significantly lower in the CIN group than non-CIN group (p < .05, for all). Multivariate analysis showed that CAR was the only independent predictor for CIN (odds ratio = 7.065, 95% confidence interval (CI); 3.279-15.221, p < .001). Receiver operating characteristic ROC analysis showed that a CAR ≥ 0.1164 could predict CIN (sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 72%; area under curve = 0.736; 95% CI: 0.677-0.795, p < .001). CAR was significantly greater in patients who developed CIN and this independently predicted CIN.

Ectodysplasin A is associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease and poor long-term clinical outcome in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: Hepatokines are proteins secreted by hepatocytes and many hepatokines such as fetuin A/B, selenoprotein P have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of many metabolic dysfunctions such as diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome by showing autocrine, paracrine and systemic effects. Ectodysplasin A (EDA) is a recently discovered hepatokine that plays a role in the development of ectodermal structures. In recent studies, it has been revealed that EDA may be associated with the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic liver disease, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The close relationship between these metabolic diseases and coronary artery disease (CAD), which may be associated with insulin resistance, has been well documented in previous studies. However, until now, there is no study examining the relationship of EDA with CAD and its effect on long-term outcomes. In this study, we aim to reveal this relationship on patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: EDA levels of 544 patients who applied to the study with STEMI and 544 people without coronary artery disease were included in the control group, and the patients with STEMI were followed for median of 33.7 ± 6.8 months. RESULTS: We found that EDA levels were significantly higher in patients with STEMI and that EDA levels were proportional to the severity of CAD (p < 0.001) also EDA levels may be an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome in patients with STEMI. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EDA is closely related to the presence and severity of CAD.

Zonulina e Presepsina Poderiam ser Biomarcadores e Alvos Terapêuticos para Miocardite Aguda? / Could Zonulin and Presepsin Be Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Acute Myocarditis?

Resumo Fundamento O diagnóstico de miocardite aguda geralmente é feito diante de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais, podendo, por vezes, ser confundido com doenças que compartilham de características clínicas semelhantes, o que dificulta o diagnóstico. Sendo assim, o uso de biomarcadores mais específicos, para além dos clássicos como a troponina, acelerará o diagnóstico. Além disso, esses biomarcadores podem nos ajudar a compreender melhor o mecanismo de desenvolvimento da miocardite e, assim, prever resultados clínicos imprevisíveis. Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo revelar a possível relação entre permeabilidade intestinal e miocardite aguda. Métodos Neste estudo, buscamos avaliar os níveis séricos de zonulina e presepsina em 138 indivíduos consecutivos, incluindo 68 pacientes com miocardite e outros 70 usados como grupo controle, pareados por idade, sexo e fatores de risco cardiovascular. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Em comparação com o grupo controle, zonulina e presepsina foram significativamente maiores no grupo de pacientes com miocardite (p < 0,001, para todos). Os níveis de zonulina foram positivamente correlacionados com presepsina, pico de CK-MB e níveis máximos de troponina (r = 0,461, p < 0,001; r = 0,744, p < 0,001; r = 0,627, p < 0,001; respectivamente). Na análise de regressão, presepsina e zonulina foram determinadas como preditores independentes para miocardite (OR de 1,002, IC de 95% 1,001-1,003, p = 0,025; OR de 12,331, IC de 95% 4,261-35,689; p < 0,001; respectivamente). O valor preditivo de miocardite aguda de presepsina e zonulina na análise da curva ROC foi estatisticamente significativo (p < 0,001, para ambos). Conclusão Este estudo mostrou que a zonulina e a presepsina podem ser biomarcadores para o diagnóstico de miocardite e também podem ser alvos terapêuticos para esclarecer o mecanismo de desenvolvimento da miocardite.

Abstract Background The diagnosis of acute myocarditis is usually made with clinical and laboratory parameters. This can sometimes be mixed up with diseases that have similar clinical features, making the diagnosis difficult. Therefore, the use of more specific biomarkers, in addition to the classically used biomarkers such as troponin, will accelerate the diagnosis. In addition, these biomarkers may help us to understand the mechanism of myocarditis development and thus predict unpredictable clinical outcomes. Objective This study aims to reveal the possible relationship between intestinal permeability and acute myocarditis. Methods In this study, we wanted to evaluate serum levels of zonulin and presepsin in 138 consecutive subjects, including 68 patients with myocarditis and another 70 as the control group, matched for age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors. P-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results Compared to the control group, zonulin and presepsin were significantly higher in the patient group with myocarditis (p < 0.001, for all). Zonulin levels were positively correlated with presepsin, peak CK-MB, and peak troponin levels (r = 0.461, p < 0.001; r = 0.744, p < 0.001; r = 0.627, p < 0.001; respectively). In regression analysis, presepsin and zonulin were determined as independent predictors for myocarditis (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001-1.003, p = 0.025; OR 12.331, 95% CI 4.261-35.689; p < 0.001; respectively). The predictive value of acute myocarditis of presepsin and zonulin in ROC curve analysis was statistically significant (p < 0.001, for both). Conclusion This study showed that zonulin and presepsin could be biomarkers that can be used in the diagnosis of myocarditis, and they can also be therapeutic targets by shedding light on the developmental mechanism of myocarditis.

The Safety and Tolerability of Nebivolol in Hypertensive Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ≥ 40%: A Population-Based Cohort Study (Nebivolol-TR Study).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the safety and tolerability of nebivolol in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% in a Turkish cohort. METHODS: A total of 1015 hypertensive patients and coronary artery disease with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% were analyzed from 29 different centers in Turkey. Primary outcomes were the mean change in blood pressure and heart rate. Secondary outcomes were to assess the rate of reaching targeted blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg) and heart rate (<60 bpm) and the changes in the clinical symptoms (angina and dyspnea). Adverse clinical events and clinical outcomes including cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospital admissions, or acute cardiac event were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 60.3 ± 11.5 years (male: 54.2%). During a mean follow-up of 6 months, the mean change in blood pressure was -11.2 ± 23.5/-5.1 ± 13.5 mmHg, and the resting heart rate was -12.1 ± 3.5 bpm. Target blood pressure and heart rate were achieved in 76.5% and 37.7% of patients. Angina and functional classifications were improved by at least 1 or more categories in 31% and 23.2% of patients. No serious adverse events related to nebivolol were reported. The most common cardiovascular side effect was symptomatic hypotension (4.2%). The discontinuation rate was 1.7%. Cardiovascular hospital admission rate was 5% and hospitalization due to heart failure was 1.9% during 6 months' follow-up. Cardiovascular mortality rate was 0.1%. CONCLUSION: Nebivolol was well tolerated and safe for achieving blood pressure and heart rate control in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction.