Optimal folic acid dosage in lowering homocysteine: Precision Folic Acid Trial to lower homocysteine (PFAT-Hcy).

BACKGROUND: While folic acid (FA) is widely used to treat elevated total homocysteine (tHcy), promoting vascular health by reducing vascular oxidative stress and modulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase, the optimal daily dose and individual variation by MTHFR C677T genotypes have not been well studied. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the efficacy of eight different FA dosages on tHcy lowering in the overall sample and by MTHFR C677T genotypes. METHODS: This multicentered, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial included 2697 eligible hypertensive adults with elevated tHcy (≥ 10 mmol/L) and without history of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Participants were randomized into eight dose groups of FA combined with 10 mg enalapril maleate, taken daily for 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The intent to treat analysis included 2163 participants. In the overall sample, increasing FA dosage led to steady tHcy reduction within the FA dosing range of 0-1.2 mg. However, a plateau in tHcy lowering was observed in FA dose range of 1.2-1.6 mg, indicating a ceiling effect. In contrast, FA doses were positively and linearly associated with serum folate levels without signs of plateau. Among MTHFR genotype subgroups, participants with the TT genotype showed greater efficacy of FA in tHcy lowering. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized trial lent further support to the efficacy of FA in lowering tHcy; more importantly, it provided critically needed evidence to inform optimal FA dosage. We found that the efficacy of FA in lowering tHcy reaches a plateau if the daily dosage exceeds 1.2 mg, and only has a small gain by increasing the dosage from 0.8 to 1.2 mg. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03472508 (Registration Date: March 21, 2018).

MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism in patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension treated with enalapril and folic acid: implications for prognosis.

We aimed to investigate the effect of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism on the prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension treated with enalapril and folic acid. A total of 540 CHD patients diagnosed by coronary angiography in our hospital were selected. According to whether there was folic acid intervention, they were divided into a folic acid group, a non-folic acid group and a control group. The genotypes of the MTHFR C677T locus were detected. Hcy concentration and the folate content were determined. In folic acid group, enalapril and folic acid tablets were used to reduce blood pressure, and clopidogrel or ticagrelor were selected according to CYP2C19 genotypes. In non-folic acid group, enalapril tablets were used, and clopidogrel or ticagrelor were selected based on CYP2C19 genotyping. Routine treatment without intervention was used in control group. Patients were prescribed standardized drug treatment and were followed up by an outpatient service or by telephone for 12 months after discharge. We found that the number and proportion of MTHFR C677T gene mutations in the folic acid group, non-folic acid group and control group were 150 (83.3%), 142 (78.9%) and 144 (80.0%), respectively. The recurrence rate of cardiovascular events in the folic acid and non-folic acid groups was significantly lower, and the degree of reduction in the recurrence rate of cardiovascular events in the folic acid and non-folic acid groups was significantly different. The concentrations of TG, TC, and LDL-C in folate and non-folic groups were lower, while HDL-C was higher than that in control group. To sum up, screening high-risk populations with genotypes has great significance in improving the clinical outcome of CHD patients with H-type hypertension. Folic acid supplementation improves the compliance rate of patients' blood pressure levels and improves their clinical prognosis as well.

A Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Efficacy of Sacubitril Valsartan Sodium and Enalapril in Patients with Non-Valvular Ejection Fraction Reduction in Heart Failure.

Objective: Heart failure is a common cardiovascular disease, and its prevalence is increasing year by year. For patients with heart failure combined with non-valvular reduced ejection fraction, drug therapy has always been a key treatment. This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of sacubitril valsartan sodium and enalapril in such patients. Methods: Study design: This study used a prospective observational design. From February 2020 to February 2022, we included 123 patients with non-valvular heart failure and reduced ejection fraction who were treated in Xingtai Third Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment plan: Group A (n=61) received enalapril, and Group B (n=62) received nifedipine. All patients received conventional treatment. We compared the efficacy of the two groups of patients 8 weeks after treatment. During the study, the laboratory indicators, echocardiographic indicators, cardiovascular markers, and possible adverse reactions of the two groups of patients before and after treatment were recorded. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, the effective rate of group B was higher than group A (P < .05). There were no differences in the levels of total protein, total bilirubin, total cholesterol and serum creatinine between the two groups before and after treatment (P > .05). The serum creatinine level in the two groups after treatment was higher than that before treatment, and the level in group B was lower than that in group A (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of total protein, total bilirubin and total cholesterol between the two groups before and after treatment (P > .05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the level of serum creatinine between the two groups before treatment (P > .05), and the level of serum creatinine after treatment was higher than that before treatment, and the level of group B was lower than that of group A (P < .05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the levels of high-sensitive troponin T and n-terminal brain natriuretic peptide and cyclic guanosine phosphate between the two groups (P > .05). After treatment, the levels of high-sensitive troponin T and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and those in group B were lower than those in group A. The level of cyclic guanosine phosphate in group A was lower than that before treatment, the level of cyclic guanosine phosphate in group B was higher than that before treatment, and the level of group B was higher than that of group A (P < .05). The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in group B was lower than that in group A (P < .05).In this study, the effective rate of treatment group B was significantly higher than that of treatment group A, indicating that treatment group B had a better therapeutic effect. In addition, there were no significant differences between the two groups in a series of biochemical parameters, but it is worth noting that after treatment, the serum creatinine level of group B was significantly lower than that of group A, which may indicate that the treatment of group B is not only more effective but also Reduces the risk of certain adverse cardiovascular events. Conclusion: The main findings of the study showed that Sacubitril valsartan sodium showed better clinical efficacy than enalapril in patients with heart failure and non-valvular reduced ejection fraction. Specifically, the drug significantly improved patients' kidney function, reduced cardiovascular marker levels, and reduced the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. These findings have important clinical implications for guiding treatment selection in patients with heart failure.

Captopril to Lisinopril Conversion in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Patients Less Than 7 Years of Age (RISE-7).

Hypertension after cardiothoracic surgery is common, often requiring pharmacologic management. The recommended first-line antihypertensives in pediatrics are angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Captopril and enalapril are approved for infants and children; however, lisinopril is only approved for > 7 years of age. This study evaluated safety and efficacy of converting from captopril to lisinopril in patients utilizing a pre-defined conversion of 3 mg captopril to 1 mg lisinopril. This was a single center, retrospective study including patients less than 7 years of age admitted for cardiothoracic surgery who received both captopril and lisinopril from 01/01/2017 to 06/01/2022.The primary outcome was mean change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from baseline for 72 h after conversion of captopril to lisinopril. A total of 99 patients were enrolled. There was a significant decrease in mean SBP (99.12 mmHg vs 94.86 mmHg; p = 0.007) with no difference in DBP (59.23 mmHg vs 61.95 mmHg; p = 0.07) after conversion to lisinopril. Of the 99 patients who were transitioned to lisinopril, 79 (80%) had controlled SBP, 20 (20%) remained hypertensive, 13 (13%) received an increase in their lisinopril dose, and 2 (2%) required an additional antihypertensive agent. There was a low overall rate of AKI (3%) and hyperkalemia (4%) respectively. This study demonstrates that utilizing lisinopril with a conversion rate of 3 mg of captopril to 1 mg of lisinopril was safe and effective for controlling hypertension in pediatric patients following cardiothoracic surgery.

The first description of mucous membrane pemphigoid induced by enalapril maleate: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune blistering disease (AIBD). Some reports suggest that it has a drug-related pathogenesis especially anti-hypertensive drug. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man with a 7-year history of essential hypertension was prescribed enalapril maleate for 5 months. He presented at our department with pain, ulcers, and blisters on the oral mucosa. We performed clinical, histopathology, and direct immunofluorescence examinations, and findings were consistent with the diagnostic criteria for MMP. Consequently, we consulted with the cardiovascular physician and agreed to discontinue the enalapril maleate replacing it with irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets and topical corticosteroid therapies instead. The lesions healed without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: ABID induced by antihypertensive drugs have been reported, and enalapril maleate has been implicated as an antihypertensive agent that may trigger AIBDs, such as MMP. This case highlights the potential relationship between antihypertensive drugs and MMP, of which clinicians should be aware to accurately diagnose and promptly relieve patients' pain.

The Novel, Clinical-Stage Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Activator BI 685509 Protects from Disease Progression in Models of Renal Injury and Disease.

Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to restore cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and improve functionality of nitric oxide (NO) pathways impaired by oxidative stress is a potential treatment of diabetic and chronic kidney disease. We report the pharmacology of BI 685509, a novel, orally active small molecule sGC activator with disease-modifying potential. BI 685509 and human sGC α1/ß1 heterodimer containing a reduced heme group produced concentration-dependent increases in cGMP that were elevated modestly by NO, whereas heme-free sGC and BI 685509 greatly enhanced cGMP with no effect of NO. BI 685509 increased cGMP in human and rat platelet-rich plasma treated with the heme-oxidant ODQ; respective EC50 values were 467 nM and 304 nM. In conscious telemetry-instrumented rats, BI 685509 did not affect mean arterial pressure (MAP) or heart rate (HR) at 3 and 10 mg/kg (p.o.), whereas 30 mg/kg decreased MAP and increased HR. Ten days of BI 685509 at supratherapeutic doses (60 or 100 mg/kg p.o., daily) attenuated MAP and HR responses to a single 100 mg/kg challenge. In the ZSF1 rat model, BI 685509 (1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg per day, daily) coadministered with enalapril (3 mg/kg per day) dose-dependently reduced proteinuria and incidence of glomerular sclerosis; MAP was modestly reduced at the higher doses versus enalapril. In the 7-day rat unilateral ureteral obstruction model, BI 685509 dose-dependently reduced tubulointerstitial fibrosis (P < 0.05 at 30 mg/kg). In conclusion, BI 685509 is a potent, orally bioavailable sGC activator with clear renal protection and antifibrotic activity in preclinical models of kidney injury and disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: BI 685509 is a novel small soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) molecule activator that exhibits an in vitro profile consistent with that of an sGC activator. BI 685509 reduced proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in the ZSF1 rat, a model of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and reduced tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a rat 7-day unilateral ureteral obstruction model. Thus, BI 685509 is a promising new therapeutic agent and is currently in phase II clinical trials for chronic kidney disease and DKD.

Risk Factors of Dementia in Patients with Cerebral Vascular Diseases Based on Taiwan National Health Insurance Data.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular factors have been shown to be associated with increased risk of dementia. However, clinical trials have so far been unsuccessful, suggesting new approaches are needed. The aim of this study was to use population-based real-world data to investigate risk factors and preventive factors for dementia, including the effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using LHID2000, a dataset randomly selected from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Subjects with occlusion and stenosis of precerebral and cerebral arteries, cerebral atherosclerosis without mention of cerebral infarction, and transient cerebral ischemia were included. Subjects with dementia at baseline were excluded. The primary endpoint was dementia. Data for demographic and clinical comorbid status and treatments administered at baseline in 2000 and at the end of follow-up in 2013 were included. RESULTS: A total of 4,207 subjects with cerebral vascular disease and no cognitive impairment were included, of whom 392 converted to dementia during an average 5.15-year (SD: 3.79) follow-up. Depression (adjusted HR: 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.09), osteoporosis (adjusted HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04-1.74), and the use of enalapril (adjusted HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09-1.73) were risk factors for dementia, while nitroglycerin (adjusted HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53-0.85) was a protecting factor, in subjects with cerebrovascular diseases without mention of cerebral infarction. In total, statins were shown to be associated with decreased risk of dementia (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.91); however, no one statin subtype or TCM had such an effect. CONCLUSION: Depression, osteoporosis, and the use of enalapril were associated with a higher risk of dementia, while nitroglycerin might be a protecting factor for dementia, in subjects with cerebrovascular diseases without mention of cerebral infarction.

Efficacy and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Japanese Patients With Heart Failure According to Baseline Systolic Blood Pressure　- Results From a Subgroup Analysis of the PARALLEL-HF Study.

BACKGROUND: Lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) is known to be associated with poor prognosis in heart failure (HF). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan according to baseline SBP tertiles in Japanese patients from the PARALLEL-HF study.Methods and Results: In all, 223 patients were stratified into tertiles according to baseline SBP (≤114 mmHg: n=75; >114 and ≤130 mmHg: n=76; and >130 mmHg: n=72). Patients with lower SBP (≤114 mmHg) had the highest median N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations at baseline (P=0.0184). No significant difference was observed between sacubitril/valsartan and enalapril for the composite outcome of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization across SBP tertiles (P-interaction=0.2682). Although the P-interaction value was not significant (0.2106), a greater reduction in NT-proBNP with sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril was observed in patients with SBP >130 mmHg (P=0.0076). The incidence of hypotension-related events and reduction or discontinuation of treatment due to hypotension-related events was higher in the lower SBP subgroup, and these events were more frequent in the sacubitril/valsartan than enalapril group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril was consistent across baseline SBP tertiles in Japanese patients from the PARALLEL-HF study. Hypotension-related events were more common in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan with lower SBP.

Long-Term Treatment With Sacubitril/Valsartan in Japanese Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction　- Open-Label Extension of the PARALLEL-HF Study.

BACKGROUND: The PARALLEL-HF study assessed the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan vs. enalapril in Japanese patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This open-label extension (OLE) assessed long-term safety with sacubitril/valsartan.Methods and Results: This study enrolled 150 patients who received sacubitril/valsartan 50 or 100 mg, b.i.d., in addition to optimal background heart failure (HF) therapy. A dose level of sacubitril/valsartan 200 mg, b.i.d., was targeted by Week 8. At OLE baseline, higher concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and urine cGMP, and lower concentrations of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), were observed in the sacubitril/valsartan core group (patients who received sacubitril/valsartan in both the core and extension study) than in the enalapril core group (patients who received enalapril in the core study and were then transitioned to sacubitril/valsartan). The mean exposure to study drug was 98.9%. There was no trend of worsening of HF at Month 12. No obvious changes in cardiac biomarkers were observed, whereas BNP and urine cGMP increased and NT-proBNP decreased in the enalapril core group, which was evident at Weeks 2-4 and sustained to Month 12. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term sacubitril/valsartan at doses up to 200 mg, b.i.d., has a positive risk-benefit profile; it was safe and well tolerated in Japanese patients with chronic HFrEF.

Impact of a combination of pimobendan, furosemide, and enalapril on heart rate variability in naturally occurring, symptomatic, myxomatous mitral valve degeneration dogs.

BACKGROUND: Pimobendan, diuretics, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) are widely used for the management of chronic valvular heart disease in dogs; however, the effects of that combination on heart rate variability (HRV) are unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the HRV of symptomatic myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) dogs in response to therapy with a combination of pimobendan, diuretics, and ACEi. RESULTS: MMVD stage C (n = 17) dogs were enrolled and a 1-hour Holter recording together with echocardiography, blood pressure measurement, and blood chemistry profiles were obtained before and 1, 3, and 6 months after oral treatment with pimobendan (0.25 mg/kg), enalapril (0.5 mg/kg), and furosemide (2 mg/kg) twice daily. The results revealed that MMVD stage C dogs at the baseline had lower values of time-domain indices, low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and total power, as well as higher value of LF/HF. Triple therapy significantly increases these parameters in MMVD stage C dogs (P < 0.05). A positive moderate correlation was observed between time domain parameters and a left ventricular internal diastole diameter normalized to body weight (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that MMVD stage C dogs possess low HRV due to either the withdrawal of parasympathetic tone or enhanced sympathetic activation, and a combination therapy was shown to enhance cardiac autonomic modulation inferred from the increased heart rate variability. Therefore, a combination therapy may be useful for restoring normal autonomic nervous system activity in dogs with MMVD stage C.

Sex Differences in Glomerular Lesions, in Atherosclerosis Progression, and in the Response to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in the ApoE-/- Mice Model.

This study analyzes sex-based differences in renal structure and the response to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Eight weeks old ApoE-/- mice received enalapril (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) or PBS (control) for an additional 14 weeks. Each group consisted of six males and six females. Females exhibited elevated LDL-cholesterol levels, while males presented higher creatinine levels and proteinuria. Enalapril effectively reduced blood pressure in both groups, but proteinuria decreased significantly only in females. Plaque size analysis and assessment of kidney inflammation revealed no significant sex-based differences. However, males displayed more severe glomerular injury, with increased mesangial expansion, mesangiolysis, glomerular foam cells, and activated parietal epithelial cells (PECs). Enalapril mitigated mesangial expansion, glomerular inflammation (particularly in the female group), and hypertrophy of the PECs in males. This study demonstrates sex-based differences in the response to enalapril in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Males exhibited more severe glomerular injury, while enalapril provided renal protection, particularly in females. These findings suggest potential sex-specific considerations for ACE inhibitor therapy in chronic kidney disease and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism behind these observations.

Enhanced bioavailability and pharmacokinetics parameters of Enalapril solid self nanoemulsifying oral dispersible tablet: formulation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Enalapril (EN) is an antihypertensive drug that is sparingly soluble in water with limited oral bioavailability. Successfully prepared self-nanoemulsifying systems (SNES) loaded with EN were developed. The solubility of EN in different oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants was tested. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed, and various SNES formulations were prepared and evaluated regarding content uniformity, emulsification time, droplet size (DS), and zeta potential (ZP). The selected system was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Systems (SSNES) were formulated using Avicel® PH101 carrier and Aerosil® 200 adsorbent to form a free-flowing powder. The powder was formulated as an oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) using superdisintegrants and tested for physicochemical properties and stability. Finally, an in vivo pharmacokinetic study in healthy human volunteers was carried out. The composition of the selected SNES was 10% Labrafil®, 60% Tween 80, and 30% Transcutol® HP. It developed with an emulsification time of 21 sec, DP range of 60.16 nm, ZP of 1.17 mV, and spherical-shaped globules. The accelerated stability testing proved that there was no significant difference in physical properties after storage for 3 months. The percentage of relative bioavailability for formula F2 was 112.04%. The results of this study proved that the prepared EN-SSNES ODT represents a novel formulation alternative to the currently marketed tablet.

MULTIPLE KERATINOCYTIC CANCERS AFTER ENALAPRIL/LOSARTAN INTAKE: POTENTIAL LINKS TO DRUG MEDIATED NITROSOGENESIS/CARCINOGENESIS: MELOLABIAL ADVANCED FLAP AND UNDERMINING SURGERY AS OPTIMAL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH.

According to scientific databases, nitrosogenesis and carcinogenesis have been inextricably linked for decades and are undoubtedly one of the most serious causes of cancer induction (not only skin cancer) known to humankind.Some of the most potent modifiers of human DNA turn out to be numerous, known since the last century, difficult to classify as carcinogenic potency, yet available for decades as additional, unregulated, often undisclosed ingredients in about (currently) 300 drugs used by at least 5 billion patients worldwide. While this may sound ridiculous, this information turns out to be reality. A reality accompanied by a drastic jump in the incidence of skin cancers (keratinocytic and melanoma), but also of predicted general cancers, in relation to the year 2040 and disclosed by Globocan.Starting from the thesis of nitrosogenesis and possible contamination with mutagens, we present a case of a 95-year-old female who developed 13 keratinocytic tumors within the potentially/actually contaminated intake of drugs from the group of ACE inhibitors/Enalapril and Sartans/Losartan. A correlation was made between the carcinogenic potency of the possible contaminants (according to the 2023 FDA classification) and the number of cancers occurring within that intake follow-up.The patient was successfully treated surgically with a melolabial flap for the high-risk tumor under the right eyelid and multiple elliptical excisions for the remaining tumors, followed by extension flaps to cover the defects. The role of nitrosogenesis and its relationship to keratinocytic cancers is discussed and analyzed.

METATYPICAL BCCS OF THE NOSE TREATED SUCCESSFULLY VIA BILOBED TRANSPOSITION FLAP: NITROSAMINES IN ACES (ENALAPRIL), ARBS (LOSARTAN) AS POSSIBLE SKIN CANCER KEY TRIGGERING FACTOR.

The pathogenesis of keratinocytic skin cancer has been well-studied over the years, with a main focus on the influence of UV radiation and the subsequent changes in the genome regulator p53, which affects the cell cycle and the programmed cell death, apoptosis. Alarming and relatively new trend is the link between nitrosamines in blood pressure medications (but not only) and the development of both melanocytic and keratinocytic skin tumors. In the recent past, high concentrations (above the so-called daily acceptable intake dose) of nitrosamines in ACE inhibitors and sartans became the reason for some of these medications to be officially withdrawn from the drug market. As of now, and according to the lawsuits filed, contamination with even or just one nitrosamine could be the cause of lawsuits for between 5 to 10 forms of cancer overall. Single case reports, but also large-scale retrospective international studies, find a connection between the intake of possibly nitrosamine contaminated ACE inhibitors/sartans with the subsequent development of basal cell carcinomas. The same studies also found a serious risk of developing melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas after taking ACE inhibitors, thiazide diuretics and sartans. This, in turn, leads clinicians to ponder the following dilemma: Is it possible that the key pathogenetic link concerning the development of skin cancer is due to their radically different mechanism of action (ACEs/ARBs/Thiazides)? Or, more likely, in all three antihypertensive drug classes, such as sartans, ACE inhibitors, and thiazide diuretics, there is another cancer-causing contaminant, the so-called nitrosamines? Systemic intake of potentially nitrosamine-contaminated sartans and ACE inhibitors would logically lead to the generation of relatively uniform skin tumors. Proceeding precisely from this thesis, we present two non-related cases of metatypical basal cell carcinomas in the nasal area, which occurred during the administration of ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and were successfully treated by transpositional reconstructive flap - bilobed flap. Possible contamination with nitrosamines as a pathogenetically significant factor is discussed.

MULTIPLE BCCS AND DYSPLASTIC NEVI AFTER ACE INHIBITORS (ENALAPRIL/PERINDOPRIL): THE ROLE OF NITROSAMINE CONTAMINATION/AVAILABILITY AS SUBSTANTIAL SKIN CANCER TRIGGERING FACTOR.

Nitrosamines as contaminants in a wide variety of drugs are also found to be one of the most likely causes of skin cancer. A detailed analysis of this contamination could in the near future solve to a large extent the puzzle of carcinogenesis concerning the keratinocytic forms of cancer and melanoma. But also, probably cancer in general. Over 80% of skin cancer is due to acquired mutations, and nitrosamines, which are contained as contamination in certain batches of the most commonly distributed drugs worldwide (such as sartans, ACE inhibitors, ranitidine, metformin, hydrochlorothiazide, rifampicin, and a number of others.) are considered among the most powerful external mutagens, carcinogens. Carcinogens that until 2021 were not supposed to be present in medicines and carcinogens for which it was subsequently decided to create a regulatory regime for permissible availability. Regardless of whether these contaminants are applied within the so-called daily acceptable intake dose or many times above it, the problem with the availability of nitrosamines continues to be present. It is also caused by the lack of reflection of the concentration of the corresponding nitrosamine in a certain drug. Thus, it is impossible to calculate the ˝permissible daily intake of the total number of mutagens and their concentration based on polymedication˝. In practice, drug manufacturers distribute nitrosamines in parallel with drugs, although they are not listed as a component of the product but are identified and allowed as contamination or substances with permissible availability by the EMA/FDA. From another point of view, the fact that is not commented on is also of interest, namely that not all batches are affected by this contamination. This suggests that the contamination may have been controlled, since in a manufacturing error the contamination should be widespread. The registration of the potential contamination of a heterogeneous type of medicinal products on the European market to the executive agencies for drug control in certain geographical areas has remained for years without any answer and opens a number of questions. The problem with ACE inhibitors is similar to that with sartans, hydrochlorothiazide, metformin, and ranitidine. The ˝special impression˝ of the clinicians is determined by the fact that the patterns of manifestation of the skin tumors during the administration of a heterogeneous class of medications are similar to completely identical. From this it could be concluded that the unifying factor between the pattern of occurrence could not be based on the action of the main substance of each drug class, since it remains to be radically different. The unifying link remains the sole and only contamination or the permissible already availability of a new ingredient known as nitrosamines. We present cases of multiple basal cell carcinomas and dysplastic nevi following enalapril and perindopril administration. The role of potential contamination of ACE inhibitors with nitrosamines for the development of skin cancer is discussed.

NITROSOGENESIS OF SKIN CANCER: THE NITROSAMINE CONTAMINATION IN THE CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS (AMLODIPINE), BETA BLOCKERS (BISOPROLOL), SARTANS (VALSARTAN/LOSARTAN), ACE INHIBITORS (PERINDOPRIL/ENALAPRIL), TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS (MELITRACEN), SSRIS (PAROXETINE), SNRIS (VENLAFAXINE) AND METFORMIN: THE MOST PROBABLE EXPLANATION FOR THE RISING SKIN CANCER INCIDENCE.

The Nitrosogenesis of skin cancer is a newly introduced concept in medical science, the significance of which is yet to be the subject of detailed analyses and discussions. Contamination of the most commonly used drugs for systemic treatment worldwide (such as Angiotensin receptor II blockers/ARBs, ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers, Thiazide diuretics, Metformin, Ranitidine, Nizatidine, tricyclic antidepressants, anticoagulants/dabigatran, Rifampicin, calcium channel blockers, SSRIs/ selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Varenicline) is already a fact and is more than worrying but also indicative. It is "this relationship" that has been repeatedly described in the medical literature (initially) as an association, and subsequently now increasingly as a causal relationship, a pathogenetic relationship. Observational data from clinicians over the past year increasingly speak in favour of a pathogenetic link and associate every single drug declared as contaminated with the development of heterogeneous forms of skin cancer gradually and surely. New drugs are added monthly that have not yet been declared as actually/potentially contaminated but are probably known to regulatory authorities or are in the process of being clarified. In parallel, the number of nitrosamines identified as contaminants in medicines is growing. This should not be surprising to anyone: ˝You take 3 drugs contaminated with mutagens- you subsequently develop skin cancer˝. Polymorbidity and multimedication against the background of polycontamination with nitrosamines appears to be the most serious problem at present. While until recently polymorbidity was considered to be a key factor in carcinogenesis (generator, trigger, inducer), today this dogma should be re-examined or looked at from another, radically different angle: from the angle of polycontamination to multimedication within polymorbidity. It is this that could provide a good explanation for the pandemic concerning skin cancer, for example. The development of relatively identical patterns of manifestation of skin tumors after concomitant intake of drugs declared as contaminated (drugs from the classes already mentioned above/ with radically different mechanism of action) supports unequivocally the thesis that: the nitrosogenesis of skin cancer is an undeniable fact that should be studied in detail. Studied because it could be eliminated. The analysis presented within this scientific thesis concerns 4 polymorbid patients who developed skin tumors within the framework of the multimedication they were assigned. The concomitant intake of medications declared as contaminated (in the presented patients) led to the manifestation of single or multiple skin neoplasms that were successfully treated surgically. Once again, the importance of potential/actual contamination of beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, oral antidiabetic drugs, and sartans in the generation of 1) non-melanocytic forms of skin cancer, and 2) melanoma precursor lesions or so-called dysplastic moles is established and validated. The possible contamination with nitrosamines of 1) other types of tricyclic antidepressant- Melitracen; 2) antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class: Paroxetine; 3) antidepressant of the serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) class: Venlafaxine, as well as of the systemic anticoagulant: apixaban is highlighted for the first time in the world literature.

MANAGEMENT OF RISKS OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS ACCORDING TO ADR REPORT FORM DATA FROM LVIV REGION HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN 2022.

The study aimed to analyse the adverse drug reactions report form data received by the State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine from healthcare professionals in the Lviv region in 2022. Regarding specific types of medicines, the ones with proven cause-and-effect relationships that caused the highest frequency of adverse drug reactions incidents were chemotherapeutic agents (35.5%), medicines affecting the cardiovascular system (20.3%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (8%). Within the penicillin class, amoxicillin potentiated by clavulanate (67%) and amoxicillin (29%) were the dominant drugs showing the highest incidence rate of adverse reactions. Among cephalosporins, ceftriaxone (46%) and cefixime (15%) were found to take the lead in terms of adverse reaction frequency. The highest proportion among all adverse drug reactions caused by penicillins and cephalosporins was attributed to allergic reactions. To confirm or rule out immediate or delayed type allergies in patients, as well as in patients with a history of immediate-type allergic reactions to ß-lactams and planned administration of another ß-lactam, it is necessary to conduct skin testing (skin prick test, or, in the case of parenteral administration, intradermal test) with the planned ß-lactam antibiotic. The second highest proportion of induced adverse drug reactions was attributed to drugs affecting the cardiovascular system (20.3%). The leading medications in the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors category were enalapril (47%) and the combination of lisinopril with hydrochlorothiazide (24%). In the angiotensin II receptor blockers category of medications, valsartan (30%) and telmisartan-hydrochlorothiazide combination (20%) ranked highest. In the category of CCB drugs, amlodipine (66%) and nifedipine (20%) held the leading positions. among angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, enalapril caused the most prevalent and predicted adverse reaction, that of cough, affecting 10.5% of patients, whereas, with the combination therapy of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide, the cough was observed in only 5.2% of patients. Angiotensin II receptor blockers have a better safety profile, particularly concerning cough. Analysis of adverse drug reactions reports for angiotensin II receptor blockers showed no cases of cough with valsartan and telmisartan-hydrochlorothiazide combination. Among calcium channel blocker medications, amlodipine emerged to rank highest, causing one of the predicted adverse drug reactions, that of lower extremity oedema in 64% of patients. The second position was taken by the combination of amlodipine with valsartan, which showed a statistically significant reduction of 14.3% (p≤0.05) in the incidence of oedema. Using amlodipine at a dose of 5 mg in combination with sartan medicines as angiotensin receptor blockers is an effective therapeutic alternative not only for enhancing blood pressure control in hypertensive patients but also for improving the safety profile of amlodipine. Among all the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed to patients in the Lviv region in 2022, the highest number of adverse reactions was associated with the administration of diclofenac, ibuprofen, paracetamol, and nimesulide, causing adverse drug reactions in 22%, 19%, 17%, and 10% of cases, respectively. The most common systemic manifestations of adverse reactions with these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were allergic reactions (63.4%) and gastrointestinal disorders (26.8%). From an evidence-based medicine perspective, the most justified approach for primary and secondary prevention of gastrointestinal complications is the use of proton pump inhibitors.

Angiotensin-Neprilysin Inhibition in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure accounts for more than 1 million hospitalizations in the United States annually. Whether the initiation of sacubitril-valsartan therapy is safe and effective among patients who are hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure is unknown. METHODS: We enrolled patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who were hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure at 129 sites in the United States. After hemodynamic stabilization, patients were randomly assigned to receive sacubitril-valsartan (target dose, 97 mg of sacubitril with 103 mg of valsartan twice daily) or enalapril (target dose, 10 mg twice daily). The primary efficacy outcome was the time-averaged proportional change in the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration from baseline through weeks 4 and 8. Key safety outcomes were the rates of worsening renal function, hyperkalemia, symptomatic hypotension, and angioedema. RESULTS: Of the 881 patients who underwent randomization, 440 were assigned to receive sacubitril-valsartan and 441 to receive enalapril. The time-averaged reduction in the NT-proBNP concentration was significantly greater in the sacubitril-valsartan group than in the enalapril group; the ratio of the geometric mean of values obtained at weeks 4 and 8 to the baseline value was 0.53 in the sacubitril-valsartan group as compared with 0.75 in the enalapril group (percent change, -46.7% vs. -25.3%; ratio of change with sacubitril-valsartan vs. enalapril, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63 to 0.81; P<0.001). The greater reduction in the NT-proBNP concentration with sacubitril-valsartan than with enalapril was evident as early as week 1 (ratio of change, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.85). The rates of worsening renal function, hyperkalemia, symptomatic hypotension, and angioedema did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who were hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure, the initiation of sacubitril-valsartan therapy led to a greater reduction in the NT-proBNP concentration than enalapril therapy. Rates of worsening renal function, hyperkalemia, symptomatic hypotension, and angioedema did not differ significantly between the two groups. (Funded by Novartis; PIONEER-HF ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02554890 .).

Cost-effectiveness of folic acid therapy for primary prevention of stroke in patients with hypertension.

BACKGROUND: For hypertensive patients without a history of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI), the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) demonstrated that treatment with enalapril-folic acid reduced the risk of primary stroke compared with enalapril alone. Whether folic acid therapy is an affordable and beneficial treatment strategy for the primary prevention of stroke in hypertensive patients from the Chinese healthcare sector perspective has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS: We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis alongside the CSPPT, which randomized 20,702 hypertensive patients. A patient-level microsimulation model based on the 4.5-year period of in-trial data was used to estimate costs, life years, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for enalapril-folic acid vs. enalapril over a lifetime horizon from the payer perspective. RESULTS: During the in-trial follow-up period, patients receiving enalapril-folic acid gained an average of 0.016 QALYs related primarily to reductions in stroke, and the incremental cost was $706.03 (4553.92 RMB). Over a lifetime horizon, enalapril-folic acid treatment was projected to increase quality-adjusted life years by 0.06 QALYs or 0.03 life-year relative to enalapril alone at an incremental cost of $1633.84 (10,538.27 RMB), resulting in an ICER for enalapril-folic acid compared with enalapril alone of $26,066.13 (168,126.54 RMB) per QALY gained and $61,770.73 (398,421.21 RMB) per life-year gained, respectively. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that enalapril-folic acid compared with enalapril would be economically attractive in 74.5% of simulations at a threshold of $37,663 (242,9281 RMB) per QALY (3x current Chinese per capita GDP). Several high-risk subgroups had highly favorable ICERs < $12,554 (80,976 RMB) per QALY (1x GDP). CONCLUSIONS: For both in-trial and over a lifetime, it appears that enalapril-folic acid is a clinically and economically attractive medication compared with enalapril alone. Adding folic acid to enalapril may be a cost-effective strategy for the prevention of primary stroke in hypertensive patients from the Chinese health system perspective.

Self-Perceived Psychological Stress and Risk of First Stroke in Treated Hypertensive Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the prospective association between self-perceived psychological stress and first stroke, and to examine possible effect modifiers among adults with hypertension. METHODS: A total of 20,688 hypertensive adults with information on self-perceived psychological stress at baseline were included from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial. Participants were randomly assigned to a double-blind treatment of receiving a single tablet daily with either 10 mg enalapril and 0.8 mg folic acid or 10 mg enalapril alone. Follow-up visits occurred every 3 months after randomization. Psychological stress was measured with a one-item 3-point rating scale. The primary outcome was first stroke (fatal or nonfatal). RESULTS: The median treatment period was 4.5 years. Compared with participants with low levels of psychological stress, those with high psychological stress had a significantly higher risk of first stroke (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 1.94) or first ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 2.09). Moreover, a stronger positive relationship between psychological stress and first stroke was found in participants with time-averaged mean arterial pressure <101 mm Hg (median; p-interaction = .004) during the treatment period. However, our study did not find a significant association between psychological stress and first hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Higher psychological stress was associated with an increased risk of first stroke among treated hypertensive patients, especially in those with lower mean arterial pressure during the treatment period.