Is the Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine on Heart Rate Variability Permanent?

Background and Objectives: The risk of autonomic dysfunction with COVID-19 vaccines used worldwide in the COVID-19 pandemic remains a topic of debate. Heart rate variability has a number of parameters that can be used to assess autonomic nervous system dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) on heart rate variability and autonomic nervous system parameters, and the duration of the effect. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 healthy individuals who visited an outpatient clinic to receive the COVID-19 vaccination were included in this prospective observational study. Heart rate variability parameters were measured before vaccination and on days 2 and 10 after vaccination. SDNN, rMSSD and pNN50 values were evaluated for time series analyses, and LF, HF, and LF/HV values for frequency-dependent analyses. Results: The SDNN and rMSDD values declined significantly on day 2 after vaccination, while the pNN50 and LF/HF values increased significantly on day 10. The values at pre-vaccination and at day 10 were comparable. The pNN50 and LF/HF values declined significantly on day 2 and increased significantly on day 10. The values at pre-vaccination and at day 10 were comparable. Conclusions: This study showed that the decline in HRV observed with COVID-19 vaccination was temporary, and that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination did not cause permanent autonomic dysfunction.

The relation between epicardial fat tissue thickness and atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients.

The prevalence of arrhythmia has increased in hemodialysis (HD) patients and the most frequent is atrial fibrillation (AF). It was reported that the amount of epicardial fat tissue (EFT) in the population without renal disease is closely related to AF. In the present study of ours, the relation between EFT thickness and AF was examined in HD patients. A total of 79 patients who underwent HD for periods longer than 3 months were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53.6 ± 15.2 years and 50.6% were male. The mean EFT thicknesses were measured as 7.2 ± 2.3 mm (3-12). A positive correlation was found between the EFT thickness and age, C-reactive protein, and left ventricle rear wall thickness. AF was found in 18 (22.8%) patients in the Holter ECG examination. When the group with AF was compared with the non-AF group; although the mean HD duration of the group with AF was longer, there were no significant differences in terms of epicardial adipose tissue thickness and other parameters. In the present study, no relations were found between EFT thickness and AF frequency in HD patients. Further studies with a larger number of the patient population are needed in this regard.

Effects of metformin on epicardial adipose tissue and atrial electromechanical delay of obese children with insulin resistance.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is usually related to insulin resistance and glucose metabolism disorders. The relationship between insulin resistance and epicardial adipose tissue and atrial electromechanical delay has been described in previous studies. AIM: This study aims to demonstrate the effects of metformin on epicardial adipose tissue and electromechanical delay in patients using metformin for insulin resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients using metformin for insulin resistance were included in the study. Pre-treatment and post-treatment epicardial adipose tissue and electromechanical delay were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in epicardial adipose tissue thickness after 3 months of metformin therapy (6.4 ± 2.1 versus 4.7 ± 2.0; p = 0.008). Furthermore, the inter-atrial and intra-atrial electromechanical delay also significantly decreased after 3 months of metformin monotherapy (23.6 ± 8.2 versus 18.1 ± 5.8; p < 0.001, 9.1 ± 2.9 versus 6.3 ± 3.6; p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, we show that metformin monotherapy significantly decreases epicardial adipose tissue thickness and electromechanical delay in obese children.

Evaluation of Atrial Electromechanical Delay in Children with Obesity.

Background and Objective: Childhood obesity is one of the worldwide health problems with an increasing prevalence and accompanied by severe morbidity and mortality. It is a serious predisposing risk factor especially for the development of cardiovascular diseases and arrhythmias. Electromechanical delay (EMD) is known to be a predictor for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Our study aims to investigate whether EMD, which is a predictor of AF, prolongs in obese children or not. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 59 obese patients aged between 8-18 years and 38 healthy patients as the control group with a similar age and gender. All the individuals underwent transthoracic echo and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) functions, inter- and intra-atrial electromechanical delay were measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and conventional echocardiography. RESULTS: Obese patients had significantly lengthened P-wave on surface ECG to the beginning of the late diastolic wave (PA) lateral, PA septum, intra- and inter-atrial electromechanical delays when compared with the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) Inter-atrial EMD and intra-atrial EMD correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) values (r = 0.484, p < 0.001 and r = 0.376, p = 0.001; respectively) BMI was significantly related with inter-atrial EMD (ß = 0.473, p < 0.001) However, there was no relationship between inter-atrial EMD and serum glucose and platelet count. CONCLUSION: In our study, we declared that electromechanical delay was increased in obese children when compared to the control group and intra- and inter-atrial electromechanical delay was in correlation with body mass index. Furthermore, we discovered that BMI is an independent predictor of the inter-atrial EMD in obese children.

Evaluation of Atrial Electromechanical Delay to Predict Atrial Fibrillation in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background and objective: Prevalence of atrial fibrillation is higher in hemodialysis patients as compared to the general population. Atrial electromechanical delay is known as a significant predictor of atrial fibrillation. In this study, we aimed to reveal the relationship between atrial electromechanical delay and attacks of atrial fibrillation. Materials and methods: The study included 77 hemodialysis patients over 18 years of age giving written consent to participate in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the results of 24-h Holter Electrocardiogram (Holter ECG) as the ones having attacks of atrial fibrillation and the others without any attack of atrial fibrillation. Standard echocardiographic measurements were taken from all patients. Additionally, atrial conduction times were measured by tissue Doppler technique and atrial electromechanical delays were calculated. Results: Intra- and interatrial electromechanical delay were found as significantly lengthened in the group of patients with attacks of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001 respectively). The optimal cut-off time for interatrial electromechanical delay to predict atrial fibrillation was >21 ms with a specificity of 79.3% and a sensitivity of 73.7% (area under the curve 0.820; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.716⁻0.898). In the multivariate logistic regression model, interatrial electromechanical delay (odds ratio = 1.230; 95% CI, 1.104⁻1.370; p < 0.001) and hypertension (odds ratio = 4.525; 95% CI, 1.042⁻19.651; p = 0.044) were also associated with atrial fibrillation after adjustment for variables found to be statistically significant in univariate analysis and correlated with interatrial electromechanical delay. Conclusions: Interatrial electromechanical delay is independently related with the attacks of atrial fibrillation detected on Holter ECG records in hemodialysis patients.

Comparison of Ultrasound Guidance and Conventional Method for Common Femoral Artery Cannulation: A Prospective Study of 939 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques, methods and closure devices have been developed in order to reduce vascular complications that occur after coronary and peripheral interventions. The aim of the present study was to identify which method i.e. ultrasound (US) guidance or traditional access technique, is better for common femoral artery cannulation. METHODS: The study included 939 patients, who were assigned to either the US-guided cannulation group (n = 449) or manual technique group (n = 490). The procedure time, first pass success rate, inadvertent venous puncture rate and complications developing within the first 7 days of the procedure were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: No differences were found between the two groups regarding basic characteristics and antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy administered during and up to 24 hours before the procedure. Arterial puncture attempts (p < 0.001), inadvertent venous entry (p = 0.02), and total procedure time (p = 0.012) were significantly lower in the US-guided group compared to the manual technique group. Furthermore, the first pass success rate was significantly higher in the US-guided group compared to the manual technique group (p < 0.001). The US-guided group had significantly lower pain levels (p < 0.001), hematomas (p < 0.001) and arteriovenous fistulas (p = 0.011) than the manual technique group. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided common femoral artery cannulation yields both higher access rates at first attempt and a shorter access time, and lower pain and complication rates.

COHgb levels predict the long-term development of acute myocardial infarction in CO poisoning.

BACKGROUND: There are several studies evaluating the cardiac effects of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during the acute period; however, the number of studies evaluating the long-term cardiac effects is limited. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels, elevated due to CO poisoning on the long-term development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: This cross-sectional cohort study included a total of 1013 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) due to CO poisoning, between January 2005 and December 2007. The diagnosis of CO poisoning was made according to the medical history and a COHb level of greater than 5%. In terms of AMI development, the patients were followed up for an average of 56 months. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, 100 (10%) of 1013 patients experienced AMI. Carboxyhemoglobin levels at the time of poisoning were higher among those who were diagnosed with AMI compared to those who were not (55%±6% vs 30%±7%; P<.001). Using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model with forward stepwise method, age, COHb level, CO exposure time, and smoking remained associated with an increased risk of AMI after adjustment for the variables found to be statistically significant in a univariate analysis. According to a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of COHb used to predict the development of AMI was found to be greater than 45%, with 98% sensitivity and 94.1% specificity. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting to the ED with CO poisoning, COHb levels can be helpful for risk stratification in the long-term development of AMI.

The evaluation of renal hemodynamics changes in Familial Mediterranean fever with color Doppler sonography.

BACKGROUND: Renal resistive index (RRI) scanned through renal Doppler is a practical marker employed in measuring blood flow in renal and intrarenal arteries and in noninvasive evaluation of renal vascular resistance. We aimed to investigate the renal hemodynamic variations in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-nine FMF patients and 51 healthy subjects suitable for age and sex were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to their urinary albumin excretion. Fifty-two patients with 0-29 mg/day albuminuria were included in the normoalbuminuric group while 27 patients with 30-299 mg/day albuminuria were included in the microalbuminuric group. RESULTS: RRI values were higher in patients with FMF compared to the healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). Additionally, RRI values were found to be higher in the microalbuminuric patients group compared to the normoalbuminuric patients group, and RRI values were also higher in normoalbuminuric patients group compared to the control group (p = 0.002, p < 0.0001). The ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum RRI cutoff value for microalbuminuria in patients was 0.63, sensitivity of 66%, specificity of 60%, and p = 0.013. CONCLUSION: RRI may be a marker that may be used in assessing resistance to renal blood flow, early renal damage, and progression of renal damage in FMF patients.

The efficacy and safety of soluble guanylate cyclase modulation in patients with heart failure: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulation has been scrutinized in several disease states including heart failure (HF). Recently, it was shown that an sGC modulator improved HF-related hospitalization significantly, though, there was no benefit related to mortality. Herein, a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for sGC modulation in HF patients was provided in agreement with the PRISMA statement. A total of 10 RCTs yielding 12 papers were included. There were 7526 patients with heart failure of each phenotype, 4253 in the sGC modulator group and 3273 in the placebo group. Use of sGC modulators in HF patients yielded no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality compared to placebo (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.08, p = 0.62). The use of sGC modulators was associated with a trend toward a considerable but non-significant increase in the incidence of SAEs (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.99-1.22, p = 0.07), as well as an increased incidence of hypotension and anemia. There was an overall neutral effect of sGC modulation on NT-proBNP levels, 6MWD and mortality, at a cost of slight increase in hypotension and anemia. Of note, the improvement in EQ-5D-based quality of life was significant. Hence, the benefit seems to be driven by distinctive domains of quality of life.

Association of soluble ST2 Level with 6-month Mortality and/or Recurrent Cardiovascular-Related Hospitalization in Pulmonary Embolism. / Associação do Nível de ST2 Solúvel com Mortalidade em 6 Meses e/ou Hospitalização Recorrente Relacionada a Doenças Cardiovasculares em Embolia Pulmonar.

BACKGROUND: The association of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) levels with prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels in patients with acute PE and 6-month mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. METHODS: This prospective study included 100 patients with acute PE. Patients were classified into two groups according to 6-month mortality and the presence of recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalizations. Two groups were compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in the group with mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. (138.6 ng/mL (56.7-236.8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26.3-75.4); p<0.001) The best cut-off threshold for sST2 levels in the prediction of a composite outcome of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization was found to be >89.9 with a specificity of 90.6% and a sensitivity of 65.2%, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.798; 95% CI, 0.705-0.891; p <0.0001). After adjusting for confounding factors that were either statistically significant in the univariate analysis or for the variables correlated with the sST2 levels, sST2 level (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.028, p 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001-1.021, p = 0.046) continued to be significant predictors of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in the multiple logistic regression model via backward stepwise method. CONCLUSION: Soluble ST2 level seems to be a biomarker to predict 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in patients with acute PE.

FUNDAMENTO: A associação de supressão solúvel da tumorigênese-2 (sST2) com prognóstico em embolia pulmonar (EP) é desconhecida. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de sST2 em pacientes com EP aguda e mortalidade em 6 meses e hospitalizações recorrentes. MÉTODOS: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 100 pacientes com EP aguda. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a mortalidade em 6 meses e a presença de hospitalizações recorrentes relacionadas a doenças cardiovasculares. Dois grupos foram comparados. Um valor de p de 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de ST2 solúvel foram significativamente maiores no grupo com mortalidade e internações recorrentes. (138,6 ng/mL (56,7-236,8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26,3-75,4); p<0,001) O melhor limite de corte para níveis de sST2 na previsão de um desfecho composto de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou a hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares foi >89,9, com especificidade de 90,6% e sensibilidade de 65,2%, de acordo com a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (área sob a curva = 0,798; IC 95%, 0,705­0,891; p <0,0001). Após ajuste para fatores de confusão que foram estatisticamente significativos na análise univariada ou para as variáveis correlacionadas com os níveis de sST2, nível de sST2 (OR = 1,019, IC 95%: 1,009-1,028, p 0,001) e proteína C reativa (PCR). (OR = 1,010, IC 95%: 1,001-1,021, p = 0,046) continuaram a ser preditores significativos de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares no modelo de regressão logística múltipla através do método backward stepwise. CONCLUSÕES: O nível de ST2 solúvel parece ser um biomarcador para prever mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes com EP aguda.

[Our clinical experience of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and the first case series from Turkey]. / Takotsubo kardiyomiyopatisi hakkinda klinik deneyimimiz ve ülkemizden bildirilen ilk olgu serisi.

OBJECTIVES: There is no data about the incidence, progress and prognosis of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TC) from Turkey. This study aimed to search for the progress and short-term prognosis of TC patients and to increase the familiarity and awareness for TC in Turkey. STUDY DESIGN: We included 6 patients who were referred to our center with ST elevation myocardial infarction and diagnosed as TC according to the Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: Our patients' median age was 46 years (range 17 to 64 years) and 3 of them were males. Triggering factors included emotional stress (3 patients) and physical stress (3 patients). Median troponin I level was 1.65 ng/ml (0.48-2.20), excluding the patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation. ST elevation in precordial leads was observed on the ECG of 4 patients and in inferior leads on ECG of 2 patients. Five patients' coronary arteries were normal and were diagnosed as typical, but 1 patient had non-critical stenosis on the coronary arteries and was diagnosed with reverse TC. Four patients were discharged without any complications but 2 presented with sudden cardiac death. CONCLUSION: This study presented the first data about TC in Turkey while attempting to increase awareness about the disease. Emergent ventricle evaluation by ventriculography or echocardiography is recommended for acute coronary syndrome patients with non-critical stenosis for the differential diagnosis.

Relationship Between Soluble ST2 Level and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) in Acute Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a disease characterized by right heart failure following recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE). It is important to know the predictors of the development of CTEPH after PE as it is a treatable cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Soluble ST2 is a biomarker closely associated with heart failure and the inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sST2 level and the development of CTEPH in patients with PE. METHODOLOGY: Baseline characteristics, electrocardiographic findings, laboratory findings, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings, location, and extent of involvement in CT pulmonary angiography were recorded in 100 patients with acute PE included in our prospective study. Treatment modalities and treatment durations were followed. Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy was performed in patients with a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) of 35 mmHg or more on TTE and residual thrombus on CT pulmonary angiography after at least three months of anticoagulant use. In the case of findings compatible with CTEPH in these examinations, patients were diagnosed with CTEPH by right heart catheterization. The sST2 levels obtained from all patients at admission were evaluated between the groups of patients with and without CTEPH. RESULTS: CTEPH was observed in 11 of the 100 patients who participated in the trial, with a median follow-up of 284 ± 60 days. The mean age of the 11 patients with CTEPH was 67 ± 10 years; five were males and six were females. The mean age of 89 patients without CTEPH was 65 ± 18 years, 36 were males and 53 were females. The sST2 values of the group with CTEPH were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of patients without CTEPH [193.7 (184.3-244.7) vs 58.6 (29.5-122.9) p=0.020]. This receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve shows that the optimal cutoff point of sST2 levels in the prediction of CTEPH was > 157.4 with specificity of 83.7% and sensitivity of 81.8% (area under the curve = 0.783; 95% CI, 1.005-1.027; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In acute PE patients, sST2 levels may be a useful biomarker to predict the development of CTEPH.

[Acute anterior myocardial infarction presented with cardiogenic shock in a patient on herbal medication]. / Bitkisel ilaç tedavisi alan ve akut anterior miyokart enfarktüsüne bagli kardiyojenik sok gelisen olgu.

Uncontrolled usage of herbal medications may cause problems that can lead to serious complications, including death. Panax is thought to have hypocholesterolemic, anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial effects via its saponin ingredient and positive inotropic effects via its panax ginseng effect. However, clinical studies have shown that it can increase the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels secondary to its hypocholesterolemic effect, have a hypertensive effect in chronic users via ginseng abuse syndrome, and also have hypotensive effects. Here, we present a case with typical angina pectoris in which coronary angiography was suggested but refused. The male patient initiated panax therapy and presented to our emergency department with diffuse anterior myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock, and was discharged after appropriate therapy.

Increased frequency of occurrence of bendopnea is associated with poor outcomes in heart failure outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Relationship between the frequency of occurrence of bendopnea during the daily life of heart failure (HF) outpatients and clinical outcomes has never been evaluated before. METHODS: Turkish Research Team-Heart Failure (TREAT-HF) is a network between HF centres, which undertakes multicentric observational studies in HF. Herein, the data including stable 573 HF patients with reduced ejection fraction out of seven HF centres were presented. A questionnaire was filled by the patients, with the question 'Do you experience shortness of breath while tying your shoelace?', assessing the presence and frequency of bendopnea. RESULTS: To the question related to bendopnea, 48% of the patients answered 'yes, every time', 31% answered 'yes, sometimes', and 21% answered 'No'. Patients were followed for an average of 24 ± 14 months, and the patients who answered 'yes, every time' and 'yes, sometimes' to the bendopnea question were found having increased risk for both HF-related hospitalisations (HR:3.2, p < .001- HR:2.8, p = .005) and composite outcome consisting of 'HF-related hospitalisations and all-cause death in the multi-variate analysis (HR:3.1, p < .001- HR:3.0, p < .001). Kaplan Meier analysis for HF-related hospitalisation, all-cause death, and the composite of these were provided for these three groups, yielding significant and graded divergence curves with the best prognosis in 'no' group, with the moderate prognosis in 'sometimes' group, and with the worst prognosis in the 'every time' group. CONCLUSION: For the first time in the literature, our study shows that the increased frequency of bendopnea occurrence in daily life is associated with poor outcomes in HF outpatients.

Short and Midterm Outcomes in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results of the Nationwide TURKMI Registry.

This recent Turkish Myocardial Infarction registry reported that guidelines are largely implemented in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) in Turkey. We aimed to obtain up-to-date information for short- and midterm outcomes of acute MI. Fifty centers were selected using probability sampling, and all consecutive patients with acute MI admitted to these centers (between November 1 and 16, 2018) were enrolled. Among 1930 (mean age 62 ± 13 years, 26% female) patients, 1195 (62%) had non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 735 (38%) had ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in 94.4% of patients with STEMI and 60.2% of those with NSTEMI. Periprocedural mortality occurred in 4 (0.3%) patients. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in STEMI than in patients with NSTEMI (5.4% vs 2.9%, respectively; P = .006). However, the risk became slightly higher in the NSTEMI group at 1 year. Women with STEMI had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared with men (11.2% vs 3.8%; P < .001); this persisted at follow-up. In conclusion, PCI is performed in Turkey with a low risk of complications in patients with acute MI. Compared with a previous registry, in-hospital mortality decreased by 50% within 20 years; however, the risk remains too high for women with STEMI.

The Relationship Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Insulin Resistance in Obese Children. / Relação entre o Tecido Adiposo Epicárdico e Resistência à Insulina em Crianças Obesa.

Background Insulin resistance (IR) is an important disorder in obese children because it is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) plays a role in the development of IR due to secreted bioactive molecules, and the inflammatory process of these molecules may cause atrial electromechanical delay (EMD). Objective The objective of our study was to determine the relationship between EAT and EMD with IR in obese children. Methods Ninety-four obese patients were included in the study. IR was calculated using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and defined as HOMA-IR greater than the 90thpercentile in an age- and sex-specific percentile curve. Patients were divided into two groups according to their IR. All patients underwent echocardiographic examinations. Statistical significance was set to a two-sided p-value < 0.05. Results EAT was significantly higher in the IR group (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value for EAT to predict IR was found to be > 3.85 mm, with 92.5% specificity and 68.5% sensitivity (p = 0.002). In the multivariate logistic regression model, EAT (OR = 1.256, 95% CI: 1.016-1.53, p = 0.035) was also associated with IR after adjustment for variables found to be statistically significant in univariate analysis. Inter- and intra-atrial EMD was significantly prolonged in the IR group compared to the group without IR (p < 0.010; p = 0.032 respectively). Conclusion: In our study, we revealed that EAT was positively correlated with IR and was an independent predictor of IR. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Can Nesfatin-1 Predict Hypertension in Obese Children?

Objective: The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing and leads to co-morbidities such as hypertension. However, it is still not clear why some obese individuals are hypertensive and others not. Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered anorexigenic peptide which also has effects on blood pressure (BP). Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between obesity-related hypertension and Nesfatin-1. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 87 obese children. The patients were divided into two groups; hypertensive (n=30) and normotensive (n=57) obese. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines were used to diagnose hypertension. Blood samples were collected after 12 hours of fasting to investigate Nesfatin-1 concentrations. We also evaluated serum trace elements in addition to the routine blood tests. Results: Body mass index (BMI), weight and serum Nesfatin-1 concentrations were higher in the hypertensive group (p=0.002, p=0.001, and p=0.007, respectively). There was no difference between serum zinc levels, but Copper (Cu) levels were significantly lower in the hypertensive group (p=0.248, p=0.007, respectively). There were positive correlations between BP and BMI and weight Z-scores and a negative correlation with Cu. The optimal cut-off value of Nesfatin-1 to predict hypertension was found to be >1.8 ng/mL, with a specificity of 71.9% and a sensitivity of 96.7% [area under the curve=0.703, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.577-0.809; p=0.002]. In multiple logistic regression analysis Nesfatin-1 [Odds ratio (OR)=1.103, 95% CI: 1.039-1.171; p=0.001], Cu (OR=0.947, 95% CI: 0.915-0.979; p=0.001) and BMI for age Z-score (OR=56.277, 95% CI: 5.791-546.907; p=0.001) still remained significant predictors of hypertension. Conclusion: Nesfatin-1 levels are higher and are an independent predictor of hypertension in obese subjects.

The protective effects of lycopene on ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat hind limb muscle model.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of skeletal muscle, an important mortality and morbidity cause, is associated with oxidative stress. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment with potent antioxidant activity and is found in vegetables and fruits. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of lycopene against I/R injury in rat hind limb muscle model. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar-albino rats were randomly allocated to control, lycopene, I/R and I/R+lycopene groups. In lycopene and I/R+lycopene groups, the rats received 10 mg/kg/day lycopene orally for 15 days before the experiment. Dissection around abdominal aorta at the infrarenal level was performed in all rats under general anesthesia. The aorta was clamped at the infrarenal level in the I/R and I/R+lycopene groups for two hours. Then, reperfusion was allowed for two hours in these groups. Samples were obtained from the hind limb muscles of rats after sacrifice for biochemical and histopathological analyses. RESULTS: Serum and tissue malondialdehyde and ischemia-modified albumin levels were significantly lower in the I/R+lycopene group compared to I/R group (p<0.001). Serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were significantly lower in the I/R group compared to those in control and I/R+lycopene groups (p<0.05). Tissue GSH-Px levels were significantly lower in the I/R group compared to the Lycopene group (p=0.003). Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly lower in the I/R group compared to three groups (p<0.001). Tissue SOD levels were significantly lower in the I/R group compared to those in control and Lycopene groups (p=0.005). Histopathological assessments revealed that inflammatory changes following I/R injury were significantly reduced in the I/R+lycopene group. CONCLUSION: The findings obtained in this study show lycopene's cytoprotective activity against I/R injury in rat skeletal muscle model.

Protective Effects of Adrenomedullin on Rat Cerebral Tissue After Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the protective effect of adrenomedullin (ADM) on cerebral tissue of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=8). In the I/R Group, bilateral common carotid arteries were clamped for 30 minutes and, subsequently, reperfused for 120 minutes. In the ADM Group, rats received 12 µg/kg of ADM. In the I/R+ADM Group, bilateral common carotid arteries were clamped for 30 minutes and, subsequently, the rats received 12 µg/ kg of ADM. Then, reperfusion was performed for 120 minutes. The Control Group underwent no procedure. Blood and brain tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analysed. Brain tissue was evaluated histopathologically and neuronal cells were counted in five different fields, at a magnification of ×400. RESULTS: Brain MDA in I/R Group was significantly higher than in ADM Group. Brain GPx and SOD in I/R+ADM Group were significantly higher than in I/R Group. The number of neurons was decreased in I/R Group compared to the Control Group. The number of neurons in I/R+ADM Group was significantly higher than in I/R Group, and lower than in Control Group. Apoptotic changes decreased significantly in I/R+ADM Group and the cell structure was similar in morphology compared to the Control Group. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the cerebral protective effect of ADM in the rat model of cerebral I/R injury after bilateral carotid artery occlusion.

Associação do Nível de ST2 Solúvel com Mortalidade em 6 Meses e/ou Hospitalização Recorrente Relacionada a Doenças Cardiovasculares em Embolia Pulmonar / Association of soluble ST2 Level with 6-month Mortality and/or Recurrent Cardiovascular-Related Hospitalization in Pulmonary Embolism

Resumo Fundamento: A associação de supressão solúvel da tumorigênese-2 (sST2) com prognóstico em embolia pulmonar (EP) é desconhecida. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de sST2 em pacientes com EP aguda e mortalidade em 6 meses e hospitalizações recorrentes. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 100 pacientes com EP aguda. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a mortalidade em 6 meses e a presença de hospitalizações recorrentes relacionadas a doenças cardiovasculares. Dois grupos foram comparados. Um valor de p de 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os níveis de ST2 solúvel foram significativamente maiores no grupo com mortalidade e internações recorrentes. (138,6 ng/mL (56,7-236,8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26,3-75,4); p<0,001) O melhor limite de corte para níveis de sST2 na previsão de um desfecho composto de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou a hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares foi >89,9, com especificidade de 90,6% e sensibilidade de 65,2%, de acordo com a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (área sob a curva = 0,798; IC 95%, 0,705-0,891; p <0,0001). Após ajuste para fatores de confusão que foram estatisticamente significativos na análise univariada ou para as variáveis correlacionadas com os níveis de sST2, nível de sST2 (OR = 1,019, IC 95%: 1,009-1,028, p 0,001) e proteína C reativa (PCR). (OR = 1,010, IC 95%: 1,001-1,021, p = 0,046) continuaram a ser preditores significativos de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares no modelo de regressão logística múltipla através do método backward stepwise. Conclusões: O nível de ST2 solúvel parece ser um biomarcador para prever mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes com EP aguda.

Abstract Background: The association of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) levels with prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels in patients with acute PE and 6-month mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. Methods: This prospective study included 100 patients with acute PE. Patients were classified into two groups according to 6-month mortality and the presence of recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalizations. Two groups were compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in the group with mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. (138.6 ng/mL (56.7-236.8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26.3-75.4); p<0.001) The best cut-off threshold for sST2 levels in the prediction of a composite outcome of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization was found to be >89.9 with a specificity of 90.6% and a sensitivity of 65.2%, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.798; 95% CI, 0.705-0.891; p <0.0001). After adjusting for confounding factors that were either statistically significant in the univariate analysis or for the variables correlated with the sST2 levels, sST2 level (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.028, p 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001-1.021, p = 0.046) continued to be significant predictors of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in the multiple logistic regression model via backward stepwise method. Conclusion: Soluble ST2 level seems to be a biomarker to predict 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in patients with acute PE.