Neopterin as a predictive biomarker of postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is multifactorial. Inflammation and increased oxidative stress play a significant role in POAF development. Neopterin, a biomarker of cellular immune response that enhances oxidative stress and increases the cytotoxic potential of activated macrophages and dendritic cells, was recently found as an independent predictive biomarker of non-operative atrial fibrillation. However, as far as we know, neopterin has never been investigated in POAF. AIMS: The study aimed to assess neopterin concentration as a prognostic biomarker of POAF following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: One hundred one patients (80.2% males, 85% off-pump, 15% on-pump) were included. Blood samples were taken from patients for analysis of serum neopterin and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) at three time points: (1) before operation (NP0); (2) on the first day after operation (NP1); and (3) between the fifth and eighth day after the procedure (NP5-8). All factors (preoperative, echocardiographic, and surgical), significant in univariate analysis, were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: POAF occurred in 30 patients (30%). In the analyzed multivariable logistic regression models, the independent predictors of POAF occurrence were: higher NP0 concentration (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.38 for continuous and OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 1.39-10.1 for NP0 cut-off >8.7 nmol/l), higher body mass index (OR, 1.15; 95% CI 1.02-1.29), history of pulmonary disease (OR, 6.72; 95% CI 1.57-28), increased diastolic thickness of the interventricular septum (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.14-1.83), and duration of operation (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.03-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: We found that elevated neopterin concentration before CABG may be a predictive biomarker of POAF.

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in supportive therapy of the cardiovascular diseases and in the prevention of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in Poland and in the world. People with cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk require early detection and pharmacotherapy. New methods of prevention and treatment are needed. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the human body. CoQ10 plays an important role in the biosynthesis of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and has antioxidant activity. More and more evidence indicates that CoQ10 is closely related to cardiovascular disorders. Its supplementation may be beneficial in various chronic and acute disorders. Coenzyme Q10 used in heart failure reduces mortality and improves exercise capacity. CoQ10 can reduce the values of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in hypertensive patients. CoQ10 supplementation prevents electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients taking doxorubicin and has a positive effect on heart function during anthracycline chemotherapy. The review article was based on available literature found in the Medline database and includes preclinical and clinical research. Further research related to CoQ10 can contribute to significant progress in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases but may also be the basis for increasing the range of indications for this drug.

Is it possible to prevent chemotherapy-induced heart failure with cardiovascular drugs - the review of the current clinical evidence.

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the most common death causes in the USA and Europe. Moreover, many patients suffer from both of these conditions - a situation which may result from cardiotoxicity of anticancer treatment. In order to reduce the severity of this adverse effect, various methods have been proposed, including the usage of new drug forms and less toxic analogs, omitting the combinations of potentially cardiotoxic drugs and introducing potential cardioprotective agents to the therapy. However, prevention of cardiotoxicity still seems to be insufficient. The article reviews the results of current studies on the use of cardiovascular drugs in the prevention of cardiotoxicity. Based on this knowledge, the most promising cardioprotective drugs seem to be carvedilol, nebivolol, enalapril, and candesartan, as they prevent heart remodeling and correct elevated resting heart rate, which directly affects mortality. Alternatively, in case of adverse reactions, statins might be considered.

Current approach for detection of sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction associated with chemotherapy.

The article describes the current knowledge concerning approaches for detection of sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction associated with chemotherapy. The authors focused on the problem of defining cardiotoxicity as well as diagnostic methods, which may be useful in predicting the occurrence of such complications. Currently, cardiac biomarkers measurement (troponin, NT-proBNP), tissue Doppler-based strain imaging and peak systolic longitudinal strain rate are most useful for detection of early myocardial changes during therapy, whereas speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS) appear to be the best measure. The problem of cardiotoxicity requires close cooperation between oncologists and cardiologists, particularly in light of the growing number of cancer cases.

[Analysis of the problem of addiction in the elderly]. / Analiza problemu uzaleznien w grupie osób w wieku podeszlym.

Demographic changes observed in recent decades around the world lead to the aging of societies at a rapid rate. The increasing number of elder people is a result of extending the average length of human life. Elder people are struggling with many problems--loneli- ness, disability or financial problems. The problem can also be addiction, usually suspected in young people. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of addiction--smoking, drinking alcohol, use of medicines and drugs, watching television or using the Internet--in the elderly. Additional objective was to assess the problem of sleep disorders and the purchase of OTC drugs, dietary supplements and vitamin preparations in this population. Examined group consisted of 104 people aged over 65 years, of whom only 23 were smokers and 86 were consumers of various alcohols. None of the respondents confirmed any contact with drugs and the use of addiction treatment. Only 4 respondents did not watch any TV programs and 37 did not use the Internet (nor themselves nor with the help of others). 94 respondents used drugs and non-prescription preparations. 57 responders did not experienced sleep disorders.

[Safety of nicotine addiction treatment]. / Bezpieczenstwo terapii uzaleznien od nikotyny.

Not all smoking addicts can succeed in quitting smoking with willpower only. These people may use nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gums, lozenges, sublingual tablets, inhalers), medicines (bupropion, varenicline and cytisine) and psychological aid. Each drug, besides its therapeutic effect, creates the risk of adverse reactions which number and severity is not always accepted by the patient. The aim of the study was to analyze adverse effects of bupropion, varenicline and cytisine formulations reported by patients. From July 2011 to June 2013 Regional Centre for Monitoring Adverse Drug Reactions (Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Cardiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences) recorded 32 suspected adverse reactions to the use of drugs for the treatment of nicotine addiction (12 after the preparation of cytisine and varenicline, 8 after preparations of bupropion). High determination caused that none of the patients withdrew from the therapy because of adverse effects.

[Attitudes of pharmacy and dentistry students of Poznan Medical University towards smoking]. / Postawy studentów Farmacji i Stomatologii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Poznaniu wobec nalogu palenia tytoniu.

The aim of this study was to compare the attitude of students of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Division of Dentistry (Poznan University of Medical Sciences) towards smoking. Information was collected using a self-completion questionnaire for students. 114 students of the 5th year of Faculty of Pharmacy and 60 students of 4th year of Division of Dentistry took part in the survey. Most of the students were non-smokers (77% in the Faculty of Pharmacy and 72% in the Division of Dentistry). The main reason for abandoning smoking in both groups was knowledge on the dangers of addiction obtained in medical studies.