Effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on doxorubicin-induced liver injury in rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent and has toxic effects on various organs, including the liver. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) administration on DOX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. 24 Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups: Control, DOX, and DOX+MSC. DOX (20 mg/kg) was administered to the DOX group. In the DOX + MSC group, BM-MSCs (2 × 106 ) were given through the tail vein following DOX administration. DOX administration led to significant structural liver injury. Besides this, oxidative balance in the liver was impaired following DOX administration. DOX administration also led to an increase in apoptotic cell death in the liver. Structural and oxidative changes were significantly alleviated with the administration of BM-MSCs. Furthermore, BM-MSC administration suppressed excessive apoptotic cell death. Our findings revealed that BM-MSC administration may alleviate DOX-induced liver injury via improving the oxidative status and limiting apoptotic cell death in the liver tissue.

Long-term outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation using second-generation cryoballoon during atrial fibrillation ablation.

BACKGROUND: Currently available second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) is accepted as an effective and safe tool for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Although much more data exist about 1-year outcomes of CB2 ablation, data on long-term outcomes are scarce. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of PVI using CB2 in a large-scale symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) population at our tertiary referral center. METHODS: In this nonrandomized prospective observational study, a total of 486 patients with paroxysmal (71%) or persistent (29%) AF who underwent index PVI using CB2 at our hospital between January 2013 and June 2017 were enrolled. Atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa)-free survival was defined as the absence of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia recurrence ≥30 s following a 3 months blanking period. Predictors of recurrence were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Acute procedural success rate was 99.8% (1898/1902 PVs). Mean procedural and fluoroscopy time were 64.9 ± 9.2 and 12.1 ± 2.6, respectively. At median 39 (interquartile range: 26-56) months follow-up, ATa-free survival was 78.6% after a single procedure (280/345 [81.2%] for paroxysmal AF vs. 102/141 [72.3%] for persistent AF, P = .019) and 84.4% after a mean 1.48 ± 0.42 ablations. Cox regression analysis showed that left atrium diameter, duration of AF history, and early ATa recurrence were found as the independent predictors of late recurrence. Phrenic nerve palsy was observed in 17 (3.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: CB2-based PVI is effective to maintain sinus rhythm in a significant proportion of paroxysmal and persistent AF patients with an acceptable complication rate at long-term follow-up.

Platelet Toll-like receptor and its ligand HMGB-1 expression is increased in the left atrium of atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Its most feared sequelae are stroke and peripheral thromboembolism due to atrial thrombi formation. Mechanisms underlying the relationship between platelet activation and left atrial thrombi have not been clearly elucidated yet. We aimed to investigate whether immune-mediated platelet activation occurred in AF patients in this cross-sectional study. METHODS: Persistent and paroxysmal AF patients who underwent cryoballoon-based AF ablation between March 2015 and July 2016 were included as the patient group. Patients without AF in whom transseptal puncture was performed at the same period for purposes other than AF ablation were included as the control group. Peripheral and left atrial blood samples were obtained for determination of platelet Toll-like receptor(TLR)-2, TLR-4 and high mobility group box-1(HMGB-1) expression levels. RESULTS: A total of 75 subjects (53 patients with AF and 22 control subjects) [mean: 60.33 (SD: 6.14) years, 57.33% male] were included. Left atrial and peripheral TLR-2, 4 and HMGB-1 expression levels were significantly higher in the patient group when compared to the controls. Left atrial platelet TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression and serum HMGB-1 levels were higher in persistent AF patients compared to paroxysmal AF patients. In the patient group, left atrial expression of TLR-2, 4 and HMGB-1 were significantly higher than the peripheral expression levels. CONCLUSION: Findings of our study suggest evidence for immune-mediated platelet activation in the left atria of AF patients.

Enhanced serum levels of matrix Gla protein and bone morphogenetic protein in acute coronary syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification has been found to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Various bone-associated proteins have been suggested to be related with this process. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether serum levels of bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP-4) and matrix Gla protein (MGP) differed in patients who were found to have normal epicardial coronary arteries or a culprit lesion in the coronary angiography leading to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Patients admitted to emergency department with the diagnosis of ACS who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between October 2015 and April 2016 were consecutively recruited as the patient group. Age and gender-matched subjects who underwent coronary angiography following non-invasive ischemia assessment made the control group. RESULTS: A total of 90 subjects (63.00±14.02 years, 70% male) were included in this study. MGP (<0.001) and BMP-4 (<0.001) levels were significantly elevated when compared to subjects with normal coronary arteries. Fasting blood glucose (P=.024), HDL-cholesterol (P=.002), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P=.001) levels, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=.021) were significantly correlated with serum MGP levels. HDL-cholesterol (P=.001) and CRP (P=.030) levels were also significantly correlated with serum BMP-4 levels. In the model including HDL-cholesterol, CRP, MGP, and BMP-4 levels, only MGP (odds ratio[OR]: 1.018, P=.019) and BMP-4 (OR: 1.313, P=.023) were found to be independently associated with ACS. CONCLUSION: This study shows that serum BMP-4 and MGP are independently associated with ACS occurrence when adjusted for other CV risk factors. These biomarkers may have a diagnostic potential in ACS patients.

Serum galectin-3 level as a marker of thrombogenicity in atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) and presence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) have been reported to be predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Galectin-3 is a biomarker reflecting pro-inflammatory status, whose role in AF has recently drawn attention, particularly in persistent AF population. AIM: In this study we aimed to investigate the association between serum galectin-3 levels and echocardiographic predictors of thromboembolism in persistent AF patients. METHODS: We included 65 persistent AF patients (55.50±10.67 years, 46.15% male). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed to assess LAAFV and presence of left atrial (LA)/LA appendage (LAA)-located SEC and thrombus prior to direct current cardioversion or catheter ablation for AF. RESULTS: Median galectin-3 level was 0.63 ng/mL. Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly correlated with LAAFV (r=-.440, P<.001). Serum galectin-3 levels were associated with presence of SEC (P<.001), and LA thrombus (P=.008). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a serum galectin-3 greater or equal to the cut-off value of 0.69 predicted presence of SEC with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.00% and 79.00%, respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in the setting of persistent AF, serum galectin-3 levels are associated with presence of SEC and LAAFV on TEE. Our findings suggest that serum galectin-3 level may have a place in thromboembolism risk stratification in persistent AF patients.

Predictors of left atrial volume index reduction following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation.

AIMS: Ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been suggested to be associated with 'reverse left atrial remodelling'. Reduction in left atrial volume index (LAVIR) is regarded as a determinant of reverse remodelling following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, there is paucity on data about the predictors for LAVIR after PVI. In this study, we aimed to investigate predictors of LAVIR at 12 months in AF patients undergoing cryoballoon-based PVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF despite ≥1 antiarrhythmic drug(s), who were scheduled for cryoballoon-based AF ablation procedure per the recent consensus recommendations, were enrolled and followed-up for 12 months in this prospective observational study. Left atrial volume was derived using the biplane area-length method. A total of 160 patients (54.25 ± 7.66 years, 44.40% female) were involved in the study. Reduction in left atrial volume index occurred in 120 patients. Age [hazard ratio (HR): 0.901, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.828-0.981, P = 0.017], hypertension (HR: 0.151, 95% CI: 0.048-0.471, P = 0.001), mild mitral regurgitation (MR) (HR: 5.327, 95% CI: 1.489-19.058, P = 0.010), and AF recurrence (HR: 0.017, 95% CI: 0.005-0.065, P< 0.001) were found to be independent predictors for LAVIR. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study in the literature investigating the predictors of LAVIR following AF ablation. According to this data, younger patients without hypertension or moderate MR are most likely to experience LAVIR following ablation.

Association of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with the Severity and Morphology of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques Detected by Multidetector Computerized Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated a consistent relationship between white blood cell (WBC) counts and coronary artery disease (CAD). The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been considered as a potential marker for identifying individuals under risk of CAD and associated events. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether NLR was associated with the severity and morphology of coronary atherosclerotic plaques shown by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Our study population consisted of 684 patients who underwent dual-source 64 slice MDCT for the assessment of CAD. Coronary arteries were evaluated on a 16-segment basis and critical coronary plaque was described as luminal narrowing > 50%, whereas plaque morphology was assessed on a per segment basis. Total WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were determined using commercially available assay kits. RESULTS: WBC count [7700 (6400-8800) vs. 6800 (5700-7900), p < 0.05] and NLR [2.40 (1.98-3.07) vs. 1.86 (1.50-2.38), p < 0.001] were found to be higher in patients with critical stenosis than in those without. In the binary logistic regression analysis, NLR was a predictor of critical stenosis (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-2.03, p < 0.001). NLR levels differed among plaque morphology subtypes (p < 0.05) and was significantly higher in non-calcified plaque (NCP) compared to mixed plaque (MP) and calcified plaque (CP) (p < 0.05). In the multinomial logistic regression analysis, NLR was found to be an independent predictor of NCP, MP and CP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that NLR is associated with both the severity and morphology of coronary atherosclerotic disease.

Cardiac Autoantibody Levels Predict Recurrence Following Cryoballoon-Based Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence has suggested that autoantibodies may play an important role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The predictive value of preprocedural autoantibodies against beta-1 adrenergic receptor (anti-ß1-R) and M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (anti-M2-R) for AF recurrence following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is still unclear. We aimed to determine the predictive value of preprocedural anti-ß1-R and anti-M2-R levels for AF recurrence. METHODS: Eighty patients (mean age 54.25 ± 7.70 years; 40% female) with paroxysmal AF and preserved left ventricular function who underwent cryoballoon-based PVI were included in the study. Preprocedural anti-M2-R and anti-ß1-R levels were measured with ELISA. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up after ablation, late AF recurrence was observed in 17 (21.25%) patients. In the Cox regression model, including number of antiarrhythmic drugs, early AF recurrence, anti-ß1-R levels >159.88 ng/mL, anti-M2-R levels >277.65 ng/mL, AF duration, and left atrial volume index, only anti-ß1-R levels >159.88 ng/mL (HR: 4.281, P = 0.039) and anti-M2-R levels >277.65 ng/mL (HR: 4.313, P = 0.030) were found to be independent predictors of late AF recurrence. Anti-ß1-R level >159.88 ng/mL was shown to predict late AF recurrence with a sensitivity of 70.59% and specificity of 90.48%. A cut-off value of 277.65 ng/mL for anti-M2-R level predicted AF recurrence with a sensitivity of 70.59% and specificity of 95.24%. CONCLUSION: Preprocedural serum anti-ß1-R and anti-M2-R levels are independent predictors of late AF recurrence following cryoballoon-based PVI in paroxysmal AF patients. Detection of preprocedural anti-ß1-R and anti-M2-R levels may serve as a novel method for determination of paroxysmal AF patients who may not benefit from cryoballoon-based PVI.

M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor autoantibody levels predict left atrial fibrosis severity in paroxysmal lone atrial fibrillation patients undergoing cryoablation.

AIMS: Atrial fibrosis has been found to be associated with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) following catheter ablation. Autoantibodies against M2-muscarinic receptors (anti-M2-R) may play a role in the development of AF by inducing left atrial (LA) fibrosis. In this study, we aim to compare anti-M2-R levels between paroxysmal lone AF patients and healthy control subjects and to investigate the relationship between pre-ablation anti-M2-R level, LA fibrosis quantified by delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI), and AF recurrence following cryoablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-one patients with paroxysmal lone AF (53.4 ± 8.0 years, 61% male), who underwent cryoballoon-based ablation, along with 31 healthy control subjects were included. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests to measure serum anti-M2-R levels were performed in both groups and DE-MRI was done to quantify LA fibrosis prior to the ablation in the patients. Anti-M2-R levels were higher in the study population when compared with control subjects [212.4 (103.2-655.5) vs. 73.0 (39.5-299.1) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. Anti-M2-R level predicted moderate-extensive LA fibrosis independent of other measures [odds ratio: 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.53), P = 0.017]. At a mean follow-up of 35.2 ± 3.5 months, nine patients (29.0%) had AF recurrence. In the Cox regression model including pre-ablation anti-M2-R level, LA diameter, LA volume index, and moderate-extensive LA fibrosis, only moderate-extensive LA fibrosis predicted late AF recurrence independent of other measures [hazard ratio: 29.41 (95% CI: 3.52-250.00), P = 0.002]. CONCLUSION: Serum anti-M2-R levels may be associated with the severity of LA fibrosis and may be implicated in the pathophysiology of AF recurrence following cryoablation. Detection of anti-M2-R levels may help select appropriate patients for the procedure.

Safety and efficacy outcomes in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation with second-generation cryoballoon†.

AIMS: The second-generation cryoballoon (Arctic Front Advance™) (Arc-Adv-CB) has a redesigned injection system which distributes the refrigerant homogenously to the frontal balloon surface. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the Arc-Adv-CB and its predecessor (Arctic Front™) (Arc-CB) in patients who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred and six patients (55.35 ± 10.60 years, 47.05% male) were included in the study. A total of 1205 pulmonary veins were attempted for PVI with either Arc-CB or Arc-Adv-CB. The follow-up durations were 30 (23-38) and 10 (8-13) months in Arc-CB and Arc-Adv-CB groups, respectively (P < 0.001). When the blanking period was considered, freedom from AF after a single ablation procedure was 68.53 and 90.83% in patients undergoing PVI with Arc-CB and Arc-Adv-CB, respectively. The most frequent complication was transient phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) which occurred in five(2.54%) and nine(8.26%) of patients undergoing PVI with Arc-CB and Arc-Adv-CB, respectively (P = 0.040). Left atrial (LA) diameter (hazard ratio, HR: 3.552, 95% CI: 2.034-6.201, P < 0.001), smoking history (HR:1.643, 95% CI: 1.011-2.671, P = 0.045), persistent AF (HR:1.725, 95% CI: 1.021-2.915, P = 0.041), duration of AF (HR:1.039, 95% CI: 1.000-1.080, P = 0.047), and early AF recurrence (HR:2.399, 95% CI: 1.443-3.989, P < 0.001) were associated with increased late AF recurrence. On the other hand, intraprocedural vagal reactions (HR: 0.550, 95% CI: 0.331-0.915, P = 0.021) and Arc-Adv-CB use (HR: 0.441, 95% CI: 0.225-0.866, P = 0.017) were associated with lower late AF recurrence. Left atrial diameter (HR: 3.072, 95% CI: 1.646-5.732, P < 0.001), early AF recurrence (HR: 1.906, 95% CI: 1.103-3.291, P = 0.021), and Arc-Adv-CB use (HR: 0.472, 95% CI: 0.239-0.931, P = 0.030) were independent predictors for late AF recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that Arc-Adv-CB use is associated with lower late AF recurrences at the cost of an increased risk for PNP.

A young boy with affected heart and mind: arterial involvement in a patient with undiagnosed Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disesase is a vasculitis that manifests with oral and genital ulcerations, skin lesions, uveitis, vascular, central nervous system and gastrointestinal involvement. While most patients develop mucocutaneous and genital ulcers along with eye disease, other patients may also present with arthritis, frank vasculitis, thrombophlebitis and central nervous system disease. This is the first case in the literature, where the diagnosis of Behçet's disease was made secondary to concomitant involvement of coronary and carotid arteries.

Assessment of cardiac autonomic functions by heart rate recovery, heart rate variability and QT dynamicity parameters in patients with acromegaly.

Cardiovascular complications are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in acromegaly. However, there is little data regarding cardiac autonomic functions in these patients. Herein, we aimed to investigate several parameters of cardiac autonomic functions in patients with acromegaly compared to healthy subjects. We enrolled 20 newly diagnosed acromegalic patients (55% female, age:45.7 ± 12.6 years) and 32 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. All participants underwent 24 h Holter recording. Heart rate recovery (HRR) indices were calculated by subtracting 1st, 2nd and 3rd minute heart rates from maximal heart rate. All patients underwent heart rate variability (HRV) and QT dynamicity analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar except diabetes mellitus and hypertension among groups. Mean HRR1 (29.2 ± 12.3 vs 42.6 ± 6.5, p = 0.001), HRR2 (43.5 ± 15.6 vs 61.1 ± 10.8, p = 0.001) and HRR3 (46.4 ± 16.2 vs 65.8 ± 9.8, p = 0.001) values were significantly higher in control group. HRV parameters as, SDNN [standard deviation of all NN intervals] (p = 0.001), SDANN [SD of the 5 min mean RR intervals] (p = 0.001), RMSSD [root square of successive differences in RR interval] (p = 0.001), PNN50 [proportion of differences in successive NN intervals >50 ms] (p = 0.001) and high-frequency [HF] (p = 0.001) were significantly decreased in patients with acromegaly; but low frequency [LF] (p = 0.046) and LF/HF (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in acromegaly patients. QTec (p = 0.009), QTac/RR slope (p = 0.017) and QTec/RR slope (p = 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with acromegaly. Additionally, there were significant negative correlation of disease duration with HRR2, HRR3, SDNN, PNN50, RMSSD, variability index. Our study results suggest that cardiac autonomic functions are impaired in patients with acromegaly. Further large scale studies are needed to exhibit the prognostic significance of impaired autonomic functions in patients with acromegaly.

Impaired aortic elastic properties in patients with adult-onset hypogonadism.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown a strong relationship between testosterone levels and vasomotor actions. The aim of this study is to compare the elastic properties of the aorta in male patients with hypogonadism and eugonadal healthy control subjects. METHOD: A total of 22 male with hypogonadism (mean age: 35.2 ± 9.5 years, mean disease duration: 5.3 ± 1.8 years) and 25 age-, sex- and weight-matched eugonadal healthy subjects (mean age: 34.5 ± 8.2 years) were enrolled in the study. Aortic stiffness (ß) index, aortic strain (AoS) and aortic distensibility (AoD) were calculated from the aortic diameters measured by transthoracic echocardiography and blood pressure obtained by sphygmomanometer. RESULTS: The routinely performed echocardiographic parameters were similar between patient and control groups. There were significant differences between the control and patient groups in ß index (1.75 ± 0.44 vs 2.68 ± 1.72, p < 0.001), AoS (18.52 ± 6.44 vs 12.35 ± 3.88%, p < 0.001) and AoD (7.56 ± 2.86 vs 3.96 ± 1.24, 10(-6) cm(2)/dyn, p < 0.001). There were statistically significant positive correlations between the serum total testosterone level and AoD (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and AoS (r = 0.372, p = 0.036); moreover, there was a negative correlation between the serum total testosterone level and ß index (r = - 0.462, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, serum total testosterone level was significantly related with AoD, AoS and ß index (respectively, RR = 2.88, p = 0.004; RR = 3.45, p = 0.001; RR = 2.64, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that aortic elasticity was impaired in patients with hypogonadism. We also have demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between aortic elastic properties and the serum total testosterone level.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease in young adults: Focus on gender differences. A collaborative review from the EAS Young Fellows.

A steady rise in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been observed in young adults within the last decades. This trend corresponds to an increasing prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 among young adults living in developed countries. Moreover, age-specific risk factors, such as substance abuse, contraceptive medication, and pregnancy-related diseases also correlate with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the available data for young adults on the epidemiology and the rationale for the causality of traditional and newly emerging risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We focus on gender-related differences in the exposure to these risk factors, investigate the recent data regarding screening and risk stratification in the young adult population, and describe the current state of the art on lifestyle and therapeutic intervention strategies in the primary prevention setting.

QT interval alterations in epilepsy: A thorough investigation between epilepsy subtypes.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac disturbances and rhythm abnormalities which potentially lead sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, have been extensively studied in focal epilepsies. However, studies including generalized epilepsies are scarce and it is not clear whether electrocardiogram parameters reflecting vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias differ between these groups. METHODS: Medical records of patients who were followed in epilepsy department of a tertiary center between October 2015 and September 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. 66 generalized and 64 focal epilepsy patients with eligible electrophysiological data were analyzed. QTc interval, QTcd and other electrocardiographic indices were compared between patients with focal vs generalized epilepsy. Another analysis was performed in order to disclose any difference between patients with epilepsy (n:130) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. A two-tailed p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There was no difference in terms of QTc and QTcd between patients with focal and generalized epilepsy [median: 406 ms vs 404 ms, p = 0.119; and median: 46 ms vs 44 ms, p = 0.497, respectively]. However patients with epilepsy were found to have longer QTc and QTcd when compared to ones with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Current findings demonstrate that patients with epilepsy have longer QTc and QTcd than patients with pure psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Since there was no difference between patients with focal and generalized epilepsy; QTc interval, QTcd and potential susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias as a result, could be a consequence of epilepsy itself regardless of origin.

[The prevalence of coronary artery anomalies in patients undergoing multidetector computed tomography for the evaluation of coronary artery disease]. / Koroner arter hastaliginin degerlendirilmesi için çokkesitli bilgisayarli tomografi ile incelenen hastalarda koroner arter anomalilerinin sikligi.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery anomalies (CAA) can be detected by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with a high accuracy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CAA in subjects undergoing MSCT coronary angiography for the assessment of coronary artery disease. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included 1,056 patients (534 males, 522 females; mean age 58.8±11.5 years) who underwent coronary dual-source 64-slice MDCT for the assessment of coronary artery disease. Coronary angiographic scans were obtained with injection of 80 ml nonionic contrast medium. Retrospective gating technique was used to synchronize data reconstruction with the ECG signal. The reconstructions were obtained in all cardiac phases at 50-millisecond intervals at a slice thickness of 0.75 mm and a reconstruction increment of 0.5 mm. Maximum intensity projection, multiplanar reformatted, and volume rendering images were derived from axial scans. RESULTS: Eleven patients (1.04%) were found to have a CAA. These included high take-off of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) (n=3, 0.3%), absence of the LMCA (n=3, 0.3%), coronary fistula (n=2, 0.2%), right-sided origin of the circumflex artery (n=2, 0.2%), and left anterior descending artery originating from the right coronary artery (n=1, 0.1%). CONCLUSION: Multidetector computed tomography is a reliable and useful noninvasive method to identify and define anomalous coronary arteries and their course and can be used as the first-line diagnostic tool in the evaluation of CAAs.

Anti-inflammatory therapy in atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. Although once considered merely as a lipid storage disease, studies indicate the role of inflammation in initiation and progression of atherosclerotic CVD, as well as the development of thrombotic complications. Despite significant advances in treatment of atherosclerosis, there still exists a residual risk for CVD-related morbidity and mortality. Even with optimal treatment, the rate of a new event after an index acute coronary syndrome event, such as myocardial ischemia or infarction, in the first three years has been reported to be as high as 20%. In the last decades, inflammation due to apoB-lipoproteins and other traditional risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking, is accepted as a new target for CVD prevention. Up to now, several anti-inflammatory drugs have been tested for use in atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the current status of anti-inflammatory drug therapy for atherosclerotic CVD in humans.

Periaortic adipose tissue volume is associated with sclerotic changes in the adjacent aortic valve.

Aortic sclerosis is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Numerous studies have shown that visceral adiposity is associated with development of atherosclerosis, especially in the adjacent vascular wall. Considering the similar pathophysiology of aortic sclerosis and atherosclerosis, it can be hypothesized that visceral adipose tissue adjacent to aortic valve may be associated with aortic sclerosis. In this study, we investigated the relationship between periaortic adipose tissue volume and sclerotic changes in the adjacent aortic valve. In this retrospective study, 80 patients with a concurrent MSCT and echocardiography in the last 6 months were enrolled. Echocardiographic examinations were retrospectively evaluated regarding the presence of aortic sclerosis. Periaortic adipose tissue volume was calculated on a computer assisted work station (Leonardo Workstation, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) by an experienced radiologist. Patient group (61.63 ± 8.55 years and 50% male) and the control group (61.45 ± 5.68 years, 50% male) each consisted 40 participants. Patient group had significantly higher BUN (42.50 (15.00-211.00) vs. 34.00 (12.00-107.00) mg/dL, p = 0.003), uric acid (5.40 (3.40-14.70) vs. 4.30 (2.30-6.70) ng/mL, p = 0.005) and LDL-C levels (121.50 (60.00-215.00) vs. 86.50 (49.00-209.00) mg/dL, p = 0.001) when compared to control group. Patient group had also significantly higher periaortic adipose tissue volume (32.45 (11.70-51.23) vs. 16.00 (6.29-32.96) ml, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that periaortic adipose tissue volume was independently associated with the presence of aortic sclerosis (OR 0.241, 95% CI 0.143-0.946, p = 0.001). In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that periaortic adipose tissue volume was independently associated with the presence of sclerotic changes in the adjacent aortic valve.

Role of femoral artery ultrasound imaging in cardiovascular event risk prediction in a primary prevention cohort at a medium-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular (CV) disease prevention guidelines have addressed how imaging may influence CV risk determined by established risk score systems in primary prevention. Nevertheless, data are lacking regarding the use of femoral artery ultrasonography for CV risk modification. Herein, we hypothesized that femoral artery plaque and its characteristics, as well as femoral intima-media thickness (fIMT) measurements, may predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS: Subjects free from documented CV disease who were scheduled for coronary computed tomographic angiography at our institution from September 2016-June 2017 were included. IMT measurements and plaque assessment were performed at femoral and carotid arteries. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) was recorded. Patients were followed-up for MACE. RESULTS: A total of 215 subjects (mean age: 54.85 years, 47.91% male) were eligible. Median number of CV risk factors was 3. Median 10-year atherosclerotic CV disease risk based on Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) equation was 6.3%. At a median follow-up of 24 months, 9 subjects (4.19%) had MACE. Patients who experienced MACE at follow-up were older (p=0.047), more of male gender (p=0.015), had higher serum creatinine levels despite being within reference limits (p=0.031) and PCE equation risk score (p=0.011). In patients who experienced MACE at follow-up, distal (p=0.027), bifurcation (p=0.007), and proximal carotid IMT (p=0.030) and fIMT (p=0.015) were increased. Surface irregularities and ulceration in femoral artery plaques were more common (p=0.001) and CACS was higher (p<0.001). When adjusted for other subclinical atherosclerosis imaging markers, femoral artery plaque surface irregularities and ulceration and only coronary calcification (without concomitant carotid or femoral atherosclerosis) were found to be independent predictors of MACE at follow-up (both p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our data emphasize that baseline ultrasonographic assessment of the femoral arteries to define plaque characteristics may provide prognostic information for predicting MACE in a primary prevention cohort.

Serum galectin-3 level predicts early recurrence following successful direct-current cardioversion in persistent atrial fibrillation patients.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial structural remodeling has been suggested to contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following direct-current cardioversion (DCCV). The role of several inflammatory and extracellular matrix turnover markers in AF recurrence following DCCV has been investigated. However, data on the impact of galectin-3, which is known to play a role in various fibrotic conditions, including cardiac fibrosis are lacking. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the predictive role of serum galectin-3 levels in AF recurrence following successful DCCV. METHODS: A total of 90 persistent AF patients who were sche-duled for DCCV were prospectively enrolled. Serum samples were assayed to determine pre-DCCV galectin-3 levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Patients were followed up for 3 months for AF recurrence. RESULTS: Of 90 persistent AF patients (mean age: 55.33±7.94 years; 53.33% male) who underwent successful DCCV, 28 (31.11%) experienced early AF recurrence within 3 months. Patients with AF recurrence had a greater left atrial volume index (LAVI) (33.35±2.45 mL/m2 vs. 29.21±3.08 mL/m2; p<0.001) and serum galectin-3 levels were higher (0.88 ng/mL [min-max: 0.52-1.32] vs. 0.60 ng/mL [min-max: 0.38-0.91]; p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, the number of DCCV attempts (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.879, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.052-3.355; p=0.033), LAVI (HR: 1.180, 95% CI: 1.028-1.354; p=0.018), and serum galectin-3 level (HR: 11.933, 95% CI: 1.220-116.701; p=0.033) were found to be independently associated with early AF recurrence following successful DCCV. CONCLUSION: Circulating levels of galectin-3 may have an association with early AF recurrence following DCCV.