Evaluating the association between opium abuse, blood lead levels, and the complexity of coronary artery disease.

Opium abuse and exposure to heavy metals elevate the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between opium abuse and blood lead levels (BLLs) and the CAD complexity. We evaluated patients with acute coronary symptoms who underwent coronary angiography, and those with >50% stenosis in at least one of the coronary arteries were included. Furthermore, Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery I (SYNTAX I) score and BLLs were measured. Based on the opium abuse, 95 patients were subdivided into opium (45) and control (50) groups. Differences in demographics and CAD risk factors were insignificant between the two groups. The median BLLs were remarkably higher in the opium group than in controls (36 (35.7) and 20.5 µg/dL (11.45), respectively, p = 0.003). We also revealed no significant differences in SYNTAX score between the two groups (15.0 (9.0) and 17.5 (14.0), respectively, p = 0.28). Additionally, we found no significant correlation between BLLs and the SYNTAX scores (p = 0.277 and r = -0.113). Opium abuse was associated with high BLLs. Neither opium abuse nor high BLLs were correlated with the complexity of CAD. Further studies are warranted to establish better the relationship between opium abuse, BLLs, and CAD.

Expression of PCT, BNP and Inflammatory Factors in Children with Kawasaki Disease and Their Correlation with Coronary Artery Lesions.

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD), as one of the most common vascular diseases in children, will cause the risk of coronary artery lesions (CAL) without treatment. This study is to explore the expression of procalcitonin (PCT), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children with KD and their correlation with CAL. Methods: 86 KD children in Baoding Hospital of Beijing Children's Hospital were selected as the study subjects from January 2020 to June 2021. According to whether CAL occurred, they were divided into the CAL group (n=30) and NCAL group (n=56). The clinical data of the two groups were collected from the medical record system. The levels of PCT and BNP were detected by chemiluminescence microparticle assay, the CRP level was detected by immunoturbidimetry, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by flow immunofluorescence method. The relationship of PCT, BNP, and inflammatory factors with CAL in KD children was explored by Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The comparative result of clinical data showed no overt difference in gender, disease types, age and blood routine indexes between the two groups, except for coronary artery diameter (P >.05). The levels of PCT, BNP, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 in CAL group were (1.70±0.39) µg/L, (289.21±29.78) ng/L, (83.16±17.35) mg/L, (9.38±1.23) pg/mL and (59.97±0.97) ng/mL, respectively. The levels of PCT, BNP, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 in NCAL group were (1.04±0.18) µg/L, (170.85±23.58) ng/L, (69.70±16.64) mg/L, (6.32±0.73) pg/mL and (44.16±11.97) ng/mL, respectively. The levels of each index in the CAL group were notably higher than in the NCAL group (P < .001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that PCT, BNP, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 were positively correlated with CAL in KD children (r=0.829, 0.865, 0.823, 0.894, 0.784, P < .001). Conclusion: The increase of PCT, BNP, and inflammatory factors has a certain warning effect on CAL in KD children. In clinical practice, health care professionals should strengthen the detection of PCT, BNP and inflammatory factors in KD children, carry out early monitoring of CAL in children with high expression of biomarkers, and formulate personalized preventive intervention based on the disease progress, so as to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, due to the limitations of research conditions and methods, the sample size of this study is small, which may affect the reliability and representativeness of the conclusion. In order to provide a new direction for the clinical prevention and treatment of the disease, future work will improve the research design, expand the sample size, and carry out more in-depth exploration on the prediction of CAL in KD children.

Lipoprotein (a) is a risk factor of aortic valve calcification in patients with a risk of atherosclerosis.

Aortic valve calcification (AVC), which causes aortic stenosis (AS), is more common in elderly persons. Controlling for conventional risk variables did not, however, reduce the incidence of AS. Thus, residual risk factors of AS should be identified. We enrolled 513 patients who underwent coronary angiography with computed tomography because of suspicion of coronary artery disease (CAD) or ruling out of CAD before aortic valve replacement. Calcium volume was calculated with a commercially available application. Conventional and lipid-related risk factors including serum levels of Lp(a) were evaluated for all patients. Calcium volume and Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement than in those who did not. A single regression analysis showed that the calcium volume was positively associated with age and the Lp(a) levels and negatively associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. No statistical significance was observed for other risk factors, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein, omega-3 fatty acids levels. The multiple regression analysis revealed that age (P<0.001), female sex (P<0.05), Lp(a) (P<0.01), and hemoglobin A1c (P<0.01) were determinants of the calcium volume. The area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic analysis of Lp(a) for implementation of AVR was 0.65 at an Lp(a) cut-off level of 16 mg/dL. In conclusion, the serum Lp(a) level is a potent risk factor of AVC in patients with high risk of atherosclerosis. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 450-456, August, 2023.

Circulating fatty acids, genetic risk, and incident coronary artery disease: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study.

The role of fatty acids (FAs) in primary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly debated, and the modification effect by genetic risk profiles remains unclear. Here, we report the prospective associations of circulating FAs and genetic predisposition with CAD development in 101,367 U.K. Biobank participants. A total of 3719 CAD cases occurred during a mean follow-up of 11.5 years. Plasma monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) were positively associated with risk of CAD, whereas the risk was significantly lower with higher n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and more reductions in risk were detected among TT carriers of rs174547. Furthermore, increased plasma saturated FAs (SFAs) and linoleic acid were related to a significant increase in CAD risk among participants with high genetic risk (genetic risk score > 90%). These findings suggest that individuals with high genetic risk need to reduce plasma SFAs levels for CAD prevention. Supplementation of n-3 PUFAs for CAD prevention may consider individuals' genetic makeup.

Early experience of intravascular lithotripsy in unprotected calcified left main coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of unprotected severely calcified left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is a complex interventional procedure. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) and rotational atherectomy (RA) are safe and effective methods of treating coronary calcification in the non-LMCA setting. This retrospective analysis assessed the feasibility of IVL versus RA in unprotected LMCA disease. METHODS: We analyzed IVL and RA procedures performed at a large tertiary hospital in the Northeast of England from January 1, 2019 to April 31, 2022. Major safety and efficacy endpoints were procedural and angiographic success, defined by stent delivery with <50 % residual stenosis and without clinical or angiographic complications, respectively. Another important clinical endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 year. RESULTS: From 242 patients, 44 had LMCA IVL, 81 had LMCA RA and 117 had non-LMCA IVL. Patients with LMCA disease were older and more likely to have aortic stenosis. IVL was a second-line or bailout technique in 86.4 % LMCA and 92.2 % non-LMCA cases. Procedural and angiographic success rates were ≥ 84 % across all groups (p > 0.05). In 3 LMCA IVL and 3 LMCA RA cases arrhythmias and cardiac tamponade complicated the procedures respectively. At 1 year, MACE occurred in 10/44 (22.7 %) LMCA IVL, 16/81 (19.8 %) LMCA RA and 25/117 (21.4 %) cases (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our single center retrospective analysis, IVL is feasible in unprotected calcified LMCA as a second-line and third-line adjuvant calcium modification technique. Its use in unprotected calcified LMCA disease should be formalized with the undertaking of large randomized controlled trials.

Trends in the Prevalence and Incidence of Opium Abuse and its Association with Coronary Artery Risk Factors in Adult Population in Iran: Findings from Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Study.

Background: The prevalence of opium addiction in Iran is high probably due to the belief that opium has preventive effects against cardiovascular diseases. In the second phase of Kerman coronary artery disease risk factors study, the prevalence, incidence rate, and the association between opium use and other coronary artery disease risk factors (CADRFs) were assessed. Methods: In a cross-sectional study (2014-2018), 9996 inhabitants of Kerman, southeastern Iran, aged 15-80 years were recruited to the study. After taking fasting blood samples, the participants were examined or interviewed for demographic data and CADRFs, including opium use. The participants were categorized into "never", "occasional", and "dependent" users. The association between opium use and CADRFs was assessed with adjusted regression analysis (Stata v.11 software). Results: The overall prevalence of opium consumption was lower than that of five years earlier (P<0.01). The prevalence was currently higher in men than women and decreased in men between the two phases (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between opium use and depression (P<0.001), anxiety (P<0.05), and a negative association with the level of physical activity (P<0.001). The five-year incident rate of dependent and occasional opium use was 4.2 and 3.9 persons/100 person-years, respectively. The incidence of opium use was higher in diabetic, hypertensive, depressed, anxious, and obese subjects. Conclusion: The study did not demonstrate any protective effects of opium on CADRFs. Considering the higher rate of opium use in subjects with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and psychological disorders, the health authorities should implement educational programs to warn and correct the unsafe belief.

Low levels of vitamin D and coronary artery disease: Is it time for therapy?

The association between vitamin D and the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), major established cardiovascular risk factors, and acute ischemic events has been consistently demonstrated in large-scale observational studies and meta-analyses, with relevant prognostic implications. The rise in prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in recent years, reaching pandemic pro-portions, has pointed to the importance of the identification and optimization of the indications and strategies for the therapeutic use of vitamin D, with particular relevance for cardiovascular health. However, vitamin D supplementation has provided so far inconsistent results in primary prevention, with even fewer data reported in patients with established CAD. The present review aims to provide an updated overview of the available evidence and potential therapeutic applications of vitaminD in patients with CAD.

Serum phosphorus and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects without kidney dysfunction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is limited data on the association between serum phosphorus concentration (SPC) and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in low-risk asymptomatic subjects without kidney dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1,636 Korean individuals (mean age 52.6 ± 7.6 years; males: 712 (43.5%)) without traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and kidney dysfunction who voluntarily underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as part of a general health examination. Traditional CVRFs were defined as follows: systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg, fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%, total cholesterol ≥ 240 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 160 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 40 mg/dL, body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, currently smoking, and medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Study participants were stratified into tertiles according to their SPC levels (≤ 3.2, 3.3 - 3.6, and ≥ 3.7 mg/dL). RESULTS: 297 (18.2%) study participants had subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, characterized by any coronary plaque on CCTA. In multivariable regression analysis, the risk of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis increased in the second (odds ratio (OR): 1.629; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.149 - 2.308; p = 0.006) and third (OR: 1.645; 95% CI: 1.093 - 2.476; p = 0.017) SPC tertiles compared to the first SPC tertile. In addition, the risk of calcified plaque increased in the second (OR: 1.605; 95% CI: 1.124 - 2.292; p = 0.009) and third (OR 1.790; 95% CI 1.179 - 2.716; p = 0.006) SPC tertiles. CONCLUSION: In low-risk asymptomatic Korean individuals without kidney dysfunction, a higher SPC level was an independent predictor of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

Association of Opium Consumption and Coronary Artery Ectasia: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Opium consumption is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and a hyper-inflammatory state which are suggested as contributing factors to the development of coronary artery ectasia (CAE). We aimed to determine if opium consumption is an independent risk factor of CAE. This study aimed to explore the relationship between opium consumption and CAE. METHODS: In this propensity score-matched study, we enrolled patients who underwent elective coronary angiography between September 2004 and March 2017 in Tehran Heart Center. We studied patients with CAE and without coronary artery disease (CAD) as cases. The control group, patients with normal coronary angiograms, were selected after applying the propensity score matching to match for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of coronary artery disease, and cigarette smoking. RESULTS: We studied 242 patients with pure CAE and selected 968 control patients. The prevalence of opium consumption was not significantly different across these groups: 17 (7.5%) in the pure CAE group compared to 76 (8.6%) in the control group (Odds ratio: 0.81; P=0.455). Amongst the patients with pure CAE, Markis scores were not significantly different between opium consumers and non-consumers (P=0.136). CONCLUSION: We found no significant difference regarding opium consumption between patients with pure CAE and those with normal coronary angiograms. In addition, there was no correlation between opium consumption and Markis scores in patients with pure CAE.

Accelerated coronary calcium burden in breast cancer patients after radiotherapy: a comparison with age and race matched healthy women.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) might lead to atherosclerotic plaque buildup and coronary artery stenosis of breast cancer (BC) survivors, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) might be a sign of preclinical atherosclerosis. This study explores possible determinants affecting the acceleration of CAC burden in BC patients after adjuvant RT. METHODS: Female BC patients receiving adjuvant RT from 2002 to 2010 were included. All patients received noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) of thorax before and after adjuvant RT. Their CAC burden was compared with healthy controls from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort. The progression of the CAC burden was manifested by the increment of CAC percentiles (%CACinc). RESULTS: Ninety-four patients, including both left- and right-side BC, were enrolled in this study. From undergoing the first to second NCCT, the %CACinc in BC patients significantly increased rather than non-BC women. In addition, the %CACinc was significantly higher in left-side than right-side BC patients (p < 0.05), and significant differences in most heart outcomes were found between the two groups. Besides, the lower the mean right coronary artery (RCA) dose, the lower the risks of CAC percentiles increase ≥ 50% after adjusting the disease's laterality. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly higher accelerated CAC burden in BC patients than non-BC women represents that BC could affect accelerated CAC. A higher risk of accelerated CAC burden was found in left-side than right-side BC patients after adjuvant RT. A decrease of the mean RCA dose could reduce more than 50% of the risk of accelerated CAC burden in BC patients.

Higher serum level of Cystatin C: An additional risk factor of CAD.

ABSTRACT: Cystatin C has been proposed as a useful biomarker of early impaired kidney function and a predictor of mortality risk. The present study is to investigate the association between serum Cystatin C and the severity of coronary artery lesions, Gensini score (GS), and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).A total of 682 CAD patients (230 females, 452 males; mean age 62.6 ±â€Š10.7 years, range from 31 to 86 years) and 135 controls (41 females, 94 males; mean age 58.0 ±â€Š10.3 years, range from 38 to 84 years) were recruited in the present study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to measure serum cystatin C levels and other serum indexes. The estimated glomerular filtration rate and GS were calculated.Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), uric acid, Cystatin C, and homocysteine (HCY) were significantly elevated in CAD patients compared to controls. There were significant differences regarding total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, cystatin C, eGFR and GS among stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina group (UAP), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. AMI group had an elevated serum Cystatin C, LDL-C, HCY, and GS than SAP and UAP patients. When stratified patient groups by the quartiles of Cystatin C, we found age, the proportion of male and patients with diabetes, HCY, and GS were increased in Q4 than in other quartile groups. Spearman correlation test revealed a positive relationship between Cystatin C, HCY, and GS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum Cystatin C level, presence of hypertension and diabetes, HCY, age, and male were the risk factors for coronary artery lesions.In summary, our results suggested that cystatin C is a promising clinical biomarker that provides complementary information to the established risk determinants. The serum Cystatin C level is strongly associated with GS and could be used to evaluate the severity of coronary artery lesions.

Associations of Observational and Genetically Determined Caffeine Intake With Coronary Artery Disease and Diabetes Mellitus.

Background Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychostimulant and is associated with lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether these associations are causal remains unknown. This study aimed to identify genetic variants associated with caffeine intake, and to investigate evidence for causal links with CAD or T2DM. In addition, we aimed to replicate previous observational findings. Methods and Results Observational associations were tested within UK Biobank using Cox regression analyses. Moderate observational caffeine intakes from coffee or tea were associated with lower risks of CAD or T2DM, with the lowest risks at intakes of 121 to 180 mg/day from coffee for CAD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.73-0.82; P<1×10-16]), and 301 to 360 mg/day for T2DM (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.67-0.86]; P=1.57×10-5). Next, genome-wide association studies were performed on self-reported caffeine intake from coffee, tea, or both in 407 072 UK Biobank participants. These analyses identified 51 novel genetic variants associated with caffeine intake at P<1.67×10-8. These loci were enriched for central nervous system genes. However, in contrast to the observational analyses, 2-sample Mendelian randomization analyses using the identified loci in independent disease-specific cohorts yielded no evidence for causal links between genetically determined caffeine intake and the development of CAD or T2DM. Conclusions Mendelian randomization analyses indicate genetically determined higher caffeine intake might not protect against CAD or T2DM, despite protective associations in observational analyses.

Effects of peripheral and different inspiratory muscle training methods in coronary artery disease patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized-controlled trial.

Background OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of peripheral muscle training (PMT) and different inspiratory muscle training (IMT) methods on respiratory functions, exercise capacity, and biochemistry parameters in coronary artery disease patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This prospective, single-blind, randomized-controlled study included 60 patients of stable coronary artery disease with metabolic syndrome (New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class I-II, left ventricular ejection fraction >40%). Patients were randomly divided into three groups: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) plus PMT group (NMES + PMT group, n = 20), IMT plus PMT group (IMT + PMT group, n = 20) and PMT group (PMT group, n = 20). Treatment continued for six weeks for all groups. The NMES was applied to rectus abdominis, IMT was applied with 30% of maximal inspiratory pressures, and PMT was applied at home. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, dyspnea scores, exercise stress test, and biochemistry parameters were measured before and after training. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in spirometric tests, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea scores, exercise capacity, fasting blood glucose, and antistreptolysin O after treatment in all groups (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were observed in NMES + PMT and IMT + PMT groups (p < 0.05). Among the groups, there was a significant difference in maximal inspiratory pressure (p = 0.02) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.037) in favor of NMES + PMT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results showed significant improvements in respiratory functions, exercise capacity, and biochemistry markers in all groups. Different IMT methods can be used in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to improve exercise intolerance in coronary artery disease patients with metabolic syndrome. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03523026.

Vitamin K for kidney transplant organ recipients: investigating vessel stiffness (ViKTORIES): study rationale and protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) exhibit increased vascular stiffness and calcification; these parameters are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Activity of endogenous calcification inhibitors such as matrix gla protein (MGP) is dependent on vitamin K. RTRs commonly have subclinical vitamin K deficiency. The Vitamin K in kidney Transplant Organ Recipients: Investigating vEssel Stiffness (ViKTORIES) study assesses whether vitamin K supplementation reduces vascular stiffness and calcification in a diverse population of RTR. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: ViKTORIES (ISRCTN22012044) is a single-centre, phase II, parallel-group, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of vitamin K supplementation in 90 prevalent RTR. Participants are eligible if they have a functioning renal transplant for >1 year. Those on warfarin, with atrial fibrillation, estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or contraindications to MRI are excluded. Treatment is with vitamin K (menadiol diphosphate) 5 mg three times per week for 1 year or matching placebo. All participants have primary and secondary endpoint measures at 0 and 12 months. The primary endpoint is ascending aortic distensibility on cardiac MR imaging. Secondary endpoints include vascular calcification (coronary artery calcium score by CT), cardiac structure and function on MR, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, serum uncarboxylated MGP, transplant function, proteinuria and quality of life. The study is powered to detect 1.0×10-3 mm Hg-1 improvement in ascending aortic distensibility in the vitamin K group relative to placebo at 12 months. Analyses will be conducted as between-group differences at 12 months by intention to treat. DISCUSSION: This trial may identify a novel, inexpensive and low-risk treatment to improve surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk in RTR.

Remission of "mistletoe sign" after treatment.

We described a 55-year-old man, in whom the first manifestation of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) was only coronary arterial involvement, which had no periaortic or peri-iliac and urinary system retroperitoneum involvement in general and other systemic clinical manifestations. Coronary manifestation was called "mistletoe sign" on the images. Here, we report a case of IgG4-related RPF remission that was only coronary arterial involvement after treatment.

Circulating Vitamin E Levels and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease and Myocardial Infarction: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Observational studies have reported a cardioprotective effect of vitamin E whereas intervention trials failed to confirm its beneficial effects, and even some reported adverse effects of vitamin E supplements on coronary artery disease (CAD). To clarify, we conducted a two-sample mendelian randomization study to investigate causal association of vitamin E with the risk of CAD. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in a genome-wide analysis study including 7781 individuals of European descent, rs964184, rs2108622, and rs11057830 were used as the genetic instruments for vitamin E. Data for CAD/myocardial infarction (MI) were available from Coronary ARtery DIsease Genome wide Replication and Meta-analysis (CARDIoGRAM) plus The Coronary Artery Disease (C4D) Genetics consortium. The effect of each SNP on CAD/myocardial infarction (MI) was weighted by its effect on serum vitamin E (mg/L), and results were pooled to give a summary estimates for the effect of increased vitamin E on risk of CAD/MI. Based on 3 SNPs each 1 mg/L increase in vitamin E was significantly associated with CAD (odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.06), MI (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.05), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.021 standard deviations (SD), 95% CI 0.016, 0.027), triglycerides (0.026 SD, 95% CI 0.021, 0.031), and total cholesterol (0.043 SD, 95% CI 0.038, 0.048) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.019 SD 95% CI -0.024, -0.014). Our findings indicate that higher vitamin E may increase the risk of CAD/MI and the safety and efficacy of vitamin E supplementation use should be reevaluated.

Safety and efficacy of zotarolimus-eluting stents in the treatment of diabetic coronary lesions in Chinese patients: The RESOLUTE-DIABETES CHINA Study.

BACKGROUND: The RESOLUTE-DIABETES CHINA study was specifically designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES; Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) in the treatment of diabetic coronary lesions in the Chinese population. METHODS: In all, 945 patients with de novo native coronary lesions and type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited at 32 cardiac centers across the Chinese mainland and were implanted with Resolute ZES. The primary endpoint was target vessel failure (TVF); secondary endpoints were clinical outcomes, namely all-cause death, stroke, bleeding, target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), non-TVR, and stent thrombosis (ST). The follow-up period for all endpoints was 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: In all, 933 patients (98.73%) had clinical follow-up at 12 months. The rate of TVF was 11.60%, whereas the rate of occurrence of secondary endpoints was 5.47%, with four patients (0.43%) having subacute or late ST. There were no significant differences in TVF rates comparing patients with different HbA1c levels or receiving different glucose control treatments (all P > 0.05). Patients with multivessel lesions had higher TVF rates (95% confidence intervals) than those with single-vessel lesions (16.76% [12.10%-22.97%) vs 9.72% [7.79%-12.11%], respectively; P = 0.006). There were no significant differences in TVF rates in patients with or without small vessels, bifurcated lesions, or chronic total occlusions (all P > 0.05). [Correction added on 17 January 2019, after first online publication: in the second sentence of Results section, "TLF" was changed to "TVF".]. CONCLUSIONS: Resolute ZES may perform well in the Chinese diabetic population, especially in those with poor glucose control, complex lesions, and certain unfavorable clinical features. Further studies are needed to determine why ZES perform well in this population.

Association of blood levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids with coronary calcification and calcium density in Japanese men.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Clinical trials of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) among high-risk groups in Japan in which consumption of mairne-omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) is much higher than other countries showed slower progression of coronary atherosclerosis. We aimed to determine the cross-sectional associations of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and calcium density with OM3, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two principal OM3, in the general population in Japan. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The Shiga Epidemiological Study of Subclinical Atherosclerosis examined a population-based sample of 1074 men aged 40-79 in 2006-08 for computed tomography-measured CAC score (CCS), a well-established biomarker of coronary atherosclerosis, CAC density score (CDS), a potential marker of plaque stabilization, serum levels of OM3, and risk factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of CCS > 0, ≥ 100, and ≥ 300 was 65.8%, 25.9%, and 12.9%, respectively; the mean (SD) OM3, EPA, and DHA were 10.1% (3.2), 3.2% (1.7), and 5.9% (1.6), respectively. Odds ratios (95% CI, p-value) of CCS 0, 100, and 300 in ordinal logistic regression associated with 1 SD increase of OM3, EPA, and DHA were 0.91 (0.81-1.03, p = 0.12), 0.99 (0.88-1.11, p = 0.87) and 0.84 (0.74-0.94, p = < 0.01), respectively. The inverse association of DHA with CCS remained significant in multivariate-adjusted model: odds ratio of 0.87 (0.77-0.99, p = 0.03). Blood levels of OM3, EPA, or DHA did not have any significant associations with CDS. CONCLUSIONS: DHA but not EPA had a significant inverse association with coronary atherosclerosis in the general population with high levels of OM3. Future trials are warranted comparing the effect of high-dose DHA and EPA on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcomes.

Lanosteryl triterpenes from Protorhus longifolia as a cardioprotective agent: a mini review.

The epidemic of cardiovascular diseases is a global phenomenon that is exaggerated by the growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Coronary artery disease and diabetic cardiomyopathy are the major cardiovascular complications responsible for exacerbated myocardial infarction in diabetic individuals. Increasing research has identified hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia as key factors driving the augmentation of oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory response that usually results in increased fibrosis and reduced cardiac efficiency. While current antidiabetic agents remain active in attenuating diabetes-associated complications, overtime, their efficacy proves limited in protecting the hearts of diabetic individuals. This has led to a considerable increase in the number of natural products that are screened for their antidiabetic and cardioprotective properties. These natural products may present essential ameliorative properties relevant to their use as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to current drug agents in combating diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications. Recent findings have suggested that triterpenes isolated from Protorhus longifolia (Benrh.) Engl., a plant species endemic to Southern Africa, display strong antioxidant and antidiabetic properties that may potentially protect against diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications. Thus, in addition to discussing the pathophysiology associated with diabetes-induced cardiovascular injury, available evidence pertaining to the cardiovascular protective potential of lanosteryl triterpenes from Protorhus longifolia will be discussed.