Serum Calcification Propensity Is Increased in Myocardial Infarction and Hints at a Pathophysiological Role Independent of Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification is associated with increased mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Secondary calciprotein particles are believed to play a causal role in the pathophysiology of vascular calcification. The maturation time (T50) of calciprotein particles provides a measure of serum calcification propensity. We compared T50 between patients with ST-segment-elevated myocardial infarction and control subjects and studied the association of T50 with cardiovascular risk factors and outcome. METHODS: T50 was measured by nephelometry in 347 patients from the GIPS-III trial (Metabolic Modulation With Metformin to Reduce Heart Failure After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Glycometabolic Intervention as Adjunct to Primary Coronary Intervention in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: a Randomized Controlled Trial) and in 254 matched general population controls from PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease). We also assessed the association between T50 and left ventricular ejection fraction, as well as infarct size, the incidence of ischemia-driven reintervention during 5 years of follow-up, and serum nitrite as a marker of endothelial dysfunction. RESULTS: Patients with ST-segment-elevated myocardial infarction had a significantly lower T50 (ie, higher serum calcification propensity) compared with controls (T50: 289±63 versus 338±56 minutes; P<0.001). In patients with ST-segment-elevated myocardial infarction, lower T50 was associated with female sex, lower systolic blood pressure, lower total cholesterol, lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol but not with circulating nitrite or nitrate. Ischemia-driven reintervention was associated with higher LDL (P=0.03) and had a significant interaction term for T50 and sex (P=0.005), indicating a correlation between ischemia-driven reintervention and T50 above the median in men and below the median in women, between 150 days and 5 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Serum calcification propensity is increased in patients with ST-segment-elevated myocardial infarction compared with the general population, and its contribution is more pronounced in women than in men. Its lack of/inverse association with nitrite and blood pressure confirms T50 to be orthogonal to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Lower T50 was associated with a more favorable serum lipid profile, suggesting the involvement of divergent pathways of calcification stress and lipid stress in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction.

Impact of acute glycemic variability on short-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a multicenter population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing attention to glycemic variability (GV) and its potential implications for cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to explore the impact of acute GV on short-term outcomes in Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: This study enrolled 7510 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute STEMI from 274 centers in China. GV was assessed using the coefficient of variation of blood glucose levels. Patients were categorized into three groups according to GV tertiles (GV1, GV2, and GV3). The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Cox regression analyses were conducted to determine the independent correlation between GV and the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 7136 patients with STEMI were included. During 30-days follow-up, there was a significant increase in the incidence of all-cause death and MACEs with higher GV tertiles. The 30-days mortality rates were 7.4% for GV1, 8.7% for GV2 and 9.4% for GV3 (p = 0.004), while the MACEs incidence rates was 11.3%, 13.8% and 15.8% for the GV1, GV2 and GV3 groups respectively (p < 0.001). High GV levels during hospitalization were significantly associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality and MACEs. When analyzed as a continuous variable, GV was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.679, 95% confidence Interval [CI] 1.005-2.804) and MACEs (HR 2.064, 95% CI 1.386-3.074). Additionally, when analyzed as categorical variables, the GV3 group was found to predict an increased risk of MACEs, irrespective of the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). CONCLUSION: Our study findings indicate that a high GV during hospitalization was significantly associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality and MACE in Chinese patients with STEMI. Moreover, acute GV emerged as an independent predictor of increased MACEs risk, regardless of DM status.

Association of stress hyperglycemia ratio with left ventricular function and microvascular obstruction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a 3.0 T cardiac magnetic resonance study.

BACKGROUND: Stress hyperglycemia, which is associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), can be determined using the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR). Impaired left ventricular function and microvascular obstruction (MVO) diagnosed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have also been proven to be linked to poor prognosis in patients with AMI and aid in risk stratification. However, there have been no studies on the correlation between fasting SHR and left ventricular function and MVO in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (ASTEMI). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the additive effect of fasting SHR on left ventricular function and global deformation in patients with ASTEMI and to explore the association between fasting SHR and MVO. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent CMR at index admission (3-7 days) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were enrolled in this study. Basic clinical, biochemical, and CMR data were obtained and compared among all patients grouped by fasting SHR tertiles: SHR1: SHR < 0.85; SHR2: 0.85 ≤ SHR < 1.01; and SHR3: SHR ≥ 1.01. Spearman's rho (r) was used to assess the relationship between fasting SHR and left ventricular function, myocardial strain, and the extent of MVO. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the determinants of left ventricular function and myocardial strain impairment in all patients with AMI. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between fasting SHR and the presence and extent of MVO in patients with AMI and those with AMI and diabetes mellitus (DM). RESULTS: A total of 357 patients with ASTEMI were enrolled in this study. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular global function index (LVGFI) were significantly lower in SHR2 and SHR3 than in SHR1. Compared with SHR1 and SHR2 groups, left ventricular strain was lower in SHR3, as evidenced by global radial (GRS), global circumferential (GCS), and global longitudinal (GLS) strains. Fasting SHR were negatively correlated with LVEF, LVGFI, and GRS (r = - 0.252; r = - 0.261; and r = - 0.245; all P<0.001) and positively correlated with GCS (r = 0.221) and GLS (r = 0.249; all P <0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that fasting SHR was an independent determinant of impaired LVEF, LVGFI, GRS, and GLS. Furthermore, multivariable regression analysis after adjusting for covariates signified that fasting SHR was associated with the presence and extent of MVO in patients with AMI and those with AMI and DM. CONCLUSION: Fasting SHR in patients with ASTEMI successfully treated using PPCI is independently associated with impaired cardiac function and MVO. In patients with AMI and DM, fasting SHR is an independent determinant of the presence and extent of MVO.

The prognostic impact of insulin resistance surrogates in patients with acute myocardial infarction with and without type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Novel markers of insulin resistance and progression of atherosclerosis include the triglycerides and glucose index (TyG index), the triglycerides and body mass index (Tyg-BMI) and the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR). Establishing independent risk factors for in-hospital death and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) remains critical. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of in-hospital death and MACCE within 12 months after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with and without T2DM based on TyG index, Tyg-BMI and METS-IR. METHODS: Retrospective analysis included 1706 patients with STEMI and NSTEMI hospitalized between 2013 and 2021. We analyzed prognostic value of TyG index, Tyg-BMI and METS-IR for in-hospital death and MACCE as its components (death from any cause, MI, stroke, revascularization) within 12 months after STEMI or NSTEMI in patients with and without T2DM. RESULTS: Of 1706 patients, 58 in-hospital deaths were reported (29 patients [4.3%] in the group with T2DM and 29 patients [2.8%] in the group without T2DM; p = 0.1). MACCE occurred in 18.9% of the total study population (25.8% in the group with T2DM and 14.4% in the group without T2DM; p < 0.001). TyG index, Tyg-BMI and METS-IR were significantly higher in the group of patients with T2DM compared to those without T2DM (p < 0.001). Long-term MACCE were more prevalent in patients with T2DM (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) for the prediction of in-hospital death and the TyG index was 0.69 (p < 0.001). The ROC curve for predicting in-hospital death based on METS-IR was 0.682 (p < 0.001). The AUC-ROC values for MACCE prediction based on the TyG index and METS-IR were 0.582 (p < 0.001) and 0.57 (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TyG index was an independent risk factor for in-hospital death in patients with STEMI or NSTEMI. TyG index, TyG-BMI and METS-IR were not independent risk factors for MACCE at 12 month follow-up. TyG index and METS-IR have low predictive value in predicting MACCE within 12 months after STEMI and NSTEMI.

Senescent CD4+ T-Cell Phenotypes and Inflammatory Milieu in the Coronary and Systemic Circulation in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Exploratory Study.

INTRODUCTION: In ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), inflammation is pivotal, with early senescent CD4+CD28null cells implicated in its pathogenesis. However, the functional phenotype of these cells within the coronary circulation remains unclear. METHODS: We examined CD4+ cell subpopulations in blood samples from the coronary sinus and vena cava of 24 STEMI patients and the cephalic vein of seven healthy controls. RESULTS: Our findings revealed reduced CD4+ cell counts in STEMI patients compared to controls (1,998, 1,275-3,268 vs. 4,278, 3,595-4,449), alongside an increased proportion of CD4+ cells lacking CD28 expression (20.1 vs. 6.1%). These CD4+CD28null cells in STEMI predominantly exhibited a Th1 phenotype (47.8% vs. 6.6%). Intriguingly, no significant differences were detected in CD4+CD28null cells between coronary sinus and vena cava, and cytokine levels in these compartments remained similar. CONCLUSION: CD4+CD28null cells are increased in STEMI, mainly polarized toward a Th1 phenotype, and distributed equally between the different vascular beds.

Association of dysglycaemia with persistent infarct core iron in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Dysglycaemia increases the risk of myocardial infarction and subsequent recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the role of dysglycaemia in ischemia/reperfusion injury with development of irreversible myocardial tissue alterations remains poorly understood. In this study we aimed to investigate the association of ongoing dysglycaemia with persistence of infarct core iron and their longitudinal changes over time in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: We analyzed 348 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI between 2016 and 2021 that were included in the prospective MARINA-STEMI study (NCT04113356). Peripheral venous blood samples for glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements were drawn on admission and 4 months after STEMI. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging including T2 * mapping for infarct core iron assessment was performed at both time points. Associations of dysglycaemia with persistent infarct core iron and iron resolution at 4 months were calculated using multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Intramyocardial hemorrhage was observed in 147 (42%) patients at baseline. Of these, 89 (61%) had persistent infarct core iron 4 months after infarction with increasing rates across HbA1c levels (<5.7%: 33%, ≥5.7: 79%). Persistent infarct core iron was independently associated with ongoing dysglycaemia defined by HbA1c at 4 months (OR: 7.87 [95% CI: 2.60-23.78]; p < 0.001), after adjustment for patient characteristics and CMR parameters. The independent association was present even after exclusion of patients with diabetes (pre- and newly diagnosed, n = 16). CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients treated with primary PCI, ongoing dysglycaemia defined by HbA1c is independently associated with persistent infarct core iron and a lower likelihood of iron resolution. These findings suggest a potential association between ongoing dysglycaemia and persistent infarct core iron, which warrants further investigation for therapeutic implications.

Association of alactic base excess with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Alactic base excess (ABE) is a novel biomarker to evaluate the renal capability of handling acid-base disturbances, which has been found to be associated with adverse prognosis of sepsis and shock patients. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ABE and the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study collected AMI patients' clinical data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database. The outcome was in-hospital mortality after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were performed to assess the association of ABE with in-hospital mortality in AMI patients, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). To further explore the association, subgroup analyses were performed based on age, AKI, eGFR, sepsis, and AMI subtypes. RESULTS: Of the total 2779 AMI patients, 502 died in hospital. Negative ABE (HR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.02-1.56) (neutral ABE as reference) was associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in AMI patients, but not in positive ABE (P = 0.378). Subgroup analyses showed that negative ABE was significantly associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in AMI patients aged>65 years (HR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.13-1.89), with eGFR<60 (HR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05-1.74), with AKI (HR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06-1.64), with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) subtype (HR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.18-2.72), and without sepsis (HR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.01-1.64). CONCLUSION: Negative ABE was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI.

Predictive value of platelet-to-albumin ratio combined with the C2HEST score for New-Onset atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common adverse outcome in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is associated with a worse prognosis. The platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) has been utilized to predict the severity and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of PAR combined with the C2HEST score for NOAF in the elderly population with STEMI undergoing PCI. METHODS: 445 elderly STEMI patients without a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent PCI were consecutively enrolled in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for NOAF after PCI. RESULTS: 50 patients (11.2%) developed NOAF after PCI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that heart rate (HR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), uric acid (UA), PAR, and C2HEST score were independent risk factors for NOAF. The area under the curve (AUC) of the combined PAR and C2HEST score was 0.839, and Delong's test indicated that the combined model had superior predictive value compared to individual markers (AUC of PAR: 0.738; AUC of C2HEST score: 0.752) (P < 0.05). The addition of PAR and C2HEST score to this model (HR, SII, and UA) significantly improved the reclassification and discrimination ability (IDI 0.175; NRI 0.734, both P < 0.001). During regular follow-up, the incidence of MACE was higher in the NOAF group compared to the non-NOAF group. CONCLUSION: The combination of PAR and the C2HEST score has a high predictive value for NOAF in elderly STEMI patients following PCI.

Effects of different doses of tirofiban combined with dual antiplatelet drugs on platelet indices, vascular endothelial function, and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

This trial targeted to analyze the effects of different doses of tirofiban combined with dual antiplatelet drugs on platelet indices, vascular endothelial function, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 180 patients with STEMI who underwent PCI were divided into Group A, Group B, and Group C (60 cases per group). Group A was given conventional medication, and Groups B and C were given a standard dose (10 µg/kg) and a high dose (20 µg/kg) of tirofiban on the basis of Group A, respectively. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grade and TIMI blood flow grade were compared. Myocardial enzymes, platelet indices, vascular endothelial function, inflammatory factors, and cardiac function indices were detected. In-hospital bleeding events and follow-up MACE were recorded. After PCI, Group C had a higher number of TIMI myocardial perfusion grade III and TIMI blood flow grade III versus Group A. Group C achieved the greatest changes in myocardial enzymes, platelet indices, vascular endothelial function-related factors, inflammatory factors, and cardiac function indices, followed by Group B and Group A. The incidence of bleeding events was higher in Group C than in Group A, and that of MACE in Group C was lower than in Group A. The addition of high-dose tirofiban to PCI and dual antiplatelet drugs for STEMI patients can improve myocardial blood perfusion, cardiac function, and vascular endothelial function, inhibit platelet activation and aggregation, and reduce the occurrence of MACE.

What is the context?Acute myocardial infarction is a branch of acute coronary syndromes, which can be categorized into ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a non-surgical, invasive treatment used to improve blood flow to ischemic tissues and relieve coronary artery stenosis or occlusion. Despite the fact that percutaneous coronary intervention allows for timely mechanical reperfusion, patients with myocardial infarction have to face an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.What is the new?The addition of high-dose tirofiban to percutaneous coronary intervention and dual antiplatelet drugs for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients can improve myocardial blood perfusion, cardiac function, and vascular endothelial function, inhibit platelet activation and aggregation, and reduce the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events.What is the impact?These findings favor the future application of tirofiban combination therapies and can improve patients' conditions alone.

Evaluation of a nomogram model for predicting in-hospital mortality risk in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and acute heart failure post-PCI.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the risk factors contributing to in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who develop acute heart failure (AHF) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Based on these factors, we constructed a nomogram to effectively identify high-risk patients. METHODS: In the study, a collective of 280 individuals experiencing an acute STEMI who then developed AHF following PCI were evaluated. These subjects were split into groups for training and validation purposes. Utilizing lasso regression in conjunction with logistic regression analysis, researchers sought to pinpoint factors predictive of mortality and to create a corresponding nomogram for forecasting purposes. To evaluate the model's accuracy and usefulness in clinical settings, metrics such as the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed. RESULTS: Key risk factors identified included blood lactate, D-dimer levels, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and Killip class IV. The nomogram demonstrated high accuracy (C-index: training set 0.838, validation set 0.853) and good fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow test: χ2 = 0.545, p = 0.762), confirming its clinical utility. CONCLUSION: The developed clinical prediction model is effective in accurately forecasting mortality among patients with acute STEMI who develop AHF after PCI.

Creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) to creatinine kinase (CK) ratio for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the era of the universal definition.

Although serum troponin level is the gold standard under the universal definition of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), serum creatinine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) is still measured in clinical practice as the compliment of troponin level. The purpose of this retrospective study is to illustrate the dramatic change of CK-MB/CK ratio by comparing CK-MB/CK ratio in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) among ≤ 24 h before reaching peak CK, peak CK, ≤ 24 h after reaching peak CK, and 24-48 h after reaching peak CK. We included 502 patients with STEMI. We calculated each average CK-MB/CK ratio at ≤ 24 h before reaching peak CK, peak CK, ≤ 24 h after reaching peak CK, and 24-48 h after reaching peak CK. The average values were compared using Friedman test. The average CK-MB/CK ratio at ≤ 24 h before reaching peak CK, peak CK, ≤ 24 h after reaching peak CK, and 24-48 h after reaching peak CK was 0.096 (9.6% of CK), 0.098 (9.8% of peak CK), 0.076 (7.6% of CK), and 0.028 (2.8% of CK), respectively. The Friedman test suggested that the CK-MB/CK ratio significantly declined after reaching peak CK (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the CK-MB/CK ratio was around 0.1 (10% of CK) until CK-MB and CK reached the peak, but dropped sharply after reaching peak CK. The CK-MB/CK ratio less than 0.1 (10% of CK) cannot be used to rule out the possibility of AMI, when the onset of symptom is unclear or late presentation.

Uric Acid to Albumin Ratio as a Predictive Marker for Intracoronary Thrombus Severity in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND This study assessed the association between a novel inflammatory marker, uric acid (UA)-to-albumin ratio (UAR), and preprocedural intracoronary artery thrombus (ICAT) in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 171 STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention between February and December 2023 were evaluated prospectively in this cross-sectional study. The patients were stratified into 2 groups as low (grades 1 to 3) and high-(ICAT) groups (grades 4 and 5). To determine the independent predictors of lower and higher ICAT, multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS C-reactive protein (CRP), UA, and UAR were significantly higher in the high ICAT group (1.11 (0.3-2.8) vs 0.80 (0.10-2.8), P=0.037; 5.4 (3.5-7.2) vs 4.9 (3.4-5.6), P<0.001; 1.78 (0.82-3) vs 1.48 (0.77-2.57), P<0.001, respectively). However, albumin levels were similar between groups (3.1 (2.1-4.4) vs 3.3 (2.1-4.4), P=0.243). Higher UAR (OR: 3.95% CI: 1.23-12.7, P=0.021), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR=0.802; 95% CI 0.7537-0.872; P<0.001), longer pain-wire crossing time (OR=1; 95% CI: 1-1.02; P<0.001), and diabetes mellitus (OR=0.181; 95% CI 0.46-0.7; P<0.001) were independent predictors of ICAT. CONCLUSIONS UAR, a marker of inflammation, is an independent predictor of ICAT in patients with STEMI.

Cluster analysis of clinical, angiographic, and laboratory parameters in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represents the most harmful clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease. Risk assessment plays a beneficial role in determining both the treatment approach and the appropriate time for discharge. Hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC), a machine learning algorithm, is an innovative approach employed for the categorization of patients with comparable clinical and laboratory features. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HAC in categorizing STEMI patients and to compare the results of these patients. METHODS: A total of 3205 patients who were diagnosed with STEMI at the university hospital emergency clinic between 2015 and 2023 were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 different phenotypic disease clusters using the HAC method, and their outcomes were compared. RESULTS: In the present study, a total of 3205 STEMI patients were included; 2731 patients were in cluster 1, and 474 patients were in cluster 2. Mortality was observed in 147 (5.4%) patients in cluster 1 and 108 (23%) patients in cluster 2 (chi-square P value < 0.01). Survival analysis revealed that patients in cluster 2 had a significantly greater risk of death than patients in cluster 1 did (log-rank P < 0.001). After adjustment for age and sex in the Cox proportional hazards model, cluster 2 exhibited a notably greater risk of death than did cluster 1 (HR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.71-4.54; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the HAC method may be a potential tool for predicting one-month mortality in STEMI patients.

Circular RNA Profile in Atherosclerotic Disease: Regulation during ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction.

Circular (circ) RNAs are non-coding RNAs with important functions in the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and cancer. Their role in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (MI) remains poorly described. We aim to investigate the potential circRNAs in immune cells during atherogenesis and examine the most regulated during MI and the modulation by interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibition by tocilizumab. Wild-type (WT) and ApoE-/- mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 10 weeks, and the circRNA profile was analyzed by circRNA microarray. Whole blood from patients with ST-elevated MI (STEMI) and randomized to tocilizumab (n = 21) or placebo (n = 19) was collected at admission, 3-7 days, and at 6 months, in addition to samples from healthy controls (n = 13). Primers for human circRNA were designed, and circRNA levels were measured using RT-qPCR. mRNA regulation of predicted circRNA targets was investigated by RNA sequencing. The expression of 867 circRNAs differed between atherogenic and WT mice. In STEMI patients, circUBAC2 was significantly lower than in healthy controls. CircANKRD42 and circUBAC2 levels were inversely correlated with troponin T, and for circUBAC2, an inverse correlation was also seen with final infarct size at 6 months. The predicted mRNA targets for circUBAC2 and circANKRD42 were investigated and altered levels of transcripts involved in the regulation of inflammatory/immune cells, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function were found. Finally, tocilizumab induced an up-regulation of circANKRD42 and circUBAC2 3-7 days after percutaneous coronary intervention. CircRNA levels were dysregulated in STEMI, potentially influencing the immune system, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function.

Non-O Blood Group Is Associated with High Thrombus Burden and Poor Short- and Long-Term Prognosis in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated how non-O blood groups relate to thrombus burden (TB) and prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, aiming to shed light on their association with thrombotic complications in cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: Retrospectively, 1,180 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were included. The study population was divided into groups according to TB status and the groups were compared in terms of basic clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and ABO blood group types. In addition, short-term (30 days) and long-term (12 months) clinical outcomes were assessed to evaluate the prognostic implications. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a significant association between non-O blood groups and increased TB in STEMI patients (p = 0.001). Non-O blood group was independently associated with high TB (OR: 1.726, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.279-2.330, p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with non-O blood groups had higher short and long-term mortality rates (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.480, 95% CI: 1.361-4.520, p = 0.003; HR: 2.347, 95% CI: 1.433-3.844, p = 0.001; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the significance of the ABO blood group system in STEMI outcomes, associating non-O blood groups with higher TB and poorer clinical outcomes. While proposing personalized treatment strategies based on blood group status to improve reperfusion interventions and outcomes, additional trials are needed to comprehensively evaluate their impact.

[Correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 11 level and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) level and coronary artery lesions in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the predictive efficacy of nomogram risk prediction model based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors on the occurrence of STEMI. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of the 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of People's Liberation Army of China from 2016 to 2018 were selected and divided into control group and STEMI group. The demographic data, blood lipid level, laboratory indicators of blood and GDF11 level were collected. Logistic regression analysis screened out independent correlated factors for the occurrence of STEMI. Spearman correlation analysis clarified the correlation of each indicator with the SYNTAX or Gensini scores. A nomogram risk prediction model for the risk of STEMI occurrence and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the prediction efficiency of each model. Results: A total of 367 patients were enrolled, divided into control group (n=172) and STEMI group (n=195), age (66.5±11.8), male 222 (60.49%). The serum GDF11 level of STEMI group was significantly lower than that of the control group (36.20 (16.60, 70.75) µg/L vs. 85.00 (53.93, 117.10) µg/L, P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed serum GDF11(OR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99) and traditional independent risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A1/B were independent correlate factors for the occurrence of STEMI (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum GDF11 was negatively correlated with SYNTAX score and Gensini score (P<0.05). The nomogram model constructed by serum GDF11 combined with traditional independent risk factors (AUC=0.85, 95%CI: 0.81-0.89) had better predictive value for the occurrence of STEMI than the traditional nomogram model constructed by independent risk factors(AUC=0.80, 95%CI:0.75-0.84) or serum GDF11 (AUC=0.76, 95%CI: 0.72-0.81), all P<0.01. Conclusions: Serum GDF11 is an independent correlate factor in the occurrence of STEMI and is negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with STEMI. The nomogram model constructed based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors can be a good predictor for the occurrence of STEMI.

ACUTE MYOCARDITIS IN YOUNG AGE MIMICKING AS ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: CASE REPORT.

Acute myocarditis remains a diagnostic issue with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that could mimic ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We present a case of a 26-year-old male with left-sided intense squeezing chest pain associated with elevated troponin, ST-segment elevations, and reduced ejection fraction. The patient was initially suspected of having a STEMI with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA). However, due to positive pair troponin tests, increased inflammatory markers there was suspected myocarditis and cardiac MRI confirmed this diagnosis. This case highlights the clinical significance of assessment of laboratory markers and cardiac MRI in diagnostics of myocarditis.

Neutrophil-Derived Protein S100A8/A9 Alters the Platelet Proteome in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Is Associated With Changes in Platelet Reactivity.

OBJECTIVE: Platelets are central to acute myocardial infarction (MI). How the platelet proteome is altered during MI is unknown. We sought to describe changes in the platelet proteome during MI and identify corresponding functional consequences. Approach and Results: Platelets from patients experiencing ST-segment-elevation MI (STEMI) before and 3 days after treatment (n=30) and matched patients with severe stable coronary artery disease before and 3 days after coronary artery bypass grafting (n=25) underwent quantitative proteomic analysis. Elevations in the proteins S100A8 and S100A9 were detected at the time of STEMI compared with stable coronary artery disease (S100A8: FC, 2.00; false discovery rate, 0.05; S100A9: FC, 2.28; false discovery rate, 0.005). During STEMI, only S100A8 mRNA and protein levels were correlated in platelets (R=0.46, P=0.012). To determine whether de novo protein synthesis occurs, activated platelets were incubated with 13C-labeled amino acids for 24 hours and analyzed by mass spectrometry. No incorporation was confidently detected. Platelet S100A8 and S100A9 was strongly correlated with neutrophil abundance at the time of STEMI. When isolated platelets and neutrophils were coincubated under quiescent and activated conditions, release of S100A8 from neutrophils resulted in uptake of S100A8 by platelets. Neutrophils released S100A8/A9 as free heterodimer, rather than in vesicles or extracellular traps. In the community-based Bruneck study (n=338), plasma S100A8/A9 was inversely associated with platelet reactivity-an effect abrogated by aspirin. CONCLUSIONS: Leukocyte-to-platelet protein transfer may occur in a thromboinflammatory environment such as STEMI. Plasma S100A8/A9 was negatively associated with platelet reactivity. These findings highlight neutrophils as potential modifiers for thrombotic therapies in coronary artery disease.

The gut hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide is downregulated in response to myocardial injury.

BACKGROUND: The gut incretin hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) are secreted by enteroendocrine cells following food intake leading to insulin secretion and glucose lowering. Beyond its metabolic function GIP has been found to exhibit direct cardio- and atheroprotective effects in mice and to be associated with cardiovascular prognosis in patients with myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to characterize endogenous GIP levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum concentrations of GIP were assessed in 731 patients who presented with clinical indication of coronary angiography. Circulating GIP levels were significantly lower in patients with STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction; n=100) compared to clinically stable patients without myocardial infarction (n=631) (216.82 pg/mL [Q1-Q3: 52.37-443.07] vs. 271.54 pg/mL [Q1-Q3: 70.12-542.41], p = 0.0266). To characterize endogenous GIP levels in patients with acute myocardial injury we enrolled 18 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and requirement of extracorporeal circulation as a reproducible condition of myocardial injury. Blood samples were drawn directly before surgery (baseline), upon arrival at the intensive care unit (ICU), 6 h post arrival to the ICU and at the morning of the first and second postoperative days. Mean circulating GIP concentrations decreased in response to surgery from 45.3 ± 22.6 pg/mL at baseline to a minimum of 31.9 ± 19.8 pg/mL at the first postoperative day (p = 0.0384) and rose again at the second postoperative day (52.1 ± 28.0 pg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating GIP levels are downregulated in patients with myocardial infarction and following cardiac surgery. These results might suggest nutrition-independent regulation of GIP secretion following myocardial injury in humans.

Elevated uric acid is related to the no-/slow-reflow phenomenon in STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

BACKGROUND: No-/slow-reflow phenomenon (NRP) is a severe complication in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). This study aimed to explore the relationship between elevated serum uric acid (SUA) and NRP in patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI, focusing on inflammation and angiographic findings. METHODS: A total of 610 patients who received pPCI for STEMI were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into a hyperuricaemia group and a non-hyperuricaemia group according to SUA levels. Clinical information and angiographic indicators were compared between the two groups. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) <3 after stent implantation were defined as TIMI-NRP and TMPG-NRP, respectively. A logistic model was used to analyse the relationship between hyperuricaemia and NRP. RESULTS: The hyperuricaemia group had a higher incidence of TIMI-NRP (24.9% vs 14.0%, p < .001) and TMPG-NRP (33.0% vs 24.9%, p = .03), higher levels of C-reactive protein (7.2 vs 4.1 mg/L, p < .001) and worse left ventricular ejection fraction (51.5% vs 54.0%, p = .002) than the non-hyperuricaemia group. As for angiographic findings, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of lesion characteristics measured by quantitative coronary angiography. After multivariable adjustment, elevated SUA was significantly associated with TIMI-NRP (odds ratio: 1.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.24-3.01, p = .003). Subgroup analysis showed that the effect of hyperuricaemia in TIMI-NRP was more pronounced in patients with delayed perfusion as well as in patients with diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated SUA is associated with severe inflammation and has higher incidence of TIMI-NRP in patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI, especially in those with delayed perfusion or diabetes mellitus.