Correlation between plasma glutathione peroxidase 4 and N-acetylneuraminic acid levels with clinical risk stratification and prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between plasma glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) with clinical risk stratification and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. METHODS: Between October 2018 and July 2019, 413 patients that were scheduled for coronary angiography were enrolled in this prospective study at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China. Patients were divided into control and ACS groups. Patients with ACS were divided into 3 risk levels based on their thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score. After discharge, ACS patients were followed for the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). For the analysis of cumulative endpoint event occurrences, the Kaplan-Meier method was applied. RESULTS: The ACS group had lower plasma GPX4 but higher Neu5Ac levels than the control group. There was a greater increase in plasma Neu5Ac in the high-risk group when compared with the medium-risk and low-risk groups, while GPX4 levels were higher in the low-risk group. The MACEs group had higher plasma Neu5Ac but lower GPX4 levels than the non-MACEs group. The plasma Neu5Ac was an independent risk factor but GPX4 was a protective factor for MACEs. CONCLUSION: Glutathione peroxidase 4 and Neu5Ac levels in plasma can be used to diagnose, stratify risks, and predict long-term outcomes in patients with ACS.

Positive correlations between plasma BPI level and MPO-DNA and S100A8/A9 in myocardial infarction.

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) exhibits a number of important characteristics. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the BPI expression was increased in platelets of (non)ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI/STEMI) patients. Activated platelets can induce NETosis which may be accompanied by the release of myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA) and S100A8/A9. This study investigated the plasma BPI levels in myocardial infarction patients and its correlation with MPO-DNA and S100A8/A9. This prospective study recruited 80 control individuals, as well as 63 NSTEMI and 59 STEMI patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College for coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between May 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics, clinical indicators, hs-CRP, IL-1ß, MPO-DNA (a circulated marker of NETs), circulating levels of S100A8/A9 and BPI were measured from each individual. The severity of coronary lesions was evaluated by the Gensini score, based on the results of the CAG. Pearson's or spearman's correlation was used to examine the correlation between BPI and the above-mentioned parameters, as well as the severity of coronary artery disease. Linear regression analysis was applied to identify the independent predictive factors of BPI. Received operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of plasma BPI for MI. The plasma BPI levels increased by 8.76 times in the STEMI group and 5.38 times in the NSTEMI group compared to the control group. The plasma level of hs-CRP and IL-1ß in both STEMI and NSTEMI groups were also significantly higher than the control group. In addition, the plasma levels of MPO-DNA and S100A8/A9 in the STEMI and NSTEMI groups were significantly higher than the control group. Plasma levels of BPI were positively correlated with IL-1ß, hs-CRP, MPO-DNA and S100A8/A9. The correlation between BPI and the severity of coronary artery disease was also significant. The optimal cutoff value of plasma BPI was 35.1705 ng/ml for MI patients from the ROC curve analysis. Plasma BPI levels are increased in myocardial infarction patients and positively correlated with MPO-DNA and S100A8/A9. Plasma BPI level may serve as a potential biomarker of myocardial infarction.

Correlation of serum N-Acetylneuraminic acid with the risk and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is a functional metabolite involved in coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum Neu5Ac and the risk and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a real-world prospective study. METHODS: Patients with suspected ACS who underwent coronary angiography were included. Serum Neu5Ac was measured at admission. Coronary lesion severity was evaluated by Gensini Score. GRACE risk stratification was performed at admission. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were recorded during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 766 patients, including 537 with unstable angina (UAP), 100 with myocardial infarction (MI), and 129 without CAD were included. The circulating Neu5Ac level was significantly higher in patients with MI (median [1QR]: 297[220, 374] ng/ml) than in those with UAP (227 [114, 312] ng/ml) or without CAD (207 [114, 276] ng/ml; both p < 0.001). Serum level of Neu5Ac was positively correlated with age, hypertension, serum uric acid, creatinine, MB isoform of creatine kinase (CK-MB), and Gensini score (all p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a higher serum Neu5Ac was potentially associated with MI and high-risk GRACE stratification in ACS patients. Logistic analysis identified only elevated serum Neu5Ac as an independent predictor of MACEs in these patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.003, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002-1.005, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum Neu5Ac is associated with myocardial injury, GRACE risk category, and prognosis in ACS patients.

[Correlation of plasma N-acetyl-neuraminic acid level with TIMI risk stratification and clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation of plasma N-acetyl-neuraminic acid level with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score and clinical outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 708 consecutive patients (401 male and 307 female, mean age 63.6±10.6 years) undergoing coronary angiography in our hospital between October, 2018 and July, 2019, including 597 patients with ACS and 111 without ACS (control group). The patients with ACS group were divided into high (n=104), moderate (n=425) and low (n=68) risk groups according to their TIMI risk scores. All the participants were examined for plasma Neu5Ac level using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and underwent coronary angiography with their Gensini scores calculated. The patients with ACS were followed up after discharge for a mean of 15 months for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (Mace). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of Mace in these patients. RESULTS: Plasma Neu5Ac levels were significantly higher in ACS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that plasma Neu5Ac level could assist in the diagnosis of ACS (0.648 [0.597-0.699]) with a sensitivity of 39.2% and a specificity of 86.5% at the cutoff value of 288.50 ng/mL. In the ACS patients, plasma Neu5Ac level was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the moderate-risk and low-risk groups (P < 0.05) and could assist in the diagnosis of a high risk (0.645 [0.588-0.703]) with a sensitivity of 42.3% and a specificity of 80.1% at the cutoff value of 327.50 ng/ mL. Plasma Neu5Ac was positively correlated with age, serum uric acid, creatinine, lipoprotein a, Ddimer, C-reactive protein, MB isoform of creatine kinase and Gensini score and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein level. During the followup, 80 ACS patients experienced Mace, who had significantly higher plasma Neu5Ac level than those without Mace (n=517). Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma Neu5Ac level and a history of previous stroke were independent risk factors for the occurrence of Mace. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma Neu5Ac level can provide assistance in the diagnosis and risk stratification of ACS and is an independent risk factor for prognosis of ACS patients.

Clinical characteristics of patients with premature acute coronary syndrome and adverse cardiovascular events after PCI.

Few studies have compared the clinical manifestations of patients with premature acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and late-onset ACS as well as the adverse cardiovascular events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with premature ACS and adverse cardiovascular events following PCI, a total of 726 patients with ACS undergoing PCI were divided into two groups: A premature ACS group and a late-onset ACS group. Following discharge, all patients were followed-up for an average of 23.5±5.3 months. Clinical characteristics, Gensini scores, vascular lesions and adverse cardiovascular events were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in smoking, diabetes, ACS composition ratio, baseline treatment of coronary heart disease, high-density lipoprotein level and C-reactive protein levels between the two groups. Sex and hypertriglyceridemia were determined to be independent risk factors of premature ACS, while age, hypertension and a high Gensini score were independent risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ACS following PCI. Furthermore, the prevalence of premature ACS was significantly higher in females. Although serum levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein were also significantly higher in patients with premature ACS compared with patients with late-onset ACS, patients with premature ACS exhibited fewer vascular lesions compared with patients with late-onset ACS. Furthermore, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ACS following PCI did not differ significantly between premature and late-onset ACS groups. Taken together, these results suggest that female patients should be closely observed for early risk factors of premature ACS to prevent and reduce the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ACS following PCI.

NLRP3 inflammasome expression in peripheral blood monocytes of coronary heart disease patients and its modulation by rosuvastatin.

Nucleotide­binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat, and pyrin domain­containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been implicated in a series of physiological and pathological processes. However, its correlation in coronary heart disease (CHD) still remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to determine the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) of stable angina pectoris (SAP) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. In addition, the effect of rosuvastatin on their activities was analyzed in vitro. A total of 60 participants with SAP (n=20), AMI (n=20) and non­CHD controls (n=20) were enrolled. Fluorescence­activated cell sorting, real­time PCR, western blotting and enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay were performed to reveal the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 inflammasome was expressed in the PBMCs, and revealed an increased expression along the downstream interleukin (IL)­1ß and IL­18 in both SAP and AMI groups, compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a more marked increase in the expression of these indicators in AMI patients when compared to SAP patients. Interference with rosuvastatin in vitro revealed that the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream cytokines were significantly downregulated in both SAP and AMI groups in a time­dependent manner. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may be involved in the development of CHD, and rosuvastatin could attenuate the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis by downregulating NLRP3 expression and its downstream mediators. These findings indicated a potential role of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis and management of CHD, and also provided new insights into the mechanistic framework of rosuvastatin activity.

miR-93-3p alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes by inhibiting toll-like receptor 4.

BACKGROUND: miR-93 is recently recognized to perform anti-inflammatory action in the pathological process of cardiomyocytes dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether miR-93-3p involves in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and apoptosis in H9c2 cells. The present study aimed to investigate the functions of miR-93-3p and its target, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), in LPS-stimulated cardiomyocytes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cell viability was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were used to evaluate the cell death. The mRNA and protein levels were assayed by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. The targeted gene was predicted by a bioinformatics algorithm and confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: LDH stimulation resulted in the suppression of cell viability and the increase in apoptosis rate, inflammatory cytokines and LDH levels, while inhibition of TLR4 with TAK-242 or overexpression of miR-93-3p dramatically blocked LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Intriguingly, bioinformatics analysis and experimental data suggested that TLR4 was a direct target of miR-93-3p, which could inhibit TLR4 expression by transfected with miR-93-3p mimics or elevate the expression of TLR4 by transfected with miR-93-3p inhibitors. Overexpression of TLR4 carried out an opposite effect to miR-93-3p and positively regulated LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION: miR-93-3p showed the protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by inhibiting TLR4 expression.

Effect of intra-coronary administration of tirofiban through aspiration catheter on patients over 60 years with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 approaches for intra-coronary administration of tirofiban (aspiration catheter versus guiding catheter) in patients over 60 years of age undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It has been suggested that the administration of tirofiban by intra-coronary injection could promote drug absorption in the diseased region and enhance the inhibition of platelet aggregation, decreasing bleeding rates, but little is known about the comparative efficiency and safety of using guiding catheter versus aspiration catheter for delivery.Eighty-nine patients over 60 years of age with STEMI undergoing PCI were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the injection route for intracoronary administration of tirofiban [guiding catheter (n = 41) and aspiration catheter (n = 48)]. Baseline features, epicardial and myocardial perfusion, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), and bleeding rate were compared.No differences in age, gender, and history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and so on were observed (P > .05). The patients in the aspiration catheter group generally had a higher incidence of cerebral vascular disease. Compared with those in the guiding catheter group, patients in the aspiration catheter group obtained more favorable myocardial perfusion (P < .05). In-hospital and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups, the MACCE rate and frequency of bleeding events were similar between the 2 groups (P > .05).Intra-coronary delivery of tirofiban through aspiration catheter led to better myocardial perfusion in STEMI patients over 60 years of age undergoing PCI compared with intra-coronary injection of tirofiban through guiding catheter. The 2 delivery routes were associated with similar rates of MACCEs and bleeding events.

MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and the severity of coronary lesions in acute coronary syndrome.

The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, circulating levels of homocysteine (Hcy), and the severity of coronary lesion in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unknown.Consecutive ACS patients were included. MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were determined via amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Gensini scores were used to evaluate the severity of coronary lesions.Three hundred ten ACS patients were included, and grouped according to the MTHFR C677T polymorphism variant: CC (n = 78, 25.2%), CT (n = 137, 44.2%), and TT (n = 95, 30.6%) groups. No significant differences were detected with respect to baseline characteristics. Patients in TT group had significantly higher Hcy, and significantly lower folic acid (FA) levels as compared with those in the other 2 groups (P < .05 for both). More importantly, patients with TT had more severe coronary lesions as compared with those from the other 2 groups, as evidenced by higher Gensini scores (P < .05 for both); however, no significant differences were observed with respect to the numbers of affected coronary arteries, or the number, length, and diameter of stents implanted in each group (P > .05 for all). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, presence of a T allele in MTHFR C677T was found to be independently associated with higher circulating Hcy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.12, P = .024), and higher Gensini scores (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P = .046).MTHFR C677T TT polymorphism was associated with higher Hcy levels and more severe coronary lesions in patients with ACS.

[Effects of simvastatin on aortic vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and Bcl-2 protein expression in a rat model of atherosclerosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of simvastatin on vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and Bcl-2 protein expression in the aorta in a rat model of atherosclerosis. METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomized into control group (n=10), atherosclerosis model group (n=13) and simvastatin intervention group (n=13). In the latter two groups, rat models of atherosclerosis were established by intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3 combined with high-fat feeding for 6 weeks, and the control rats were fed with regular diet. In the intervention group, the rats were further fed with high-fat diet with daily simvastatin treatment for 4 weeks. After the treatments, the pathological changes and plaque in the thoracic aorta were observed, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was detected with immunohistochemistry. TUNEL assay was used to determine the apoptosis index (AI) of the vascular endothelial cells. RESULTS: Compared with that in the control group, Bcl-2 protein expression in the aorta of atherosclerotic rats was significantly decreased (P<0.05); simvastatin treatment obviously increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein in atherosclerotic rats (P<0.05) to a level similar to that in the control group. The AI was the highest in the model group (P<0.05) and comparable between the control and simvastatin treatment group. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of simvastatin against atherosclerosis is probably mediated by up-regulation of Bcl-2 protein, which inhibits vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in rats with aortic atherosclerosis.

Associations between P2RY12 gene polymorphisms and risks of clopidogrel resistance and adverse cardiovascular events after PCI in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Clopidogrel resistance in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the key causes of recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clopidogrel targets the platelet membrane receptor P2RY12 to inhibit platelet aggregation via adenosine diphosphate (ADP). This study aimed to investigate the relationships between P2RY12 polymorphisms and the risk of clopidogrel resistance and adverse CVD events after PCI. From January 2015 to December 2014, patients who had been diagnosed with ACS undergoing PCI and treated with clopidogrel were recruited for this prospective cohort study (N = 498). Data regarding demographics, medication intake, and ACS lesion were recorded, and whole blood samples were collected for biochemical tests, ADP-induced platelet aggregation ratio detection, and P2RY12 genotyping. P2RY12 genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction. The left ventricular ejection fraction was calculated by echocardiography. After 3 to 12 months of follow-up, data regarding any adverse CVD event or death were recorded. The allele frequencies for the T variation alleles in C34T and G52T of P2RY12 were 20.3% and 11.6%, respectively. Patients with T variations at C34T or G52T of P2RY12 had a significantly higher risk of clopidogrel resistance (C34T: P < 0.001; G52T: P = 0.003) and total cardiovascular events (C34T: P = 0.013; G52T: P = 0.018) compared to those with the wild-type genotype. Moreover, multivariable logistic regression showed that patients with the T variations in C34T (odds ratio [OR]: 2.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-5.64), P = 0.002) and G52T (OR: 3.68 [95% CI: 1.71-7.92], P = 0.001) also had a significantly higher risk of clopidogrel resistance. Also, the T variations in C34T (OR: 2.68 [95% CI: 1.07-6.73], P = 0.035) and G52T (OR: 5.64 [95% CI: 1.52-20.88], P = 0.010) significantly increased the risk of post-PCI CVD events after accounting for confounding factors. The P2RY12 gene polymorphisms C34T and G52T were significantly associated with a higher risk of clopidogrel resistance and sequential cardiovascular events in Chinese ACS patients after PCI.

[Correlation between cytochrome 3A4+894C>T P450 gene polymorphism and outcomes of coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between plasma cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) 894C>T gene polymorphism and the risk of recurrence of adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: A total of 275 patients with ACS received standard dual antiplatelet therapy and PCI. Platelet aggregation rate (PAR) was detected in each patient before and 7 days after administration of the anti-platelet drugs. Single nucleotide polymorphism of CYP3A4 gene 894C>T was detected with PCR and microarray technique. The number of coronary artery lesions was determined by PCI and the Gensini score was calculated. The patients were followed up for 3-12 months after discharge. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in CYP3A4 gene polymorphism between patients with clopidogrel resistance (CR group) and those without CR (NCR group) (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CYP3A4 gene 894C>T polymorphism was not correlated with CR in patients with ACS (OR 1.359, P>0.05). During the follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular events was significantly higher in CR group than in NCR group (P<0.05), but this difference was not related to the mutation type of 894C>T locus of CYP3A4 gene. CONCLUSION: The CYP3A4 gene 894C>T polymorphism is not associated with the effect of anti-platelet therapy and the risk of cardiovascular event in patients with ACS following PCI.

[Correlation of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 gene polymorphism with hypertension in patients with coronary heart disease complicated by diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of G487A polymorphism of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) gene with hypertension in patients with coronary heart disease complicated by type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This study was conducted among 167 patients with coronary heart disease complicated by diabetes mellitus. The polymorphisms of gene G487A ALDH2 were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragments length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). According to the genotypes, the patients were divided into GG group (n=105) and GA/AA group (n=62), and the incidence of hypertension, risk factors of hypertension, systolic and diastolic pressures, and pulse pressure indexes were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust the effects of the confounding factors. RESULTS: The incidence of hypertension in GA/AA group was significantly higher than that in GG group (P<0.05), and the former group showed a significantly greater differences between systolic and pulse pressure; the diastolic pressure was comparable between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GA/AA was associated with an increased risk of hypertension in synergy with high insulin level and insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: ALDH2 gene G487A polymorphism may be associated with hypertension in patients with coronary heart disease complicated by type 2 diabetes, and the patients with an A allele have a greater risk of developing hypertension.