Role of Interleukin-18 and the Thrombus Precursor Protein in Coronary Artery Disease. / Papel da Interleucina 18 e da Proteína Precursora do Trombo na Doença Arterial Coronariana.

Background Coronary failure is the leading cause of death worldwide and identifying patients at higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) is a challenge. Objectives To test the biomarkers interleukin 18 (IL-18) and thrombus precursor protein (TpP), involved in atherogenesis, to aid in the early assessment of CAD. Methods This was a cross-sectional cohort of 119 patients, stratified into three groups: Group I - acute coronary syndrome (39); Group II - chronic CAD (40) and Group III - control, without coronary lesion, but who might have risk factors for CAD (40). Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical program SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows ,version 17.0 of 2008. The significance level was set at 0.05 or 5% (p <0.05), with a 95% confidence interval. Chi-square test (χ2), Analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's test were used. Results The mean age was 60.36 ± 9.64 years; there was a prevalence of females in Group III (65.0% p = 0.002), but without statistical significance for the means of IL-18 and TpP. The means of IL-18 and TpP were increased in Group I when compared to the other groups; IL-18 = 1325.44 ± 1860.13 ng/dL, p = 0.002; TpP = 35.86 ± 28.36 µg / mL, p <0.001). When compared two-by-two, it was observed that Group I had higher mean IL-18 and TpP values than Group II (IL-18 = 353.81 ± 273.65 ng / dL; TpP = 25.66 ± 12, 17 µg / mL) and Group III (IL-18 = 633.25 ± 993.93 ng / dL; TpP = 18.00 ± 8.45 µg / mL). Conclusion There was an increase in these biomarkers in acute CAD, suggesting a relationship with the atherosclerotic plaque instability process, but not with the chronic phase. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):692-698).

Papel da Interleucina 18 e da Proteína Precursora do Trombo na Doença Arterial Coronariana / Role of Interleukin-18 and the Thrombus Precursor Protein in Coronary Artery Disease

Resumo Fundamento A insuficiência coronariana constitui a principal causa de morte no mundo, e a identificação de pacientes de maior risco para doença arterial coronariana (DAC) constitui um desafio. Objetivos Testar os biomarcadores interleucina 18 (IL-18) e proteína precursora do trombo (TpP), envolvidos na aterogênese, para auxílio na avaliação precoce de DAC. Métodos Coorte transversal de 119 pacientes, estratificados em três grupos: Grupo I - síndrome coronariana aguda (39); Grupo II - DAC crônica (40); e Grupo III - controle, sem lesão coronariana, mas podendo apresentar fatores de risco para DAC (40). Análise estatística através do programa estatístico SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) para Windows versão 17.0 de 2008. Fixou-se em 0,05 ou 5% (p<0,05) nível de significância e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Teste do qui-quadrado (χ2). Análise de variância (ANOVA), Teste de Tukey. Resultados Idade média, 60,36±9,64 anos; prevalência do sexo feminino no Grupo III (65,0% p=0,002), porém sem significado estatístico para os valores médios de IL-18 e TpP. Os valores médios de IL-18 e TpP mostravam-se aumentados no Grupo I, quando comparados aos valores dos demais grupos: IL-18 = 1325,44±1860,13 ng/dL, p=0,002; TpP = 35,86±28,36 µg/mL, p<0,001. Na comparação dois a dois, observou-se que o Grupo I apresentou valor médio de IL-18 e TpP maior que o do Grupo II (IL-18 = 353,81±273,65 ng/dL; TpP = 25,66±12,17 µg/mL) e o do Grupo III (IL-18 = 633,25±993,93 ng/dL; TpP=18,00±8,45 µg/mL). Conclusão Na vigência de DAC aguda, houve elevação desses biomarcadores, sugerindo relação com o processo de instabilidade da placa aterosclerótica, mas não com a fase crônica. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):692-698)

Abstract Background Coronary failure is the leading cause of death worldwide and identifying patients at higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) is a challenge. Objectives To test the biomarkers interleukin 18 (IL-18) and thrombus precursor protein (TpP), involved in atherogenesis, to aid in the early assessment of CAD. Methods This was a cross-sectional cohort of 119 patients, stratified into three groups: Group I - acute coronary syndrome (39); Group II - chronic CAD (40) and Group III - control, without coronary lesion, but who might have risk factors for CAD (40). Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical program SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows ,version 17.0 of 2008. The significance level was set at 0.05 or 5% (p <0.05), with a 95% confidence interval. Chi-square test (χ2), Analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's test were used. Results The mean age was 60.36 ± 9.64 years; there was a prevalence of females in Group III (65.0% p = 0.002), but without statistical significance for the means of IL-18 and TpP. The means of IL-18 and TpP were increased in Group I when compared to the other groups; IL-18 = 1325.44 ± 1860.13 ng/dL, p = 0.002; TpP = 35.86 ± 28.36 µg / mL, p <0.001). When compared two-by-two, it was observed that Group I had higher mean IL-18 and TpP values than Group II (IL-18 = 353.81 ± 273.65 ng / dL; TpP = 25.66 ± 12, 17 µg / mL) and Group III (IL-18 = 633.25 ± 993.93 ng / dL; TpP = 18.00 ± 8.45 µg / mL). Conclusion There was an increase in these biomarkers in acute CAD, suggesting a relationship with the atherosclerotic plaque instability process, but not with the chronic phase. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):692-698)

Cardiovascular effects of SPARK conducted electrical weapon in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of conducted electronic weapons (CEW) cause concern regarding its secure application, specially regarding the implications in the cardiovascular system. METHODS: The objective was to determine Spark CEW safety through cardiovascular parameters analysis of healthy volunteers subjected to its use. RESULTS: Volunteers over 18years without cardiovascular disease or recent use of illegal drugs were submitted, before and after being affected with Spark CEW, to clinical evaluation; blood collection for serum laboratory tests; transthoracic electrocardiography at rest, transthoracic echodopplercardiogram and 24hour Holter. RESULTS: All 71 patients reported being incapable of any voluntary reaction during the shock of the application time. No arrhythmia or myocardial necrosis was related to the use of non-lethal weapon SPARK. Reported adverse events were self-limited, and mostly mild. CONCLUSIONS: SPARK brand CEW is effective in incapacitating individuals by the shock of the application time, without causing.