Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy in women with asymptomatic severe mitral stenosis before pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Performing percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) in the women with asymptomatic severe mitral stenosis (MS) who plan a pregnancy is recommended. However the data regarding this recommendation is limited in the literature. We aimed to investigate maternal and fetal outcomes of women with asymptomatic severe MS who underwent PMC before a planned pregnancy. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the procedural, pregnancy related, and fetal outcomes of 33 consecutive women with severe asymptomatic MS, age 27.97 ± 2.86 years, who underwent PMC before a planned pregnancy between 2014 and 2019. The control group comprised of 66 pregnant women, age 29.09 ± 3.00 years, without a cardiac disease. RESULTS: The PMC procedure was successful in all patients and no major complication occurred. There were no deaths, pulmonary oedema, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and thromboembolism during pregnancy. Maternal arrhythmia (p < .001), deterioration in NYHA class (p = .08), and use of cardiovascular medication (p < .001) was significantly higher in the study group. Maternal hospitalisation (p = .435), preeclampsia (p = 1), abortus (p = 1), fetal death (p = 1), and preterm delivery (p = .746) was similar between groups. Birth weight was significantly lower in the PMC group 2890 g (229) vs 3120 g (255) <0.001, however small for gestational age newborns were similar between groups (p = .12). CONCLUSIONS: PMC is safe in asymptomatic women with severe MS planning a future pregnancy. In selected patients with favourable valve anatomy PMC may improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Correlation IMA with TIMI frame count in slow coronary flow: can it be a guide for treatment?

AIM: Coronary slow flow (CSF) is defined as late opacification in epicardial coronary arteries with no significant stenosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) by using Spectrophotometer in CSF. METHODS: Level of IMA was measured by spectrophotometer. CSF patients were chosen for the determination of IMA level. All obtained data were compared with control groups. RESULTS: Serum IMA levels increased in the CSF group. It was observed that there was a significant increase in IMA levels in patients with CSF when compared to controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IMA may play a role in the pathogenesis of CSF. IMA levels in the serum can be considered as a marker to predict coronary slow flow. IMA level can be used as a guide for coronary slow flow. Also, as increases number square frame, value IMA Increases similarly. It was found that the severity of impotence was correlated with CSF. Therefore, the IMA level may be predictive of the course of treatment. This study is the first one to show the relationships of IMA in CSF. In addition, further studies should be performed on IMA in CSF patients.

Characteristics and transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in patients living at moderate to high altitude in Eastern Anatolia.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is greater among patients living at high altitude. In this po-pulation, the ductal diameter is often larger and pulmonary hypertension is more frequent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic and morphological features of PDA and transcatheter closure procedures performed with various devices in a group of patients living at high altitude in Turkey. METHODS: The data of 327 patients who lived at an altitude of at least 1600 m above sea level and who had undergone cardiac catheterization for isolated PDA between May 2010 and July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 7.33±7.67 years, and 62.4% of the patients were female. The mean ductal diameter was 3.74±2.14 mm. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 57.8%. Transcatheter closure was performed in 322 patients, with a 97.3% success rate. The Amplatzer duct occluder I (ADO I) was used most often, as well as off-label use of the Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP) and the Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder (AMVSDO). Pulmonary artery pressure decreased immediately in the vast majority after percutaneous closure. Transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction after ductal closure was seen only rarely. Follow-up was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter PDA closure can be performed with high success rate in highlanders. Off-label devices may be required for these procedures. Pulmonary hypertension is frequent but regresses after ductal closure. Transient left ventricular dysfunction after transcatheter closure is rarely seen in these patients and resolves without any medication.

Comparison of inflammatory markers in non-dipper hypertension vs. dipper hypertension and in normotensive individuals: uric acid, C-reactive protein and red blood cell distribution width readings.

AIM: In this study, we investigated the relationship of increased inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein - CRP), oxidative stress markers (serum uric acid - SUA) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) with non-dipper hypertension (NDHT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among the individuals who presented to the cardiology clinic, 40 patients (32.5% male, 67.5% female; mean age: 54.4 ±7.1) who had hypertension and were diagnosed with NDHT through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, 40 age- and sex-matched dipper hypertension (DHT) patients (25% male, 75% female, mean age: 54.2 ±7.0), and 40 normotensive individuals (42.5% male, 57.5% female, mean age: 51.9 ±9.0) were enrolled in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from all the patients in order to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters. All the assessed parameters were compared among the groups. RESULTS: The CRP, RDW and uric acid levels were observed to be significantly higher in the non-dipper hypertension group in comparison to the dipper hypertension patients and the normotensive population (p < 0.05). These parameters were also significantly higher in the dipper HT group compared to the normotensive population (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found in our study that increased CRP, uric acid and RDW levels, which are indicators of increased inflammation and oxidative stress, are significantly higher in the non-dipper HT patients in comparison to the dipper HT patients and control group.

Epicardial fat tissue thickness is correlated with diminished levels of co-enzyme Q10, a major antioxidant molecule among hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: Accelerated atherosclerosis is the major cause of mortality in patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) is a new risk factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between plasma coenzyme Q10 levels (Co-Q10) which is a potent physiologic antioxidant and EFT thickness in HD patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy one chronic HD patients and 65 age and sex matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Plasma Co-Q10 levels were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measurements. EFT was measured by transthoracic echocardiograpy (TTE) performed with a VIVID 7 instrument. RESULTS: Plasma Co-Q10 levels (1.36±0.43 vs 2.53±0.55, p<0.001) were significantly lower in HD patients compared to controls. EFT was significantly increased in HD patients compared to healthy controls (6.53±1.01 vs. 5.79±1.06 mm respectively, p<0.001). Correlation analysis showed that plasma Co-Q10 levels were inversely correlated with EFT (r=-0.263, p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to define independent determinants of EFT in HD patients. According to linear regression analysis, age, BMI, total cholesterol and Co-Q10 levels were found to be independent predictors of EFT (adjusted r(2)=0.38, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that EFT thickness was significantly higher among HD patients compared to healthy controls. In addition; this study was the first to demonstrate an inverse correlation between EFT thickness and Co-Q10 levels in this patient population.

Assessment of right ventricular geometry and mechanics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients living at high altitude.

Degree of increase in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and adaptive responses in right ventricular morphology and mechanics play an important role in the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Three dimensional echocardiography and deformation imaging are recent advancements in echocardiography that allow more through assessment of right ventricle. We aimed to investigate right ventricular geometry and mechanics in a stable COPD population living at moderately high altitude. A total of 26 stable COPD patients with variable disease severity were included to this study. Pulmonary function tests, six minutes walking test (6MWT) and two- and three-dimensional echocardiography were performed for evaluation and data collection. Both systolic (43.06 ± 11.79 mmHg) and mean (33.38 ± 9.75 mmHg) PAPs were significantly higher in COPD patients compared to controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.001; respectively). Right ventricular volumes were similar between groups, although right ventricular free wall thickness was significantly increased in COPD group. The number of subjects with a sub-normal (<40 %) right ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in COPD group (45.8 vs. 17.4 %, p < 0.05), and the mean right ventricular strain was significantly lower (-21.05 ± 3.80 vs. -24.14 ± 5.37; p < 0.05). Only mean PAP and body surface area were found as independent predictors for 6MWT distance. Increased PAP and reduced right ventricular contractility were found in COPD patients living at moderately high altitude, although right ventricular volumes were normal. Similar findings can be expected in other COPD patients with high PAP, since these findings probably represents the effect of increased PAP on right ventricular mechanics.

Cinacalcet may improve oxidative DNA damage in maintenance hemodialysis patients: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is accepted as a non-classical cardiovascular risk factor in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cinacalcet on oxidative stress biomarkers, oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine), endothelial function (FMD %) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in HD patients. METHODS: Forty-two chronic HD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing 60 mg/day cinacalcet treatment with a follow-up of 6 months and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in this prospective study. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine ratio (8-OHdG/dG) were determined as oxidative stress markers. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase (PON), catalase (CAT), carbonic anhydrase (CAN) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured as antioxidants. FMD % and CIMT were assessed by ultrasonography. RESULTS: MDA levels were decreased; SOD, PON, CAT, CAN and GPx activities were increased after 6 months of cinacalcet treatment in HD patients. Although CIMT remained stabile, there was a significant improvement in FMD % as well as a notable reduction trend in 8-OHdG/dG ratio after 6 months of treatment. CONCLUSION: Our data have demonstrated that cinacalcet improves oxidative stress, genomic damage, endothelial function and increases antioxidant protection in HD patients after 6 months of treatment.

Association of P wave dispersion and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in non-dipper and dipper hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: Objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between P wave dispersion and left ventricular diastolic function, which are associated with the increased cardiovascular events in patients with dipper and non-dipper hypertensive (HT). METHODS: Eighty sex and age matched patients with dipper and non-dipper HT, and 40 control subject were included in this observational cross-sectional study. P wave dispersion was measured through electrocardiography obtained during the admission. The left ventricular LV ejection fraction was measured using the modified Simpson's rule by echocardiography. In addition, diastolic parameters including E/A rate, deceleration time (DT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) were recorded. Independent samples Bonferroni, Scheffe and Tamhane tests and correlation test (Spearman and Pearson) were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: P wave dispersion was found to be significantly increased in the non-dipper than in the dipper group (56.0±5.6 vs. 49.1±5.3, p<0.001). Pmax duration was found significantly higher (115.1±5.6 vs. 111.1±5.8, p=0.003) and Pmin duration significantly lower (59.0±5.6 vs. 62.3±5.3, p=0.009) in the non-dippers. Correlation analysis demonstrated presence of moderate but significant correlation between P-wave dispersion and left ventricular mass index (r=0.412, p=0.011), IVRT (r=0.290 p=0.009), DT (r=0.210, p=0.052) and interventricular septum thickness (r=0.230 p=0.04). CONCLUSION: P wave dispersion and P Max were found to be significantly increased and P min significantly decreased in the non-dipper HT patients compared to the dipper HT patients. P-wave dispersion is associated with left ventricular dysfunction in non-dipper and dipper HT.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may predict subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation beyond the skin may provide an explanation of the increased cardiovascular risk observed in psoriasis. It was hypothesized that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are potential predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis measured by aortic velocity propagation (AVP) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in psoriasis. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with psoriasis taking no antipsoriatic therapy and 37 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was calculated. Complete blood counts were obtained. Measurements of AVP and CIMT were performed. RESULTS: The baseline clinical and demographic features, and white blood cell, platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and PLR were similar in both groups. NLR and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were higher in the psoriasis group than the control group (P = 0.001, P < 0.001; respectively). The psoriasis group had lower AVP and higher CIMT values than those of controls (AVP: 48.9 ± 18.1 vs. 64.3 ± 14.5 cm/sec; P < 0.001, CIMT: 0.84 ± 0.29 vs. 0.63 ± 0.27 mm; P = 0.001, respectively). PASI was positively correlated with NLR and hs-CRP (r = 0.423, P = 0.002; r = 0.315, P = 0.024, respectively). There was an inverse association between AVP and CIMT (r = -0.749, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NLR was the only variable able to predict lower AVP (≤41 cm/sec) and higher CIMT (>0.9 mm) values (P = 0.024 and 0.023; respectively). CONCLUSION: NLR is potentially an unrecognized predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis. Future studies assessing the prognostic significance of NLR on cardiovascular event rates in psoriasis patients would be of great interest.

Increased plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase levels may predict ischemia during myocardial perfusion imaging in slow coronary flow.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is unclear whether changes in plasma levels of inflammatory markers could explain the link between ischemia and slow coronary flow (SCF). The aim of the study was to evaluate the plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) during myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in SCF patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of 53 SCF patients and 30 controls. Coronary flow rates were documented by TIMI frame count (TFC). Plasma levels of hsCRP, IL-6, MPO, and MPI were obtained in all participants. RESULTS: hsCRP, IL-6 and MPO levels of SCF patients were higher than controls (hsCRP: 4.7 ± 2.5 vs. 1.7 ± 1.1 mg/L, p <0.001; IL-6: 8.2 ± 4.3 vs. 5.2 ± 2.1 pg/mL, p <0.001; and MPO: 75.9 ± 59.6 vs. 24.3 ± 16.7 ng/mL, p <0.001). Twenty-one SCF patients exhibited myocardial perfusion defect (MPD) on MPI. In SCF patients, the highest hsCRP, IL-6 and MPO levels were observed in patients with both MPD and three-vessel slow flow. Mean TFCs were positively correlated with plasma levels of hsCRP (r = 0.424, p = 0.002), IL-6 (r = 0.367, p = 0.007), MPO (r = 0.430, p = 0.001), and reversibility score (r = 0.671, p <0.001) in SCF patients. HsCRP and MPO were the independent variables, which predicted positive MPI results (hsCRP: OR, 2.176; 95% CI, 1.200-3.943; p = 0.010, MPO: OR, 1.026; 95% CI, 1.007-1.046; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation may play a crucial role in both the pathogenesis and development of ischemia in SCF. Association of increased levels of inflammatory markers and ischemia suggests that endothelial inflammation may be largely responsible for clinical presentation. New combined treatment regimens should target endothelial activation and inflammation in SCF.

Epicardial fat thickness is associated with impaired coronary flow reserve in hemodialysis patients.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) is a new risk factor in CVD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between EFT and coronary artery flow reserve (CFR), which is an early indicator of endothelial dysfunction in coronary vessels of HD patients. We performed a cross-sectional study including 71 chronic HD patients and 65 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Epicardial fat tissue was significantly higher in HD patients when compared to healthy controls (6.53 ± 1.01 mm vs. 5.79 ± 1.06 mm, respectively, P < 0.001). On transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, CFR values were significantly lower in HD patients when compared to healthy controls (1.73 ± 0.11 vs. 2.32 ± 0.28, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed CFR values to be inversely correlated with EFT (r = -0.287, P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to define independent determinants of EFT in HD patients. Artery flow reserve, age, body mass index and total cholesterol levels were independently correlated with EFT thickness. This study demonstrated that EFT was significantly higher among HD patients compared to healthy controls. In addition, this study was the first to demonstrate an inverse correlation between EFT and CFR in this patient population.

Transradial approach in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease: a 2-center experience.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To document the safety, success, and complications of transradial coronary procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 427 patients who had undergone transradial coronary angiography and/or angioplasty between June 2010 and May 2012. The main outcome measures were the procedural safety, success rate, and complications associated with transradial interventions. RESULTS: Procedural success rate was 93.2% (398/427), with cannulation time of 2.1 ± 1.4 min, diagnostic time of 5.6 ± 2.1 min, fluoroscopy time of 9.5 ± 6.6 min, and total procedure time of 47.1 ± 20.2 min. The main causes for unsuccessful procedures were failed radial puncture (11 patients), serious radial artery spasm (12 patients), and distinct tortuosity (5 patients) and severe proximal stenosis (1 patient) of the right subclavian artery. Of 398 patients, 345 (86.7%) underwent both coronary angiography and angioplasty, while the remaining 53 (13.3%) had coronary angiography only. Major complication was recorded in only 1 patient (transient ischemic attack), whereas minor complications were observed in 76 patients (17 with symptomatic sinus bradycardia, 12 with venous thrombosis, 22 with hematoma, and 25 with radial artery occlusion). CONCLUSION: Our experience revealed that the transradial approach is a safe and feasible method for coronary procedures in patients with various manifestations of coronary disease.

[Percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects in pediatric and adult patients: short- and mid-term follow-up results]. / Eriskin ve çocuklardaki sekundum tip atriyal septal defektlerin perkütan yaklasim ile kapatilmasi: Kisa-orta dönem izlem sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the short- and mid-term results of patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) who were treated with percutaneous closure. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-nine patients with secundum ASD (54 female and 25 male; mean age 26.2±17.2; range 3 to 71] years) were included in this study. Patients were evaluated by transthoracic (TTE) and/or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) was used in all patients. In 76 patients, the procedure was performed under local anesthesia with TTE, while in the other 3 patients, it was performed with general anesthesia with TEE. Patients were followed up at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months and annually thereafter. Mean follow-up time was 13.6±6.6 months. RESULTS: Mean diameter of ASDs was 18.2±7.5 mm and 20.7±8.04 mm during balloon dilatation, and mean diameter of implanted devices was 22.7±8.5 mm. Procedural time was 40.2±12.6 minutes and fluoroscopy time was 10.9±4.1 minutes. The procedure was successfully performed in all patients (100%). One patient with cardiac tamponade died seven days after cardiac surgery. In two patients, the implanted devices embolized to the pulmonary circulation. Residual flow was found in three patients immediately after the procedure, without residual shunts one month after closure. Mild pericardial effusion in one patient and significant residual shunt due to device malposition in another were discovered during the follow-up at 1 and 6 months, respectively, after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that percutaneous closure of ASDs is successful in most patients with a low complication rate, and demonstrated that residual shunts do not develop in the majority of patients in the short- and mid-term.

Decreased serum selenium levels are correlated with diminished coronary flow reserve among hemodialysis patients.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main reason of high mortality among hemodialysis patients. Decreased serum selenium levels may have a role in accelerated atherosclerosis in this patient group. The hypothesis of this study was to show a correlation between decreased serum selenium levels and coronary flow reserve as an indicator of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in HD patients. Seventy-one chronic hemodialysis patients and age 65 and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Plasma selenium levels were measured by spectrophotometry, and coronary flow reserve was assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Serum selenium levels (34.16 ± 6.15 ng/ml vs. 52.4 ± 5.51 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and coronary flow reserve values (1.73 ± 0.11 vs. 2.32 ± 0.28, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients compared with controls, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between coronary flow reserve and serum levels of selenium (r = 0.676, P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that serum levels of selenium were independently and positively correlated with coronary flow reserve (regression coefficient = 0.650, P < 0.05). This study was the first to show a positive and independent correlation between decreased selenium levels and diminished coronary flow reserve as an indicator of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. Our data suggest that decreased serum selenium levels may facilitate the development of endothelial dysfunction and disruption of coronary flow reserve which occur before the development of overt atherosclerosis.

Increased QT dispersion and P wave dispersion in major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: QT and P wave dispersion parameters can indicate abnormalities in autonomic nervous system and cardiac functioning. OBJECTIVES: To determine QT and P wave dispersion in patients with major depressive disorder compared with healthy volunteers. METHODS: Fifty newly diagnosed patients with major depressive disorder and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers underwent 12-lead electrocardiography. QT interval, QT dispersion, heart rate-corrected QT dispersion and P wave dispersions were calculated manually by a blinded specialist. RESULTS: Groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, metabolic diseases and left ventricular ejection fraction. The major depressive disorder group had significantly higher QT dispersion (58.5±9.9 versus 41.7±3.8; P<0.001), heart rate-corrected QT dispersion (62.5±10.0 versus 45.2±4.3; P<0.001) and P wave dispersion (46.9±4.8 versus 41.5±5.1; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased QT dispersion, heart-rate corrected QT dispersion and P wave dispersion in major depressive disorder patients may be indicative of autonomic imbalance and increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality.

[Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus: short term results]. / Duktus arteriyozus açikliginin perkütan yolla kapatilmasi: Kisa dönem sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short term results of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in a cohort of pediatric and adult patients following closure with the Amplatzer Ductal Occluder (ADO-1 and ADO-2) and Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) devices. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 48 patients (17 male and 31 female; range 3 to 39 years) were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before intervention. Percutaneous closure was performed under fluoroscopy through anterograde or retrograde route. Aortagraphy was performed to measure and classify the ductus arteriosus. Residual shunt through ductus was controlled by aortography at the tenth minute and by TTE 24 hours and three months after the procedure. RESULTS: The released device was ADO-1 in 25 patients (51.2%), ADO-2 in 22 patients (45.8%), and ASO in one patient. Mean follow-up was 13.2 months. In 97.9% of patients, the occluder was placed into the ductus without any complication. In one patient, the device embolized to the left pulmonary artery during implantation. Aortography performed ten minutes after the procedure showed complete closure in 38 patients without residual defect. TTE revealed trace amounts of residual shunt within the device in two patients, flow around the device in two patients 24 hours after implantation, and residual shunt in only one patient three month after intervention. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of PDA with ADO-1 and ADO-2 devices has low morbidity and mortality with high rates of success in selected patients.

Troponin and anti-troponin autoantibody levels in patients with ventricular noncompaction.

Ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction is a morphologic and functional anomaly of myocardium characterized by prominent trabeculae accompanied by deep recessus. Dilated cardiomyopathy with left ventricular failure is observed in these patients, while the cause or pathophysiologic nature of this complication is not known. Anti-troponin antibodies are formed against circulating cardiac troponins after an acute coronary event or conditions associated with chronic myocyte necrosis, such as dilated cardiomyopathy. In present study, we aimed to investigate cardiac troponins and anti troponin autoantibodies in ventricular noncompaction/hypertrabeculation patients with/without reduced ejection fraction. A total of 50 patients with ventricular noncompaction and 23 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Noncompaction/hypertrabeculation was diagnosed with two-dimensional echocardiography using appropriate criteria. Depending on ejection fraction, patients were grouped into noncompaction with preserved EF (LVEF >50%, n = 24) and noncompaction with reduced EF (LVEF <35%, n = 26) groups. Troponin I, troponin T, anti-troponin I IgM and anti-troponin T IgM were measured with sandwich immunoassay method using a commercially available kit. Patients with noncompaction had significantly higher troponin I (28.98±9.21 ng/ml in NCNE group and 28.11±10.42 ng/ml in NCLE group), troponin T (22.17±6.97 pg/ml in NCNE group and 22.78±7.76 pg/ml in NCLE group) and antitroponin I IgM (1.92±0.43 µg/ml in NCNE group and 1.79±0.36 µg/ml in NCLE group) levels compared to control group, while antitroponin T IgM and IgG were only elevated in patients with noncompaction and reduced EF (15.81±6.52 µg/ml for IgM and 16.46±6.25 µg/ml for IgG). Elevated cardiac troponins and anti-troponin I autoantibodies were observed in patients with noncompaction preceding the decline in systolic function and could indicate ongoing myocardial damage in these patients.

Serum coenzyme Q10 levels are associated with coronary flow reserve in hemodialysis patients.

Accelerated atherosclerosis is the major cause of mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in HD patients as an indicator of atherosclerosis. Seventy-one chronic HD patients and 65 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Plasma CoQ10 levels were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography measurements. CFR was assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Serum CoQ10 levels (1.36 ± 0.43 vs. 2.53 ± 0.55, P < 0.001) and CFR values (1.73 ± 0.11 vs. 2.32 ± 0.28, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in HD patients compared with controls. There was a significant positive correlation between CFR and serum levels of CoQ10 (r = 0.669, P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that serum levels of CoQ10 were still significantly and positively correlated with CFR (regression coefficient = 0.235, P < 0.001). Our data have demonstrated that HD patients exhibit decreased plasma CoQ10 levels and CFR values. The study also showed for the first time that serum CoQ10 levels independently predict CFR in HD patients.

Correlations between oxidative DNA damage, oxidative stress and coenzyme Q10 in patients with coronary artery disease.

The correlation of coronary artery disease (CAD) with pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and oxidative DNA damage was investigated. Seventy-seven patients with CAD and 44 healthy individuals as control were included in this study. The comparative ratios of ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10, 8-hydroxy-2(')-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine and the level of MDA measured by HPLC and the activities of GPX and SOD by colorimetric approach in blood samples obtained from patients with CAD were unraveled.8-OHdG/dG ratios, serum MDA level and GPX activity were found significantly elevated level in serum of CAD patients compared to control group. The SOD activity was observed in stable levels in CAD patients. Ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10 ratio was significantly lower in patients with CAD than the controls. The positive correlation was observed between 8-OHdG/dG ratios in both MDA levels and GPX activity, while the significant negative correlation was seemed between the ratio of 8-OHdG/dG and ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10 as well as MDA levels and ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10 ratio. We conclude that, both the disruption of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and oxidative stress in DNA may play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.