The relationship between triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and the severity of coronary artery disease in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The SYNTAX score is a score that grades the severity and complexity of coronary lesions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (triglyceride/HDL-C) ratio and SYNTAX scores in patients presenting with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). METHODS: This prospective study included 258 patients who presented at our center with STEMI, and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). The triglyceride/HDL-C ratio was calculated, and the relationship of this ratio with the SYNTAX score was determined with univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS: The patients were separated into two groups according to the triglyceride/HDL-C ratios as low (<3.88) and high (≥3.88). The SYNTAX scores of the group with a high triglyceride/HDL-C score were determined to be significantly high ( P  < 0.001). When the SYNTAX scores were separated into two groups as low (≤22) and high (>23), a statistically significant correlation was determined between a high SYNTAX score and a high triglyceride/HDL-C ratio ( P  < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed for the SYNTAX score, and the BMI value [odds ratio (OR) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.98] and the triglyceride/HDL-C ratio (OR = 6.86, 95% CI: 3.45-13.65) alone were determined to be independent determinants of the SYNTAX score. CONCLUSION: The most important result obtained from this study was that the triglyceride/HDL-C ratio, which is an index that has recently started to be frequently used, was a marker of greater coronary anatomic complexity (SYNTAX score >22), independently of other parameters in patients who presented with NSTEMI and underwent CAG.

The detection of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel apoptotic effects using AgNOR staining in MDA-MB-231.

In present study, it was purposed to determine the in vitro effect of the extract obtained from the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel on the breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to pomegranate peel extract (PoPx) at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for varying durations (24 and 48 h) and doses (25 and 50 µg/mL). At the end of the incubation periods, argyrophilic nucleolus organizer regions (AgNOR) protein status, cell viability/apoptosis and cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 cells were examined in the Muse Cell Analyzer device. Cell viability was observed to be decreased when the groups treated with PoPx were compared with the control group. The group in which apoptosis was observed with the highest value was 50 µg/mL PoPx group (p < 0.05). In the cell cycle test, the number of cells in the G0/G1 stage was found to be significantly higher in the 25 µg/mL PoPx group compared to the control and 50 µg/mL PoPx groups at the end of the 24-h incubation period (p < 0.05) The results also supported cell cycle and apoptosis, and at the end of 24 h, Total AgNOR area(TAA)/Total nuclear area (NA) ratio and AgNOR numbered decreased on the 50 µg/mL PoPx group and were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was determined that PoPx increased apoptosis on breast cancer cells by various mechanisms and inhibited cell viability/cell growth. This study showed that the widespread consumption of PoPx may be effective in preventing cancer formation and slowing its progression.

The impact of invasive treatment of superficial venous insufficiency of the lower extremities on cardiac functions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of invasive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) on cardiac hemodynamics. METHODS: Fifty three patients diagnosed with saphenofemoral junction or great saphenous vein insufficiency in a level above C3 according to Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification were included in the study. All the patients underwent 2D echocardiography before and 3 months after the invasive treatment. RESULTS: In postinvasive treatment echocardiographic assessment, significant decreases in right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (p = 0.006), TAPSE (p = 0.006), tricuspid E wave velocity (p = 0.004), tricuspid E/A ratio (p < 0.001), sPAB (p = 0.017), tricuspid lateral s' wave velocity (p = 0.004), and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain rate (p = 0.011) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The invasive treatment of superficial venous insufficiency of the lower extremities may lead to reduction in the increased venous return in the supine position subclinically.

C2HEST and CHA2DS2-Vasc for predicting recurrence after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Aim    The C2HEST score was developed mainly for predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) in cryptogenic stroke. This study investigated the performance of the C2HEST score in predicting AF recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).Material and Methods    189 patients with paroxysmal AF were included in the study. AF recurrence and AF-free survival during follow-up was analyzed. The Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of AF recurrence after RFCA. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the Hanley and McNeil method were performed to evaluate the performances of the C2HEST and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting AF. AF-free periods of the with C2HEST<2 and C2HEST >2 were compared using Kaplan-Mayer analysis and a log-rank test.Results    The AF recurrence rate within 3-12 months after RFCA was 17.5%. C2HEST score >2, hypertension, left atrial (LA) diameter, and LA volume were independent predictors for AF recurrence (p<0.05). The C2HEST score had better discriminatory performance in predicting AF recurrence than CHA2DS2-VASc (area under curve: 0.769 vs 0.644; p=0.021). The patients with a C2HEST score >2 had a significantly shorter AF-free period compared those with a C2HEST SCORE <2 (p<0.001).Conclusion    In patients who underwent a RFCA procedure due paroxysmal AF, LA diameter and volume and the C2HEST score were independent predictors of AF recurrence. C2HEST is a simple clinical score, and it can be the readily performed to identify the risk of AF recurrence. The C2HEST score has greater diagnostic power than the CHA2DS2-VASc score.

Formation of Umbilicaria decussata (Antarctic and Turkey) Extracts Based Nanoflowers with Their Peroxidase Mimic, Dye Degradation and Antimicrobial Properties.

This work describes a unique and environmentally friendly approach for creating three-dimensional (3D) organic-inorganic flower shaped hybrid nanostructures called "nanoflower (NF)" by using Umbilicaria decussate (U. decussate) extract and copper ions (Cu2+ ). U. decussate species were collected from certain place in Antarctic and Turkey and extraction of each species were completed in methanol and water. The U. decussate extracts were used as organic components and Cu2+ acted as inorganic components for formation of U. decussate extracts based hybrid NFs. We rationally used these NFs as novel nanobiocatalyst and antimicrobial agents. These NFs exhibited peroxidase mimic, dye degradation and antimicrobial properties. The NFs were characterized with various techniques. For instance, the morphologies of the NFs were monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM), presence of elements in the NFs were presented using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to elucidate corresponding bending and stretching of bonds in the NFs. The NFs acted as effective Fenton agents in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, and we demonstrated their peroxidase-like activity against guaiacol, dye degradation property towards malachite green and antimicrobial activity for Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas sobria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus.

Surgical treatment of caseous calcification of the mitral annulus causing mitral stenosis and mimicking the clinical picture of infective endocarditis: A case report.

Among masses involving the mitral valve and annulus, caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare disease. CCMA accounts for .63% of all mitral annular calcification (MAC) cases. The pathophysiology is still unknown. The correct diagnosis and treatment of this disease is very important to prevent complications. We present a case of giant CCMA with advanced mitral stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, presenting with symptoms of infection and therefore a preliminary diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Because of these features, we wanted to share our case as it is the 1st case in the literature.

The predictive value of the systemic immune-inflammatory index for left atrial appendage thrombus in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: The systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) has prognostic value in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of current study was to investigate whether or not left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus could be predicted by SII in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. METHOD: The study included 525 patients newly diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, who had not previously had anticoagulant treatment (50.7% male, mean age 62.94±10.79 years). All patients underwent transoesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: LAA thrombus was observed in 86 patients (16.4%). In the ROC curve SII had a good diagnostic power in predicting LAA thrombus (AUC: 0.760, 95% CI: 0.703-0.818, P<0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, diabetes (Hazard ratio: 2.264, 95% CI: 1.169-4.389, P=0.015), LAA emptying rate of <20 cm/s (Hazard ratio: 59.347, 95% CI: 25.397-138.680, P<0.001), and SII value of >750 (Hazard ratio: 4.291, 95% CI: 2.144-8.586 P<0.001) were determined as independent predictors for LAA thrombus. A poor correlation was found between SII and the CHADS2 VASc score (r=0.239, P<0.001) Conclusion. The SII, a practical and easily obtained test, can be used as a predictor of LAA thrombus in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and to decide on the anticoagulant treatment.

Impact of residual coronary artery disease on left ventricular function after percutaneous coronary intervention: a two-dimensional strain echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the residual SYNTAX score (rSS) and recovery of left ventricular function after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable symptomatic patients. METHOD: Overall, 81 patients (mean age: 62.3 ± 9.1 years, 72.8% male) were included in the study. Echocardiographic parameters were measured before PCI (baseline) and 3 months after PCI (follow-up). The patients were divided into two groups based on rSS: complete revascularized group (CR) with rSS = 0 (n =32; 39.5%) and incomplete revascularized group (iCR) with rSS > 0 (n = 49; 60.5%). RESULTS: The median (25th-75th percentile) SYNTAX score (SS) and rSS values were 8 (5-11) and 2 (0-3), respectively. The difference between basal and follow-up global longitudinal strain (GLS) values (∆ GLS) was significantly higher in the CR group (1.25% ± 1.52 vs. 0.11% ± 1.66% p = 0.003). At the follow-up, there was a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (58.41 ± 6.91% vs. 61.74 ± 5.76%, p < 0.001), a significant decrease in Tei index (0.46 ± 0.18 vs. 0.35 ± 0.16%, p < 0.001), and a significant increase in GLS (14.92 ± 2.76% vs. -15.49 ± 2.66%, p = 0.004). In the linear regression analysis, the only variable related to ∆ GLS was rSS (ß = -0.113, 95% CI: -0.217--0.010; p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Increased residual coronary artery disease burden has a negative impact on recovery of left ventricular function after PCI.

The Mediator Role of Fear of Missing Out in the Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality and Problematic Internet Use.

The aim of the research is to examine the direct and indirect relationship between parent-adolescent relationship quality, problematic internet use, and fear of missing out. The sample consists of 547 university students (67% female and 33% male) aged between 17 and 23 (X = 22.15, SD = 2.86). Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality Scale, Fear of Missing Developments Scale, Problematic Internet Use Scale, and Personal Information Form were used to collect the study data. Research hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results of the analysis supported the research hypothesis and showed that the fear of missing out developments had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between the parent-individual relationship quality and problematic internet use. Research analysis showed that negative interaction with parents and creating a negative atmosphere can increase FoMO experiences among adolescents, which might increase their problematic internet use. Limitations, conclusions, and directions for future research are discussed.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Mitigating Role of College Students' Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Satisfaction with Life.

BACKGROUND: While much of the world's attention is focused on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on physical health, the virus's psychological impacts must not be disregarded. Therefore, it is important to understand and document the role of emotional intelligence as a mitigating variable in the relationship between psychological distress and life satisfaction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This correlational study was carried out with the participation of 483 college students. Their ages ranged from 18 to 31 (X=20.89, Sd=2.27). RESULTS: The hierarchical regression analysis results revealed that both emotional intelligence and psychological distress were statistically significant predictors of the participants' levels of satisfaction with life. Moreover, emotional intelligence was a significant moderator in the relationship between psychological distress and life satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Researchers and practitioners may find the findings of this study useful in better understanding the role of emotional intelligence in making cognitive assessments of life in the face of hardship.

Peroxidase-like activity and antimicrobial properties of curcumin-inorganic hybrid nanostructure.

For the first time in this study, curcumin was utilized as an organic component reacting with Cu (II) ion (Cu2+) as an inorganic component for fabrication of curcumin based Cu hybrid nanostructure (Cu-hNs). We also systematically examined the catalytic effect towards guaiacol and antimicrobial activities of Cu-hNs towards fish pathogen bacteria. For the characterization of Cu-hNs, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) analysis were used. We claimed that hydroxyl group might react with Cu2+ in phosphate solution (PO4 -3) to form Cu-hNs. However, more uniform and spherical Cu-hNs were not seen owing to absence of more reactive functional groups like amine and carboxyl groups on structure of curcumin. In addition to our findings, synthesis of Cu-hNs were carried out in the various pH values to evaluate the effect of pHs on formation of Cu-hNs. The Cu-hNs exhibited remarkable catalytic activity throught the Fenton reaction in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and effective antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive/negative fish pathogen bacteria. In this study, cheap and efficient synthesis of nanoflowers (NFs) using plant extracts is proposed for biomedical applications rather than expensive molecules such as amino acids and DNA.

Green synthesis of allicin based hybrid nanoflowers with evaluation of their catalytic and antimicrobial activities.

OBJECTIVE: Although organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs) with much enhanced catalytic activity and stability were fabricated using proteins and enzymes, in this study, for the first time, we report synthesis of allicin and copper ion (Cu2+) coordinated NFs and investigate their peroxidase-like and antimicrobial activities. RESULTS: The allicin (active ingredient of Allium sativum) and Cu2+ was acted as an organic and inorganic part, respectively for synthesis of the Cu-hNFs. The hNFs were characterized by various techniques. Spherical, uniform, mono-dispersed and flower-like-shaped morphology of the hNFs (synthesized at pH 5) were imaged by scanning electron microscopy. The presence of Cu metal in the hNFs was detected by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Characteristic bonds stretching and bending for structural analysis of the hNFs were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. In terms of applications, the hNFs showed quite effective peroxidase-like activity towards to guaiacol (used as a model substrate) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through Fenton reaction. We demonstrated that the NFs exhibited ~ 200% and ~ 500% higher catalytic activities in 1 h (hr) and 3 h (hrs) than their initial catalytic activity measured in 5 minute (min). Additionally, effective antibacterial properties of the Cu-hNFs were observed against fish pathogen bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Lactococcus garvieae). CONCLUSIONS: We finally demonsrated that allicin based hybrid nanomaterial can be prepared by a relatively cheap, one step, easy and eco-friendly method. The allicin hNFs can be considered as novel Fenton agent for peroxidase like activity and bactericidal.

Comparison of three-dimensional facial morphology between upright and supine positions employing three-dimensional scanner from live subjects.

Facial soft tissue thicknesses (FSTT) measurements collected from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging techniques are most commonly taken in the supine position for forensic craniofacial reconstruction. FSTT have been shown to be different in comparison to the upright position due to gravity. The variation of facial morphology between the upright and supine position of laser-scanned images taken from 44 individuals was investigated using volumetric analysis with deviation maps. Between 82.4% and 86.7% of the facial surface area were within the error range of ±2mm between the supine and the upright position. This indicates that most anatomical landmarks taken from the MRI and CT data can be an accurate representative of the FSTT in the upright position. Seven landmarks located around the buccal region, masseteric region and the nasolabial region of the face showed the greatest FSTT deviation between the upright and supine position, thus these landmarks may affect the accuracy of facial reconstructions when using a CT or MRI database.

Temporal variation of heavy metal accumulation and translocation characteristics of narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia L.).

The aim of this study was to investigate seasonal heavy metal accumulation and translocation characteristics of the narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia L.). Sediment and plant samples were taken seasonally from six different locations identified for this purpose, and Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd concentrations as well as accumulation factor (AF) and translocation factor (TF) values were determined. It was noted that the metal concentrations in the plant roots, rhizomes, and leaves differed seasonally. The metals mainly accumulated in the plant roots, and Zn was the element that accumulated the most in the plant roots, rhizomes, and leaves. The highest Zn concentration was observed to be 56.47 µg g(-1) in the rhizome sample from the summer. In all the seasons, the AF value of Cd was observed to be above 1. In addition, the TF value was below 1 for all elements in every season. While the element having lowest uptake and translocation ratio was Cr, and the highest uptake and translocation ratio was found for Cd. The AF and TF values suggest that the plant would be most appropriate for use in phytostabilization.

The effects of tirofiban infusion on clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to determine the effects of tirofiban (Tiro) infusion on angiographic measures, ST-segment resolution, and clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing PCI. Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are beneficial in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), while the most effective timing of administration is still under investigation. METHODS: A total of 1242 patients (83.0% males, mean (standard deviation; SD) age: 54.7 (10.9) years) with STEMI who underwent primary PCI were included in this retrospective non-randomized study in four groups, composed of no tirofiban infusion [Tiro (-); n=248], tirofiban infusion before PCI (pre-Tiro; n=720), tirofiban infusion during PCI (peri-Tiro; n=50), and tirofiban infusion after PCI (post-Tiro; n=224). In all Tiro (+) patients, bolus administration of Tiro (10 µg/kg) was followed by infusion (0.15 µg/kg/min) for a mean (SD) duration of 22.4±6.8 hours. RESULTS: The pre-PCI Tiro group was associated with the highest percentage of patients with TIMI 3 flow (99.4%; p<0.001), the lowest corrected TIMI frame count [21(18-23.4); p<0.001], the highest percentage of patients with >75% ST-segment resolution (78.1%; p<0.001), and the lowest rate of in-hospital sudden cardiac death and in-hospital all-cause mortality (3.2%, p<0.05, 3.3%, p=0.01). Major bleeding was reported in 18 (1.8%) patients who received tirofiban. CONCLUSION: Use of standard-dose bolus tirofiban in addition to aspirin, high-dose clopidogrel, and unfractionated heparin prior to primary PCI significantly improves myocardial reperfusion, ST-segment resolution, in-hospital mortality rate, and in-hospital sudden cardiac death in patients with STEMI with no increased risk of major bleeding.

Right heart free-floating thrombus in a pregnant woman with massive pulmonary embolism: a case of 'emboli in transit'.

The mainstay of treatment for massive pulmonary embolism in nonpregnant individuals is urgent thrombolytic therapy, but experience with these drugs in pregnancy is limited. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman at 27 weeks' gestation who was admitted with a massive, life-threatening pulmonary embolism. The diagnosis was rapidly accomplished in the coronary care unit by transthoracic echocardiography that showed signs of pulmonary hypertension as well as a large, free-floating thrombus in the right heart. As she was hemodynamically unstable, we started treatment with tissue plasminogen activator resulting in complete resolution of cardiorespiratory symptoms. A live baby was delivered by Caesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation, and no complications were seen during the 1-year follow-up. The present case report emphasizes the pivotal role of repeat echocardiography in clinical decision-making and the life-saving potential of thrombolytic therapy without serious adverse effects.

Single and combined effects of exposure concentration and duration on biological responses of Ceratophyllum demersum L. exposed to Cr species.

This study aimed to demonstrate the ways in which two chromium species, Cr (III) and Cr (VI), can affect various physiological and biochemical parameters in the plant Ceratophyllum demersum L., and to evaluate the single and combined impact of exposure concentration and duration. C. demersum was exposed to Cr (III) and Cr (VI) at a variety of concentrations (1, 2, 5, and 10 mM) and for differing durations (1, 2, 4, and 7 days), after which Cr accumulation, relative growth rate (RGR), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, electrical conductivity (EC), photosynthetic pigmentation, proline content and antioxidant enzyme activities were examined. The single and combined effects of exposure duration and Cr concentration on each parameter were determined using a two-way analysis of variance. For both the Cr (III) and Cr (VI) applications, it was observed that concentration had a significant effect on all parameters assessed. However, duration had no statistically significant effect on proline content in the Cr (III) application, or on MDA and protein content in the Cr (VI) application. It was determined that concentration exerted greater effects than duration for both Cr species studied. In addition, the results indicated that duration and concentration had a synergistic effect on variations of RGR, EC, protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activities in both the Cr (III) and Cr (VI) applications. These results may be useful when planning further phytoremediation and plant biotechnology studies.

[Relationship between human platelet antigen-1 gene polymorphism and clopidogrel resistance in patients with coronary artery disease]. / Koroner arter hastalarinda insan trombosit antijen-1 gen polimorfizmi ile klopidogrel direnci iliskisi.

OBJECTIVES: It has been proposed that human platelet antigen-1 (HPA-1) gene polymorphism is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and affects platelet function. We aimed to investigate the distribution of HPA gene polymorphism between angiographic CAD and a control group and the relation between HPA gene polymorphism and platelet aggregation. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 94 patients with angiographic CAD and 115 patients without angiographic CAD. Platelet aggregation was measured with impedance aggregometry on the fifth day of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Platelet aggregation >480 AU*min was defined as the clopidogrel resistance group. Blood samples were obtained from all participants at discharge for investigating HPA-1 gene polymorphism. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the distribution of HPA-1 gene polymorphism between the control and CAD groups (78.7% vs. 78.1% for A allele and 21.3% vs. 21.9% for B allele, p=NS). The analysis between groups with and without clopidogrel resistance revealed no significant difference in the distribution of HPA-1A and HPA-1B alleles between the groups (A allele 78.7% vs. 78.9% and B allele 21.3% vs. 21.1%, p=NS). In the CAD group, there were no significant differences in platelet aggregation between HPA-1A and HPA-1B alleles (294±240 vs. 259±261 AU*min, p=NS). CONCLUSION: The distribution of HPA-1 gene polymorphism was not different in CAD patients compared to the control group. HPA-1 gene polymorphism was not associated with platelet aggregation or clopidogrel resistance assessed by impedance aggregometry in the CAD group.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in right and left heart failure: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a novel marker for early detection of renotubular deterioration. Despite the limited data concerning the NGAL in heart failure (HF), significance of NGAL in right-sided HF remains unknown. We assessed serum and urinary NGAL in left and right-sided HF due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICMP) and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we compared three groups; 35 patients with NICMP, 28 patients with PAH and 27 healthy controls. None had a serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by Cockroft-Gault (CG) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study formulas, echocardiographic measures of left and right ventricles (LV, RV) and non-invasive measurement of cardiac index (CI) by echocardiography and impedance cardiography were assessed. Differences among the groups for continuous variables were evaluated by the ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate. The Chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical variables. RESULTS: Despite eGFR with CG formula was lower in NICMP and PAH subsets as compared to those in controls (102±27 and 99.4±29.4 vs 122.4±25.9 mL/min, p<0.05 and p<0.005 in order), serum NGAL [141 (113-151), 174 (130-192) and 132 (95-181) ng/mL] and urinary NGAL [15 (12-18), 15 (12-22) and 13 (8-18) ng/mL] levels were not different among groups (p=0.15 and p=0.35, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite the mildly impaired eGFR in left-sided HF due to NICMP and right-sided HF due to PAH, neither serum, nor urinary NGAL levels are elevated in these patients.