Adipokines and Inflammatory Markers in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients with and without Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Comparative Analysis.

An association has been suggested between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Considering the role of adipose-tissue-derived inflammatory mediators (adipokines) and the shared risk factor of obesity in OSA and AMI, this study aimed to investigate the involvement of adipokines in AMI patients with and without OSA. Serum levels of adipokines and inflammatory mediators were quantified, and home respiratory polygraphy was conducted. A total of 30 AMI patients and 25 controls were included. Patients with AMI exhibited elevated levels of resistin (7.4 vs. 3.7 ng/mL), interleukin-6 (8.8 vs. 1.3 pg/mL), and endothelin-1 (3.31 vs. 1.8 pg/mL). Remarkably, AMI patients with concomitant OSA exhibited higher levels of resistin (7.1 vs. 3.7 ng/mL), interleukin-6 (8.9 vs. 1.3 pg/mL), endothelin-1 (3.2 vs. 1.8 pg/mL), creatin kinase (1430 vs. 377 U/L), creatine kinase-MB (64.6 vs. 9.7 ng/mL), and troponin T (2298 vs. 356 pg/mL) than their non-OSA counterparts. Leptin showed a correlation with OSA severity markers. OSA was associated with greater cardiac damage in AMI patients. Our findings underscore that adipokines alone are not sufficient to discriminate the risk of AMI in the presence of OSA. Further research is necessary to determine the potential mechanisms contributing to exacerbated cardiac damage in patients with both conditions.

Differential expression of osteopontin, and osteoprotegerin mRNA in epicardial adipose tissue between patients with severe coronary artery disease and aortic valvular stenosis: association with HDL subclasses.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest a relationship of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with progression and calcification of the atherosclerotic plaque; however, it is unknown if this tissue expresses genes that may participate on these processes and if the expression of these genes is regulated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses. METHODS: To explore this possibility, we determined the mRNA expression by qPCR of a pro-calcifying gene (osteopontin (OPN)), and two anti-calcifying genes (osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteonectin (ON)), in biopsies of EAT obtained from 15 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) determined by angiography, and 15 patients with diagnostic of aortic valve stenosis but without CAD as control group. We determined the distribution and composition of HDL subclasses by electrophoresis and their statistical relationship with the gene expression in EAT. RESULTS: EAT from CAD patients showed a higher expression level of OPN and OPG than control group, whereas ON expression was similar between groups. Large HDL subclasses were cholesterol-poor in CAD patients as estimated by the cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio. A linear regression model showed an independent association of OPN expression with HDL3a-cholesterol, and OPG expression with the relative proportion of HDL3b protein. Logistic analysis determined that OPN expression was positively associated with the presence of atherosclerotic plaque CONCLUSION: OPN, ON, and OPG genes are transcribed in EAT; to the exception of ON, the level of expression was different in CAD patients and control group, and correlated with some HDL subclasses, suggesting a new role of these lipoproteins.

El uso de la presión positiva espiratoria final (PPEF) en el manejo de la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda / The use of final positive expiratory pressure (FPEP) in the management of acute respiratory failure / O uso da pressão positiva expiratória final (PEEP) no tratamento da insuficiência respiratória aguda

Resumen: Se analiza el efecto de la presión positiva espiratoria final (PPEF) en un grupo de pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA) de muy diversa etiología. Del mismo modo se analiza la evolución y otros aspectos del manejo ventilatorio de estos casos. La sola administración de la PPEF modificó en forma significativa y favorable varios de los parámetros respiratorios evaluados: aumento de la PaO2, disminución del índice FiO2/PaO2, disminución del Qs/Qt y del gradiente A-aDO2. No hubo alteración hemodinámica manifiesta a través de los parámetros clínicos: presión arterial, frecuencia cardiaca y diuresis, tampoco hubo alteraciones significativas del gradiente a-vDO2. Complicaciones atribuidas a la PPEF del tipo del «barotrauma¼ fueron encontrados en el 10.4% de los casos. El curso de la IRA fue hacia la mejoría en la mayoría de los pacientes al final de la evolución. La elevada tasa de mortalidad en este grupo de pacientes es atribuida a la presencia de sepsis no controlable y a la coexistencia de múltiples fallas orgánicas. En ninguno de los casos fue atribuida a hipoxemia aguda refractaria. La PPEF, una de las variedades de presión positiva continua, manejada en el concepto de «PPEF óptima¼, representa uno de los avances terapéuticos más importantes de la última década en el manejo de los pacientes con IRA.

Abstract: A group of 19 patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) of diverse etiology received as a part of their treatment positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP). All of them were evaluated clinicaly and with several respiratory parameters. The response to treatment, complications and mortality rates are analyzed. The addition of PEEP in the management of this patients was accompanied by a significant increase of the PAO2 (p < 0.001) and a simultaneous decrease in the following parameters: FiO2/PaO2 index, Alveolo-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aDO2) and the pulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt). No hemodynamic deterioration was observed. None of the clinical parameters such as: blood pressure, heart rate and diuresis was significantly modified; neither a significant change in the arterious-venous oxygen gradient (a-vDO2) was detected. Pneumothorax as a complication of the use of PEEP was present in the 10.4% of the patients. The course of the ARF was toward the improvement in most of them at the end of the evolution. The high mortality rate in this study was considered to be secondary to uncontrolable sepsis and also to the presence of multiple organ failure. In none of the cases the poor outcome was secondary to refractory acute hypoxemia. PEEP which is one of the varieties of continuos positive pressure ventilation (CPPV) represents one of the most importants therapeutic advances in the last decade in the management of patients with acute respiratory failure.

Résumé: On analyse l'effet de la pression positive expiratoire finale (PPEF) dans un groupe de patients avec Insuf-misance respiratoire aiguë (IRA) d'une très diverse étiologie. De la même façon on analyse l'évolution et d'autres aspects du maniement ventriculaire de ces cas. La seule administration de la PPEF a modifié dans une forme significative et favorable plusieurs des paramètres respiratoires évalués: augmentation de la PaO2, diminution de I'ndice FiO2/PaO2, diminution du Qs/Qt et du gradient A-aDD2. Il n'y a pas eu d'altération hémodynamique manifeste à travers les paramètres cliniques: pression artérielle, fréquence cardiaque et diurèse, il n'y a pas eu non plus des altérations significatives du gradient a-vDO2. Des complications attribuées à la PPEF du type du «barotraume¼ ont été trouvées dans le 10.4% des cas. Le cours de l'IRA a tendu vers l'amélioration chez la plupart des patients à la fin de l'évolution. Le taux élevé de mortalité dans ce groupe de patients est attribué à la présense de sepsis non contrôlable et à la coexitance de multiples défauts organiques. Dans aucun des cas il a été attribué à hypoxémia aiguë réfractaire. La PPEF, une des variétés de pression positive continue, maniée dans le concept de «PPEF très bonne¼, représente l'un des avancements thérapeutiques les plus importants des dix dernières années dans le maniement des patients avec IRA.

De la tromboembolia pulmonar aguda a la hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica: implicaciones en la patobiología y fisiopatología / From acute pulmonary embolism to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: Pathobiology and pathophysiology

Resumen: La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) es un subtipo de hipertensión pulmonar (HP) caracterizada por la obstrucción mecánica de las arterias pulmonares causada por una tromboembolia pulmonar. Sin tratamiento es una enfermedad progresiva y devastadora, y es el único subgrupo de HP potencialmente curable mediante la endarterectomía pulmonar. La magnitud, así como la recurrencia de la embolia pulmonar, son determinantes y contribuyen al desarrollo de la HPTEC aun cuando está asociada solo a algunos factores trombofílicos. Una hipótesis es que la enfermedad es consecuencia de la resolución incompleta y la organización del trombo, favorecido por fenómenos de inflamación, inmunitarios y/o genéticos que promueven el desarrollo de estenosis de tipo fibroso que culminan con el remodelado vascular oclusivo de vasos proximales y distales. Los mecanismos involucrados en la fallida resolución del trombo aún no están esclarecidos. Los pacientes con HPTEC con frecuencia exhiben HP severa que no puede ser explicada por el grado de obstrucción vascular demostrada en estudios por imagen. En tales casos la arteriopatía pulmonar y las lesiones trombóticas obstructivas, distales al nivel subsegmentario, pueden contribuir al incremento fuera de proporción de las resistencias vasculares pulmonares. Los procesos que llevan al desarrollo de la arteriopatía pulmonar y los cambios microvasculares que ocurren en la HPTEC explican el comportamiento progresivo de la HP y el deterioro clínico gradual con pobre pronóstico para los pacientes, así como también la falta de correlación entre la magnitud de la obstrucción vascular y la medición de parámetros hemodinámicos, aun en ausencia de tromboembolismo venoso recurrente. Esta revisión resume los aspectos más relevantes y actuales de la patobiología y fisiopatología de la HPTEC.

Abstract: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) represents a unique subtype of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the presence of mechanical obstruction of the major pulmonary vessels caused by venous thromboembolism. CTEPH is a progressive and devastating disease if not treated, and is the only subset of PH potentially curable by a surgical procedure known as pulmonary endarterectomy. The clot burden and pulmonary embolism recurrence may contribute to the development of CTEPH however only few thrombophilic factors have been found to be associated. A current hypothesis is that CTEPH results from the incomplete resolution and organization of thrombus modified by inflammatory, immunologic and genetic mechanisms, leading to the development of fibrotic stenosis and adaptive vascular remodeling of resistance vessels. The causes of thrombus non-resolution have yet to be fully clarified. CTEPH patients often display severe PH that cannot be fully explained by the degree of pulmonary vascular obstruction apparent on imaging studies. In such cases, the small vessel disease and distal obstructive thrombotic lesions beyond the sub-segmental level may contribute for out of proportion elevated PVR. The processes implicated in the development of arteriopathy and microvascular changes might explain the progressive nature of PH and gradual clinical deterioration with poor prognosis, as well as lack of correlation between measurable hemodynamic parameters and vascular obstruction even in the absence of recurrent venous thromboembolism. This review summarizes the most relevant up-to-date aspects on pathobiology and pathophysiology of CTEPH.

Mexican registry of pulmonary hypertension REMEHIP / Registro Mexicano de Hipertensión Pulmonar REMEHIP

Abstract: Objective: REMEHIP is a prospective, multicentre registry on pulmonary hypertension. The main objective will be to identify the clinical profile, medical care, therapeutic trends and outcomes in adult and pediatric Mexican patients with well-characterized pulmonary hypertension. Methods: REMEHIP a multicenter registry began in 2015 with a planned recruitment time of 12 months and a 4-year follow-up. The study population will comprise a longitudinal cohort study, collecting data on patients with prevalent and incident pulmonary hypertension. Will be included patients of age >2 years and diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension by right heart catheterization within Group 1 and Group 4 of the World Health Organization classification. The structure, data collection and data analysis will be based on quality current recommendations for registries. The protocol has been approved by institutional ethics committees in all participant centers. All patients will sign an informed consent form. Currently in Mexico, there is a need of observational registries that include patients with treatment in the everyday clinical practice so the data could be validated and additional information could be obtained versus the one from the clinical trials. In this way, REMEHIP emerges as a link among randomized clinical trials developed by experts and previous Mexican experience.

Resumen: Objetivo: REMEHIP es un registro prospectivo, multicéntrico en hipertensión pulmonar. El objetivo principal será identificar el perfil clínico, atención médica, tendencias terapéuticas y evolución en pacientes mexicanos adultos y pediátricos con hipertensión pulmonar bien caracterizada. Métodos: El REMEHIP comenzó en el año de 2015 y se planea un reclutamiento de 12 meses con un seguimiento de 4 años. La población en estudio será una cohorte longitudinal y se obtendrán datos de pacientes prevalentes e incidentes con hipertensión pulmonar. Se incluirán pacientes con edad > 2 años con diagnóstico de hipertensión pulmonar demostrado por cateterismo cardiaco derecho del Grupo 1 y Grupo 4 de la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La estructura, colección de datos y el análisis se establecerá a través de las recomendaciones actuales de calidad para los registros. El protocolo ha sido aprobado por los comités de ética de todos los centros participantes. Todos los pacientes firmarán un consentimiento informado. Actualmente en México existe una necesidad de registros observacionales que incluyan a pacientes con tratamiento en la práctica clínica cotidiana, de tal forma que los datos obtenidos podrían validarse y el resto de la información podría compararse con la derivada de los estudios clínicos. De esta forma REMEHIP surge como un vínculo entre los estudios clínicos aleatorizados conducidos por expertos y la experiencia mexicana previa.

Mexican registry of pulmonary hypertension: REMEHIP.

OBJECTIVE: REMEHIP is a prospective, multicentre registry on pulmonary hypertension. The main objective will be to identify the clinical profile, medical care, therapeutic trends and outcomes in adult and pediatric Mexican patients with well-characterized pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: REMEHIP a multicenter registry began in 2015 with a planned recruitment time of 12 months and a 4-year follow-up. The study population will comprise a longitudinal cohort study, collecting data on patients with prevalent and incident pulmonary hypertension. Will be included patients of age >2 years and diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension by right heart catheterization within Group 1 and Group 4 of the World Health Organization classification. The structure, data collection and data analysis will be based on quality current recommendations for registries. The protocol has been approved by institutional ethics committees in all participant centers. All patients will sign an informed consent form. Currently in Mexico, there is a need of observational registries that include patients with treatment in the everyday clinical practice so the data could be validated and additional information could be obtained versus the one from the clinical trials. In this way, REMEHIP emerges as a link among randomized clinical trials developed by experts and previous Mexican experience.

[From acute pulmonary embolism to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: Pathobiology and pathophysiology]. / De la tromboembolia pulmonar aguda a la hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica: implicaciones en la patobiología y fisiopatología.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) represents a unique subtype of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the presence of mechanical obstruction of the major pulmonary vessels caused by venous thromboembolism. CTEPH is a progressive and devastating disease if not treated, and is the only subset of PH potentially curable by a surgical procedure known as pulmonary endarterectomy. The clot burden and pulmonary embolism recurrence may contribute to the development of CTEPH however only few thrombophilic factors have been found to be associated. A current hypothesis is that CTEPH results from the incomplete resolution and organization of thrombus modified by inflammatory, immunologic and genetic mechanisms, leading to the development of fibrotic stenosis and adaptive vascular remodeling of resistance vessels. The causes of thrombus non-resolution have yet to be fully clarified. CTEPH patients often display severe PH that cannot be fully explained by the degree of pulmonary vascular obstruction apparent on imaging studies. In such cases, the small vessel disease and distal obstructive thrombotic lesions beyond the sub-segmental level may contribute for out of proportion elevated PVR. The processes implicated in the development of arteriopathy and micro-vascular changes might explain the progressive nature of PH and gradual clinical deterioration with poor prognosis, as well as lack of correlation between measurable hemodynamic parameters and vascular obstruction even in the absence of recurrent venous thromboembolism. This review summarizes the most relevant up-to-date aspects on pathobiology and pathophysiology of CTEPH.

Increased HDL Size and Enhanced Apo A-I Catabolic Rates Are Associated With Doxorubicin-Induced Proteinuria in New Zealand White Rabbits.

The catabolism and structure of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) may be the determining factor of their atheroprotective properties. To better understand the role of the kidney in HDL catabolism, here we characterized HDL subclasses and the catabolic rates of apo A-I in a rabbit model of proteinuria. Proteinuria was induced by intravenous administration of doxorubicin in New Zealand white rabbits (n = 10). HDL size and HDL subclass lipids were assessed by electrophoresis of the isolated lipoproteins. The catabolic rate of HDL-apo A-I was evaluated by exogenous radiolabelling with iodine-131. Doxorubicin induced significant proteinuria after 4 weeks (4.47 ± 0.55 vs. 0.30 ± 0.02 g/L of protein in urine, P < 0.001) associated with increased uremia, creatininemia, and cardiotoxicity. Large HDL2b augmented significantly during proteinuria, whereas small HDL3b and HDL3c decreased compared to basal conditions. HDL2b, HDL2a, and HDL3a subclasses were enriched with triacylglycerols in proteinuric animals as determined by the triacylglycerol-to-phospholipid ratio; the cholesterol content in HDL subclasses remained unchanged. The fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of [(131)I]-apo A-I in the proteinuric rabbits was faster (FCR = 0.036 h(-1)) compared to control rabbits group (FCR = 0.026 h(-1), P < 0.05). Apo E increased and apo A-I decreased in HDL, whereas PON-1 activity increased in proteinuric rabbits. Proteinuria was associated with an increased number of large HDL2b particles and a decreased number of small HDL3b and 3c. Proteinuria was also connected to an alteration in HDL subclass lipids, apolipoprotein content of HDL, high paraoxonase-1 activity, and a rise in the fractional catabolic rate of the [(131)I]-apo A-I.

Inhibidores de fosfodiesterasa-5 para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar / Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

En cardiología clínica y experimental, los inhibidores de fosfodiesterasa-5 (PDE-5) han atraído el interés científico en años recientes como herramienta terapéutica para el tratamiento de la HAP. Las fosfodiesterasas son una superfamilia de enzimas que inactivan el adenosín monofosfato cíclico y el guanosín monofosfato cíclico, los segundos mensajeros de la prostaciclina y del óxido nítrico. El razonamiento para utilizar los inhibidores de PDE-5 en HAP se basa en su relativa selectividad por la circulación pulmonar y en su capacidad para sobreexpresar la vía del óxido nítrico por inhibición de la hidrólisis del guanosín monofosfato cíclico e incrementar sus concentraciones, lo cual produce efectos vasodilatadores, antiproliferativos y proapoptóticos que pueden revertir el remodelado vascular pulmonar. Además, pueden aumentar el inotropismo ventricular derecho al incrementar el adenosín monofosfato cíclico mediado por la inhibición de la fosfodiesterasa tipo 3 sensible al guanosín monofosfato cíclico. El sildenafil, el tadalafil y el vardenafil son 3 inhibidores de PDE-5 actualmente en uso clínico que comparten similar mecanismo de acción aunque presentan algunas diferencias significativas en potencia, selectividad por la PDE-5 y propiedades farmacocinéticas. Para el tratamiento de la HAP en pacientes en clase funcional II y III (NYHA/WHO), el sildenafil fue aprobado por la Food and Drug Administration y la European Medicines Agency en 2005; y tadalafil por la Food and Drug Administration y la European Medicines Agency en 2009. En México, el sildenafil y el tadalafil recibieron la aprobación por parte de la Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios para la misma indicación en 2010 y 2011 respectivamente.

In experimental and clinical cardiology, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have brought scientific interest as a therapeutic tool in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) management in recent years. Phosphodiesterases are a superfamily of enzymes that inactivate cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, the second messengers of prostacyclin and nitric oxide. The rationale for the use of PDE-5 inhibitors in PAH is based on their capacity to overexpresss the nitric oxide pathway pursued inhibition of cyclic guanosine monophosphate hydrolysis. By increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels it promotes vasodilation, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects that may reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling. There is also evidence that these drugs may directly enhance right ventricular contractility through an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate mediated by the inhibition of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate -sensitive PDE-3. Sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil are 3 specific PDE-5 inhibitors in current clinical use, which share similar mechanisms of action but present some significant differences regarding potency, selectivity for PDE-5 and pharmacokinetic properties. Sildenafil received approval in 2005 by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency and tadalafil in 2009 by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of PAH in patients classified as NYHA/WHO functional class II and III. In Mexico, sildenafil and tadalafil were approved by Comisión Federal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios for this indication in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

[Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension]. / Inhibidores de fosfodiesterasa-5 para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar.

In experimental and clinical cardiology, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have brought scientific interest as a therapeutic tool in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) management in recent years. Phosphodiesterases are a superfamily of enzymes that inactivate cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, the second messengers of prostacyclin and nitric oxide. The rationale for the use of PDE-5 inhibitors in PAH is based on their capacity to overexpresss the nitric oxide pathway pursued inhibition of cyclic guanosine monophosphate hydrolysis. By increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels it promotes vasodilation, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects that may reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling. There is also evidence that these drugs may directly enhance right ventricular contractility through an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate mediated by the inhibition of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate -sensitive PDE-3. Sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil are 3 specific PDE-5 inhibitors in current clinical use, which share similar mechanisms of action but present some significant differences regarding potency, selectivity for PDE-5 and pharmacokinetic properties. Sildenafil received approval in 2005 by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency and tadalafil in 2009 by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of PAH in patients classified as NYHA/WHO functional class II and III. In Mexico, sildenafil and tadalafil were approved by Comisión Federal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios for this indication in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Hipertensión pulmonar asociada a cardiopatías congénitas y síndrome de Eisenmenger / Pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease and Eisenmenger syndrome

La hipertensión arterial pulmonar es una complicación frecuente de las cardiopatías congénitas (CC). Es reconocido que las CC son las malformaciones más frecuentes al nacimiento con una prevalencia que va de 6 a 8 por 1,000 recién nacidos vivos. En nuestro país se calcula que cada año nacen de 12,000 a 16,000 niños con algún tipo de malformación cardiaca. En los pacientes no corregidos con cortocircuitos de izquierda a derecha el aumento de la presión pulmonar provoca incremento en las resistencias pulmonares y desencadena una disfunción endotelial y remodelación vascular, consecuencia de alteraciones en los mediadores vasoactivos que provocan vasoconstricción, inflamación, trombosis, proliferación y apoptosis celular así como fibrosis. Como consecuencia hay un incremento progresivo de las resistencias pulmonares y de la presión del ventrículo derecho. Finalmente ocurre que el flujo sanguíneo se invierte y se desarrolla el síndrome de Eisenmenger, la forma más avanzada de hipertensión arterial pulmonar consecutiva a CC. La frecuencia de hipertensión arterial pulmonar secundaria a CC ha disminuido en países desarrollados no así en países en vías de desarrollo tanto por un diagnóstico tardío como por falta de infraestructura hospitalaria o de recursos humanos para la atención de los pacientes portadores de CC. Con el advenimiento del tratamiento farmacológico para la hipertensión arterial pulmonar, se han vislumbrado nuevas oportunidades terapéuticas, siendo cada vez más cotidiano que se sumen al tratamiento intervencionista o quirúrgico en pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar secundaria a CC. Se requiere conocer los factores fisiopatológicos involucrados así como llevar a cabo una cuidadosa evaluación para definir la mejor estrategia terapéutica.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a common complication of congenital heart disease (CHD). Congenital cardiopathies are the most frequent congenital malformations. The prevalence in our country remains unknown, based on birthrate, it is calculated that 12,000 to 16,000 infants in our country have some cardiac malformation. In patients with an uncorrected left-to-right shunt, increased pulmonary pressure leads to vascular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction secondary to an imbalance in vasoactive mediators which promotes vasoconstriction, inflammation, thrombosis, cell proliferation, impaired apotosis and fibrosis. The progressive rise in pulmonary vascular resistance and increased pressures in the right heart provocated reversal of the shunt may arise with the development of Eisenmenger' syndrome the most advanced form de Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease. The prevalence of Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with CHD has fallen in developed countries in recent years that is not yet achieved in developing countries therefore diagnosed late as lack of hospital infrastructure and human resources for the care of patients with CHD. With the development of targeted medical treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension, the concept of a combined medical and interventional/surgical approach for patients with Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with CHD is a reality. We need to know the pathophysiological factors involved as well as a careful evaluation to determine the best therapeutic strategy.

[Pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease and Eisenmenger syndrome]. / Hipertensión pulmonar asociada a cardiopatías congénitas y síndrome de Eisenmenger.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a common complication of congenital heart disease (CHD). Congenital cardiopathies are the most frequent congenital malformations. The prevalence in our country remains unknown, based on birthrate, it is calculated that 12,000 to 16,000 infants in our country have some cardiac malformation. In patients with an uncorrected left-to-right shunt, increased pulmonary pressure leads to vascular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction secondary to an imbalance in vasoactive mediators which promotes vasoconstriction, inflammation, thrombosis, cell proliferation, impaired apotosis and fibrosis. The progressive rise in pulmonary vascular resistance and increased pressures in the right heart provocated reversal of the shunt may arise with the development of Eisenmenger' syndrome the most advanced form de Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease. The prevalence of Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with CHD has fallen in developed countries in recent years that is not yet achieved in developing countries therefore diagnosed late as lack of hospital infrastructure and human resources for the care of patients with CHD. With the development of targeted medical treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension, the concept of a combined medical and interventional/surgical approach for patients with Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with CHD is a reality. We need to know the pathophysiological factors involved as well as a careful evaluation to determine the best therapeutic strategy.

La autorregulación homeométrica: el efecto Anrep: su posible importancia en la patofisiología en los aumentos de la postcarga del ventrículo derecho / Homeometric autoregulation in the heart: the Anrep effect: its possible role in increased right ventricular afterload pathophysiology

One type of intrinsic response exhibited by the isolated and non-isolated heart is the well-known Frank-Starling mechanism, which endows the ventricles with performance characteristics such that the heart ejects whatever volume is put into it [heterometric autoregulation]. A second type of autoregulation in the isolated and no-isolated heart, one which apparently does not utilize the Frank-Starling mechanism, will be the main subject of this review. It requires at least a few beats to develop fully after an increase in activity. The ventricle then exhibits performance characteristics such that its end-diastolic pressure and fiber length tend to be maintained because of an increase in myocardial contractility. It will, therefore be referred to as homeometric autoregulation or Anrep effect. Assessment of ventricular load-independent parameters, including myocardial contractility, is important to better understand the pathophysiology of acute and right ventricular increased afterload. The role of the Anrep effect, in right ventricular dysfunction in patients with primary or secondary forms of pulmonary artery hypertension with chronic cor pulmonale, is analyzed and presented as an hypothesis to be considered in the pathophysiology in acute and in chronic states of right ventricular afterload.

[Homeometric autoregulation in the heart. The Anrep effect. Its possible role in increased right ventricular afterload pathophysiology]. / La autorregulación homeométrica. El efecto Anrep. Su posible importancia en la patofisiología en los aumentos de la postcarga del ventrículo derecho.

One type of intrinsic response exhibited by the isolated and non-isolated heart is the well-known Frank-Starling mechanism, which endows the ventricles with performance characteristics such that the heart ejects whatever volume is put into it [heterometric autoregulation]. A second type of autoregulation in the isolated and no-isolated heart, one which apparently does not utilize the Frank-Starling mechanism, will be the main subject of this review. It requires at least a few beats to develop fully after an increase in activity. The ventricle then exhibits performance characteristics such that its end-diastolic pressure and fiber length tend to be maintained because of an increase in myocardial contractility. It will, therefore be referred to as homeometric autoregulation or Anrep effect. Assessment of ventricular load-independent parameters, including myocardial contractility, is important to better understand the pathophysiology of acute and right ventricular increased afterload. The role of the Anrep effect, in right ventricular dysfunction in patients with primary or secondary forms of pulmonary artery hypertension with chronic cor pulmonale, is analyzed and presented as an hypothesis to be considered in the pathophysiology in acute and in chronic states of right ventricular afterload.

[Pulmonary arterial hypertension]. / Hipertensión arterial pulmonar.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive and lethal disease for which there is no effective cure. In recent years, however, there has been a significant progress in the knowledge about the pathobiologic mechanisms involved in the characteristic vascular damage of this disease. Knowledge has evolved from the importance of the vasoconstriction component originally contemplated to the current concept of a preponderant abnormal (fibromuscular) proliferation. This conceptual evolution has resulted in new and attractive pharmacologic interventions in an attempt to interrupt this abnormal process of vascular remodeling. In this review, the interventions derived from this pathobiologic knowledge are analyzed and based on the most recent controlled clinical trials; an evidence-based therapeutic strategy is established.

Hipertensión arterial pulmonar / Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive and lethal disease for which there is no effective cure. In recent years, however, there has been a significant progress in the knowledge about the pathobiologic mechanisms involved in the characteristic vascular damage of this disease. Knowledge has evolved from the importance of the vasoconstriction component originally contemplated to the current concept of a preponderant abnormal (fibromuscular) proliferation. This conceptual evolution has resulted in new and attractive pharmacologic interventions in an attempt to interrupt this abnormal process of vascular remodeling. In this review, the interventions derived from this pathobiologic knowledge are analyzed and based on the most recent controlled clinical trials; an evidence-based therapeutic strategy is established.

[Clinical implications and prognostic significance of the study on the circadian variation of heart rate variability in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension]. / Implicaciones clínicas y pronósticas del estudio circadiano de la modulación simpático-vagal de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca en pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grave.

BACKGROUND: A reduction of heart rate variability (HRV) is currently considered an independent risk factor for morbidity, mortality and severity of severalcardiac disease, however, the dynamic sympathovagal modulation on HRV during 24 hr in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) had not been described. METHODS: 24 hr Holter monitoring (HA) were recorded in 32 patients (mean age 34, +/-12, 90% female) with severe primary pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary pressure, 90:t:12 mm Hg), and in 34 patients (mean age 36 +/-14, 60% female) with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) secondary to septal ventricular defect or atent ductus arteriosus. A control group (n=44) paired for age, gender and arterial pulmonary pressure was included. HRV time and spectral parameters (mean, SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD, PNN50, LF, HF and LF/HF ratio) were analyzed during three periods: 24 hr; day (8-22:00), night (23-07:00) and also every hour of recording at 5 min-intervals). After detection of sympatho-vagal balance 15 patients were randomized, Treprostinil (prostaglandin) was administered to 6 patients and subcutaneous placebo to 9. RESULTS: HRV frequency parameters during 24 hr HM were significantly different among groups. LF/HF (day) 5.9:1:12.5:1:1P.001 and LF/HF night) 2.8:tlvs.1.5:l:.8.034. Sympathovagal modulation on 24 hr HRV showed that heart rate circadian rhythm is clearly altered in both PPH and ES, but the sympathetic tone in PPH is higher at l 24 hr. (p < .05), after administering treprostinil a recovery of sympathovagal balance was observed CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic cardiac disturbance is clearly present in PPH and ES. The circadian rhythm of HRV is first lost due to an increase of sympathetic tone. These changes may be markers of autonomic disbalance that favor the development of arrhythmias and sudden death. The sympathovagal balance in PPH could be considered an important risk marker.

Implicaciones clínicas y pronósticas del estudio circadiano de la modulación simpático-vagal de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca en pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grave / Clinical implications and prognostic significance of the study on the circadian variation of heart rate variability in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension

Introducción: La reducción en la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca ha sido identificada como factor de riesgo en enfermedad cardiovascular, pero su descripción en hipertensión arterial pulmonar severa se desconoce. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grave, 32 con hipertensión pulmonar primaria, 34 con hipertensión pulmonar secundaria a cardiopatía congénita (Eisenmenger) y 44 sujetos control sin evidencia de enfermedad. La evaluación del registro ambulatorio de la frecuencia cardiaca se realizó por métodos convencionales. El análisis espectral y la relación a baja y alta frecuencia se realizó utilizando el método de Fourier. Comparaciones entre día y noche se realizó entre los grupos. Después de conocer el perfil circadiano, 15 pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar fueron seleccionados para recibir tratamiento al azar con Treprostinil (Prostaglandina) o placebo por vía subcutánea. Posteriormente (3 meses) se analizaron nuevamente los parámetros de variabilidad de frecuencia cardiaca y de hemodinámica para conocer el impacto de dicha terapéutica. Resultados: Se detectó un estado franco de hipertonía simpática en el grupo de hipertensión pulmonar, sobre todo en los pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar primaria. El efecto de Treprostinil fue claramente asociado con disminución del tono simpático y un aumento de la capacidad física. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar, cursan con equilibrio simpático-vagal alterado sobre todo durante el día. Hay pérdida del ritmo circadiano. Dichos trastornos pueden ser reversibles con la aplicación de treprostinil. El equilibrio simpáticovagal de la frecuencia cardiaca es un instrumento no invasivo que permite estratificar mejor al paciente con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grave.

BACKGROUND: A reduction of heart rate variability (HRV) is currently considered an independent risk factor for morbidity, mortality and severity of severalcardiac disease, however, the dynamic sympathovagal modulation on HRV during 24 hr in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) had not been described. METHODS: 24 hr Holter monitoring (HA) were recorded in 32 patients (mean age 34, +/-12, 90% female) with severe primary pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary pressure, 90:t:12 mm Hg), and in 34 patients (mean age 36 +/-14, 60% female) with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) secondary to septal ventricular defect or atent ductus arteriosus. A control group (n=44) paired for age, gender and arterial pulmonary pressure was included. HRV time and spectral parameters (mean, SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD, PNN50, LF, HF and LF/HF ratio) were analyzed during three periods: 24 hr; day (8-22:00), night (23-07:00) and also every hour of recording at 5 min-intervals). After detection of sympatho-vagal balance 15 patients were randomized, Treprostinil (prostaglandin) was administered to 6 patients and subcutaneous placebo to 9. RESULTS: HRV frequency parameters during 24 hr HM were significantly different among groups. LF/HF (day) 5.9:1:12.5:1:1P.001 and LF/HF night) 2.8:tlvs.1.5:l:.8.034. Sympathovagal modulation on 24 hr HRV showed that heart rate circadian rhythm is clearly altered in both PPH and ES, but the sympathetic tone in PPH is higher at l 24 hr. (p < .05), after administering treprostinil a recovery of sympathovagal balance was observed CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic cardiac disturbance is clearly present in PPH and ES. The circadian rhythm of HRV is first lost due to an increase of sympathetic tone. These changes may be markers of autonomic disbalance that favor the development of arrhythmias and sudden death. The sympathovagal balance in PPH could be considered an important risk marker.

[Modification of a hydraulic device for controlled banding of the trunk of the pulmonary artery in dogs]. / Modificación de un dispositivo hidráulico para el bandaje controlado del tronco de la arteria pulmonar en caninos.

UNLABELLED: Different congenital or acquired diseases increase the right ventricular systolic pressure. The elevation is achieved by pulmonary artery banding with linen tape or hydraulic devices. We introduce a new hydraulic device to be used in experimental subjects of less than 15 kilograms. METHODS: An experimental laboratory phase was conducted. In this phase, the hydraulic devices were tested against pressures as high as 80 mm Hg; later on the hydraulic devices were placed on the dogs' main pulmonary artery; the right ventricular systolic pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and their differences were obtained. The values are expressed in average +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: The average weight of the dogs was 12.6 +/- 2.2 kg. The average diameter found in the main pulmonary artery was 12.4 +/- 1.4 mm and 27.5 +/- 1.6 mm length. Right ventricular systolic pressure of basal condition to maximum pressure obtained was 25.5 +/- 1.9 mm Hg vs 50.3 +/- 6.9 mm Hg, p < 0.0001; pulmonary artery pressures under the same conditions were 24.7 +/- 2 mm Hg vs 21.5 +/- 6.9 mm Hg, p < 0.043; and the differences between them were 0.8 +/- 1.4 mm Hg vs 28.8 +/- 4.2 mm Hg, p < 0.0001, developed by the hydraulic device respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The hydraulic device allows attaining a controlled acute increase in right ventricular systolic pressure.