Possible implication of estrogenic compounds on heart disease in menopausal women.

Epidemiological studies imply there is a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women. Some explanations suggest a lack of estrogens as the cause, but estrogens do not disappear completely and are just transformed into different products called estrogenic degradation metabolites (EDMs). When estrogens are metabolized, reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase, causing DNA damage and increasing oxidative stress. These conditions are associated to neurodegenerative diseases and different types of cancer. However, their effect on the cardiovascular system remains unknown. This paper compares estrogenic metabolite levels in serum from post-menopausal women with cardiovascular risk (CAC>1) and with establish cardiovascular disease (CVD), against levels in healthy women (Ctrl). Sample sera were obtained from the Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) Mexican Study. Serum levels of eleven estrogenic metabolites were quantified by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and oxidative stress markers such as ROS, lipoperoxidation levels (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), super oxide dismutase activity (SOD) and cytokine levels were evaluated. 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was also determined as a marker of nuclear damage.There were significant differences between serum levels of some EDMs in CAC> 1 and CVD vs. serum levels in Ctrl women. Results also revealed an increase in oxidative stress and a diminished capacity to manage oxidative stress. These findings provide an overview, and suggest that some estrogenic metabolites may be associated with an increased risk of CVD in menopausal women. However, additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of these EDMs directly on cardiovascular function.

Bioprosthesis in aortic valve replacement: long-term inflammatory response and functionality.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of long-term inflammatory response and function in postoperative patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR) deserves special analysis because it is important to try to prevent reoperation and improve durability and functionality of the prostheses. It is our objective METHODS: In this study, we included a cohort of patients with aortic valve damage treated by AVR with mechanical prosthesis, bio prosthesis and we included a control group. RESULTS: We found that IL-4 and osteopontin levels were higher in patients with mechanical vs biological prostheses (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively), osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels were decreased (p=0.01), women had lower levels of ET-1 and IL-6, (p=0.02) (p=0.04), respectively. Patients older than 60 years had decreased levels of IL-1ß p<0.001) and a higher concentration of IL-4 p<0.05). IL-1ß, OPG and TNFα were higher in patients with less than 5 years of evolution vs more than 10 years (p=0.004, p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively). Factors such as age, gender, prosthetic and elevated IL-1B and ET-1 levels are associated with valve dysfunction prosthetic. These results indicate that the inflammatory involvement present prior to valve replacement may be perpetuated by various factors in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide us with the opportunity to effectively treat patients with AVR in the postoperative period, which could prolong the functionality of the bio prostheses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04557345.

Echocardiographic findings in patent ductus arteriosus-associated infective endarteritis.

BACKGROUND: Infectious endarteritis associated with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA-IE) is an uncommon complication in the era of antibiotics. However, it implies a clinical challenge in patients with a fever of undetermined origin; Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performs a fundamental role in diagnosis and follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was then made of the data of all patients admitted at our center with PDA-IE within 15 years, and a review of the literature regarding diagnosis, TTE findings, and treatment was performed. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were identified. The mean age was 17.8 years. The TTE done in all patients confirmed the PDA and PA vegetations diagnosis; in five cases, one vegetation was present; in three cases, two vegetations were found, and in the nine remaining cases, three or more vegetations were observed. In two-thirds of the cases, the vegetations' size was 3 to 28 mm, and the principal morphology was filiform. In all cases, at least one of the vegetations was developed in the DA's lateral wall. Pulmonary valve (PV) was affected in 41% of the patients and caused low to moderate valvular regurgitation. Pulmonary embolism was present in 7 cases and pulmonary aneurism in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased incidence of PDA-IE has been currently achieved with early antibiotic therapy. However, today, this complication carries a significant risk of valve damage and other cardiac structures' involvement.

Modification of Serum Natriuretic Peptide Profile and Echocardiographic Parameters After Surgical Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion/Resection During Mitral Valve Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Being a well-recognised source of cardiac embolism, the left atrial (LA) appendage (LAA) is frequently excluded during mitral valve (MV) surgery. However, the LAA is also a source of cardiac hormones and a new drug (sacubitril), which beneficially interferes with hormonal imbalance during heart failure, leads to re-evaluation of the LAA for the maintenance of adequate hormone production in the heart. We compared the effects of LAA surgical resection/exclusion in patients with MV replacement (MVR) on natriuretic peptides (NPs) and related enzymes versus similar patients, in whom the LAA was preserved. A comparison of clinical response was also carried out. METHOD: Haemodynamically stable patients scheduled for MV surgery with or without elimination of the LAA were studied before and 3 months after surgery. Serum NPs, furin, corin, and neprilysin were determined. A transthoracic echocardiogram was also performed before and after surgery. RESULTS: Patients in the LAA intervention group exhibited lower levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) 3 months after surgery than patients with intact LAAs. There were no differences in NP and related enzyme levels pre- or postsurgery. The echocardiograms indicated a similar decrease in the diameters and volumes of the LA, and normal pulmonary arterial pressure values, in both groups. The indexed LA volume showed a positive correlation with postoperative brain natriuretic peptide. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection or exclusion of the LAA in patients with MVR promotes a decrease in ANP production at 3 months postsurgery. Echocardiography is useful when evaluating surgical replacement of the MV with elimination of the LAA.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Osteopontin Gene Expression in Epicardial Adipose Tissue from Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Is Associated with the Presence of Calcified Atherosclerotic Plaques.

PURPOSE: It has been proposed that the cardiovascular effects of obesity are related to epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), which seems to play an active role on the development and calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, but the mechanisms are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the EAT expresses the genes of calcifying factors and whether such expression is associated with the body mass index (BMI) and with the presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients with CAD were enrolled specifically for this study, and their CAC score and EAT volume were determined by computed tomography. As the group of comparison, 41 patients with aortic valve stenosis and CAC = 0 were included (control group). A representative subgroup of 16 CAD patients and 23 controls were selected to obtain EAT biopsies during the chirurgical procedure from the atrio-interventricular groove. The mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and -4 (BMP-2, BMP-4), osteopontin (OPN), osteonectin (ON), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in EAT was determined by qPCR. RESULTS: The gene expression of OPN and BMP-2 was 70% and 52% higher in the EAT from CAD patients than that in controls, respectively, whereas the expression of OPG, ON, and BMP-4 was similar in both groups. The EAT volume positively correlated with OPG and with the BMI, suggesting a relationship of obesity with local higher expression of calcifying genes in the coronary territory. The logistic regression analysis showed that high levels of both OPN and BMP-2 increased about 6 and 8 times the odds of coronary calcification (CAC score > 0), respectively. CONCLUSION: EAT correlated with BMI and expressed the mRNA of calcifying genes but only OPN and BMP-2 expression was higher in CAD patients. Higher levels of both OPN and BMP-2 statistically determined the presence of calcium in coronary arteries of CAD patients.

RESECTION OF THE ATRIAL APPENDAGES AND ITS IMPACT IN THE NATRIURETIC HOMEOSTASIS: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF AN ANIMAL MODEL IN AN ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER.

BACKGROUND: The left atrial appendage (LAAp) resection is an effective treatment approach to reduce the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. OBJECTIVE: To study was to study the impact of removing atrial appendages in the production of natriuretic peptides (NPs) in conditions of volume overload and to develop an experimental model of LAAp resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a swine model of ischemic heart failure (HF), serum NP levels were measured before (Basal-1A) and after (Basal-1B) a fluid overload. Animals were grouped as follows: (0) preserved appendages, (1) resected LAAp, and (2) both atrial appendages resected. Levels of NP were measured before (2A) and after a fluid overload (2B). RESULTS: Furin levels were higher in Group 0-2A than in Group 2-2A, and a significant increase was found in Group 0-2B compared to Groups 1-2B and 2-2B. Corin levels increased in Basal-1B versus Basal-1A. Atrial NP (ANP) decreased in Basal-1B compared to Basal-1A. After HF induction, ANP increased in Groups 2-2A and 2-2B. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of atrial appendages drastically modifies the natriuretic mechanisms of cardiac homeostasis, especially after a fluid overload challenge. Herein, we describe the face and predictive validation of an animal model of atrial appendage resection useful to investigations in translational medicine.

Echocardiographic Findings in Canine Model of Chagas Disease Immunized with DNA Trypanosoma cruzi Genes.

Chagas disease (ChD) is considered an emerging disease in the USA and Europe. Trypanosoma cruzi genes encoding a trans-sialidase protein and an amastigote-specific glycoprotein were tested as vaccines in canine model. The aim for this study was determining the prophylactic effect of these genes in experimentally infected dogs by echocardiography evaluation to compare with our findings obtained by other techniques published previously. Low fractional-shortening values of non-vaccinated dogs suggested an impairment in general cardiac function. Low left ventricular ejection fraction values found in infected dogs suggested myocardial injury regardless of whether they were vaccinated. Low left ventricular diastolic/systolic diameters suggested that progressive heart damage or heart dilation could be prevented by DNA vaccination. Systolic peak time was higher in non-vaccinated groups, increasing vulnerability to malignant arrhythmias and sudden death. High left ventricular volume suggested a decrease in wall thickness that might lead to increased size of the heart cavity, except in the pBCSP plasmid-vaccinated dogs. There was an echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular dilation and reduction in systolic function in experimental chagasic dogs. Echocardiography allowed a more complete follow-up of the pathological process in the living patient than with other techniques like electrocardiography, anatomopathology, and histopathology, being the method of choice for characterizing the clinical stages of ChD.

Resection of the atrial appendages and its impact in the natriuretic homeostasis: development and validation of an animal model in an academic medical center

ABSTRACT Background: The left atrial appendage (LAAp) resection is an effective treatment approach to reduce the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Objective: To study was to study the impact of removing atrial appendages in the production of natriuretic peptides (NPs) in conditions of volume overload and to develop an experimental model of LAAp resection. Materials and Methods: In a swine model of ischemic heart failure (HF), serum NP levels were measured before (Basal-1A) and after (Basal-1B) a fluid overload. Animals were grouped as follows: (0) preserved appendages, (1) resected LAAp, and (2) both atrial appendages resected. Levels of NP were measured before (2A) and after a fluid overload (2B). Results: Furin levels were higher in Group 0-2A than in Group 2-2A, and a significant increase was found in Group 0-2B compared to Groups 1-2B and 2-2B. Corin levels increased in Basal-1B versus Basal-1A. Atrial NP (ANP) decreased in Basal-1B compared to Basal-1A. After HF induction, ANP increased in Groups 2-2A and 2-2B. Conclusions: Resection of atrial appendages drastically modifies the natriuretic mechanisms of cardiac homeostasis, especially after a fluid overload challenge. Herein, we describe the face and predictive validation of an animal model of atrial appendage resection useful to investigations in translational medicine.

Evaluation of the global longitudinal strain and segmental strain of the right ventricle with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography with elevation of the legs.

Introduction: Speckle-tracking echocardiography has shown its usefulness in the evaluation of the right ventricle (RV) in healthy subjects and in pulmonary hypertension. It is unknown whether this technique could be sensitive to assess healthy RV with increases in preload. Methods: Consecutive subjects were studied without evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. They underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography in General Electric Vivid 7® equipment. The "segmental longitudinal strain" (SLS) and "global longitudinal strain" (GLS) of the RV was determined at rest and with an increase in the preload through elevation the legs to 45°. Results: We analyzed 31 subjects, 16 men and 15 women, aged 16-53 years, in which were measured SLS and GLS. Basal of the RV free wall: -29.1 ± 3.3 versus -32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Mid of the RV free wall: -28.6 ± 6.4 versus -31.5 ± 4.9 %, p = 0.001. Apical of the free wall of the RV: -21.9 ± 6.5 versus -23.3 ± 6.1 %, p = 0.118. Basal inferoseptum: -19.40 ± 3.2 versus -18.9 ± 3.0 %, p = 0.204. Mid inferoseptum: -19.3 ± 3.2 versus -19 ± 3.1 %, p = 0.249. Apical septum: -17.1 ± 5.1 versus -17 ± 5.4 %, p = 0.457. GLS of the RV: -23.06 ± 3.4 versus -24.5 ± 2.9 %, p = 0.002. ICC: 0.773, 95 % CI: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This method was sensitive to detect differences in the GLS and SLS basal and mid of the RV free wall.

Introducción: La ecocardiografía speckle-tracking (EST) ha mostrado su utilidad en la evaluación del ventrículo derecho (VD) en sujetos sanos y en hipertensión pulmonar. Se desconoce si esta técnica es sensible para evaluar el VD en sujetos sanos con aumento en la precarga. Método: Se evaluaron sujetos consecutivos sin evidencia de enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se realizó EST con equipo General Electric Vivid 7®. La deformación longitudinal segmentaria (DLS) y la deformación longitudinal global (DLG) del VD se determinaron en reposo y con incremento en la precarga mediante la elevación de las piernas a 45°. Resultados: Analizamos 31 sujetos, 16 hombres y 15 mujeres. Edad: 16-53 años. Basal de la pared libre del VD: ­29.1 ± 3.3 vs. ­32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Medio de la pared libre del VD: ­28.6 ± 6.4 vs. ­31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical de la pared libre del VD: ­21.9 ± 6.5 vs. ­23.3 ± 6.1, p = 0.118. Basal septum inferior: ­19.40 ± 3.2 vs. ­18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Medio septum inferior: ­19.3 ± 3.2 vs. ­19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septal −17.1% ± 5.1 vs. −17 ± 5.4, p = 0.457. DLG del VD: ­23.06 ± 3.4 vs. ­24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. CCI: 0.773, IC 95%: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusiones: El método fue sensible para detectar diferencias en la DLG y DLS basal y media de la pared libre del VD.

Microencapsulated Pomegranate Reverts High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Reduces Postprandial Triglyceridemia in Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

(1) Background: the composition of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) becomes altered during the postprandial state, probably affecting their functionality vis-à-vis the endothelium. Since acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in women is frequently associated with endothelial dysfunction, it is likely that HDL are unable to improve artery vasodilation in these patients. Therefore, we characterized HDL from women with ACS in fasting and postprandial conditions. We also determined whether microencapsulated pomegranate (MiPo) reverts the HDL abnormalities, since previous studies have suggested that this fruit improves HDL functionality. (2) Methods: Eleven women with a history of ACS were supplemented daily with 20 g of MiPo, for 30 days. Plasma samples were obtained during fasting and at different times, after a lipid load test to determine the lipid profile and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity. HDL were isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation to determine their size distribution and to assess their effect on endothelial function, by using an in vitro model of rat aorta rings. (3) Results: MiPo improved the lipid profile and increased PON1 activity, as previously reported, with fresh pomegranate juice. After supplementation with MiPo, the incremental area under the curve of triglycerides decreased to half of the initial values. The HDL distribution shifted from large HDL to intermediate and small-size particles during the postprandial period in the basal conditions, whereas such a shift was no longer observed after MiPo supplementation. Consistently, HDL isolated from postprandial plasma samples hindered the vasodilation of aorta rings, and this endothelial dysfunction was reverted after MiPo consumption. (4) Conclusions: MiPo exhibited the same beneficial effects on the lipid profile and PON1 activity as the previously reported fresh pomegranate. In addition, MiPo supplementation reverted the negative effects of HDL on endothelial function generated during the postprandial period in women with ACS.

Evaluation of the global longitudinal strain and segmental strain of the right ventricle with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography with elevation of the legs.

Introduction: Speckle-tracking echocardiography has shown its usefulness in the evaluation of the right ventricle (RV) in healthy subjects and in pulmonary hypertension. It is unknown whether this technique could be sensitive to assess healthy RV with increases in preload. Methods: Consecutive subjects were studied without evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. They underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography in General Electric Vivid 7® equipment. The "segmental longitudinal strain" (SLS) and "global longitudinal strain" (GLS) of the RV was determined at rest and with an increase in the preload through elevation the legs to 45°. Results: We analyzed 31 subjects, 16 men and 15 women, aged 16-53 years, in which were measured SLS and GLS. Basal of the RV free wall: -29.1 ± 3.3 versus -32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Mid of the RV free wall: -28.6 ± 6.4 versus -31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical of the free wall of the RV: -21.9 ± 6.5 versus -23.3 ± 6.1%, p = 0.118. Basal inferoseptum: -19.40 ± 3.2 versus -18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Mid inferoseptum: -19.3 ± 3.2 versus -19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septum: -17.1 ± 5.1 versus -17 ± 5.4%, p = 0.457. GLS of the RV: -23.06 ± 3.4 versus -24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. ICC: 0.773, 95% CI: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This method was sensitive to detect differences in the GLS and SLS basal and mid of the RV free wall.

Introducción y objetivos: La ecocardiografía speckle-tracking (EST) ha mostrado su utilidad en la evaluación del ventrículo derecho (VD) en sujetos sanos y en hipertensión pulmonar. Se desconoce si esta técnica es sensible para evaluar el VD en sujetos sanos con aumento en la precarga. Método: Se evaluaron sujetos consecutivos sin evidencia de enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se realizó EST con equipo General Electric Vivid 7®. La deformación longitudinal segmentaria (DLS) y la deformación longitudinal global (DLG) del VD se determinaron en reposo y con incremento en la precarga mediante la elevación de las piernas a 45°. Resultados: Analizamos 31 sujetos, 16 hombres y 15 mujeres. Edad: 16-53 años. Basal de la pared libre del VD: ­29.1 ± 3.3 vs. ­32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Medio de la pared libre del VD: ­28.6 ± 6.4 vs. ­31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical de la pared libre del VD: ­21.9 ± 6.5 vs. ­23.3 ± 6.1, p = 0.118. Basal septum inferior: ­19.40 ± 3.2 vs. ­18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Medio septum inferior: ­19.3 ± 3.2 vs. ­19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septal −17.1% ± 5.1 vs. −17 ± 5.4, p = 0.457. DLG del VD: ­23.06 ± 3.4 vs. ­24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. CCI: 0.773, IC 95%: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusiones: El método fue sensible para detectar diferencias en la DLG y DLS basal y media de la pared libre del VD.

Heart myxoma develops oncogenic and metastatic phenotype.

PURPOSE: Heart myxomas have been frequently considered as benign lesions associated with Carney's complex. However, after surgical removal, myxomas re-emerge causing dysfunctional heart. METHODS: To identify whether cardiac myxomas may develop a metastatic phenotype as occurs in malignant cancers, a profile of several proteins involved in malignancy such as oncogenes (c-MYC, K-RAS and H-RAS), cancer-associated metabolic transcriptional factors (HIF-1α, p53 and PPAR-γ) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins (fibronectin, vimentin, ß-catenin, SNAIL and MMP-9) were evaluated in seven samples from a cohort of patients with atrial and ventricular myxomas. The analysis was also performed in: (1) cardiac tissue surrounding the area where myxoma was removed; (2) non-cancer heart tissue (NCHT); and (3) malignant triple negative breast cancer biopsies for comparative purposes. RESULTS: Statistical analysis applying univariate (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests) and multivariate analyses (PCA, principal component analysis) revealed that heart myxomas (7-15 times) and myxoma surrounding tissue (22-99 times) vs. NCHT showed high content of c-MYC, p53, vimentin, and HIF-1α, indicating that both myxoma and its surrounding area express oncogenes and malignancy-related proteins as occurs in triple negative breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Based on ROC (receiver operating characteristics) statistical analysis, c-MYC, HIF-1α, p53, and vimentin may be considered potential biomarkers for malignancy detection in myxoma.

Evaluation of the global longitudinal strain and segmental strain of the right ventricle with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography with elevation of the legs / Evaluación de la deformación longitudinal global y segmentaria del ventrículo derecho con ecocardiografía bidimensional speckle-tracking con la elevación de las piernas

Abstract Introduction: Speckle-tracking echocardiography has shown its usefulness in the evaluation of the right ventricle (RV) in healthy subjects and in pulmonary hypertension. It is unknown whether this technique could be sensitive to assess healthy RV with increases in preload. Methods: Consecutive subjects were studied without evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. They underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography in General Electric Vivid 7® equipment. The "segmental longitudinal strain" (SLS) and "global longitudinal strain" (GLS) of the RV was determined at rest and with an increase in the preload through elevation the legs to 45°. Results: We analyzed 31 subjects, 16 men and 15 women, aged 16-53 years, in which were measured SLS and GLS. Basal of the RV free wall: —29.1 ± 3.3 versus −32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Mid of the RV free wall: —28.6 ± 6.4 versus —31.5 ± 4.9 %, p = 0.001. Apical of the free wall of the RV: —21.9 ± 6.5 versus —23.3 ± 6.1 %, p = 0.118. Basal inferoseptum: —19.40 ± 3.2 versus —18.9 ± 3.0 %, p = 0.204. Mid inferoseptum: —19.3 ± 3.2 versus —19 ± 3.1 %, p = 0.249. Apical septum: —17.1 ± 5.1 versus —17 ± 5.4 %, p = 0.457. GLS of the RV: —23.06 ± 3.4 versus —24.5 ± 2.9 %, p = 0.002. ICC: 0.773, 95 % CI: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This method was sensitive to detect differences in the GLS and SLS basal and mid of the RV free wall.

Resumen Introducción: La ecocardiografía speckle-tracking (EST) ha mostrado su utilidad en la evaluación del ventrículo derecho (VD) en sujetos sanos y en hipertensión pulmonar. Se desconoce si esta técnica es sensible para evaluar el VD en sujetos sanos con aumento en la precarga. Método: Se evaluaron sujetos consecutivos sin evidencia de enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se realizó EST con equipo General Electric Vivid 7®. La deformación longitudinal segmentaria (DLS) y la deformación longitudinal global (DLG) del VD se determinaron en reposo y con incremento en la precarga mediante la elevación de las piernas a 45°. Resultados: Analizamos 31 sujetos, 16 hombres y 15 mujeres. Edad: 16-53 años. Basal de la pared libre del VD: —29.1 ± 3.3 vs. —32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Medio de la pared libre del VD: —28.6 ± 6.4 vs. —31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical de la pared libre del VD: —21.9 ± 6.5 vs. —23.3 ± 6.1, p = 0.118. Basal septum inferior: —19.40 ± 3.2 vs. —18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Medio septum inferior: —19.3 ± 3.2 vs. —19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septal −17.1% ± 5.1 vs. −17 ± 5.4, p = 0.457. DLG del VD: —23.06 ± 3.4 vs. —24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. CCI: 0.773, IC 95%: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusiones: El método fue sensible para detectar diferencias en la DLG y DLS basal y media de la pared libre del VD.

Clofibrate Treatment Decreases Inflammation and Reverses Myocardial Infarction-Induced Remodelation in a Rodent Experimental Model.

Myocardial infarction (MI) initiates an inflammatory response that promotes both beneficial and deleterious effects. The early response helps the myocardium to remove damaged tissue; however, a prolonged later response brings cardiac remodeling characterized by functional, metabolic, and structural pathological changes. Current pharmacological treatments have failed to reverse ischemic-induced cardiac damage. Therefore, our aim was to study if clofibrate treatment was capable of decreasing inflammation and apoptosis, and reverse ventricular remodeling and MI-induced functional damage. Male Wistar rats were assigned to (1) Sham coronary artery ligation (Sham) or (2) Coronary artery ligation (MI). Seven days post-MI, animals were further divided to receive vehicle (V) or clofibrate (100 mg/kg, C) for 7 days. The expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and inflammatory related molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-2 and -9, nuclear NF-kB, and iNOS, were elevated in MI-V. These inflammatory biomarkers decreased in MI-C. Also, apoptotic proteins (Bax and pBad) were elevated in MI-V, while clofibrate augmented anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and 14-3-3ε). Clofibrate also protected MI-induced changes in ultra-structure. The ex vivo evaluation of myocardial functioning showed that left ventricular pressure and mechanical work decreased in infarcted rats; clofibrate treatment raised those parameters to control values. Echocardiogram showed that clofibrate partially reduced LV dilation. In conclusion, clofibrate decreases cardiac remodeling, decreases inflammatory molecules, and partly preserves myocardial diameters.

Bread Consumption Is Associated with Elevated Blood Pressure among Adults Living in Mexico City⁻A Sub-Analysis of the Tlalpan 2020 Study.

Excessive dietary sodium is associated with elevated blood pressure (EBP). Bread products are identified as one of the main sources of daily sodium intake. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between bread and others cereal products consumption with EBP. Frequency intake of a standard serving of bread and other cereal products was recorded and categorized as: ≤3 times/month or never (reference category group) and ≥ once/week. EBP was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥120 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mmHg. Raw and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the association between consumption of the studied food products and blood pressure status were estimated. Overall, 2011 participants aged 37.3 ± 9.1 years old were included. In the models adjusted for relevant covariates, consumption of one piece of bolillo or telera (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.01⁻1.89) ≥ once/week was associated with an increased risk of EBP, compared to the reference category. Also, participants consuming one bowl of high-fiber breakfast cereal once/week were less likely to have EBP (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.53⁻0.98). Initiatives to reduce sodium levels in bread products such as bolillo and telera are needed in Mexico to help manage the cardiovascular risk at the population level.

Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes and Their Association with Lipid Profile in Mexican People without Cardiovascular Disease: An Analysis of Interactions.

Dyslipidemia and oxidative stress are both considered to be factors involved in cardiovascular disease; however, the relationship between them has been little explored. In this work, we studied the association between the lipid profile and the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as paraoxonase-1 (PON1), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), ceruloplasmin, and catalase, as well as total antioxidant capacity (the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)), in 626 volunteers without cardiovascular disease. Their lipid profile was evaluated, and they were classified as having or not having high triglycerides (↑TG), high low-density cholesterol (↑LDLC), and low high-density cholesterol (↓HDLC), resulting in eight groups: Without dyslipidemia, ↑TG, ↑LDLC, ↓HDLC, ↑TG↑LDLC, ↑TG↓HDLC, ↑LDLC↓HDLC, and ↑TG↑LDLC↓HDLC. When comparisons by group were made, no significant differences in the activity of antioxidant enzymes were obtained. However, the linear regression analysis considering the potential interactions between ↑TG, ↑LDLC, and ↓HDLC suggested a triple interaction between the three lipid profile alterations on the activity of PON1 and a double interaction between ↑TG and ↑LDLC on ferroxidase-ceruloplasmin activity. The analysis presented in this work showed an association between the lipid profile and antioxidant-enzyme activity and highlighted the importance of considering the interactions between the components of a phenomenon instead of studying them individually. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the nature of these associations.

Indicators of accumulated fat are stronger associated with prehypertension compared with indicators of circulating fat: A cross-sectional study.

Recently, prehypertension has been considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease because it can progress to hypertension. The association between obesity and dyslipidemia with raised blood pressure has been reported in some studies; however, the ability of indicators of such conditions to predict prehypertension has been scarcely explored. In this cross-sectional study, we compared the ability of indicators of accumulated and circulating fat to discriminate between prehypertensive and normotensive Mexico City residents (n = 1377). The indicators were classified based on the parameters needed for their calculation: including only circulating fat (IOCFi) (e.g., Castelli risk indexes), including only accumulated fat (IOAFi) (e.g., waist circumference [WC]), and mixed (e.g., lipid accumulation product [LAP]). We compared the areas under the receiving operating characteristic curves (AURCs) and estimated the cutoff points for each indicator and their associated risk of prehypertension. The IOAFi had the greatest AURCs, followed by mixed and IOCFi; the AURCs for WC were the highest (AURC = 0.688 and 0.666 for women and men, respectively). The highest odds ratios for prehypertension were those associated with the cutoff points for IOAFi and LAP (e.g., OR = 2.8 for women with WC > 83.5 cm and OR = 2.6 for men with WC > 87.5 cm). Early detecting people at risk of cardiovascular disease is a necessity and given that WC had a better performance than the other indexes and it is relatively easy to measure, it has the potential of being used as a complementary measure in routine clinical examinations and by the general population as an auto-screening measurement to detect prehypertension.

Immunologic Responses in Biological and Mechanical Valve Prostheses: Inflammation and Functionality Are Not Always Related.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the inflammatory response in patients with aortic and/or mitral prostheses, and to correlate the level of inflammatory markers with prosthesis functionality. METHODS: A total of 48 patients with biological or mechanical prostheses was included in the study, in which levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1, -4, and -6, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), osteopontin (OPN), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), endothelin-1 and C-reactive protein were analyzed. Functionality of the prosthesis was evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography at three years after surgery. RESULTS: The mean period from the date of surgery was seven years. High levels of IL-1 were found in patients with mechanical prostheses compared to those with bioprostheses (p = 0.04). Patients with aortic bioprostheses and stenosis had higher levels of OPN and endothelin-1, those with aortic mechanical prostheses with stenosis had increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, OPN and ICAM, and those with aortic mechanical leakage had increased levels of MMP-1 and endothelin-1. In mitral bioprostheses with leakage of endothelin-1, ICAM and MMP-9 levels were increased, while in mechanical prostheses with leakage there were increases of ICAM and endothelin-1. Tricuspid bioprostheses with double lesions had increased levels of OPN and endothelin-1. CONCLUSIONS: Valvular dysfunction was similar across the types of prosthesis material. IL-1 was increased in subjects with mechanical prostheses independently of dysfunction, while in biological prostheses there were increases in OPN and endothelin-1, and these were related to valvular dysfunction. Given that in the analysis of durability and functionality there were no significant differences between biological and mechanical prostheses, biological prostheses may represent the first treatment option in patients with low economic resources, the elderly, and even young patients.

Dyslipidemia and tobacco smoking synergistically increase serum manganese / La dislipidemia y el tabaquismo aumentan de manera sinérgica el manganeso sérico

Manganese is a trace metal involved in both physiology and toxicity. The association between manganese and dyslipidemia has been scarcely revised, and results from studies in both animals and humans are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum manganese levels and dyslipidemia, considering some manganese sources and factors that could affect its concentration, especially tobacco smoking. Serum manganese concentration in 63 volunteers was determined and their smoking habits were recorded. Dietary manganese, iron, fat and alcohol consumption was also estimated by a food-frequency questionnaire. A bivariate analysis was carried out to identify those factors affecting manganese concentration. Only dyslipidemia and smoking resulted statistically significant and thus were considered for the subsequent two-way analysis of variance, to test a possible interaction between dyslipidemia and smoking. Marginal means for serum manganese were as follows: 8.32 ± 2.14 nmol/L for nonsmokers without dyslipidemia, 9.21 ± 2.22 nmol/L for smokers without dyslipidemia, 10.21 ± 2.53 nmol/L for nonsmokers with dyslipidemia, and 14.21 ± 3.44 nmol/L for smokers with dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia and tobacco smoking were synergistically associated with increased serum manganese. To maintain adequate manganese levels in the organism, other factors in addition to its dietary intake should be considered, for instance, lipid status and smoking habits, particularly in those conditions in which manganese accumulation is an issue.

El manganeso es un metal traza esencial involucrado tanto en procesos fisiológicos como en toxicidad. La asociación entre el manganeso y las dislipidemias se ha estudiado poco, y los resultados de estudios en animales y en humanos son inconsistentes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la asociación entre el manganeso sérico y las dislipidemias, considerando algunas fuentes de manganeso y factores que pudieran afectar su concentración, especialmente el tabaquismo. Se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de manganeso de 63 voluntarios y se registraron sus hábitos de consumo de tabaco. Se estimó la ingesta de manganeso, hierro, grasa y alcohol mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo. Se realizó un análisis bivariado para identificar los factores que afectaron las concentraciones de manganeso; únicamente las dislipidemias y el tabaquismo resultaron estadísticamente significativos y se consideraron enel subsecuente análisis de varianza de dos vías, para examinar una posible interacción entre las dislipidemias y el tabaquismo. Las medias marginales para el manganeso sérico fueron: 8,32 ± 2,14 nmol/L para no fumadores sin dislipidemia, 9,21 ± 2,22 nmol/L para fumadores sin dislipidemia, 10,21 ± 2,53 nmol/L para no fumadores con dislipidemia, y 14,21 ± 3,44 nmol/L para fumadores con dislipidemia. Las dislipidemias y el tabaquismo se asociaron sinérgicamente con el aumento del manganeso sérico. Para mantener niveles adecuados de manganeso en el organismo, se deben tomar en cuenta factores adicionales a su consumo dietético, como el estatus lipídico y el tabaquismo, particularmente en condiciones en las que la acumulación de manganeso sea un problema.

Protocol for a prospective longitudinal study of risk factors for hypertension incidence in a Mexico City population: the Tlalpan 2020 cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic hypertension (HTN) is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In Mexico, HTN prevalence has increased over time and is currently 31%. Nonetheless, information about the country's HTN incidence and its associated risk factors is scarce. Understanding this condition is a priority for identifying the scope of primary prevention. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of traditional and non-traditional risk factors on the incidence of HTN in a cohort of healthy Mexico City residents under biannual follow-up for 10 years. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective longitudinal study is proposed in which clinically healthy residents of Mexico City between 20 and 50 years old will be recruited; the participants will be evaluated every 2 years over a period of 10 years or until they develop HTN. Evaluations regarding sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, diet, physical activity, stress, sleep quality, alcohol and tobacco consumption factors will be performed. The participants will be recruited from the 16 municipalities of Mexico City through promotional strategies aimed at the community and will be clinically evaluated at a tertiary care institution, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez), located in Mexico City, Mexico. Sample size estimated for this study is 3436, and the Cox proportional hazards model will be used to estimate HRs for the association between explanatory variables and HTN using both raw and adjusted data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Institutional Bioethics Committee of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez) under number 13-802. Findings from this study will be disseminated through scientific papers and research conferences.