Effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training on oxygen consumption, exercise capacity, dyspnea and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary and extrapulmonary impairments are prevalent in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which is a rare, chronic and progressive disease. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training on exercise capacity, oxygen consumption, dyspnea and quality of life in patients with PAH. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized controlled, double-blinded study, eleven patients in training group applied upper extremity aerobic exercise training (50-80% of maximal heart rate), 15-45 min/day, 3 days a week for 6 weeks and 11 patients in control group alternating active upper extremity exercises for the same period. Exercise capacity evaluated using six minute walk test (6MWT), oxygen consumption simultaneously measured during 6MWT using a portable instrument, dyspnea modified Borg scale and Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and quality of life Short Form 36 Health Survey, before and after the exercise training. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of groups were similar (p>0.05). Dyspnea (p<0.001) and peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.031) were significantly improved in training group compared the controls. Dyspnea, exercise capacity, peak oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, tidal volume, end tidal carbon-dioxide pressure, and vitality, social functioning and role-physical were significantly improved within training group (p<0.05). Oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold were significantly decreased within control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Upper extremity aerobic exercise training improves oxygen consumption, and decreases dyspnea perception. It is a safe and effective intervention in patients with PAH. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02371733).

Higher ultrafiltration rate is associated with right ventricular mechanical dispersion.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrafiltration rate is one of the major determinants of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Previous studies have focused on the impact of HD on right ventricular (RV) peak strain values. However, the influence of HD on the temporal characteristics of deformation has not been reported yet. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of high ultrafiltration rate (HUR) on RV mechanical dyssynchrony. METHODS: Echocardiographic images focused on the RV and left ventricle (LV) were obtained from 60 patients (49.2+-17.3 years, 22 female) before and after HD. Patients were divided into two groups according to ultrafiltration rate. Changes in echocardiographic parameters with HD were examined. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain analysis was used to assess deformation. Mechanical dispersion was measured as the standard deviation of time to peak longitudinal strain of six segments for RV and 18 segments for LV. RESULTS: The average ultrafiltrated volume and ultrafiltration rate were 3000.1+-1007.9 mL and 11.4+-2.9 mL/kg/h, respectively. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the RV and LV decreased after HD in both groups. A significant difference was observed in RV mechanical dispersion with HD for patients in the high ultrafiltration group. A mild statistically insignificant increase in LV mechanical dispersion was also observed after HD. CONCLUSION: HUR has a substantial impact on LV and RV GLS and RV dyssynchrony. Ultrafiltration rates and volumes should be kept as low as possible to achieve hemodynamic stability and tolerability.

[Pulmonary hypertension spectrum: 16 years of experience from a single center]. / Pulmoner hipertansiyon etiyolojisinin arastirilmasi: Tek merkezden 16 yillik deneyim.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is multidisciplinary disorder that should be diagnosed and treated by specialized centers. Progress in the field of PH diagnosis has led to new classifications of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the etiological properties of PH diagnosed at one center. METHODS: A retrospective search of the database of the right heart catheterization laboratory was conducted. All of the patients who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) and were diagnosed with PH were included in the study and grouped according to etiology. RESULTS: A total of 379 patients with PH (23 female; 53.2±14.7 years) were included in the current research. There were 82 patients classified as having pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The leading cause among the PAH subgroups was congenital heart disease, and valve disease were found to be most the common reason for postcapillary PH. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean and systolic pulmonary artery pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction between the PH groups (p<0.001, p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the leading causes of PAH and postcapillary PH were congenital heart disease and valve disease, respectively. Additional research of the etiological properties of PH should be performed by specialized centers in Turkey.

The effect of periodontal therapy on neopterin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in chronic periodontitis patients with and without acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study.

The presence of neopterin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is a marker for local and acute immune activation, and the presence of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) in GCF is accepted as a marker for chronic vascular inflammation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate effects of periodontal treatment on GCF levels of neopterin and VCAM-1 in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with systemically healthy CP patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty subjects (20 CP patients with AMI, 20 healthy CP patients, and 20 healthy controls) were included. GCF samples were analyzed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months, and the probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing, gingival (GI) and plaque (PI) indices were recorded. We determined neopterin and VCAM-1 levels (concentration and total amount) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant differences were seen between the AMI+CP and CP groups for PI, GI, GCF levels of neopterin and VCAM-1 at baseline. RESULTS: The number of teeth with 5 mm≤CAL<7 mm and CAL≥7 mm were significantly increased in the AMI+CP group at baseline. There were no significant differences between the AMI+CP and CP for PI, CAL, GCF volumes, and the AMI+CP group had the highest clinical improvement in the number of teeth with 5 mm≤CAL<7 mm at the sixth month. There were significant positive correlations between clinical periodontal inflammation and the presence of neopterin and VCAM-1 in GCF prior to and following periodontal treatment, and between the GCF volume and clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that the total amount and concentration of neopterin and VCAM-1 in GCF seemed to be closely associated with periodontal disease severity in CP patients with AMI. Moreover, the results of our study demonstrate that the past periodontal status is potentially correlated between groups, with similar periodontal disease severity.

The impact of volume overload on right heart function in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of volume overload on echocardiographic parameters used for the assessment of the right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA), to determine volume-independent parameters and to noninvasively investigate the physio-mechanics of RV and RA by examining end-stage kidney patients before and after hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: The echocardiographic images were obtained from 67 patients (49.2 ± 17.3 years, 23 f) before and after HD. Changes in echocardiographic parameters with HD were examined. The average ultrafiltrated volume was 3088.1 ± 1103.7 mL. RESULTS: The size of RV and RA and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) decreased after HD, whereas myocardial performance index increased. RV fractional area change and iso-volumetric contraction acceleration time remained unchanged. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV early diastolic strain rate (SR) decreased after HD. Systolic and late diastolic SR of the RV showed no statistically significant difference after HD. Longitudinal strain and SR of RA contraction were not significantly different after HD. The changes in RV GLS (r = .641, P = .027), RV free wall longitudinal strain (r = .643, P < .001), RA reservoir phase strain (r = .60, P = .008), and TAPSE (r = .642, P = .001) significantly correlated with ultrafiltrated volume. CONCLUSION: Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is an easy and noninvasive tool that could provide additional volume-independent echocardiographic parameters and more information on RA physio-mechanics. This might lead to a better evaluation of the cardiac pathophysiology and hemodynamics of patients. Moreover, providing novel volume-independent parameters for the evaluation of right heart chambers would improve the clinical perspectives of patients.

The effect of periodontal therapy on neopterin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in chronic periodontitis patients with and without acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study

Abstract The presence of neopterin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is a marker for local and acute immune activation, and the presence of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) in GCF is accepted as a marker for chronic vascular inflammation. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate effects of periodontal treatment on GCF levels of neopterin and VCAM-1 in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with systemically healthy CP patients. Material and methods Sixty subjects (20 CP patients with AMI, 20 healthy CP patients, and 20 healthy controls) were included. GCF samples were analyzed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months, and the probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing, gingival (GI) and plaque (PI) indices were recorded. We determined neopterin and VCAM-1 levels (concentration and total amount) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant differences were seen between the AMI+CP and CP groups for PI, GI, GCF levels of neopterin and VCAM-1 at baseline. Results The number of teeth with 5 mm≤CAL<7 mm and CAL≥7 mm were significantly increased in the AMI+CP group at baseline. There were no significant differences between the AMI+CP and CP for PI, CAL, GCF volumes, and the AMI+CP group had the highest clinical improvement in the number of teeth with 5 mm≤CAL<7 mm at the sixth month. There were significant positive correlations between clinical periodontal inflammation and the presence of neopterin and VCAM-1 in GCF prior to and following periodontal treatment, and between the GCF volume and clinical parameters. Conclusions Data suggest that the total amount and concentration of neopterin and VCAM-1 in GCF seemed to be closely associated with periodontal disease severity in CP patients with AMI. Moreover, the results of our study demonstrate that the past periodontal status is potentially correlated between groups, with similar periodontal disease severity.

[As cardioprotective and angiogenic biomarker, can ghrelin predict coronary collateral development and severity of coronary atherosclerosis?] / Kardiyoprotektif ve anjiyojenik bir biyobelirteç olan ghrelin düzeyi koroner kolateral gelisimini ve koroner aterosklerozun ciddiyetini öngördürebilir mi?

OBJECTIVE: Ghrelin exerts protective effects on cardiovascular system by inhibiting progression of atherosclerosis, supression of vascular inflammation, and stimulating angiogenesis. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of serum ghrelin on coronary collateral development and SYNTAX score in patients with severe coronary artery disease. METHODS: Total of 91 patients who had ≥90% stenosis in at least one major coronary artery were prospectively included in this cross-sectional, observational study. Collateral degree was graded according to Rentrop-Cohen classification. Patients with grade 2 or 3 collateral degree were allocated to Good Collateral Group and patients with grade 0 or 1 collateral degree were included in Poor Collateral Group. Ghrelin and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) levels were measured using radioimmunoassay and ELISA kits. RESULTS: Serum ghrelin and VEGF-A levels were significantly higher in Good Collateral Group. Furthermore, ghrelin level showed significant inverse correlation with SYNTAX score (r=0.348; p=0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, ghrelin (Odds ratio, 1.013; 95% confidence interval, 1.011-1.017; p=0.013), VEGF-A, fasting plasma glucose and presence of chronic total occlusion were independent predictors of good collateral development. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, ghrelin value cut-off point of ≥781 pg/mL predicted good collateral development with sensitivity of 73.1% and specificity of 67.7%. CONCLUSION: Findings suggested that ghrelin has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties that protect endothelial functions and also stimulate angiogenesis, which results in development of good coronary collateral and inhibition of progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

Analysis of MMP-7 and TIMP-2 gene polymorphisms in coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction: A Turkish case-control study.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) have a significant role in tissue remodeling related to cardiac function. In earlier studies, MMP-7 A-181G (rs11568818), C-153T (rs11568819), C-115T (rs17886546), and TIMP-2 G-418C (rs8179090) polymorphisms have been studied in various diseases. However, association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and these polymorphisms has been poorly studied. The goal of this study is to investigate the association of CAD and myocardial infarction (MI) with MMP-7 or TIMP-2 polymorphisms. This study included 122 CAD patients and 132 control individuals. DNA was extracted from whole blood. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and automated direct sequencing method were used for genotyping of these polymorphisms. No significant differences were found between MMP-7 A-181G, C-115T, and TIMP-2 G-418C polymorphism and CAD or MI in a Turkish population. Despite the fact that the genotypes of MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism had no significant differences among MI and control groups, allele frequencies of C-153T polymorphism were significantly different between the two groups. Our study is the first report to clarify the appreciable relationship between MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism and MI development in CAD patients. However, these findings also need to be confirmed in other populations so we can improve our knowledge about the genetic factors affecting the development of CAD.

Association of rs10757274 and rs2383206 Polymorphisms on 9p21 locus with Coronary Artery Disease in Turkish Population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Genetic predisposition is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of rs10757274 and rs2383206 polymorphisms in chromosome 9p21 on presence and severity of CAD in a Turkish population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 646 patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in this study. Coronary vessel score and Gensini score were calculated to assess the angiographic severity of CAD. Alleles of AA, AG, and GG were determined for rs10757274 (polymorphism-1) and rs2383206 (polymorphism-2) polymorphisms located in chromosome 9p21 from the blood samples. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the alleles in polymorphism-1 in the presence of coronary artery disease (38.9% in AA, 48.0% in GG and 56.4% in AG, p=0.017). However, there was no difference between the alleles in polymorphism-2. According to vessel scores, there was a significant difference between the alleles in polymorphism-1 (AA 0.71±1.04, GG 0.88±1.07, AG 1.06±1.12, p=0.018). In polymorphism-2, vessel scores did not show a difference between the alleles. In polymorphism-1, there was a significant difference in Gensini score (p=0.041). Gensini scores did not differ between the alleles in polymorphism-2 (p>0.05 for all). In multivariate analyses, none of the alleles was an independent factor for presence of CAD. CONCLUSION: The presence of rs10757274 polymorphism including AG allele in chromosome 9p21 was related to CAD. However, this relationship was not independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.

The role of oxidative DNA damage and GSTM1, GSTT1, and hOGG1 gene polymorphisms in coronary artery disease risk.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) appears to be a multifactorial process caused by the interaction of environmental risk factors with multiple predisposing genes. Therefore, in this study we aimed to determine the role of oxidative DNA damage and some variations in glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1 and GSTT1) and DNA repair (hOGG1) genes in CAD risk. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 59 individuals who had undergone coronary angiographic evaluation. Of these, 29 were patients diagnosed with CAD (mean age =61.5±10.3) and 30 were controls examined for reasons other than suspected CAD and who had angiographically documented normal coronary arteries (mean age =60.4±11.6). Basal DNA damage as well as pyrimidine and purine base damage were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes using the modified comet assay. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)-based assay was used for genotyping. RESULTS: Basal DNA damage levels in patients [9.16 (3.26)] were significantly higher than those in controls [7.59 (3.23); p=0.017], and basal DNA and pyrimidine base damage levels were significantly correlated with disease severity based on Gensini scoring (r=0.352, p=0.006; r=0.318, p=0.014, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of oxidized DNA bases between patients and controls. The frequencies of studied genotypes (GSTM1, GSTT1, and hOGG1) were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study pointed out the role of DNA damage in CAD and its severity. However, GSTM1, GSTT1, and hOGG1 gene polymorphisms seemed to have no effect on individual susceptibility for disease progression.

Association between parathyroid hormone levels and the extensiveness of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested that there is a relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Here, we aimed to evaluate the association between PTH levels and severity of CAD. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups based on their serum PTH values. Patients with PTH levels ≤72 pg/mL were accepted as Group 1 (n=568) and >72 pg/mL as Group 2 (n=87). Gensini score system and >50% stenosis in any coronary artery with conventional coronary angiography were used to determine the extensiveness of CAD. This study was designed as a prospective and cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics except for age, gender, and blood pressure were similar between groups. Mean serum PTH levels of the entire cohort was 43.4±29.5 pg/mL. Median Gensini score was 19.5 in Group 1 and 14.5 in Group 2 (p=0.75). On the other hand, PTH levels were weakly correlated with Gensini score (Spearman's Rho=0.11, p=0.003). Additionally, we did not observe a statistically significant difference between PTH levels and the number of stenotic vessels (p=0.14). This study was designed as a prospective and cross-sectional study. CONCLUSION: There is no association between serum PTH levels and extensiveness of CAD.

Acute myocardial infarction as a finding of acute promyelocytic leukemia-related coagulation disorder.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has one of the most favorable prognoses among other leukemia subtypes. However, the major cause of mortality in APL is disseminated intravascular coagulation at the presentation. We present a case of acute myocardial infarction (MI) at the time of APL diagnosis before treatment. The patient suffered from chest pain, sweating and giddiness. He was hypoxic, hypotensive and bradycardic. ECG showed inferior MI. Unfractioned heparin infusion (850 U/h) was started and 5 min after the previous ECG showed total ST resolution. We suggest that in this case, MI was not related to atherosclerotic plaque rupture but related to DIC manifestation.

Relationship between serum vitamin D levels and angiographic severity and extent of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is known for its effect in calcium and bone homeostasis. There is an increasing evidence for health benefits accomplished by activated vitamin D that go beyond these classical functions. Previous studies have suggested that lower vitamin D levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate relationship between vitamin D levels and extent and severity of coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 746 patients in whom coronary angiography was performed between August 2012 and July 2013 were enrolled in this study. Serum vitamin D levels were measured, and patients were grouped according to their serum vitamin D levels (vitamin D <20 ng/mL (n = 602) Group 1 versus >20 ng/dL (n = 144) Group 2). Gensini score system was used to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and severity and extent of coronary artery disease. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics and demographic characteristics. Mean serum vitamin D levels of all patient cohort was 15.54 ± 7.46 ng/mL. Group 1 and Group 2 had an average serum vitamin D levels of 12.6 ± 3.3 ng/mL and 27.5 ± 7.8 ng/mL, respectively. Gensini score for all cohort was 26.25 ± 34.32. Group 1 had an average Gensini score of 26.4 ± 35.7; on the other hand, Gensini score was 25.5 ± 27.5 in Group 2 (P = 0.097). CONCLUSIONS: This study failed to demonstrate significant relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the severity and extent of coronary artery disease. Further studies with more participation and homogenous groups with comparable individual and environmental features are needed to evaluate the association of serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular diseases.

Comparison of three diuretic treatment strategies for patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: There are few prospective data available for establishing a standard diuretic administration regimen for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of three regimens of furosemide administration in patients with ADHF with regard to diuresis, renal functions, and in-hospital outcomes. METHODS: A total of 43 patients who presented with ADHF were randomized into three groups: (a) continuous infusion (cIV) of 160 mg furosemide for 16 h/day (n = 15); (b) bolus injections (bI) of 80 mg furosemide twice a day (n = 14); (c) and administration of 160 mg furosemide plus hypertonic saline solution (HSS) as an infusion for 30 min once a day (n = 14). All regimens were continued for 48 h. Study endpoints were negative fluid balance assessed by loss of body weight, change in the serum creatinine (baseline to 48 h and baseline to compensated state), and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean change in serum creatinine level at the end of 48 h between groups (p = 0.08). There was also no significant difference among groups regarding loss of body weight (p = 0.66). A significantly shorter hospitalization was observed in patients treated with HSS compared with the other groups (cIV group 6.6 ± 3.4 days vs. bI group 7.9 ± 4.1 days vs. HSS group 3.7 ± 1.3 days; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: All three furosemide regimens have similar renal safety and efficacy measures. However, administration of furosemide plus HSS may be the preferred diuretic strategy because of its shorter hospital stay.

Dasatinib-induced pulmonary hypertension in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: case report.

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a pathological condition determined as an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥25 mmHg. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is precapillary PHT and a life-threatening disease group which consists of different etiologies with the same pathological and clinical findings, and which is characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Dasatinib is a dual Src/Abl kinase inhibitor associated with higher affinity for BCR/ABL kinase than imatinib, and is used in the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We describe a case with ALL, in whom dasatinib treatment induced PAH, and who recovered with bosentan treatment.

[The management of adult female patients with Eisenmenger syndrome and advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment: single center experience and follow-up for 5 years]. / Eriskin kadin hastalarda Eisenmenger sendromuna yaklasim ve pulmoner arteriyel hipertansiyonda spesifik tedavi: tek merkeze ait klinik sonuçlar ve bes yillik izlem.

OBJECTIVES: Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) occurs as the most advanced form of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with congenital heart disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the management of ES patients, follow-up and specific PAH treatment applying and clinical outcomes during 5 years. STUDY DESIGN: During the period of the month between May 2008 and 2013 ES female patients were included in the study and followed an average for 5 years. Clinical findings, brain natriuretic peptide levels, transthoracic and right heart catheterization findings, 6-min walking test distance were recorded. PAH specific treatment as bosentan, iloprost and sildenafil was given to patients according to guidelines. The patients were evaluated with 3 months intervals as requirement for hospitalization, combination treatment, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were included in the study. All of the patients were women, the mean age was 36.5. As prognostic echocardiographic data, the patients had high pulmonary artery pressure (109.81 ± 24.94 mmHg) related with increased right ventricular wall thickness, elevated right atrial pressure, severe pulmonary regurgitation in 40%, shortened pulmonary acceleration time, diminished myocardial tissue Doppler velocities of the left and right ventricles, increased right atrium area/left atrial area ratio (1.35 ± 0.40), lower right ventricular fractional area change. During the follow-up period of 5 years, a total of 16 events occurred. Combination treatment was required in 8 patients. CONCLUSION: Eisenmenger syndrome is a multi-system affecting disease and due to high morbidity and mortality risk patients with ES should be followed by specialized centers. PAH specific treatment improves the disease course and survival of patients.

[In the light of current knowledge right ventricle]. / Güncel bilgilerin isiginda sag ventrikül.

There are important differences between left and right ventricle. Due to anatomical location and structural features, in daily clinical practice the right ventricle cannot be assessed easily as the left ventricle. Therefore, the right ventricle has remained in the background of the left ventricle. Recent clinical studies and advanced imaging modalities have demonstrated that right ventricle is decisive for survival particularly in patients with congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Therefore, the detailed evaluation of the right ventricle has become necessary in current clinical practice. For this reason, in our review we aimed to examine the embryological development, anatomical structure, physiological, metabolic characteristics, responses to different pathological conditions, effects on arrhythmias, causes of failure and imaging modalities of the right ventricle in light of the current knowledge's.

Radiotherapy-induced concomitant coronary artery stenosis and mitral valve disease.

Radiotherapy is extensively used in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease. One of its untoward effects is on heart. Coronary arteries and heart valves can be adversely affected from radiotherapy. However, co-existence of both conditions is very rare. In this report, we present a patient with Hodgkin's disease who developed both coronary artery stenosis and severe mitral valve regurgitation after radiotherapy.

A shift in the balance of regulatory T and T helper 17 cells in rheumatic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmunity plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD); however, cellular mechanisms of autoimmune response are unclear. Whereas T helper 17 (TH17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) cells share a common differentiation pathway, they play opposite roles in the immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases. Although high TH17/Treg ratio has been shown in several autoimmune diseases, no data are available in RHD. This study investigated the balance between TH17 and Treg in rheumatic mitral valve disease (MVD). METHODS: Forty patients with rheumatic MVD and 23 control subjects were enrolled into the study. All subjects underwent clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic evaluation. The percentages of circulating TH17 and Treg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cytokines were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: As compared with control subjects, rheumatic MVD patients showed significant increase in peripheral TH17 percentage, high serum levels of TH17-related cytokine interleukin 17A, and an obvious decrease in the percentage of Treg cells. T helper 17/Treg ratio was significantly high in rheumatic MVD patients compared with control subjects (P = 0.0001). Serum concentrations of hs-CRP in rheumatic MVD group were higher than those of the control subjects, and hs-CRP levels correlated with the TH17/Treg ratio (r = 0.71, P = 0.0001). Serum levels of transforming growth factor ß1 were increased in rheumatic MVD group compared with those of the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that high TH17/Treg ratio exists inrheumatic MVD. This imbalance may play a role in the pathogenesis, and TH17/Treg balance may be a promising therapeutic approach in RHD.