Cardioprotective effects of genetically engineered cardiac stem cells by spheroid formation on ischemic cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND: Sca-1+ cardiac stem cells and their limited proliferative potential were major limiting factors for use in various studies. METHODS: Therefore, the effects of sphere genetically engineered cardiac stem cells (S-GECS) inserted with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were investigated to examine cardiomyocyte survival under hypoxic conditions. GECS was obtained from hTERT-immortalized Sca-1+ cardiac stem cell (CSC) lines, and S-GECS were generated using poly-HEMA. RESULTS: The optimal conditions for S-GECS was determined to be 1052 GECS cells/mm2 and a 48 h culture period to produce spheroids. Compared to adherent-GECS (A-GECS) and S-GECS showed significantly higher mRNA expression of SDF-1α and CXCR4. S-GECS conditioned medium (CM) significantly reduced the proportion of early and late apoptotic cardiomyoblasts during CoCl2-induced hypoxic injury; however, gene silencing via CXCR4 siRNA deteriorated the protective effects of S-GECS against hypoxic injury. As downstream pathways of SDF-1α/CXCR4, the Erk and Akt signaling pathways were stimulated in the presence of S-GECS CM. S-GECS transplantation into a rat acute myocardial infarction model improved cardiac function and reduced the fibrotic area. These cardioprotective effects were confirmed to be related with the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that paracrine factors secreted from transplanted cells may protect host cardiomyoblasts in the infarcted myocardium, contributing to beneficial left ventricle (LV) remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Savior in Desperate Situation: Successful TAVI for Critically Ill Patient with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Concomitant Constrictive Pericarditis Accompanied by Radiation Dermatitis, Complicated by Cold Abscess in Anterior Chest Wall.

BACKGROUND: Constrictive pericarditis (CP) can coexist with severe aortic stenosis (AS), especially in patients with previous mediastinal radiation. Because impaired diastolic filling by CP may aggravate hemodynamic abnormalities from severe AS, leading to very low cardiac output, concomitant AS and CP result in a critical debilitating condition and pose a challenge to therapy. CASE REPORT: A 79-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with New York Heart Association class IV dyspnea and severe frailty (clinical frailty scale 8). She had a history of chronic constrictive pericarditis, severe aortic stenosis with reduced left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction 40%), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, and radiation dermatitis complicated by a cold abscess in the anterior chest wall from previous mediastinal radiation. She continually complained of dizziness, general weakness, and dyspnea despite optimal medical treatment, and her symptoms worsened recently while bedridden. Although simultaneous surgical pericardiectomy and aortic valve replacement is curative treatment, and the surgical risk was not high (Society of Thoracic Surgery score 4.745), her other comorbidities (radiation dermatitis, cold abscess, and severe frailty) eliminated the possibility of surgical treatment. Therefore, we decided on palliative treatment for CP after performing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe AS. We could not predict how she would recover from these conditions and were concerned about the high procedural risk associated with TAVI. Indeed, the patient had cardiac arrest during the TAVI procedure, and we implanted a 31-mm CoreValve while performing cardiac massage. After the patient recovered from cardiac arrest, we safely completed the TAVI procedure with a temporary pacemaker because of complete atrioventricular block. She recovered remarkably after TAVI with permanent pacemaker implantation, and is now able to walk without support. CONCLUSION: Reduced diastolic filling by chronic CP aggravates hemodynamic deterioration through severe AS, leading to a very serious debilitating condition including severe frailty and decompensated heart failure. Although surgical pericardiectomy and aortic valve replacement are recommended as optimal therapy, TAVI alone can be an alternative therapeutic option if surgery is not possible.

Fimasartan reduces neointimal formation and inflammation after carotid arterial injury in apolipoprotein E knockout mice.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) on atherosclerosis have been demonstrated in numerous studies. We investigated the effects of fimasartan on reducing neointimal formation and systemic inflammation after carotid artery (CA) injury in Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice. METHODS: ApoE KO mice were randomly allocated to Group I (without CA injury), Group II (without CA injury + Fimasartan), Group III (CA injury), and Group IV (CA injury + Fimasartan). Fimasartan was orally administered everyday starting 3 days before iatrogenic left CA injury. RESULTS: At 28 days, neointimal hyperplasia and the inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL-6, ICAM, and MMP-9 in the peripheral blood were significantly reduced in Groups II and IV compared to Groups I and III, respectively. All fimasartan-administered groups revealed significant increases of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells with increased plasma levels of IL-10 and TGFß. In addition, increased CD8+ T cells by fimasartan were correlated with reduced smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in the neointima in Groups II and IV. Furthermore, the populations of Treg and CD8+ T cells in total splenocytes were increased in Groups II and IV compared to Groups I and III, respectively. The enlargement of spleens due to CA injury in the Group III was attenuated by fimasartan, as shown in the Group IV. These data indicate that fimasartan significantly reduced SMC proliferation in neointima and increased Treg cells in ApoE KO CA injury mice. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests fimasartan could be an efficient strategy for reduction of atherosclerotic progression, with a decrease in immune response and systemic inflammation.

Incidence of new-onset diabetes with 1 mg versus 4 mg pitavastatin in patients at high risk of developing diabetes during a 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Statin therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular events across a broad spectrum of patients; however, it increases the risk of new-onset diabetes (NOD). Although the highest dose pitavastatin is considered to not be associated with NOD, there are limited data regarding the impact of long-term highest dose pitavastatin use on the development of NOD in patients at high risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, we prospectively compared the differences in the development of NOD between the lowest and the highest dose of pitavastatin in patients at high risk of developing diabetes during a 3-year follow-up. METHODS: This post hoc analysis of a prospective, single-blinded, randomized study compared the risk of NOD between the highest dose of pitavastatin (4 mg) and the lowest dose of pitavastatin (1 mg) over a 3-year follow-up in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Among 1044 patients of the original study, 667 patients at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus were in the subgroup analysis. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the differences in the cumulative incidence of NOD in the pitavastatin 1 mg and 4 mg groups during a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS: With propensity score matching, there were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. Incidence of NOD was similar between the pitavastatin 1 mg and 4 mg groups [12 of 289 patients (4.2%) and 8 of 289 patients (2.8%), respectively; p = 0.36]. In a prespecified analysis, there were no significant differences in NOD events according to sex, age, diagnosis, body mass index, glucose intolerance, or dyslipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of highest-dose pitavastatin did not increase the risk of NOD in patients at high risk of developing diabetes during the 3-year follow-up. Moreover, various risk factors for NOD such as metabolic syndrome components, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, obesity, or hypertension did not affect the development of NOD during pitavastatin administration. Thus, the highest dose pitavastatin can be safely used in patients with metabolic syndrome who are at high risk of developing diabetes. Trial registration Clinical Trial registration information. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02545231. Unique identifier: NCT02545231.

Effects of lowest-dose vs. highest-dose pitavastatin on coronary neointimal hyperplasia at 12-month follow-up in type 2 diabetic patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome: an optical coherence tomography analysis.

Current ACC/AHA guidelines recommend high-dose statin therapy after coronary stenting, especially in diabetic patients; however, pitavastatin 4 mg or pitavastatin 1 mg are frequently used after coronary stenting in Asia, even in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We compared the effects of highest-dose and lowest-dose pitavastatin therapy on coronary neointimal hyperplasia at 12-month follow-up in diabetic patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) using optical coherence tomography. A total of 72 diabetic patients with NSTE-ACS were randomized to lowest-dose pitavastatin [1 mg (n = 36)] or highest-dose pitavastatin [4 mg (n = 36)] after everolimus-eluting stent implantation. The primary endpoint was to compare the normalized neointimal volume at 12-month follow-up. Normalized neointimal volume was significantly lower in the pitavastatin 4 mg group (4.00 ± 2.80 vs. 8.24 ± 2.83 mm3/mm, p < 0.01) at 12-month follow-up. There was also significant difference in neointimal area between the pitavastatin 4 mg group and pitavastatin 1 mg group (0.41 ± 0.28 vs. 0.74 ± 0.23 mm2, p < 0.01). Improvement of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (baFMD) was significantly higher in the pitavastatin 4 mg group than in pitavastatin 1 mg group (0.15 ± 0.15 vs. - 0.03 ± 0.19 mm, p < 0.001). In addition, the improvement of adiponectin levels was significantly greater in the pitavastatin 4 mg group than in the pitavastatin 1 mg group (2.97 ± 3.98 vs. 0.59 ± 2.80 µg/mL, p < 0.05). Pitavastatin 4 mg significantly improved inflammatory cytokines and lipid profiles compared to pitavastatin 1 mg during the 12-month follow-up, contributing to the reduction of neointimal hyperplasia and to the improvement of baFMD in diabetic patients with NSTE-ACS requiring coronary stenting. Thus, the administration of pitavastatin 4 mg can be safely and effectively used in high-risk patients requiring coronary stenting. Trial registration NCT02545231 (Clinical Trial registration information: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02545231 ).

Endovascular Versus Open Surgical Intervention in Patients with Takayasu's Arteritis: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Although medical treatment has advanced, surgical treatment is needed to control symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis (TA), such as angina, stroke, hypertension, or claudication. Endovascular or open surgical intervention is performed; however, there are few comparative studies on these methods. This meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to examine the outcome of surgical treatment of TA. METHODS: A meta-analysis comparing outcomes of endovascular and open surgical intervention was performed using MEDLINE and Embase. This meta-analysis included only observational studies, and the evidence level was low to moderate. Data were pooled and analysed using a fixed or random effects model with the I2 statistic. RESULTS: The included studies involved a total of 770 patients and 1363 lesions, with 389 patients treated endovascularly and 420 treated by surgical revascularization. Restenosis was more common with endovascular than open surgical intervention (odds ratio [OR] 5.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.78-9.62; p < .001). In subgroup analysis according to the involved lesions, endovascular intervention patients showed more restenosis than open surgical intervention patients in the coronary artery, supra-aortic branches, and renal artery. In both the active and inactive stages, restenosis was more common in those treated endovascularly than in those treated by open surgery. However, stroke occurred less often with endovascular intervention than with open surgical intervention (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.90; p = .003). Mortality and complications other than stroke and mortality did not differ between endovascular and open surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis has shown a lower risk of restenosis with open surgical intervention than with endovascular intervention. Stroke was generally more common with open surgical intervention than with endovascular intervention. However, there were differences according to the location of the lesion, and the risk of stroke in open surgery is higher when the supra-aortic branches are involved rather than the renal arteries.

Impact of hyperuricemia on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention for in-stent restenosis.

BACKGROUND: There have been limited data on the impact of hyperuricemia on long-term clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for in-stent restenosis (ISR). METHODS: From January 2009 to July 2015, 317 patients who underwent repeat PCI for ISR were divided into two groups: patients with normal serum uric acid (UA) levels (normal UA group) and patients with higher serum UA levels (higher UA group). The higher UA group included patients with serum UA levels > 6.8 mg/dL or patients who were taking anti-hyperuricemic medication. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 1088 days, the cumulative incidence rates of major adverse event (MAE), including a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and any revascularization, were similar between the two groups (higher UA 36.4% vs. normal UA 29.9%, p = 0.389, log-rank p = 0.367). Follow-up angiographic data showed similar outcomes of late lumen loss (0.8 ± 0.9 mm vs. 0.8 ± 1.1 mm, p = 0.895) and binary restenosis rate (28.1% vs. 34.7%, p = 0.622). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (hazard ratio [HR] 1.011, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003-1.019, p = 0.006) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.972, 95% CI 0.948-0.996, p = 0.022), but not UA levels, to be the independent risk predictors of MAE. CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia is not associated with poor clinical outcomes after repeat PCI for ISR lesions.

Effects of black raspberry on lipid profiles and vascular endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has been known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, short-term effects of black raspberry on lipid profiles and vascular endothelial function have not been investigated in patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 77) were prospectively randomized into a group with black raspberry (n = 39, 750 mg/day) and a placebo group (n = 38) during a 12-week follow-up. Lipid profiles, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (baFMD), and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were measured at the baseline and at the 12-week follow-up. Decreases from the baseline in the total cholesterol level (-22.8 ± 30.4 mg/dL vs. -1.9 ± 31.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05, respectively) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (-0.31 ± 0.64 vs. 0.07 ± 0.58, p < 0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry than in the placebo group. Increases in baFMD at the 12-week follow-up were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry than in the placebo group (0.33 ± 0.44 mm vs. 0.10 ± 0.35 mm, p < 0.05, respectively). Decreases from the baseline in IL-6 (-0.4 ± 1.5 pg/mL vs. -0.1 ± 1.0 pg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) and TNF-α (-2.9 ± 4.7 pg/mL vs. 0.1 ± 3.6 pg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry. The use of black raspberry significantly decreased serum total cholesterol level and inflammatory cytokines, thereby improving vascular endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome during the 12-week follow-up.

Correlation between circulating angiogenic cell mobilizations and recovery of coronary flow reserve in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The correlations between circulating angiogenic cell mobilizations and improvement of microvascular integrity were investigated in patients (n=110) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during an 8-month follow up. METHODS AND RESULTS: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was measured at baseline and at 8 months by using an intracoronary Doppler wire. Serial changes in the absolute numbers of circulating angiogenic cells such as CD34+, CXCR4+, CD117+, CD133+ and C-met+ were measured at baseline, day 1, day 5 and at 8 months. The absolute numbers of circulating angiogenic cells at day 1 were significantly higher than those at baseline. A positive correlation was found between the numbers of circulating angiogenic cells of CD34+, CXCR4+, CD117+ and CD133+ cells at day 1 and the CFR changes from baseline. The cut-off value of CFR changes at 8 months by a receiver operating characteristic curve between a circulating CD34+ cell at day 1 and changes of CFR at 8 months was 0. Late-loss showed the positive correlation with the absolute number of C-met+ cells and the negative correlation with the absolute number of CXCR4+ cells after AMI. The negative correlation was found between changes in high-sensitive C-reactive protein and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and changes in CFR at 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: The recovery of microvascular integrity after acute ischemic injury was expedited by the increases in circulating angiogenic cell mobilization together with the greater decreases in inflammatory cytokines. The improvement in CFR could be predicted by the measurement of circulating angiogenic cells after AMI.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Active-controlled, Factorial Design, Phase III Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Combination Therapy of Pitavastatin and Ezetimibe Versus Monotherapy of Pitavastatin in Patients With Primary Hypercholesterolemia.

PURPOSE: Pitavastatin is a unique lipophilic statin with moderate efficacy in lowering LDL-C levels by 30% to 50% with a tolerable safety profile. However, the efficacy of adding ezetimibe to pitavastatin in patients with dyslipidemia has not been well investigated. Therefore, the objective of this double-blind, multicenter, randomized, Phase III study was to compare the efficacy and safety of pitavastatin and ezetimibe combination therapy with those of pitavastatin monotherapy in Korean patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: Korean men and women aged >19 and <80 years with primary hypercholesterolemia requiring medical treatment were included in this study. During the 8-week screening period, all patients were instructed to make therapeutic lifestyle changes. The screening period consisted of a 4-week washout period and a placebo run-in period (4-8 weeks). During treatment period I, patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 treatments: pitavastatin 2 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg, pitavastatin 2 mg, pitavastatin 4 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg, or pitavastatin 4 mg. The 8-week double-blind treatment period then commenced. Adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory data, and vital signs were assessed in all patients. FINDINGS: The percentages in LDL-C from baseline after 8 weeks of double-blind treatment decreased significantly in the pooled pitavastatin/ezetimibe (-52.8% [11.2%]) and pooled pitavastatin (-37.1% [14.1%]) groups. Treatment with pitavastatin/ezetimibe resulted in a significantly greater LDL-C-lowering effect than that with pitavastatin (difference, -15.8 mg/dL; 95% CI, -18.7 to -12.9; P < 0.001). The precentages of achieving LDL-C goal in pooled pitavastatin/ezetimibe and pooled pitavastatin groups were 94.2% and 69.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of overall AEs and adverse drug reactions. Serious AEs were comparable between the groups. IMPLICATIONS: Pitavastatin and ezetimibe combinations effectively and safely decreased LDL-C levels by >50% in patients with dyslipidemia. The safety and tolerability of pitavastatin and ezetimibe combination therapy were comparable with those of pitavastatin monotherapy. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT04584736.

Clinical outcomes between calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertensive patients without established cardiovascular diseases during a 3-year follow-up.

Although both angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are all suitable for the initiation of antihypertensive treatment, studies investigating efficacy and safety between ARBs and CCBs are limited, and there is no previous study comparing their clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up periods in real world setting. We compared cardiovascular (CV) events between ARBs and CCBs in 464,948 hypertensive adults using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database during a 3-year follow-up. The patients with hypertension without heart failure, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease were enrolled. The CV events between only single prescription of CCBs and ARBs were finally compared. The primary endpoint for this study was the first occurrence of a major adverse CV events, defined as the composite of all-cause death, cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. ARB was significantly more administered in male and patients with higher income, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases, and higher Charlson comorbidity index. The primary endpoints occurred in 10,526 patients (5.2%) in the ARB group and in 19,363 patients (7.3%) in the CCB group (p < 0.001) during a 3-year follow-up (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.98). All the components of CV events including all-cause death, cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke occurred more frequently in the CCB group. With multivariable models adjusting age, sex, income, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and Charlson comorbidity index, the primary endpoints less frequently developed in the ARB group than in the CCB group (HR 0.957, 95% CI 0.933-0.983, p < 0.001). After the propensity-score matching, baseline characteristics were similar and still showed significantly better primary endpoints in ARB group than CCB group (5.3% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001). In this nationwide population-based simple hypertension study, administration of ARBs showed superior protection against CV events than CCBs during a 3-year follow-up. Our results suggest that ARBs could be preferred over CCBs as the initial choice of antihypertensive treatment regardless of age in real-world practice.

Associations between interleukin 18 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to vasculitis: A meta-analysis.

Interleukin 18 (IL18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, affects the development and progress of vasculitis. The production, expression, and function of this cytokine are affected by polymorphisms of promoter region of the IL18 gene. In this study, a meta-analysis of the associations between several IL18 polymorphisms and susceptibility to vasculitis was performed. Published literature from PubMed and Embase were retrieved. In total, nine studies comprising 1006 patients with vasculitis and 1499 controls combined, and the investigating the rs187238, rs194618, and rs360719 polymorphisms of the promoter region of the IL18 gene, were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with fixed-effects model or random-effects model. The recessive model of the rs194618 polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with a high susceptibility to vasculitis (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.02-2.33, P = 0.04), especially in the Mongoloid race, where the A allele of rs194618 was associated with a low risk of the disease (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.62-0.95, P = 0.01). By contrast, the rs187238 and rs360719 polymorphisms were not associated with this inflammatory condition. This meta-analysis showed that some IL18 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to vasculitis. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (2): 203-211).

Efficacy and Safety of Triple Therapy With Telmisartan, Amlodipine, and Rosuvastatin in Patients With Dyslipidemia and Hypertension: The Jeil Telmisartan, Amlodipine, and Rosuvastatin Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Fixed-dose combination therapy with telmisartan, amlodipine, and rosuvastatin is needed in patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia for better adherence and cost-effectiveness than free-equivalent combination therapies. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with telmisartan, amlodipine, and rosuvastatin versus telmisartan plus amlodipine or telmisartan plus rosuvastatin in patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia. METHODS: The Jeil Telmisartan, Amlodipine, and Rosuvastatin Randomized Clinical Trial (J-TAROS-RCT) was an 8-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, Phase III clinical trial conducted at 9 hospitals in Korea. After a run-in period of >4 weeks, patients who fulfilled the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines were eligible for randomization to receive 1 of 3 treatments for 8 weeks: (1) telmisartan/amlodipine 80 mg/10 mg plus rosuvastatin 20 mg, (2) telmisartan/amlodipine 80 mg/10 mg, or (3) telmisartan 80 mg plus rosuvastatin 20 mg. The primary end point was efficacy evaluation of combination therapy with telmisartan/amlodipine/rosuvastatin by comparing the change in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) and mean percentage change in LDL-C from baseline after 8 weeks of treatment. Adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory data, and vital signs were assessed in all patients. FINDINGS: Among 148 patients, the changes in msSBP from baseline after 8 weeks of treatment were a mean (SD) of -24.41 (2.38) versus -9.31 (2.36) mm Hg in the telmisartan/amlodipine/rosuvastatin and telmisartan/rosuvastatin groups, respectively. Significantly more participants achieved the target BP at week 8 in the telmisartan/amlodipine/rosuvastatin group (41 patients [87.2%]) than in the telmisartan/rosuvastatin group (24 [50.0%], P < 0.001). The changes in mean (SD) LDL-C at 8 weeks compared with baseline values were -57.59% (11.59%) versus 6.08% (20.98%) in the telmisartan/amlodipine/rosuvastatin and telmisartan/amlodipine groups, respectively. The percentages of patients who achieved the target LDL-C according to their risk factors after 8 weeks of treatment were 97.87% vs 6.12% in the telmisartan/amlodipine/rosuvastatin and the telmisartan/amlodipine groups (P < 0.0001), respectively. No significant differences were found in the incidence of overall AEs and adverse drug reactions, and serious AEs were comparable among 3 groups. IMPLICATIONS: Fixed-dose combinations of telmisartan, amlodipine, and rosuvastatin decreased BP and LDL-C in patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia. The safety and tolerability profiles of fixed-dose telmisartan, amlodipine, and rosuvastatin combination therapy were comparable with those of telmisartan plus amlodipine or telmisartan plus rosuvastatin. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03088254.

Effects of oral contraceptives on rheumatoid arthritis in Korean menopausal women: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease with a multifactorial etiology. The higher prevalence of RA in women than in men may originate from differences in sex hormone levels or types. Ethnicity may interact with hormonal factors to produce various observed differences in the prevalence of RA. Oral contraceptives (OCs) are a source of exogenous sex hormones and can affect the prevalence of RA. We investigated the effects of OCs on RA in Korean menopausal women using a national data set. Data were collected from a cross-sectional study of 8789 eligible participants who completed the 2008-2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To balance the distribution of baseline characteristics between those participants who had ever used OCs and those who had not, we employed propensity score matching to adjust for differences. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the effects of OCs on the incidence of RA. The development of RA in Korean women rapidly increased during the perimenopause. After propensity score matching, the use of OCs was associated with RA (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.51, P = 0.04). However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was not associated with RA regardless of whether OCs had been used (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.62-1.04, P = 0.09, and OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.66-1.52, P = 0.99, respectively). Our findings suggest that factors associated with sex hormones influence the prevalence of RA.

Risk factors and outcomes of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction and stress-induced cardiomyopathy in sepsis or septic shock: A comparative retrospective study.

While both sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) and stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SICMP) are common in patients with sepsis, the pathogenesis of the 2 diseases is different, and they require different treatment strategies. Thus, we aimed to investigate risk factors and outcomes between the 2 diseases.This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock, admitted to intensive care unit via emergency department in Korea University Anam Hospital, and who underwent transthoracic echocardiography within the first 24 hours of admission.In all, 25 patients with SIMD and 27 patients with SICMP were enrolled. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a history of heart failure (HF) were more prevalent in both the SIMD and SICMP groups than in the control group. In the SIMD and SICMP groups, levels of inflammatory cytokines were similar. Serum troponin level was significantly elevated in the SICMP and SIMD group compared to the control group. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) level was significantly elevated in the SIMD group compared to the SICMP group or control group. The in-hospital mortality rate in the SIMD and SICMP group was about 40%, showing increased trends compared with the control group. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly increased in SIMD group with EF<30% than in SICMP group with EF<30%. In multiple logistic regression analysis, a past history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and HF was significantly associated with the incidence of SIMD. Younger age, elevated levels of NT pro-BNP, and positive result of blood culture also showed significant odds ratio regard to the occurrence of SIMD. However, only elevated lactate and troponin level were positively associated with the incidence of SICMP.The SIMD and SICMP had different risk factors. The risk factors of SIMD were younger age, history of DM, history of HF, elevated NT pro-BNP, and positive result of blood culture. The elevated levels of lactate and troponin were identified as risk factors of SICMP. More importantly, in-hospital mortality rate from SIMD and SICMP showed increased trend and worse outcome in SIMD group with reduced EF<30%. Thus, developing SIMD or SICMP reflected poor prognosis in sepsis or septic shock.

A Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Active Comparator Clinical Trial to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Combination Therapy With Ezetimibe and Rosuvastatin Versus Rosuvastatin Monotherapy in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia: I-ROSETTE (Ildong Rosuvastatin & Ezetimibe for Hypercholesterolemia) Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Combination therapy with ezetimibe and statins is recommended in cases of statin intolerance or insufficiency. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with ezetimibe and rosuvastatin versus those of rosuvastatin monotherapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: I-ROSETTE (Ildong ROSuvastatin & ezETimibe for hypercholesTElolemia) was an 8-week, double-blind, multicenter, Phase III randomized controlled trial conducted at 20 hospitals in the Republic of Korea. Patients with hypercholesterolemia who required medical treatment according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines were eligible for participation in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive ezetimibe 10 mg/rosuvastatin 20 mg, ezetimibe 10 mg/rosuvastatin 10 mg, ezetimibe 10 mg/rosuvastatin 5 mg, rosuvastatin 20 mg, rosuvastatin 10 mg, or rosuvastatin 5 mg in a 1:1:1:1:1:1 ratio. The primary end point was the difference in the mean percent change from baseline in LDL-C level after 8 weeks of treatment between the ezetimibe/rosuvastatin and rosuvastatin treatment groups. All patients were assessed for adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory data, and vital signs. FINDINGS: Of 396 patients, 389 with efficacy data were analyzed. Baseline characteristics among 6 groups were similar. After 8 weeks of double-blind treatment, the percent changes in adjusted mean LDL-C levels at week 8 compared with baseline values were -57.0% (2.1%) and -44.4% (2.1%) in the total ezetimibe/rosuvastatin and total rosuvastatin groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The LDL-C-lowering efficacy of each of the ezetimibe/rosuvastatin combinations was superior to that of each of the respective doses of rosuvastatin. The mean percent change in LDL-C level in all ezetimibe/rosuvastatin combination groups was >50%. The number of patients who achieved target LDL-C levels at week 8 was significantly greater in the ezetimibe/rosuvastatin group (180 [92.3%] of 195 patients) than in the rosuvastatin monotherapy group (155 [79.9%] of 194 patients) (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of overall AEs, adverse drug reactions, and serious AEs; laboratory findings, including liver function test results and creatinine kinase levels, were comparable between groups. IMPLICATIONS: Fixed-dose combinations of ezetimibe/rosuvastatin significantly improved lipid profiles in patients with hypercholesterolemia compared with rosuvastatin monotherapy. All groups treated with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe reported a decrease in mean LDL-C level >50%. The safety and tolerability of ezetimibe/rosuvastatin therapy were comparable with those of rosuvastatin monotherapy. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02749994.

Endovascular balloon angioplasty versus stenting in patients with Takayasu arteritis: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic or significant vascular lesions of Takayasu arteritis (TA) need interventions. Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with balloon is a less invasive and safe method, stent implantation in TA can be an alternative option. However, superiority between balloon angioplasty and stenting in TA is not conclusive. METHODS: A meta-analysis comparing balloon angioplasty and stenting outcomes was performed using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies on 266 patients and 316 lesions were included. Balloon angioplasty was performed in 186 lesions and stenting in 130 lesions. There were no significant differences in the incidence of both restenosis and other complications between balloon angioplasty and stenting [odds ratio (OR) = 2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66-8.66, P = .18; OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 0.49-6.65, P = .38, respectively]. In the renal arteries, the risk of restenosis in stenting was significantly higher than that in balloon angioplasty (OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 2.14-9.02, P < .001). The clinical efficacy of improving renal hypertension between balloon angioplasty and stenting at the renal artery lesions was similar (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.28-1.51, P = .31); however, acute vascular complications were significantly fewer in stenting than in balloon angioplasty (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02-0.29, P < .001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that balloon angioplasty can yield better results in renal artery interventions than stenting. Nonetheless, it is desirable to avoid vessel dissections during balloon angioplasty, which can eventually require stent implantations.

Comparison of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel for Inflammation, Vascular Function, and Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Diabetic Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Requiring Coronary Stenting: A Prospective, Randomized, Crossover Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared adenosine-associated pleiotropic effects of the 2 P2Y12 receptor antagonists on vascular function, systemic inflammation, and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). BACKGROUND: Both ticagrelor and prasugrel have potent antiplatelet effects. However, only ticagrelor inhibits cellular uptake of adenosine. METHODS: Using a randomized, crossover design with 10-week follow-up ticagrelor or prasugrel was administered to type 2 diabetic patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome requiring stent implantation. A total of 62 patients underwent randomization in a 1:1 ratio to receive ticagrelor or prasugrel for 5 weeks followed by a direct cross over to the alternative treatment for 5 additional weeks. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, inflammatory markers, and number of circulating EPCs were compared. RESULTS: Improvement in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was greater in the ticagrelor group (0.15 ± 0.19 mm vs. -0.03 ± 0.18 mm; p < 0.001). Moreover, ticagrelor compared with prasugrel decreased interleukin 6 (-0.58 ± 0.43 pg/ml vs. -0.05 ± 0.24 pg/ml; p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor alpha (-5.62 ± 4.40 pg/ml vs. -0.42 ± 2.64 pg/ml; p < 0.001), and increased adiponectin (2.31 ± 2.00 µg/ml vs. 0.08 ± 1.50 µg/ml; p < 0.001) during 10-week follow-up. Other inflammatory cytokines like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were decreased in both groups. Ticagrelor compared with prasugrel significantly increased absolute numbers of circulating EPCs CD34+/KDR+ (42.5 ± 37.8 per µl vs. -28.2 ± 23.7 per µl; p < 0.001), CD34+/CD117+ (51.9 ± 77.2 per µl vs. -66.3 ± 45.2 per µl; p < 0.001), and CD34+/CD133+ (55.2 ± 69.2 per µl vs. -28.0 ± 34.1 per µl; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with prasugrel, ticagrelor significantly decreased inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and increased circulating EPCs, contributing to improved arterial endothelial function in diabetic non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients. Thus, data support that pleiotropic effects of ticagrelor beyond its potent antiplatelet effects could contribute to additional clinical benefits. (Comparison of Ticagrelor vs. Prasugrel on Inflammation, Arterial Stiffness, Endothelial Function, and Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Diabetic Patients With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome [NSTE-ACS] Requiring Coronary Stenting; NCT02487732).

Comparison of Fixed-dose Combinations of Amlodipine/Losartan Potassium/Chlorthalidone and Amlodipine/Losartan Potassium in Patients With Stage 2 Hypertension Inadequately Controlled With Amlodipine/Losartan Potassium: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Phase III Study.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combinations of amlodipine/losartan potassium/chlorthalidone (A/L/C) and A/L in Korean patients with stage 2 hypertension inadequately controlled by A/L. METHODS: This study was an 8-week, randomized double-blind, multicenter, phase III clinical trial. Three hundred forty volunteer patients with stage 2 hypertension were randomized to receive A/L/C or A/L. The primary end point was a change in sitting systolic blood pressure (SitSBP) after 8 weeks of treatment. As secondary end points, the change in SitSBP after 2 weeks of treatment and the change in sitting diastolic blood pressure (SitDBP) were compared between treatment groups. All patients were assessed for adverse events, clinical laboratory data, and vital signs. FINDINGS: Of 330 patients from 33 medical centers, 328 patients who had available efficacy data were analyzed. After 8 weeks of double-blind treatment, the mean (SD) changes in SitSBP at 8 weeks were -16.4 (0.9) mm Hg and -6.9 (1.0) mm Hg in the A/L/C and A/L groups, respectively. A/L/C had a statistically superior blood pressure-lowering effect compared with that of A/L (mean [SD] difference, 9.5 [1.3] mm Hg; P < 0.001). The mean (SD) change in SitDBP at 8 weeks was significantly greater with A/L/C (-8.0 [0.6] mm Hg) than with A/L (-3.6 [0.6] mm Hg) (P < .001). In terms of the mean (SD) change in SitDBP at 2 weeks compared with baseline, A/L/C (-5.9 [0.5] mm Hg) was statistically different from A/L (-2.9 [0.5] mm Hg) (P < .001). Mean (SD) SitSBP change from baseline to week 2 was -13.2 (0.9) and -5.5 (0.9) in the A/L/C and A/L groups, respectively, with a statistically significant blood pressure-lowering effect (P < 0.001). The number of participants who achieved target blood pressure at week 8 was significantly higher in the A/L/C group (93 patients [55.7%]) than in the A/L group (48 [29.8%]) (P < 0.001). Adverse drug reactions were observed in 23 patients (7.0%), and the incidence of dizziness was significantly higher in the A/L/C group than in the A/L group (4.8% vs 0.6%, P = 0.037) There were no serious adverse events associated with the study drugs. IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study suggest that A/L/C had a significantly increased blood pressure-lowering efficacy compared with that of A/L and had a good safety profile. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02916602.

Effects of Rubus occidentalis extract on blood pressure in patients with prehypertension: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) is known for improving vascular function. However, there has been no study evaluating its effects on 24-h systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive patients. The aim of this study was to examine those effects. METHODS: Patients with prehypertension (N = 45) were prospectively randomized into a moderate-dose black raspberry group (n = 15, 1500 mg/d), a high-dose black raspberry group (n = 15, 2500 mg/d), or a placebo group (n = 15) during an 8-wk follow-up period. Raspberries were consumed in the form of a dried powder extract that was fashioned into capsules. The capsules contained 187.5 and 312.5 mg of raspberry powder, which was equivalent to 1500 and 2500 mg raspberries. Ambulatory 24-h blood pressure (BP); central BP; pulse-wave velocity; abdominal visceral fat; serum renin; angiotensin-converting enzyme; and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were measured at baseline and at 8-wk follow-up. RESULTS: High-dose black raspberry significantly reduced 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP; 3.3 ± 10 mm Hg versus -6.7 ± 11.8 mm Hg; P < 0.05) and nighttime SBP (5.4 ± 10.6 mm Hg versus -4.5 ± 11.3 mm Hg; P < 0.05) compared with controls during the 8-wk follow-up. Black raspberry powder did not produce any significant changes in most of the parameters other than BP. CONCLUSION: The use of black raspberry significantly lowered 24-h BP in prehypertensive patients during the 8-wk follow-up. Black raspberry used as a dietary supplement could be beneficial in reducing SBP in prehypertensive patients.