Effect of Three-Day Atorvastatin Administration on Coagulation Factors in Patients With Prior Venous Thromboembolism and Healthy Subjects: A Preliminary Study.

ABSTRACT: Statins exert antithrombotic effects, which might contribute to reduced risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Rosuvastatin 20 mg/d administered for 4 weeks has been reported to decrease coagulation factors (F) VII, FVIII, and FXI in VTE patients. Moreover, in accordance with recent registry data in non-VTE subjects, statins usage was associated with lower FXI. We investigated whether 3 doses of a statin decrease coagulation factors activity and if such changes can alter fibrin clot properties in VTE patients and healthy subjects. We enrolled 28 consecutive first-ever prior VTE patients after 6 months of anticoagulation and 25 healthy controls well-matched for demographics and lipid profiles (aged 44 [interquartile range 34-51] years) in an interventional nonrandomized study. Before and after 3 doses of atorvastatin 40 mg/d, activity of FVII, FVIII, FIX, and FXI was measured, along with fibrin clot properties, including permeability (Ks) and clot lysis using 3 various assays. After a 3-day statin administration, we observed the decrease of FVII (by 6.2%, P = 0.046) and FXI (by 8.6%, P = 0.044), irrespective of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction (by 24%, P < 0.001), whereas other coagulation factors remained unaltered. Reduction of FVII and FXI activity was inversely correlated with Ks alterations (R = -0.292, P = 0.034 and R = -0.335, P = 0.014, respectively). After adjustment for age, studied group, and fibrinogen level, the reduction of FXI was independently associated with an increase of fibrin clot permeability (B = -0.084, P = 0.027). In conclusion, a 3-day 40 mg atorvastatin administration is sufficient to reduce FVII and FXI activity in our pilot study, which is associated with favorable fibrin clot properties modification.

Reduced fibrin clot permeability on admission and elevated E-selectin at 3 months as novel risk factors of residual pulmonary vascular obstruction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Residual pulmonary vascular obstruction (RPVO) is common following pulmonary embolism (PE) but its association with fibrin clot properties is poorly understood. We investigated whether prothrombotic state and hypofibrinolysis markers can identify patients with RPVO. METHODS: In 79 normotensive noncancer patients (aged 56 ± 13.3 years) with acute PE, we determined fibrin clot permeability (Ks), clot lysis time (CLT), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), fibrinolysis proteins, oxidative stress markers, and E-selectin on admission before initiation of anticoagulant therapy, after 5-7 days, and 3 months of anticoagulation. RPVO was diagnosed using computed tomography angiography 3-6 months since PE. RESULTS: Patients with RPVO (n = 23, 29.1%) had at baseline higher simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) (P = 0.004), higher N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide (P = 0.006) and higher D-dimer (P = 0.044). Patients with versus without RPVO had lower Ks (P < 0.001) and longer CLT (P < 0.05), both at baseline and 5-7 days since admission, but not at 3 months. Patients with RPVO showed 40.6% higher E-selectin (P < 0.001) solely at 3 months. By multivariable logistic regression, baseline Ks (odds ratio [OR] 0.010, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.001-0.837, P = 0.042, per 10- 9 cm2), baseline D-dimer (OR 1.105, 95% CI 1.000-1.221, P = 0.049, per 100 ng/ml), and E-selectin levels after 3 months (OR 3.874, 95% CI 1.239-12.116, P = 0.020, per 1 ng/ml) were associated with RPVO. CONCLUSIONS: RPVO patients despite anticoagulation characterize with the formation of denser fibrin clots on admission and higher E-selectin at 3 months. Those parameters could be the potential novel RPVO risk factors that warrant further evaluation in an independent cohort.

Elevated plasma protein carbonylation increases the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation: association with a prothrombotic state.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma protein carbonylation that reflects oxidative stress has been demonstrated to be associated with the prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype. However, the role of protein carbonyls (PC) in predicting ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether PC increase the risk of stroke in anticoagulated AF patients during follow-up. METHODS: In 243 AF patients on anticoagulation (median age 69 years; median CHA2DS2-VASc of 4), we measured plasma PC using the assay by Becatti, along with plasma clot permeability (Ks), clot lysis time (CLT), thrombin generation, and fibrinolytic proteins, including plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). Ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and mortality were recorded during a median follow-up of 53 months. RESULTS: Plasma PC levels (median, 3.16 [2.54-3.99] nM/mg protein) at baseline showed positive associations with age (P < 0.001), CHA2DS2-VASc (P = 0.003), and N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (P = 0.001), but not with type of AF or comorbidities except for heart failure (P = 0.007). PC levels were correlated with CLT (r = 0.342, P < 0.001), endogenous thrombin potential (r = 0.217, P = 0.001) and weakly with Ks (r = -0.145, P = 0.024), but not with fibrinogen, PAI-1, or TAFI levels. Stroke was recorded in 20 patients (1.9%/year), who had at baseline 36% higher PC levels (P < 0.001). Elevated PC (P = 0.003) at baseline were independently associated with stroke risk. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that in patients with AF enhanced protein carbonylation is associated with increased "residual" risk of stroke despite anticoagulation, which is at least in part due to unfavorably altered fibrin clot phenotype.

Endothelial Cell Apoptosis but Not Necrosis Is Inhibited by Ischemic Preconditioning.

This study aimed to assess the influence of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-induced endothelial cell (EC) death. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to 2 or 6 h hypoxia with subsequent reoxygenation. IP was induced by 20 min of hypoxia followed by 20 min of reoxygenation. Necrosis was assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and apoptosis by double staining with propidium iodide/annexin V (PI/AV), using TUNEL test, and Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression measured using RT-PCR. In PI/AV staining, after 24 h of reoxygenation, 30-33% of EC were necrotic and 16-21% were apoptotic. In comparison to HR cells, IP reduced membrane apoptosis after 24 h of reoxygenation by 50% but did not influence EC necrosis. Nuclear EC apoptosis affected about 15-17% of EC after 24 h of reoxygenation and was reduced with IP by 55-60%. IP was associated with a significantly higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio, at 8 h 2-4 times and at 24 h 2-3 times as compared to HR. Longer hypoxia was associated with lower values of Bcl-2/Bax ratio in EC subjected to HR or IP. IP delays, without reducing, the extent of HR-induced EC necrosis but significantly inhibits their multi-level evaluated apoptosis.

Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon in Takotsubo Syndrome: The Prevalence, Clinical Determinants, and Long-Term Prognostic Impact.

Patients with takotsubo syndrome (TTS) may present coronary slow flow (CSF) in angiography performed in the acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, the detailed clinical relevance and its long-term impact remain poorly understood. Among 7771 MI patients hospitalized between 2012 and 2019, TTS was identified in 82 (1.1%) subjects. The epicardial blood flow was assessed with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) scale and corrected TIMI frame count (TFC), whereas myocardial perfusion with TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). CSF was defined as TIMI-2 or corrected TFC > 27 frames in at least one epicardial vessel. CSF was identified in 33 (40.2%) TTS patients. In the CSF-TTS versus normal-flow-TTS group, lower values of left ventricular ejection fraction on admission (33.5 (25-40) vs. 40 (35-45)%, p = 0.019), more frequent midventricular TTS (27.3 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.020) and the coexistence of both physical and emotional triggers (9.1 vs. 0%, p = 0.032) were noted. Within a median observation of 55 months, higher all-cause mortality was found in CSF-TTS compared with normal-flow TTS (30.3 vs. 10.2%, p = 0.024). CSF was identified as an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio 10.09, 95% confidence interval 2.12-48.00, p = 0.004). CSF identified in two-fifths of TTS patients was associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes.

Rare instances of concomitant acute myocardial infarction and stroke.

Cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI) is a term coined to describe concomitant myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. Acute myocardial infarction and stroke, as separate events, constitute some of the most important causes for disability and mortality in aging societies. Stroke can either occur simultaneously with myocardial infarction or become a serious complication of myocardial infarction and/or its treatment. The frequency of CCI has been reported at a 0.009% incidence rate in stroke patients and is associated with an extremely high mortality. Because of the rare occurrence of CCI, there are currently no guidelines for assessing its diagnosis and optimal treatment. Therefore, currently, the management of CCI cases needs to be individualized. Hopefully, in the future, the results of large clinical trials or prospective registries are expected to enhance our understanding of managing concomitant acute MI and stroke. In this review we have focused on the current literacy in the diagnosis and treatment of CCIs. The paper illustrates potential distinct scenarios of CCI through the analysis of three patient cases (Fig. 5, Ref. 65). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: myocardial infarction, stroke, cardio-cerebral infarction, carotid artery stenting, cardiac surgery.

Associations between myeloperoxidase and paraoxonase-1 and type 2 diabetes in patients with ischemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: The phrase "dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein" has been developed in the literature to describe the particle which loses its basic role- anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. In this porcess, the significance of enzymes- pro-oxidant myeloperoxidase (MPO) and antioxidant paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) from the perspective of HDL-C function has been noted. AIMS: The objective of this study was to analyze the associations between two enzymes -MPO and PON-1 and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study including 70 patients with IHD of whom 35 had also T2DM, and 35 had no T2DM. Laboratory tests (MPO, PON-1, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) were performed. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant difference in the serum concentration of the enzymes between patients with IHD with and without T2DM. Our results showed increased MPO concentration levels in diabetic patients. The analysis also revealed that T2DM is independently associated with an increase in MPO levels. Simultaneously, a decrease in PON-1 levels was observed in patients with T2DM. The study also revealed that T2DM is independently associated with a decrease in PON-1 levels. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 diabetes the profile of enzymes involved in high-density lipoprotein metabolism in patients with IHD is worse than in patients without T2DM. The increase in the levels of MPO, an enzyme with oxidative and atherogenic properties and on a decrease in PON-1 levels, an enzyme with antioxidant and atheroprotective properties is observed.

Screening diagnosis of dementia in patients following heart failure decompensation is associated with a higher relative wall thickness.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of echocardiographic characteristics for dementia prediction in patients with heart failure decompensation (HFD) is not determined. Therefore, we sought to investigate the echocardiographic features of patients with HFD and screening diagnosis of dementia (SDD). METHODS: 139 patients aged over 65 years were hospitalized with the diagnosis of HFD. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic characteristics were recorded during hospitalization. SDD was defined based on the result of ALFI- MMSE of <17 points. RESULTS: Patients with SDD were older (p=0.013), had thicker IVSd (p=0.021), thicker PWd (p=0.005) and had a higher RWT (0.40 vs 0.35, p=0.004) than patients without SDD, without differences in LVMI (p=0.13). There was no correlation between RWT and LVMI (r=-0.01, p=0.88). In the multivariate analysis, an older age (ß=-0.116, 95% CI -0.224 - -0.008, p=0.035, per year) and a higher RWT (ß=-0.069, 95% CI -0.137 - -0.002, p=0.045, per 0.01) influenced a lower ALFI-MMSE. For a prediction of SDD, the RWT reached the area under a ROC curve of 0.67 (95% CI 0.56-0.77, p=0.004 with sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 70% for RWT of ≥0.375). CONCLUSIONS: Apart from age, RWT reflecting left ventricular geometry changes but not hypertrophy was independently but moderately associated with SDD in patients following HFD (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 35).

Typical variant of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in oncological patients. Two case reports and review of the literature.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) represents an acute systolic left ventricular dysfunction typically triggered by severe psychological or physical stress. Oncological patients due to emotional distress of the diagnosis, proinflammatory and prothrombotic nature of cancer and also physical stress often following complex anticancer therapies are at high-risk of TCM. Moreover, there are also few reports of TCM associated with oncological treatment, mostly chemotherapy. Recent data from large registries indicate a surprisingly high incidence of malignancy in TCM, significant differences in clinical characteristics and unfavorable short- and long-term clinical outcomes in this specific group of patients. Therefore, we present two case reports of TCM that occurred during active anticancer therapy. Both women were admitted with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome. The first patient underwent mastectomy two years before due to hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and on admission she was during adjuvant hormonotherapy with tamoxifen. The admission of the second patient was preceded by fifteen fractions of adjuvant external beam radiotherapy due to intermediate-risk endometrial cancer after radical hysterectomy. Based on coronary angiography type I of acute coronary syndrome was excluded. Both patients negated stressful situations in the period immediately before the symptoms onset. Within hospital course baseline apical ballooning observed in both cases fully recovered and enabled subsequent completion of oncological treatment in accordance with adopted treatment protocols without recurrence of TCM. To our knowledge, presented cases are the first reports showing direct relationship between TCM and adjuvant hormonotherapy with tamoxifen or pelvic radiotherapy.

Coronary artery dissection following aortic valve replacement. How can one deal with this rare yet life-threatening complication?

Coronary artery dissection following its cannulation for cardioplegia administration as a result of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a rare but nevertheless life-threatening complication. The three cases of a patient suffering from aortic stenosis illustrated below focus on the issue of how to identify and treat the dissected artery. In all of the patients who had undergone AVR diagnosed was a periprocedural myocardial infarction. Angiography revealed the dissection of the left main in two of the patients, while in the third one that of the right coronary artery. In the case of local dissection, angiography was sufficient to identify the true lumen, whereas in a dissection encompassing the whole of the coronary tree it was necessary to either find the coronary artery not involved in the dissection or to perform intravascular ultrasound imaging. After true lumen identification, the entry of dissection was stented with the optimal angiographic result.

Nitric oxide for inhalation in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NOMI): a multicentre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Aims: Inhalation of nitric oxide (iNO) during myocardial ischaemia and after reperfusion confers cardioprotection in preclinical studies via enhanced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling. We tested whether iNO reduces reperfusion injury in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; NCT01398384). Methods and results: We randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study 250 STEMI patients to inhale oxygen with (iNO) or without (CON) 80 parts-per-million NO for 4 h following percutaneous revascularization. Primary efficacy endpoint was infarct size as a fraction of left ventricular (LV) size (IS/LVmass), assessed by delayed enhancement contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pre-specified subgroup analysis included thrombolysis-in-myocardial-infarction flow in the infarct-related artery, troponin T levels on admission, duration of symptoms, location of culprit lesion, and intra-arterial nitroglycerine (NTG) use. Secondary efficacy endpoints included IS relative to risk area (IS/AAR), myocardial salvage index, LV functional recovery, and clinical events at 4 and 12 months. In the overall population, IS/LVmass at 48-72 h was 18.0 ± 13.4% in iNO (n = 109) and 19.4 ± 15.4% in CON [n = 116, effect size -1.524%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -5.28, 2.24; P = 0.427]. Subgroup analysis indicated consistency across clinical confounders of IS but significant treatment interaction with NTG (P = 0.0093) resulting in smaller IS/LVmass after iNO in NTG-naïve patients (n = 140, P < 0.05). The secondary endpoint IS/AAR was 53 ± 26% with iNO vs. 60 ± 26% in CON (effect size -6.8%, 95% CI -14.8, 1.3, P = 0.09) corresponding to a myocardial salvage index of 47 ± 26% vs. 40 ± 26%, respectively, P = 0.09. Cine-MRI showed similar LV volumes at 48-72 h, with a tendency towards smaller increases in end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes at 4 months in iNO (P = 0.048 and P = 0.06, respectively, n = 197). Inhalation of nitric oxide was safe and significantly increased cGMP plasma levels during 4 h reperfusion. The Kaplan-Meier analysis for the composite of death, recurrent ischaemia, stroke, or rehospitalizations showed a tendency toward lower event rates with iNO at 4 months and 1 year (log-rank test P = 0.10 and P = 0.06, respectively). Conclusions: Inhalation of NO at 80 ppm for 4 h in STEMI was safe but did not reduce infarct size relative to absolute LVmass at 48-72h. The observed functional recovery and clinical event rates at follow-up and possible interaction with nitroglycerine warrant further studies of iNO in STEMI.

The awareness and knowledge about heart failure in Poland - lessons from the Heart Failure Awareness Day and internet surveys.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a life-threatening condition which affects up to 2% of contemporary populations. Generally, it is a chronic and progressive disease, however in many cases it can be prevented or treated. Nevertheless, effective control of this disease requires awareness of symptoms in the society. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the level of HF knowledge in the Polish population. METHODS: The questionnaire concerning knowledge about HF prepared by the Competence Network HF under the patronage of the European Heart Failure Association of the ESC, was used. The survey included 534 contributors who formed three groups: medical students - in vast majority at first half of the study course (MS) - 198 (37.1%), HF Awareness Day participants (HFDP) - 134 (25.1%) and other (OP) - 202 (37.8%). RESULTS: Study groups differed in terms of gender, age and level of education. As predicted, MS achieved the highest score (22.5 [20.0-24.0]), compared to HFDP (20.0 [17.0-22.0], P <0.001) and OP (19.0[16.0-21.0], P <0.001). Knowledge on typical HF symptoms was alarmingly low in the analyzed groups - dyspnea (MS - 96.0%, HFDP - 78.4%, OP - 74.6%), ankle edema (MS - 79.8%, HFDP - 50.6%, OP - 32.2%), body weight gain (MS - 14.1%, HFDP - 17.2%, OP - 4.5%). By multivariate model medical education (ß 3.372, 95% CI 2.738-4.005) and own illness or having relatives or friends with HF (ß 0.654, 95% CI 0.066-1.242) independently affected the score of awareness questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The basic knowledge on HF in Poland is not sufficient. It is moderately better among MS. Further campaigns improving HF awareness are necessary.

Cyclosporine A reduces microvascular obstruction and preserves left ventricular function deterioration following myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

Postconditioning and cyclosporine A prevent mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening providing cardioprotection during ischemia/reperfusion. Whether microvascular obstruction is affected by these interventions is largely unknown. Pigs subjected to coronary occlusion for 1 h followed by 3 h of reperfusion were assigned to control (n = 8), postconditioning (n = 9) or cyclosporine A intravenous infusion 10-15 min before the end of ischemia (n = 8). Postconditioning was induced by 8 cycles of repeated 30-s balloon inflation and deflation. After 3 h of reperfusion magnetic resonance imaging, triphenyltetrazolium chloride/Evans blue staining and histopathology were performed. Microvascular obstruction (MVO, percentage of gadolinium-hyperenhanced area) was measured early (3 min) and late (12 min) after contrast injection. Infarct size with double staining was smaller in cyclosporine (46.2 ± 3.1%, P = 0.016) and postconditioning pigs (47.6 ± 3.9%, P = 0.008) versus controls (53.8 ± 4.1%). Late MVO was significantly reduced by cyclosporine (13.9 ± 9.6%, P = 0.047) but not postconditioning (23.6 ± 11.7%, P = 0.66) when compared with controls (32.0 ± 16.9%). Myocardial blood flow in the late MVO was improved with cyclosporine versus controls (0.30 ± 0.06 vs 0.21 ± 0.03 ml/g/min, P = 0.002) and was inversely correlated with late-MVO extent (R(2) = 0.93, P < 0.0001). Deterioration of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between baseline and 3 h of reperfusion was smaller with cyclosporine (-7.9 ± 2.4%, P = 0.008) but not postconditioning (-12.0 ± 5.5%, P = 0.22) when compared with controls (-16.4 ± 5.5%). In the three groups, infarct size (ß = -0.69, P < 0.001) and late MVO (ß = -0.33, P = 0.02) were independent predictors of LVEF deterioration following ischemia/reperfusion (R(2) = 0.73, P < 0.001). Despite both cyclosporine A and postconditioning reduce infarct size, only cyclosporine A infusion had a beneficial effect on microvascular damage and was associated with better preserved LV function when compared with controls.

Low fasting glucose is associated with enhanced thrombin generation and unfavorable fibrin clot properties in type 2 diabetic patients with high cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of low blood glucose on thrombin generation and fibrin clot properties in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: In 165 patients with T2DM and high cardiovascular risk, we measured ex vivo plasma fibrin clot permeation [Ks], turbidity and efficiency of fibrinolysis including clot lysis time [t50%], together with thrombin generation and platelet activation markers in relation to fasting blood glucose. RESULTS: As compared to patients in medium (4.5-6.0 mmol/l, n = 52) and higher (>6.0 mmol/l, n = 75) glucose group, subjects with low glycemia (<4.5 mmol/l, n = 38) had lower Ks by 11% (p < 0.001) and 8% (p = 0.01), respectively, prolonged t50% by 10% (p < 0.001) and 7% (p = 0.016), respectively, and higher peak thrombin generation by 21% and 16%, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). There were no significant differences in Ks and t50% between patients in medium and higher glucose group. In the whole group, a J-shape relationship was observed between glycemia and the following factors: peak thrombin generation, Ks and t50%. Only in patients with HbA1c < 6.0% (42 mmol/mol) (n = 26) fasting glucose positively correlated with Ks (r = 0.53, P = 0.006) and inversely with t50% (r = -0.46, P = 0.02). By multiple regression analysis, after adjustment for age, fibrinogen, HbA1c, insulin treatment and T2DM duration, fasting glycemia was the independent predictor of Ks (F = 6.6, df = 2, P = 0.002), t50% (F = 8.0, df = 2, P < 0.001) and peak thrombin generation (F = 13.5, df = 2, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In T2DM patients fasting glycemia <4.5 mmol/l is associated with enhanced thrombin formation and formation of denser fibrin clots displaying lower lysability, especially when strict glycemia control was achieved (HbA1c<6.0%).

Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids reduce lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) in patients with stable angina.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Increased consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) together with lifestyle measures and medications is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanisms underlying observed benefits are not well defined. To this aim, we evaluated the effects of omega-3 PUFA in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) mass and activity and their relation to oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxy-LDL). METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study Lp-PLA2, oxy-LDL, myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6 were determined at baseline, 3-5 days and 30 days during administration of omega-3 PUFA 1 g/day (n = 30) or placebo (n = 24). Treatment with omega-3 PUFA resulted in reduction of Lp-PLA2 mass by 10.7%, activity by 9.3 (p = 0.026 for both) and oxy-LDL by 10.9% (p = 0.014) at 30 days, with no change in myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6. Compared with placebo, patients receiving omega-3 PUFA had lower Lp-PLA2 mass by 9.42%, activity by 9.2 (p = 0.041 for both) and oxy-LDL by 12.3% (p = 0.10) after one month, but not at 3-5 days. There were no correlations between Lp-PLA2 and both myeloperoxidase and oxy-LDL throughout the study. The multivariate model showed that only treatment with omega-3 PUFA and baseline myeloperoxidase levels were independent predictors of Lp-PLA2 mass changes at one month (R(2) = 0.37, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of omega-3 PUFA can decrease Lp-PLA2 in patients with stable angina undergoing PCI. This novel effect may contribute to the benefits derived from omega-3 PUF.

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with heart failure with improved ejection fraction. First Polish experience from LECRA-HF registry.

PURPOSE: Heart failure (HF) with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) is a new category of HF introduced in the newest European Society of Cardiology guidelines. However, clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of HFimpEF patients remain insufficiently elucidated. We sought to characterize Polish HFimpEF patients and determine their long-term mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 1186 patients enrolled in the single-center Lesser Poland Cracovian Heart Failure (LECRA-HF) registry between 2009 and 2019 and hospitalized due to HF decompensation, 340 (28.7%) were those with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Based on follow-up echocardiography, 61 (17.9%) of them were classified as HFimpEF and the remaining as HFnon-impEF. RESULTS: HFimpEF patients were more frequently females (P â€‹< â€‹0.001), had higher baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, P â€‹< â€‹0.001), had less often a history of diabetes (P â€‹= â€‹0.024), severe chronic kidney disease (P â€‹= â€‹0.026) or prior myocardial infarction (P â€‹= â€‹0.008) than HFnon-impEF patients. By multivariable analysis the HFimpEF diagnosis was independently predicted by baseline NYHA I/II (odds ratio [OR] 2.347, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.020-5.405), non-ischemic etiology (OR 3.096, 95%CI 1.587-6.024), lack of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.016, 95%CI 1.059-3.846) and higher baseline LVEF (OR 1.084, 95%CI 1.042-1.126, per 1%). Within the median 49 (25-77) months all-cause mortality was lower in HFimpEF than in HFnon-impEF (10.8 vs 16.4%/year, P â€‹= â€‹0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that every sixth Polish patient with HFrEF has a chance to improve LVEF during follow-up and to become a HFimpEF patient. Baseline characteristics of HFimpEF patients are different from HFnon-impEF. Simultaneously, the HFimpEF diagnosis is associated with higher long-term survival.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids increase plasma adiponectin to leptin ratio in stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests a cardioprotective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). However, the exact mechanisms underlying the effects of omega-3 PUFA in humans have not yet been fully clarified. PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate omega-3 PUFA-mediated effects on adipokines in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, in which adiponectin, leptin and resistin were determined at baseline, 3-5 days and 30 days during administration of omega-3 PUFA 1 g/day (n=20) or placebo (n=28). RESULTS: As compared to controls administration of omega-3 PUFA resulted in increase of adiponectin by 13.4% (P<0.0001), reduction of leptin by 22% (P<0.0001) and increase of adiponectin to leptin (A/L) ratio by 45.5% (P<0.0001) at 30 days, but not at 3-5 days. Compared with placebo adiponectin was 12.7% higher (P=0.0042), leptin was 16.7% lower (P<0.0001) and A/L ratio was 33.3% higher (P<0.0001) in the omega-3 PUFA group at 30 days. Resistin decreased similarly in both groups after 1 month, without intergroup differences (P=0.32). The multivariate model showed that the independent predictors of changes in adiponectin at 1 month (P<0.001) were: omega-3 PUFA treatment, baseline platelet count, total cholesterol and those in leptin (P<0.0001) were: omega-3 PUFA treatment and waist circumference. Independent predictors of A/L ratio changes (P<0.0001) were: assigned treatment, current smoking and hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: In high risk stable coronary patients after PCI omega-3 PUFA supplementation improves adipokine profile in circulating blood. This might be a novel, favourable mechanism of omega-3 PUFA action.

Type 2 diabetes as a modifier of fibrin clot properties in patients with coronary artery disease.

Altered fibrin clot structure has been reported both in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The aim of the present study was to evaluate plasma fibrin clot permeability and susceptibility to lysis in patients with DM2 and CAD. We studied 132 consecutive CAD patients, including 67 subjects with DM2, scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Ex vivo plasma fibrin clot permeability (K(s)) and lysis time (t(50%)) induced by 1 µg/mL recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), along with plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), tPA, von Willebrand factor (vWF), P-selectin, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), were measured. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients did not differ in regard to demographics and remaining cardiovascular risk factors. Concomitant DM2 was associated with higher glucose (+24.3%, p < 0.001), fibrinogen (+9.0%, p = 0.037), PAI-1 (+58.7%, p < 0.001), tPA (+24.0%, p < 0.001) and P-selectin (+12.2%, p < 0.001). Compared with the non-diabetic group, the CAD patients with DM2 had lower K(s) (-6.1%, p = 0.02) and prolonged t(50%) (+5.1%, p = 0.04). Multiple regression analysis of the whole study group showed that vWF, PAI-1, fibrinogen and DM2 were the independent predictors of t(50%) (R(2) = 0.58, p < 0.001), while only vWF was an independent predictor of K(s) (R(2) = 0.22, p < 0.001). This study indicates that DM2 is potent enough to unfavorably affect plasma fibrin clot characteristics despite abnormal clot phenotype typically observed in CAD. Of note, platelet and endothelial markers appear to contribute to fibrin clot properties in CAD concomitant with DM2.

Effect of high-dose statin therapy on coagulation factors: Lowering of factor XI as a modifier of fibrin clot properties in coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Multiple pleiotropic effects of statins include antithrombotic properties with formation of looser fibrin networks more susceptible to lysis. Recently, rosuvastatin 20 mg/d has been reported to decrease coagulation factors (F) VII, FVIII and FXI in venous thrombosis patients. OBJECTIVES: We investigated how high-dose statin therapy recommended in coronary artery disease (CAD) alters plasma levels of coagulation factors and if such changes might affect fibrin clot properties. METHODS: We studied 130 advanced CAD patients, who initially did not achieve the target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Before high-dose statin therapy (rosuvastatin 40 mg/d or atorvastatin 80 mg/d) and 6-12 months after its initiation, FII, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI and fibrinogen were assessed. We evaluated the impact of statin-induced alterations to the factors on plasma fibrin clot permeability (Ks) reflecting a fibrin pore size, and clot lysis time (CLT) reflecting fibrinolytic potential. RESULTS: At baseline LDL-C (median 3.2, interquartile range 2.7-3.7 mmol/L) was independently associated solely with FXI (ß = 0.58, P < 0.001). Median LDL-C reduction by 25% (P < 0.001) on high-dose statin treatment was accompanied by lowering of FVII, FVIII, and FXI (for all P < 0.001). On high-dose statin treatment, Ks (R = 0.65, P < 0.001) inversely associated with CRP (ß = -0.41, P < 0.001), LDL-C (ß = -0.26, P = 0.001), and FXI (ß = -0.18, P = 0.016). In turn, CLT (R = 0.45, P < 0.001) was positively associated with LDL-C (ß = 0.19, P = 0.043) and FXI (ß = 0.17, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: High-dose statin therapy in CAD patients decreases FVII, FVIII, and FXI. The statin-induced reduction in FXI may contribute to less prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype, indicating additional antithrombotic effect of high-dose statins.

Thin-cap fibroatheroma and increased coronary intima-media thickness are associated with an altered balance of arginine metabolites.

INTRODUCTION: Arginase inhibition increases plasma citrulline and citrulline / ornithine (C/O) ratio, and reduces plasma ornithine and ornithine / arginine (O/A) ratio in an animal model of myocardial infarction (MI). OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that the presence of thin­cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) in the culprit lesion and increased non­culprit intima­media thickness of an infarct­related artery (IRA) are associated with an altered balance of arginine metabolites. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Arginine and its metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry in 100 consecutive MI patients upon admission and at 6­month follow­up. TCFA and adjacent to culprit lesion proximal and distal 10­mm segments were assessed with optical coherence tomography in the acute phase. Twenty five patients without coronary lesions on angiography served as controls. RESULTS: The C/O ratio increased 5.33 times (P <0.001), while the O/A ratio decreased 2.53 times (P <0.001) at the 6­month follow­up, as compared with the acute phase of MI. The patients with (n = 75) vs without (n = 25) TCFA had lower C/O ratio by 29% (P = 0.003), while the mean intima­media diameter of adjacent non­culprit region correlated with the follow­up O/A ratio (R = 0.337; P = 0.003). In a multivariable analysis, a higher acute phase C/O ratio was associated with a lower risk of TCFA presence (odds ratio, 0.978; 95% CI, 0.962-0.994; P = 0.006), whereas a higher follow­up O/A ratio correlated with larger intima­media diameter of the adjacent segments (ß coefficient, 0.227; 95% CI for ß coefficient, 0.045-0.409; P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced arginase activity over nitric oxide synthase following ischemia was associated with the presence of TCFA in the culprit lesion, while a similar metabolic shift in the chronic phase correlated with a greater thickness of the intima­media in the adjacent non­culprit IRA segments.