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- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing-Guided Exercise Therapy in Hypertensive
Patients: A Single Center Study
Abstract: Conclusion: In addition to drug treatment, cardiac rehabilitation guided by CPET can effectively improve blood pressure control, reduce blood pressure variability, improve cardiorespiratory function and lipid metabolism, and increase exercise endurance in patients with Grade 1 hypertension. Its efficacy is clear and safe, with clinical value for promotion.
PubDate: Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:37:03 +000
- The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Mechanisms
and Clinical Implications
Abstract: Conclusion: COVID-19 infection can influence the onset and progression of aortic aneurysms by affecting the RAAS, triggering inflammation and immune dysregulation in the arterial wall, and inducing a hypercoagulation state. It is crucial to comprehensively understand the impact of pandemic viral infections on aortic diseases at the foundational and clinical levels, thereby identifying potential preventative or therapeutic approaches and preparing for potential future outbreaks.
PubDate: Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:19:20 +000
- Impact of Endurance Exercise Training on Biomarkers of Aortic Endothelial
Damage in Diabetic Rats
Abstract: Given the heightened risk of diabetes-related cardiovascular events associated with inactivity, this study investigates the molecular mechanisms of vascular damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The aim is to elucidate the impact of different exercises (interval and continuous training) and metformin on biochemical parameters, aortic injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation to provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions for diabetes-associated vascular complications. Male Wistar rats were administered a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. Diabetic rats underwent either interval training or continuous training (40 min/day, 5 days/week, 6 weeks), received metformin (300 mg/kg), or a combination of metformin and exercise. After 6 weeks, biochemical parameters in serum and oxidative stress markers and mRNA expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in aorta tissue were assessed. Serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), TG/HDL, TC/HDL, and LDL/HDL ratios were significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to the diabetes group. Both types of exercises, metformin, and exercise+metformin combinations, significantly reduced oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhancing the antioxidant status in the aortic tissue compared to the diabetic group. In addition, in exercise groups, metformin, and combination groups, the expression of eNOS was significantly elevated, while LOX-1 and ICAM-1 expression significantly decreased compared to the diabetic group. In most cases, the combination of exercise and metformin (especially interval training) was more effective than exercise alone. It seems that exercise along with taking metformin can be considered as a therapeutic method by improving hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and reducing oxidative stress and vascular inflammatory responses, leading to ameliorating biomarkers function related to endothelial damage in experimental diabetes conditions.
PubDate: Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:37:26 +000
- Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (OCABG) Surgery Outcome: AKI
Incidence, Serum Uric Acid, and Cut-Offs of Variables
Abstract: Conclusion: SUA levels are independently associated with a higher risk of AKI and outcome complications after off-pump CABG, and confounding factors at specific cutoffs affect the odds ratio of UA for AKI occurrence.
PubDate: Thu, 04 Jul 2024 10:20:12 +000
- Designing, Validation, and Feasibility of Integrated Approach of
Heartfulness Meditation and Yoga Protocol (IAHFNM & YP) for Hypertensive
Participants
Abstract: The module was designed and developed at Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad. The Department of Medicine, MGM Medical College & Hospital, MGMIHS, Navi Mumbai, carried out the validation and subsequently pilot-tested on volunteers. Forty experts were selected to validate the contents of IAHFNM & YP which was designed after a thorough review of meditation and yoga literature. A total of 23 items were included, and each item was rated as essential or not essential by the experts, based on which the content validity ratio (CVR), Item-Level Content Validity Index (I-CVI), and Scale-Level Content Validity Index Average (S-CVI/Ave) were calculated. Reliability analysis and a pilot study for the feasibility of IAHFNM & YP for hypertensive patients were also done. All 23 practices exhibited significant CVR (≥ 0.29), I-CVI (> 0.79), and S-CVI/Ave (> 0.9); thus, the tool was found to have valid contents. Cronbach’s alpha value for the tool was 0.95 which was highly reliable. Feasibility analysis in hypertensive participants showed that the tool is reliable and implementable. The IAHFNM & YP tool designed for hypertensive patients is valid, reliable, and feasible. The patients showed a willingness to continue with heartfulness meditation and yoga practices for participation in research for a longer duration. Further studies to confirm the tool’s efficacy should be conducted with a large sample size.
PubDate: Thu, 04 Jul 2024 10:20:10 +000
- Identification of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related Biomarkers in
Coronary Artery Disease
Abstract: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary vessels. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) acts in cardiovascular disease, and its role in CAD is not clear. A total of 13 differentially expressed ERS-related genes (DEERSRGs) in CAD were identified. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated the DEERSRGs were mainly enriched in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related pathways. Then, eight genes (RCN2, HRC, DERL2, RNF183, CRH, TMED2, PPP1R15A, and IL1A) were authenticated as ERS-related biomarkers in CAD by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the LASSO logistic model constructed based on biomarkers had a better diagnostic effect, which was confirmed by the ANN and GSE23561 datasets. Also, ROC results showed that seven of the eight biomarkers had better diagnostic effects. The nomogram model had good predictive power, and biomarkers were mostly enriched in pathways associated with CAD. The biomarkers were significantly associated with 10 immune cells, and RCN2, DERL2, TMED2, and RNF183 were negatively correlated with most chemokines. Eight biomarkers had significant correlations with both immunoinhibitors and immunostimulators. In addition, eight biomarkers were significantly different in both CAD and control samples, CRH and HRC were upregulated in CAD. The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that RCN2, HRC, DERL2, CRH, and IL1A were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. RCN2, HRC, DERL2, RNF183, CRH, TMED2, PPP1R15A, and IL1A were identified as biomarkers of CAD. Functional enrichment analysis and immunoassays for biomarkers provide new ideas for the treatment of CAD.
PubDate: Wed, 03 Jul 2024 12:05:20 +000
- Benzoylaconine: Potential Therapeutic Agent for Cardiovascular Diseases
From Fuzi
Abstract: Modern pharmacological studies have elucidated the presence of aconitine (AC) alkaloids, polysaccharides, and saponins as the primary bioactive constituents of Fuzi. Among these, benzoylaconine, a pivotal active compound, demonstrates notable pharmacological properties including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. In recent years, benzoylaconine has garnered significant attention in basic research on heart diseases, emerging as a focal point of investigation. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the pharmacological effects of benzoylaconine, alongside an overview of advancements in metabolic characterization. The objective is to furnish valuable insights that can serve as a cornerstone for further exploration, utilization, and advancement of benzoylaconine in pharmacological research.
PubDate: Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:48:35 +000
- Achievement of LDL-Cholesterol Goals in Patients Receiving LLT in Primary
Care: TERESA-AP Study
Abstract: Conclusions: On average, only a quarter of the patients followed up in PC and who receive drug treatment reach their therapeutic targets. This percentage is slightly higher if the patients have CVD and DM and lower if they have CKD. The most commonly used therapeutic strategy is moderate-intensity statins, both in monotherapy and in combination with ezetimibe.
PubDate: Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:48:22 +000
- Cardiovascular Diseases Among Indian Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and India is no exception to this trend. With the ongoing aging of the population in India, there is a notable surge in the prevalence and impact of CVDs among older adults. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge concerning the prevalence, risk factors, and management of CVDs in the context of Indian older adults. The incidence of CVDs in India is not only alarming but also exhibits an upward trajectory with advancing age. Primary risk factors contributing to the elevated incidence among older adults include hypertension (HT), diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits. Additionally, stress and genetic predisposition emerge as noteworthy contributors to CVDs in this population. Effectively identifying and managing these risk factors among older adults in India is imperative to alleviate the burden of these diseases and enhance overall quality of life. Strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of CVDs in the country necessitate a comprehensive approach, integrating lifestyle interventions, public health initiatives, and a robust healthcare system. In summary, CVDs represent a significant health concern in both rural and urban areas of India. However, variations exist in the prevalence, risk factors, and accessibility to healthcare between these regions. Therefore, addressing the prevalence of CVDs in India necessitates a complex, multidimensional strategy that takes into account the unique opportunities and challenges that come with living in both rural and urban areas.
PubDate: Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:34:23 +000
- Cardiopulmonary Protection of Modified Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in
Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract: Conclusions: mRIPC decreased the incidence of myocardial and lung injury in MVR surgery, providing new evidence for the clinical application of RIPC in valve surgery.
PubDate: Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:03:18 +000
- Atrial Fibrillation Termination as a Predictor for Persistent Atrial
Fibrillation Ablation: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective
Studies
Abstract: Conclusion: Our study establishes that AF termination serves as an effective predictor for the success of persistent AF ablation procedures. This finding holds potential implications for clinical practice and contributes to our understanding of long-term arrhythmia recurrence in the context of AF termination.
PubDate: Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:19:06 +000
- Atorvastatin Attenuates Endothelial Cell Injury in Atherosclerosis Through
Inhibiting ACSL4-Mediated Ferroptosis
Abstract: Conclusion: Our findings suggest that ATV attenuates endothelial cell injury in AS by inhibiting ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis. These results provide insights into the potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AS.
PubDate: Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:18:16 +000
- Effectiveness and Safety of Shengmai San for Viral Myocarditis: A
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract: Conclusion: SMS used alone or combined with WM may have potential effectiveness on symptom alleviation, ECG recovery rate, myocardial injury markers, and cardiac function, but the effectiveness is uncertain due to the low quality and absence of placebo-controlled trials. The exact efficacy of SMS for VMC needs to be confirmed by high-quality double-blind RCTs in the future.
PubDate: Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:48:56 +000
- Impact of Prolonged Cycle Length Resulting From Conversion of Atrial
Fibrillation to Atrial Tachycardia on Ablation Outcome in Persistent
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Abstract: Conclusions: Upon termination of persistent AF into AT during ablation, it was found that CL prolongation beyond 42.5 ms was associated with improved freedom from arrhythmia.
PubDate: Sat, 08 Jun 2024 12:17:52 +000
- Transcatheter Embolization in Congenital Cardiovascular
Malformations—Variable Use of Vascular Plugs
Abstract: Conclusion: Embolization using AVP is a suitable approach for closure of various cardiovascular malformations with a high primary success rate and low complication rate. It should be considered in treatment of different irregular vessel anomalies and in selected VSD.
PubDate: Wed, 29 May 2024 03:50:00 +000
- Invasive Hemodynamic Changes Associated With Sodium-Glucose
Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been shown to lower incident heart failure (HF) and HF hospitalizations, but the mechanisms of benefit in relation to invasive hemodynamics remain unclear. Using PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed multiple online databases for randomized trials evaluating the effect of SGLT2i on invasive hemodynamics. Rest and peak exercise invasive hemodynamics were measured via right heart catheterization pre- and postintervention. Random effects model meta-analysis at a 95% confidence interval was done using RevMan 5.0. A total of 3 studies with a total of 145 patients were included in the meta-analysis. SGLT2i was significantly associated with a reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at rest and peak exercise. Similarly, SGLT2i reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest and peak exercise, respectively; however, this was not statistically significant. This hypothesis-generating study offers mechanistic insights into the central hemodynamic effects of SGLT2i underpinning the HF benefits of SGLT2i.
PubDate: Mon, 27 May 2024 15:50:01 +000
- Attenuating Atherosclerosis through Inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β
Pathway-Mediated Pyroptosis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs)
Abstract: Objective. We investigated the effects of resveratrol (Res) and MCC950 on the pyroptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the potential pathway. Methods and Results. Compared with the control (Con) group, the atherosclerosis (AS) group showed calcified nodules, which suggested that the calcification medium induced the calcification of VSMCs. VSMCs showed proliferative activity and significantly attenuated calcification under treatment with 10 μmol/L Res. The calcium salt was detected by alizarin red S staining. Res and MCC950 downregulated the calcification, inflammatory, pyroptosis, and transcription factor-related indicators all decreased by RT-qPCR with Western blot and immunofluorescence. The results showed that Res and MCC950 refrained the calcification of VSMCs and that Res has a better effect than MCC950. Plaques and calcium salt deposits were present in the carotid region in the control group. More calcium salt deposits were evident in the plaques of the Par group by HE staining and alizarin red S staining. The calcification indexes BMP2, Runx2, and related indexes declined by immunofluorescence, which showed parthenolide-inhibited AS. The related protein expressions were consistent with the expression of the cell experiments. Conclusion. Our data demonstrated that inflammatory response and pyroptosis exacerbate AS and unravel the link between VSMCs and the progression of AS lesions. Res and MCC950 inhibited the calcification of VSMCs by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling axis. P53 can exacerbate the AS lesions by acting on NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis. Our findings supported the clinical applications of Res and MCC950 in VSMCs individuals to counteract pyroptosis and AS, and P53 inhibitors also can be a potential treatment for AS.
PubDate: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:50:00 +000
- Perioperative Treatment with Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran on Changes of
Coagulation and Platelet Activation Biomarkers following Left Atrial
Appendage Closure
Abstract: Insufficient data exist regarding the investigation of the impact of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) on coagulation activation biomarkers in the context of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and device-related thrombosis (DRT). The study was designed to investigate the changes and presence of coagulation activation biomarkers between different antithrombotic strategies following LAAC. A total of 120 nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients intolerant of long-term anticoagulants, who underwent successful WATCHMAN closure implantation, were enrolled (rivaroxaban, ; dabigatran, ). Blood samples were obtained from left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) during the operation and fasting blood samples on the same day of LAAC and 45 days after discharge. The biochemical indicators, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and CD40 ligand (CD40L), were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The primary endpoints of this study were the efficacy and safety characteristics of different antithrombotic strategies, including DRT incidence, stroke or transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, and clinical major and nonmajor bleeding complications during the follow-up of 180 days. The results revealed that TAT, vWF, sP-selectin, and CD40L levels in vein were significantly reduced by 2.4% (), 5.0% (), 8.7% (), and 2.5% () from their baseline levels after rivaroxaban treatment. Conversely, no significant changes were detected in the dabigatran group. Furthermore, the plasma levels of platelet activation biomarkers (CD40L and sP-selectin) in both LA and LAA groups were significantly lower after anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, as compared to dabigatran treatment (CD40L: vs. for LA , vs. for LAA ; sP-selectin: vs. for LA , vs. for LAA ). Notably, the present study suggests that rivaroxaban may be more effective in the prevention of DRT for patients undergoing LAAC.
PubDate: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:50:00 +000
- DUSP22 Ameliorates Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in HUVECs through
Smad2/3 and MAPK Signaling Pathways
Abstract: Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process by which endothelial cells lose their endothelial properties and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Dual-specific protein phosphatase 22 (DUSP22) inactivates various protein kinases and transcription factors by dephosphorylating serine/threonine residues: hence, it plays a key role in many diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the functional role of DUSP22 in EndMT. In the transforming growth factor-β-induced EndMT model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we observed a downregulation of DUSP22 expression. This DUSP22 deficiency could aggravate EndMT. Conversely, the overexpression of DUSP22 could ameliorate EndMT. We used signaling pathway inhibitors to verify our results and found that DUSP22 could regulate EndMT through the smad2/3 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In summary, DUSP22 ameliorates EndMT in HUVECs in vitro through the smad2/3 and MAPK signaling pathways.
PubDate: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:05:00 +000
- Major Limitations of Cardiovascular Risk Scores
Abstract: Background. Epidemiological studies conducted in extensive population cohorts have led to the creation of numerous cardiovascular risk predictor models. However, these tools have certain limitations that restrict its applicability. The aim behind the following work is to summarize today’s best-known limitations of cardiovascular risk assessment models through presenting the critical analyses conducted in this area, with the intention of offering practitioners a comprehensive understanding of these restrictions. Critical analyses revealed that these scales exhibit numerous limitations that could impact their performance. Most of these models evaluate cardiovascular risk based on classic risk factors and other restrictions, thereby negatively affecting their sensitivity. Scientists have made significant advancements in improving cardiovascular risk models, tailoring them to accommodate a wide range of populations and devising scales for estimating cardiovascular risks that can account for all prevailing restrictions. Better understanding these limitations could improve the cardiovascular risk stratification.
PubDate: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:35:00 +000
- Laminaria japonica Aresch-Derived Fucoidan Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia by
Upregulating LXRs and Suppressing SREBPs
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and hyperlipidemia is one major inducing factor of CVD. It is worthy to note that fucoidans are reported to have hypolipidemic activity with species specificity; however, the underlying mechanisms of action are far from clarification. This study is aimed at investigating the plasma lipid-lowering mechanisms of the fucoidan from L. japonica Aresch by detecting the levels of hepatic genes that are involved in lipid metabolism. Our results demonstrated that the fucoidan F3 significantly lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. In the mouse liver, fucoidan F3 intervention significantly increased the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, liver X receptor (LXR) α and β, and ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) G1 and G8 and decreased the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), low-density lipoprotein receptor, cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase A1, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1c and SREBP-2. These results demonstrated that the antihyperlipidemic effects of fucoidan F3 are related to its activation of PPARα and LXR/ABC signaling pathways and inactivation of SREBPs. In conclusion, fucoidan F3 may be explored as a potential compound for prevention or treatment of lipid disorders.
PubDate: Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:35:00 +000
- Assessment of Angiography-Based Renal Quantitative Flow Ratio Measurement
in Patients with Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis
Abstract: Background. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is an angiography-based fractional flow reserve measurement without pressure wire or induction of hyperemia. A recent innovation that uses combined geometrical data and hemodynamic boundary conditions to measure QFR from a single angiographic view has shown the potential to measure QFR of the renal artery-renal QFR (rQFR). Objective. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of rQFR measurement and the contribution of rQFR in selecting patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) undergoing revascularization. Methods. This retrospective trial enrolled patients who had ARAS (50-90%) and hypertension. The enrolled patients were treated by optimal antihypertensive medication or revascularization, respectively, and the therapeutic strategies were based on rFFR measurement and/or clinical feature. Results. A total of 55 patients underwent rQFR measurement. Among the enrolled patients, 18 underwent optimal antihypertensive medication and 37 underwent revascularization, 19 patients in whom rQFR and rFFR were both assessed. During the 180-day follow-up, 25 patients saw an improvement in their blood pressure among the 37 patients that underwent revascularization. ROC analysis revealed that rQFR had a high diagnostic accuracy for predicting blood pressure improvement (, 95% CI 0.798-0.998). The ideal cut-off value of rQFR for predicting blood pressure improvement after revascularization is ≤0.72 (sensitivity: 72.00%, specificity: 100%). The paired test and Bland–Altman analyses demonstrated good agreement between rQFR and rFFR (, 95% CI -0.021 to 0.001, 95% limits of agreement: -0.035 to 0.055, ). The Spearman correlation test reveals that there was a significant positive correlation between rQFR and rFFR (, 95% CI 0.874 to 0.982, ).Conclusion. The rQFR has the potential to enhance the ability of angiography to detect functionally significant renal artery stenosis during angiography and to produce results that are comparable to invasive hemodynamic assessment.
PubDate: Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:35:11 +000
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