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Cardiovascular Diabetology Jul 2023The TyG index is an indicator of insulin resistance (IR), which is associated with the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to summarize... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The TyG index is an indicator of insulin resistance (IR), which is associated with the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to summarize the relationship between the TyG index and the risk, severity, and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published from inception until May 1, 2023. Cross-sectional studies, retrospective or prospective cohort studies recruiting patients with CAD were included. For the analysis of CAD severity, the outcomes were coronary artery calcification, coronary artery stenosis, coronary plaque progression, multi-vessel CAD, and in-stent re-stenosis. For the analysis of CAD prognosis, the primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
RESULTS
Forty-one studies were included in this study. Compared to patients with the lowest TyG index, those with the highest TyG index had a higher CAD risk [odds ratio (OR): 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-3.14, I = 91%, P = 0.007]. Additionally, these patients were more likely to have stenotic coronary arteries (OR: 3.49, 95% CI 1.71-7.12, I = 0%, P = 0.0006), progressed plaques (OR: 1.67, 95% CI 1.28-2.19, I = 0%, P = 0.002), and with more vessels involved (OR: 2.33, 95% CI 1.59-3.42, I = 0%, P < 0.0001). When calculated as a categorized variable, it appears that acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with higher TyG index levels may have a higher incidence rate of MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 2.09, 95% CI 1.68-2.62, I = 87%, P < 0.00001], whereas chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) or stable CAD patients with higher TyG index levels showed a trend towards an increased incidence rate of MACE (HR: 1.24, 95% CI 0.96-1.60, I = 85%, P = 0.09). When calculated as a continuous variable, ACS patients had an HR of 2.28 per 1-unit/1-standard deviation increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.44-3.63, I = 95%, P = 0.0005). Similarly, CCS or stable CAD patients had an HR of 1.49 per 1-unit/1-standard deviation increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.21-1.83, I = 75%, P = 0.0001). Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries patients had an HR of 1.85 per 1-unit increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.17-2.93, P = 0.008).
CONCLUSIONS
The TyG index is a simple new synthetic index that has been proven to be a valuable tool in the whole-course management of CAD patients. Patients with higher TyG index levels are at a higher risk of CAD, more severe coronary artery lesions, and worse prognosis compared to those with lower TyG index levels.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Glucose; Retrospective Studies; Triglycerides; Prospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Risk Assessment; Prognosis; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Blood Glucose; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37415168
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01906-4 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023Individuals diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD) are exposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Reducing low-density lipoprotein... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Individuals diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD) are exposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels has been established as an effective approach to mitigate these risks. However, a comprehensive and up-to-date meta-analysis investigating the LDL-C-lowering effectiveness and the impact on coronary atherosclerotic plaque compositions of Ezetimibe has been lacking.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review by meticulously analyzing databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of ezetimibe in lowering LDL-C levels and its influence on coronary atherosclerotic plaques among individuals with ACD. This review encompassed studies available until August 1, 2023. In our analysis, we employed the weighted mean difference (WMD) as the aggregated statistical measure, accompanied by the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
We encompassed a total of 20 eligible studies. Our findings unveiled that the combined therapy involving ezetimibe alongside statins led to a more substantial absolute decrease in LDL-C in comparison to using statins alone. This difference in means amounted to (-14.06 mg/dl; 95% CI -18.0 to -10.0; = 0.0001). Furthermore, upon conducting subgroup analyses, it became evident that the intervention strategies proved effective in diminishing the volume of dense calcification (DC) in contrast to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study findings indicate that the inclusion of ezetimibe in conjunction with statin therapy leads to a modest yet meaningful additional reduction in LDL-C levels when compared to using statins in isolation. Importantly, the introduction of ezetimibe resulted in a significant decrease in the volume of DC. However, it is worth noting that further investigation is warranted to delve deeper into this phenomenon.
PubMed: 38075958
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1269172 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023Carotid atherosclerotic plaque is an important independent risk factor for stroke. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) influences cholesterol levels and certain isoforms are...
INTRODUCTION
Carotid atherosclerotic plaque is an important independent risk factor for stroke. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) influences cholesterol levels and certain isoforms are associated with increased carotid atherosclerosis, though the exact association between APOE and carotid plaque is uncertain. The study aimed to evaluate the association between APOE and carotid plaque.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed to retrieve all studies which examined the association between carotid plaque and APOE. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Independent readers extracted the relevant data from each study including the type of imaging assessment, plaque definition, frequency of APOE E4 carrier status and type of genotyping. Meta-analyses with an assessment of study heterogeneity and publication bias were performed. Results were presented in a forest plot and summarized using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
After screening 838 studies, 17 studies were included for systematic review. A meta-analysis of 5 published studies showed a significant association between 4 homozygosity and carotid plaque [odds ratio (OR), 1.53; 95% CI, 1.16, 2.02; = .003]. Additionally, there was a significant association between patients possessing at least one 4 allele, heterozygotes or homozygotes, and carotid plaque (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.03, 1.52; = .03). Lastly, there was no association between 4 heterozygosity and carotid plaque (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.93, 1.26; = .30).
CONCLUSION
APOE 4 allele is significantly associated with extracranial carotid atherosclerotic plaque, especially for homozygous individuals.
PubMed: 38034385
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1155916 -
Journal of the American Heart... Dec 2023Complex aortic plaque (CAP) is a potential embolic source in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). We review CAP imaging criteria for transesophageal echocardiogram...
BACKGROUND
Complex aortic plaque (CAP) is a potential embolic source in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). We review CAP imaging criteria for transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance imaging and calculate CAP prevalence in patients with acute CS.
METHODS AND RESULTS
PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 2022 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study design, imaging techniques, CAP criteria, and prevalence. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and Guideline for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies were used to assess risk of bias and reporting completeness, respectively. From 2293 studies, 45 were reviewed for CAP imaging biomarker criteria in patients with acute CS (N=37 TEE; N=9 CTA; N=6 magnetic resonance imaging). Most studies (74%) used ≥4 mm plaque thickness as the imaging criterion for CAP although ≥1 mm (N=1, CTA), ≥5 mm (N=5, TEE), and ≥6 mm (N=2, CTA) were also reported. Additional features included mobility, ulceration, thrombus, protrusions, and assessment of plaque composition. From 23 prospective studies, CAP was detected in 960 of 2778 patients with CS (0.32 [95% CI, 0.24-0.41], =94%). By modality, prevalence estimates were 0.29 (95% CI, 0.20-0.40; =95%) for TEE; 0.23 (95% CI, 0.15-0.34; =87%) for CTA and 0.22 (95% CI, 0.06-0.54; =92%) for magnetic resonance imaging.
CONCLUSIONS
TEE was commonly used to assess CAP in patients with CS. The most common CAP imaging biomarker was ≥4 mm plaque thickness. CAP was observed in one-third of patients with acute CS. However, high study heterogeneity suggests a need for reproducible imaging methods.
Topics: Humans; Brain Ischemia; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Stroke; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Ischemic Stroke; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38014682
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.031797 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024The diagnostic performance and clinical validity of automatic intracoronary imaging (ICI) tools for atherosclerotic plaque assessment have not been systematically...
BACKGROUND
The diagnostic performance and clinical validity of automatic intracoronary imaging (ICI) tools for atherosclerotic plaque assessment have not been systematically investigated so far.
METHODS
We performed a scoping review including studies on automatic tools for automatic plaque components assessment by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular imaging (IVUS). We summarized study characteristics and reported the specifics and diagnostic performance of developed tools.
RESULTS
Overall, 42 OCT and 26 IVUS studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were found, with the majority published in the last 5 years (86% of the OCT and 73% of the IVUS studies). A convolutional neural network deep-learning method was applied in 71% of OCT- and 34% of IVUS-studies. Calcium was the most frequent plaque feature analyzed (26/42 of OCT and 12/26 of IVUS studies), and both modalities showed high discriminatory performance in testing sets [range of area under the curve (AUC): 0.91-0.99 for OCT and 0.89-0.98 for IVUS]. Lipid component was investigated only in OCT studies ( = 26, AUC: 0.82-0.86). Fibrous cap thickness or thin-cap fibroatheroma were mainly investigated in OCT studies ( = 8, AUC: 0.82-0.94). Plaque burden was mainly assessed in IVUS studies ( = 15, testing set AUC reported in one study: 0.70).
CONCLUSION
A limited number of automatic machine learning-derived tools for ICI analysis is currently available. The majority have been developed for calcium detection for either OCT or IVUS images. The reporting of the development and validation process of automated intracoronary imaging analyses is heterogeneous and lacks critical information.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Open Science Framework (OSF), https://osf.io/nps2b/.Graphical AbstractCentral Illustration.
PubMed: 38742173
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1332925 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Chinese medicine detoxification and dredging collaterals in treating carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). A...
To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Chinese medicine detoxification and dredging collaterals in treating carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). A systematic and comprehensive search of nine relevant domestic and international databases were conducted from their inception until June 2022. The methodological quality of the included trials was evaluated, and the efficacy and safety were comprehensively analyzed. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the research quality evaluation and data extraction were conducted, followed by a meta-analysis of the selected articles. The Cochrane's Bias risk assessment was utilized to evaluate the quality of the evidence. Of the 2,660 studies initially retrieved, 14 studies were included, involving a total of 1,518 patients. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the clinical efficacy of the Detoxification and Collateral Dredging method in the treatment of CAS was superior to that of western medicine treatment alone, and the difference was statistically significant [RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.13, 1.34)] Furthermore, carotid intima-media thickness [Mean Difference (MD) = -0.10, 95% CI (-0.13, -0.08)] and Crouse plaque score [MD = -0.54, 95% CI (-0.75, -0.32)] were significantly lower in the Detoxification and Collateral Dredging group compared to the pure western medicine treatment group. The difference was statistically significant. In addition, serum total cholesterol [MD = -0.70, 95% CI (-0.85, -0.55)] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [MD = -0.70, 95% CI (-0.85, -0.55)] were lower in the Detoxification and Collateral Dredging group than in the Western medicine group, with all differences being statistically significant. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in the Detoxification and Collateral Dredging group compared to the pure western medicine group, and the difference was statistically significant [MD = 0.17, 95% CI (0.11, 0.23)]. The use of Chinese medicine Detoxification and Collateral Dredging approach in the treatment of CAS may offer benefits in improving carotid atherosclerotic plaque and reducing blood lipid levels, with a safety profile superior to that of western medicine treatment alone.
PubMed: 38146459
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1147964 -
BMC Medical Imaging Oct 2023We aimed to perform a qualitative synthesis of evidence on the role of Ga-Pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to perform a qualitative synthesis of evidence on the role of Ga-Pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis.
METHODS
A systematic search of the PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting the evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions by Ga-Pentixafor PET was performed with a search time frame from database creation to 2022-12-26. The diagnostic test evaluation tool QUADAS-2 was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and to perform descriptive analyses of relevant outcome indicators.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies with 280 patients were included. One study reported only imaging outcome metrics, while the other five studies reported imaging outcome metrics and clinical correlation metrics. For imaging outcomes, three studies reported imaging results for Ga-Pentixafor PET only, and the other three studies reported imaging results for comparative analysis of Ga-Pentixafor PET with F-FDG PET. For clinical correlation, three studies reported the correlation between tracer uptake and cardiovascular risk factors, one study reported the correlation between tracer uptake and plaque calcification, and one study reported the correlation between all three: tracer uptake, cardiovascular risk factors, and plaque calcification.
CONCLUSION
Ga-Pentixafor PET has a good imaging effect on atherosclerotic lesions, and it is a promising imaging modality that may replace F-FDG PET for atherosclerosis imaging in the future. In patients with atherosclerosis, there is a clear clinical correlation between cardiovascular risk factors, tracer uptake, and plaque calcification.
Topics: Humans; Gallium Radioisotopes; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Clinical Relevance; Receptors, CXCR4; Atherosclerosis; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Calcinosis
PubMed: 37884885
DOI: 10.1186/s12880-023-01134-y -
The Journal of Tehran Heart Center Oct 2023Among its functions, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates endothelial and macrophage activation, possibly playing a role in atherosclerotic plaque... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Among its functions, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates endothelial and macrophage activation, possibly playing a role in atherosclerotic plaque pathophysiology. Given contradicting reports, this study sought to investigate whether blood levels of BDNF differed between patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and controls.
METHODS
We explored PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies comparing BDNF blood levels in patients with CHD and controls. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of included articles, and statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.0.4.
RESULTS
The final analysis comprised 12 investigations covering 1422 CHD cases and 929 controls with mean ages of 59.66±13.56 and 53.78±13.61 years, respectively. The initial analyses revealed a tendency toward low levels of BDNF in the CHD group compared with the control group (SMD= -0.41; 95% CI, -1.12 to 0.30; P=0.26). After the removal of outliers, the difference achieved statistical difference (SMD= -0.56; 95% CI, -0.93 to -0.19; P<0.01). Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant difference between serum and plasma BDNF levels (P=0.54); however, subgroup analyses of studies investigating plasma BDNF showed that patients with CHD had significantly lower BDNF levels.
CONCLUSION
Serum and plasma BDNF concentrations were considerably lower in patients with CHD than in healthy controls. Further studies of higher quality are required on the potential role of BDNF as a biomarker of CHD pathophysiology and severity.
PubMed: 38680638
DOI: 10.18502/jthc.v18i4.14823 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Apr 2024The clinical characteristics and mechanisms of stroke caused by anterior circulation atherosclerotic plaques (ACAPs) and posterior circulation atherosclerotic plaques... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Differences in intracranial atherosclerosis plaque between posterior circulation and anterior circulation on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The clinical characteristics and mechanisms of stroke caused by anterior circulation atherosclerotic plaques (ACAPs) and posterior circulation atherosclerotic plaques (PCAPs) are distinct. We aimed to compare the differences in vulnerability, morphology, and distribution between ACAPs and PCAPs based on hign-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang database were retrieved from inception through May 2023. Meta-analysis was performed by R 4.2.1 software. The quality of the literature was assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the heterogeneity of the pooled results.
RESULTS
There were a total of 13 articles, including 1194 ACAPs and 1037 PCAPs. The pooled estimates demonstrated that the incidence of intraplaque hemorrhage in the PCAPs was higher (OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.35-2.18). The plaque length (SMD 0.23, 95%CI 0.06-0.39) and remodeling index (SMD 0.29, 95%CI 0.14-0.44) of PCAPs were larger than those in ACAPs. However, there were no evident differences in significant enhancement or stenosis degree between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
There were more unstable features in PCAPs, highlighting an elevated risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation. Furthermore, PCAPs were prone to developing penetrating artery disease due to their wider distribution. Nevertheless, posterior circulation arteries exhibited a greater propensity for outward remodeling, which may lead treatment team to miss the optimal intervention stage by being overlooked on angiographic detection.
Topics: Humans; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Stroke; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Intracranial Arteriosclerosis
PubMed: 38316284
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107616 -
Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy Oct 2023Atherosclerotic plaques can cause carotid artery stenosis, and "vulnerable plaques" can even lead to ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to assess the...
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerotic plaques can cause carotid artery stenosis, and "vulnerable plaques" can even lead to ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) for the detection of carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in patients with atherosclerotic plaques.
METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and Wanfang databases until January 17, 2023. We included original studies with information on diagnostic accuracy of SMI for the evaluation of carotid IPN. The primary outcome was the accuracy of SMI for detecting carotid IPN. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the accuracy of each parameter. We used the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) to assess the risk of bias for each included article. Meta-regression was performed to determine items that may have contributed to heterogeneity in the sensitivity or specificity of the test.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 20 studies with 1,589 carotid plaques in 1,225 patients. The analysis showed a sensitivity and specificity of SMI for detecting IPN of 93% [95% confidence interval (CI): 87-96%] and 80% (95% CI: 71-87%), respectively. The risk of bias across the QUADAS-2 domains was low. Only the proportion of dyslipidemia influenced the estimates of sensitivity and specificity.
CONCLUSIONS
This review suggests that SMI has a good diagnostic performance for detecting carotid IPN. The very high sensitivity with excellent post-test probability indicated that SMI can be recommended to screen for carotid IPN among patients with carotid plaques.
PubMed: 37941846
DOI: 10.21037/cdt-23-202