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International Journal of Cardiology.... Aug 2024Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is distinguished by left ventricle (LV) dilation accompanied by systolic dysfunction. However, some studies suggested also a high prevalence...
BACKGROUND
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is distinguished by left ventricle (LV) dilation accompanied by systolic dysfunction. However, some studies suggested also a high prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), similar to a general cohort of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF). The bulk of evidence, mostly arising from basic studies, suggests a causative link between cardiac fibrosis (CF) and LVDD. However, still, there remains a scarcity of data on LVDD and CF. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the association between CF and LVDD in DCM patients.
METHODS
The study population was composed of 102 DCM patients. Replacement CF was evaluated qualitatively (late gadolinium enhancement - LGE) and quantitively (LGE extent); interstitial cardiac fibrosis was assessed via extracellular volume (ECV). Based on echocardiography patients were divided into normal and elevated left atrial pressure (nLAP, eLAP) groups.
RESULTS
42 % of patients had eLAP. They displayed higher troponin and NT-proBNP. Both groups did not differ in terms of LGE presence and extent; however, eLAP patients had larger ECV: 30.1 ± 5.6 % vs. 27.8 ± 3.9 %, p = 0.03. Moreover, ECV itself was found to be an independent predictor of LVDD (OR = 0.901; 95 %CI 0.810-0.999; p = 0.047; normalised for LVEF and RVOT diameter).
CONCLUSIONS
More than two-in-five DCM patients had at least moderate LVDD. The mere presence or extent of replacement cardiac fibrosis is similar in patients with nLAP and eLAP. On the other hand, interstitial cardiac fibrosis is more pronounced in those with a higher grade of LVDD. ECV was found to be an independent predictor of LVDD in DCM.
PubMed: 38946711
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2024.101426 -
ESC Heart Failure Jul 2024
PubMed: 38946583
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14924 -
Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic... Jul 2024The demand for less invasive nasal procedures has been increasing, highlighting a gap in research on alternatives beyond fillers. This review explores the potential of...
The demand for less invasive nasal procedures has been increasing, highlighting a gap in research on alternatives beyond fillers. This review explores the potential of neuromodulators and energy-based devices for nonsurgical rhinoplasty. Both botulinum toxin and energy-based devices used independently or alongside fillers have been studied for nasal shape adjustments. Neuromodulator injection of the depressor septi nasi can reduce nasal tip droop, which can reduce the appearance of a plunged nose. Treatment of the dilator naris can minimize alar flaring, giving the appearance of a thinner nasal tip. These methods primarily reported patient-reported outcomes. Energy-based devices have been used to address nasal skin quality and shape contouring, including resurfacing devices for rhinophyma with improvement in both physician and patient-reported outcomes. The 1470 nm laser achieved nasal reshaping after two sessions. Radiofrequency microneedling was notable for volumetric reduction in the nose (excluding nasal tip), confirmed by 3D imaging, lasting about 12 months. The use of neuromodulators and energy-based devices may offer promising results for nasal reshaping. However, there is a need for further comparison studies using both objective measures such as 3D photography and physician and patient-reported outcomes, prior to establishing best practices for these techniques.
PubMed: 38946551
DOI: 10.1089/fpsam.2023.0316 -
Ultrastructural Pathology Jul 2024Sepsis denotes a serious high mortality concern. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (MSC-exosomes) on the evolution of the...
The potential therapeutic effects of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on ileum injury of a rat sepsis model (histological and immunohistochemical study).
Sepsis denotes a serious high mortality concern. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (MSC-exosomes) on the evolution of the animal model of sepsis. In this study, 36 rats were distributed into three groups, (I) controls, (II) LPS-treated, and (III) LPS+MSC-EVs. Sepsis was simulated by administering E. coli-LPS to the laboratory animals. Group III was given MSC-exosomes four hours after the LPS injection. Forty-eight hours later rats were sacrificed. Ileum samples were excised, and processed for the histological assessment, immunohistochemical identification of CD44, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Ileum homogenate was used to estimate tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) besides Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2). PCR was used for the detection of interleukin 1α (IL‑1α), and interleukin 17 (IL‑17). Statistical and morphometrical analysis was done. The LPS-treated group showed increased TNF-α, IL‑1α, IL‑17, and decreased COX 2. LPS administration led to cytoplasmic vacuolization of enterocytes, an increase in the vasculature, and cellular infiltrations invaded the lamina propria. There was a significant rise in goblet cells and the proportion of collagen fibers. Ultrastructurally, the enterocytes displayed nuclear irregularity, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) dilatation, and increased mitochondria number. Sepsis induces a significant increase in iNOS and a decrease in CD44 immune expressions. LPS+MSC-EVs group restored normal ileum structure and revealed a significant elevation in CD44 and a reduction in iNOS immunoreactions. LPS-sepsis induced an obvious ileum inflammatory deterioration ameliorated by MSC-exosomes, mostly through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.
Topics: Animals; Sepsis; Rats; Ileum; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Disease Models, Animal; Exosomes; Male; Immunohistochemistry; Rats, Wistar; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
PubMed: 38946300
DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2024.2368011 -
Clinics in Liver Disease Aug 2024Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH), hepatopulmonary syndrome, and hepatic hydrothorax constitute significant complications of portal hypertension, with important... (Review)
Review
Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH), hepatopulmonary syndrome, and hepatic hydrothorax constitute significant complications of portal hypertension, with important implications for management and liver transplantation (LT) candidacy. POPH is characterized by obstruction and remodeling of the pulmonary resistance arterial bed. Hepatopulmonary syndrome is the most common pulmonary vascular disorder, characterized by intrapulmonary vascular dilatations causing impaired gas exchange. LT may improve prognosis in select patients with POPH. LT is the only effective treatment of hepatopulmonary syndrome. Hepatic hydrothorax is defined as transudative pleural fluid accumulation that is not explained by primary cardiopulmonary or pleural disease. LT is the definitive cure for hepatic hydrothorax.
Topics: Humans; Hypertension, Portal; Hepatopulmonary Syndrome; Hydrothorax; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Liver Transplantation
PubMed: 38945638
DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.03.005 -
Heart Rhythm Jun 2024Many genetic non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies (NICM) cause ventricular tachycardias (VT) originating from scar substrate identified as areas of low electrogram...
BACKGROUND
Many genetic non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies (NICM) cause ventricular tachycardias (VT) originating from scar substrate identified as areas of low electrogram voltage. Substrate locations vary and the causes of scar are not well defined.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated VT substrate locations in genetic NICM patients undergoing VT ablation to evaluate spatial relationships between specific variants and substrate locations.
METHODS
In this retrospective case series analysis, 32 patients (age 55 +/- 16 years, 94% male, left ventricular ejection fraction 34 +/- 13%) with genetic NICM referred for VT ablation between October 2018 and November 2022 at a single medical center were evaluated. Scar locations were defined as areas of low unipolar/ bipolar voltage.
RESULTS
Of the thirty-two patients evaluated, mutations in TTN (n=11 of 32), LMNA (n=6 of 32), PKP2 (n=5 of 32), MYBPC3 (n=3 of 32), DSP (n=2 of 32), TTR (n=1 of 32), FLNC (n=1 of 32), AGL (n=1 of 32), DES (n=1 of 32), DSG2 (n=1 of 32), were observed. Substrates associated with mutations in TTN were only observed in basal subregions, predominantly anterior (100%), and septal (50%) regions. LMNA mutations were associated with fibrosis in mid inferolateral (60%) and apical inferolateral (60%) regions. Substrate location for individuals with PKP2 mutations were solely observed in the right ventricle, predominantly basal inferolateral regions.
CONCLUSION
Understanding spatial relationships between genetic variants causing NICM and VT substrate locations can help lead to generalizable regions in patients with genetically related NICM presenting in VT which can be investigated during ablation procedures.
PubMed: 38945504
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.06.047 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Jun 2024transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as a transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, with clinical...
PURPOSE
transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as a transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, with clinical symptoms typically lasting less than one hour, and without evidence of acute infarction. In this type of ischemic event, there are no data about a possible cardiac injury tested with troponin. After a stroke, it is well established the cardiac involvement due to a neuro-inflammatory response (recently defined as Stroke Heart Syndrome). The aim of this study is to compare the troponin elevation after a stroke with TIA.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
this is a retrospective, single center study on 565 patients (73 TIAs, 492 stroke). We collected demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac data such as troponin, NT-proBNP, left atrial dilatation, etiology of the ischemic event (TOAST classification).
RESULTS
we compare IS and TIA for each TOAST subtype. In all groups no substantial differences were found in demographic and past medical history (p>0.05). However, the maximum troponin level reached were significantly lower in TIAs than IS (p<0.05), except in lacunar etiology were troponin elevation was low also in IS group. We found a trend in favor to IS in the rise and fall troponin elevation over 30% in all the TOAST subgroups, but only in the cryptogenic etiology the difference was significant. About the others cardiac markers of injury, a significant higher rate of elevated NT-proBNP was found in the IS cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
troponin level after TIAs is significantly lower than after IS. Troponin elevation after an ischemic event may be more relevant in patients with higher NT-proBNP levels and older age. More studies are needed to better understand the patho-physiology of this phenomenon after an ischemic event.
PubMed: 38945415
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107844 -
Journal of the American Society of... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38945411
DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2024.06.009 -
Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators Jun 2024Numerous interventional studies have revealed the beneficial impact of curcumin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function biomarkers,... (Review)
Review
Numerous interventional studies have revealed the beneficial impact of curcumin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function biomarkers, but the findings are still inconsistent. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function biomarkers. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 31, 2024. Pooled estimates of 21 meta-analyses revealed that curcumin significantly reduced CRP (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.87; 95% CI: - 1.14, - 0.59, P< 0.001), tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (WMD = -2.72; 95% CI: -4.05, -1.38; P< 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD = -0.97, 95% CI: -1.40, -0.54; P< 0.001), malondialdehyde (MDA) (Effect size (ES) = -0.81; 95% CI: -1.39, -0.23, P = 0.006) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) (WMD = -45.60; 95% CI: -88.16, -3.04, P = 0.036), and increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (WMD = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.22, P < 0.001), catalase (CAT) (WMD = 10.26; 95% CI: 0.92, 19.61, P= 0.03), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (WMD = 8.90; 95% CI: 6.62, 11.19, P <0.001), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (WMD = 20.51; 95% CI: 7.35, 33.67, P= 0.002 and SMD = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.27, 1.38, P= 0.004). However, curcumin did not significantly change total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ES = 0.29; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.66, P= 0.059). These results suggest that curcumin has a beneficial effect on CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, SOD, GPx, CAT, MDA, PWV, and FMD levels and may be an effective adjunctive therapy for improving inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function. Registration number: PROSPERO, CRD42024539018.
PubMed: 38945354
DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2024.106867 -
World Neurosurgery Jun 2024Cerebrofacial venous metameric syndrome (CVMS) is a complex low-flow vascular malformation affecting bone and soft tissues, including brain, dura mater, and eye. We show...
Cerebrofacial venous metameric syndrome (CVMS) is a complex low-flow vascular malformation affecting bone and soft tissues, including brain, dura mater, and eye. We show images of CVMS in an 18-month-old boy presenting facial venous malformations, developmental venous anomalies, dural sinus malformations, and dilated great cerebral vein, suggesting a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. Although Sturge-Weber syndrome is the most known form of CVMS, its presentations are variable and include several venous malformations. Recognizing the various manifestations of CVMS is necessary for adequate screening, treatment, and follow-up.
PubMed: 38945210
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.129