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Frontiers in Medicine 2022Studies using arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-PET agents in cardiovascular diseases have been recently published. The aim of this systematic review was to perform an...
Studies using arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-PET agents in cardiovascular diseases have been recently published. The aim of this systematic review was to perform an updated, evidence-based summary about the role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases to better address future research in this setting. Original articles within the field of interest reporting the role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. A systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases was performed until October 26, 2021. Literature shows an increasing role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Overall, two main topics emerged: the infarcted myocardium and atherosclerosis. The existing studies support that αβ integrin expression in the infarcted myocardium is well evident in RGD PET/CT scans. RGD-based PET radiotracers accumulate at the site of infarction as early as 3 days and seem to be peaking at 1-3 weeks post myocardial infarction before decreasing, but only 1 study assessed serial changes of myocardial RGD-based PET uptake after ischemic events. RGD-based PET uptake in large vessels showed correlation with CT plaque burden, and increased signal was found in patients with prior cardiovascular events. In human atherosclerotic carotid plaques, increased PET signal was observed in stenotic compared with non-stenotic areas based on MR or CT angiography data. Histopathological analysis found a co-localization between tracer accumulation and areas of αβ expression. Promising applications using RGD-based PET agents are emerging, such as prediction of remodeling processes in the infarcted myocardium or detection of active atherosclerosis, with potentially significant clinical impact.
PubMed: 35602497
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.887508 -
BMJ Open Apr 2022To determine associations between carotid atherosclerosis assessed by ultrasound and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a measure of global cognitive function. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To determine associations between carotid atherosclerosis assessed by ultrasound and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a measure of global cognitive function.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to 1 May 2020 to identify studies assessed the associations between asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis and the MMSE. Studies reporting OR for associations between carotid plaque or intima-media thickness (cIMT) and dichotomised MMSE were meta-analysed. Publication bias of included studies was assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 31 of 378 reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria; together they included 27 738 participants (age 35-95 years). Fifteen studies reported some evidence of a positive association between measures of atherosclerosis and poorer cognitive performance in either cross-sectional or longitudinal studies. The remaining 16 studies found no evidence of an association. Seven cross-sectional studies provided data suitable for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of three studies that assessed carotid plaque (n=3549) showed an association between the presence of plaque and impaired MMSE with pooled estimate for the OR (95% CI) being 2.72 (0.85 to 4.59). An association between cIMT and impaired MMSE was reported in six studies (n=4443) with a pooled estimate for the OR (95% CI) being 1.13 (1.04 to 1.22). Heterogeneity across studies was moderate to small (carotid plaque with MMSE, I=40.9%; cIMT with MMSE, I=4.9%). There was evidence of publication bias for carotid plaque studies (p=0.02), but not cIMT studies (p=0.2).
CONCLUSIONS
There is some, limited cross-sectional evidence indicating an association between cIMT and poorer global cognitive function assessed with MMSE. Estimates of the association between plaques and poor cognition are too imprecise to draw firm conclusions and evidence from studies of longitudinal associations between carotid atherosclerosis and MMSE is limited.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021240077.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atherosclerosis; Carotid Arteries; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35440451
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055131 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Cardiovascular diseases, the notorious killer, are mainly caused by atherosclerosis (AS) characterized by lipids, cholesterol, and iron overload in plaques. Macrophages...
Cardiovascular diseases, the notorious killer, are mainly caused by atherosclerosis (AS) characterized by lipids, cholesterol, and iron overload in plaques. Macrophages are effector cells and accumulate to the damaged and inflamed sites of arteries to internalize native and chemically modified lipoproteins to transform them into cholesterol-loaded foam cells. Foam cell formation is determined by the capacity of phagocytosis, migration, scavenging, and the features of phenotypes. Macrophages are diverse, and the subsets and functions are controlled by their surrounding microenvironment. Generally, macrophages are divided into classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2). Recently, intraplaque macrophage phenotypes are recognized by the stimulation of CXCL4 (M4), oxidized phospholipids (Mox), hemoglobin/haptoglobin complexes [HA-mac/M(Hb)], and heme (Mhem). The pro-atherogenic or anti-atherosclerotic phenotypes of macrophages decide the progression of AS. Besides, apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, autophagy and pyrotopsis determine plaque formation and cardiovascular vulnerability, which may be associated with macrophage polarization phenotypes. In this review, we first summarize the three most popular hypotheses for AS and find the common key factors for further discussion. Secondly, we discuss the factors affecting macrophage polarization and five types of macrophage death in AS progression, especially ferroptosis. A comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plaque formation is conducive to disentangling the candidate targets of macrophage-targeting therapies for clinical intervention at various stages of AS.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Foam Cells; Humans; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages; Plaque, Atherosclerotic
PubMed: 35432323
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843712 -
Catheterization and Cardiovascular... May 2022Device entrapment is a life-threatening complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the success for its management is predominantly based on...
INTRODUCTION
Device entrapment is a life-threatening complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the success for its management is predominantly based on operator experience with limited available guidance in the published literature.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed on December 2021; we searched PubMed for articles on device entrapment during PCI. In addition, backward snowballing (i.e., review of references from identified articles and pertinent reviews) was employed.
RESULTS
A total of 4209 articles were retrieved, of which 150 studies were included in the synthesis of the data. A methodical algorithmic approach to prevention and management of device entrapment can help to optimize outcomes. The recommended sequence of steps are as follows: (a) pulling, (b) trapping, (c) snaring, (d) plaque modification, (e) telescoping, and (f) surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
In-depth knowledge of the techniques and necessary tools can help optimize the likelihood of successful equipment retrieval and minimization of complications.
Topics: Humans; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35312151
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.30160 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2021Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease, in which the lipid accumulation in the intima of the arteries shows yellow atheromatous appearance,...
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease, in which the lipid accumulation in the intima of the arteries shows yellow atheromatous appearance, which is the pathological basis of many diseases, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and cerebrovascular disease. In recent years, it has become the main cause of death in the global aging society, which seriously endangers human health. As a result, research on AS is increasing. Lesions of atherosclerosis contain macrophages, T cells and other cells of the immune response, together with cholesterol that infiltrates from the blood. Recent studies have shown that chronic stress plays an important role in the occurrence and development of AS. From the etiology of disease, social, environmental and genetic factors jointly determine the occurrence of disease. Atherosclerotic cardio-cerebrovascular disease (ASCVD) is often caused by chronic stress (CS). If it cannot be effectively prevented, there will be biological changes in the body environment successively, and then the morphological changes of the corresponding organs. If the patient has a genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental factors triggers the pathogenesis, then chronic stress can eventually lead to AS. Therefore, this paper discusses the influence of chronic stress on AS in the aspects of inflammation, lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, hemodynamics and blood pressure, plaque stability, autophagy, ferroptosis, and cholesterol efflux.
PubMed: 34988123
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.738654 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2021Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease events. Yet, emerging evidence suggests that it is the...
Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease events. Yet, emerging evidence suggests that it is the functional properties of HDL, in particular, reverse cholesterol transport, which is a key protective mechanism mediating cholesterol removal from macrophage cells and reducing plaque lipid content. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) measures the capacity of HDL to perform this function. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to explore the association of CEC and adverse cardiovascular events. A comprehensive literature review of Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection from inception to September 2019 was performed for all studies that examined the association between CEC and cardiovascular outcomes. The primary outcome was adverse cardiovascular events, which were inclusive of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or mortality. A total of 20 trials were included. Compared with low CEC levels, high CEC levels were associated with a 37% lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events (crude RR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.52-0.76; < 0.00001). Every SD increase of CEC was associated with a 20% lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events (HR = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.97; P = 0.02). The association remained significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, medications, and HDL-C levels (HR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.91; = 0.004). A significant CEC-endpoint relationship was observed ( = 0.024) such that for every 0.1 unit increase in CEC, there was a 5% reduced risk for adverse cardiovascular events (RR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99). Higher CEC is associated with lower adverse cardiovascular outcomes. These findings warrant further research on whether CEC is merely a biomarker or a mechanism that could be targeted as a pharmacologic intervention for improving clinical outcomes. CRD42020146681; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
PubMed: 34966797
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.774418 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2021The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of healed plaque and its characteristics under optical coherence tomography (OCT) through a formal systematic...
Prevalence of Healed Plaque and Factors Influencing Its Characteristics Under Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of healed plaque and its characteristics under optical coherence tomography (OCT) through a formal systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Thirteen studies were selected from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and online databases. The overall incidence of healed plaques was 40% (95% CI: 39-42), with 37% (95% CI: 35-39) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and with 46% (95% CI: 43-49) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP). The incidence of healed plaque among culprit plaques (48%, 95% CI: 46-50) was nearly two times higher than that among non-culprit plaques (24%, 95% CI: 21-27). The incidence of thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), plaque rupture, microvessel, macrophage accumulation, and calcification was significantly higher in the healed plaque group. Meta-regression revealed an association between smoking ( = 0.033) and healed plaque rupture. Gender ( = 0.047) was independently associated with macrophage accumulation, and mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was independently associated with microvessel. In summary, with a total incidence of 40%, the incidence of healed plaques under OCT was higher in SAP than in ACS, and higher in culprit plaques than in non-culprit plaques. Higher incidence of TCFA, plaque rupture, microvessel, macrophage accumulation, and calcification was found in the healed-plaque group. Smoking, gender, and mean LDL-C level were associated with healed-plaque characteristics.
PubMed: 34881310
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.761208 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2021Statin therapy is an essential component of cardiovascular preventive care. In recent years, various vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) techniques have been used to monitor...
Assessment of Therapeutic Response to Statin Therapy in Patients With Intracranial or Extracranial Carotid Atherosclerosis by Vessel Wall MRI: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis.
Statin therapy is an essential component of cardiovascular preventive care. In recent years, various vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) techniques have been used to monitor atherosclerosis progression or regression in patients with extracranial or intracranial large-artery atherosclerosis. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of statin therapy on plaque evolution as assessed by VW-MRI. Prospective studies investigating carotid and intracranial atherosclerotic plaques in patients on statin therapy monitored by serial VW-MRI were systematically identified in the literature. The plaque burden and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) volume of carotid plaque and the imaging features of intracranial plaques were extracted and summarized. For studies investigating carotid artery wall volume and LRNC volume, combined estimates were derived by meta-analysis. The study identified 21 studies of carotid plaque and two studies of intracranial plaque. While 16 studies investigating carotid plaques that included 780 patients by High-resolution VW-MRI were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant change in carotid wall volume from baseline to 12 months. A significant change in LRNC volume was observed at > 12 months compared with baseline (Effect = -10.69, 95% CI = -19.11, -2.28, < 1), while no significant change in LRNC volume at 3-6 months or 7-12 months after statin therapy initiation in 6 studies. Increases in fibrous tissue and calcium and reduction in neovascularization density of the plaque were seen in 2/3 studies (including 48/59 patients), 1/3 studies (including 17/54 patients), and 2/2 studies (including 71 patients) after statin therapy, respectively. Two studies with 257 patients in intracranial atherosclerosis showed that statins could effectively decrease wall volume and plaque enhancement volume. Collective data indicated that statins could potentially stabilize carotid plaques by significantly reducing LRNC with 1 year of therapy as shown on serial carotid VW-MRI. There was no significant decrease in wall volume, which nonetheless indicated that plaque composition changes might be more sensitive to response monitoring than wall volume. It is likely that more sensitive, clinically relevant, and preferably quantitative indicators of therapeutic effects on intracranial vessel plaque morphology will be developed in the future.
PubMed: 34778404
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.742935 -
Journal of the American Heart... Oct 2021Background Studies have reported that people living with HIV have higher burden of subclinical cardiovascular disease, but the data are not adequately synthesized. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Studies have reported that people living with HIV have higher burden of subclinical cardiovascular disease, but the data are not adequately synthesized. We performed meta-analyses of studies of coronary artery calcium and coronary plaque in people living with HIV. Methods and Results We performed systematic search in electronic databases, and data were abstracted in standardized forms. Study-specific estimates were pooled using meta-analysis. 43 reports representing 27 unique studies and involving 10 867 participants (6699 HIV positive, 4168 HIV negative, mean age 52 years, 86% men, 32% Black) were included. The HIV-positive participants were younger (mean age 49 versus 57 years) and had lower Framingham Risk Score (mean score 6 versus 18) compared with the HIV-negative participants. The pooled estimate of percentage with coronary artery calcium >0 was 45% (95% CI, 43%-47%) for HIV-positive participants, and 52% (50%-53%) for HIV-negative participants. This difference was no longer significant after adjusting for difference in Framingham Risk Score between the 2 groups. The odds ratio of coronary artery calcium progression for HIV-positive versus -negative participants was 1.64 (95% CI, 0.91-2.37). The pooled estimate for prevalence of noncalcified plaque was 49% (95% CI, 47%-52%) versus 20% (95% CI, 17%-23%) for HIV-positive versus HIV-negative participants, respectively. Odds ratio for noncalcified plaque for HIV-positive versus -negative participants was 1.23 (95% CI, 1.08-1.38). There was significant heterogeneity that was only partially explained by available study-level characteristics. Conclusions People living with HIV have higher prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaques and similar prevalence of coronary artery calcium, compared with HIV-negative individuals. Future studies on coronary artery calcium and plaque progression can further elucidate subclinical atherosclerosis in people living with HIV.
Topics: Calcium; Coronary Artery Disease; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plaque, Atherosclerotic
PubMed: 34585590
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.120.019291 -
The European Respiratory Journal Mar 2022Obstructive sleep apnoea and the related intermittent hypoxia (IH) are widely recognised as risk factors for incident cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies support... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Obstructive sleep apnoea and the related intermittent hypoxia (IH) are widely recognised as risk factors for incident cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies support the deleterious vascular impact of IH in rodents but an overall interpretation is challenging owing to heterogeneity in rodent species investigated and the severity and duration of IH exposure. To clarify this major issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the impact of IH on systemic artery structure and function depending on the different IH exposure designs.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, and included 125 articles in a meta-analysis, among them 112 using wild-type rodents and 13 using apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE) mice. We used the standardised mean difference (SMD) to compare results between studies.
RESULTS
IH significantly increased mean arterial pressure (+13.90 (95% CI 11.88-15.92) mmHg), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Meta-regressions showed that mean arterial pressure change was associated with strain and year of publication. IH altered vasodilation in males but not in females and increased endothelin-1-induced but not phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction. Intima-media thickness significantly increased upon IH exposure (SMD 1.10 (95% CI 0.58-1.62); absolute values +5.23 (2.81-7.84) µm). This increase was observed in mice but not in rats and was negatively associated with age. Finally, IH increased atherosclerotic plaque size in ApoE mice (SMD 1.08 (95% CI 0.80-1.37)).
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis established that IH, independently of other confounders, has a strong effect on vascular structure and physiology. Our findings support the interest of identifying and treating sleep apnoea in routine cardiology practice.
Topics: Animals; Blood Pressure; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Hypoxia; Male; Mice; Rats; Rodentia
PubMed: 34413154
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00866-2021