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Topic Review
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest (CA) is a frequent cause of death and a major public health issue. To date, conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the only efficient method of resuscitation available that positively impacts prognosis. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a complex and costly technique that requires technical expertise. It is not considered standard of care in all hospitals and should be applied only in high-volume facilities. ECMO combined with CPR is known as ECPR (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and permits hemodynamic and respiratory stabilization of patients with CA refractory to conventional CPR. This technique allows the parallel treatment of the underlying etiology of CA while maintaining organ perfusion. However, current evidence does not support the routine use of ECPR in all patients with refractory CA. Therefore, an appropriate selection of patients who may benefit from this procedure is key. Reducing the duration of low blood flow by means of performing high-quality CPR and promoting access to ECPR, may improve the survival rate of the patients presenting with refractory CA. Indeed, patients who benefit from ECPR seem to carry better neurological outcomes.
  • 1.1K
  • 25 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Small Interfering RNA in Inhibition of PCSK-9
Dyslipidemia is listed among important cardiovascular disease risk factors. Treating lipid disorders is difficult, and achieving desirable levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is essential in both the secondary and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Statins became the basis of lipid-lowering therapy. Nevertheless, these drugs are often insufficient due to their side effects and restrictive criteria for achieving the recommended LDL-C values. Even the addition of other drugs, i.e., ezetimibe, does not help one achieve the target LDL-C. The discovery of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) discovery has triggered intensive research on a new class of protein-based drugs. The protein PCSK9 is located mainly in hepatocytes and is involved in the metabolism of LDL-C. In the beginning, antibodies against the PCSK9 protein, such as evolocumab, were invented. The next step was inclisiran. Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that inhibits the expression of PCSK9 by binding specifically to the mRNA precursor of PCSK9 protein and causing its degradation.
  • 1.1K
  • 02 Feb 2023
Topic Review
PET-Based Imaging in Atherosclerosis
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) represents a method of detecting and characterizing arterial wall inflammation, with potential applications in the early assessment of vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis. By portraying early-stage molecular changes, FDG-PET findings have previously been shown to correlate with atherosclerosis progression. In addition, recent studies have suggested that microcalcification revealed by 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) may be more sensitive at detecting atherogenic changes compared to FDG-PET.
  • 1.1K
  • 15 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Advanced and Invasive Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Techniques
Despite numerous promising innovations, the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest has remained virtually unchanged. Technological advances have been made, user-friendly portable devices have been developed, and advanced invasive procedures have been described that could improve this unsatisfactory situation. Technical aids, such as feedback systems or automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices, can improve chest compression quality. The latter, as well as extracorporeal CPR, might serve as a bridge to treatment (with extracorporeal CPR even as a bridge to recovery). Sonography may be used to improve thoracic compressions on the one hand and to rule out potentially reversible causes of cardiac arrest on the other. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta might enhance myocardial and cerebral perfusion. Minithoracostomy, pericardiocentesis, or clamshell thoracotomy might resolve reversible causes of cardiac arrest. 
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Myocardial Perfusion and Flow Imaging with PET
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive, functional imaging test utilizing ionizing radiation, the source of which is a radioactive isotope (radionuclide) administered to the patient. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with radionuclide PET is one of the non-invasive imaging methods that can provide rapid and accurate information about the extent of ischemia.
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Structure and Role
The beneficial effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are nowadays highlighted by a plethora of studies. They play a role in suppression of inflammation, gene expression, cellular membrane fluidity/permeability, immune functionality and intracellular/exocellular signaling.
  • 1.1K
  • 06 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Cross-Sectional Imaging in Pediatric Interventional Cardiac Catheterization
Computed tomography (CT)  and Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) continue to advance the field of congenital cardiology by allowing for new and unique procedures not previously imagined. Enabling the interventionalist to enter the catheterization lab with a plan of attack expedites the procedure and has been shown to reduce procedural times and improve outcomes. Substantial advances in cross-sectional image resolution with a significant decrease in radiation exposure for cardiac CTs have led to more mainstream utilization. CMR has a unique ability to deliver real-time functional imaging in several views without exposing the patient to the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation. This can reduce procedural times in the interventional fluoroscopic suite to allow for more directed procedures.
  • 1.1K
  • 08 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Biomarkers of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with atrial remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, and poor clinical outcomes. External direct electrical cardioversion is a well-developed urgent treatment strategy for patients presenting with recent-onset AF.
  • 1.1K
  • 25 May 2023
Topic Review
Cardiac Connexin-43
Cardiac connexin-43 (Cx43) creates gap junction channels (GJCs) at intercellular contacts and hemi-channels (HCs) at the peri-junctional plasma membrane and sarcolemmal caveolae/rafts compartments.
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Prostaglandin E2 Signaling in Pulmonary Hypertension
Mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As another well-known and extensively researched prostaglandins, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and its downstream signaling have been found to play an important role in various biological processes. Emerging evidence has revealed that PGE2 and its receptors (i.e., EP1–4) are involved in the regulation of pulmonary vascular homeostasis and remodeling. 
  • 1.1K
  • 01 Dec 2023
Topic Review
BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a widespread impact on health, including a substantial mortality among patients with various pre-existing health conditions. Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are more susceptible to the development of severe COVID-19 infection. The incidence of mechanical complications of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) increased fivefold after the declaration of a state of emergency in Japan. Therefore, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is generally recommended in patients with CVD, as is vaccination against other infectious agents. The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has shown promising efficacy and safety, mainly in people without apparent pre-existing comorbidities. A nationwide mass vaccination study focused on the estimated vaccine effectiveness of patients with various comorbidities such as heart disease. No data, however, are available regarding the vaccine effectiveness in patients with CVD alone. So it's necessary to investigate the humoral response of patients with CVD to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine compared to that in healthcare workers (HCWs).
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis
Electrical remodeling lies on impaired calcium handling, enhanced inwardly rectifying potassium currents, and gap junction perturbations. In addition, a wide array of profibrotic stimuli activates fibroblast to an increased extracellular matrix turnover via various intermediaries. Concomitant dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and the humoral function of increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are established mediators in the pathophysiology of AF. Local atrial lymphomononuclear cells infiltrate and increased inflammasome activity accelerate and perpetuate arrhythmia substrate. Finally, impaired intracellular protein metabolism, excessive oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction deplete atrial cardiomyocyte ATP and promote arrhythmogenesis. 
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Exercise Effects on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients
Left ventricular (LV) remodeling is a dynamic process, which is characterized by changes in ventricular size, shape, and wall thickness, thus altering myocardial geometry and function, and is considered as a negative prognostic factor in patients with heart failure (HF). Hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and obesity are strongly correlated with the development and the progression of LV remodeling, LV hypertrophy, and LV systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction. Indeed, the beneficial impact of exercise training on primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been well-established. Exercise training enhances functional capacity, muscle strength and endurance, cardiac function, and cardiac-related biomarkers among patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) or HF, thus substantially improving their cardiovascular prognosis, survival rates, and need for rehospitalization. 
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Computed angiotomography for Preoperative TAVR Planning
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well-established treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) whose procedural efficacy and safety have been continuously improving. Appropriate preprocedural planning, including aortic valve annulus measurements, transcatheter heart valve choice, and possible procedural complication anticipation is mandatory for a successful procedure. The gold standard for preoperative planning is still to perform a multi-detector computed angiotomography (MDCT), which provides all the information required. The planning can be performed manually, using semi-automated and automated software.
  • 1.1K
  • 23 May 2022
Topic Review
Polyoxygenated Chalcones
Polyphenols consumption has been associated to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) notably through nitric oxide (NO)- and estrogen receptor α (ERα)-dependent pathways. Among polyphenolic compounds, chalcones have been suggested to prevent endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. However, the involvement of both the NO and the ERα pathways for the beneficial vascular effects of chalcones has never been demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to identify chalcones with high vasorelaxation potential and to characterize the signaling pathways in relation with ERα signaling and NO involvement. The evaluation of vasorelaxation potential was performed by myography on wild-type (WT) and ERα knock-out (ERα-KO) mice aorta in presence or in absence of the eNOS inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Among the set of chalcones that were synthesized, four exhibited a strong vasorelaxant effect (more than 80% vasorelaxation) while five compounds have shown a 60% relief of the pre-contraction and four compounds led to a lower vasorelaxation. We were able to demonstrate that the vasorelaxant effect of two highly active chalcones was either ERα-dependent and NO-independent or ERα-independent and NO-dependent.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Links between Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertension
Hypertension is defined as repeated elevated office systolic blood pressure (SBP) values over 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) over 90 mmHg or average home BP over 135/85 mmHg. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has serious outcomes regarding the individual’s health, with increasing prevalence nowadays and a significant impact on healthcare systems. Its definition varied over time. MetS consists of several conditions, such as hypertension, elevated fasting glucose (over 100 mg/dL) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (less than 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women), high triglycerides concentrations (over 150 mg/dL) and waist circumference over 40 inches (men) or 35 inches (women).
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Consequences of COVID-19
Mitochondria are clustered around the replication sites of several viruses and decrease the supply routes for energy and metabolites, resulting in increased viral progeny viruses. In a viral infection, viruses generate cellular stress, which causes mitochondrial redistribution.
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Human Monocyte Subsets and Cardiovascular Diseases
Monocytes are known for their very important role in tissue homeostasis and the innate immune system. The repartition of the circulating monocyte subsets has been identified as a predictive prognosis marker in various cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 May 2022
Topic Review
Reentry Arrhythmia in Cardiac Tissue Models
Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Many arrhythmias are caused by reentry, a phenomenon where excitation waves circulate in the heart. Optical mapping techniques have revealed the role of reentry in arrhythmia initiation and fibrillation transition, but the underlying biophysical mechanisms are still difficult to investigate in intact hearts.
  • 1.1K
  • 17 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Epigenetics in LMNA-Related Cardiomyopathy
Mutations in the gene for lamin A/C (LMNA) cause a diverse range of diseases known as laminopathies. LMNA-related cardiomyopathy is a common inherited heart disease and is highly penetrant with a poor prognosis. Numerous investigations using mouse models, stem cell technologies, and patient samples have characterized the phenotypic diversity caused by specific LMNA variants and contributed to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of heart disease. As a component of the nuclear envelope, LMNA regulates nuclear mechanostability and function, chromatin organization, and gene transcription.
  • 1.1K
  • 23 Mar 2023
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