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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Coronary Arteries Aneurysms
Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is an abnormal dilatation of a coronary artery segment, those coronary artery aneurysms that are very large in size are defined as giant. The reported prevalence of coronary aneurysms in the population who underwent coronary angiography ranges from 0.3% to 5%, and often CAAs are found in patient with aneurysms in other sites. Often, CAA is found in the context of acute coronary syndrome but CAA can be a found in sudden cardiac death patient. Currently, very few data exist about CAA treatment and often it is case-based. In this research, through two clinical cases, the current evidence regarding diagnostic tools and treatment options of CAAs will be described.
  • 1.1K
  • 14 Nov 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
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
Sudden Death Risk in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Although substantial progress has been made to prevent sudden cardiac death in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients, ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Greater survival in contemporary cohorts has been attributed to enhanced surgical techniques, more effective management of heart failure, and increased efforts in risk stratification and management of ventricular arrhythmias.
  • 1.1K
  • 05 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Mechanism of Action and Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter
Heart failure (HF) is an extremely complex, multifactorial, progressive clinical condition, characterized by cardiac function impairment secondary to a structural and/or functional heart abnormality. Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2i) was the first class of glucose-lowering drugs able to reduce cardiovascular events in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with HF.
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Jan 2023
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