Project description:BackgroundA substantial number of patients presenting with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) have severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 35%). But data are lacking regarding optimal percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy for these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of IRA (infarct-related artery)-only and multivessel PCI in patients with NSTEMI and MVD complicated by severe LVSD.MethodsAmong 13,104 patients enrolled in the PCI registry from November 2011 to December 2015, patients with NSTEMI and MVD with severe LVSD who underwent successful PCI were screened. The primary outcome was 3-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, stroke, and any revascularization.ResultsOverall, 228 patients were treated with IRA-only PCI (n = 104) or MV-PCI (n = 124). The MACE risk was significantly lower in the MV-PCI group than in the IRA-only PCI group (35.5% vs. 54.8%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.561; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.378-0.832; p = 0.04). This result was mainly driven by a significantly lower risk of all-cause death (23.4% vs. 41.4%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.503; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.314-0.806; p = 0.004). The results were consistent after multivariate regression, propensity-score matching, and inverse probability weighting to adjust for baseline differences.ConclusionsAmong patients with NSTEMI and MVD complicated with severe LVSD, multivessel PCI was associated with a significantly lower MACE risk. The findings may provide valuable information to physicians who are involved in decision-making for these patients.
Project description:To investigate the role of NBCe1-B in the heart we performed RNAseq experiments to examine genome-wide transcriptional changes in female NBCe1-B/C knockout (KO) mice compared to female wild-type (WT) mice.
Project description:The relationship between fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and cardiovascular disease has been well established in recent studies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FGF21 and left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiac death.Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to estimate left ventricular systolic function. The optimal cutoff of FGF21 for identifying left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline was analyzed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The identification of different serum levels of FGF21 and their association with cardiac death was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Serum FGF21 level was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) level was determined by a chemiluminescent immunoassay.A total of 253 patients were recruited for this study at baseline. Patients were excluded if they lacked echocardiography or laboratory measurement data, and there were 218 patients enrolled in the final analysis. The average age was 66.32 ± 10.10 years. The optimal cutoff values of FGF21 and NT-pro-BNP for identifying left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline were 321.5 pg/mL and 131.3 ng/L, respectively, determined separately via ROC analysis. The areas under the curves were non-significant among FGF21, NT-pro-BNP and FGF21 + NT-pro-BNP as determined by pairwise comparisons. Both a higher serum level of FGF21 and a higher serum level of NT-pro-BNP were independent risk factors for left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline (odd ratio (OR) 3.138 [1.037-9.500], P = 0.043, OR 9.207 [2.036-41.643], P = 0.004, separately). Further Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated an association between both a higher serum level of FGF21 and a higher serum level of NT-pro-BNP with cardiac death in 5 years [RR 5.000 (1.326-18.861), P = 0.026; RR 9.643 (2.596-35.825), P = 0.009, respectively].Serum FGF21 level was significantly correlated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline. Patients with higher serum levels of FGF21 tended to suffer greater risks of cardiac death than patients with lower serum levels of FGF21. The identification of FGF21 and its relationship with left ventricular systolic function and cardiac death were non-inferior to NT-pro-BNP.
Project description:Candidates for chronic warfarin therapy often have co-morbid conditions, such as heart failure, with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Previous reports have demonstrated an increased risk of over-anticoagulation due to reduced warfarin dose requirement in patients with decompensated heart failure. However, the influence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, on warfarin response has not been evaluated. Here, we assess the influence of LVSD on warfarin dose, anticoagulation control (percent time in target range), and risk of over-anticoagulation (international normalized ratio >4) and major hemorrhage. Of the 1,354 patients included in this prospective cohort study, 214 patients (16%) had LVSD. Patients with LVSD required 11% lower warfarin dose compared with those without LVSD (p <0.001) using multivariate linear regression analyses. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, patients with LVSD experienced similar levels of anticoagulation control (percent time in target range: 51% vs 53% p = 0.15), risk of over-anticoagulation (international normalized ratio >4; hazard ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.82 to 1.25; p = 0.91), and risk of major hemorrhage (hazard ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.74; p = 0.66). Addition of LVSD variable in the model increased the variability explained from 35% to 36% for warfarin dose prediction. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that patients with LVSD require lower doses of warfarin. Whether warfarin dosing algorithms incorporating LVSD in determining initial doses improves outcomes needs to be evaluated.
Project description:BackgroundExperimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is a common animal model for the investigation of the pathophysiology of myocarditis. Because of diverging findings from previous studies, we performed serial echocardiographic examinations throughout the course of the disease and investigated the dimensions of the murine heart and left ventricular (LV) systolic function.Materials and methodsExperimental autoimmune myocarditis was induced in male Balb/c mice by subcutaneous injection of a fragment of the ?-myosin heavy chain (MyHC-? 614-629: Ac-SLKLMATLFSTYASAD). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on days 0, 7 and 21 in healthy animals and mice with EAM.ResultsExperimental autoimmune myocarditis was associated with a reduction in LV systolic function and an increase in LV internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd) and systole (LVIDs) 7 days postimmunization. After 21 days, EAM led to a significant increase in LV-thickness (1.3-fold increase in LV anterior wall diameter in diastole [LVAWDd]), but there was no difference in LV systolic function between immunized animals and healthy controls. LV-thickness correlated well with the severity of myocarditis in the histopathological examination (LVAWDd: rs = 0.603, P = 0.003, LV anterior wall diameter in systole (LVAWDs): rs = 0.718, P < 0.0001).ConclusionOur results indicate that EAM leads to an initial dilatation of the LV that is followed by ventricular "hypertrophy." On day 21, there was no significant difference in LV systolic function between immunized animals and controls. Furthermore, the ageing of the animals had a major impact on the echocardiographic parameters; therefore, the use of healthy age-matched controls seems warranted when echocardiography is performed in rodents.
Project description:Optimized temporary bi-ventricular (BiV) pacing may benefit heart failure patients after on-pump cardiac surgery compared with conventional dual-chamber right ventricular (RV) pacing. An improvement in haemodynamic function with BiV pacing may reduce the duration of 'Level 3' intensive care.Thirty-eight patients in sinus rhythm, ejection fraction ?35%, undergoing on-pump surgical revascularization, valve surgery or both were enrolled in this study. Before closing the sternum, temporary epicardial pacing wires were attached to the right atrium, RV outflow tract and basal posterolateral wall of the left ventricle. Patients were randomly assigned to postoperative BiV pacing with the optimization of the atrio- (AV) and inter-ventricular (VV) pacing intervals (Group 1) or conventional dual-chamber right AV pacing (Group 2). The primary end-point was the duration of 'Level 3' intensive care. Secondary end-points included cardiac output which was measured by thermodiluation at admission to the intensive care unit and at 6 and 18 h later, in five different pacing modes.The duration of 'Level 3' care was similar between groups (40 ± 35 vs 54 ± 63 h; Group 1 vs 2; P = 0.43). Cardiac output was similar in all pacing modes at baseline. At 18 h, cardiac output with BiV pacing (5.8 l/min) was 7% higher than atrial inhibited (5.4 l/min) and 9% higher than dual-chamber RV pacing (5.3 l/min; P = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). Optimization of the VV interval produced a further 4% increase in cardiac output compared with baseline settings (P = 0.005).Postoperative haemodynamic function may be enhanced by temporary BiV pacing of high-risk patients after on-pump cardiac surgery.
Project description:BackgroundThere is already extensive literature on the natural history of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and aortic stenosis (AS). Once these patients develop severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) despite guideline-directed therapy for heart failure (HF), it is often thought to be end-stage from irreversible adverse remodelling. Our case series challenges this traditional paradigm. A more holistic model that factors in the interactions between the ventricle and vasculature is required. Based on a novel hypothetical concept of myocardial fatigue, we propose that occasionally LVSD is not an inherent myocardial or valvular disease but a consequence of an arterial afterload mismatch. By addressing this, the ventricle may recover and contract efficiently in unison with the arterial system.Case summaryWe present two cases of severe LVSD in a young lady with long-standing essential hypertension and a gentleman with stable severe AS. Both patients were already established on HF medications. After optimizing their blood pressure control, repeat echocardiography revealed normalization of left ventricular ejection fraction within 3 months, along with a demonstrable improvement in ventricular-arterial coupling and for AS, a reduction in valvular-arterial impedance.DiscussionJust as Frank-Starling's law was discovered by initially drawing analogies to skeletal muscle behaviour, it is biologically plausible that cardiac fatigue can occur in the setting of afterload mismatch. The chance of recovery rests upon early recognition before it transitions to irreversible myocardial damage. Only by testing new emerging theories of HF can we galvanize original research and find new avenues to understanding this complex syndrome.
Project description:Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) defined by ejection fraction (EF) <40% is common, serious but treatable, and correct diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Biomarkers may help to diagnose LVSD and give insight into the pathophysiology. The immune system is activated in LVSD, and the immunomodulatory molecule human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) may be involved. The primary aim was to measure soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in the blood in different stages of LVSD (<30% and 30-40%), in the midrange EF 40-50%, and in preserved EF ≥ 50% and to validate sHLA-G as a LVSD biomarker. The secondary aim was to examine associations between HLA-G gene polymorphisms influencing expression levels and LVSD. The 260 study participants were ≥75 years old, many with risk factors for heart disease or with known heart disease. Soluble HLA-G was significantly and uniformly higher in the groups with EF < 50% (<30, 30-40, and 40-50%) compared to EF > 50% (p < 0.0001). N-terminal fragment-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and uric acid values were inversely related to EF. According to Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves NT-proBNP outperformed both sHLA-G and uric acid as biomarkers of LVSD. Soluble HLA-G in blood plasma was elevated in LVSD regardless of EF. A novel finding was that a combined 14 bp ins-del/+3142 SNP HLA-G haplotype was associated with EF < 40%.
Project description:Previous analysis of the Cerberus like 2 knockout (Cerl2-/-) mouse revealed a significant mortality during the first day after birth, mostly due to cardiac defects apparently associated with randomization of the left-right axis. We have however, identified Cerl2-associated cardiac defects, particularly a large increase in the left ventricular myocardial wall in neonates that cannot be explained by laterality abnormalities. Therefore, in order to access the endogenous role of Cerl2 in cardiogenesis, we analyzed the embryonic and neonatal hearts of Cerl2 null mutants that did not display a laterality phenotype. Neonatal mutants obtained from the compound mouse line Cer2-/-::Mlc1v-nLacZ24+, in which the pulmonary ventricle is genetically marked, revealed a massive enlargement of the ventricular myocardium in animals without laterality defects. Echocardiography analysis in Cerl2-/- neonates showed a left ventricular systolic dysfunction that is incompatible with a long lifespan. We uncovered that the increased ventricular muscle observed in Cerl2-/- mice is caused by a high cardiomyocyte mitotic index in the compact myocardium which is mainly associated with increased Ccnd1 expression levels in the left ventricle at embryonic day (E) 13. Interestingly, at this stage we found augmented left ventricular expression of Cerl2 levels when compared with the right ventricle, which may elucidate the regionalized contribution of Cerl2 to the left ventricular muscle formation. Importantly, we observed an increase of phosphorylated Smad2 (pSmad2) levels in embryonic (E13) and neonatal hearts indicating a prolonged TGFβs/Nodal-signaling activation. Concomitantly, we detected an increase of Baf60c levels, but only in Cerl2-/- embryonic hearts. These results indicate that independently of its well-known role in left-right axis establishment Cerl2 plays an important role during heart development in the mouse, mediating Baf60c levels by exerting an important control of the TGFβs/Nodal-signaling pathway.
Project description:Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is sometimes considered as an alternative therapeutic strategy to surgical revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, the types or conditions of patients that receive the clinical benefit of left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of LVRR following PCI in CAD patients with reduced LVEF. From 4394 consecutive patients who underwent PCI, a total of 286 patients with reduced LV systolic function (LVEF < 50% at initial left ventriculography) were included in the analysis. LVRR was defined as LV end-systolic volume reduction ≥ 15% and improvement of LVEF ≥ 10% at 6 months follow-up left ventriculography. Patients were divided into LVRR (n = 63) and non-LVRR (n = 223) groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) intervention was significantly associated with LVRR (P = 0.007, odds ratios [OR] 4.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54-14.38), while prior PCI (P = 0.001, OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.66), presence of in-stent restenosis (P = 0.016, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.81), and presence of de-novo stenosis (P = 0.038, OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.95) were negatively associated with LVRR. These data suggest the potential prognostic benefit of unprotected LMCA intervention for LVRR and importance of angiographic follow-up in patients with CAD and LV systolic dysfunction.