Coronary Artery Risk Factors Research Articles

Assessment of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease and Severity by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Imaging.

To investigate the correlation between risk factors for coronary stenosis and the degree of coronary artery stenosis based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Two hundred seventy-eight patients with coronary artery disease who received treatment in our hospital between January 2020 and January 2021 were selected as the experimental group, and 100healthy people who received physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group (age and gender matched with the study group). The clinical data and CCTA data of the two groups of patients were collected and compared. Computed tomography fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) values were calculated based on the CCTA data of the patients in the study group, risk factors for coronary artery stenosis were analysed and the correlation between the risk factors and CT flow reserve fraction was explored. The serum total bilirubin (BIL), apolipoprotein A (apoA), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), uric acid, total cholesterol (TC) and mean platelet volume levels were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that LDL-C, uric acid, TC, triglyceride, serum total BIL and apoA were independent risk factors for coronary heart disease (P < 0.05). Serum total BIL (r = 0.27), apoA (r = -0.30), uric acid (r = -0.48), TC (r = -0.35), triglyceride (r = -0.73) and LDL-C (r = -0.65) showed a negative correlation with FFRCT values (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was detected between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and FFRCT values (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). Triglycerides, LDL-C, uric acid, TC, serum total BIL and apoA are risk factors for coronary artery stenosis that should be closely monitored and receive active intervention in clinical practice.

Long-term mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and risk factors for mortality

BackgroundPatients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have multiple co-morbidities which need to be considered in totality when determining surgical risks. The objective of this study is to evaluate short-term and long-term mortality rates of CABG surgery, as well as to identify the most significant risk factors for mortality after isolated CABG.MethodsAll patients with complete dataset who underwent isolated CABG between January 2008 and December 2017 were included. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was performed to determine the risk factors for all-cause mortality. Classification and regression tree analysis was performed to identify the relative importance of these risk factors.Results3,573 patients were included in the study. Overall mortality rate was 25.7%. In-hospital mortality rate was 1.62% overall. 30-day, 1-year, 5-year, 10-year and 14.5-year mortality rates were 1.46%, 2.94%, 9.89%, 22.79% and 36.30% respectively. Factors associated with death after adjustment for other risk factors were older age, lower body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pre-operative renal failure on dialysis, higher last pre-operative creatinine level, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), heart failure, lower left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association class II, III and IV. Additionally, female gender and logistic EuroSCORE were associated with death on univariate Cox analysis, but not associated with death after adjustment with multivariate Cox analysis. Using CART analysis, the strongest predictor of mortality was pre-operative eGFR < 46.9, followed by logistic EuroSCORE ≥ 2.4.ConclusionPoorer renal function, quantified by a lower eGFR, is the best predictor of post-CABG mortality. Amongst other risk factors, logistic EuroSCORE, age, diabetes and BMI had a relatively greater impact on mortality. Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3B and above are at highest risk for mortality. We hope these findings heighten awareness to optimise current medical therapy in preserving renal function upon diagnosis of any atherosclerotic disease and risk factors contributing to coronary artery disease.

Comparison of Post PCI TIMI Flow Between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Individuals

Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with diabetes significantly exacerbating the incidence and severity of coronary artery disease. Diabetic patients experience altered coronary blood flow dynamics, which can impact the efficacy of therapeutic interventions like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objective: This study aims to compare the post-PCI Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grades between diabetic and non-diabetic patients to assess the impact of diabetes on the short-term outcomes of coronary revascularization. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi, involving 3,000 patients who underwent primary PCI between January 2018 and December 2020. Patients were categorized into diabetic (1,500) and non-diabetic (1,500) groups. Data collected included demographics, coronary artery risk factors, TIMI flow grades before and after PCI, and the use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing chi-square tests, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests for comparative analysis, with a p-value of &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study found significant differences in postoperative TIMI3 flow rates, with non-diabetic patients achieving a higher rate of TIMI3 (59.4%) compared to diabetic patients (58.1%). The use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors was higher in diabetic patients (34.7%) than in non-diabetic patients (1.8%). Additionally, diabetic patients showed a higher incidence of multi-vessel disease and more severe lesion profiles, including higher rates of triple branch lesions (45.9% vs. 39.9%) and left main lesions (53% vs. 43.9%). Conclusion: Diabetic patients exhibit worse post-PCI TIMI flow grades and more complex coronary lesions compared to non-diabetic patients, suggesting that diabetes adversely affects the outcomes of coronary revascularization. These findings underscore the need for tailored therapeutic approaches to improve PCI outcomes in diabetic patients.

Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Risk Factors Affecting

Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Risk Factors Affecting

Evaluation of the Relationship between Family History and Occurrence, Anatomical Location, and Extent of Coronary Artery Disease among Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography.

A positive family history (FH) of coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered an independent risk factor for developing CAD. However, the relationship between the occurrence, angiographic anatomical location of the stenosis, and extent of CAD and the risk factors in the patients and their relatives is not well defined. Evaluation of this relationship is our main goal in this study. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the FH data for CAD and premature death in first-and second-degree relatives, angiographic anatomical location of the stenosis, the extent of CAD in the patients and their relatives, as well as the relationship between other risk factors and the extent of CAD, were collected from 300 adult patients undergoing coronary angiography at Farshchian cardiovascular hospital in Hamadan (Iran) between March 2020 and 2021. SPSS 24 and the chi-square, Fisher exact, and student t tests were used to analyze data. The significance level was considered P < 0.05. Out of 300 patients, 185 (61.7%) were men and 115 (38.3%) were women. A total of 177 patients (59%) in maternal and 82 patients (27.3%) in paternal relatives had an FH of CAD. There was a significant relationship between the severity of coronary artery involvement and risk factors (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was no significant relationship between the location of coronary artery involvement of the right coronary artery, left coronary artery, and left anterior descending artery and the severity of involvement of patients undergoing coronary angiography and their first- and second-degree relatives (P = 0.480). Our findings suggest that there was no significant relationship between the anatomical location of the stenosis and the number of vessels involved and the FH of the patients. In patients with an FH, the extent of CAD significantly increased according to their risk factors for heart disease.

Premature coronary artery disease, risk factors, clinical presentation, angiography and interventions: Hospital based registry

Background & aimsPremature coronary artery disease (CAD) is endemic in India. We performed a study to identify risk factors, clinical presentation, angiographic findings and interventions in premature CAD. MethodsSuccessive patients who underwent percutaneous intervention (PCI) were enrolled from January 2018 to June 2021. Premature CAD was defined as women 45-59 y and men 40-54 y and very premature as women <45 y and men <40 y. Descriptive statistics are presented. Univariate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to identify differences in various groups. Results4672 patients (women 936, men 3736) were enrolled. Premature CAD was in 1238 (26.5%; women 31.9%; men 25.1%) and very premature in 212 (4.5%; women 6.5%, men 4.0%). In premature and very premature vs non-premature CAD, OR (95%CI) for high cholesterol ≥200 mg/dl [women 1.52(1.03–2.25) and 1.59(0.79–3.20); men 1.73(1.38–2.17) and 1.92(1.22–3.03)], non-HDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dl [women 1.84(1.35–2.52) and 1.32(0.72–2.42); men 1.69(1.43–1.90) and 1.67(1.17–2.34)], LDL cholesterol [men 1.10(0.95–1.25) and 1.04(0.77–1.41)], and tobacco [women 1.40(0.84–2.35) and 2.14(0.95–4.82); men 1.63(1.34–1.98) and 1.27(0.81–1.97)] were higher while hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease were more in non-premature(p < 0.05). Presentation as STEMI was marginally more in women with premature [1.13(0.85–1.51)] and very premature [1.29(0.75–2.22)] CAD and was significantly higher in men [1.35(1.16–1.56) and 1.79(1.29–2.49)]. Location and extent of CAD were not different. ConclusionsIn India, a third of CAD patients presenting for coronary intervention have premature disease. Important risk factors are high total and non-HDL cholesterol and tobacco (men) with greater presentation as STEMI. Extent and type of CAD are similar to non-premature CAD indicating severe disease.

Frequency of occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with anthracosilicosis in combination with arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease

Introduction. Clinical and experimental studies show the adverse effect of coal-rock dust not only on the bronchopulmonary, but also on the cardiovascular system. Coal mine workers have a high incidence of arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease. The key point in the prevention of the diseases of the circulatory system is the timely detection and correction of not only the main (non-occupational), but also occupational factors of cardiovascular risk. In this regard, the study of risk factors for arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease in coal mining workers is an urgent task. The study aims to explore the frequency and reveal the most significant non-occupational and occupational factors of cardiovascular risk in patients with anthracosilicosis in combination with arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease. Materials and methods. The study involved 269 coal mine workers: 139 miners with previously diagnosed anthracosilicosis and 130 miners in the control group without lung pathology. All of them underwent a comprehensive clinical, instrumental and laboratory examination to identify arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease and risk factors for the development of the diseases of the circulatory system. Results. According to the findings of the study, a significantly higher incidence of arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease was identified in the patients with anthracosilicosis compared with the miners who worked for a long time in harmful labour conditions but did not have occupational pulmonary pathology. The most significant non-occupational risk factors for arterial hypertension in the patients with anthracosilicosis were determined: age 50 years and older, the presence of fasting hyperglycemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, abdominal type of obesity, hypersthenic constitutional-morphological type according to the Rees-Eysenck index, blood group AB (IV). Occupational risk factors for the development of arterial hypertension in the patients with anthracosilicosis were also identified: work experience in hazardous working conditions of 25 years and more, the dust level in the working area exceeding the maximum permissible concentration by 10 times and more. In the patients with anthracosilicosis, the most significant risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease were: age 45 years and older, the presence of arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, andromorphic constitutional-morphological type according to the Tanner index, hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, increased levels of soluble fibrin-monomer complexes and C-reactive protein. Occupational risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease in the patients with anthracosilicosis were also identified: work experience in hazardous working conditions of 20 years and more, the presence of respiratory failure (as a complication of an occupational disease). Limitations. This study is limited to a sample of workers in the main occupations of coal mines who are examined at the Research Institute for Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases. The age group of workers from 40 to 54 years old, with a long work experience in underground dusty conditions (more than 15 years) was studied. The study did not include persons with proven occupational diseases other than anthracosilicosis. Conclusions. The identified significant markers of cardiovascular risk can be applied to elaborate prognostic methods. Timely detection and elimination of cardiovascular risk factors as primary preventive measures should be used to reduce the level of cardiovascular incidence rate among individuals working in hazardous labour conditions. Ethics. This medical research involving a human was carried out in accordance with the ethical principles presented in the latest version of the Declaration of Helsinki by the World Medical Association.

Trends in the Prevalence and Incidence of Opium Abuse and its Association with Coronary Artery Risk Factors in Adult Population in Iran: Findings from Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Study.

Background: The prevalence of opium addiction in Iran is high probably due to the belief that opium has preventive effects against cardiovascular diseases. In the second phase of Kerman coronary artery disease risk factors study, the prevalence, incidence rate, and the association between opium use and other coronary artery disease risk factors (CADRFs) were assessed.Methods: In a cross-sectional study (2014-2018), 9996 inhabitants of Kerman, southeastern Iran, aged 15-80 years were recruited to the study. After taking fasting blood samples, the participants were examined or interviewed for demographic data and CADRFs, including opium use. The participants were categorized into “never”, “occasional”, and “dependent” users. The association between opium use and CADRFs was assessed with adjusted regression analysis (Stata v.11 software).Results: The overall prevalence of opium consumption was lower than that of five years earlier (P<0.01). The prevalence was currently higher in men than women and decreased in men between the two phases (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between opium use and depression (P<0.001), anxiety (P<0.05), and a negative association with the level of physical activity (P<0.001). The five-year incident rate of dependent and occasional opium use was 4.2 and 3.9 persons/100 person-years, respectively. The incidence of opium use was higher in diabetic, hypertensive, depressed, anxious, and obese subjects.Conclusion: The study did not demonstrate any protective effects of opium on CADRFs. Considering the higher rate of opium use in subjects with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and psychological disorders, the health authorities should implement educational programs to warn and correct the unsafe belief.

Relationship between Calcium Score and Conventional Risk Factors in the Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis.

Background: The coronary artery calcium score has been established as a highly specific feature of coronary atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to assess the possible association of coronary artery risk factors involving atherosclerosis with the coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores using coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). Methods: The present cross-sectional study, performed on 252 patients in need of CCTA during April 2019 and September 2019 at Farshchian hospital in Hamadan, Iran. The demographic information and risk factors were acquired from the files of patients. Furthermore, the CACs of patients were calculated and expressed as the Agatston score. Based on the Agatston scale, participants were divided into 4 CAC scores: zero (CAC = 0), mild (CAC = 1-99), moderate (CAC = 100-399), and severe (CAC ≥400). The association between possible coronary artery disease (CAD) risk variables and the CAC score was investigated using multinomial logistic regression. Results: Of 252 participants, approximately 40% of studied patients had a positive CAC score (CAC > 0). CAC significantly shifts toward higher scores in smokers, patients with diabetes, hypertension, and older patients. Mild (CAC = 1-99) and moderate CAC (100-399) were significantly associated with diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 3.26; 95% CI, 1.48-7.17) and (OR, 12; 95% CI, 4.40-32.71) for mild and moderate CAC, respectively. However, the strongest predictor for severe CAC was diabetes (OR, 7.72; 95% CI, 2.10-28.35). Conclusion: Coronary artery calcium scoring is a marker for risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. In this study, more than half of patients in CAC screening had CAC = 0. The strongest predictor of severe CAC>0 was smoking and diabetes. Regarding this association between health condition and CAC, determining the CAC can prevent major coronary heart disease events in these patients.

Clinical results at a long-term follow-up of percutaneous coronary intervention in ostial left main coronary artery disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Left main coronary ostial lesions are notable for being found more commonly among middle-aged women with fewer conventional coronary artery risk factors and for lower long-term patency of internal thoracic grafts. Isolated ostial left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is involved in the 18% of lesions and have a management approach do well either with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or cardiac surgery. Continuous improvement in the devices and the emergence of better drug-eluting stents (DES) has improved the results of PCI in these high-risk lesions. Purpose The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCI in ostial LMCA disease at a 14-year follow-up. Methods We prospectively included 109 consecutive patients (72± 12 years, 72.5% male) with ostial LMCA disease treated with PCI between June 2006 and June 2020. We evaluated the presence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and stent thrombosis after a 14-year clinical follow-up (median 63.6 months). Results 55.9% had stable coronary disease and 44.1% had acute coronary syndrome (35.9% Non-STEMI and 8.2% STEMI). 45% were diabetic patients and 36.6% presented moderate-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 8.1 % and SYNTAX score was ≥ 23 in 72.5% of the patients. We implanted second-generation DES in the 83.5% of patients (76% zotarolimus-eluting stent) and post-dilatation was performed in the 68.8%. The angiographic success rate was 99%. Complication rate in the procedure was 5.5% without intra-procedure deaths. During follow-up, MACE rate at 14 years was 18.3% (13.7% of cardiac death, 4.6% of nonfatal myocardial infarction, 7.3% of TLR and thrombosis rate of 0.9%). 24.2% of patients had an angiographic follow-up. Conclusions In spite of high surgical risk, complex coronary anatomy and older aged patients, PCI in ostial LMCA disease is safe and effective with a low rate of major cardiovascular events at long-term follow-up.

A community-based study on electrocardiographic abnormalities of adult population from South India - Findings from a cross sectional survey

BackgroundThere are no data on electrocardiographic (ECG) findings from general population of Indian subcontinent. We analyzed ECG abnormalities of in adults as part of a community survey of prevalence of coronary artery disease and risk factors from South India. Methods and resultsIn this cross-sectional study of men and women between the ages 20 to 79 years, ECGs recorded digitally were analyzed using the Minnesota code. Electrocardiograms were analyzed for abnormalities in 4630 participants (women 59.6%). The overall prevalence of ECG abnormalities (39.9%) was higher in men (47.24% vs. 34.9% p <0.0001). QRS axis deviation, first degree AV block, fascicular blocks, incomplete right bundle branch block, sinus bradycardia and ST elevation in the anterior chest leads were markedly higher in men. Sinus tachycardia and low voltage QRS occurred more often in women. The overall prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 0.32% which was markedly lower than the western data. Brugada and early repolarisation patterns occurred in 1.06% and 1.56% respectively, equal in both age groups, but markedly higher in men. Brugada pattern occurred more often than in the west, but much less than the Far East population. Early repolarisation pattern was similar to rest of Asian population, but significantly less than the Caucasian population ConclusionIn this community-based study, prevalence of major electrocardiographic abnormalities was high. Overall, men had significantly higher ECG abnormalities.

Bibliometric analysis of the inflammatory mechanism in aortic disease.

In view of the key role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of aortic disease, we visually analyzed the research hotspots of inflammatory mechanism in aortic disease in this work through the method of bibliometrics from the Web of Science (WOS) Core database over the past three decades. A visual bibliometric network of research articles on inflammatory mechanisms in aortic disease was obtained from VOSviewer and Citespace based on the WOS Core Collection. A total of 1278 documents from January 1990 to February 2021 were selected for analysis. The United States and China had the highest percentage of articles, comprising 34.01% and 24.92% of articles worldwide, respectively. Harvard University has published the most articles in this field, followed by the University of Michigan and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The top 3 research hotspots were atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, and macrophages. The journal with the most articles in this area was Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, followed by Atherosclerosis and PLOS One. The research trend on inflammatory mechanisms in the aortic system has 5 distinct directions: (1) atherosclerosis, NF-κB, expression, smooth muscle cell, and oxidative stress; (2) coronary artery disease, C-reactive protein, risk factors, endothelial dysfunction, and aortic stenosis; (3) abdominal aortic aneurysm, matrix metalloproteinases, macrophage, and pathogenesis; (4) cholesterol, metabolism, low-density lipoprotein, gene expression, and a therosclerotic lesions; and (5) calcific aortic valve disease, interstitial cells, calcification, and stenosis. Inflammatory mechanism research has shown a tendency to rise gradually in the aortic field. Numerous studies have explored the role of inflammatory responses in aortic disease, which may increase the risk of endothelial dysfunction (aortic fibrosis and stiffness) and induce plaque formation. Among them, NFκB activation, nitric-oxide synthase expression, and oxidative stress are particularly essential.

Correlation between Degree of Coronary Artery Stenosis and Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease

Correlation between Degree of Coronary Artery Stenosis and Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease

Evaluating the correlation of serum leptin levels with evidence of coronary artery disease on myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography in suspected coronary artery disease patients.

Cardiovascular disease is currently the most common cause of death worldwide. Several risk factors have been identified for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Leptin is a peptide hormone that acts as a proinflammatory cytokine and has a variety of effects in hemostasis and metabolism such as lipid metabolism, production of glucocorticoid, angiogenesis, etc. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentrations of leptin with evidence of coronary artery disease in the myocardial perfusion scan. A one year retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who are suspected of coronary artery disease that referred to the nuclear medicine department for performing myocardial perfusion scan. The patients were classified based on the results of the myocardial perfusion scan. Serum leptin was measured with ELISA assay. The correlation of serum leptin with these parameters and also with different groups of age, sex and coronary artery disease risk factors was also compared. The mean serum level of leptin was 290.44 ng/ml (82.9-1600 ng/ml). There is no meaningful relation between serum leptin and coronary artery disease risk factors, age and sex; also, none of the quantitative myocardial perfusion scan parameters have a significant correlation with serum leptin. Based on our findings, there was no significant correlation between myocardial perfusion scan parameters and leptin levels. Serum leptin and different groups of age, sex and coronary artery risk factors were not correlated as well.

Atrial Fibrillation Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery Incidence and Risk factors

Atrial Fibrillation Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery Incidence and Risk factors

Homocysteine Solution-Induced Response in Aerosol Jet Printed OECTs by Means of Gold and Platinum Gate Electrodes.

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a non-protein, sulfur-containing amino acid, which is recognized as a possible risk factor for coronary artery and other pathologies when its levels in the blood exceed the normal range of between 5 and 12 μmol/L (hyperhomocysteinemia). At present, standard procedures in laboratory medicine, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), are commonly employed for the quantitation of total Hcy (tHcy), i.e., the sum of the protein-bound (oxidized) and free (homocystine plus reduced Hcy) forms, in biological fluids (particularly, serum or plasma). Here, the response of Aerosol Jet-printed organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), in the presence of either reduced (free) and oxidized Hcy-based solutions, was analyzed. Two different experimental protocols were followed to this end: the former consisting of gold (Au) electrodes’ biothiol-induced thiolation, while the latter simply used bare platinum (Pt) electrodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis was performed both to validate the gold thiolation protocol and to gain insights into the reduced Hcy sensing mechanism by the Au-gated OECTs, which provided a final limit of detection (LoD) of 80 nM. For the OECT response based on Platinum gate electrodes, on the other hand, a LoD of 180 nM was found in the presence of albumin-bound Hcy, with this being the most abundant oxidized Hcy-form (i.e., the protein-bound form) in physiological fluids. Despite the lack of any biochemical functionalization supporting the response selectivity, the findings discussed in this work highlight the potential role of OECT in the development of low-cost point-of-care (POC) electronic platforms that are suitable for the evaluation, in humans, of Hcy levels within the physiological range and in cases of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Genetic and epigenetic associations of ANRIL with coronary artery disease and risk factors

BackgroundBoth DNA genotype and methylation of antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) have been robustly associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), but the interdependent mechanisms of genotype and methylation remain unclear.MethodsEighteen tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ANRIL were genotyped in a matched case–control study (cases 503 and controls 503). DNA methylation of ANRIL and the INK4/ARF locus (p14ARF, p15INK4b and p16INK4a) was measured using pyrosequencing in the same set of samples (cases 100 and controls 100).ResultsPolymorphisms of ANRIL (rs1004638, rs1333048 and rs1333050) were significantly associated with CAD (p < 0.05). The incidence of CAD, multi-vessel disease, and modified Gensini scores demonstrated a strong, direct association with ANRIL gene dosage (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between ANRIL polymorphisms and myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndrome (MI/ACS) (p > 0.05). Methylation levels of ANRIL were similar between the two studied groups (p > 0.05), but were different in the rs1004638 genotype, with AA and AT genotype having a higher level of ANRIL methylation (pos4, p = 0.006; pos8, p = 0.019). Further Spearman analyses indicated that methylation levels of ANRIL were positively associated with systolic blood pressure (pos6, r = 0.248, p = 0.013), diastolic blood pressure (pos3, r = 0.213, p = 0.034; pos6, r = 0.220, p = 0.028), and triglyceride (pos4, r = 0.253, p = 0.013), and negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (pos2, r = − 0.243, p = 0.017). Additionally, we identified 12 transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) within the methylated ANRIL region, and functional annotation indicated these TFBS were associated with basal transcription. Methylation at the INK4/ARF locus was not associated with ANRIL genotype.ConclusionsThese results indicate that ANRIL genotype (tag SNPs rs1004638, rs1333048 and rs1333050) mainly affects coronary atherosclerosis, but not MI/ACS. There may be allele-related DNA methylation and allele-related binding of transcription factors within the ANRIL promoter.

Clinical Study on Characteristics and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Lesions in Young Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among people under 40 years of age has an increasing trend in recent years. Smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, family history, and gender (male) are considered as classic risk factors for CHD, but the pathogenesis of CHD in young people is not exactly the same. Moreover, the relationship between the pattern of coronary artery disease and risk factors in young patients with acute myocardial infarction is inconclusive. In this study, we retrospectively studied the clinical data of 150 AMI patients treated in our hospital from January 2020 to May 2021. The patients were divided into the young group and elderly group according to the difference in age. The number of coronary artery lesions, the degree of coronary artery stenosis, the distribution dominance typing, the position of the lesions, and the presence of collateral circulation were observed and compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors affecting coronary artery lesions in young patients with AMI. The results showed that the number of coronary lesions in young patients with AMI was mainly single-vessel, and the dominant type of distribution was mainly right dominant type. The stenosis degree is lighter than that of elderly patients, and the incidence of collateral circulation is lower than that of elderly patients, but the position of the lesions has no obvious regular. Smoking, staying up late, HDL-C, and LDL-C/ApoB were independent factors affecting the number of coronary artery lesions, and the changes of HDL-C and LDL-C/ApoB had an important influence on the degree of coronary stenosis in young patients. This provides a new idea for clinical treatment.

Vitamin D Deficiency as a Predictor of a High Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease in Pancreas Transplant Candidates With Type 1 Diabetes.

IntroductionPancreas transplantation is a high-risk procedure in terms of cardiovascular complications. Therefore, identification of all cardiovascular risk factors is crucial to prevent cardiovascular complications after pancreas transplantation. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) appears to be a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of VDD in pancreas transplant candidates, and further to examine the relationship between vitamin D and the prevalence of coronary artery disease and lipid profile parameters.Materials and MethodsThis is a prospective cross-sectional study. We enrolled consecutive patients with type 1 diabetes eligible for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation or pancreas transplant alone. The laboratory tests included HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine, and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). The diagnosis of coronary artery disease was based on coronary angiography.ResultsThe study population included 48 patients. VDD was revealed in 48% of patients and coronary artery disease in 35% of patients. The mean concentration of vitamin D in the entire cohort was 21.3 ± 9.48 ng/ml. The median value of 25(OH)D in patients with coronary artery disease was significantly lower than in patients without coronary artery disease (18.5 (11.6–21.5) vs. 24.8 (18.4–31.8) ng/ml, p = 0.018). There was a significant relationship between VDD and coronary artery disease (OR = 4.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–15.64, p = 0.034). A patient’s odds of having coronary artery disease while having a sufficient level of vitamin D was 4.36 times lower than if the patient had VDD. There was a significant relationship between VDD and hypertension (OR = 5.91; 95% CI: 1.12–31.20, p = 0.039) and hemodialysis (OR = 4.25; 95% CI: 1.25–14.5, p = 0.023). There was no significant correlation between 25(OH)D and lipid profile.ConclusionsVDD is highly prevalent in pancreas transplant candidates with type 1 diabetes. There is a significant relationship between VDD and increased prevalence of coronary disease. The lack of any significant association between serum vitamin D and lipid profile suggests that the relationship between vitamin D and coronary artery disease results from other causes.

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and immediate outcome of Kawasaki disease: a population-based study from a tropical country

Data on Kawasaki disease from tropical countries are scarce. Hence, this population-based study aims to determine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcome of Kawasaki disease in children enrolled in the Kawasaki disease registry between 2006 and 2019 in Southern Malaysia. Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was made using standard criteria. Primary outcome measure was a coronary artery aneurysm. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the associated risk factors for coronary artery aneurysm. There were 661 Kawasaki disease, with 27% incomplete and 11% atypical presentations. Male-to-female ratio was 2:1, and median age of diagnosis was 1.4 years (interquartile range 9 to 32 months). Incidence in children of less than 5 years was 14.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.6 to 16.0) per 100,000 population, higher in males (19/100,000) and Chinese (22/100,000), with a gradual increase from 5.7/100,000 in 2006 to 19.6/100,000 in 2019, p < 0.001. Incidence in children between 5 and 9 years old was 1.3 (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.6) per 100,000 population and remained stable over time. There was a seasonal pattern with peak incidence during the rainy season. Out of 625 intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG)-treated Kawasaki disease, 7.4% were resistant, and 9% had coronary artery aneurysms. Atypical presentation, male sex, late diagnosis, and IVIG resistance were independent risk factors for coronary artery aneurysms.Conclusions: Despite the tropical climate, Kawasaki disease epidemiology is similar to non-tropic regions with seasonal patterns and a rising incidence. Atypical presentation, male sex, late diagnosis, and IVIG resistance were significantly associated with coronary artery aneurysms. What is Known: • Kawasaki disease predominantly occurs in males, children less than 5 years old, and the Asian population. • Male sex, late diagnosis, incomplete Kawasaki disease, and IVIG resistance were associated with coronary artery aneurysms. What is New: • In multi-ethnic Asian countries such as Malaysia, ethnic Chinese have a higher prevalence of Kawasaki disease compared to other ethnicities. • Kawasaki disease with atypical presentation can occur in both complete and incomplete Kawasaki disease and is significantly associated with a coronary artery aneurysm.