European journal of clinical investigation
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
Let-7 mediated airway remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via the regulation of IL-6.
Myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the mechanisms of regulation of myofibroblast differentiation remain unclear. ⋯ We demonstrate that CS reduced let-7 expression in COPD and, further, identify let-7 as a regulator of myofibroblast differentiation through the regulation of IL-6, which has potential value for diagnosis and treatment of COPD.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
ReviewPulmonary hypertension in connective tissue diseases, new evidence and challenges.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a lethal complication of different connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Although the treatment possibilities for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have increased in the last two decades and survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension has improved, the latter is not the case for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease. In this narrative review, we review recent literature and describe the improvement of early diagnostic possibilities, screening modalities and treatment options. We also point out the pitfalls in diagnosis in this patient category and describe the unmet needs and what the focus of future research should be.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
Review Case ReportsValue of 3D mapping guided endomyocardial biopsy in cardiac sarcoidosis.
Integration of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in the diagnostic workup of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is under-recognized in current clinical practice, since capturing focal granulomas is challenging. Our aim was to describe our experience with electro-anatomic mapping (EAM)-guided EMB and provide a comprehensive review of the literature. ⋯ Unipolar voltage mapping may be superior to target active inflamed tissue and should be evaluated in future research regarding EAM-guided EMB in CS.
-
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is involved in cholesterol homeostasis. After binding to the complex low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor, PCSK9 induces its intracellular degradation, thus reducing serum LDL clearance. ⋯ Indeed, PCSK9 is expressed by various cell types that are involved in atherosclerosis (e.g. endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages) and is detected inside human atherosclerotic plaques. We here analyse the biology of PCSK9 and its possible involvement in molecular processes involved in atherosclerosis, beyond the regulation of circulating LDL cholesterol levels.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
ReviewAssessment of subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy by speckle-tracking imaging.
Diastolic dysfunction is traditionally believed to be the first subclinical manifestation of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), leading to systolic dysfunction and then overt heart failure. However, in the last few years, several studies suggested that systolic subclinical dysfunction measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) may appear ahead of diastolic dysfunction. In this review, the main endpoint is to show whether subclinical myocardial systolic dysfunction appears ahead of diastolic dysfunction and the implication this may have on the evolution and management of DCM. ⋯ The results illustrate that subclinical systolic dysfunction assessed by STE is present in early DCM stages, with or without the association of diastolic dysfunction. This could be a promising perspective for the early management of patients with DCM leading to the prevention of the overt form of disease.