European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2024
Observational StudyEvaluation of high-density lipoprotein-bound long non-coding RNAs in subjects with familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could be attractive circulating biomarkers for cardiovascular risk stratification in subjects at high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk such as familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). Our aim was to investigate the presence of lncRNAs carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in FH subjects and to evaluate the associations of HDL-lncRNAs with lipoproteins and mechanical vascular impairment assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV). ⋯ LncRNA HIF1A-AS2, LASER and LEXIS were transported by HDL; moreover, significant relationships of HDL-lncRNA LEXIS with Lp(a) levels and PWV were found. Our study suggests that HDL-lncRNA LEXIS may be useful to better identify FH subjects with more pronounced vascular damage.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2024
Artificial intelligence evaluation of coronary computed tomography angiography for coronary stenosis classification and diagnosis.
Ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is time-consuming and challenging. This study developed a deep learning (DL) model to assist in detecting obstructive CAD on CCTA to streamline workflows. ⋯ The developed AI model identified obstructive CAD, and the model results correlated well with QCA results. Incorporating the model into the reporting system of CCTA may improve workflows.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2024
Depression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and all-cause/cause-specific mortality.
Depression has been associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Data addressing the impact of depression on NAFLD-related mortality are evolving. We aim to study the association of depression in NAFLD and all-cause/cause-specific mortality in the United States. ⋯ Depression among individuals with NAFLD was associated with a higher risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the United States.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2024
Heart rate variability and cardiovascular diseases: A Mendelian randomization study.
The causal relationship between heart rate variability and cardiovascular diseases and the associated events is still unclear, and the conclusions of current studies are inconsistent. We aimed to explore the relationship between heart rate variability and cardiovascular diseases and the associated events with the Mendelian randomization study. ⋯ This study provides genetic evidence that pvRSA/HF is causally related to cardiac arrest.
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SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, primarily affects the respiratory system by targeting the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and TMPRSS2. However, these receptors are also present in other organs, including the testes, where a higher concentration of ACE2 receptors has been observed. This raises concerns about the potential impact of the virus on male fertility. ⋯ The results indicated that all of the mentioned parameters were significantly affected during COVID-19 infection (PCR-ct, CRP, WBCs LH, FSH and testosterone levels, p-value = .0001). Furthermore, the study assessed TC, TM and sperm morphology in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and found that these parameters were also significantly influenced during the infection, (p-value = .0001; Morphology, p-value = .0004). We observed significant alterations in sperm count and morphology during infection, suggesting a potential negative impact on sperm quality. Additionally, lower hormone levels were observed during COVID-19 infection, possibly due to increased inflammatory cytokines. However, both hormones and inflammation markers returned to normal following recovery. Our findings indicate a statistically significant change in total sperm count, motility and morphology post-infection, which aligns with previous studies. Discussion, COVID-19 have a transient impact on sperm parameters and fertility, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into the long-term implications.