International journal of cardiology
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In rodent models of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), the QTc interval is prolonged, reflecting downregulation of repolarizing Kv channels in RV myocytes. The significance of QTc prolongation in human PH is unknown. We hypothesized that QTc prolongation occurs in human PH, is associated with RVH and decreased RV function, and predicts adverse prognosis. ⋯ QTc prolongation in PH patients reflects the status of the RV and is an independent predictor of mortality.
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Circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) lead to endothelial dysfunction by increasing oxidative stress. Berberine has a beneficial effect on endothelial function, but no data are available on the EMP-mediated oxidative stress. The present study tests the hypothesis that berberine contributes to the improvement of endothelial function in humans via inhibiting EMP-mediated oxidative stress in vascular endothelium. ⋯ The present study demonstrated for the first time that EMP-induced upregulation of Nox4 expression may enhance ROS production in HUVECs. Berberine treatment contributes to the amelioration of endothelial function through a partially reducing oxidative stress of vascular endothelium induced by circulating CD31+/CD42- microparticles in humans.
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Evidence of a link between small rises in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and an increased risk of thromboembolic events (TE) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently scarce. ⋯ cTnI seems to be associated to thromboembolic risk in patients with AF. The possible role of cTnI in the refinement of risk stratification schemes needs to be tested in further prospective studies using clinical endpoints.
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An impaired myocardial perfusion state after primary angioplasty is a strong predictor of long-term adverse outcomes in patients with STEMI. We assessed the relationship between culprit plaque characteristics and myocardial perfusion state after primary angioplasty in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). ⋯ Culprit plaque with large plaque burden and high NC volume is closely associated with poor STR after revascularization.