Lifestyle risk reduction interventions in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is escalating even though it is potentially modifiable. Affected persons, at high risk of stroke and death, are typically not targeted for risk reduction. We aimed to determine if risk-factor interventions can improve physical functioning, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cardiovascular risk in AF.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials evaluating lifestyle and biomedical risk reduction interventions in AF patients. Trials were identified by searching electronic databases, reference lists and grey literature. Trials were included if conducted by a health professional, and reported changes in multiple risk factor levels or HRQoL.

RESULTS

Five trials, solely exercise based, were identified (166 participants): two randomised controlled trials, one quasi-experimental and two pre-post designs. Exercise capacity improved after 2-12 months in the intervention group in all trials. This was assessed by maximal oxygen uptake (two trials, 2.5-5.4 ml/kg/min (17-32%) improvement, p < 0.02); six-minute walking distance (one trial, 114 m (27%) improvement, p < 0.001); cumulated work (one trial, 564 W/min (37%) improvement, p < 0.001) and incremental exercise testing (one trial, 11 m/min (10%) improvement, p = 0.05). Three trials evaluated heart rate (HR), demonstrating HR reduction at rest (7-13 bpm, p < 0.05) and during exercise (9 bpm, p < 0.05). Two trials measured HRQoL, both reporting significant improvements in SF-36 physical summary scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Literature suggests risk reduction interventions for AF can improve exercise levels, HRQoL and reduce HR, but the evidence base is small, methodologically compromised and focused on physical functioning. High-quality research in this area is required in order to help the multitudes of people living with AF.

Participating in cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative data

BACKGROUND

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) benefits patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), yet worldwide only some 15–30% of those eligible attend. To improve understanding of the reasons for poor participation we undertook a systematic review and meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature.

METHODS

Qualitative studies identifying patient barriers and enablers to attendance at CR were identified by searching multiple electronic databases, reference lists, relevant conference lists, grey literature, and keyword searching of the Internet (1990–2010). Studies were selected if they included patients with CHD and reviewed experience or understanding about CR. Meta-synthesis was used to review the papers and to synthesize the data.

RESULTS

From 1165 papers, 34 unique studies were included after screening. These included 1213 patients from eight countries. Study methodology included interviews (n = 25), focus groups (n = 5), and mixed-methods (n = 4). Key reasons for not attending CR were physical barriers, such as lack of transport, or financial cost, and personal barriers, such as embarrassment about participation, or misunderstanding the reasons for onset of CHD or the purpose of CR.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a vast amount of qualitative research which investigates patients’ reasons for non-attendance at CR. Key issues include system-level and patient-level barriers, which are potentially modifiable. Future research would best be directed at investigating strategies to overcome these barriers.

Increased tissue factor activity in monocytes from obese young adults

1. The relationship between inflammation, obesity-related proteins and tissue factor (TF), the major initiator of the extrinsic clotting cascade, is not well understood. We examined if basal and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) TF-procoagulant activity (PCA) was higher in obese subjects and examined the effects of leptin, resistin and serum amyloid A (SAA). 2. PBMC from 12 obese (six male, aged 29±4years, body mass index 46.0±8.7kg/m(2) ) and 12 age- and sex-matched lean controls were cultured either unstimulated or stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10ρg/mL and 100ng/mL, for 4-16h) or SAA (1 ng/mL, 25ng/mL, 250ng/mL, for 4h). Separately, PBMC from lean subjects were cultured unstimulated with leptin (100ρg/mL, 1ng/mL, 10ng/mL, 100ng/mL, 1 μg/mL), resistin (0.1ng/mL, 1ng/mL, 10ng/mL, 100ng/mL) or leptin (100ng/mL) plus LPS (100ρg/mL). TF-PCA was determined by a 1-stage plasma recalcification assay. 3. Four-hour unstimulated PBMC TF-PCA was greater in the obese (90.4±16.5 vs 39.9±4.7mu TF/10(6) PBMC, P=0.01). After 4h stimulation with SAA or LPS the TF-PCA was similar. Unstimulated TF-PCA correlated with log serum high sensitivity C- reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r=0.42, P=0.04) and insulin (r=0.44, P=0.048), but not with log serum SAA (r=0.192, P=0.55). Physiological concentrations of leptin or resistin and leptin plus LPS did not increase TF-PCA in PBMC from lean subjects. 4. Basal PBMC TF-PCA is higher in the obese and is associated with serum hs-CRP. The obesity-related proteins SAA, leptin and resistin are unlikely to play a major role in increasing PBMC TF-PCA.

Pleiotropic roles of S100A12 in coronary atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture

Macrophages, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play important roles in atherogenesis. The Ca(2+)-binding protein S100A12 regulates monocyte migration and may contribute to atherosclerosis by inducing proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. We found significantly higher S100A12 levels in sera from patients with coronary artery disease than controls and levels correlated positively with C-reactive protein. S100A12 was released into the coronary circulation from ruptured plaque in acute coronary syndrome, and after mechanical disruption by percutaneous coronary intervention in stable coronary artery disease. In contrast to earlier studies, S100A12 did not stimulate proinflammatory cytokine production by human monocytes or macrophages. Similarly, no induction of MMP genes was found in macrophages stimulated with S100A12. Because S100A12 binds Zn(2+), we studied some functional aspects that could modulate atherogenesis. S100A12 formed a hexamer in the presence of Zn(2+); a novel Ab was generated that specifically recognized this complex. By chelating Zn(2+), S100A12 significantly inhibited MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-3, and the Zn(2+)-induced S100A12 complex colocalized with these in foam cells in human atheroma. S100A12 may represent a new marker of this disease and may protect advanced atherosclerotic lesions from rupture by inhibiting excessive MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities by sequestering Zn(2+).

Usefulness of laboratory mental stress test in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Many episodes of ischemia in daily life are silent occurring during sedentary activities and may be related to mental stress. In 35 patients with stable angina and positive exercise test awaiting bypass surgery, we investigated whether laboratory mental stress tests would trigger ischemia of a comparable severity to that occurring in daily life and attempted to elucidate some of the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

All patients underwent exercise testing, personality assessment, 2-day Holter monitoring, and laboratory mental stress tests while on their usual medications.

RESULTS

Only four patients (12%) had positive mental stress test (ST depression > or = 0.1 mV). All episodes were silent and usually associated with fast heart rate (> 90 beats/min). In contrast, ambulatory ischemia was common (average duration of 51 min per 24 h), and at least one episode was recorded in 27 patients (77%) including the 4 with positive test. Patients with positive mental stress test had a higher heart rate during testing (124 +/- 24 vs. 86 +/- 16 beats/min, p < 0.01), and a shorter exercise time and time to 1 mm ST depression on cycle ergometry than those with negative mental stress test. None of the four patients were on beta blockers. There was no difference in personality inventory between the two groups. Comparisons between patients with and without positive mental stress test revealed no difference in the duration and frequency of ambulatory ischemia, or in the occurrence of silent ischemia. However, the heart rate at onset of ambulatory ischemia tended to be higher in the patients with positive mental stress test (96 +/- 9 vs. 62 +/- 43, p = 0.07). Further subgroup analysis in patients without beta blockers (4 mental stress test positive and 18 negative) showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Laboratory mental stress test is a weak inducer of ischemia detected by electrocardiographic monitoring in patients with frequent ambulatory ischemia. Wall motion evaluation during mental stress test may improve sensitivity. While larger scale studies may determine its clinical role, the present study illustrated that patients with heightened heart rate response to mental stress were identified in whom beta blockers could be the drug of choice.

The CHOICE (Choice of Health Options In prevention of Cardiovascular Events) replication trial: study protocol

Background

Although morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) are high, only a minority of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) survivors accesses an effective secondary prevention program. We aim to determine whether the previously proven CHOICE program can be replicated at multiple sites and whether ongoing reinforcement further improves risk factor modification.

Methods/design

Participants eligible for but not accessing standard cardiac rehabilitation will be randomly allocated to either a previously tested 3-month CHOICE program or a 30-month CHOICE program (CHOICE-plus). Both groups will participate in individualised risk factor modules of differing duration that involve choice, goal setting and telephone follow-up for three months. CHOICE-plus will also receive additional face-to-face and telephone reinforcement between three and 30 months. At one site we will recruit a randomised control group, receiving conventional care. Primary outcomes are lipid levels, blood pressure, physical activity levels and smoking rates. Secondary outcomes include readmission rates, death, the number of risk factors, other modifiable risk factors, quality of life and process evaluation measures over three years.

Discussion

We present the rationale and design of a multi-centre, replication study testing a modular approach for the secondary prevention of CHD following an ACS.

Trial Registration

[Clinical Trial Registration Number, ACTRN12608000182392]

Choice of secondary prevention improves risk factors after acute coronary syndrome: 1-year follow-up of the CHOICE (Choice of Health Options In prevention of Cardiovascular Events) randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a new CHOICE (Choice of Health Options In prevention of Cardiovascular Events) programme on cardiovascular risk factors in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) survivors.

DESIGN

Single-blind randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary referral hospital in Sydney Australia.

PATIENTS

144 ACS survivors who were not accessing standard cardiac rehabilitation. Data were also collected on a further 64 ACS survivors attending standard cardiac rehabilitation.

INTERVENTION

The CHOICE group (n = 72) participated in a brief, patient-centred, modular programme comprising a clinic visit plus telephone support, encompassing mandatory cholesterol lowering and tailored preferential risk modification. The control group (n = 72) participated in continuing conventional care but no centrally coordinated secondary prevention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Values for total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, smoking status and physical activity.

RESULTS

CHOICE and control groups were well matched at baseline. At 12 months, the CHOICE group (n = 67) had significantly better risk factor levels than controls (n = 69) for total cholesterol (TC) (mean (SEM) 4.0 (0.1) vs 4.7 (0.1) mmol/l, p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (131.6 (1.8) vs 143.9 (2.3) mm Hg, p<0.001), body mass index (28.9 (0.7) vs 31.2 (0.7) kg/m(2), p = 0.025) and physical activity (1369.1 (167.2) vs 715.1 (103.5) METS/kg/min, p = 0.001) as well as a better knowledge of risk factor targets. Also at 1 year, fewer CHOICE participants (21%) had three or more risk factors above widely recommended levels then controls (72%) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in a brief CHOICE programme significantly improved the modifiable risk profiles and risk factor knowledge of ACS survivors over 12 months. CHOICE is an effective alternative for dealing with the widespread underuse of existing secondary prevention programmes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN42984084.

High risk-factor level and low risk-factor knowledge in patients not accessing cardiac rehabilitation after acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To document the risk-factor profile and risk-factor knowledge of patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) not attending standard cardiac rehabilitation.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional comparison in a tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients admitted to hospital with an ACS, residing within 20 km of the hospital, and without severe comorbidity who did not access cardiac rehabilitation (NCR) were compared with a group about to commence standard cardiac rehabilitation (SCR).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Risk-factor profile, knowledge of risk factors via face-to-face assessment, quality of life.

RESULTS

Of the 446 patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation, 208 attended for assessment (NCR: n = 144; SCR: n = 64). The NCR group had higher mean (+/- SEM) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (2.6 +/- 0.1 v 2.3 +/- 0.1; P = 0.02), and were more likely than the SCR group to have a total cholesterol level of > 4.0 mmol/L (78% v 53%; P < 0.001) and an LDL cholesterol level > 2.5 mmol/L (47% v 25%; P = 0.01). They were more likely than the SCR group to be physically inactive (77% v 22%; P < 0.001); obese (46% v 33%; P = 0.04); depressed (21% v 5%; P < 0.001); or current smokers (21% v 1%; P < 0.001). Compared with the SCR group, the NCR group also had higher risk scores (LIPID risk score) (4.5 v 2.1; P < 0.001); lower quality of life (Medical Outcome Short Form [SF-36] Health Survey); and significantly poorer knowledge of risk factors. Among patients with at least two modifiable cardiac risk factors, the NCR group were less likely than the SCR group to be able to state at least one risk factor (24% v 38%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients not participating in cardiac rehabilitation after an ACS have more adverse risk profiles and poorer knowledge of risk factors compared with those about to commence cardiac rehabilitation. Alternate models for secondary prevention are required to improve health outcomes in patients not attending cardiac rehabilitation.

Serum Amyloid A Induces Monocyte Tissue Factor

C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) increase in the blood of patients with inflammatory conditions and CRP-induced monocyte tissue factor (TF) may contribute to inflammation-associated thrombosis. This study demonstrates that SAA is a potent and rapid inducer of human monocyte TF. SAA induced TF mRNA in PBMC within 30 min and optimal procoagulant activity within 4 h, whereas CRP (25 mug/ml)-induced activity was minimal at this time. Unlike CRP, SAA did not synergize with LPS. Procoagulant activity was inhibited by anti-TF and was dependent on factors VII and X, and TF Ag levels were elevated on CD14(+) monocytes. Responses were optimal with lymphocytes, although these were not obligatory. Inhibitor studies indicate activation of NF-kappaB through the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways; the cyclo-oxygenase pathway was not involved. SAA-induced TF was partially inhibited by high-density lipoprotein, but not by low-density lipoprotein or by apolipoprotein A-I. SAA is a ligand for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and TF generation was suppressed by approximately 50% by a RAGE competitor, soluble RAGE, and by approximately 85% by anti-RAGE IgG. However, another RAGE ligand, high mobility group box-1 protein, capable of inducing monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA in 2 h, did not induce TF within 24 h. Cross-linking studies confirmed SAA binding to soluble RAGE. Elevated SAA is a marker of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and PBMC from patients with rheumatoid arthritis were more sensitive to SAA than normals, suggesting a new link between inflammation and thrombosis.

Modular prevention of heart disease following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) [ISRCTN42984084]

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and it is recommended that all persons with unstable angina (UA) or myocardial infarction (MI) participate in secondary prevention as offered in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. However, the majority of patients do not access standard CR and have higher baseline coronary risk and poorer knowledge of CHD than those persons due to commence CR. The objective of this study is to investigate whether a modular guided self-choice approach to secondary prevention improves coronary risk profile and knowledge in patients who do not access standard CR.

Methods/Design

This randomised controlled trial with one year follow-up will be conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. Participants eligible for but not accessing standard CR will be randomly allocated to either a modular or conventional care group. Modular care will involve participation in individualised modules that involve choice, goal-setting and coaching. Conventional care will involve ongoing heart disease management as directed by the participant's doctors. Both modular and conventional groups will be compared with a contemporary reference group of patients attending CR. Outcomes include measured modifiable risk factors, relative heart disease risk and knowledge of risk factors.

Discussion

We present the rationale and design of a randomised controlled trial testing a modular approachfor the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease following acute coronary syndrome.

C-reactive protein contributes to the hypercoagulable state in coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

Elevated plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels predict coronary events, but it is unclear whether CRP plays a role in thrombosis associated with these events. We investigated tissue factor (TF) induction by CRP on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with coronary disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PBMC from 35 patients with stable angina (SA) in study 1, 10 male patients with SA, 10 with unstable angina (UA) and 10 matched controls in study 2, and 25 patients with inflammatory disorders (ID) and 24 normal controls in study 3 were stimulated with CRP, interferon-gamma (IFN) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or their combination. PBMC from additional normal donors were also stimulated with CRP in adherent and non-adherent conditions, and TF activity, antigen and mRNA expression detected.

RESULTS

CRP (5-25 microg mL(-1)) dose dependently induced more TF on PBMC from SA patients than 42 contemporary controls (P = 0.001, study 1). Compared with controls, patients with SA or UA had higher basal, and much higher CRP- or CRP/LPS-induced monocyte TF activity although serum CRP levels were similar (study 2). IFN induced monocyte TF activity in patients with angina, but not in controls. Basal or CRP-induced TF levels did not differ between controls and ID, even though ID patients had much higher serum CRP levels (study 3). CRP-induced monocyte TF activity correlated with serum CRP levels in controls (P = 0.005) and ID (P = 0.007) in study 3, but not in patients with angina (P =0.84) in study 2. CRP induced more TF activity, protein and mRNA under adherent than non-adherent conditions implying that it may mainly target macrophages in lymphocyte-rich lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that monocytes from patients with angina are preactivated and express TF but CRP is unlikely to be a major priming factor in vivo. IFN and CRP further increase TF levels that may contribute to the hypercoagulable state in coronary disease.

Spontaneous remyelination following prolonged inhibition of alpha4 integrin in chronic EAE

Inhibition of alpha(4)beta(1) integrin blocks immune cell influx into the CNS providing benefit to patients with multiple sclerosis and in animal model systems. We have used this mechanism to examine whether the presence of inflammatory cells suppresses spontaneous myelin repair in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We observed (1) 87% of plaques showed remyelination after 40 days of treatment; (2) myelin repair occurred in half of the total lesion area; (3) half of the animals regained motor function. There was no significant repair or gain of motor function in vehicle-treated animals. Therefore, prolonged inhibition of CNS inflammation, in the absence of targeted myelin repair, facilitates mechanisms of spontaneous remyelination.

The role of left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetes in the presence of transient ischemic dilation of the left ventricle on myocardial perfusion SPECT images

Transient ischemic dilation of the left ventricle found on SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is an accepted marker of severe and extensive coronary artery disease (CAD) and poor prognosis. The influence of other clinical variables on the incidence of transient ischemic dilation is less certain. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical factors that may influence the incidence of transient ischemic dilation. In particular, we looked at factors that may independently affect subendocardial perfusion, such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diabetes.

METHODS

MPI studies of 103 consecutive patients who had undergone recent coronary angiography (< or =6 mo) and transthoracic echocardiography within a year of stress electrocardiography-gated MPI were retrospectively analyzed. Transient ischemic dilation was assessed quantitatively using a software program. A ratio cutoff of > or =1.22 was considered to represent transient ischemic dilation. Summed stress score and summed difference score (ischemia score) were determined using the standard 17-segment 5-point scoring system to quantify myocardial ischemia. LVH was defined as a left ventricular wall thickness of >11 mm on M-mode echocardiography. Severe CAD was defined as severe stenosis (> or =90%) of either the left anterior descending artery or both the right coronary and lateral circumflex arteries.

RESULTS

Nineteen (18%) of the 103 patients had transient ischemic dilation, 19 (18%) had LVH, and 23 (22%) were diabetic. A high percentage had severe CAD (46/103 [45%]), whereas 57 of 103 (55%) had less severe CAD (30/103 [29%]) or nonsignificant CAD (26/103 [25%]). Severe CAD (P < 0.001), diabetes (P < 0.0001), LVH (P < 0.003), and the ischemia score (P < 0.023) were independent predictors of transient ischemic dilation by multivariate logistic regression. In patients with severe CAD, the effect of LVH on the incidence of transient ischemic dilation was additive, increasing the incidence from 21% (8/38) without LVH to 75% (6/8) with LVH (P < 0.006). Likewise, with severe CAD, the incidence of transient ischemic dilation rose from 21% (7/33) in patients without diabetes to 54% (7/13) in those with diabetes (P < 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The presence of transient ischemic dilation on myocardial perfusion SPECT is associated with the presence of severe CAD, but this association is modified by the presence of LVH and diabetes.

Elevated circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9 and MMP-2) have been implicated in development of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

AIM

To determine the relationship between circulating MMPs and symptomatic coronary artery disease.

METHODS

Plasma levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were measured in patients with ACS, stable angina (SA) and in controls, using a quantitative gelatin zymography. These measurements were correlated with markers of systemic inflammation (hs-CRP) in all subjects and myocardial injury (troponin T) in patients with ACS.

RESULTS

Plasma MMP-9 in ACS was greater than in SA, and was greater in SA than in controls (P < 0.01 ACS vs SA and controls, P < 0.01 SA vs control). Plasma MMP-2 was significantly greater in ACS than SA or controls (P < 0.01 vs SA and controls). There was strong overall relationship between hs-CRP and MMP-9 (r = 0.65, P < 0.0001) driven by a significant relationship in ACS patients (r = 0.58, P = 0.02), as there was no significant association in SA or controls. A weaker overall correlation was found between hs-CRP and MMP-2 (r = 0.39, P = 0.02), but no significant relationship was present for either of the two patient subgroups or controls. There was no correlation between levels of troponin T and MMP-9, MMP-2 or hs-CRP in ACS patients.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative gelatin zymography identifies increased circulating levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in patients with symptomatic coronary disease. MMP-9 and MMP-2 are higher in ACS than SA patients and might have use as markers of plaque rupture or instability. The strong relationship between MMP-9 and hs-CRP in ACS patients suggests MMP-9 might be an additional marker and/or consequence of the inflammatory component in ACS.

Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on transient ischemia: the Quinapril Anti-Ischemia and Symptoms of Angina Reduction (QUASAR) trial

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACE-I) (i.e., quinapril) prevents transient ischemia (exertional and spontaneous) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

BACKGROUND

It is known that ACE-I reduces the risk of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and other CAD-related outcomes in high-risk patients. Numerous studies have confirmed that ACE-I improves coronary flow and endothelial function. Whether ACE-I also decreases transient ischemia is unclear, because no studies have been adequately designed or sufficiently powered to evaluate this issue.

METHODS

Using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter design, we enrolled 336 CAD patients with stable angina. None had uncontrolled hypertension, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, or recent MI, and all developed electrocardiographic (ECG) evidence of ischemia during exercise. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 40 mg/day quinapril (n = 177) or placebo (n = 159) for 8 weeks. Patients then entered an additional eight-week treatment phase to examine the full dose range. Those assigned to 40 mg quinapril continued that dose and those assigned to placebo were titrated to 80 mg/day. Treadmill testing, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and ambulatory ECG monitoring were used to assess responses at baseline and at 8 and 16 weeks.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ significantly at entry or in terms of indexes assessing myocardial ischemia at 8 or 16 weeks of treatment. In this low-risk population, ACE-I was not associated with serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest short-term ACE-I in CAD patients without hypertension, LV dysfunction, or acute MI is not associated with significant effects on transient ischemia.

Prolonged reversal of chronic experimental allergic encephalomyelitis using a small molecule inhibitor of alpha4 integrin

CNS leukocytic invasion in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) depends on alpha4beta1 integrin/vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) interactions. A small molecule inhibitor of alpha4beta1 integrin (CT301) was administered to guinea pigs in the chronic phase (>d40) of EAE for 10, 20, 30 or 40 days. CT301 elicited a rapid, significant improvement in the clinical and pathological scores that was maintained throughout the treatment period. A progressive loss of cells in the spinal cord of treated animals confirmed the resolution of inflammation associated with clinical recovery. Therefore, prolonged inhibition of alpha4beta1 integrin caused a sustained reversal of disease pathology in chronic EAE and may be similarly useful in MS.