Molecular and cellular insights into the pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia

Receptor for advanced glycation end products polymorphisms in coronary artery ectasia

BACKGROUND

Although the implication of receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) has been reported in coronary artery disease, its roles in coronary artery ectasia (CAE) have remained undetermined. Furthermore, the effect of RAGE polymorfisms were not well-defined in scope of soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels. Thus, we aimed to investigate the influence of the functional polymorphisms of RAGE -374T > A (rs1800624) and G82S (rs2070600) in CAE development.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted in 2 groups selected of 2452 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG) for evaluation after positive noninvasive heart tests. Group-I included 98 patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and CAE, and Group-II (control) included 100 patients with normal coronary arteries. SNPs were genotyped by real-time PCR using Taqman® genotyping assay. Serum sRAGE and soluble lectin-like oxidized receptor-1 (sOLR1) were assayed by ELISA and serum lipids were measured enzymatically.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the RAGE -374A allele and -374AA genotype were significantly higher in CAE patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). sRAGE levels were not different between study groups, while sOLR1 levels were elevated in CAE (p = 0.004). In controls without systemic disease, -374A allele was associated with low sRAGE levels (p < 0.05), but this association was not significant in controls with HT. Similarly, sRAGE levels of CAE patients with both HT and T2DM were higher than those no systemic disease (p = 0.02). The -374A allele was also associated with younger patient age and higher platelet count in the CAE group in both total and subgroup analyses. In the correlation analyses, the -374A allele was also negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with Plt in all of these CAE groups. In the total CAE group, sRAGE levels also showed a positive correlation with age and a negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol levels. On the other hand, a negative correlation was observed between sRAGE and Plt in the total, hypertensive and no systemic disease control subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the -374A allele (p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05), and high sOLR1 level (p < 0.05) are risk factors for CAE. ROC curve analysis shows that RAGE -374A allele has AUC of 0.713 (sensitivity: 83.7 %, specificity: 59.0 %), which is higher than HLD (sensitivity: 59.2 %, specificity: 69.0 %), HT (sensitivity: 62.4 %, specificity: 61.1 %) and high sOLR1 level (≥0.67 ng/ml)) (sensitivity: 59.8 %, specificity: 58.5 %).

CONCLUSION

Beside the demonstration of the relationship between -374A allele and increased risk of CAE for the first time, our results indicate that antihypertensive and antidiabetic treatment in CAE patients causes an increase in sRAGE levels. The lack of an association between the expected -374A allele and low sRAGE levels in total CAE group was attributed to the high proportion of hypertensive patients and hence to antihypertensive treatment. Moreover, the RAGE -374A allele is associated with younger age at CAE and higher Plt, suggesting that -374A may also be associated with platelet activation, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of CAE. However, our data need to be confirmed in a large study for definitive conclusions.

Endothelin-converting Enzyme-1b Genetic Variants Increase the Risk of Coronary Artery Ectasia

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE), defined as a 1.5-fold or greater enlargement of a coronary artery segment compared to the adjacent normal coronary artery, is frequently associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Membrane-bound endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) is involved in the maturation process of the most potent vasoconstrictor ET-1. Polymorphisms in the endothelin (ET) gene family have been shown associated with the development of atherosclerosis. This study aims to investigate the effects of rs213045 and rs2038089 polymorphisms in the ECE-1 gene which have been previously shown to be associated with atherosclerosis and hypertension (HT), in CAE patients. Ninety-six CAE and 175 patients with normal coronary arteries were included in the study. ECE-1b gene variations rs213045 and rs2038089 were determined by real-time PCR. The frequencies of rs213045 C > A (C338A) CC genotype (60.4% vs. 35.4%, p < 0.001) and rs2038089 T > C T allele (64.58% vs. 35.42%, p = 0.017) were higher in the CAE group compared to the control group. The multivariate regression analysis showed that the ECE-1b rs213045 CC genotype (p = 0.001), rs2038089 T allele (p = 0.017), and hypercholesterolemia (HC) (p = 0.001) are risk factors for CAE. Moreover, in nondiabetic individuals of the CAE and control groups, it was observed that the rs213045 CC genotype (p < 0.001), and rs2038089 T allele (p = 0.003) were a risk factor for CAE, but this relationship was not found in the diabetic subgroups of the study groups (p > 0.05). These results show that ECE-1b polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of CAE and this relationship may change according to the presence of type II diabetes.

Differential Expression of Circulating Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns in Patients with Coronary Artery Ectasia

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as abnormal dilation of a coronary artery with a diameter exceeding that of adjacent normal arterial segment by >1.5 times. CAE is a pathological entity of the coronary arteries and characterized as a variant of coronary atherosclerosis. CAE frequently coexists with coronary artery disease (CAD). While inflammation appears to be involved, the pathophysiology of CAE remains unclear. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), defined as endogenous molecules released from stressed or damaged tissue, are deemed as alarm signals by the innate immune system. Inflammatory agents can generate DAMPs and DAMPs can create a pro-inflammatory state. In a prospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled 29 patients with CAE and non-obstructive CAD, 19 patients with obstructive CAD without CAE, and 14 control subjects with normal (control) coronary arteries age- and sex-matched with the CAE patients, to investigate the differential expression of plasma DAMPs. Patients with CAE and non-obstructive CAD had increased plasma levels of the DAMPs S100B, S100A12, HMGB1, and HSP70, the DAMPs receptor TLR4, and miR328a-3p compared to CAD and controls. Plasma levels of the mir328a-3p target the protective soluble form of the DAMPs receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), and the antioxidant DJ-1 was decreased in both CAE and CAD compared to controls. In an in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cells model, circulating levels of S100B, HMGB1, HSP70 as well as CAE patient plasma induced inflammatory responses. The differential expression of the DAMPs S100B, HSP70, HMGB1, and their receptors TLR4 and sRAGE in CAE versus CAD makes them attractive novel biomarkers as therapeutic targets and therapeutics.

Chronic exposure to high altitude and the presence of coronary ectasia in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction

Objective

To evaluate the association between chronic exposure to high altitude and the presence of coronary ectasia (CE) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated in a highly specialized cardiovascular reference hospital in Peru.

Materials and methods

Retrospective matched case-control study. The cases were patients with CE and controls without CE. The relationship between CE and chronic exposure to high altitude was evaluated considering intervening variables such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, and hematocrit values. Patients with chronic inflammatory pathologies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and previous revascularization were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to obtain the OR value and their respective confidence intervals.

Results

Eighteen cases and 18 controls were studied, most of them were men with an average age of 65 years. Thirty-six percent of the population came from high altitude; in this group 76.9% had coronary ectasia of the infarct-related artery. The mean hematocrit value was slightly higher in the high-altitude native (46 ± 7% versus 42 ± 5%, p=0.094). Multivariate conditional logistic regression did not find a significant relationship between exposure to high altitude and the risk of presenting CE (OR:6.03, IC95%: 0.30-118, p=0.236).

Conclusions

In patients with STEMI, we found no association between chronic exposure to high altitude and coronary ectasia.

Next-generation sequencing of prolidase gene identifies novel and common variants associated with low prolidase in coronary artery ectasia

BACKGROUND

Decreased collagen biosynthesis and increased collagenolysis can cause ectasia progression in the arterial walls. Prolidase is a key enzyme in collagen synthesis; a decrease in prolidase activity or level may decrease collagen biosynthesis, which may contribute to ectasia formation. Considering that, the variations in PEPD gene encoding prolidase enzyme were evaluated by analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the first time together with known risk factors in coronary artery ectasia (CAE) patients.

METHODS

Molecular analysis of the PEPD gene was performed on genomic DNA by NGS in 76 CAE patients and 76 controls. The serum levels of prolidase were measured by the sandwich-ELISA technique.

RESULTS

Serum prolidase levels were significantly lower in CAE group compared to control group, and it was significantly lower in males than females in both groups (p < 0.001). On the other hand, elevated prolidase levels were observed in CAE patients in the presence of diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.05) and hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the low prolidase level (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.02) and hyperlipidemia (p < 0.012) were significantly associated with increased CAE risk. We identified four missense mutations in the PEPD gene, namely G296S, T266A, P365L and S134C (novel) that could be associated with CAE. The pathogenicity of these mutations was predicted to be "damaging" for G296S, S134C and P365L, but "benign" for T266A. We also identified a novel 5'UTR variation (Chr19:34012748 G>A) in one patient who had a low prolidase level. In addition, rs17570 and rs1061338 common variations of the PEPD gene were associated with low prolidase levels in CAE patients, while rs17569 variation was associated with high prolidase levels in both CAE and controls (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the low serum prolidase levels observed in CAE patients is significantly associated with PEPD gene variations. It was concluded that low serum prolidase level and associated PEPD mutations may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of CAE.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Impact of Coronary Artery Ectasia in Patients With Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

The clinical relevance of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is poorly understood. We investigated the prevalence, potential predictors, and prognostic significance of CAE in patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2016 to December 2018 were included and followed up for 1 year. CAE was diagnosed as an abnormal dilation >1.5-fold the diameter of adjacent normal segments on angiography. A total of 590 patients with CAE were identified from 36 790 patients undergoing PCI (overall rate of CAE: 1.6%). In multivariate analysis, variables including body mass index >30 kg/m2 (risk ratio, RR: 2.413, P = .018), ever-smoking (RR: 1.669, P < .001), hypertension (RR: 1.221, P = .025), acute myocardial infarction at admission (RR: 1.343, P = .004), no diabetes (RR: .810, P = .023), previous myocardial infarction (RR: 1.545, P < .001), no left main disease (RR: .632, P = .008) and multiple-vessel disease (RR: 1.326, P = .001), increased C-reactive protein (RR: 1.006, P = .012) were predictors of CAE. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes did not differ significantly between patients with or without CAE (P = .203). CAE is not uncommon among patients undergoing PCI in this cohort study. The presence of CAE vs its absence had no significant impact on 1-year clinical outcomes after PCI.

Comparison of systemic immune-inflammation index levels in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia versus patients with obstructive coronary artery disease and normal coronary angiogram

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is associated with increased risk of mortality, equivalent to that of patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Considering the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of CAE, we aimed to investigate whether there is an association between systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and isolated CAE. The study population included 510 patients of which 170 patients with isolated CAE, 170 patients with obstructive CAD and 170 patients with normal coronary angiograms (NCA). The severity of CAE was determined according to the Markis classification. Patients with isolated CAE had significantly higher SII values compared to those with obstructive CAD and NCA [median 550 IQR (404-821), median 526 IQR (383-661), and median 433 IQR (330-555), respectively, p < .001]. In multivariate analysis, SII (OR 1.032, 95% CI 1.020-1.044, p = .003), male gender (OR 2.083, p = .008), eGFR (OR 0.979, p = .016), and CRP (OR 1.105, p = .005) were independent factors of isolated CAE. Moreover, in the Spearman correlation analysis, there was a moderate but significant positive correlation between SII and CRP (r = 0.379, p < .001). In conclusion, higher SII levels were independently associated with the presence of isolated CAE. This result suggests that a more severe inflammatory process may play a role in the development of this variant of CAD.

Serum irisin and adropin levels may be predictors for coronary artery ectasia

BACKGROUND

There is strong evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to the coronary artery ectasia (CAE) pathophysiology. Recent studies have shown that serum irisin and adropin levels are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. In the light of this information, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between serum irisin, adropin levels and CAE.

PATIENTS & METHODS

A total of 50 consecutive patients with CAE and 50 consecutive patients with normal coronary anatomy (NCA) were enrolled into the study. Serum irisin, adropin and other clinical parameters were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Adropin (p < .001) and irisin (p < .001) levels were lower in the CAE group. Low adropin (p = .014) and irisin (p < .001) levels were detected as an independent risk factor for CAE in multiple regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that serum adropin (p < .001) and irisin (p < .001) leves was significant predictor of CAE.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that serum irisin and adropin level was lower in the CAE group than in the NCA group. Irisin and adropin could play a role in the pathogenesis of CAE.

The Impact of C-Peptide and Diabetes Mellitus on Coronary Ectasia and Effect of Coronary Ectasia and C-Peptide on Long-Term Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is an entity frequently associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) in clinical practice. Although it has common risk factors with atherosclerotic CAD in its development, the pathophysiology of CAE is not fully known and it is not seen in every CAD suggesting that different determinants may play a pivotal role in the development of CAD. This study aimed to reveal the impact of C-peptide and diabetes mellitus (DM) on CAE and the effect of C-peptide and coronary ectasia on long-term outcomes in patients who underwent coronary angiography.

METHODS

A total of 6611 patients who underwent coronary angiography were followed up retrospectively, and their major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) status of an average of sixty months was recorded. According to their angiographic features, the patients were divided into two groups those with and without CAE. MACE development was accepted as the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

A total of 552 patients had CAE and MACE developed in 573 patients. Patients with CAE and higher C-peptide levels (Q4 + Q3) showed higher rates of MACE as compared to those without CAE and lower C-peptide levels (Q1 + Q2) (20.8% vs 7.6%; 70.1% vs 29.1%; p < 0.001, for both of them). In multivariate regression analysis, high C-peptide levels were determined as an independent risk factor for CAE (OR 2.417; 95% CI 2.212-2.641; p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curves showed that the risks for MACE increased as the C-peptide levels increased. The Cox regression analysis for 5-years MACE related to the plasma C-peptide levels and presence of CAE, C-peptide, and CAE were found to be independent predictors of MACE (HR = 1.255, 95% CI: 1.164-1.336, p < 0.001 and HR = 1.012, 95% CI: 1.002-1.023, p=0.026, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that a high C-peptide level is an independent risk factor for CAE and that CAE and C-peptide are independent predictors for the development of MACE.

Late Coronary Aneurysm Formation after Kawasaki Disease: a Review of Mechanistic and Clinical Aspects

Evolution of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) has been an ominous clinical finding in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). CAAs generally emerge within the first few weeks in patients with KD, and appear to be strongly associated with the failure to timely initiate specific management strategies. CAA formation might occasionally arise as a late-onset phenomenon long after the index KD episode. Late CAAs in the setting of KD have particular mechanistic and clinical characteristics. Late CAAs in the setting of KD may be confused with other CAA types (atherosclerotic, etc.), and are possibly underdiagnosed in clinical practice.

In patients with Kawasaki disease (KD), evolution of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) generally emerges within the first few weeks after disease onset. However, CAA formation in these patients might occasionally arise as a late-onset phenomenon after a long latent period. Characteristically, late CAAs manifest as new-onset vascular pathologies or expansion of long-stable CAAs on coronary imaging modalities, and might have diverse mechanistic and clinical implications. Accordingly, the present paper aims to focus on late CAA formation and its implications in the setting of KD.

Assessment of venous leg symptoms in patients with hemorrhoidal disease (VEIN-HEMORRHOID study)

BACKGROUND

Coexistence of dilating venous diseases in different vascular territories has raised the idea that they have similar vascular wall abnormality in their evolutionary process. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate venous leg symptoms in patients with hemorrhoidal disease (HD) by means of VEINES-Sym questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved 249 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy and met the inclusion criteria. Presence and grading of HD were made according to Goligher's classification. All patients were examined for the existing of varicose vein and classified in respect of CEAP classification. All participants were requested to answer the VEINES-Sym questionnaire.

RESULTS

There was not statistically significant differences between the patients without HD (grade 0 or I) and with HD (Grade II or III) in respect to clinical characteristics except female predominance in hemorrhoid group (p = 0.07). Scores of heavy legs, swelling, burning sensation, restless leg, throbbing, tingling, and total VEINES score were significantly lower (ie: worse) in hemorrhoid group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender and total VEINES score were independently associated with HD (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17-3.52, p = 0.01; OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99, p = 0.02, respectively). Among all venous leg symptoms, severity of heavy legs, night cramps, swelling and aching were significantly correlated with the grades of HD.

CONCLUSION

We have shown significant association between the HD and venous leg symptoms reflected by total VEINES score and significant correlation between the HD grade and venous leg symptoms severity including heavy legs, swelling, night cramps and aching legs.

Three novel ATG16L1 mutations in a patient with acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery ectasia: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a specific type of coronary artery disease (CAD) caused by the rupture of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare phenotype of cardiovascular disease that may promote thrombosis and inflammatory responses leading to myocardial infarction due to abnormal dilatation of blood vessels and coronary blood flow disorders. It is a complicated disease and shows interaction between genetic and environmental factors.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 34-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital on May 12, 2016, with complaints of chest pain for 1 hour duration.

DIAGNOSIS

Coronary angiography through the emergency medical service (EMS) system showed 100% occlusion at the first turning point of the right coronary artery (RCA), along with tumor-like expansion of the proximal segment of the RCA and the end of the left main (LM) artery. The patient was diagnosed with AMI and CAE. Three-point mutations in the ATG16L1 gene were identified by direct sequencing.

INTERVENTIONS

After admission, the patient underwent emergency green channel coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to assess and unblock the stenosis and occlusion of the RCA lumen, but no stenting was performed because the catheter could not pass the second inflection point of the RCA. Aspirin enteric-coated tablets, clopidogrel sulfate tablets, tirofiban hydrochloride, and low molecular weight heparin calcium were given as anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Atorvastatin calcium tablets were used to regulate blood lipid levels. Perindopril and spironolactone were used to inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to reverse myocardial remodeling. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (ACEI) and beta blockers were administered to resist ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function and prognosis after the patient's blood pressure and heart rhythm were stabilized.

OUTCOMES

After active rescue treatment, the patient recovered and was discharged. A coronary angiogram performed 2 years later showed that the RCA blood flow was restored, and the patient had recovered well.

CONCLUSION

Three-point mutations in the ATG16L1 gene were identified in a patient with AMI and CAE, which extended the mutation spectrum of the ATG16L1 gene. Hence, the etiology of coronary artery aneurysmal dilatation is worthy of further investigation.

A New Perspective for Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia: Cystatin C

Introduction

The pathophysiology of isolated coronary artery ectasia (iCAE) has not been clearly identified, although multiple abnormalities, including arteritis, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular destruction, have been reported. In this study, we aimed to analyze serum cystatin C concentrations in patients with iCAE and controls.

Methods

Forty-seven patients with iCAE (mean age: 55.9 ± 11.5) and 32 individuals with normal coronary angiography (mean age: 57.8.1 ± 9.6) were included in the study. Plasma cystatin C levels were measured by using the principle of particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA).

Results

Serum cystatin C concentrations were significantly lower in patients with iCAE compared with the control group (0.98 ± 0.17 mg/L versus 1.17 ± 2.6 mg/L, p-value = 0.001). A significantly positive relationship was found between serum cystatin C levels and creatinine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in both groups (r-value = 0.288, p-value = 0.005, r-value = 0.143, p-value = 0.007, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum cystatin C level found to be a significant predictor for the presence of iCAE (OR: 0.837, CI: 95% (0.341 - 1.637), p-value = 0.013). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined that a cystatin C value < 1.02 mg/L had a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 78% for the prediction of ectasia.

Conclusion

We conclude that cystatin C independently can be a useful predictor for the presence of iCAE.

Anti-inflammatory effects of rosuvastatin treatment on coronary artery ectasia patients of different age groups

Background

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is an angiographic finding of abnormal coronary dilatation. Inflammation plays a major role in all phases of atherosclerosis. We investigated the relationship between CAE and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels to test our hypothesis that patient age is associated with the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy for CAE.

Methods

We conducted a prospective analysis of 217 patients with CAE treated at the Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Ji’an Campus and the Baoshan People’s Hospital, from January 1, 2015 to July 30, 2019. Baseline data of patients, including sex; age; and history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, were collected from patient medical records. Study participants were grouped by age as follows: CAE-A (n = 60, age ≤ 50 years), CAE-B (n = 83, 50 years <age ≤ 70 years), and CAE-C (n = 74, age > 70). Additionally, there was a control (NC) group (n = 73) with normal coronary arteries.

Results

All patients received oral rosuvastatin therapy (10 mg, QN quaque nocte) when they were diagnosed with CAE and maintained good follow-up, with a loss rate of 0.0% at the end of the 6-month follow-up. The NC group received regular symptom-relieving treatments and rosuvastatin therapy. Of these four groups, the inflammatory markers, hs-CRP and IL-6, were significantly higher in patients with CAE than in the NCs (p < 0.05). Post-hoc tests showed that hs-CRP and Il-6 levels had significant differences between the CAE-A and CAE-C groups (P = 0.048, P = 0.025). Logistic regression analysis showed that hs-CRP (OR = 1.782, 95% CI: 1.124–2.014, P = 0.021) and IL-6 (OR = 1.584, 95% CI: 1.112–1.986, P = 0.030) were independent predictors of CAE. The inflammatory markers were higher in the CAE-A group than in the CAE-B group and higher in the CAE-B group than in the CAE-C group. Follow-up after 6 months of rosuvastatin therapy showed a significantly greater reduction in hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in the CAE-A group than in the CAE-B group, which again were greater in the CAE-B group than in the CAE-C group.

Conclusions

Anti-inflammatory therapy using rosuvastatin was more effective in younger CAE patients, indicating the need for early statin therapy in CAE.

Assessment of the Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio and the Presence and Severity of Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia

We investigated the relationship between C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and coronary artery ectasia (CAE). The retrospective study population included 150 patients with isolated CAE, 150 with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), and 150 with a normal coronary artery angiogram (NCA). The severity of isolated CAE was determined according to the Markis classification. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio was significantly higher in patients with isolated CAE than in those with obstructive CAD and NCA (10.5 [5.9-30.9], 5.7 [1.8-13.2] and 3.0 [0.9-8.9], respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that CAR (odds ratio [OR]: 3.054, 95% CI: 1.021-9.165, P = .001), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR; OR: 1.330, 95% CI: 1.025-1.694, P = .044), and monocyte-to-high density cholesterol ratio (MHR; OR: 1.031, 95% CI: 1.009-1.054, P = .006) were independently associated with the presence of isolated CAE. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that CAR (area under the curve [AUC] ± standard error [SE] = 0.838 ± 0.016; P < .001) had a stronger diagnostic value for detecting significant CAE than PLR (AUC ± SE = 0.632 ± 0.023) and MHR (AUC ± SE = 0.726 ± 0.022). C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio had a significantly strong correlation with the severity of isolated CAE (r = 0.536, P < .001). To the best of our knowledge, this study showed for the first time that CAR was significantly associated with CAE presence and severity.

Clinical indicators and coronary angiographic features of expansive arterial remodelling in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

The co-existence of expansive arterial remodelling in both coronary arteries (CAs) and the abdominal aorta has already been reported, although the clinical indicators and quantitative analysis have not been well studied. We therefore aimed to clarify the clinical and anatomical characteristics of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). 123 AAA patients who underwent coronary angiography were compared to 123 control patients selected by propensity score matching. CA diameters of all 3 vessels were measured by quantitative coronary angiographic analysis. Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) was defined as local or generalized aneurysmal change of the CAs. Excessive expansive CA remodelling was defined as the maximal diameter of the right or left circumflex artery in the upper 75th percentile (>4.8 mm). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of CAE and excessive expansive CA remodelling. The prevalences of CAE and excessive expansive CA remodelling were significantly higher in the AAA group than in the non-AAA group (28% vs. 8% and 31% vs. 19%; both p<0.05). On multivariable analysis, the presence of AAA (odds ratio (OR), 4.56; 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) 2.18-10.4) and body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.11; 95%CI 1.03-1.21) were independently associated with CAE, and higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR, 2.19; 95%CI 1.08-4.52) and BMI (OR, 1.11; 95%CI 1.02-1.21) were independently associated with excessive expansive CA remodelling. In conclusions, this study showed a higher prevalence of ectatic CA disease in AAA patients and suggests that higher inflammation and obesity are associated with expansive arterial remodelling in coronary arteries.

Exposure to acetaminophen impairs vasodilation, increases oxidative stress and changes arterial morphology of rats

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most widely consumed drugs in the world. Studies have shown renal and hepatic damage as the direct result of high oxidative stress induced by APAP. Since the cardiovascular system is sensitive to oxidative stress and literature describes increased cardiovascular dysfunction in APAP consumers, this work aimed to evaluate harmful effects of APAP on the vascular system. Rats were exposed to APAP (400 mg/kg/day in drinking water) for 14 days. Plasma and aortas were collected and stored in - 80 °C and a selection of arteries was prepared for isometric tension recordings, morphological, immunohistochemical and protein expression analysis. The APAP-treated group presented increased transaminases (ALT/AST) and malondialdehyde levels in the plasma compared to controls. Lipid peroxidation, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase levels were increased in the plasma and arteries of the APAP group. Nevertheless, glutathione level was reduced as compared to control group. The vasodilation response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside (0.1 nM to 10 µM) was also impaired after APAP treatment; however, the vascular relaxation was restored after treatment with vitamin C (100 µM). Arteries from the APAP group presented reduced wall thickness, collagen deposition, elastic fibers and increased immunoreactivity to nitrotyrosine. eNOS and sGC protein expression remained unchanged and were at similar levels as controls. These findings showed higher oxidative stress and impaired vasodilation in rats exposed to APAP. Furthermore, arteries presented reduced cell layers, collagen, elastin deposition and significantly increased immunoreactivity to nitrotyrosine after APAP treatment.

Utility of mean platelet volume to predict the prevalence of coronary artery disease on coronary angiography in patients with stable angina

BACKGROUND

Approximately 50% of patients with stable angina have coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary angiography. The mean platelet volume (MPV) has been proposed as a marker that reflects platelet size and reactivity. This study investigated the predictive value of high MPV in patients with stable angina for diagnosing stable CAD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 491 patients with chest pain who underwent selective coronary angiography for suspected CAD were enrolled. The patients were divided into the CAD group and non-CAD group according to angiography. All demographic, laboratory, and angiographic data were collected.

RESULTS

Patients with MPV in the highest tertile were more likely to have CAD (66.9 vs. 51.0 vs. 35.7% for the highest, middle, and lowest tertiles; P = 0.001), had lower platelet counts (186 ± 48 vs. 199 ± 52 vs. 223 ± 63; P < 0.001), and had higher hemoglobin A1c levels (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 6.5 ± 1.5 vs. 6.2 ± 1.1; P < 0.001). MPV had a positive correlation with hemoglobin A1c (r = 0.16; P < 0.001). Patients with CAD (n = 248) had higher MPV than those without CAD (n = 243) (11.0 ± 1.0 vs. 10.5 ± 0.9; P < 0.001). MPV was an independent predictor of CAD in patients with stable angina, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.820 (95% confidence interval: 1.453-2.279; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of high MPV predicts the prevalence of CAD on coronary angiography in patients with stable angina, and this result may ultimately reduce unnecessary invasive coronary angiography.

Coronary artery ectasia in Crohn's disease

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) can be ascribed, in the majority of cases, to coronary atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the presence of isolated ectatic lesions without obstructive coronary artery disease and the association of CAE with several autoimmune diseases characterised by systemic vascular involvement suggest that the pathogenesis of CAE may extend beyond coronary atherosclerosis. We herein report the case of a 56-year-old male patient with Crohn's disease and isolated CAE, who has been found positive for IgM and IgA antiendothelial cell antibodies, and discuss a potential pathogenic mechanism.

Inflammation in Coronary Artery Ectasia Compared to Atherosclerosis

We have read with great enthusiasm the article recently published by Boles et al. [...].

Dilating Vascular Diseases: Pathophysiology and Clinical Aspects

Atherosclerotic disease of the vessels is a significant problem affecting mortality and morbidity all over the world. However, dilatation of the vessels either in the arterial system or in the venous territory is another vessel disease. Varicocele, pelvic, and peripheral varicose veins and hemorrhoids are aneurysms of the venous vascular regions and have been defined as dilating venous disease, recently. Coronary artery ectasia, intracranial aneurysm, and abdominal aortic aneurysm are examples of arterial dilating vascular diseases. Mostly, they have been defined as variants of atherosclerosis. Although there are some similarities in terms of pathogenesis, they are distinct from atherosclerotic disease of the vessels. In addition, pathophysiological and histological similarities and clinical coexistence of these diseases have been demonstrated both in the arterial and in the venous system. This situation underlies the thought that dilatation of the vessels in any vascular territory should be considered as a systemic vessel wall disease rather than being a local disease of any vessel. These patients should be evaluated for other dilating vascular diseases in a systematic manner.