High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hypertension: combined effects on coronary severity and cardiovascular outcomes

Crucial Interactions between Altered Plasma Trace Elements and Fatty Acids Unbalance Ratio to Management of Systemic Arterial Hypertension in Diabetic Patients: Focus on Endothelial Dysfunction

The coexistence of SAH with T2DM is a common comorbidity. In this study, we investigated the link between altered plasma antioxidant trace elements (ATE: manganese, selenium, zinc, and copper) and fatty acids ratio (FAR: polyunsaturated/saturated) imbalance as transition biomarkers between vascular pathology (SAH) to metabolic pathology (T2DM). Our data revealed strong correlation between plasma ATE and FAR profile, which is modified during SAH-T2DM association compared to the healthy group. This relationship is mediated by lipotoxicity (simultaneously prominent visceral adipose tissue lipolysis, significant flow of non-esterified free fatty acids release, TG-Chol-dyslipidemia, high association of total SFA, palmitic acid, arachidonic acid, and PUFA ω6/PUFA ω3; drop in tandem of PUFA/SFA and EPA + DHA); oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation confirmed by TAS depletion and MDA rise, concurrent drop of Zn/Cu-SOD, GPx, GSH, Se, Zn, Se/Mn, Zn/Cu; concomitant enhancement of Cu, Mn, and Fe); endothelial dysfunction (endotheline-1 increase); athero-thrombogenesis risk (concomitant rise of ApoB100/ApoA1, Ox-LDL, tHcy, and Lp(a)), and inflammation (higher of Hs-CRP, fibrinogen and ferritin). Our study opens to new therapeutic targets and to better dietary management, such as to establishing dietary ATE and PUFA ω6/PUFA ω3 or PUFA/SFA reference values for atherosclerotic risk prevention in hypertensive/diabetic patients.

Association of the High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio with Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque: A Community-Based Cohort Study

Background

The inflammatory response is a pivotal factor in accelerating the progression of atherosclerosis. The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) has emerged as a novel marker of systemic inflammation. However, few studies have shown the CAR to be a promising prognostic marker for carotid atherosclerotic disease. This study aimed to analyse the predictive role of the CAR in carotid atherosclerotic disease.

Methods

This community-based cohort study recruited 2003 participants from the Rose asymptomatic IntraCranial Artery Stenosis (RICAS) study who were free of stroke or transient ischemic attack. Carotid atherosclerotic plaques and their stability were identified via carotid ultrasound. Logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the association between CAR and the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

Results

The prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques was 38.79% in this study. After adjusting for clinical risk factors, including sex, age, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and smoking and drinking habits, a high CAR-level was independently associated with carotid plaque (odds ratio [OR] of upper: 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-1.90, P = 0.004; P for trend = 0.011). The highest CAR tertile was still significantly associated with carotid plaques among middle-aged (40-64 years) or female participants. Notably, an elevated CAR may be an independent risk factor for vulnerable carotid plaques (OR of upper: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.42-2.98, P < 0.001; P for trend <0.001).

Conclusion

A high CAR may be correlated with a high risk of carotid plaques, particularly among mildly aged adults (40-64 years) or females. Importantly, the CAR may be associated with vulnerable carotid plaques, suggesting that the CAR may be a new indicator for stroke prevention.

Plantar Fasciitis as a Potential Early Indicator of Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Background Plantar fasciitis is characterized by heel pain and is often associated with extended periods of walking or standing, improper footwear, and biomechanical imbalances. This condition primarily affects the bottom of the foot, particularly the area where the heel meets the arch. Despite its prevalence, the potential systemic effects, especially the relationship with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, require further illumination. This study explores the association between chronic plantar fasciitis and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study of 400 patients with foot or ankle pain was initially assessed clinically and with ultrasound or MRI scans. After excluding those with confounding factors for elevated CRP, 295 patients with concurrent diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia were analyzed. We investigated the correlation between plantar fasciitis and elevated CRP levels, defined as >1 mg/L, in the context of cardiovascular risk assessment. Results The study indicated that nearly half of the patients suffering from foot or ankle pain were diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, accounting for 47.8% of cases. A statistically significant association was observed between plantar fasciitis and elevated CRP levels (p=0.035). Furthermore, a substantial correlation was found between high BMI and plantar fasciitis, but no gender-specific disparity was noted. Elevated CRP levels were significantly associated with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Discussion A definitive cause-and-effect relationship between plantar fasciitis and systemic inflammation has not been established; our study suggests that chronic plantar fasciitis may be more than a localized condition and could be indicative of systemic inflammation, which is known to be a factor in atherosclerosis and CVD. The observed correlation between increased CRP levels and plantar fasciitis suggests that plantar fasciitis might be a clinical indicator of systemic inflammation and could improve the assessment of CVD risk. Conclusions Elevated levels of CRP, associated with chronic plantar fasciitis, suggest a link to systemic inflammation, which could elevate the risk of CVD. Identifying plantar fasciitis as a marker for systemic inflammation in patients with CVD risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, underscores the importance of thorough cardiovascular evaluations in individuals with persistent heel pain. Further longitudinal and interventional research is essential to substantiate these preliminary findings and understand their impact on CVD risk management and treatment.

Can oral health care be a gateway to improve cardiovascular disease? A scoping review

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in a high socioeconomic burden. Growing evidence has shown a link between oral diseases and several chronic conditions including CVDs. The focus of this review is to investigate and summaries the evidence surrounding oral health interventions and their potential impact on reducing both the risk and/or severity of CVDs.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to examine oral health interventions for managing CVD outcomes and risks. The review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework for evidence synthesis and followed the reporting standards outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis- extension to Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search across EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Scopus databases from 2012 to 2024 was utilized to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria focused on English language articles with a sample size of at least 50, evaluating the impact of oral health interventions on CVD outcomes.

Results

Out of the initial 2,154 studies identified in the search, 12 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Overall, the studies revealed that along with surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, regular oral hygiene care practices, including toothbrushing, tongue brushing, and flossing, significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. These interventions in patients with or without CVD baseline have shown a decrease in CVD risk markers as well as a reduction in bacterial colonization. Similarly, consistent oral hygiene routines, combined with regular dental visits, were associated with a lower risk of heart failure and CVD risk mortality.

Conclusion

The evidence extracted from this review suggests that periodontal therapy, regular dental cleaning, and re-enforcing of oral health regimes can stabilize oral health conditions and subsequently improve CVD progression/risks. However, limited to no evidence exists regarding the therapeutic effects of oral health promotion in managing CVD markers and its direct impact on disease outcomes, warranting further investigation.

Impact of Intermittent Hypoxia Related to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome on Low-Grade Inflammation in Hypertensive Patients: Potential Implications for Cardiovascular Risk

There is evidence for a particular relationship between low-grade inflammation (LGI) and intermittent hypoxia (IH) related to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). However, despite the potential deleterious cardiovascular consequences associated with this LGI in hypertensive patients, few studies have investigated the impact of IH related to OSAS on CRP levels in this subpopulation. In total, 1404 hypertensive patients were selected retrospectively from the Sleep Laboratory database. CRP levels ≥3 mg/L but <10 mg/L were used as cut-offs to identify hypertensive patients with LGI. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the risk of LGI associated with IH related to OSAS in hypertensive patients. LGI was frequent (33.8%) in hypertensive patients. After adjustment for confounders, multivariate logistic regressions revealed that only moderate to severe OSAS (apnoea-hypopnoea index ≥ 15/h) with high IH (oxygen desaturation index ≥ 15/h) [OR 1.51 (95% CI 1.06-2.14)] was significantly associated with LGI in hypertensive patients (p-value = 0.045). Consistent with our hypothesis, our results demonstrated the existence of a particular subtype of hypertensive patients at high cardiovascular risk characterised by the presence of LGI induced by IH hypoxia related to moderate to severe OSAS, which justifies the establishment of adequate management of this pathology to allow better cardiovascular prevention in this subpopulation.

Association Between Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and the Gensini Score or Coronary Artery Calcification Score in Hypertensive Patients Who Have Undergone Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Background

From the Fukuoka University Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (FU-CCTA) registry, we present major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in hypertensive patients who have undergone CCTA, and the association between MACEs and the Gensini score of coronary arteries or the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score.

Methods

Of the patients who underwent CCTA for coronary artery disease (CAD) screening at Fukuoka University Hospital, 318 hypertensive patients who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor or suspected CAD were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: MACEs and non-MACEs groups. The severity of atherosclerosis of coronary arteries was assessed by the Gensini score. The CAC score was also defined by computed tomography (CT) images at the time of CCTA. A primary endpoint was MACEs (all-cause death, ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization). The patients were followed for up to 5 years.

Results

The patients were 68 ± 10 years, and 50% were males. The percentages of smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were 39%, 70%, 26% and 37%, respectively. The %males, %smoking, CAC score and Gensini score in the MACEs group were significantly higher than those in the non-MACEs group. On the other hand, the differences in age, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease between the groups were not seen. A multivariate analysis was performed regarding the presence or absence of MACE by logistic regression analysis of the CAC score or Gensini score in addition to conventional risk factors as independent variables. A Cox regression analysis revealed significant relationships for both the CAC score (P = 0.043) and the Gensini score (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

The CAC score and the Gensini score could predict MACEs in hypertensive patients who have undergone CCTA.

Selected Seeds as Sources of Bioactive Compounds with Diverse Biological Activities

Seeds contain a variety of phytochemicals that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Plant-derived compounds are often investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-platelet, anti-apoptotic, anti-nociceptive, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective, or neuroprotective properties. In this review, we have described the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from eight selected plant species-blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miq.), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), Moringa oleifera Lam., sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Sprenger), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L). This review is based on studies identified in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS. Numerous preclinical, and some clinical studies have found that extracts, fractions, oil, flour, proteins, polysaccharides, or purified chemical compounds isolated from the seeds of these plants display promising, health-promoting effects, and could be utilized in drug development, or to make nutraceuticals and functional foods. Despite that, many of these properties have been studied only in vitro, and it's unsure if their effects would be relevant in vivo as well, so there is a need for more animal studies and clinical trials that would help determine if they could be applied in disease prevention or treatment.

Lipid profile of patients with arterial hypertension who underwent COVID-19: possibilities of drug therapy/ LEADER

Aim. To study the dynamics of the lipid profile of hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia who underwent COVID-19.

Material and methods. Hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia who underwent COVID-19 [n=126; 58 men and 68 women; median age 60 (56.0; 65.5) years] examined. Patients were included into two groups: group 1 (n=64) received a single pill combination of lisinopril + amlodipine + rosuvastatin; 2 groups (n=62) continued the previous drug treatment. Clinical, demographic, office blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed in all patients in 3 visits within 24 weeks.

Results. The groups did not differ in prior antihypertensive therapy (except for more frequent use of angiotensin II receptor blockers in group 2, p<0.05), lipid profile and blood pressure parameters at study entry. A decrease in systolic (by 9.5%) and diastolic blood pressure (by 12.1%) after 24 weeks was found in group 1 compared with 4.29% and 5.56%, respectively, in group 2 (p<0.05). A decrease in the level of total cholesterol by 14.5% and LDL-c by 31.4% after 24 weeks was found in group 1 compared with 11.2% and 9.7%, respectively, in group 2 (p<0.05). The level of CRP during the observation period decreased by 53.7% in group 1 versus 43.4% in patients of group 2 (p<0.05).

Conclusion. The single pill combination of lisinopril/amlodipine/rosuvastatin in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia who underwent COVID-19 led to an improvement in lipid profile and blood pressure control.

A Nomogram model for predicting the occurrence of no-reflow phenomenon after percutaneous coronary intervention using the lncRNA TUG1/miR-30e/NPPB biomarkers

Background

Studies have shown that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is considered as the essential therapeutic strategy for the patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However; no-reflow could still occur in a few patients after PCI. Studies have reported that biomarkers related to no-reflow pathogenetic components could play a prognostic role in the prediction phenomenon. Hence, this study explored the establishment of nomogram model for predicting the occurrence of no-reflow phenomenon after PCI using the lncRNA TUG1/miR-30e/NPPB biomarkers in patients with STEMI after PCI.

Methods

In this observational study, a total of 76 STEMI patients who underwent emergency PCI between January 2018 and December 2021were included. The patients after PCI, were divided into reflow (n=44) and no-reflow groups (n=32). The demographic, environmental and clinical risk factors were assessed and analysed between the groups. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect TUG1, miR-30e, and NPPB messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in the plasma of patients after PCI. Bioinformatic methods were used to predict the interaction of the plasma TUG1/miR-30e/NPPB axis. The risk factors in the no-reflow group were screened using a logistic-regression analysis, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed and validated. Subsequently, a gene set enrichment analysis revealed the function of lncRNA TUG1.

Results

Plasma lncRNA TUG1 and NPPB were more highly expressed and miR-30e was more lowly expressed in the no-reflow group than the normal-reflow group (P<0.001). A negative correlation was observed between lncRNA TUG1 and miR-30e, and between miR-30e and NPPB. However, a positive correlation was observed between lncRNA TUG1 and NPPB mRNA. The bioinformatics analysis predicted multiple binding sites on the lncRNA TUG1 and miR-30e. LncRNA TUG1 [odds ratio (OR): 0.163, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.021–0.944] and hs-CRP (OR: 2.151, 95% CI: 1.536–3.974) found to be as independent predictors. The C-index of this prediction model was 0.982 (95% CI: 0.956–1.000).

Conclusions

TUG1 could function as an effective biomarker for no-reflow among patients with STEMI after PCT and the proposed nomogram may provide information for individualized treatment in patients with STEMI.

Are Differences in Inflammatory Markers between Patients with and without Hypertension-Mediated Organ Damage Influenced by Circadian Blood Pressure Abnormalities?

We aimed to explore the influence that the circadian blood pressure (BP) profile could exert on the correlation between some inflammatory markers and hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD). This was a cross-sectional study that included patients with primary arterial hypertension older than 18 years old. We included some parameters of 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring collection and several inflammatory markers, as follows: platelet count (PTC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ultrasensitive C-reactive-protein, ferritin, fibrinogen, and uric acid. Myocardial hypertrophy, albuminuria, carotid intima-media thicknesses and ankle brachial index were assessed as HMOD presentations. Individuals were divided into two groups: patients with and without HMOD. We included 522 patients (47% women, mean age of 54 years). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male patients older than 50 years old with uric acid levels above 7 mg/dL, ESR higher than 20 mm/h, fibrinogen greater than 320 mg/dL and PTC lower than 275 × 103/µL were associated with HMOD (p < 0.05). The circadian BP profile (dipper versus non-dipper pattern) did reach neither statistical significance nor influence the odds ratio of those inflammatory markers for HMOD. We found that differences in some inflammatory markers between patients with and without HMOD were not explained by a different circadian BP profile.

Prognostic Value of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Previous Myocardial Infarction

Background

Patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) have a poor prognosis and stratification for recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among these patients is of considerable interest. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are considered to be potential cardiovascular risk factors, but less is known about their prognostic importance in post-MI patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP alone or together in patients who reported a prior MI.

Methods

In this prospective study, we consecutively enrolled 3,306 post-MI patients to assess the recurrent MACE. The predictive values of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP alone and together were assessed by multivariable Cox regression using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

During the 4-year follow-up period, 335 patients developed recurrent MACE. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a significant correlation between NT-proBNP levels and MACE (HR: 2.99, 95%CI: 2.06–4.36, p < 0.001), hard endpoints (HR: 5.44, 95%CI: 2.99–9.90, p < 0.001), cardiac mortality (HR: 5.92, 95%CI: 2.34–14.96, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR: 5.03, 95%CI: 2.51–10.09, p < 0.001). However, hs-CRP was not an independent predictor after adjusting for NT-proBNP. When patients were divided into six groups by using tertiles values of NT-proBNP and median values of hsCRP, patients with high NT-proBNP/hs-CRP values were 3.27 times more likely to experience MACE than patients with low NT-proBNP/hs-CRP values. The addition of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP to a prognostic model revealed a significant improvement in C-statistic, net reclassification, and integrated discrimination.

Conclusions

Increased NT-proBNP levels were associated with long-term worse outcomes and the combination of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP has an incremental value in the further risk stratification of post-MI patients.

Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Malnutrition in Hypertensive Patients in a Community Setting

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a significantly poor prognostic factor for a variety of cardiovascular diseases. However, its prevalence and prognostic value in hypertensive patients is still unclear. The present study sought to determine the prevalence and prognostic value of malnutrition in hypertensive patients in a community setting.

METHODS

We included 9,949 hypertensive patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005-2014). The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), and the Naples Prognostic Score (NPS) were applied to assess the nutritional status of participants. A Cox regression model was established to examine the association between malnutrition and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

In all, 19.9, 3.9, and 82.9% hypertensive patients were considered to have malnutrition as evaluated by the CONUT, NRI, and NPS, respectively. Malnutrition assessed by CONUT and NRI was independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (HR [95% CI]) for mild and moderate-to-severe degree of malnutrition, respectively: 1.41 (1.04-1.91) and 5.79 (2.34-14.29) for CONUT; 2.60 (1.34-5.07) and 3.30 (1.66-6.56) for NRI (all P < 0.05), and for all-cause mortality (HR [95% CI]) for mild and moderate-to-severe degree of malnutrition, respectively: 1.48 (1.30-1.70) and 4.87 (3.40-6.98) for CONUT; 1.72 (1.24-2.39) and 2.60 (1.96-3.44) for NRI (all P < 0.01). Naples Prognostic Score could only independently predict all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition was common among hypertensive patients and was closely associated with both long-term cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

The age, NT-proBNP, and Ejection Fraction Score as a Novel Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in CAD Patients After PCI

Background

Previous evidences have been proved that age, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and ejection fraction are tightly associated with the long-term outcomes in patients suffered from coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the prognosis value of age, NT-proBNP, and ejection fraction (ABEF) score in CAD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Observational cohort methodology was used in this study which enrolled totally 3561 patients. And the patients were followed up regularly for 37.59 ± 22.24 months. Patients were classed into three groups based on the tertiles of ABEF sore: first tertile (<5.06, n = 831), second tertile (5.06-6.25, n = 839), and third tertile (≥ 6.25, n = 834). The ABEF score was calculated as follows: age (years)/ejection fraction (%) + NT-proBNP (NT-proBNP<177pg/mL was 1, 177≤NT-proBNP≥524pg/mL was 2 and NT-proBNP > 524pg/mL is 3). The association between ABEF score and adverse prognosis, including all-cause death (ACD), cardiac death (CD), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), in patients who underwent PCI was analyzed.

Results

According to the risk category of ABEF score, the incidences of ACD (P < .001), CD (P < .001) and MACCEs (P = .021) among the three groups showed significant differences. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that the respective risks of ACD and CD were increased 3.013 folds (hazard risk [HR] = 4.013 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.922-8.378], P < .001) and 4.922 folds ([HR] = 5.922 [95% [CI]: 2.253-15.566], P < .001) in the third tertile compared with those in the first tertile. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed that the cumulative risks of ACD,CD and MACCEs in patients with the high ABEF score tended to increase.

Conclusion

The present study indicated ABEF score was a novel biomarker suitable for predicting adverse prognosis in patients after PCI, which may be used for early recognition and risk stratification.

Recognized and Potentially New Biomarkers-Their Role in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiovascular Disease

Atherosclerosis and its consequences are the leading cause of mortality in the world. For this reason, we have reviewed atherosclerosis biomarkers and selected the most promising ones for review. We focused mainly on biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress, such as the highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). The microRNA (miRNA) and the usefulness of the bone mineralization, glucose, and lipid metabolism marker osteocalcin (OC) were also reviewed. The last biomarker we considered was angiogenin (ANG). Our review shows that due to the multifactorial nature of atherosclerosis, no single marker is known so far, the determination of which would unambiguously assess the severity of atherosclerosis and help without any doubt in the prognosis of cardiovascular risk.

Relationship between high CRP and cytokines in Saudi old people with dental caries in alkharj Region, Saudi Arabia

Objective

Dental caries is one of the most common problems of the oral cavity which is frequently observed in older people. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels and to identify the correlation between dental caries and CRP levels.

Methodology

The study included 12 aged patients with an average age of 65-years; the patients were diagnosed with dental caries and did not have clinical history of heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis or any other infection. The control group consisted of 10 healthy donors with an average age of 60-years. The CRP level of positive samples was measured by using CRP Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-ELISA Kit.

Results

The currents study showed that only 5 out of 12 patients were CRP positive.

Conclusions

Because of study limitations, it is early to conclude of close relationship between serum CRP and dental caries from the findings of this study; however, this study will give a clearer picture to understand the relationship between serum CRP, inflammatory cytokines and dental caries.

[Predictors of Coronary Plaque Vulnerability in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease]

Aim      To identify new predictors for vulnerability of atherosclerotic coronary plaques in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (sIHD).Material and methods  This prospective, single-center study included 58 patients with sIHD. Unstable plaques were detected with virtual histology intravascular ultrasound of proximal and medium segments of a coronary artery without significant lesions according to coronarography data. Indexes of inflammation, dyslipidemia and carbohydrate metabolism were considered as candidate predictors for coronary plaque vulnerability.Results In 56 coronary arteries, 58 plaques were detected, 12 of which (20.7 %) were unstable. Vulnerable plaques differed morphologically from stable ones by a greater size of the necrotic core (35.1±8.5 % vs. 24.0±13.2 %; р=0.008), calcified nodules (2.0 [1.0; 5.0] % vs. 1.0 [0; 2.0] %; р=0.006), and a lower content of fibrous components (54.9±10.2 % vs. 66.4±15.8 %; р=0.02). In addition, vulnerable plaques more frequently narrowed the arterial lumen by &gt;70 % of the lumen area (33.3 % vs. 2.2 %; р=0.0006). Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and calcium volume (r= -0.4104; р=0.023); a positive correlation between the blood glucose level as determined by the oral glucose tolerance test and the lipid component (r=0.48198; р=0.033); and a negative correlation between the apolipoprotein A level and the calcium volume (r= -0.4297; р=0.008).Conclusion      The study demonstrated a high prevalence of vulnerable plaques in nontarget coronary arteries in patients with sIHD. In this process, dyslipidemia indexes (LDL, apolipoproteins A) correlate with the calcium volume whereas blood glucose, as measured in the oral glucose tolerance test, correlates with the lipid component of coronary plaque.

[The prognostic value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood level after coronary stenting for the development of stent restenosis]

Aim      To analyze the relationship between serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in dynamics and development of restenosis at 12 months following elective coronary stent placement (CSP).Material and methods  The key role in atherogenesis, neointimal proliferation and restenosis belongs to inflammation. This study included 91 patients (median age, 60 [56; 66] years) with stable exertional angina after an elective CSP using second-generation stents. Follow-up coronarography was performed for 60 patients at 12 months. Concentration of hsCRP was measured immediately prior to CSP and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after CSP. Restenosis of the stented segment (50% or more narrowing of the stented segment or a 5-mm vessel segment proximally or distally adjacent to the stented segment) was observed in 8 patients.Results According to results of the ROC analysis, the increase in hsCRP concentration &gt;0.9 mg/l (&gt;25%) at one month after CSP had the highest predictive significance with respect of restenosis (area under the ROC curve, 0.89 at 95 % confidence interval (CI) from 0.79 to 0.99; sensitivity, 87.5 %; specificity, 82.8 %; р=0.0005), which was superior to the absolute value of hsCRP concentration &gt;3.0 mg/l (area under the ROC curve, 0.82 at 95 % CI from 0.68 to 0.96; р=0.0007).Conclusion      Increased concentration of hsCRP ≥0.9 mg /l (≥25 %) at a month after CSP was associated with restenosis of the coronary artery stented segment.

Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and residual disease activity are associated with atherosclerosis progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries can show the presence of plaques and detect the atherosclerotic subclinical process through the evaluation of intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid segmental distensibility (cCD). The aim of the present study was to identify which factors could independently influence the evolution of atherosclerosis (plaques, cIMT, and cCD) after 1 year of follow-up in a sample of patients with RA. A total of 137 patients with RA without previous cardiovascular (CV) events were enrolled at baseline, and 105 (M/F: 21/84, age 59.34 ± 11.65 years) were reassessed after one year using ultrasound of carotid arteries to detect atheromatous plaques and to measure cIMT and cCD. After one year, all the indices of subclinical atherosclerosis worsened with respect to baseline (Δ-cIMT = 0.030 ± 0.10 mm, p = 0.005; Δ-cCD = -1.64 ± 4.83, 10-3/KPa, p = 0.005; Δ-plaques = 8.6%, p = 0.035). Traditional CV risk factors (age, mean arterial pressure, and diabetes) and corticosteroid therapy were independently associated with the worsening of subclinical atherosclerosis. Interestingly, when considering RA patients divided according to the degree of disease activity score 28 with C-reactive protein (DAS28 [CRP] ≥2.6), the worsening of subclinical atherosclerosis indices was detectable exclusively in the group of patients with active disease. Our longitudinal study supports the hypothesis of a key role of both traditional CV risk factors and the inflammatory activity of arthritic disease in the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients. In addition, corticosteroids might have a deleterious effect.

[Predictors of acute coronary syndrome in patients with ischaemic heart disease]

Acute coronary syndrome has for a long time been giving no way of decreasing mortality related to ischaemic heart disease. The primary cause of acute coronary syndrome in the majority of cases is rupture of an unstable atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary artery followed by thrombosis thereof. The main missions of modern cardiology include: assessment of the risk of acute coronary syndrome, identification of predictors of adverse events, and working-out of measures aimed at prevention and optimal management of patients with ischaemic heart disease. This article deals with clinical and morphological factors associated with destabilization of coronary plaques, their rupture, and the development of an acute coronary event.