[Takotsubo syndrome (stress-induced cardiomyopathy)]

[Histological and ultrastructural analysis of biopsy specimens of donor heart under conditions of extended period of pharmaco-cold ischaemia]

OBJECTIVE

At the histological and ultramicroscopic level, compare biopsy specimens of donor heart under standard (up to 240 min) and extended (more than 240 min) periods of pharmaco-cold preservation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Biopsy specimens of the left atrium of donor hearts: group 1 - 8 samples after transportation with pharmaco-cold preservation of the graft in Bretschneider solution (Dr. Franz Köhler Chemie GmbH, Germany) up to 240 min, (Me 140), and group 2 - 5 samples after an extended pharmaco-cold period (more than 240 min; Me 375) were examined using light microscopy of semi-thin sections and transmission electron microscopy, followed by stereological and statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A comparative study of the myocardium of donor hearts revealed stereotypical dystrophic changes in cardiomyocytes. Semi-thin sections demonstrated a mosaic pattern of myocardial parenchyma in both groups, caused by contracture and less pronounced lytic changes in myocytes, which were accompanied by stromal edema without statistically significant differences according to stereological studies. Ultrathin sections of the perinuclear zones of cardiomyocytes visualized reduction and focal damage to myofibrils and mitochondria in combination with pronounced autophagy; at the same time, with a shorter duration of the pharmaco-cold period, the stereological indicators of cardiomyocyte organelles indicated a relatively better supply of myofibrils with mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest a sufficiently high degree of preservation of the tissue and ultrastructural organization of donor hearts with prolonged (more than 240 min) pharmaco-cold ischemia to restore adequate cardiac activity after heart transplantation.

Chemotherapy, hypothyroidism and oral dysbiosis as a novel risk factor of cardiovascular pathology development

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the population, as well as the economic burden of the health care system. Currently, CVDs account for more than 17.6 million deaths a year and are projected to exceed 23.6 million by 2030. Unstable atheroma, and its rupture, underlies the pathology of most cardiovascular complications, particularly acute coronary syndrome, mortality from which, compared with other CV events, remains the leading one. Despite numerous efforts by WHO, national health systems, and medical authorities, the incidence and mortality from cardiovascular events remain critically high. Thus, the search for new risk factors for the development of CV pathology looks very relevant. Our working group decided to amalgamate our research data, which reflects the study of modern risk factors from the Armenian, Russian, Georgian, and Iranian medical schools. In particular, the aspects of cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy, hypothyroidism, and oral dysbiosis are discussed.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular comorbidity: novel approaches to reduce mortality

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide and significantly affect patient quality of life and socioeconomic status. Numerous reports consistently demonstrate that CVDs are a major risk factor for severe course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including higher risks of hospitalizations and inpatient mortality. In the context of the current pandemic, managing patients with CVDs requires special attention from doctors. There are now more and more reports of the long-term effects of COVID-19. The long-term effects on cardiovascular system of millions of COVID-19 survivors are currently unknown. The aim of the review was to systematize the accumulated knowledge about the mutual influence of COVID-19 and CVDs. The features of CVD impact on the course and outcomes of COVID-19, as well as the reasons for the worsening of CVD course in patients with COVID-19 are considered. The impact of redistribution of health care resources and large-scale isolation measures on the management of patients with CVDs is discussed. The review also presents the most relevant data on long COVID. Predictors of a long-term disease course were identified for risk stratification in order to timely implement preventive measures and develop an individualized treatment. The authors focused on finding novel approaches to reduce CVD mortality during a pandemic.