Predictive value of high sensitivity C-reactive protein on progression to heart failure occurring after the first myocardial infarction

Adipose Dysfunction Indices as a Key to Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment-A Population-Based Study of Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients

Anthropometric indices, such as the BMI (body mass index), WC (waist circumference), and WHR (waist-hip ratio) are commonly used for cardiometabolic risk assessment. Consequently, in the context of evaluating cardiometabolic risk in the post-MI population, it is worthwhile to consider indices such as the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Body Adiposity Index (BAI), which have emerged as valuable risk assessment tools in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of anthropometric indices and body composition analysis in evaluating the cardiometabolic risk among post-myocardial infarction patients. In the pursuit of this objective, this study involved assessing the BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, VAI, BAI, and body composition in a population of patients. This study enrolled a total of 120 patients hospitalised at the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases (SCCS) due to MI, and body composition analysis evaluated various parameters including the percentage of adipose tissue (FatP) [%], total adipose tissue (FatM) [kg], fat-free mass (FFM) [kg], muscle mass (PMM) [kg], total body water (TBW) [kg], and visceral adipose tissue (VFAT). The mean BMI for the entire group was 27.76 ± 4.08, with women exhibiting a significantly lower value compared with men (26.66 ± 3.33 vs. 28.16 ± 4.27). The mean values obtained for the WHR, WHtR, BAI, and VAI were 0.97 ± 0.08, 0.59 ± 0.07, 28.37 ± 5.03, and 3.08 ± 3.50, respectively. Based on the visceral adiposity index (VAI), in 47.5% patients, there was no adipose tissue dysfunction, with a higher proportion among women (71.88%) compared with men (38.64%). What raises concern is that 32.50% of patients had acute ATD, with a significantly higher prevalence among men (38.64%) compared with women (15.63%). Conclusion: The study results suggest that the BMI, WC, and WHR have their limitations, whereas the WHtR, VAI, and BAI provide a more comprehensive view of cardiometabolic risk, especially in the context of adipose tissue distribution and its metabolic consequences. Incorporating the WHtR, VAI, and BAI into routine clinical practice may enhance the management of cardiometabolic risk, especially among post-MI patients.

C-Reactive Protein: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, False Test Results and a Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Clinicians

The current literature provides a body of evidence on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its potential role in inflammation. However, most pieces of evidence are sparse and controversial. This critical state-of-the-art monography provides all the crucial data on the potential biochemical properties of the protein, along with further evidence on its potential pathobiology, both for its pentameric and monomeric forms, including information for its ligands as well as the possible function of autoantibodies against the protein. Furthermore, the current evidence on its potential utility as a biomarker of various diseases is presented, of all cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, renal, gynecological, andrological, dental, oral, otorhinolaryngological, ophthalmological, dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental, splenic, thyroid conditions, as well as infections, autoimmune-supposed conditions and neoplasms, including other possible factors that have been linked with elevated concentrations of that protein. Moreover, data on molecular diagnostics on CRP are discussed, and possible etiologies of false test results are highlighted. Additionally, this review evaluates all current pieces of evidence on CRP and systemic inflammation, and highlights future goals. Finally, a novel diagnostic algorithm to carefully assess the CRP level for a precise diagnosis of a medical condition is illustrated.

Associations of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and prealbumin with coronary vessels stenosis determined by coronary angiography and heart failure in patients with myocardial infarction

Background

To explore the associations of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and prealbumin (PAB) with the number of diseased coronary vessels, degree of stenosis and heart failure in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

A total of 39 MI patients treated in the Cardiology were selected as the observation group, and another 41 patients with normal results of coronary angiography during the same period were selected as the control group. The general data of patients were recorded in detail, the content of serum hs-CRP and PAB in the peripheral blood was detected, and the number of diseased coronary vessels and the degree of stenosis were detected via coronary angiography.

Results

Compared with those in control group, the blood pressure and heart rate significantly rose, the content of indexes related to the severity of MI were significantly increased, the content of hs-CRP was significantly increased, and the content of PAB was significantly decreased in observation group. Hs-CRP was positively correlated with the number of diseased coronary vessels, degree of stenosis and heart failure in patients, but PAB was negatively correlated with the above factors. The survival rate of MI patients with high content of hs-CRP was obviously lower than that of patients with low content of hsCRP.

Conclusions

Serum hs-CRP and PAB are closely associated with the number of diseased coronary vessels, degree of stenosis and heart failure in MI patients.

Identification of High-Risk Patients for Postoperative Myocardial Injury After CME Using Machine Learning: A 10-Year Multicenter Retrospective Study

Purpose

The occurrence of myocardial injury, a grave complication post complete mesocolic excision (CME), profoundly impacts the immediate and long-term prognosis of patients. The aim of this inquiry was to conceive a machine learning model that can recognize preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative high-risk factors and predict the onset of myocardial injury following CME.

Patients and Methods

This study included 1198 colon cancer patients, 133 of whom experienced myocardial injury after surgery. Thirty-six distinct variables were gathered, encompassing patient demographics, medical history, preoperative examination characteristics, surgery type, and intraoperative details. Four machine learning algorithms, namely, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and k-nearest neighbor algorithm (KNN), were employed to fabricate the model, and k-fold cross-validation, ROC curve, calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and external validation were employed to evaluate it.

Results

Out of the four predictive models employed, the XGBoost algorithm demonstrated the best performance. The ROC curve findings indicated that the XGBoost model exhibited remarkable predictive accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.997 in the training set and 0.956 in the validation set. For internal validation, the k-fold cross-validation method was utilized, and the XGBoost model was shown to be steady. Furthermore, the calibration curves demonstrated the XGBoost model's high predictive capability. The DCA curve revealed higher benefit rates for patients who underwent interventional treatment under the XGBoost model. The AUC value for the external validation set was 0.74, which indicated that the XGBoost prediction model possessed good extrapolative capacity.

Conclusion

The myocardial injury prediction model for patients undergoing CME that was developed using the XGBoost machine learning algorithm in this study demonstrates both high predictive accuracy and clinical utility.

Heart failure as a complication of myocardial infarction: rational therapy. Case report

Heart failure (HF) is still a frequent complication of myocardial infarction. Timely identification of subjects at risk for HF development and early initiation of guideline-directed HF therapy in these patients, can decrease the HF burden. This article aims at summarizing clinical data on established pharmacological therapies in treating post-MI patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and signs and symptoms of HF.

A Rising Star of the Multimarker Panel: Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Levels Are an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Acute Heart Failure Patients Admitted to an Emergency Clinical Hospital from Eastern Europe

(1) Background: Acute heart failure (HF) represents one of the most common yet extremely severe presentations in emergency services worldwide, requiring prompt diagnosis, followed by an adequate therapeutic approach, and a thorough risk stratification. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are currently the most widely implemented biomarkers in acute HF, but due to their lack of specificity, they are mainly used as ruling-out criteria. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a novel molecule expressing different pathophysiological pathways in HF, such as fibrosis, remodeling, and oxidative stress. It is also considered a very promising predictor of mortality and poor outcome. In this study, we aimed to investigate the GDF-15’s expression and particularities in patients with acute HF, focusing mainly on its role as a prognosis biomarker, either per se or as part of a multimarker panel. (2) Methods: This unicentric prospective study included a total of 173 subjects, divided into 2 subgroups: 120 patients presented in emergency with acute HF, while 53 were ambulatory-evaluated controls with chronic HF. At admission, all patients were evaluated according to standard clinical echocardiography and laboratory panel, including the assessment of GDF-15. (3) Results: The levels of GDF-15 were significantly higher in patients with acute HF, compared to controls [596 (305−904) vs. 216 (139−305) ng/L, p < 0.01]. GDF-15 also exhibited an adequate diagnostic performance in acute HF, expressed as an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.883 [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.828−0.938], similar to that of NT-proBNP (AUC: 0.976, CI 95%: 0.952−1.000), or troponin (AUC: 0.839, CI 95%: 0.733−0.944). High concentrations of GDF-15 were significantly correlated with mortality risk. In a multivariate regression model, GDF-15 was the most important predictor of a poor outcome, superior to NT-proBNP or troponin. (4) Conclusions: GDF-15 proved to be a reliable tool in the multimarker assessment of patients with acute HF. Compared to the gold standard NT-proBNP, GDF-15 presented a similar diagnostic performance, doubled by a significantly superior prognostic value, making it worth being included in a standardized multimarker panel.

Higher serum phosphorus and calcium levels provide prognostic value in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Although traditional cardiovascular risk factors are closely related to the poor prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, there are few studies on the relationship of serum phosphorus and calcium with prognosis in AMI patients. The relationship of serum phosphorus and calcium with prognostic biomarkers in AMI remains unclear.

Methods and results

A total of 3,891 AMI patients were enrolled from a prospective cohort study. We investigated the association of serum phosphorus and calcium with prognostic biomarkers. The risk of in-hospital heart failure (HF), post-discharge HF, all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality was estimated across quartiles of serum phosphorus and calcium levels. Serum phosphorus and calcium levels were associated with biomarkers of prognosis. Overall, 969 patients developed in-hospital HF during hospitalization, 549 patients developed post-discharge HF during a median follow-up of 12 months, and 252 patients died, with 170 cardiac deaths since admission. In the fully adjusted model, compared with patients in quartile 2 (Q2), patients with serum phosphorus levels in Q4 were at greater risk of post-discharge HF [sub-distributional hazard ratios (SHR) 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–1.99], in-hospital HF [odds ratio (OR) 1.84; 95% CI, 1.47–2.31], all-cause mortality (HR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.08–2.32), and cardiac mortality (SHR 1.68; 95% CI, 1.03–2.75). Compared with patients in Q2, patients with corrected calcium levels in Q4 had a higher risk of in-hospital HF (OR 1.62; 95% CI, 1.29–2.04), all-cause mortality (HR 1.99; 95% CI, 1.37–2.88), and cardiac mortality (SHR 1.87; 95% CI, 1.19–2.96; all p-trend < 0.05).

Conclusion

Serum phosphorus and calcium levels were associated with AMI prognostic biomarkers in AMI. Higher serum phosphorus was independently related to the increased risk of in-hospital HF, postdischarge HF, all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality, and higher serum calcium was independently related to the increased risk of in-hospital HF, all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality after AMI.

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in the Setting of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is frequently complicated by evidence of heart failure (HF). Those at highest risk for acute decompensated HF in the setting of ACS (ACS-HF) are older, female, and have preexisting heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and/or kidney disease. The presence of ACS-HF is strongly associated with higher mortality and more frequent readmissions, especially for HF. Low implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy has further complicated the clinical care of this high-risk population. Improved utilization of current therapies, coupled with further investigation of strategies to manage ACS-HF, is desperately needed to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population, and the results of currently ongoing or recently concluded ACS-HF studies in this population are of great interest. In this review, we explore the pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes for patients with ACS-HF, and describe both existing evidence for management of this challenging condition and areas requiring further research.

Acute-Phase Inflammatory Reaction Predicts CMR Myocardial Scar Pattern and 2-Year Mortality in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary PCI

(1) Background: The inflammatory response following MI plays an important role in the healing, scar formation, and left ventricle (LV) remodeling. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can accurately quantify the extent of myocardial scarring. The study aimed to investigate: (a) the relationship between acute inflammatory response and the CMR parameters of the scarring extent, and (b) the predictive power of inflammatory biomarkers and myocardial scarring for 2-year mortality. (2) Methods: The study included 202 STEMI patients, who underwent pPCI. Serum hs-CRP, IL-6, P-selectin, E-selectin, I-CAM, and V-CAM levels were determined at admission, and hs-CRP on the fifth day. Patients underwent LGE-CMR after 1 month, for LV volumes, ejection fraction (EF), infarct size (IS), and transmurality. Subjects were divided into tertiles according to the IS, and 2-year all-cause mortality was determined. (3) Results: IL-6 was associated with IS (r = 0.324, p = 0.01), increased transmurality index (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), and lower LVEF (r = −0.3, p = 0.02). Admission hs-CRP levels were not associated with IS, transmurality, or mortality, while hs-CRP at day 5 was a significant predictor for IS (AUC = 0.635, p = 0.05) as well as IL-6 levels (AUC = 0.685, p < 0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in the upper IS tertiles (6% vs. 8.7% vs. 24.52%, p = 0.005). IS was a significant predictor of 2-year mortality (AUC = 0.673, p = 0.002), with a cut-off value of 28.81 g, as well as high transmurality (AUC = 0.641, p = 0.013), with a cut off value of 18.38 g. (4) Conclusions: The serum levels of IL-6 and day-5 hs-CRP predict IS and transmurality, and day-5 hs-CRP levels are independent predictors of 2-year mortality in STEMI patients treated with pPCI. The CMR pattern of myocardial scarring after 1 month, as expressed by the magnitude of IS and transmurality, is a significant predictor for 2-year mortality after revascularized STEMI.

Magnitude of ST-segment Elevation Is Associated with Increased Acute Inflammatory Response and Myocardial Scar in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing pPCI

Background: The integrated ST segment elevation score (ISSTE) score objectively quantifies the ECG changes before and after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The inflammatory response is a major component in scar formation and remodeling process of the myocardial tissue following myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) precisely quantifies the cardiac function and assesses the pattern of the myocardial scar tissue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relations between the ISSTE score and: (1) acute inflammatory biomarkers and (2) extent of the myocardial scar determined by CMR in STEMI treated with pPCI. Material and methods: One hundred thirty STEMI patients were included in the study, who underwent pPCI in the first 12 hours from symptom debut. ISSTE-1 was calculated at presentation and 2 hours following pPCI (ISSTE-2). Inflammatory biomarkers were determined at admission and day 5, followed by LGE-CMR at 4 weeks, with quantification of cardiac function and extent of infarct size (IS) and transmurality. Patients were divided in low and high ISSTE groups based on the median values. Results: No significant differences were noted in terms of CMR parameters or inflammatory biomarkers and between the groups with low or high ISSTE-1. Significantly higher levels of day-5 hs-CRP (p = 0.03) and day-1 IL-6 (p = 0.02), MMP-9 (p = 0.05) were recorded in high ISSTE-2 groups. LV IS mass (23.11 ± 5.31 vs. 57.94 ± 8.33, p = 0.001), percentage (13.55 ± 6.22 vs. 27.15 ± 7.12, p = 0.001) and transmurality (p = 0.001) was significantly higher in ISSTE-2 group. ISSTE-2 significantly correlated with LV IS mass (r = 0.391, p <0.0001), percentage (r = 0.541, p <0.0001) high transmurality (r = 0.449, p <0.0001) and LV EF (r = -0.397, p <0.0001). Conclusions: A high ISSTE-2 score is associated with increased inflammatory response exhibited by elevated serum IL-6 and MMP-9 levels determined on the day of admission, and with persistently increased serum hs-CRP levels on day 5 of the acute event. A higher ISSTE-2 score is associated with larger myocardial scar extent expressed by IS, higher transmurality and reduced LV EF at 1-month LGE CMR follow-up.

A Sorbent with Synthetic Ligand for Removing Pro-atherogenic and Pro-inflammatory Components from Human Blood Plasma

Elevated levels of apoB-100 containing lipoproteins and markers of systemic inflammation are often observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The concentrations can be reduced by pharmacotherapy or extracorporeal treatment. The sorbent, which removes CRP and atherogenic lipoproteins, simultaneously reduces the bloodstream concentration of these components. The efficacy and selectivity of the designed sorbent were studied, desorption constants of CRP (Kd = 4.2 × 10-8 M) and LDL (Kd = 7.7 × 10-7 M) were distribution coefficients of CRP (Kc = 101) and Lp(a) (Kc = 38) were calculated, and the ability to bind large amounts of atherogenic lipoproteins (up to 32 mg of TC per mL of the sorbent gel) was demonstrated. Our sorbent can be recommended for performing complex removal of CRP and atherogenic lipoproteins from the blood plasma in patients with refractory hyperlipidemia and CVD that are accompanied by elevated levels of CRP.

Schizophrenia Plays a Negative Role in the Pathological Development of Myocardial Infarction at Multiple Biological Levels

It has shown that schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with a higher chance of myocardial infarction (MI) and increased mortality. However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we first constructed a literature-based genetic pathway linking SCZ and MI, and then we tested the expression levels of the genes involved in the pathway by a meta-analysis using nine gene expression datasets of MI. In addition, a literature-based data mining process was conducted to explore the connection between SCZ at different levels: small molecules, complex molecules, and functional classes. The genetic pathway revealed nine genes connecting SCZ and MI. Specifically, SCZ activates two promoters of MI (IL6 and CRP) and deactivates seven inhibitors of MI (ADIPOQ, SOD2, TXN, NGF, ADORA1, NOS1, and CTNNB1), suggesting that no protective role of SCZ in MI was detected. Meta-analysis showed that one promoter of MI (CRP) presented no significant increase, and six out of seven genetic inhibitors of MI demonstrated minor to moderately increased expression. Therefore, the elevation of CRP and inhibition of the six inhibitors of MI by SCZ could be critical pathways to promote MI. Nine other regulators of MI were influenced by SCZ, including two gene families (inflammatory cytokine and IL1 family), five small molecules (lipid peroxide, superoxide, ATP, ascorbic acid, melatonin, arachidonic acid), and two complexes (CaM kinase 2 and IL23). Our results suggested that SCZ promotes the development and progression of MI at different levels, including genes, small molecules, complex molecules, and functional classes.

Heart Failure and Diabetes Mellitus: Biomarkers in Risk Stratification and Prognostication

Heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a synergistic effect on cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in patients with established CV disease (CVD). The aim of this review is to summarize the knowledge regarding the discriminative abilities of conventional and novel biomarkers in T2DM patients with established HF or at higher risk of developing HF. While conventional biomarkers, such as natriuretic peptides and high-sensitivity troponins demonstrate high predictive ability in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), this is not the case for HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF is a heterogeneous disease with a high variability of CVD and conventional risk factors including T2DM, hypertension, renal disease, older age, and female sex; therefore, the extrapolation of predictive abilities of traditional biomarkers on this population is constrained. New biomarker-based approaches are disputed to be sufficient for improving risk stratification and the prediction of poor clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF. Novel biomarkers of biomechanical stress, fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and collagen turn-over have shown potential benefits in determining prognosis in T2DM patients with HF regardless of natriuretic peptides, but their role in point-to-care and in routine practice requires elucidation in large clinical trials.

Heart failure after myocardial infarction: incidence and predictors

Aims

The aim of the present paper was to provide an up‐to‐date view on epidemiology and risk factors of heart failure (HF) development after myocardial infarction.

Methods and results

Based on literature review, several clinical risk factors and biochemical, genetic, and imaging biomarkers were identified to predict the risk of HF development after myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Heart failure is still a frequent complication of myocardial infarction. Timely identification of subjects at risk for HF development using a multimodality approach, and early initiation of guideline‐directed HF therapy in these patients, can decrease the HF burden.

Effectiveness of Atorvastatin in the Treatment of Asymptomatic Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction: A Clinical Study

INTRODUCTION

Silent heart failure after myocardial infarction has not been effectively treated. Atorvastatin has certain efficacy in the treatment of heart failure. Our clinical study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of atorvastatin in patients with asymptomatic heart failure after myocardial infarction.

METHODS

A total of 162 patients with asymptomatic heart failure after myocardial infarction in our hospital from August 2018 to August 2019 were randomly divided into the observation group (81 cases were treated with atorvastatin on the basis of routine therapy) and the control group (81 cases were treated with routine symptomatic treatment). The clinical curative effect, the level of related inflammatory cytokines, cardiac function index, and vascular endothelial function were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Before intervention, there was no significant difference in tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), plasma N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), asymmetric dimethyarginine (ADMA), activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) between the two groups. After intervention, TNFα, hs-CRP, IL-6, NT-ProBNP, LVEF, LVEDD, LVESD, LVPWT, ADMA, NOS, NO, and FMD were improved in both groups. The clinical curative effect, TNFα, hs-CRP, IL-6, NT-ProBNP, LVEF, LVEDD, LVESD, LVPWT, ADMA, NOS, NO, and FMD in the observation group showed significantly greater results than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Atorvastatin exerted a great effect in treating asymptomatic heart failure after myocardial infarction, which can evidently reduce the level of related inflammatory cytokines, improve cardiac function, and regulate vascular endothelial function. Hence, atorvastatin is considered a valid and alternative approach in clinical practice.

Sex differences in the association between self-rated health and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in Koreans: a cross-sectional study using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

No studies have investigated the association between self-rated health (SRH) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in South Koreans. We explored this association and analyzed differences between sexes.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from the 2015-2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we analyzed the association between SRH and high hs-CRP levels (> 1.0 mg/L) in 14,544 Koreans aged ≥ 19 years who responded to the SRH survey and had available hs-CRP test results. Differences in sociodemographic factors were analyzed using the Pearson's chi-square test for categorical variables or the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to measure the association between hs-CRP levels and SRH according to sex while adjusting for other possible confounders.

RESULTS

The percentage of very poor to poor SRH was higher in the high hs-CRP group (22.4%) than in the low hs-CRP group (17.66%). Among men, the risk of a high hs-CRP level increased with worse SRH (adjusted for confounders; P for trend < 0.001). After adjusting for all confounders, including chronic diseases, men with very poor SRH showed a higher odds ratio (OR) for high hs-CRP levels than those with very good SRH (fully adjusted OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.04-2.90). Significant correlations were absent among women.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor SRH was correlated with low-grade inflammation (high hs-CRP levels) among Korean male adults. These findings could be useful for developing health improvement programs and in goal setting at a national scale.

Association between Periodontal Diseases and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Background: A convergent association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and periodontal disease, in particular chronic periodontitis (CP), has recently been proposed. The underlying molecular mechanisms of this association are not fully understood, though it is thought that chronic inflammation is responsible. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between periodontal disease—gingivitis and CP—and PCOS. Materials and Methods: The PICO (Participants, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes) question was as follows: “Is there an association between PCOS and CP?” A systematic review of three databases—PubMed, Embase and Scopus—was performed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Original studies in human cohorts carried out in the last 10 years and including a control group were eligible for inclusion. Letters to the editor, case reports, and reviews were not considered. Results: Ten articles met all the selection criteria and provided a positive answer to the PICO question. Our review of these articles revealed an association between CP and PCOS, since periodontal parameters were altered more frequently in patients with these conditions than in healthy young women. This altered periodontal response in PCOS was associated with a proinflammatory status that seemed to increase susceptibility to periodontal disease. Conclusion: Patients with PCOS appear to be more susceptible to developing periodontal diseases than women without the pathology.

Effect of Acute Myocardial Infarction on a Disintegrin and Metalloprotease with Thrombospondin Motif 13 and Von Willebrand Factor and Their Relationship with Markers of Inflammation

Objectives

Coagulation mechanisms and fibrinolytic assembly are important components role players of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) progression. Our study objective was to see the serial variations in the levels of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin motif (ADAMTS13) over the course of AMI and to determine their relationship with the cardiovascular risk markers and the patient's clinical characteristics.

Methods

This project was done at the departments of Emergency Medicine, Physiology and Cardiac sciences of King Saud University Medical City. We studied ADAMTS13, VWF, fibrinogen, and CRP levels in 80 patients with AMI when patients were admitted; post AMI by 3-4 days and at follow-up of 3 months. We compared them with a control group consisting of 36 subjects.

Results

AMI had significantly lower levels of ADAMTS13 at AMI and after 3-4 days; at follow-up the difference in levels was nonsignificant, when compared with controls. Similarly, VWF levels were significantly higher in AMI and remained high even at follow-up compared to control subjects. VWF/ADAMTS13 ratio was also significantly higher at AMI and 3-4 days while at follow-up difference was nonsignificant compared to control subjects. Regression analysis between hsCRP and ADAMTS13 showed an inverse relationship (r = 0.376, p < 0.01), while correlation with VWF was significantly positive (r = 0.376, p < 0.01), while correlation with VWF was significantly positive (.

Conclusions

Increased levels of VWF and reduced levels of ADAMTS13 activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction and might prove to be important mediators of AMI progression.