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Sessa F, Cocimano G, Esposito M, Zuccarello P, Scoto E, Mazzeo P, Salerno M. Systematic Review of Penetrating Cardiac Injury by a Firearm: Forensic Implications. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:265. [PMID: 36673633 PMCID: PMC9859264 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Penetrating injuries of the heart, named penetrating cardiac injury (PCI), may cause hemorrhagic shock as well as cardiac tamponade, leading to death if not treated immediately. This systematic review aims to highlight the main aspects of penetrating cardiac injuries after firearm wounds. The cases of 39 subjects (age 37.05 + 15.4) were selected (6 fatal cases). Specifically, 4/39 cases involved subjects under 18 y.o.; analyzing the entrance wound, in 30/39 cases it was located in the anterior chest, 4/39 in the posterior chest, 3/39 in the shoulder/axilla area, 1/39 in the neck, and 1/39 in the pelvis (gluteus). The exit wound was found in only 3/39 cases. Several factors may influence the prognosis: firstly, prompt intervention represents a crucial point, then considering the complications related to PCI, the most important are myocardial infarction, and projectile migration with embolization. The mortality rate is related to: (1) area and severity of the heart injury; (2) duration of transport and intervention; (3) contemporary lesion to other organ/s; (4) the quantity of blood lost; (5) and presence/absence of cardiac tamponade. Based on these findings, a correct approach in the management of PCI may be considered important from a forensic point of view, both as regards to medical liability and from the trial perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Vanvitelli”, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Edmondo Scoto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Mazzeo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
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Zhao Q, Yin K, Zhou N, Wu Q, Xiao Y, Zheng J, Zheng D, Bi Q, Quan L, Hu B, Cheng J. The characteristics of thoracic aortic dissection in autopsy-diagnosed individuals: An autopsy study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:973530. [PMID: 36304553 PMCID: PMC9592848 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.973530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death associated with aortic diseases. The age of TAD victims in forensic studies is significantly younger than hospitalized patients with TAD, while only a few studies have been conducted on autopsy-diagnosed TAD deceased. A retrospective study was conducted at the Medicolegal Center of Sun Yat-sen University from 1999 to 2019 to address the characteristics of TAD victims. A total of 200 deceased from spontaneous rupture of TAD were assessed, with 165 (82.5%) males and 175 (87.5%) Stanford type A deceased. Our main results showed that compared with patients with TAD diagnosed during their lifetime, individuals diagnosed with TAD until an autopsy showed an earlier onset (43.80 years old) and less accompanied hypertension (<50%). Sudden death was the initial symptom of 32 decedents. Instead of chest/back pain (40 decedents), abdominal pain (59 decedents) was the most common initial symptom, and 42 decedents presented with no accompanying pain. A higher proportion of abdominal pain and the painless symptom was associated with a higher risk of misdiagnosis. Women showed a more atypical clinical presentation and rapid progression than men. Younger decedents showed more pronounced left heart changes. The present study implicated the TAD individuals diagnosed until an autopsy as a particular entity, indicating the urgent need for further investigation on early diagnosis and pathogenesis of patients with TAD with atypical pain and painless or with younger age to reduce the burden of TAD-related sudden death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhao Zhao
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Yin
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuping Wu
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Xiao
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinxiang Zheng
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Henan Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Da Zheng
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiming Bi
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Quan
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingjie Hu
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Bingjie Hu
| | - Jianding Cheng
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China,Jianding Cheng
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3
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Salerno M, Cocimano G, Roccuzzo S, Russo I, Piombino-Mascali D, Márquez-Grant N, Zammit C, Esposito M, Sessa F. New Trends in Immunohistochemical Methods to Estimate the Time since Death: A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092114. [PMID: 36140515 PMCID: PMC9497899 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of a reliable and accurate post-mortem interval (PMI) is a major challenge in the field of forensic sciences and criminal investigation. Several laboratory techniques have recently been developed that offer a better contribution to the estimation of PMI, in addition to the traditional physical or physico-chemical (body cooling, lividity, radiocarbon dating, rigor mortis), chemical (autolysis), microbiological (putrefaction), entomological, as well as botanical parameters. Molecular biology (degradation pattern of macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA), biochemical analysis of biological fluids (such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and vitreous humor), and immunohistochemistry are some of the most recent technological innovations. A systematic review of the literature was performed with the aim of presenting an up-to-date overview on the correlation between the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of specific antigenic markers at different PMIs. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Scopus and PubMed were used as search engines from January 1, 1998 to March 1, 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness of immunohistochemistry in estimating PMI. The following keywords were used: (immunohistochemical) OR (immunohistochemistry) AND (time since death) OR (post-mortem interval) OR (PMI). A total of 6571 articles were collected. Ultimately, 16 studies were included in this review. The results of this systematic review highlighted that IHC techniques, in association with traditional methods, add, in Bayesian terms, additional information to define a more accurate time of death and PMI. However, current IHC results are numerically limited and more data and studies are desirable in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Salerno
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (F.S.); Tel.: +39-3735357201 (M.S.); +39-095-3782079 (F.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Roccuzzo
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Ilenia Russo
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Christian Zammit
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Sessa
- “G.F. Ingrassia” Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (F.S.); Tel.: +39-3735357201 (M.S.); +39-095-3782079 (F.S.)
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Esposito M, Liberto A, Zuccarello P, Ministeri F, Licciardello G, Barbera N, Sessa F, Salerno M. Heart rupture as an acute complication of cocaine abuse: a case report. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2022; 58:102084. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sami F, Chan W, Acharya P, Sethi P, Cannon C, Hockstad ES, Tadros PN, Wiley MA, Gupta K. Outcomes in patients with history of cocaine use presenting with chest pain to the emergency department: Insights from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample 2016-2018. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12618. [PMID: 35072159 PMCID: PMC8760951 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cocaine use (CU) related chest pain (CP) is a common cause of emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. However, information on disposition and outcomes in these patients is scarce. We conducted a nationwide study to assess disposition from ED, hospitalization rates, in-hospital outcomes, and health care costs in patients with history of CU who presented to the ED with CP. METHODS We queried the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database from 2016-2018 for adult patients with CU presenting to the ED with CP. International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes were used to identify study patients. RESULTS We identified 149,372 patients. The majority were male (76%), presented to metropolitan centers (91.3%), and had a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (48.1% with hypertension, 24.4% with coronary artery disease, 18.2% with diabetes) and psychiatric illnesses (21%). Overall, 21.4% of patients were hospitalized, 68.6% were discharged from ED and 6.6% left against medical advice. Patients requiring admission were older (51.8 vs 45.0; P < 0.0001) and had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Of those admitted, 45.7% were diagnosed with myocardial infarction (MI), constituting 9.7% of the total study population. Over 80% of these patients underwent coronary angiography and 38.6% had coronary intervention. Mortality was 1.2%. CONCLUSION CU patients who present to ED are predominantly male, are from lower economic strata, and have significant comorbidity burden. One in 5 patients requires hospitalization and has more prevalent cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. In-hospital mortality is low, but incidence of MI and subsequent invasive procedures is high. CU may be considered a cardiac risk factor as it is associated with high rates of in-hospital MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Sami
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Kansas School of MedicineKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Wan‐Chi Chan
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Prakash Acharya
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Prince Sethi
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Chad Cannon
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Eric S. Hockstad
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Peter N. Tadros
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Mark A. Wiley
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Kamal Gupta
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
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Oxidative Stress and Cocaine Intoxication as Start Points in the Pathology of Cocaine-Induced Cardiotoxicity. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9120317. [PMID: 34941752 PMCID: PMC8705810 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9120317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Psychomotor stimulants are the most commonly used prohibited substances after cannabis. Globally, their use reaches epidemiological proportions and is one of the most common causes of death in many countries. The use of illicit drugs has negative effects on the cardiovascular system and is one of the causes of serious cardiovascular pathologies, ranging from abnormal heart rhythms to heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. The reactive oxygen species generation, toxic metabolites formation, and oxidative stress play a significant role in cocaine-induced cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present review is to assess acute and chronic cocaine toxicity by focusing on the published literature regarding oxidative stress levels. Hypothetically, this study can serve as a basis for developing a rapid and effective method for determining oxidative stress levels by monitoring changes in the redox status of patients with cocaine intoxication.
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Sessa F, Esposito M, Messina G, Di Mizio G, Di Nunno N, Salerno M. Sudden Death in Adults: A Practical Flow Chart for Pathologist Guidance. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:870. [PMID: 34356248 PMCID: PMC8307931 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The medico-legal term "sudden death (SD)" refers to those deaths that are not preceded by significant symptoms. SD in apparently healthy individuals (newborn through to adults) represents a challenge for medical examiners, law enforcement officers, and society as a whole. This review aims to introduce a useful flowchart that should be applied in all cases of SD. Particularly, this flowchart mixes the data obtained through an up-to-date literature review and a revision of the latest version of guidelines for autopsy investigation of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in order to support medico-legal investigation. In light of this review, following the suggested flowchart step-by-step, the forensic pathologist will be able to apply all the indications of the scientific community to real cases. Moreover, it will be possible to answer all questions relative to SD, such as: death may be attributable to cardiac disease or to other causes, the nature of the cardiac disease (defining whether the mechanism was arrhythmic or mechanical), whether the condition causing SD may be inherited (with subsequent genetic counseling), the assumption of toxic or illicit drugs, traumas, and other unnatural causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Giulio Di Mizio
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Law, Economy and Sociology, Campus “S. Venuta”, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.)
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8
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Mahtta D, Ramsey D, Krittanawong C, Al Rifai M, Khurram N, Samad Z, Jneid H, Ballantyne C, Petersen LA, Virani SS. Recreational substance use among patients with premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Heart 2021; 107:650-656. [PMID: 33589427 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite an upsurge in the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) among young adults, the attributable risk of recreational substance use among young patients has been incompletely evaluated. We evaluated the association of all recreational substances with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. METHODS In a cross-sectional analysis using the 2014-2015 nationwide Veterans Affairs Healthcare database and the Veterans wIth premaTure AtheroscLerosis (VITAL) registry, patients were categorised as having premature, extremely premature or non-premature ASCVD. Premature ASCVD was defined as having first ASCVD event at age <55 years for men and <65 years for women. Extremely premature was defined as having first ASCVD event at age <40 years while non-premature ASCVD was defined as having first ASCVD event at age ≥55 years for men and ≥65 years for women. Patients with premature ASCVD (n=135 703) and those with extremely premature ASCVD (n=7716) were compared against patients with non-premature ASCVD (n=1 112 455). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to study the independent association of all recreational substances with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. RESULTS Compared with patients with non-premature ASCVD, patients with premature ASCVD had a higher use of tobacco (62.9% vs 40.6%), alcohol (31.8% vs 14.8%), cocaine (12.9% vs 2.5%), amphetamine (2.9% vs 0.5%) and cannabis (12.5% vs 2.7%) (p<0.01 for all comparisons). In adjusted models, the use of tobacco (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.94 to 2.00), alcohol (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.47 to 1.52), cocaine (OR 2.44, 95% CI 2.38 to 2.50), amphetamine (OR 2.74, 95% CI 2.62 to 2.87), cannabis (OR 2.65, 95% CI 2.59 to 2.71) and other drugs (OR 2.53, 95% CI 2.47 to 2.59) was independently associated with premature ASCVD. Patients with polysubstance use had a graded response with the highest risk (~9-fold) of premature ASCVD among patients with use of ≥4 recreational substances. Similar trends were observed among patients with extremely premature ASCVD. Gender interactions with substance use were significant (p-interaction <0.05), with recreational substance use and premature ASCVD showing stronger associations among women than in men with premature ASCVD. CONCLUSIONS All subgroups of recreational substances were independently associated with a higher likelihood of premature and extremely premature ASCVD. Recreational substance use confers a greater magnitude of risk for premature ASCVD among women. A graded response relationship exists between increasing number of recreational substances used and higher likelihood of early-onset ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Mahtta
- Health Policy, Quality & Informatics Program, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, -Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Ramsey
- Health Policy, Quality & Informatics Program, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, -Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mahmoud Al Rifai
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, -Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nasir Khurram
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zainab Samad
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Hani Jneid
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, -Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christie Ballantyne
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Laura A Petersen
- Health Policy, Quality & Informatics Program, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Salim S Virani
- Health Policy, Quality & Informatics Program, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Houston, Texas, USA .,Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, -Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Intravenous Cocaine Results in an Acute Decrease in Levels of Biomarkers of Vascular Inflammation in Humans. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2019; 18:295-303. [PMID: 29372505 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-017-9440-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use causes significant cardiovascular morbidity from its hemodynamic effects. It is less clear whether cocaine promotes atherosclerosis. Vascular inflammation is one of the earliest steps in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that cocaine results in an increase in inflammatory markers. Study objective was to measure the acute effects of intravenous cocaine on biomarkers of vascular inflammation. Eleven chronic cocaine users were enrolled. After a drug-free period, they received intravenous cocaine at 0.36 mg/kg dose in an in-hospital controlled environment. Serum levels of soluble CD40 ligand, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin 6, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were measured at baseline, 6 h, 24 h, and 6 days after cocaine challenge and at baseline for controls. After cocaine challenge, sCD40 ligand levels decreased in subjects and were significantly lower at 24 h. MCP-1 levels decreased and were significantly lower at the 6-day time point. No significant changes in IL-6 or sICAM-1 level were found. In conclusion, intravenous cocaine did not result in an increase in levels of inflammatory markers. Levels of MCP-1 and sCD40L decreased significantly. This unexpected finding suggests that chronic effects of cocaine on inflammation may be different from acute effects or that higher dosing may have differential effects as compared to lower dose used here.
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Sessa F, Anna V, Messina G, Cibelli G, Monda V, Marsala G, Ruberto M, Biondi A, Cascio O, Bertozzi G, Pisanelli D, Maglietta F, Messina A, Mollica MP, Salerno M. Heart rate variability as predictive factor for sudden cardiac death. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 10:166-177. [PMID: 29476045 PMCID: PMC5842851 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents about 25% of deaths in clinical cardiology. The identification of risk factors for SCD is the philosopher's stone of cardiology and the identification of non-invasive markers of risk of SCD remains one of the most important goals for the scientific community.The aim of this review is to analyze the state of the art around the heart rate variability (HRV) as a predictor factor for SCD.HRV is probably the most analyzed index in cardiovascular risk stratification technical literature, therefore an important number of models and methods have been developed.Nowadays, low HRV has been shown to be independently predictive of increased mortality in post- myocardial infarction patients, heart failure patients, in contrast with the data of the general population.Contrariwise, the relationship between HRV and SCD has received scarce attention in low-risk cohorts. Furthermore, in general population the attributable risk is modest and the cost/benefit ratio is not always convenient.The HRV evaluation could become an important tool for health status in risks population, even though the use of HRV alone for risk stratification of SCD is limited and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
- Equal contribution
| | - Valenzano Anna
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
- Equal contribution
| | - Giovanni Messina
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cibelli
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monda
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Department of Experimental Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Marsala
- Struttura Complessa di Farmacia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Ruberto
- CRD Center, Santa Maria del Pozzo, Somma Vesuviana (NA), Italy
| | - Antonio Biondi
- University of Catania, Department of Surgery, Catania, Italy
| | - Orazio Cascio
- University of Catania, Department of Anatomy, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
| | - Daniela Pisanelli
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesca Maglietta
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonietta Messina
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Department of Experimental Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria P. Mollica
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Department of Experimental Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- University of Foggia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Foggia, Italy
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12
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Myocardial oxidative damage is induced by cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways in human cocaine-related overdose. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44262. [PMID: 28281685 PMCID: PMC5345006 DOI: 10.1038/srep44262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyse cardiac specimens from human cocaine-related overdose, to verify the hypothesis that cardiac toxicity by acute exposure to high dosage of cocaine could be mediated by unbalanced myocardial oxidative stress, and to evaluate the apoptotic response. To address these issues, biochemical and immunohistological markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress were evaluated. We found that i-NOS, NOX2 and nitrotyrosine expression were significantly higher in the hearts of subjects who had died from high doses of cocaine, compared to the control group. Increase of these markers was associated with a dramatic increase in 8-OHdG, another marker of oxidative stress. A high number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic myocells was observed in the study group compared to the control group. The immunoexpression of TNF-α was significantly higher in the cocaine group compared to the control group. Furthermore, we detected a significantly stronger immunoresponse to anti-SMAC/DIABLO in our study group compared to control cases. Both cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways appeared to be activated to a greater extent in the cocaine group than in the control group. Our results highlight the central role of oxidative stress in cocaine toxicity. High levels of NOS can promote the oxidation process and lead to apoptosis.
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Abstract
Cocaine constriction of the cerebral vasculature is thought to contribute to the ischemia associated with cocaine use. However, the mechanisms whereby cocaine elicits relevant vasoconstriction remain elusive. Indeed, proposed intra- and intercellular mechanisms based on over 3 decades of ex vivo vascular studies are, for the most part, of questionable relevancy due to the generally low contractile efficacy of cocaine combined with the use of nonresistance-type vessels. Furthermore, the significance attached to mechanisms derived from in vivo animal studies may be limited by the inability to demonstrate cocaine-induced decreased cerebral blood flow, as observed in (awake) humans. Despite these apparent limitations, we surmise that the vasoconstriction relevant to cocaine-induced ischemia is elicited by inhibition of dilator and activation of constrictor pathways because of cocaine action on the neurovascular unit (neuron, astrocyte, and vessel) and on vessels outside the unit. Furthermore, previous cocaine exposure, that is, conditions present in human subjects, downregulates and sensitizes these dilator and constrictor pathways, respectively, thereby enhancing constriction to acute cocaine. Identification of specific intra- and intercellular mechanisms requires investigations in the isolated microvasculature and the neurovascular unit from species chronically exposed to cocaine and in which cocaine decreases cerebral blood flow.
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Clinical Comorbidities among Cocaine Users Screened in the Community through HealthStreet. HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND POLICY REVIEW 2016; 3:54-61. [PMID: 27030823 DOI: 10.14485/hbpr.3.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the differences in clinical characteristics and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions by cocaine use. METHODS HealthStreet, a community engagement program assessed 7936 adults for medical conditions. RESULTS Among 6145 African Americans (77%) and 1791 (23%) Caucasians, 15.5 % and 25% reported cocaine use, respectively. African-American cocaine users were older (p < .001) and more likely to report hypertension (p < .001) and HIV (p <.001) than Caucasian users. Compared to non-users, back pain was reported by 42% of African Americans (p < .001) and 48% of Caucasian cocaine users (p < .003). African-American cocaine users had significantly higher odds of back pain, 1.60 (95% CI 1.27, 2.04) and arthritis, 1.40 (95% CI 1.19, 1.64) than Caucasians. CONCLUSIONS Cocaine users are more likely to endorse MSK conditions than non-users. Racial disparities among users existed; however, how race affects health among users requires further research.
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Cardiovascular and Hepatic Toxicity of Cocaine: Potential Beneficial Effects of Modulators of Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2015; 2016:8408479. [PMID: 26823954 PMCID: PMC4707355 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8408479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is thought to play an important role in the pharmacological and toxic effects of various drugs of abuse. Herein we review the literature on the mechanisms responsible for the cardiovascular and hepatic toxicity of cocaine with special focus on OS-related mechanisms. We also review the preclinical and clinical literature concerning the putative therapeutic effects of OS modulators (such as N-acetylcysteine, superoxide dismutase mimetics, nitroxides and nitrones, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, and mitochondriotropic antioxidants) for the treatment of cocaine toxicity. We conclude that available OS modulators do not appear to have clinical efficacy.
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Turillazzi E, Di Paolo M, Neri M, Riezzo I, Fineschi V. A theoretical timeline for myocardial infarction: immunohistochemical evaluation and western blot quantification for Interleukin-15 and Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 as very early markers. J Transl Med 2014; 12:188. [PMID: 24989171 PMCID: PMC4094437 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental and human studies have demonstrated that innate immune mechanisms and consequent inflammatory reaction play a critical role in cardiac response to ischemic injury. Thus, the detection of immuno-inflammatory and cellular phenomena accompanying cardiac alterations during the early inflammatory phase of myocardial infarction (MI) may be an excellent diagnostic tool. Current knowledge of the chronology of the responses of myocardial tissue following the occurrence of ischemic insult, as well as the existence of numerous studies aiming to identify reliable markers in dating MI, induced us to investigate the myocardial specimens of MI fatal cases in order to better define the age of MI. METHODS We performed an immunohistochemical study and a Western blot analysis to evaluate detectable morphological changes in myocardial specimens of fatal MI cases and to quantify the effects of cardiac expression of inflammatory mediators (CD15, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-15, IL-8, MCP-1, ICAM-1, CD18, tryptase) and structural and functional cardiac proteins. RESULTS We observed a biphasic course of MCP-1: it was strongly expressed in the very early phase (0-4 hrs), to diminish in the early period (after 6-8 hrs). Again, our choice of IL-15 is explained by the synergism with neutrophilic granulocytes (CD15) and our study shows the potential for striking cytokine synergy in promoting fast, local neutrophil response in damaged tissues. A progressively stronger immunoreaction for the CD15 antibody was visible in the areas where the margination of circulating inflammatory cells was detectable, up to very strong expression in the oldest ones (>12 hours). Further, the induction of CD15, IL-15, MCP-1 expression levels was quantified by Western blot analysis. The results were as follows: IL-15/β-actin 0.80, CD15/β-actin 0.30, and MCP-1/β-actin 0.60, matching perfectly with the results of immunohistochemistry. Control hearts from traumatic death cases did not show any immunoreactivity to the pro-inflammatory markers, neither were there any reactions in Western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS Essential markers (i.e. IL-15, MCP-1) are suitable indicators of myocardial response to ischemic insult involving very early phase reaction (inflammatory response and cytokine release). In the very near future, proteomics may help clinicians and pathologists to better understand mechanisms relating to cardiac repair and remodeling and provide targets for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Turillazzi
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D’Avanzo, Viale degli Aviatori, n. 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marco Di Paolo
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D’Avanzo, Viale degli Aviatori, n. 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Irene Riezzo
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D’Avanzo, Viale degli Aviatori, n. 1, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University “La Sapienza” of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Roma, Italy
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Potential role of cardiac calsequestrin in the lethal arrhythmic effects of cocaine. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 133:344-51. [PMID: 23876860 PMCID: PMC4097383 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cocaine-related deaths are continuously rising and its overdose is often associated with lethal cardiotoxic effects. METHODS AND RESULTS Our approach, employing isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and light scattering in parallel, has confirmed the significant affinity of human cardiac calsequestrin (CASQ2) for cocaine. Calsequestrin (CASQ) is a major Ca(2+)-storage protein within the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of both cardiac and skeletal muscles. CASQ acts as a Ca(2+) buffer and Ca(2+)-channel regulator through its unique Ca(2+)-dependent oligomerization. Equilibrium dialysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy experiments illustrated the perturbational effect of cocaine on CASQ2 polymerization, resulting in substantial reduction of its Ca(2+)-binding capacity. We also confirmed the accumulation of cocaine in rat heart tissue and the substantial effects cocaine has on cultured C2C12 cells. The same experiments were performed with methamphetamine as a control, which displayed neither affinity for CASQ2 nor any significant effects on its function. Since cocaine did not have any direct effect on the Ca(2+)-release channel judging from our single channel recordings, these studies provide new insights into how cocaine may interfere with the normal E-C coupling mechanism with lethal arrhythmogenic consequences. CONCLUSION We propose that cocaine accumulates in SR through its affinity for CASQ2 and affects both SR Ca(2+) storage and release by altering the normal CASQ2 Ca(2+)-dependent polymerization. By this mechanism, cocaine use could produce serious cardiac problems, especially in people who have genetically-impaired CASQ2, defects in other E-C coupling components, or compromised cocaine metabolism and clearance.
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