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Lucà F, Abrignani MG, Oliva F, Canale ML, Parrini I, Murrone A, Rao CM, Nesti M, Cornara S, Di Matteo I, Barisone M, Giubilato S, Ceravolo R, Pignalberi C, Geraci G, Riccio C, Gelsomino S, Colivicchi F, Grimaldi M, Gulizia MM. Multidisciplinary Approach in Atrial Fibrillation: As Good as Gold. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4621. [PMID: 39200763 PMCID: PMC11354619 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common sustained arrhythmia necessitating dual focus: acute complication management and sustained longitudinal oversight to modulate disease progression and ensure comprehensive patient care over time. AF is a multifaceted disorder; due to such a great number of potential exacerbating conditions, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) should manage AF patients by cooperating with a cardiologist. Effective management of AF patients necessitates the implementation of a well-coordinated and tailored care pathway aimed at delivering optimized treatment through collaboration among various healthcare professionals. Management of AF should be carefully evaluated and mutually agreed upon in consultation with healthcare providers. It is crucial to recognize that treatment may evolve due to the emergence of new risk factors, symptoms, disease progression, and advancements in treatment modalities. In the context of multidisciplinary AF teams, a coordinated approach involves assembling a diverse team tailored to meet individual patients' unique needs based on local services' availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Lucà
- Cardiology Department, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, GOM, AO Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89129 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | | | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy; (F.O.); (I.D.M.)
| | - Maria Laura Canale
- Division of Cardiology, Azienda USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, Versilia Hospital, 55049 Lido di Camaiore, Italy;
| | - Iris Parrini
- Division of Cardiology, Mauriziano Hospital, 10128 Turin, Italy;
| | - Adriano Murrone
- Cardiology-ICU Department, Ospedali di Città di Castello e di Gubbio-Gualdo Tadino, AUSL Umbria 1, Via Guerriero Guerra, 06127 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Massimiliano Rao
- Cardiology Department, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, GOM, AO Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89129 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Martina Nesti
- Division of Cardiology Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Stefano Cornara
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via P. Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Irene Di Matteo
- Cardiology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy; (F.O.); (I.D.M.)
| | - Michela Barisone
- Cardiology Department, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Giubilato
- Arrhytmia Unit, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale San Paolo, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 2, 17100 Savona, Italy;
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Cardiology Unit, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, 97100 Lamezia, Italy;
| | - Carlo Pignalberi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, ASL Roma 1, 00135 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Giovanna Geraci
- Cardiology Division, Sant’Antonio Abate, ASP Trapani, 91100 Erice, Italy;
| | - Carmine Riccio
- Cardiovascular Department, Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano Hospital, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Sandro Gelsomino
- Cardiothoracic Department, Maastricht University Hospital, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, ASL Roma 1, 00135 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Massimo Grimaldi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy;
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Fan SM, Chiu PY, Liu CH, Liao YC, Chang HT. Predictive value of hypercholesterolemia, vegetarian diet, and hypertension for incident dementia among elderly Taiwanese individuals with low educational levels. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223231171549. [PMID: 37255548 PMCID: PMC10226334 DOI: 10.1177/20406223231171549] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Early management of modifiable dementia-related factors is seen as a novel approach to preventing dementia onset; however, these efforts are often hindered by the complexity of interactions among these factors. In addition, different modifiable dementia-related factors may contribute to different etiologies of dementia. Design The current study investigated the effects of common modifiable dementia-related factors on prediction of incident dementia, dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT), and vascular dementia (VaD). Methods Vascular- and lifestyle-related factors were used as predictors of incident dementia, DAT, and VaD among 1,285 elderly individuals without obvious signs of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the risks associated with each modifiable factor. Results After controlling for factors other than stroke-related factors, hypercholesterolemia was correlated with a relatively low risk of all-cause incident dementia and DAT, whereas a vegetarian diet was correlated with an elevated risk of all-cause incident dementia and VaD. Hypertension was correlated with incident VaD. After controlling for stroke-related factors, a vegetarian diet was correlated with an elevated risk of all-cause dementia. A history of myocardiac infarction and the use of anti-platelet medication were, respectively, associated with a reduced risk of DAT and elevated risk of VaD. The use of anti-hypertensives was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause dementia, whereas the use of anti-lipid agents was associated with slow progression DAT (i.e. exceeding the average conversion time). Hypercholesterolemia was associated with an elevated risk for slow progression DAT. Conclusion These findings could perhaps be used as clinical markers in predicting and preventing incident dementia, DAT, and VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chung-Hsiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, China Medical
University Hospital, College of Medicine, China Medical University,
Taichung
| | - Yu-Chi Liao
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical
and Health Sciences, Asia University, Taichung
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Iannucci J, Grammas P. Thrombin, a Key Driver of Pathological Inflammation in the Brain. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091222. [PMID: 37174621 PMCID: PMC10177239 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are major contributors to death and disability worldwide. A multitude of evidence suggests that neuroinflammation is critical in neurodegenerative disease processes. Exploring the key mediators of neuroinflammation in AD, a prototypical neurodegenerative disease, could help identify pathologic inflammatory mediators and mechanisms in other neurodegenerative diseases. Elevated levels of the multifunctional inflammatory protein thrombin are commonly found in conditions that increase AD risk, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. Thrombin, a main driver of the coagulation cascade, has been identified as important to pathological events in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that coagulation cascade-associated proteins act as drivers of inflammation in the AD brain, and studies in both human populations and animal models support the view that abnormalities in thrombin generation promote AD pathology. Thrombin drives neuroinflammation through its pro-inflammatory activation of microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. Due to the wide-ranging pro-inflammatory effects of thrombin in the brain, inhibiting thrombin could be an effective strategy for interrupting the inflammatory cascade which contributes to neurodegenerative disease progression and, as such, may be a potential therapeutic target for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Iannucci
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
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Huang YC, Liu CH, Liao YC, Chang HT, Chiu PY. Arrhythmia and other modifiable risk factors in incident dementia and MCI among elderly individuals with low educational levels in Taiwan. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:992532. [PMID: 36589539 PMCID: PMC9800872 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.992532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is increasing evidence that arrhythmia is a risk factor for dementia; however, it appears that arrhythmia affects the cognitive function of individuals differentially across age groups, races, and educational levels. Demographic differences including educational level have also been found to moderate the effects of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. Methods This study recruited 1,361 individuals including a group of cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, a group of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and a group of patients with dementia with low education levels. The participants were evaluated in terms of modifiable risk factors for dementia, including arrhythmia and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Results Cox proportional hazard regression models revealed that among older MCI patients (>75 years), those with arrhythmia faced an elevated risk of dementia. Among younger MCI patients, those taking anti-hypertensive drugs faced a relatively low risk of dementia. Among younger MCI patients, male sex and higher educational level were associated with an elevated risk of dementia. Among CU individuals, those with coronary heart disease and taking anti-lipid compounds faced an elevated risk of MCI and those with symptoms of depression faced an elevated risk of dementia. Discussion The risk and protective factors mentioned above could potentially be used as markers in predicting the onset of dementia in clinical settings, especially for individuals with low educational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chang Huang
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical Sciences, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Liao
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical Sciences, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Te Chang
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical Sciences, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan,Research Assistance Center, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Department of Psychology, College of Science, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan,Hsin-Te Chang,
| | - Pai-Yi Chiu
- Department of Neurology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan,Department of Applied Mathematics, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Pai-Yi Chiu,
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Grossmann K. Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) for Therapeutic Targeting of Thrombin, a Key Mediator of Cerebrovascular and Neuronal Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1890. [PMID: 36009437 PMCID: PMC9405823 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although preclinical research and observer studies on patients with atrial fibrillation concluded that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) can protect against dementia like Alzheimer's disease (AD), clinical investigation towards therapeutical approval is still pending. DOACs target pathological thrombin, which is, like toxic tau and amyloid-ß proteins (Aß), an early hallmark of AD. Especially in hippocampal and neocortical areas, the release of parenchymal Aß into the blood induces thrombin and proinflammatory bradykinin synthesis by activating factor XII of the contact system. Thrombin promotes platelet aggregation and catalyzes conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to degradation-resistant, Aß-containing fibrin clots. Together with oligomeric Aß, these clots trigger vessel constriction and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with vessel occlusion and hemorrhages, leading to vascular and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. As consequences, brain blood flow, perfusion, and supply with oxygen (hypoxia) and nutrients decrease. In parenchymal tissue, hypoxia stimulates Aß synthesis, leading to Aß accumulation, which is further enhanced by BBB-impaired perivascular Aß clearance. Aß trigger neuronal damage and promote tau pathologies. BBB dysfunction enables thrombin and fibrin(ogen) to migrate into parenchymal tissue and to activate glial cells. Inflammation and continued Aß production are the results. Synapses and neurons die, and cognitive abilities are lost. DOACs block thrombin by inhibiting its activity (dabigatran) or production (FXa-inhibitors, e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban). Therefore, DOAC use could preserve vascular integrity and brain perfusion and, thereby, could counteract vascular-driven neuronal and cognitive decline in AD. A conception for clinical investigation is presented, focused on DOAC treatment of patients with diagnosed AD in early-stage and low risk of major bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Grossmann
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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