Role of Inflammation in Cardiac Remodeling After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Atherosclerosis is defined as an inflammatory disease. Low-grade inflammation is present in all phases of the cardiovascular continuum, since the establishment of cardiovascular risk factors and ischemic heart disease until cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure and death. Not all inflammatory pathways are linked to cardiovascular outcomes, and thus, not all anti-inflammatory approaches decrease cardiovascular events. The most common cause of ventricular remodeling and heart failure is ischemic heart disease. Biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein can identify individuals at risk of major cardiovascular complications, but this biomarker has no causal effect on cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, interleukin 6 appears to be causally associated with cardiovascular disease. CANTOS was the first proof of concept study showing that anti-inflammatory therapy reduces major cardiovascular outcomes. Based on many anti-inflammatory trials, only therapies acting on the NLRP3 inflammasome, or interleukin 1beta, showed benefits on cardiovascular disease. Ventricular remodeling, particularly after myocardial infarction seems also influenced by the intensity of inflammatory responses, suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapies may reduce the residual cardiovascular risk. Inflammasome (NLRP3) activation, subtypes of lymphocytes, interleukin 6, and some inflammatory biomarkers, are associated with larger infarct size and impaired ventricular function after myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular risk factors commonly present in patients with myocardial infarction, and advanced age are associated with higher inflammatory activity.

Reducing the Clinical and Public Health Burden of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Global Call to Action

Importance

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an underdiagnosed and undertreated genetic disorder that leads to premature morbidity and mortality due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Familial hypercholesterolemia affects 1 in 200 to 250 people around the world of every race and ethnicity. The lack of general awareness of FH among the public and medical community has resulted in only 10% of the FH population being diagnosed and adequately treated. The World Health Organization recognized FH as a public health priority in 1998 during a consultation meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Organization report highlighted 11 recommendations to address FH worldwide, from diagnosis and treatment to family screening and education. Research since the 1998 report has increased understanding and awareness of FH, particularly in specialty areas, such as cardiology and lipidology. However, in the past 20 years, there has been little progress in implementing the 11 recommendations to prevent premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in an entire generation of families with FH.

Observations

In 2018, the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Foundation and the World Heart Federation convened the international FH community to update the 11 recommendations. Two meetings were held: one at the 2018 FH Foundation Global Summit and the other during the 2018 World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health. Each meeting served as a platform for the FH community to examine the original recommendations, assess the gaps, and provide commentary on the revised recommendations. The Global Call to Action on Familial Hypercholesterolemia thus represents individuals with FH, advocacy leaders, scientific experts, policy makers, and the original authors of the 1998 World Health Organization report. Attendees from 40 countries brought perspectives on FH from low-, middle-, and high-income regions. Tables listing country-specific government support for FH care, existing country-specific and international FH scientific statements and guidelines, country-specific and international FH registries, and known FH advocacy organizations around the world were created.

Conclusions and Relevance

By adopting the 9 updated public policy recommendations created for this document, covering awareness; advocacy; screening, testing, and diagnosis; treatment; family-based care; registries; research; and cost and value, individual countries have the opportunity to prevent atherosclerotic heart disease in their citizens carrying a gene associated with FH and, likely, all those with severe hypercholesterolemia as well.

Statin-associated muscle symptoms: position paper from the Luso-Latin American Consortium

In the last two decades, statin therapy has proved to be the most potent isolated therapy for attenuation of cardiovascular risk. Its frequent use has been seen as one of the most important elements for the reduction of cardiovascular mortality in developed countries. However, the recurrent incidence of muscle symptoms in statin users raised the possibility of causal association, leading to a disease entity known as statin associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Mechanistic studies and clinical trials, specifically designed for the study of SAMS have allowed a deeper understanding of the natural history and accurate incidence. This set of information becomes essential to avoid an unnecessary risk of severe forms of SAMS. At the same time, this concrete understanding of SAMS prevents overdiagnosis and an inadequate suspension of one of the most powerful prevention strategies of our times. In this context, the Luso-Latin American Consortium gathered all available information on the subject and presents them in detail in this document as the basis for the identification and management of SAMS.

Antihypertensive therapy increases natural immunity response in hypertensive patients

AIMS

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of treatment of hypertension on the autoantibodies to apolipoprotein B-derived peptides (anti-ApoB-D peptide Abs) response, inflammation markers and vascular function.

MAIN METHODS

Eighty-eight patients with hypertension (stage 1 or 2) were recruited and advised to receive perindopril (4mg), hydrochlorothiazide (25mg), or indapamide (1.5mg) for 12weeks in a blinded fashion. Office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24h ABPM), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), nitrate-induced dilatation (NID), titers of IgG and IgM anti-ApoB-D peptide Abs, hsCRP, and interleukins (IL-8 and IL-10) were evaluated at baseline and 12weeks after therapies.

KEY FINDINGS

All treatments reduced office BP, and improved FMD (P<0.05 vs. baseline). The NID was improved only in the perindopril arm (P<0.05 vs. baseline). The 24h-ABPM was reduced with perindopril and hydrochlorothiazide therapies (P<0.05 vs. baseline), but not with indapamide, and this effect was followed by increase in titers of IgM Anti-ApoB-D peptide Abs (P<0.05 vs. baseline), without modifications in titers IgG Anti-ApoB-D peptide Abs and interleukins. Multivariable regression analysis has shown that change in the titers of IgM anti-ApoB-D peptide was associated with the changes in FMD (β -0.347; P<0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings shed light to a possible modulator effect of the antihypertensive therapy on the natural immunity responses and vascular function.

Additive effects of plant sterols supplementation in addition to different lipid-lowering regimens

OBJECTIVE

Plant sterol (PS) supplementation has been widely used alone or combined with lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs) to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The effects of PS added to high-intensity LLT are less reported, especially regarding the effects on cholesterol synthesis and absorption.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, open-label study, with parallel arms and blinded end points was designed to evaluate the effects of addition of PS to LLT on LDL cholesterol, markers of cholesterol synthesis, and absorption. Eighty-six patients of both genders were submitted to a 4-wk run-in period with atorvastatin 10 mg (baseline). Following, subjects received atorvastatin 40 mg, ezetimibe 10 mg, or combination of both drugs for another 4-wk period (phase I). In phase II, capsules containing 2.0 g of PSs were added to previous assigned treatments for 4 wk. Lipids, apolipoproteins, plasma campesterol, β-sitosterol, and desmosterol levels were assayed at all time points. Within and between-group analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Compared with baseline, atorvastatin 40 mg reduced total and LDL cholesterol (3% and 22%, respectively, P < .05), increased β-sitosterol, campesterol/cholesterol, and β-sitosterol/cholesterol ratios (39%, 47%, and 32%, respectively, P < .05); ezetimibe 10 mg reduced campesterol and campesterol/cholesterol ratio (67% and 70%, respectively, P < .05), and the combined therapy decreased total and LDL cholesterol (22% and 38%, respectively, P < .05), campesterol, β-sitosterol, and campesterol/cholesterol ratio (54%, 40%, and 27%, P < .05). Addition of PS further reduced total and LDL cholesterol by ∼ 7.7 and 6.5%, respectively, in the atorvastatin therapy group and 5.0 and 4.0% in the combined therapy group (P < .05, for all), with no further effects in absorption or synthesis markers.

CONCLUSIONS

PS added to LLT can further improve lipid profile, without additional effects on intestinal sterol absorption or synthesis.

Effects of simvastatin/ezetimibe on microparticles, endothelial progenitor cells and platelet aggregation in subjects with coronary heart disease under antiplatelet therapy

It is not known whether the addition of ezetimibe to statins adds cardiovascular protection beyond the expected changes in lipid levels. Subjects with coronary heart disease were treated with four consecutive 1-week courses of therapy (T) and evaluations. The courses were: T1, 100 mg aspirin alone; T2, 100 mg aspirin and 40 mg simvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe; T3, 40 mg simvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe, and 75 mg clopidogrel (300 mg initial loading dose); T4, 75 mg clopidogrel alone. Platelet aggregation was examined in whole blood. Endothelial microparticles (CD51), platelet microparticles (CD42/CD31), and endothelial progenitor cells (CD34/CD133; CDKDR/CD133, or CD34/KDR) were quantified by flow cytometry. Endothelial function was examined by flow-mediated dilation. Comparisons between therapies revealed differences in lipids (T2 and T3<T1 and T4 for total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides; P<0.002 for all), as well as for endothelial function (T2>T1 and T4, P=0.001). Decreased platelet aggregation was observed after aspirin (arachidonic acid, T1<T3 and T4, P=0.034) and clopidogrel (adenosine, T3 and T4<T1 and T2, P<0.0001) therapy. Simvastatin/ezetimibe diphosphate did not change platelet aggregation, the amount of circulating endothelial and platelet microparticles, or endothelial progenitor cells. Cardiovascular protection following therapy with simvastatin/ezetimibe seems restricted to lipid changes and improvement of endothelial function not affecting the release of microparticles, mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells or decreased platelet aggregation.

Adaptive immunity is related to coronary artery disease severity after acute coronary syndrome in subjects with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an inflammatory state associated with high coronary disease risk. Inflammation and adaptive immunity modulate atherosclerosis and plaque instability. We examined early changes in anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (anti-oxLDL) autoantibodies (Abs) in patients with MetS after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients of both genders (n=116) with MetS were prospectively included after an acute myocardial infarction (MI) or hospitalization due to unstable angina. Anti-oxLDL Abs (IgG class) were assayed at baseline, three and six weeks after ACS. The severity of coronary disease was evaluated by the Gensini score. We observed a decrease in anti-oxLDL Abs titers (p<0.002 vs. baseline), mainly in males (p=0.01), in those under 65 y (p=0.03), and in subjects with Gensini score above median (p=0.04). In conclusion, early decrease in circulating anti-oxLDL Abs is associated with coronary disease severity among subjects with MetS.

Differences in synthesis and absorption of cholesterol of two effective lipid-lowering therapies

Effective statin therapy is associated with a marked reduction of cardiovascular events. However, the explanation for full benefits obtained for LDL cholesterol targets by combined lipid-lowering therapy is controversial. Our study compared the effects of two equally effective lipid-lowering strategies on markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption. A prospective, open label, randomized, parallel design study, with blinded endpoints, included 116 subjects. We compared the effects of a 12-week treatment with 40 mg rosuvastatin or the combination of 40 mg simvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe on markers of cholesterol absorption (campesterol and β-sitosterol), synthesis (desmosterol), and their ratios to cholesterol. Both therapies similarly decreased total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B, and increased apolipoprotein A1 (P < 0.05 vs baseline for all). Simvastatin/ezetimibe increased plasma desmosterol (P = 0.012 vs baseline), and decreased campesterol and β-sitosterol (P < 0.0001 vs baseline for both), with higher desmosterol (P = 0.007) and lower campesterol and β-sitosterol compared to rosuvastatin, (P < 0.0001, for both). In addition, rosuvastatin increased the ratios of these markers to cholesterol (P < 0.002 vs baseline for all), whereas simvastatin/ezetimibe significantly decreased the campesterol/cholesterol ratio (P = 0.008 vs baseline) and tripled the desmosterol/cholesterol ratio (P < 0.0001 vs baseline). The campesterol/cholesterol and β-sitosterol/cholesterol ratios were lower, whereas the desmosterol/cholesterol ratio was higher in patients receiving simvastatin/ezetimibe (P < 0.0001 vs rosuvastatin, for all). Pronounced differences in markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis were observed between two equally effective lipid-lowering strategies.

Euterpe oleracea (açai) modifies sterol metabolism and attenuates experimentally-induced atherosclerosis

AIM

Euterpe Oleracea (açai) is a fruit from the Amazon region whose chemical composition may be beneficial for individuals with atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that consumption of Euterpe Oleracea would reduce atherosclerosis development by decreasing cholesterol absorption and synthesis.

METHODS

Male New Zealand rabbits were fed a cholesterol-enriched diet (0.5%) for 12 weeks, when they were randomized to receive Euterpe Oleracea extract (n = 15) or water (n = 12) plus a 0.05% cholesterol-enriched diet for an additional 12 weeks. Plasma phytosterols and desmosterol were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Atherosclerotic lesions were estimated by computerized planimetry and histomorphometry.

RESULTS

At sacrifice, animals treated with Euterpe Oleracea had lower levels of total cholesterol (p =0.03), non-HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.03) and triglycerides (p = 0.02) than controls. These animals had smaller atherosclerotic plaque area in their aortas (p = 0.001) and a smaller intima/media ratio (p = 0.002) than controls, without differences in plaque composition. At the end of the study, campesterol, β-sitosterol, and desmosterol plasma levels did not differ between groups; however, animals treated with Euterpe Oleracea showed lower desmosterol/campesterol (p = 0.026) and desmosterol/ β-sitosterol (p =0.006) ratios than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of Euterpe Oleracea extract markedly improved the lipid profile and attenuated atherosclerosis. These effects were related in part to a better balance in the synthesis and absorption of sterols.

The role of soluble fiber intake in patients under highly effective lipid-lowering therapy

Background

It has been demonstrated that statins can increase intestinal sterol absorption. Augments in phytosterolemia seems related to cardiovascular disease.

Objective

We examined the role of soluble fiber intake in endogenous cholesterol synthesis and in sterol absorption among subjects under highly effective lipid-lowering therapy.

Design

In an open label, randomized, parallel-design study with blinded endpoints, subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia (n = 116) were assigned to receive during 12 weeks, a daily dose of 25 g of fiber (corresponding to 6 g of soluble fibers) plus rosuvastatin 40 mg (n = 28), rosuvastatin 40 mg alone (n = 30), sinvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg plus 25 g of fiber (n = 28), or sinvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (n = 30) alone.

Results

The four assigned therapies produced similar changes in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides (p < 0.001 vs. baseline) and did not change HDL-cholesterol. Fiber intake decreased plasma campesterol (p < 0.001 vs. baseline), particularly among those patients receiving ezetimibe (p < 0.05 vs. other groups), and β-sitosterol (p = 0.03 vs. baseline), with a trend for lower levels in the group receiving fiber plus ezetimibe (p = 0.07). Treatment with rosuvastatin alone or combined with soluble fiber was associated with decreased levels of desmosterol (p = 0.003 vs. other groups). Compared to non-fiber supplemented individuals, those treated with fibers had weight loss (p = 0.04), reduced body mass index (p = 0.002) and blood glucose (p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Among subjects treated with highly effective lipid-lowering therapy, the intake of 25 g of fibers added favorable effects, mainly by reducing phytosterolemia. Additional benefits include improvement in blood glucose and anthropometric parameters.

Impaired glucose tolerance plus hyperlipidaemia induced by diet promotes retina microaneurysms in New Zealand rabbits

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome worldwide, experimental models are required to better understand the pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches to preserve pancreatic beta cells, attenuate atherosclerosis and protect target organs. The aims of this study were to develop an experimental model of impaired glucose tolerance combined with hypercholesterolaemia induced by diet and assess metabolic alterations and target organ lesions. New Zealand male rabbits were fed high-fat/high-sucrose (10/40%) and cholesterol-enriched diet for 24 weeks, when they were sacrificed. Biochemistry, fundus photographs with fluorescein angiography and pathological analyses were performed. Cholesterol-fed and normal animals of same age were compared.

RESULTS

The animals with diet-induced impaired glucose tolerance combined with hypercholesterolaemia gained weight, increased blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides and decreased HDL-C (P < 0.05 vs. baseline). Fructosamine levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were increased, while there was a reduction in the HOMA-β (P < 0.05 for all vs. baseline). Histomorphologic findings of this model were aortic atherosclerosis, hepatic steatofibrosis and glomerular macrophage infiltration. Early clinical features of diabetic retinopathy with hyperfluorescent dots consistent with presence of retina microaneurysms were seen since week 12, progressing up to the end of the experiment (P < 0.0005 vs. baseline and 12 weeks). Our model reproduced several metabolic characteristics of human diabetes mellitus and promoted early signs of retinopathy. This non-expensive model is suitable for studying mechanistic pathways and allowing novel strategic approaches.

Genetic screening for homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common inherited disorder that results in premature atherosclerosis. Diagnosis of FH is suspected on the basis of clinical criteria, but confirmation requires genetic testing. In the era of statins, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment can modify disease progression and outcomes. Therefore, cascade screening with a combination of lipid concentration measurements and DNA testing should be used to identify relatives of index cases with a clinical diagnosis of FH. Autosomal dominant FH is related to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB), or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes. Genetic screening of the LDLR gene is challenging to achieve at a feasible cost, especially in people who do not have a founder effect. Nucleotide sequencing of all exons and flanking splicing regions in combination with multiplex ligation probe amplification to detect large insertions or deletions is considered the gold-standard approach to screen for LDLR mutations. Alternatively, the cDNA can be sequenced; however, this procedure is not suitable for use in large populations, because of the need of RNA extraction. Multiplex analysis can be appropriate for population with founder effects or a low number of different mutations. Finally, there are many techniques for a mutation scanning approach, which have some benefits over sequencing, and also with the potential for detecting known and novel mutations. Familial defective Apo B is amenable to genetic diagnosis by screening for a few mutations. Recently, gain-of-function mutations in PCSK9 gene have been demonstrated to cause FH phenotype. Strategies for population screening, cost-effectiveness of genetic screening, ethical aspects, and insurance policies are discussed and need implementation worldwide.

[Lipid profile and nutrition counseling effects in adolescents with family history of premature coronary artery disease]

OBJECTIVE

To assess lipid profile and nutritional parameters from adolescents with family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and assess the effects of nutritional counseling.

METHODS

The study included 48 adolescents of both gender and with ages ranging from 10 and 19 years old (case group, n=18; control group, n=30).

RESULTS

Offspring of young individuals with coronary artery disease showed higher values of total cholesterol (189 +/- 30 vs. 167 +/- 26 mg/dl, p < 0.01), LDL-C (144 +/- 20 vs. 100 +/- 27 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and apoB (80 +/- 15 vs. 61 +/- 18 mg/dl, p = 0.001) and lower values of HDL-C (45 +/- 9 vs. 51 +/- 13 mg/dl, p < 0.02) than control young individuals. Differences were not found for triglycerides and apoA-I. With a dietotherapeutic counseling, we obtained a reduction in alimentary consumption of saturated fatty acids (pre: 15.5 +/- 4.7% vs. post: 6.6 +/- 3.7%, p = 0.003) and an improvement in lipid profile: TC (-8%, p = 0.033), LDL-C (-18.2%, p = 0.001), TG (-53%, p = 0.002) rates in offspring of premature CAD patients who showed hyperlipidemia.

CONCLUSION

The presence of dyslipidemia was more prevalent among offspring adolescents of premature CAD patients, but it was responsive to nutritional intervention.

Chronic endothelial dysfunction after oversized coronary balloon angioplasty in pigs: a 12-week follow-up of coronary vasoreactivity in vivo and in vitro

Previous studies have reported the development of vasoconstriction immediately after invasive coronary interventions. Other studies in animals have demonstrated that using oversized balloon angioplasty, vasospasm can be suppressed, even in the presence of endothelial denudation due to important structural alteration in vascular smooth muscle. The regenerated endothelium also appears to be impaired chronically by selective attenuation of in vitro endothelial dependent relaxation related to pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. The purpose of this investigation was to verify in vivo and in vitro vasoreactivity to bradykinin (BK) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) (endothelial dependent agonists) as well as to nitroglycerin (NTG) (exogenous nitric oxide donor) at different times after oversized balloon angioplasty intervention ranging from 1 h to 12 weeks, in normal porcine coronary arteries. BK-induced vasodilatation in vivo was impaired acutely, but it was restored after 4 weeks. Serotonin caused vasoconstriction in vivo that was significantly augmented after 12 weeks. Conversely, endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in vitro to BK and 5-HT remained attenuated during the whole period of follow-up. Finally, relaxation elicited by NTG was reduced in the in vivo experiment until the first week after the procedure. Histological analysis showed severe arterial injury, and complete recovery of endothelial coverage after 4 weeks. In conclusion, this experiment supports evidence for the occurrence of the acute attenuation of vasoresponsiveness and chronic endothelial dysfunction following overstretching coronary balloon angioplasty. Abnormal remodeling associated with the severity of injury may contribute to chronic endothelial dysfunction. Differences found between in vivo and in vitro studies also suggest that multiple endogenous influences present in the former can attenuate the greater endothelial dysfunction demonstrated by endothelial assessment in vitro.