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Neeman-Egozi S, Livneh I, Dolgopyat I, Nussinovitch U, Milman H, Cohen N, Eisen B, Ciechanover A, Binah O. Stress-Induced Proteasome Sub-Cellular Translocation in Cardiomyocytes Causes Altered Intracellular Calcium Handling and Arrhythmias. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4932. [PMID: 38732146 PMCID: PMC11084437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is an essential mechanism responsible for the selective degradation of substrate proteins via their conjugation with ubiquitin. Since cardiomyocytes have very limited self-renewal capacity, as they are prone to protein damage due to constant mechanical and metabolic stress, the UPS has a key role in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. While altered proteasomal activity contributes to a variety of cardiac pathologies, such as heart failure and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), the environmental cues affecting its activity are still unknown, and they are the focus of this work. Following a recent study by Ciechanover's group showing that amino acid (AA) starvation in cultured cancer cell lines modulates proteasome intracellular localization and activity, we tested two hypotheses in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs, CMs): (i) AA starvation causes proteasome translocation in CMs, similarly to the observation in cultured cancer cell lines; (ii) manipulation of subcellular proteasomal compartmentalization is associated with electrophysiological abnormalities in the form of arrhythmias, mediated via altered intracellular Ca2+ handling. The major findings are: (i) starving CMs to AAs results in proteasome translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, while supplementation with the aromatic amino acids tyrosine (Y), tryptophan (W) and phenylalanine (F) (YWF) inhibits the proteasome recruitment; (ii) AA-deficient treatments cause arrhythmias; (iii) the arrhythmias observed upon nuclear proteasome sequestration(-AA+YWF) are blocked by KB-R7943, an inhibitor of the reverse mode of the sodium-calcium exchanger NCX; (iv) the retrograde perfusion of isolated rat hearts with AA starvation media is associated with arrhythmias. Collectively, our novel findings describe a newly identified mechanism linking the UPS to arrhythmia generation in CMs and whole hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunit Neeman-Egozi
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3190601, Israel; (S.N.-E.); (B.E.)
| | - Ido Livneh
- The Rappaport-Technion Integrated Cancer Center (R-TICC) and The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 319060, Israel; (I.L.); (N.C.)
| | - Irit Dolgopyat
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3190601, Israel; (S.N.-E.); (B.E.)
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Cardiology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon 5822012, Israel
- The Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Helena Milman
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3190601, Israel; (S.N.-E.); (B.E.)
| | - Nadav Cohen
- The Rappaport-Technion Integrated Cancer Center (R-TICC) and The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 319060, Israel; (I.L.); (N.C.)
| | - Binyamin Eisen
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3190601, Israel; (S.N.-E.); (B.E.)
| | - Aaron Ciechanover
- The Rappaport-Technion Integrated Cancer Center (R-TICC) and The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 319060, Israel; (I.L.); (N.C.)
| | - Ofer Binah
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3190601, Israel; (S.N.-E.); (B.E.)
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Nussinovitch U, Barak-Lanciano S, Shavit I, Avivi I, Haber-Kaptsenel E, Palacci H, Chaiat C, Rubinshtein R. Normal baseline cardiac autonomic function and increased pupillary parasympathetic tone in patients with vasovagal syncope. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38678442 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
It is controversial whether people with vasovagal syncope (VVS) have abnormal autonomic responses at baseline and whether specific diagnostic manoeuvres have a diagnostic value. We investigated whether the pupillary light reflex and cardiac autonomic tests can be used to identify autonomic dysfunction in volunteers with a medical history of VVS. The study groups included 128 healthy volunteers, of whom 31 reported a history of typical VVS. The right pupil was evaluated using an automated, commercial infra-red pupillometer under strict conditions. In addition to miosis and mydriasis kinetics, pupil diameters were measured. Heart rate variability at rest and heart rate changes to standing were quantified with high-resolution electrocardiography and designated software. The demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups were statistically similar. Average constriction velocity (ACV) was significantly higher in VVS patients following a univariate analysis (3.83 ± 0.59 vs. 3.56 ± 0.73 mm/s, p = 0.042) and after correcting for potential confounders (p = 0.049). All other pupillometric and heart rate indices were comparable between groups. Patients with a history of VVS depict pupillary parasympathetic overactivity in response to light stimuli, manifested as increased ACV. The prognostic implications of this finding and the significance of using this simple clinical tool to identify patients who are at risk for developing frequent episodes of VVS or physical injuries following a syncope merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Heart Institute at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | | | - Itay Shavit
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ishay Avivi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Hagar Palacci
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Chaiat
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronen Rubinshtein
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Heart Institute at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
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Bergman I, Gelikas S, Wexler Y, Braver O, Boyle D, Nussinovitch U. Effect of ischaemic postconditioning on markers of myocardial injury in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis. Open Heart 2024; 11:e002281. [PMID: 38286569 PMCID: PMC10826564 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the short-term impact of ischaemic postconditioning (IPoC) on myocardial injury in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using surrogate cardiac biomarkers. METHODS Eligible studies were identified using several article databases. Randomised controlled trials published between 1 January 2000 and 1 December 2021 comparing IPoC to standard of therapy in STEMI patients were included in the search. Outcomes included surrogates of myocardial injury, specifically peak troponin, creatine-kinase (CK) and CK myoglobin binding (CK-MB) enzyme levels. RESULTS 11 articles involving 1273 patients reported on CK-MB and 8 studies involving 505 patients reported on CK. Few studies used troponin as an outcome, thus, a subanalysis of troponin dynamics was not performed. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated no significant effect of IPoC on peak CK-MB (effect size -0.41, 95% CI -1.15 to 0.34) or peak CK (effect size -0.42, 95% CI -1.20 to 0.36). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between a history of smoking and CK-MB in the IPoC group (p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS IPoC does not seem to protect against myocardial injury in STEMI, except possibly in smokers. These results resonate with some studies using imaging techniques to ascertain myocardial damage. More research using troponin and cardiac imaging should be pursued to better assess the effects of IPoC on cardiovascular outcomes in STEMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Bergman
- Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Yehuda Wexler
- Technion Israel Institute of Technology The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
| | - Omri Braver
- Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Dennis Boyle
- Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Bergman I, Boyle D, Braver O, Gelikas S, Wexler Y, Omelchenko A, Assali A, Nussinovitch U. Ischemic Postconditioning Confers No Benefit to Left Ventricular Systolic Function: A Meta-Analysis of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Results. Am J Cardiol 2023; 208:126-133. [PMID: 37837795 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic postconditioning (IPoC) is a technique suggested to reduce reperfusion injury in patients suffering acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), although its use is highly controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of IPoC with percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute STEMI, as measured by follow-up left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The investigators searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for all randomized controlled trials published during the last 2 decades. After the removal of duplicates, 2,021 articles from online databases had been identified using relevant search criteria. The included randomized controlled trials had studied patients with acute STEMI and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow 0 to 1 at presentation and had measured follow-up LVEF using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, 11 studies (n = 1,339 patients) qualified for inclusion. In each study, the control group did not differ significantly from the experimental group. The pooled data from included studies were analyzed using standardized mean difference between IPoC and control groups, and the 95% confidence interval for LVEF; the results were visualized using a forest plot. Bivariate regression analyses and 1-way analyses of LVEF coefficient ratios were done to isolate for various clinical and procedural parameters. An analysis of pooled data of the IPoC (n = 674) and control (n = 665) groups showed that IPoC did not significantly impact follow-up LVEF (using standardized mean difference 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.00 to 0.21). Further analysis showed that IPoC did not improve follow-up LVEF when isolating for relevant clinical and procedural parameters. In conclusion, the use of IPoC as an adjunctive therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention seemingly provides no benefit to left ventricular systolic function, as quantified with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, in patients with acute STEMI with Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow 0 to 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Bergman
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Omri Braver
- Department of Cardiology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Shaul Gelikas
- The Trauma and Combat Medicine Branch, Surgeon General's Headquarters, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yehuda Wexler
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alexander Omelchenko
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Abid Assali
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Heart Institute at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.
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Perek S, Nussinovitch U, Sagi N, Gidron Y, Raz-Pasteur A. Prognostic implications of ultra-short heart rate variability indices in hospitalized patients with infective endocarditis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287607. [PMID: 37352199 PMCID: PMC10289432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease that poses a serious health risk. It is important to identify high-risk patients early in the course of their treatment. In the current study, we evaluated the prognostic value of ultra-short heart-rate variability (HRV), an index of vagal nerve activity, in IE. METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed on adult patients admitted to a tertiary hospital due to IE. A logistic regression (LR) was used to determine whether clinical, laboratory, and HRV parameters were predictive of specific clinical features (valve type, staphylococcal infection) or severe short-term complications (cardiac, metastatic infection, and death). The accuracy of the model was evaluated through the measurement of the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). An analysis of survival was conducted using Cox regression. A number of HRV indices were calculated, including the standard deviation of normal heart-beat intervals (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). RESULTS 75 patients, aged 60.3(±18.6) years old, were examined. When compared with published age- and gender-adjusted HRV norms, SDNN and RMSSD were found to be relatively low in our cohort (75%-76% lower than the median; 33%-41% lower than the 2nd percentile). 26(34.6%) patients developed a metastatic infection, with RMSSD<7.03ms (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 9.340, p = 0.002), incorporated in a multivariate LR model (AUC 0.833). Furthermore, 27(36.0%) patients were diagnosed with Staphylococcus IE, with SDNN<4.92ms (aOR 5.235, p = 0.004), a major component of the multivariate LR model (AUC 0.741). Multivariate Cox regression survival model, included RMSSD (HR 1.008, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION SDNN, and particularly RMSSD, derived from ultra-short ECG recordings, may provide prognostic information about patients presenting with IE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shay Perek
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Cardiology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neta Sagi
- Department of Pediatrics A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yori Gidron
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ayelet Raz-Pasteur
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Wang P, Babakhanian M, Narayan SM, Viswanathan M, Badhwar N, Zheng L, Sauer WH, Nguyen DT. Ambient circulation surrounding an ablation catheter tip affects ablation lesion characteristics. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:918-927. [PMID: 36852908 PMCID: PMC10115146 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The association between ambient circulating environments (CEs) and ablation lesions has been largely underexplored. METHODS Viable bovine myocardium was placed in a saline bath in an ex vivo endocardial model. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation was performed using three different ablation catheters: 3.5 mm open irrigated (OI), 4, and 8 mm. Variable flow rates of surrounding bath fluids were applied to simulate standard flow, high flow, and no flow. For in vivo epicardial ablation, 24 rats underwent a single OI ablation and performed with circulating saline (30 ml/min; n = 12), versus those immersed in saline without circulation (n = 12). RESULTS High flow reduced ablation lesion volumes for all three catheters. In no-flow endocardial CE, both 4 mm and OI catheters produced smaller lesions compared with standard flow. However, the 8 mm catheter produced the largest lesions in a no-flow CE. Ablation performed in an in vivo model with CE resulted in smaller lesions compared with ablation performed in a no-flow environment. No statistically significant differences in steam pops were found among the groups. CONCLUSION A higher endocardial CE flow can decrease RF effectiveness. Cardiac tissue subjected to no endocardial CE flow may also limit RF for 4 mm catheters, but not for OI catheters; these findings may have implications for RF ablation safety and efficacy, especially in the epicardial space without circulating fluid or in the endocardium under varying flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Paul Wang
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Meghedi Babakhanian
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sanjiv M. Narayan
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mohan Viswanathan
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nitish Badhwar
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lijun Zheng
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - William H. Sauer
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Duy T. Nguyen
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Perek S, Nussinovitch U, Cohen R, Gidron Y, Raz-Pasteur A. Ultra Short Heart Rate Variability Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Patients with a Clinical Presentation Consistent with Myocarditis: A Derivation Cohort Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010089. [PMID: 36614887 PMCID: PMC9821232 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis prognosis varies substantially, hence identification of novel prognostic factors is crucial. The prognostic role of ultra-short heart-rate variability (HRV) in myocarditis remains unknown. In a retrospective study, adult patients admitted to a tertiary hospital due to clinically suspected myocarditis were included. Clinical, laboratory and HRV parameters were assessed as predictors of severe short term complications (heart failure (HF), dilated cardiomyopathy—DCM, ventricular arrhythmia—VA and death), utilizing logistic regression (LR). Accuracy was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC). HRV indices included standard deviation of normal beat intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). 115 patients, aged 34 (±13) years old, were examined. Six patients (5%) developed severe HFrEF. RMSSD was included in a multivariate LR model (RMSSD < 10.72 ms adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 14.056, p-value 0.024). Model classification accuracy was very good, with an AUC of 86%. Eight patients (7%) developed DCM. RMSSD < 10.72 ms was included in a multivariate classification model (AOR 8.826, p-value 0.013); model classification AUC of 82%. HRV did not predict development of VA or death. SDNN and especially RMSSD may be prognostic indicators in myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shay Perek
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Cardiology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon 5822012, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Reut Cohen
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Yori Gidron
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Ayelet Raz-Pasteur
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-777-3106
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Nussinovitch U, Wang P, Babakhanian M, Narayan SM, Viswanathan M, Badhwar N, Zheng L, Sauer WH, Nguyen DT. Needle-Tipped Catheter Ablation of Papillary Muscle Results in Deeper and Larger Ablation Lesions. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2022:10.1007/s12265-022-10331-z. [PMID: 36264437 PMCID: PMC10115905 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-022-10331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Ventricular tachycardia associated with papillary muscle (PM) is often refractory to standard radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The needle-tipped ablation catheter (NT-AC) has been used to treat deep intramyocardial substrates, but its use for PM has not been characterized. Using an ex vivo experimental platform, both 3 mm and 6 mm NT-AC created larger ablation lesion volumes and depths than open-irrigated ablation catheter did (OI-AC; e.g., 57.12 ± 9.70mm3 and 2.42 ± 0.22 mm, respectively; p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Longer NT-AC extension (6 mm) resulted in greater ablation lesion volumes and maximum depths (e.g., 333.14 ± 29.13mm3 and 6.46 ± 0.29 mm, respectively, compared to the shorter 3 mm NT-AC extension, 143.33 ± 12.77mm3, and 4.46 ± 0.14 mm; both p < 0.001). There were no steam pops. In conclusion, for PM ablation, the NT-AC was able to achieve ablation lesions that were larger and deeper than with conventional OI-AC. Ablation of PM may be another application for needle-tip ablation. Further studies are warranted to establish long-term safety and efficacy in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul Wang
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meghedi Babakhanian
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sanjiv M Narayan
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mohan Viswanathan
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nitish Badhwar
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lijun Zheng
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - William H Sauer
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Duy T Nguyen
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Griffiths JR, Nussinovitch U, Liang JJ, Sims R, Yoneda ZT, Bernstein HM, Viswanathan MN, Khairy P, Srivatsa UN, Frankel DS, Marciniak FE, Sandhu A, Shoemaker MB, Mohanty S, Burkhardt JD, Natale A, Lakkireddy D, De Groot NMS, Gerstenfeld EP, Moore JP, Avila P, Ernst S, Nguyen DT. Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: An International Multicenter Registry Study. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022; 15:e010954. [PMID: 36074954 DOI: 10.1161/circep.122.010954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and outcomes are limited in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). We aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with CHD presenting for AF ablation and their outcomes. METHODS A multicenter, retrospective analysis was performed of patients with CHD undergoing AF ablation between 2004 and 2020 at 13 participating centers. The severity of CHD was classified using 2014 PACES/HRS guidelines. Clinical data were collected. One-year complete procedural success was defined as freedom from atrial tachycardia or AF in the absence of antiarrhythmic drugs or including previously failed antiarrhythmic drugs (partial success). RESULTS Of 240 patients, 127 (53.4%) had persistent AF, 62.5% were male, and mean age was 55.2±0.9 years. CHD complexity categories included 147 (61.3%) simple, 69 (28.8%) intermediate, and 25 (10.4%) severe. The most common CHD type was atrial septal defect (n=78). More complex CHD conditions included transposition of the great arteries (n=14), anomalous pulmonary veins (n=13), tetralogy of Fallot (n=8), cor triatriatum (n=7), single ventricle physiology (n=2), among others. The majority (71.3%) of patients had trialed at least one antiarrhythmic drug. Forty-six patients (22.1%) had reduced systemic ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and mean left atrial diameter was 44.1±0.7 mm. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in 227 patients (94.6%); additional ablation included left atrial linear ablations (25.4%), complex fractionated atrial electrogram (19.2%), and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (40.8%). One-year complete and partial success rates were 45.0% and 20.5%, respectively, with no significant difference in the rate of complete success between complexity groups. Overall, 38 patients (15.8%) required more than one ablation procedure. There were 3 (1.3%) major and 13 (5.4%) minor procedural complications. CONCLUSIONS AF ablation in CHD was safe and resulted in AF control in a majority of patients, regardless of complexity. Future work should address the most appropriate ablation targets in this challenging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack R Griffiths
- Royal Brompton Hospital (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust) & National Heart Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (J.R.G., S.E.)
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Section of Electrophysiology, Cardiology Division, Stanford University, CA (U.N., M.N.V., D.T.N.)
| | - Jackson J Liang
- Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (J.J.L.)
| | - Richard Sims
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (R.S., Z.T.Y., M.B.S.)
| | - Zachary T Yoneda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (R.S., Z.T.Y., M.B.S.)
| | - Hannah M Bernstein
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento (H.M.B., U.N.S.)
| | - Mohan N Viswanathan
- Section of Electrophysiology, Cardiology Division, Stanford University, CA (U.N., M.N.V., D.T.N.)
| | - Paul Khairy
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Canada (P.K.)
| | - Uma N Srivatsa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento (H.M.B., U.N.S.)
| | - David S Frankel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (D.S.F., F.E.M.)
| | - Francis E Marciniak
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (D.S.F., F.E.M.)
| | - Amneet Sandhu
- Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora (A.S.)
| | - M Benjamin Shoemaker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (R.S., Z.T.Y., M.B.S.)
| | | | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin (S.M., J.D.B., A.N.)
| | | | - Natasja M S De Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (N.M.S.D.G.)
| | - Edward P Gerstenfeld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco (E.P.G.)
| | - Jeremy P Moore
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center & UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Health System, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (J.P.M.)
| | - Pablo Avila
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain (P.A.)
| | - Sabine Ernst
- Royal Brompton Hospital (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust) & National Heart Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (J.R.G., S.E.)
| | - Duy Thai Nguyen
- Section of Electrophysiology, Cardiology Division, Stanford University, CA (U.N., M.N.V., D.T.N.)
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10
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Stahi T, Kaminer K, Shavit I, Nussinovitch U. Diabetes without Overt Cardiac Disease Is Associated with Markers of Abnormal Repolarization: A Case-Control Study. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12081173. [PMID: 36013351 PMCID: PMC9410176 DOI: 10.3390/life12081173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are prone to advanced atherosclerosis, microvascular disease, and tissue fibrosis. Despite the increased risk for arrhythmias, little is known about cardiac repolarization abnormalities in DM. We aimed to determine whether abnormal T-wave morphology markers are common among patients with DM and no known cardiac disease. Patients were recruited and classified as having DM or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) according to accepted guidelines. Total cosine R to T (TCRT) and T-wave morphology dispersion (TMD) were computed with custom-designed software for randomly selected and averaged beats. Among 124 patients recruited; 47 were diagnosed with DM and 3 IFG. DM patients and the control group had similar clinical characteristics, other than statins and anti-diabetic drugs, which were more common among DM patients. Patients with DM/IFG had decreased TCRT values computed from a random beat (0.06 ± 0.10 vs. 0.43 ± 0.07, p < 0.01) and an average beat (0.08 ± 0.09 vs. 0.44 ± 0.06, p < 0.01), when compared with the control group. TMD parameters did not differ. In conclusion, TCRT is reduced in patients with DM and no known cardiac diseases. Further research is required to investigate whether repolarization-associated changes in DM are the consequence of subclinical atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, or a combination of the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Stahi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6329302, Israel; (T.S.); (I.S.)
| | - Keren Kaminer
- Department of Endocrinology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel;
| | - Itay Shavit
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6329302, Israel; (T.S.); (I.S.)
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Alpha Helix Ventures, Petach Tikva 4921352, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-53-526-8535
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11
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Nussinovitch U, Wang P, Narayan S, Viswanathan M, Badhwar N, Zheng L, Sauer WH, Nguyen DT. Perpendicular Catheter Orientation During Papillary Muscle Ablation Results in Larger, Deeper Lesions. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2022; 33:690-695. [PMID: 35133050 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ablation of papillary muscles (PM) for refractory ventricular arrhythmias can often be challenging. The catheter approach and orientation during ablation may affect optimal radiofrequency (RF) delivery. Yet, no previous study investigated the association between catheter orientation and PM lesion size. We evaluated ablation lesion characteristics with various catheter orientations relative to the PM tissue during open irrigated ablation, using a standardized, experimental setting. METHODS Viable bovine PM was positioned on a load cell in a circulating saline bath. RF ablation was performed over PM tissue at 50W, with the open irrigated catheter positioned either perpendicular or parallel to the PM surface. Applied force was 10 grams. Ablation lesions were sectioned and underwent quantitative morphometric analysis. RESULTS A catheter position oriented directly perpendicular to the PM tissue resulted in the largest ablation lesion volumes and depths compared to ablation with the catheter parallel to PM tissue (75.26±8.40 mm3 vs. 34.04±2.91 mm3 , p<0.001) and (3.33±0.18 mm vs. 2.24±0.10 mm, p<0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences in initial impedance, peak voltage, peak current, or overall decrease in impedance among groups. Parallel catheter orientation resulted in higher peak temperature (41.33±0.28°C vs. 40.28±0.24°C, p=0.003), yet, there were no steam pops in either group. CONCLUSION For PM ablation, catheter orientation perpendicular to the PM tissue achieves more effective and larger ablation lesions, with greater lesion depth. This may have implications for the chosen ventricular access approach, the type of catheter used, consideration for remote navigation, and steerable sheaths. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Paul Wang
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Sanjiv Narayan
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Mohan Viswanathan
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Nitish Badhwar
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Lijun Zheng
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - William H Sauer
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Duy T Nguyen
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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12
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Jaber S, Nussinovitch U, Stahi T, Arnson Y. Association between T wave morphology parameters and abnormal cardiac SPECT imaging. J Electrocardiol 2021; 70:65-69. [PMID: 34929606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-wave morphology dispersion (TMD) described the electrocardiographic T-wave heterogeneity during a single cardiac cycle. Total cosine R-to-T (TCRT) is the average of the cosines of the angles between the QRS and T vectors on the ECG. We examine the predictive value of TMD and TCRT calculation to assess abnormal myocardial perfusion. METHODS Retrospective single center cohort study including all patients referred for evaluation of ischemia by myocardial SPECT scanning with no known history of ischemic heart disease, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. Study endpoint was the correlation between the calculated TMD and TCRT values and detection of myocardial injury or ischemia by myocardial SPECT. RESULTS Among 606 patients, calculated TCRT was 0.401 ± 0.53 for the normal group and 0.283 ± 0.62 for the abnormal group (p = 0.007). Measured TMD was 22.9 ± 16.6 degrees (p < 0.001) in the normal group, compared to 31.5 ± 22.8 degrees (p < 0.001) for the abnormal group. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate a correlation between the decreased TCRT values and increase TMD and myocardial ischemia seen in SPECT results. The TCRT and TMD can be used as simple and non-invasive markers to predict abnormal SPECT results and ischemic heart disease in patients with no known cardiac history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Jaber
- Internal Medicine "F", Meir Medical Center, Kfar Sava, Israel
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Sava, Israel; Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), Meir Medical Center, Kfar Sava, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Tomer Stahi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoav Arnson
- Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Sava, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
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13
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Nussinovitch U, Gendelman O, Rubin S, Levy Y, Vishnevskia Dai V, Livneh A, Lidar M. Autonomic Nervous System Indices in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis without Overt Cardiac Disease. Isr Med Assoc J 2021; 23:651-656. [PMID: 34672448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that may affect the heart and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). There is little knowledge regarding the degree of ANS involvement in SSc patients with unknown cardiac disease. OBJECTIVES To evaluate cardiac and pupillary autonomic functions in patients before cardiac involvement has emerged. METHODS The study comprised 19 patients with SSc and 29 healthy controls. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis for time and frequency domains, as well as deep breathing test and Ewing maneuvers, were performed in all patients. Automated pupillometry for the evaluation of pupillary diameter and pupillary light reflex was completed in 8 SSc patients and 21 controls. RESULTS Both groups had similar characteristics, except for medications that were more commonly or solely prescribed for SSc patients. Compared with control subjects, the SSc patients had significantly lower HRV parameters of NN50 (15.8 ± 24.4 vs. 33.9 ± 33.1, P = 0.03), pNN50 (4.9 ± 7.4% vs.10.8 ± 10.8%, P = 0.03), and triangular index (11.7 ± 3.4 vs. 15.7 ± 5.8, P = 0.02). Abnormal adaptive responses in heart rate changes were recorded during deep breathing tests and Ewing maneuvers. There was no significant difference in any of the pupillometric indices or other HRV parameters within groups. CONCLUSIONS SSc patients may manifest cardiac autonomic dysfunction, while their autonomic pupillary function is seemingly spared. The role of certain medications, the significance of differential organ involvement, as well as the prognostic value of our findings should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Omer Gendelman
- Department of Rheumatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shiri Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics A, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yair Levy
- Medicine E, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Viktoria Vishnevskia Dai
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avi Livneh
- Department of Rheumatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Merav Lidar
- Department of Rheumatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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14
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Fish E, Barak Lanciano S, Shavit I, Palacci H, Chaiat C, Avivi I, Haber Kaptsenel E, Nussinovitch U. Venous capacitance and venous return in young adults with typical vasovagal syncope: a cross-sectional study. J Investig Med 2021; 70:402-408. [PMID: 34580160 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-001906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) has a high prevalence in the general population and is associated with potential complications. There is limited information on the possible association between venous capacitance (VC) and venous return (VR), important determinants of preload and VVS. Since the tilt test was reported to yield a high rate of false positive results, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether abnormal VC and VR at baseline could predispose individuals to VVS.To this end, 88 young, healthy volunteers were recruited and classified to 26 (29.5%) who experienced typical VVS and 62 (70.5%) who did not. VC and VR were evaluated with a commercial device and plethysmography applied to the elevated legs. Maximum venous outflow (MVO), segmental venous capacitance (SVC) and MVO/SVC ratio were calculated and averaged.No significant differences between MVO (5.0±0.5 vs 5.6±0.8, p>0.05), SVC (6.0±0.5 vs 6.3±0.8, p>0.05) or MVO/SVC ratio (0.83±0.02 vs 0.86±0.03, p>0.05) were observed for the non-VVS and VVS volunteers, respectively. There was a significant association between a higher MVO and SVC values and a larger decrease in diastolic blood pressure with standing, although correlations were weak (R2=0.0582 and 0.0681, respectively).In conclusion, at baseline, VC and VR are not impaired in healthy volunteers with a history of VVS. It remains unknown if similar results would be found in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Also, the sensitivity of VC and VR evaluations to identify a predisposition for VVS following physiological provocations merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ely Fish
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | | | - Itay Shavit
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hagar Palacci
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Chaiat
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ishay Avivi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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15
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality. Whether some electrocardiographic markers of arrhythmias predispose to early cardiogenic death in SSc remains controversial. This study evaluated the occurrence of previously reported as well as unstudied markers of repolarization in patients with SSc and assessed their prognostic implications. METHODS A total of 21 patients with SSc and 31 unaffected controls were included in this prospective study. Electrocardiograms were conducted under strict standards. Repolarization and dispersion parameters and markers of late ventricular potentials were determined using designated computer software. Results of multiple beats were averaged. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the SSc and control groups in average QT intervals, average corrected QT intervals, average QT interval dispersion (QTd), average QT corrected dispersion (QTcd), and QT dispersion ratio. However, average QT apex dispersion, average JT dispersion, average JT corrected dispersion, and Tpeak-Tend corrected were significantly higher in patients with SSc than in controls. Late ventricular potentials were not found in patients with SSc or in controls. Increased QTd and QTcd were recorded in 1 patient who experienced ventricular arrhythmia before inclusion in the study. None of the remaining patients with SSc or the controls developed arrhythmia during the 9-year follow-up. CONCLUSION Abnormal repolarization parameters may be observed in patients with SSc. However, their prognostic significance with regard to increased risk for repolarization-associated ventricular arrhythmias and increased cardiac death could not be determined in this study. Our findings endorse additional studies on this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba,
Israel,Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba,
Israel,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel
| | - Gil Beeri
- Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba,
Israel,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel
| | - Shiri Rubin
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel
| | - Merav Lidar
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel,Unit of Rheumatology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer,
Israel
| | - Yair Levi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel,Department of Medicine E, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba,
Israel
| | - Avi Livneh
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv,
Israel,Unit of Rheumatology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer,
Israel,Department of Medicine and the Heller Institute of Medical Research, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer,
Israel
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16
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Wexler Y, Avivi I, Barak Lanciano S, Haber Kaptsenel E, Bishara H, Palacci H, Chaiat C, Nussinovitch U. Familial tendency for hypertension is associated with increased vascular stiffness. J Hypertens 2021; 39:627-632. [PMID: 33186318 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death. New methods for early detection of hypertension and its consequences can reduce complications arising from uncontrolled hypertension. Pulse-wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, has been recognized as a valuable tool in assessing risk for cardiovascular complications, although its use in clinical practice is currently limited. Here we examine whether brachial--ankle PWV (baPWV) and femoral--ankle PWV (faPWV) are elevated in nonhypertensive volunteers, with and without a history of familial hypertension. METHODS Volunteers were recruited and questioned as to their medical background and family history. Participants were divided into two groups based on history of familial hypertension and were measured for baPWV and faPWV. Carotid--femoral PWV was computed from these measurements. RESULTS A total of 82 healthy nonhypertensive volunteers (mean age 31.4 ± 9.6) were recruited. Among the study cohort, 43.7% had a history of familial hypertension. There were no between-group differences in any other clinical or demographic characteristics. Both baPWV and faPWV were significantly elevated in volunteers with a history of familial hypertension (10.86 ± 1.69 vs. 9.68 ± 1.52 m/s, P < 0.004, and 7.01 ± 1.65 vs. 6.28 ± 1.26 m/s, P < 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSION Volunteers with a history of familial hypertension present with elevated baPWV and faPWV. This is suggestive of increased central and peripheral arterial stiffness in susceptible individuals before the onset of hypertension. Routine measurement of these parameters may allow for early intervention and risk stratification, especially in persons with a history of familial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda Wexler
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, Haifa
| | - Ishay Avivi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv
| | | | | | - Hana Bishara
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv
| | - Hagar Palacci
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv
| | - Chen Chaiat
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv
- Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC) and Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
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17
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Stahi T, Kaminer K, Gur E, Yao I, Nussinovitch U. T-wave morphology descriptors in patients with bulimia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:661-666. [PMID: 32356143 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-00905-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Bulimia nervosa (BN) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias. Some reports found abnormal electrocardiographic markers of arrhythmias in BN, while others did not. This study investigated novel parameters of T-wave morphology that were reported to be associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in other patient groups, among patients with BN under medical care. METHOD Thirty-five BN patients and 76 healthy controls were included. Total cosine R to T (TCRT) and T-wave Morphology Dispersion (TMD) parameters were computed according to accepted standards for an average beat and a random beat. Patients were followed for 11.1 ± 0.1 years for the emergence of arrhythmias or events of sudden death. RESULTS Twenty-five (71.4%) BN patients were hospitalized when enrolled, for a mean duration of 1.1 ± 0.2 months. The rest were ambulatory patients. The BN group had lower blood pressure, more smokers, and used antidepressants, neuroleptic drugs and benzodiazepines more than controls did. Other demographic parameters were comparable between groups. TCRT and TMD parameters were statistically similar and within the normal ranges reported by other research groups. None of the BN patients had prolonged QTc interval or electrolyte abnormalities on inclusion. During the follow-up period, no clinical symptoms suggestive of arrhythmias were reported, and no cardiovascular-related hospitalizations or deaths occurred in either group. CONCLUSION Medically treated BN patients have normal T-wave morphology parameters and hence, low risk for repolarization-associated malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The prognostic importance of these novel repolarization parameters remains to be explored among untreated patients, those who ingest emetic substances and patients with electrolyte imbalance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Stahi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Kaminer
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Endocrinology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Eitan Gur
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Eating Disorders Department, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Isaac Yao
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Department of Cardiology and the Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), Meir Medical Center, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.
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18
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Makhoul N, Avivi I, Barak Lanciano S, Haber Kaptsenel E, Bishara H, Palacci H, Chaiat C, Jacob G, Nussinovitch U. Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Cardiac Autonomic Responses: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E8571. [PMID: 33227904 PMCID: PMC7699137 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that some of the adverse, long-term cardiovascular outcomes of smoking are mediated by impaired autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Yet, this association is currently inconclusive. Heart rate variability (HRV) and the deep breathing test (DBT) represent common quantitative markers of ANS activity due to their simplicity and reliability. This large cross-sectional study was designed to assess the effect of active smoking on ANS function as manifested by HRV or DBT abnormalities. Electrocardiograms were recorded at rest for 5 min and during forced metronomic breathing. HRV and DBT were calculated according to accepted standards. Participants were divided into two groups based on current smoking status. The study included 242 healthy volunteers (196 nonsmokers and 46 smokers). There were no significant differences in age, sex, and BMI between groups. Cumulative smoking exposure burden (CSEB) for the study group was 5.3 ± 1.3 pack-years. Comparative analysis of HRV and DBT parameters according to smoking status revealed no significant differences between groups. Significant (p < 0.05), yet weak or moderate correlations (r < 0.7) were found between CSEB and abnormal change in HRV parameters consistent with sympathetic overactivity and decreased parasympathetic tone. In conclusion, smoking for a relatively short period in healthy adults does not seem to lead to significant impairment in ANS function. Yet, the consequences of smoking seem to be amplified when cumulative exposure burden increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeen Makhoul
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
| | - Ishay Avivi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
| | - Sapir Barak Lanciano
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
| | - Ella Haber Kaptsenel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
| | - Hana Bishara
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
| | - Hagar Palacci
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
| | - Chen Chaiat
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
| | - Giris Jacob
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
- Departments of Medicine F and J, Recanati Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (N.M.); (I.A.); (S.B.L.); (E.H.K.); (H.B.); (H.P.); (C.C.); (G.J.)
- Department of Cardiology and Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
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Stahi T, Kaminer K, Gur E, Nussinovitch U. T-wave morphology among medically treated patients with Anorexia Nervosa. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 130:43-47. [PMID: 32781372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) has the highest rate of mortality of any psychiatric disorder, and cardiovascular complications occur in up to 80% of patients with AN and account for up to 30% of mortality. A controversy exists as to whether patients with AN are prone to develop electrocardiographic abnormalities related to repolarization. We aim to study previously unexplored T wave morphology markers in medically-treated patients with AN. Fifty-eight patients with AN (32 with restricting type and 26 with binge-eating/purging type) and 82 healthy controls were included in the study. ECGs were conducted under strict conditions and total cosine R-to-T (TCRT) and T-wave morphology dispersion (TMD) were computed according to accepted standards for a random beat and for an averaged beat. Forty-six AN patients were hospitalized (79.3%) during the study for a mean duration of 1.5 ± 1.1 months. AN patients had comparable QTc, TCRT, mean TMD, TMDpre, TMDpost and TCRTc values to those of healthy adults. Flattened T wave occurred slightly more often among AN patients than in controls (1.57 ± 1.23 leads affected compared with 1.11 ± 0.80 leads, respectively, p = 0.017). QTc, TCRT and TMD parameters' values were unaffected by the clinical type of AN. In conclusion, weight-restored AN patients are characterized by T wave flattening, but normal other T wave morphology parameters, which seemingly reflects an overall low risk of repolarization-associated ventricular arrhythmias. Long-term follow-up studies should be conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of these novel repolarization markers in untreated patients or early in the refeeding phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Stahi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Keren Kaminer
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Endocrinology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.
| | - Eitan Gur
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Eating Disorders, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Cardiology, Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, 4428164, Israel.
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Nussinovitch U. Reliability of ultra-short indices for autonomic dysfunction in dyslipidemia. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2020; 40:423-433. [PMID: 32886849 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a powerful tool for evaluating the ANS and for cardiovascular risk stratification. Yet, the methodologies used are impractical in most clinical settings and therefore, are usually not applied. The current study aimed to evaluate the reliability of ultra-short HRV parameters, which are easily calculated from any standard ECG, as a practical method for ANS study, with a focus on patients with dyslipidemia. Fifty-nine volunteers with dyslipidemia underwent HRV study of parametric and power spectral indices according to accepted methods. Correlations were calculated between ultra-short HRV indices (five 1-min and five 10-s segments) and standard 5-min recordings. Correlations were found between 10-s and 1-min RMSSD and 5-min recordings (mean Pearson ρ correlation coefficients of 0.913 and 0.944, respectively, and mean concordance correlation coefficients of 0.855 and 0.938, respectively). Associations were found between other ultra-short HRV parameters (SDNN, maximum RR, minimum RR, pNN50, ln(RMSSD) and 5-min recordings. In addition, average RR, HRV-TI, NN50, TP, LF/HF, ln(SDNN), ln(HRV-TI), ln(TP) and ln(LF/HF) from 1-min recordings were associated with 5-min values. In conclusion, some ultra-short HRV parameters can be used for ANS evaluation and presumably, for cardiovascular risk stratification among patients with dyslipidemia. These parameters seem to be of great practical value for both inpatient and outpatient settings, because most can be calculated from a standard 10-s ECG strip. The prognostic implications of ECG-derived, ultra-short HRV parameters in patients with dyslipidemia should be further evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC) and Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Nussinovitch U. Normal ranges and potential modifiers of T-wave morphology parameters among healthy individuals: A meta-analysis. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2020; 43:655-663. [PMID: 32285458 DOI: 10.1111/pace.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-wave morphology parameters, such as total cosine R-to-T (TCRT), T-wave loop dispersion (TWLD), T-wave morphology dispersion (TMD), and T-wave residuum (TWR), were suggested to be robust markers for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Yet, the normal range of these parameters is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the weighted normal values of T-wave morphology parameters of healthy individuals and study the effect of potential modifiers. METHODS A systematic search of studies published in PubMed was conducted. Only those reporting on control groups of healthy individuals were included. Weighted means were calculated for TCRT, TWLD, TMD, and TWR. Linear regression analysis was conducted for age, percentage of males, heart rate, and QTc. RESULTS The weighted TCRT was 0.40 ± 0.05, significantly higher than the various cutoffs previously suggested to identify high risk. There was some overlap between the results of weighted normal TMD (19.42 ± 6.77°), TWLD (38.51 ± 0.31), and relative TWR (0.118 ± 0.056%) and reports on the same parameters from patients with cardiovascular disease. Women were also characterized by higher TWLD, TMD, and relative TWR. TCRT was negatively correlated with age and heart rate, and positively correlated with QTc duration, although all associations were weak (R2 < 0.9). CONCLUSIONS T-wave morphology parameters reported in the medical literature span a broad range of values in healthy individuals. Seemingly abnormal values of TWLD, TMD, and relative TWR were often reported in healthy adults. The variability between studies may stem from methodological issues. Therefore, standardizing the methodology for measuring T-wave morphology is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Cardiology and Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Wexler Y, Nussinovitch U. The Diagnostic Value of Mir-133a in ST Elevation and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040793. [PMID: 32218383 PMCID: PMC7226415 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported correlations between plasma microRNA signatures and cardiovascular disease. MicroRNA-133a (Mir-133a) has been researched extensively for its diagnostic value in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While initial results seemed promising, more recent studies cast doubt on the diagnostic utility of Mir-133a, calling its clinical prospects into question. Here, the diagnostic potential of Mir-133a was analyzed using data from multiple papers. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for publications containing “Cardiovascular Disease”, “MicroRNA”, “Mir-133a” and their synonyms. Diagnostic performance was assessed using area under the summary receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), while examining the impact of age, sex, final diagnosis, and time. Of the 753 identified publications, 9 were included in the quantitative analysis. The pooled AUC for Mir-133a was 0.73. Analyses performed separately on studies using healthy vs. symptomatic controls yielded pooled AUCs of 0.89 and 0.68, respectively. Age and sex were not found to significantly affect diagnostic performance. Our findings indicate that control characteristics and methodological inconsistencies are likely the causes of incongruent reports, and that Mir-133a may have limited use in distinguishing symptomatic patients from those suffering AMI. Lastly, we hypothesized that Mir-133a may find a new use as a risk stratification biomarker in patients with specific subsets of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda Wexler
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, POB 9649, Haifa 3109601, Israel;
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC) and Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 44281, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-53-526-8535
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Reshef E, Bushi D, Nussinovitch U. Novel Embolic Protection Device: a Feasibility Study. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2019; 13:253-262. [PMID: 31705385 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-019-09920-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide. Ischemic stroke commonly results from emboli that originate in the heart among high-risk patients, such as those who develop atrial fibrillation. Yet, treatment is currently limited to anticoagulants, which may be associated with life-threatening bleeding. Our aim was to develop an alternative, device-based approach for continuous stroke prevention in high-risk patients. To this end, a novel endovascular tubular mesh was designed to be implanted in the aortic arch and to reroute emboli away from critical cerebral arteries. The feasibility of this approach as a means of ischemic stroke prevention was tested in vitro. The simulated cerebral perfusion pressures were not affected by the device. Also, the device efficiently diverted clinically meaningful embolic particles away from the cerebral circulation. It is proposed that this device could be used to reroute cardio-emboli away from intracranial vessels as a means of stroke prevention among patients for which anticoagulants are contraindicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Udi Nussinovitch
- InVatin Technologies, Ltd., Katzrin, Israel. .,Department of Cardiology, and Applicative Cardiovascular Research Center (ACRC), Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel. .,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Politi K, Kaminer K, Nussinovitch U. Reliability of ultrashort electrocardiographic indices in hypertension: the quest for a clinically applicable prognostic marker. J Investig Med 2019; 68:364-370. [PMID: 31420365 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2019-001106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is an accepted clinical tool for evaluating autonomic nervous system function and a marker of adverse cardiac outcome. Although 5 min long HRV recordings are considered methodologically acceptable, it remains impractical in most clinical settings. Also, while some ultrashort HRV (usHRV) parameters were found useful in healthy individuals, their applicability to patients with cardiovascular risk factors is largely unknown. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the reliability of ultrashort ECG (usECG) indices for HRV among patients with hypertension. One-hundred and two patients with essential hypertension were included. HRV was recorded for 5 min in strictly monitored settings. HRV parameters from randomly chosen 1 min and 10 s series were analyzed. Excellent correlations were found between 1 min SD of RR interval (SDNN) (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.973), 10 s SDNN (ICC 0.92) and 5 min SDNN results. An excellent correlation was also found between 1 min root mean square of successive differences in RR intervals (RMSSD) (ICC 0.992), 10 s RMSSD (ICC 0.982) and 5 min RMSSD. Logarithmic transformation of ultrashort 1 min HRV-triangular index using the natural logarithm (Ln) also had excellent correlation with 5 min measurements (ICC 0.9). Also, excellent correlations were found between 10 s and 1 min Ln(RMSSD), 10 s Ln(RMSSD) and 5 min measurements. Other HRV parameters measured from 1 min and 10 s periods showed lower correlations. In conclusion, evaluation of SDNN, RMSSD or Ln(RMSSD) from 10 s ECG recordings can be used to estimate autonomic nervous system function in patients with hypertension. These appealing markers can be readily calculated from any standard ECG tracing. The prognostic significance of ultrashort SDNN and ultrashort RMSSD in patients with cardiovascular risk factors needs to be determined in future prospective cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Politi
- Neonatal Neurology Clinic, Schnider Children's Medical Center, Alyn Children and Adolescent Rehabilitation Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Keren Kaminer
- Department of Endocrinology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Livneh A. Late ventricular potentials in familial Mediterranean fever with and without AA amyloidosis. Eur J Rheumatol 2017; 4:184-188. [PMID: 29164000 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2017.16113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by episodic and chronic inflammation that may lead to both accelerated coronary atherosclerosis and cardiac AA amyloidosis. We hypothesized that late ventricular potentials (LPs), an established electrocardiographic susceptibility marker of ventricular arrhythmias, will be more common in FMF than in the adjusted normal population due to these two types of inflammation-associated cardiac effects. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the occurrence of LPs in FMF patients with and without amyloidosis. Material and Methods Signal-averaged electrocardiography was performed in consecutive patients with FMF using the Frank corrected orthogonal lead system. At least 200 consecutive beats were digitally recorded and averaged, and the presence of LPs was determined according to acceptable thresholds. Results There were 54 patients with colchicine-treated FMF, of whom 14 had biopsy-proven AA amyloidosis. None of the uncomplicated FMF patients and 2 of the 14 FMF amyloidosis patients had abnormal or borderline LPs. Conclusion Based on LPs as a susceptibility marker for arrhythmia, FMF patients, including the large majority of FMF patients with amyloidosis, are seemingly not at an increased risk to develop arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haalia Hashnia, Haifa, Israel
| | - Avi Livneh
- The Heller Institute of Medical Research and Medicine F, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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26
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Protze SI, Liu J, Nussinovitch U, Ohana L, Backx PH, Gepstein L, Keller GM. Sinoatrial node cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent cells function as a biological pacemaker. Nat Biotechnol 2016; 35:56-68. [PMID: 27941801 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the heart and controls heart rate throughout life. Failure of SAN function due to congenital disease or aging results in slowing of the heart rate and inefficient blood circulation, a condition treated by implantation of an electronic pacemaker. The ability to produce pacemaker cells in vitro could lead to an alternative, biological pacemaker therapy in which the failing SAN is replaced through cell transplantation. Here we describe a transgene-independent method for the generation of SAN-like pacemaker cells (SANLPCs) from human pluripotent stem cells by stage-specific manipulation of developmental signaling pathways. SANLPCs are identified as NKX2-5- cardiomyocytes that express markers of the SAN lineage and display typical pacemaker action potentials, ion current profiles and chronotropic responses. When transplanted into the apex of rat hearts, SANLPCs are able to pace the host tissue, demonstrating their capacity to function as a biological pacemaker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie I Protze
- McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cardiology and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Udi Nussinovitch
- The Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Internal Medicine A, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute and Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lily Ohana
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cardiology and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter H Backx
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cardiology and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lior Gepstein
- The Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Cardiology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute and Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gordon M Keller
- McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Nussinovitch U, Shtenberg G, Roguin A, Feld Y. A Novel Intra-aortic Device Designed for Coronary Blood Flow Amplification in Unrevascularizable Patients. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2016; 9:315-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s12265-016-9702-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Agmon-Levin N, Kopilov R, Selmi C, Nussinovitch U, Sánchez-Castañón M, López-Hoyos M, Amital H, Kivity S, Gershwin EM, Shoenfeld Y. Vitamin D in primary biliary cirrhosis, a plausible marker of advanced disease. Immunol Res 2015; 61:141-6. [PMID: 25424577 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-014-8594-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D immune-modulating effects were extensively studied, and low levels have been linked with autoimmune diseases. The associations of vitamin D with autoimmune diseases of the liver, and particularly primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), are yet to be defined. Hence, in this study, serum levels of vitamin D were determined in 79 patients with PBC and 70 age- and sex-matched controls by the LIAISON chemiluminescent immunoassays (DiaSorin-Italy). Clinical and serological parameters of patients were analyzed with respect to vitamin D status. Mean levels of vitamin D were significantly lower among patients with PBC compared with controls (16.8 ± 9 vs. 22.1 ± 9 ng/ml; p = 0.029), and vitamin D deficiency (≤10 ng/ml) was documented in 33% of patients with PBC versus 7% of controls (p < 0.0001). Vitamin D levels inversely correlated with advanced liver damage and the presence of concomitant autoimmune diseases. In contrast, higher levels of vitamin D were observed among patients with PBC treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). In conclusion, low vitamin D levels are common among patients with PBC and correlate with advanced disease, lack of UDCA therapy and autoimmune comorbidity. This alludes to the plausible roles of vitamin D as a prognostic marker of PBC severity, and as a potential player in this disease pathogenesis. While further studies are awaited, monitoring vitamin D in patients with PBC and use of supplements may be advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Agmon-Levin
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Gepstein L. Optogenetics for suppression of cardiac electrical activity in human and rat cardiomyocyte cultures. Neurophotonics 2015; 2:031204. [PMID: 26158013 PMCID: PMC4478752 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.2.3.031204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics has revolutionized neuroscience by enabling precise control of neural excitation. The development of similar optogenetics strategies in the heart is just emerging and mainly focused on pacing with light activation of channelrhodopsin-2. Here, we aimed to develop an optogenetic approach to suppress local cardiac electrical activity by using engineered cell-grafts (HEK293-cells) transfected to express the light-sensitive hyperpolarizing proton-pump archaerhodopsin-3 (Arch3). To evaluate the ability of the engineered cells to couple and modulate the electrical activity of cardiomyocytes, we co-cultured the Arch3-HEK293 cells with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) or human embryonic stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs). The co-cultures' conduction and chronotropic properties were evaluated prior, during, and following application of focused monochromatic light (590 nm) using a multielectrode array mapping system. Application of focused illumination completely silenced electrical activity at the illuminated area in all NRCM co-cultures, leading to development of localized functional conduction blocks. Similarly, illumination significantly slowed spontaneous beating-rate in the hESCs-CMs co-cultures (from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Interestingly, a transient acceleration in beating-rate was noted immediately postillumination. In conclusion, a combined gene and cell therapy approach, using light-sensitive hyperpolarizing proteins, could be used to modulate conduction and automaticity in cardiomyocyte cultures, opening the way for future optogenetic treatments for cardiac tachyarrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Sohnis Family Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, POB 9649, Haifa 31093, Israel
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Internal Medicine A, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Lior Gepstein
- Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Sohnis Family Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, POB 9649, Haifa 31093, Israel
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Cardiology Department, Haifa 31096, Israel
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30
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Nussinovitch N, Esev K, Lidar M, Nussinovitch U, Livneh A. Normal Heart Rate Variability in Colchicine-Resistant Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients. Isr Med Assoc J 2015; 17:306-309. [PMID: 26137658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is controversial. We recently reported normal heart rate variability (HRV), suggestive of normal ANS, in patients with uncomplicated FMF. OBJECTIVES To evaluate ANS function in colchicine non-responders by using the HRV tool. METHODS The study group comprised 24 FMF patients suffering from recurrent FMF attacks despite treatment with a maximal colchicine dose. Electrocardiogram was measured under strict conditions and HRV parameters were calculated. Results were compared with age- and gender-matched unaffected controls. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in any of the HRV parameters: maximal RR, minimal RR and average RR intervals, standard deviation of RR interval, square root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals, HRV triangular index, NN50, pNN50, and power spectral analysis parameters. CONCLUSIONS Although a small difference in HRV parameters in the current study cannot be entirely excluded, FMF patients in whom colchicine did not provide adequate symptomatic relief and who did not develop amyloidosis appear to have normal HRV parameters suggestive of normal ANS function, compared with healthy adults.
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Abstract
AIMS Optogenetics approaches, utilizing light-sensitive proteins, have emerged as unique experimental paradigms to modulate neuronal excitability. We aimed to evaluate whether a similar strategy could be used to control cardiac-tissue excitability. METHODS AND RESULTS A combined cell and gene therapy strategy was developed in which fibroblasts were transfected to express the light-activated depolarizing channel Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). Patch-clamp studies confirmed the development of a robust inward current in the engineered fibroblasts following monochromatic blue-light exposure. The engineered cells were co-cultured with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (or human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes) and studied using a multielectrode array mapping technique. These studies revealed the ability of the ChR2-fibroblasts to electrically couple and pace the cardiomyocyte cultures at varying frequencies in response to blue-light flashes. Activation mapping pinpointed the source of this electrical activity to the engineered cells. Similarly, diffuse seeding of the ChR2-fibroblasts allowed multisite optogenetics pacing of the co-cultures, significantly shortening their electrical activation time and synchronizing contraction. Next, optogenetics pacing in an in vitro model of conduction block allowed the resynchronization of the tissue's electrical activity. Finally, the ChR2-fibroblasts were transfected to also express the light-sensitive hyperpolarizing proton pump Archaerhodopsin-T (Arch-T). Seeding of the ChR2/ArchT-fibroblasts allowed to either optogentically pace the cultures (in response to blue-light flashes) or completely suppress the cultures' electrical activity (following continuous illumination with 624 nm monochromatic light, activating ArchT). CONCLUSIONS The results of this proof-of-concept study highlight the unique potential of optogenetics for future biological pacemaking and resynchronization therapy applications and for the development of novel anti-arrhythmic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Sohnis Family Research Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine; the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, PO Box 9649, Haifa 31096, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Livneh A. P01-027 – Normal HRV in colchicine-resistant FMF patients. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2013. [PMCID: PMC3953105 DOI: 10.1186/1546-0096-11-s1-a31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Nussinovitch U, Ronen B, Farber E, Yanir Y. Transfusion medicine illustrated. Devastating air embolism. Transfusion 2012; 52:2516. [PMID: 23231673 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2012.03617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel.
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Nussinovitch M, Gur E, Kaminer K, Volovitz B, Nussinovitch N, Nussinovitch U. Normal late ventricular potentials in hospitalized patients with eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2012; 45:900-4. [PMID: 21800345 DOI: 10.1002/eat.20949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders, in particular anorexia nervosa (AN), are associated with cardiovascular complications and risk of arrhythmias. In a recent published study, it was found that patients with eating disorders, especially those affected by bulimia nervosa (BN) and a history of AN have abnormal late ventricular potentials (LPs). LPs are electrocardiographic markers used in detecting abnormal depolarization and increased risk of arrhythmias. Given the paucity of knowledge regarding the affects of eating disorders on cardiac depolarization, our aim was to further explore LPs in patients with eating disorders. METHOD The study group included 30 hospitalized patients with eating disorders (14 with AN, 10 with BN with no history of AN, and 6 with BN and history of AN). Signal averaged electrocardiography was conducted on all patients using the Frank corrected orthogonal lead system. RESULTS No patient with either eating disorder tested positive for LPs. DISCUSSION Hospitalized patients with eating disorders, medically monitored and treated for several weeks, had normal serum electrolytes, started to normalize their weight, and did not appear to be prone to arrhythmias associated with abnormal depolarization. The prognostic significance of LPs in risk stratification of patients with eating disorders should be further evaluated by large cohort studies and longer follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Nussinovitch
- Department of Pediatrics C, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Shinnawi R, Gepstein L. Optogenetics: Controlling Cardiac Depolarization and Hyperpolarization Using Combined Cell and Gene Therapy and Light-Sensitive Proteins. Heart Rhythm 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2012.09.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
The role of autoimmunity in cardiovascular diseases has become one of the focal points of research studies. Autoimmune response and autoreactive autoantibodies have been found in dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, rheumatic fever, myocarditis, atherosclerosis, and other diseases. Autoantibodies may appear due to tissue injury and exposure of autoantigens, in addition to molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity with antigens found in infectious agents in predisposed individuals. In the early 1990s, autoantibodies reacting with the M2 muscarinic receptor were found in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and subsequently, in patients with Chagas heart disease and arrhythmic disorders. Immunization of animals with the corresponding antigen triggered cardiac abnormalities also appearing in dilated cardiomyopathy of humans. It has been suggested that antibodies against M2 muscarinic receptors play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases and may also alter the electrophysiological properties of cardiac tissue. Herein, we review the current knowledge of antibodies against M2 muscarinic receptors and the possible use of a targeted therapy against these autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Internal Medicine B and Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Cohen O, Kaminer K, Ilani J, Nussinovitch N. Evaluating reliability of ultra-short ECG indices of heart rate variability in diabetes mellitus patients. J Diabetes Complications 2012; 26:450-3. [PMID: 22682758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate the reliability of ultra-short HRV in patients with DM. A good correlation was found between the 1 minute and 5 minute parameters for maximal-RR, minimal-RR, average-RR, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, and total power. Also, a good correlation between 10 second and 5 minute parameters was found for maximal-RR, minimal-RR, average-RR, and RMSSD. We suggest that certain ultra-short HRV parameters can be used efficiently in DM patients for autonomic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel.
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Nussinovitch M, Gur E, Nussinovitch N, Kaminer K, Volovitz B, Nussinovitch U. Medically treated anorexia nervosa is associated with normal P wave parameters. Psychiatry Res 2012; 198:259-62. [PMID: 22421068 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an increasingly common medical condition. Some studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of atrial premature contractions and anatomical changes in AN patients. Our aim was to investigate P wave parameters and P wave dispersion, an electrocardiographic marker for supraventricular arrhythmias, and its effect on AN. The study group included 48 patients with AN, most hospitalized for a few weeks, and a matched control group. All participants underwent 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) under strict standards. P wave length and P wave dispersion in each patient were computed from a randomly selected beat and an averaged beat, constructed from 7 to 12 beats, included in a 10-s ECG. There were no statistically significant differences found between the groups for minimal, maximal, average P wave duration and P wave dispersion, calculated either from a random beat or averaged beats. In conclusion, medically treated AN patients who have gained weight have normal P wave parameters, and therefore do not appear to have an increased electrocardiographic risk for atrial fibrillation compared with healthy controls. Further studies are required to evaluate the influence of different disease stages, electrolyte imbalance and other medical complications on P wave parameters and risk for supraventricular arrhythmias in AN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Nussinovitch
- Department of Pediatrics C, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Abstract
BACKGROUND P-wave dispersion (Pd) is an appealing marker for predicting the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. At present, no definitive cutoff value has been determined as to the diagnosis of high-risk patients. Our aims were to evaluate P-wave parameters of healthy subjects published in the literature, determine normal range and weighted means of Pd and P-wave parameters, and investigate the influences of gender, age, and BMI on the weighted results. METHODS A systematic search of studies published in PubMed was conducted. Only studies which included control groups of healthy individuals were included. RESULTS Of the 657 studies initially identified, 80 were eligible for inclusion. The total number of participants was 6,827. The highest reported Pd values were 58.56 ± 16.24 ms; the lowest were 7 ± 2.7 ms. The weighted mean was 33.46 ± 9.65 ms; weighted median was 32.2 ms. Gender and age were not found to be associated with significant influences on P-wave parameter values. High-normal BMI was not found to be associated with increased P-wave parameter values. CONCLUSIONS Pd, Pmax, and Pmin span a wide range of values in healthy individuals. Seemingly, abnormal values were often reported in healthy adults. The high variability of P-wave parameters in healthy individuals, and overlapping of the results with those reported for patients with increased risk for atrial fibrillation, might suggest that this technique has limited sensitivity and specificity. The variability between studies may stem from methodological issues and, therefore, there is a definite need for methodological standardization of Pd measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel.
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Nussinovitch U, Livneh A, Volovitz B, Nussinovitch M, Ben-Zvi I, Lidar M, Nussinovitch N. Normal QT dispersion in colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Clin Rheumatol 2012; 31:1093-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-012-1982-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2011] [Revised: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Nussinovitch U, Ben-Zvi I, Livneh A. QT variability in amyloidosis of familial Mediterranean fever. Isr Med Assoc J 2012; 14:225-228. [PMID: 22675838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias is controversial, and data on this subject are meager. OBJECTIVES To evaluate QT variability index (QTVI) and other repolarization markers associated with arrhythmogenity in patients with amyloidosis of FMF. METHODS The study group comprised 12 FMF patients with amyloidosis, and 14 age and gender-matched healthy subjects served as the control group. QT measurements were conducted according to accepted procedure, using computerized software for recording and analysis. RESULTS No differences were found in clinical and demographic parameters in the study and control groups, except for hypertension which was more common in the FMF amyloidosis group. QTc and power spectral analysis of QT variability parameters were similar in both groups. Nevertheless, QTVI values in FMF amyloidosis patients were significantly higher than in healthy individuals (-1.02 +/- 0.38, vs. -1.36 +/- 0.32 respectively, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Compared with healthy controls, amyloidosis of FMF is associated with increased QTVI. It remains unknown whether this finding is solely amyloidosis related and whether it has any prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Kaminer K, Nussinovitch M, Volovitz B, Lidar M, Nussinovitch N, Livneh A. QT interval variability in familial Mediterranean fever: a study in colchicine-responsive and colchicine-resistant patients. Clin Rheumatol 2012; 31:795-9. [PMID: 22271228 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-011-1926-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The association between familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), early atherosclerosis, and electrocardiographic markers for arrhythmias remains controversial. There are conflicting results as to the occurrence of high QT dispersion in FMF. The aim of the present study was to further investigate repolarization dynamics and other repolarization-associated pro-arrhythmogenic markers in FMF patients. To explore repolarization in FMF, patients who responded well to colchicine and patients who had not responded to colchicine, yet were amyloidosis-free, were included. We aimed to evaluate whether increased inflammatory burden, a characteristic of non-responsive patients, was specifically associated with abnormal repolarization. Included in the study were 53 FMF patients (27 colchicine non-responders) and 53 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Electrocardiograms were performed under strict standards. QT variability parameters were computed with custom-made computer software. No significant difference in any of the QT dynamic parameters was found in either FMF group compared with the healthy controls. Mean values of QT variability index, regardless of colchicine response, were similar to previously published results for healthy persons. In conclusion, patients with FMF who are continuously treated with colchicine and have not developed amyloidosis, regardless of their clinical response, have normal QT variability parameters, indicating normal repolarization dynamics and suggesting no increased risk of repolarization-associated cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel 31080.
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Nussinovitch M, Gur E, Kaminer K, Volovitz B, Nussinovitch N, Nussinovitch U. QT variability among weight-restored patients with anorexia nervosa. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2012; 34:62-5. [PMID: 21831447 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2011.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) may be complicated by cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. A single study reported an increased QT variability index (QTVI), a marker for cardiac arrhythmogenicity, in AN patients. The aim of the current study was to further evaluate repolarization dynamics in a large cohort of patients with AN without electrolyte abnormalities and to evaluate previously unreported repolarization dynamics parameters. METHODS Forty-three AN patients and 45 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Twenty-nine AN patients were hospitalized for a mean time of 1.5±1.1 months. The rest were ambulatory AN patients. Electrocardiograms were conducted under strict standards. QT variability index, normalized QT variability (QTVN) and power spectral analysis of QT dynamics were conducted with designated computer software. RESULTS None of the patients had an electrolyte imbalance. Although mean QT was higher in AN patients compared with controls, QTc results were similar following corrections for RR interval. There was no significant difference in QTVI, QTVN and power spectral analysis parameters among groups. The results of QTVI and QTVN were comparable to those previously published for healthy individuals. During 3 years of follow-up, no patient developed arrhythmias or suddenly died. CONCLUSIONS Medically treated AN patients who gained weight and had normal serum electrolytes appeared to have normal QTc and QT variability indexes, reflecting a nonincreased risk for cardiac arrhythmias. We suggest that weight normalization, medical treatment and lack of electrolyte abnormalities are responsible in part for these results. Further evaluation of the prognostic significance of QTVI and QTVN in AN is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Nussinovitch
- Department of Pediatrics C, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Volovitz B, Nussinovitch M, Lidar M, Feld O, Nussinovitch N, Livneh A. Abnormal heart rate variability in AA amyloidosis of familial Mediterranean fever. Amyloid 2011; 18:206-10. [PMID: 22080764 DOI: 10.3109/13506129.2011.616556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A scarcity of data exists relating to the effect of amyloidosis of Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) on the autonomic nervous system. Our aim was to further investigate the presence of dysautonomia in FMF-AA amyloidosis, using a comparative case series design. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 40 patients with FMF: 20 without co-morbidities or amyloidosis and 20 in various stages of renal amyloidosis. Time domain and power spectral analyses of heart rate dynamics were performed according to accepted procedures. Findings were compared with 20 healthy control subjects. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found in any of the studied heart rate variability (HRV) parameters between patients with uncomplicated FMF and controls. In contrast, patients with progressive amyloidosis (post renal transplantation or on dialysis) had significantly lower HRV parameters compared to control subjects (i.e. mean low frequency power spectral components 104.30 ms² vs. 172.09 ms², p <0.05, mean standard deviation of all normal RR intervals 32.27 ms vs. 51.51 ms, p <0.05, mean HRV triangular index 9.08 vs. 15.82, p <0.05). The adjusted odds ratio was 14.5 (95%CI 1.21-165.03, p = 0.04) for HRV triangular index lower than 12.2 in the progressive amyloidosis group, 41.24 (95%CI 1.81-938.68, p = 0.02) for low frequency power spectral components values lower than 142.35 ms², and 12.67 (95%CI 1.04-153.96, p = 0.04) for standard deviation of all normal RR intervals values lower than 40.15?ms. CONCLUSION Amyloidosis of FMF, particularly at a progressive stage, is associated with HRV abnormalities suggestive of the presence of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, IDF Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel
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Altman A, Nussinovitch U, Goitein O, Shoenfeld Y. "Broken heart syndrome" (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy). Isr Med Assoc J 2011; 13:643-644. [PMID: 22097239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arie Altman
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Elishkevitz KP, Katz K, Nussinovitch M, Segev S, Volovitz B, Nussinovitch N. Reliability of Ultra-Short ECG Indices for Heart Rate Variability. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011; 16:117-22. [PMID: 21496161 DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-474x.2011.00417.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) is an accepted and reliable means for assessing autonomic nervous system dysfunction. A 5-minute measurement of HRV is considered methodologically adequate. Several studies have attempted to use shorter recordings of 1-2 minutes or 10 seconds. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of HRV parameters calculated from ultra-short electrocardiogram recordings. METHODS Seventy healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. HRV was evaluated for 5 minutes according to accepted procedures. Thereafter, HRV parameters were recalculated from randomly selected 1-minute and 10-second intervals. The standard and ultra-short measurements were correlated using intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS Good correlations between the 5-minute electrocardiograms (ECGs) and both the 1-minute and 10-second ECGs were noted for average RR interval, and root mean square of successive differences in RR intervals (RMSSD). No correlation was noted for standard deviation of the RR interval (SDNN) and several other HRV parameters. CONCLUSIONS RMSSD, but not SDNN, seem a reliable parameter for assessing HRV from ultra-short (1 minute or 10 seconds) resting electrocardiographic recordings. Power spectral analysis and evaluation of other HRV parameters require longer recording periods. Further research is required to evaluate the importance of ultra-short RMSSD for cardiovascular risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- The Heller Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine F, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
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Nussinovitch U, Livneh A, Kaminer K, Langevitz P, Feld O, Nussinovitch M, Volovitz B, Lidar M, Nussinovitch N. Normal autonomic nervous system responses in uncomplicated familial Mediterranean fever: a comparative case-control study. Clin Rheumatol 2011; 30:1347-51. [PMID: 21541656 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-011-1759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a paucity of knowledge regarding the autonomic nervous system function in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Therefore, our aim was to evaluate autonomic responses in patients with FMF using complementary tests. The study groups included 33 patients with uncomplicated FMF and 39 control subjects. Autonomic function was evaluated by measuring responses to metronomic breathing, the Valsalva maneuver, and the Ewing maneuver. Autonomic parameters were computed from electrocardiograms with designated computer software. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the measured parameters of autonomic function between the patient and control group. The measured autonomic parameters of both groups were similar to those previously reported in healthy individuals. In conclusion, patients with FMF who did not develop amyloidosis due to continuous colchicine treatment appeared to have normal autonomic function, as reflected by the normal response to physiological autonomic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- The Heller Institute of Medical Research, and Department of Medicine F, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel, 52621.
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Nussinovitch U, de Carvalho JF, Pereira RMR, Shoenfeld Y. Glucocorticoids and the cardiovascular system: state of the art. Curr Pharm Des 2011; 16:3574-85. [PMID: 20977421 DOI: 10.2174/138161210793797870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) are drugs commonly used, by approximately 1% of the total adult population as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies for asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatological, ophthalmic, neurological, and rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Supporting evidence exists of GC use in both immune mediated and non-immune mediated heart disease. The molecular mechanisms by which GC induces immune-modulation and direct cardioprotection, are complex and not fully understood. We review herein, the current knowledge of GC use in various immune-mediated or non-immune mediated cardiovascular conditions. GC have been investigated in autoimmune, inflammatory and idiopathic heart diseases such as atrio-ventricular conduction abnormalities, rheumatic fever, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Kawasaki disease and sarcoidosis. GC therapy has been studied in non-autoimmune and non-inflammatory indications such as acute myocardial infarction, angina, postpericardiotomy syndrome and other pericardial diseases, endocarditis and cardiac amyloidosis, as well as in invasive cardiology, coronary interventions, and cardiopulmonary-bypass surgery. Despite GC's role as natural, physiologic regulators of the immune system, cardiovascular adverse outcomes may occur. Some of the well-known side effects of GC therapy involve bone, metabolic, and cardiovascular systems and include osteoporosis, fractures, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udi Nussinovitch
- Department of Internal Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
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Nussinovitch U, Livneh A, Nussinovitch M, Volovitz B, Ben-Zvi I, Lidar M, Nussinovitch N. P-wave dispersion in systemic AA amyloidosis of familial Mediterranean fever. Clin Rheumatol 2011; 30:1295-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-011-1745-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Nussinovitch U, Nussinovitch N, Nussinovitch M, Volovitz B, Feld O, Ben-Zvi I, Livneh A. QT dispersion in amyloidosis due to familial Mediterranean fever. Rheumatol Int 2011; 32:1945-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-011-1896-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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