Cardiovascular Disease in Latin American Women Gaps and opportunities

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in women. This review will address the known disparities in cardiovascular care concerning diagnosing and treating of heart disease in Latin American (LA) women. Gender-specific differences regarding the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of common cardiovascular pathology are increasingly recognized. Today, we identify that women have cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs), specifying the traditional, emerging, unique, or sex-specific determinants and the social and biological determinants that play a leading role in the prevention of CVD. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on cardiovascular disease in LA women, focusing on ischemic heart disease (IHD), valve disease (VD), heart failure, and cardiac rehabilitation (CR), where disparities continue to affect outcomes. Understanding the unique cardiovascular risk profile and barriers to optimal treatment outcomes in women is imperative to eliminate the current disparities in CVD.

Garlic Extract Reverses Ischemic Heart Disease in Female Rats Exposed to Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills

Abstract Background Garlic is an herbal medicinal plant with several pharmacological properties used for the management of various ailments. However, its potential in the reversal of ischemic heart disease induced by combined oral contraceptive pills is not well reported. Objective This study investigated the cardioprotective potential of aqueous garlic extract against cardiotoxicity induced by oral contraceptive pills. Methods Forty-six rats were used for this study. Six were used to determine the lethal dose (LD50), and 40 rats were divided randomly into 5 groups of 8 rats each. Group A received feed and distilled water. Group B received 0.6 mg/kg of oral contraceptive pills. Group C received 500 mg/kg of garlic extract. Group D received 0.6 mg/kg of oral contraceptive pills + 500 mg/kg garlic extract. Group E received 0.6 mg/kg of oral contraceptive pills + 700 mg/kg garlic extract. The animals were sacrificed, and blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological analysis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS, and p values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results The acute toxicity dose of combined oral contraceptive pills was 1.5 mg/kg for albino rats. Combined oral contraceptive pills induced ischemic necrosis as revealed by the photomicrographs, in addition to elevation of serum cardiac troponin-1, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and malondialdehyde levels. Treatment with garlic extract demonstrated significant reduction in cardiac troponin-1 (p = 0.000), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.002), creatine kinase (p = 0.001), and malondialdehyde (p = 0.001) levels, as well as restoration of the cardiac cytoarchitecture changes caused by the combined oral contraceptive pills. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that aqueous garlic juice can reverse ischemic heart disease, lessen cytoarchitectural alterations of the heart caused by combined oral contraceptive pills, and thus ameliorate cardiac dysfunction.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to interfere with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中国药房

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury （MIRI） is a serious complication of revascularization in patients with myocardial infarction. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathological process of MIRI. Currently，research has found that traditional Chinese medicine has a good effect on myocardial injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion. Based on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway，this article summarizes the action mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine formulas and monomers in intervening with MIRI. It is found that traditional Chinese medicine formulas （Yixin formula，Wenyang tongmai formula，Dingxin formula Ⅰ），monomers such as terpenoids （ginkgolides， astragaloside Ⅳ，ginsenosides），phenols （brazilin，hematoxylin A，resveratrol） and quinones （aloe，emodin） can alleviate MIRI by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway，inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions，etc.

Effect of Guipitang on ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Guipitang on rats with myocardial ischemia. MethodFifty SD rats were divided into five groups： a control group， a model group， low and high-dose Guipitang （7.52， 15.04 g·kg-1） groups， and a trimetazidine group （0.002 g·kg-1）. By intragastric administration of vitamin D3 and feeding rats with high-fat forage and injecting isoproterenol， the rat model of myocardial ischemia was established. After drug treatment of 15 d， an electrocardiogram （ECG） was performed to analyze the degree of myocardial injury. A fully automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the changes in the serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， triglyceride （TG）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial histopathological changes. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） staining was used to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Western blot was adopted to detect the protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）， phospho-ERK1/2 （p-ERK1/2）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）， phospho-p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）-associated X （Bax）， Bcl-2， and cleaved cysteine aspartate proteolytic enzyme （cleaved Caspase-3）. ResultCompared with the control group， the ECG S-T segment decreased in the model group. The serum levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C were increased significantly （P<0.05）. The arrangement of myocardial tissue was disordered， and the proportion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased. The protein levels of cleaved Caspase-3， Bax， and p-p38 MAPK in the heart were increased， and the Bcl-2 expression was decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the S-T segment downward shift was restored in the low and high-dose Guipitang groups and trimetazidine group， and the levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C were decreased. The protein expression of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax in the heart dropped， and p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions increased significantly （P<0.05）. The degree of myocardial injury was alleviated， and the proportion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis decreased. Bcl-2 protein expression was increased significantly in the low-dose Guipitang group （P<0.05）. ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK proteins had no significant difference among different groups. ConclusionGuipitang could alleviate myocardial injury and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats by activating the expression of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK.

Dolor tóraco-abdominal: "Si miras el corazón, encontrarás la razón". Serie de casos

La isquemia miocárdica es un fenómeno secundario a la perfusión insuficiente del músculo cardíaco que en algunos casos puede ocurrir de forma aguda llevando a la necrosis celular y constituyendo el infarto agudo al miocardio (IAM). A pesar de que el diagnóstico de IAM es principalmente clínico, en ciertos casos en que no se sospeche de forma activa por presentar síntomas no típicos de isquemia miocárdica, el diagnóstico puede sugerirse por la Tomografía Computarizada (TC), que puede mostrar hallazgos sugerentes de IAM. A continuación, se comunica una serie de 4 casos clínicos con diagnóstico imagenológico incidental de IAM.

Myocardial ischemia is secondary to myocardial under perfusion. It can develop acutely leading to cell necrosis and myocardial infarction (AMI), or have a chronic course. Though the diagnosis of AMI is mainly clinical, in certain cases the symptoms may be atypical and the diagnosis can be suggested by images such as Computed Tomography (CT). Herein we report a series of 4 clinical cases with diagnosis of AMI following incidental CT imaging. There was an abdominal pain in 3 patients and a cervical pain in the remaining one. CT scan showed a hypodense myocardial image. The final diagnosis was confirmed by the appropriate laboratory and angiographic methods.

Recurrent acute coronary syndrome after infliximab infusion in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: Case report

Case description: A 61-year-old male patient with uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis presented acute coronary syndrome on three occasions, less than 48 hours after infliximab infusion. Clinical findings: He presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction on two occasions and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome on one, with the identification of multivessel coronary disease. Treatment and outcome: Coronary intervention was performed with thrombus aspiration, medicated stent implantation, medicated balloon angioplasty, discontinuation of infliximab, and modification and optimization of cardiovascular pharmacological management. Clinical relevance: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have subclinical cardiovascular disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The evidence regarding the relationship between infliximab and ischemic heart disease is controversial. A wide clinical spectrum of cardiac involvement with infliximab infusion is found in case reports, ranging from stable angina to ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The pathophysiology is not elucidated, with hypotheses proposing plaque rupture, allergic reactions, and vasoconstriction as possible disease mechanisms. The direct association between infliximab infusion and acute coronary syndrome needs more clinical research to optimize the management and prognosis of patients presenting with this type of complication.

Descripción del caso: Paciente masculino de 61 años con artritis reumatoide no controlada, en manejo con infliximab, quién presentó en tres oportunidades síndrome coronario agudo menos de 48 horas posterior a la aplicación del medicamento. Hallazgos clínicos: Presentó infarto con elevación del ST en dos ocasiones y síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST en una oportunidad, encontrándose enfermedad coronaria multivaso. Tratamiento y resultado: Se realizó intervención coronaria con tromboaspiración, implante de stents medicados y angioplastia con balón medicado, suspensión del infliximab y modificación y optimización de manejo farmacológico cardiovascular. Relevancia clínica: Los pacientes con artritis reumatoide tienen enfermedad cardiovascular subclínica y mayor riesgo cardiovascular. La evidencia respecto a la relación entre infliximab y cardiopatía isquémica es controversial. En reportes de caso se encuentra un amplio espectro clínico de compromiso cardíaco con la infusión de infliximab, que va desde la angina estable hasta el síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST. La fisiopatología no está claramente dilucidada, con hipótesis que proponen la ruptura de placa, reacciones alérgicas y la vasoconstricción como posibles mecanismos de enfermedad. La asociación directa entre la infusión de infliximab y el síndrome coronario agudo necesita más investigación clínica con el fin de optimizar el manejo y pronóstico de los pacientes que presentan este tipo de complicaciones.

Estudio de caso: revascularización de paciente con enfoque en el proceso de atención de enfermería / Case study: Patient revascularization with focus on the nursing care process

Introducción: la cardiopatía isquémica fue la primera causa de muerte en México en el año 2020. Su prevalencia aumenta con la edad y es superior en los hombres que en las mujeres; se presenta mayormente en forma de infarto en edades entre 45 y 94 años. Objetivo: describir el caso de un paciente sometido a revascularización aorto-coronaria por cardiopatía isquémica con enfoque del proceso de atención de enfermería (PAE). Metodología: estudio de caso observacional y descriptivo con aplicación del PAE en el perioperatorio de un hombre de 50 años con cardiopatía isquémica crónica, enfermedad multivascular e hipertensión sistémica controlada de 6 años desde que inició, en un hospital público de tercer nivel en Mérida, Yucatán, México. Resultados: se demostró que si se aplica el PAE hay menor riesgo de shock hipovolémico ocasionado por sangrado activo y disminución de riesgo de infección del sitio de herida quirúrgica, evidenciado por el procedimiento quirúrgico extenso. Conclusiones: la metodología del PAE como método científico facilita innovaciones dentro de los cuidados enfermeros, además de las diferentes alternativas en las acciones a seguir para el tratamiento del paciente quirúrgico cardiovascular. También proporciona un método informativo para la atención de cuidados, desarrolla una autonomía para la enfermería y fomenta la consideración como profesional de salud.

Introduction: Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in Mexico in 2020. Its prevalence increases with age and it is higher in men than in women; it is presented mostly as a heart attack between the ages of 45 and 94 years. Objective: To describe the case of a patient undergoing aorto-coronary revascularization for ischemic heart disease with a nursing care process (NCP) approach. Methodology: Observational and descriptive case study with application of NCP in the perioperative period of a 50-year-old man with chronic ischemic heart disease, multivessel disease and controlled systemic hypertension of 6 years since its onset, in a third level public hospital in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Results: It was demonstrated that by applying NCP there is a lower risk of hypovolemic shock caused by active bleeding and decreased risk of surgical wound site infection, evidenced by the extensive surgical procedure. Conclusions: The NCP methodology as a scientific method facilitates innovations within nursing care, in addition to the different alternatives in the actions to follow for the treatment of the cardiovascular surgical patient. It also provides an informative method for care, develops autonomy for nursing and promotes consideration as a health professional.

Clinical analysis of 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes in 323 middle-aged and older adult patients with cardiovascular disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes in middle-aged and older adult patients with cardiovascular disease, providing effective guidance for clinical targeted intervention.Methods:The clinical data of 232 middle-aged and older adult patients who received treatment in Shanxi Coal Central Hospital from April 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 166 patients with cardiovascular disease aged ≥ 60 years were included in the observation group, and 157 patients with cardiovascular disease aged < 60 years were included in the control group. The 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes were compared between the two groups.Results:The detection rates of atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, sinus arrhythmias, complex ventricular arrhythmias, and complex atrial arrhythmias in the observation group were 96.99%, 88.55%, 28.31%, 39.76%, and 52.41% respectively, which were significantly higher than 50.32%, 50.96%, 8.28%, 9.55%, 8.92% in the control group ( χ2 = 19.21, 28.75, 23.45, 6.90, 8.06, all P < 0.001). The time of myocardial ischemia attack in the observation group [(1.5 ± 0.5) minutes] was significantly shorter than that in the control group [(2.5 ± 0.5) minutes, t = 23.09, P < 0.001)]. The time of myocardial ischemia attack in the observation group was mostly from 0:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Conclusion:Patients aged ≥ 60 years are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The risk of cardiovascular diseases increase with increasing age. In particular at 0:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., 24-hour dynamic electrocardiographic changes should be monitored to further understand the actual situation of patients and guide clinical effective prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia.

Diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance contrast medium perfusion and delayed contrast enhancement for early myocardial ischemia / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) contrast medium perfusion and delayed contrast enhancement for early myocardial ischemia.Methods:Ninety-one patients with coronary artery stenosis diagnosed by coronary angiography (CAG) between March 2020 and March 2022 in Yiwu Central Hospital were included in this study. These patients underwent first-pass perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and delayed enhancement examination. Arrival time ( t0), accumulative signal intensity (ASI), relative peak enhancement rate (SI%), maximum intensity of signal enhancement (SIp), and maximum curve slope (α) were statistically analyzed in the CMR contrast agent normal-dose perfusion and low-dose perfusion segments. The diagnostic value of CMR contrast agent perfusion versus CAG for early myocardial ischemia was determined. The signal intensity was compared between enhanced and non-enhanced areas of CMR contrast agent perfusion. Results:There were significant differences in ASI, SI%, SIp, and Slope (α) between normal perfusion and low perfusion segments ( t = 9.62, 10.65, 8.67, 6.93, all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the detection rate of lesioned vessels in early myocardial ischemia between CMR contrast agent perfusion and CAG [50.42% (120/238) vs. 51.68% (123/238), χ2 = 1.32, P = 0.163). There was a significant difference in the detection rate of lesioned vessels in myocardial ischemia between CMR contrast agent perfusion and CAG ( χ2 = 15.31, P < 0.001, r = 0.71). The signal intensity value in the delayed enhancement segment was significantly higher than that in the non-delayed enhancement segment [(598.43 ± 40.19) vs. (298.64 ± 70.58), t =19.85, P = 0.001). Conclusion:CMR contrast agent perfusion can effectively evaluate the severity of early myocardial ischemia and locate the diseased blood vessels. Delayed enhancement can determine the location and area of early myocardial ischemia, and can objectively reflect the severity of myocardial ischemia.

Predictive value of dynamic electrocardiography for myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of dynamic electrocardiography (ECG) for myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease.Methods:A total of 87 patients with coronary heart disease who received treatment in Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were included in this study. These patients were divided into a conventional ECG group (group A, n = 40) and a dynamic ECG group (group B, n = 47) according to different examination methods. The detection rate of myocardial ischemia in the two groups was determined. The diagnostic efficacy of routine ECG and dynamic ECG for myocardial ischemia was analyzed according to the results of coronary angiography. The detection rate of arrhythmia was determined in each group. Patient satisfaction was compared between the two groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the total detection rate of myocardial ischemia between the two groups ( P = 0.154). The detection rate of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia in group B [25% (25/47)] was significantly higher than that in group A [10% (10/40), χ2 = 5.24, P = 0.020). According to the results of coronary angiography, the detection rates of myocardial ischemia in group A and group B were 68% (27/40) and 87% (41/47), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of group B in diagnosing myocardial ischemia were 80% (33/41), [67% (4/6), and 74% (35/47), respectively, all of which were significantly higher than 74% (20/27), [46% (6/13), 68% (27/40) in group A ( χ2 = 8.03, 5.89, 5.03, P = 0.003, 0.012, 0.005). The detection rates of premature ventricular contraction in bi-triplet rhythm, frequent paired premature atrial contraction in bi-triplet rhythm, right bundle-branch block, atrioventricular block, supraventricular tachycardia in group B were significantly higher compared with group A ( χ2 = 10.78, P = 0.001). According to the results of coronary angiography, the detection rates of arrhythmia in groups A and B were 65% (26/40) and 79% (37/47), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing arrhythmia in coronary heart disease in group B were 86% (32/37), 40% (4/10), and 81% (38/47), respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosing arrhythmia in coronary heart disease in group B were significantly higher than those in group A [58% (15/26), 55% (22/40), χ2 = 7.30, 4.90, P = 0.005, 0.010). Patient satisfaction in group B [87% (41/47)] was significantly higher than that in group A [65% (26/40), χ2 = 6.24, P = 0.044]. Conclusion:Compared with conventional ECG detection, dynamic ECG has substantially higher detection and diagnosis rates of myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia, as well as a higher patient satisfaction rate, in patients with coronary heart disease, in particular in those with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Adenosine 5'-monophosphate （AMP）-activated Protein Kinase： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Due to its high incidence and mortality rate， acute myocardial infarction poses a serious threat to public health. Reperfusion therapy is the preferred treatment strategy for acute myocardial infarction， which can quickly restore blood circulation to the ischemic myocardium， rescue dying myocardial cells， reduce infarct size， and lower the mortality rate. However， reperfusion may lead to additional heart damage， known as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury （MIRI）. Therefore， how to alleviate MIRI has become one of the urgent issues in cardiovascular therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has the advantage of multiple components， multiple pathways， and multiple targets in the treatment of MIRI， providing new ideas for reducing MIRI. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK） is closely related to MIRI， and it plays an important role in alleviating MIRI by regulating inflammation， oxidative stress， autophagy， apoptosis， and ferroptosis. This article reviewed the basic structure of the AMPK signaling pathway and its role in MIRI， as well as the research progress of TCM in the treatment of MIRI by regulating the AMPK pathway， aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of MIRI.

Effects and mechanism of astilbin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of astilbin （AST） on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury （MIRI） in rats and its potential mechanism. METHODS SD male rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， positive control group （Compound Salvia miltiorrhiza tablets， 240 mg/kg）， AST low-dose and high-dose groups （30， 90 mg/kg）， and high- dose of AST+hypoxia-inducible factor-1α（HIF-1α） inhibitor group （AST 90 mg/kg+2ME2 15 mg/kg）， with 25 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group， MIRI model was induced in other groups， and then given relevant drug or normal saline intragastrically or intraperitoneally， for consecutive 28 d. Serum contents of cardiac troponin I （cTnI） and creatine kinase isoenzyme （CK-MB） were detected； volume ratio of myocardial infarction was measured； the pathological changes of myocardium， the apoptotic rate of myocardial cells and ultrastructure of mitochondria in myocardial tissue were all observed. The contents of tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）， interleukin 6 （IL-6） and malondialdehyde （MDA）， the activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， the expressions of HIF-1α， adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3 （BNIP3） and myosin-like Bcl-2 interacting protein （Beclin1） were determined in myocardium. The ratio of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 （LC3） Ⅱ to Ⅰ （LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ） in rat myocardium was calculated. RESULTS Compared with model group， no obvious swelling was found in the myocardial tissue of rats in positive control group， AST low-dose and high-dose groups， and the myocardial fibers were arranged regularly； the volume ratio of myocardial infarction， the contents of cTnI， CK-MB， TNF-α， IL-6 and MDA， the apoptotic rate were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）， while SOD activity， protein expressions of HIF-1α， BNIP3 and Beclin1， LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were increased significantly （P＜0.05）. HIF-1α inhibitor could significantly weaken the improvement effect of AST on the above indicators in MIRI model rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS AST enhances mitochondrial autophagy by activating HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway， thereby reducing MIRI in rats.

Determination and effect of five alkaloids from extracts of Piper longum on rats with experimental myocardial ischemia induced by injection of pituitrin / 药学实践杂志

Objective To determine the content of five alkaloids from extracts of Piper longum and test the pharmacodynamic effect of them on rats with experimental myocardial ischemia induced by injection of pituitrin. Methods The content of five alkaloids was determined simultaneously by HPLC. The experimental myocardial ischemia in rats was induced by injection of pituitrin, and the absolute value of T wave change and change of heart rate before and after model establishment were chosen to be the observation index. The effects of large, medium and small dose groups were evaluated. Results Three batches of samples were analyzed, with the contents of piperine for 56.1%, 49.7%, 51.6%; N-isobutyl-(2E,4E)-octadecatrienamide for 4.5%, 4.2%, 4.3%; guineensine for 0.46%, 0.38%, 0.40%; piplartine for 1.73%, 1.67%, 1.70% and piperamide for 0.55%, 0.46%, 0.49%, respectively. All dose groups from extracts of piper longum had significantly reduced the absolute value of T wave and almost have no effect on the change of heart rate, except the high dose group showed the effect of reducing heart rate at some time . Conclusion The HPLC method was suitable for the simultaneous determination of five alkaloids from extracts of Piper longum. It was shown that extracts of Piper longum had good bioactivity in anti-myocardial ischemia.

Dihydrotanshinone I preconditions myocardium against ischemic injury via PKM2 glutathionylation sensitive to ROS

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a potential intervention known to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury, but its role in the no-reflow phenomenon that follows reperfusion is unclear. Dihydrotanshinone I (DT) is a natural compound and this study illustrates its role in cardiac ischemic injury from the aspect of IPC. Pretreatment with DT induced modest ROS production and protected cardiomyocytes against oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), but the protection was prevented by a ROS scavenger. In addition, DT administration protected the heart against isoprenaline challenge. Mechanistically, PKM2 reacted to transient ROS via oxidization at Cys423/Cys424, leading to glutathionylation and nuclear translocation in dimer form. In the nucleus, PKM2 served as a co-factor to promote HIF-1α-dependent gene induction, contributing to adaptive responses. In mice subjected to permanent coronary ligation, cardiac-specific knockdown of Pkm2 blocked DT-mediated preconditioning protection, which was rescued by overexpression of wild-type Pkm2, rather than Cys423/424-mutated Pkm2. In conclusion, PKM2 is sensitive to oxidation, and subsequent glutathionylation promotes its nuclear translocation. Although IPC has been viewed as a protective means against reperfusion injury, our study reveals its potential role in protection of the heart from no-reflow ischemia.

Role of Mitophagy in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Chinese Medicine Treatment / 中国结合医学杂志

Mitophagy is one of the important targets for the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Moderate mitophagy can remove damaged mitochondria, inhibit excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation, and protect mitochondria from damage. However, excessive enhancement of mitophagy greatly reduces adenosine triphosphate production and energy supply for cell survival, and aggravates cell death. How dysfunctional mitochondria are selectively recognized and engulfed is related to the interaction of adaptors on the mitochondrial membrane, which mainly include phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)-induced kinase 1/Parkin, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α/Bcl-2 and adenovirus e1b19k Da interacting protein 3, FUN-14 domain containing protein 1 receptor-mediated mitophagy pathway and so on. In this review, the authors briefly summarize the main pathways currently studied on mitophagy and the relationship between mitophagy and MIRI, and incorporate and analyze research data on prevention and treatment of MIRI with Chinese medicine, thereby provide relevant theoretical basis and treatment ideas for clinical prevention of MIRI.

Effects of Coronary Artery Lesion Characteristics on Myocardial Ischemia / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigated the effect of stenosis characteristics (vascular elasticity and plaque properties) on myocardial ischemia. Methods An ideal geometric multi-scale coronary stenosis model based on fluid-structure interaction was established, and the fractional flow reserve (FFR) was simulated to evaluate myocardial ischemia. The effects of vascular elastic wall (elastic modulus of 1 MPa) and rigid wall, plaque types (lipid-rich plaque and calcified plaque) and plaque volume on myocardial ischemia were considered separately. Results The FFRCT simulation result of vessels with elastic wall was larger than that with rigid wall under all stenosis situations. The FFRCT of vessels in lipid-rich lesions was higher than that of calcified plaque (P=0.001). The trapezoidal plaque volume was larger than the cosine plaque volume, and the FFRCT of vessels in trapezoidal plaque was smaller than that of cosine plaque (P=0.001). Conclusions Vascular elasticity is a critical factor to simulate vascular hemodynamics. In moderate stenosis, calcified plaques are more likely to induce myocardial ischemia due to the larger luminal deformation and dilation of rich lipid plaque. When the stenosis is constant, the smaller the plaque volume, the higher the FFRCT and the smaller the possibility of myocardial ischemia.

Discussion on Coronary Microcirculation Disorder after Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Based on “Collaterals-Sweat Pore Qi and Fluid” Theory / 中医杂志

Coronary microcirculation disorder after myocardial ischemia reperfusion （MIR） is a prominent problem in the treatment of coronary heart disease. According to the physiological commonality between “collaterals-sweat pore qi and fluid” and coronary microcirculation， and the evolution of the course of MIR， it is believed that “heart collateral stasis obstruction， sweat pore constraint and block” is the cause of coronary microcirculation disorder. The evolution of the pathogenesis can be divided into three periods. During the myocardial ischemia period， the pathogenesis is heart collaterals obstruction and sweat pores empty， while during the ischemia reperfusion period， it is internal formulation of deficiency wind， spasms of collaterals or slight heart collaterals obstruction； in the coronary microcirculation disorder period， sweat pores constraint and block， constraint transforming into heat， qi and fluid failing to diffuse are the pathogenesis. The corresponding treatment principle is assisting dredge with supplementation， and supplementing deficiency to dispel stasis； treating wind and blood simultaneously， and extinguishing wind to arrest convulsion； clearing heat and cooling blood， and diffusing qi and unblocking qi and fluid. Moreover， it is recommended to treat the heart and lungs simultaneously， and regulate the heart and liver at the same time.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS metabolomic study on improvement of acute myocardial ischemia in rats by Dalbergia cochinchinensis heartwood / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to study the effect of Dalbergia cochinchinensis heartwood on plasma endogenous metabolites in rats with ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and to analyze the mechanism of D. cochinchinensis heartwood in improving acute myocardial ischemic injury. The stability and consistency of the components in the D. cochinchinensis heartwood were verified by the establishment of fingerprint, and 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, and a D. cochinchinensis heartwood(6 g·kg~(-1)) group, with 10 rats in each group. The sham group only opened the chest without ligation, while the other groups established the model of ligation. Ten days after administration, the hearts were taken for hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the content of heart injury indexes in the plasma creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), energy metabolism-related index glucose(Glu) content, and vascular endothelial function index nitric oxide(NO) was determined. The endogenous metabolites were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The results showed that the D. cochinchinensis heartwood reduced the content of CK-MB and LDH in the plasma of rats to relieve myocardial injury, reduced the content of Glu in the plasma, improved myocardial energy metabolism, increased the content of NO, cured the vascular endothelial injury, and promoted vasodilation. D. cochinchinensis heartwood improved the increase of intercellular space, myocardial inflammatory cell infiltration, and myofilament rupture caused by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The metabolomic study showed that the content of 26 metabolites in the plasma of rats in the model group increased significantly, while the content of 27 metabolites decreased significantly. Twenty metabolites were significantly adjusted after the administration of D. cochinchinensis heartwood. D. cochinchinensis heartwood can significantly adjust the metabolic abnormality in rats with ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of cardiac energy metabolism, NO production, and inflammation. The results provide a corresponding basis for further explaining the effect of D. cochinchinensis on the acute myocardial injury.

Regulation of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury signal pathway by flavonoid monomer / 中国中药杂志

Acute myocardial infarction seriously endangers the health of people due to its high morbidity and high mortality. Reperfusion strategy is the preferred treatment strategy for acute myocardial infarction. However, reperfusion may lead to additional heart damage, namely myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury(MIRI). Therefore, how to reduce myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury has become one of the urgent problems to be solved in cardiovascular disease. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has the multi-component, multi-channel, and multi-target advantages in the treatment of MIRI, which offers new ideas in this aspect. TCM containing flavonoids has a variety of biological activities and plays a significant role in the treatment of MIRI, which has great research and development application value. TCM containing flavonoids can regulate multiple signaling pathways of MIRI, such as phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcriptions(JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK) signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element(Nrf2/ARE) signaling pathway, nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) signaling pathway, silent information regulator 1(Sirt1) signaling pathway, and Notch signaling pathway. It reduces MIRI by inhibiting calcium overload, improving energy metabolism, regulating autophagy, and inhibiting ferroptosis and apoptosis. Therefore, a review has been made based on the regulation of relative signaling pathways against MIRI by TCM containing flavonoids, thus providing theoretical support and potential therapeutic strategies for TCM to alleviate MIRI.