ABCC3 Polymorphisms and mRNA Expression Influence the Concentration of a Carboxylic Acid Metabolite in Patients on Clopidogrel and Aspirin Therapy.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel combined therapy has been reported to be beneficial in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Antiplatelet drug resistance, especially to clopidogrel, is a multifactorial phenomenon that affects a large number of ACS patients. The genetic contribution to this drug response is not fully elucidated. We investigated the relationship of ABC-type efflux subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3) polymorphisms and mRNA expression with plasma concentrations of clopidogrel, salicylic acid (SA) and a carboxylic acid metabolite (CAM). Clopidogrel, CAM and SA plasma concentrations were measured simultaneously by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) from 83 ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. ABCC3 (rs757421, rs733392 and rs739923) and CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285) polymorphisms as well as mRNA expression were evaluated. A positive correlation was found between CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression (r = 0.494, p < 0.0001). Patients carrying genotype AA (rs757421 variant) had higher CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression as compared to those of GG + GA carriers (p = 0.017). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ABCC3 mRNA expression (p = 0.017), rs757421 AA genotype (p = 0.001), blood collection time (p = 0.018) and clopidogrel dose (p = 0.001) contributed to the concentration of CAM. No associations were observed for the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism. These results suggest that up-regulation of ABCC3 mRNA expression leads to increased plasma CAM levels through MRP3-mediated cell efflux. The ABCC3 rs757421 polymorphism may contribute to gene expression. Therefore, ABCC3 may be a potential biomarker for the response to clopidogrel.

Tratado sobre doença arterial coronária / Treatise on coronary artery disease

Tratado Sobre Doença Arterial Coronária não é obra simples. É tratado, como bem diz o seu título. E como tratado, aborda de forma abrangente, detalhada e extensa o tema a que se propõe; no caso, a doença arterial coronária. Poucas instituições no Brasil, como o Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, reúnem tamanha competência na pesquisa, ensino e assistência médica sobre a doença arterial coronária. E isso já se vão a mais de sessenta anos. Em 1966, o Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia realizou a primeira cinecoronariografia no Brasil. E em 1967, a primeira cirurgia de enxerto aortocoronário de ponte de safena. Seus protagonistas: o Professor Eduardo Sousa e o Professor Adib Jatene, respectivamente.Dando continuidade a esta tão expressiva contribuição à medicina brasileira, o Instituto lança, agora, o Tratado Sobre Doença Arterial Coronária. Por ser trabalho de vulto, seus Editores o sistematizaram de acordo com a melhor linha didático-científica, e que contempla seis seções. São elas: 1. Bases Anátomo-Fisiológicas e Patológicas 2. Métodos Diagnósticos 3. Avaliação e Manejo Clínico 4. Síndrome Coronária Aguda 5. Intervenção Coronária Percutânea 6. O Papel da Cirurgia no Tratamento da Doença Arterial Coronária Apresenta 3 editores, 176 colaboradores, 83 capítulos, num total de 1.104 páginas. Seu público-leitor está formado por: Cardiologistas, Intensivistas, Emergencistas, Clínicos, Residentes em Cardiologia, Medicina Intensiva, Emergências Médicas e Clínica Médica...

ABCC3 Polymorphisms and mRNA Expression Influence the / Concentration of a Carboxylic Acid Metabolite in Patients on / Clopidogrel and Aspirin Therapy

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel combined therapy has been reported to be beneficial in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Antiplatelet drug resistance, especially to clopidogrel, is a multifactorial phenomenon that affects a large number of ACS patients. The genetic contribution to this drug response is not fully elucidated. We investigated the relationship of ABC-type efflux subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3) polymorphisms and mRNA expression with plasma concentrations of clopidogrel, salicylic acid (SA) and a carboxylic acid metabolite (CAM). Clopidogrel, CAM and SA plasma concentrations were measured simultaneously by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) from 83 ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. ABCC3 (rs757421, rs733392 and rs739923) and CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285) polymorphisms as well as mRNA expression were evaluated. A positive correlation was found between CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression (r = 0.494, p < 0.0001). Patients carrying genotype AA (rs757421 variant) had higher CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression as compared to those of GG + GA carriers (p = 0.017). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ABCC3 mRNA expression (p = 0.017), rs757421 AA genotype (p = 0.001), blood collection time (p = 0.018) and clopidogrel dose (p = 0.001) contributed to the concentration of CAM. No associations were observed for the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism. These results suggest that up-regulation of ABCC3 mRNA expression leads to increased plasma CAM levels through MRP3-mediated cell efflux. The ABCC3 rs757421 polymorphism may contribute to gene expression. Therefore, ABCC3 may be a potential biomarker for the response to clopidogrel.

ABCC3 Polymorphisms and mRNA expression influence the concentration of a carboxylic acid metabolite in patients on clopidogrel and aspirin therapy

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel combined therapy has been reported to be beneficial in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Antiplatelet drug resistance, especially to clopidogrel, is a multifactorial phenomenon that affects a large number of ACS patients. The genetic contribution to this drug response is not fully elucidated. We investigated the relationship of ABC-type efflux subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3) polymorphisms and mRNA expression with plasma concentrations of clopidogrel, salicylic acid (SA) and a carboxylic acid metabolite (CAM). Clopidogrel, CAM and SA plasma concentrations were measured simultaneously by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) from 83 ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. ABCC3 (rs757421, rs733392 and rs739923) and CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285) polymorphisms as well as mRNA expression were evaluated. A positive correlation was found between CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression (r = 0.494, p < 0.0001). Patients carrying genotype AA (rs757421 variant) had higher CAM concentrations and ABCC3 mRNA expression as compared to those of GG + GA carriers (p = 0.017). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ABCC3 mRNA expression (p = 0.017), rs757421 AA genotype (p = 0.001), blood collection time (p = 0.018) and clopidogrel dose (p = 0.001) contributed to the concentration of CAM. No associations were observed for the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism...

A dissincronia mecânica é semelhante em diferentes padrões do bloqueio de ramo esquerdo / Mechanical dyssynchrony is similar in different patterns of left bundle-branch block

FUNDAMENTOS: O bloqueio do ramo esquerdo (BRE) e a presença de disfunção sistólica são as principais indicações de terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (TRC). A dissincronia ventricular mecânica pela ecocardiografia pode ajudar a identificar pacientes responsivos à TRC. O BRE pode mostrar diferentes padrões em sua morfologia. OBJETIVO: Comparar a prevalência de dissincronia mecânica em diferentes padrões de BRE em pacientes com disfunção sistólica esquerda. MÉTODOS: Analisaram-se 48 pacientes com fração de ejeção (FE) < 40% e BRE referidos consecutivamente para análise de dissincronia. Foram realizados ecocardiograma convencional e análise da dissincronia mecânica, interventricular e intraventricular, por 10 conhecidos métodos, usando modo M, Doppler e Doppler tecidual, sozinhos ou combinados. A morfologia do BRE foi categorizada pelo desvio esquerdo do eixo no plano frontal e duração de QRS > 150 ms. RESULTADOS: Eram 24 homens, com idade 60 ± 11 anos e FEVE de 29 ± 7%. Trinta e dois apresentavam QRS > 150 ms, e 22, ECG eixo entre -30º e +90º. A dissincronia interventricular foi identificada em 73% dos pacientes e a intraventricular em valores entre 37-98%. Portadores de QRS > 150 ms apresentaram maiores dimensões do átrio e ventrículo esquerdos, e menor FE (p < 0,05), e o desvio esquerdo do eixo associou-se a pior função diastólica e maior diâmetro atrial. A presença de dissincronia mecânica interventricular e intraventricular (10 métodos) foi semelhante entre os diferentes padrões de BRE (p = ns). CONCLUSÃO: Nos dois diferentes padrões eletrocardiográficos de BRE analisados, não foram observadas diferenças em relação à presença de dissincronia mecânica.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle-branch block (LBBB) and the presence of systolic dysfunction are the major indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Mechanical ventricular dyssynchrony on echocardiography can help identify patients responsive to CRT. Left bundle-branch block can have different morphologic patterns. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of mechanical dyssynchrony in different patterns of LBBB in patients with left systolic dysfunction. METHODS: This study assessed 48 patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 40% and LBBB consecutively referred for dyssynchrony analysis. Conventional echocardiography and mechanical dyssynchrony analysis were performed, interventricular and intraventricular, with ten known methods, using M mode, Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging, isolated or combined. The LBBB morphology was categorized according to left electrical axis deviation in the frontal plane and QRS duration > 150 ms. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 60 ± 11 years, 24 were males, and mean EF was 29% ± 7%. Thirty-two had QRS > 150 ms, and22, an electrical axis between -30º and +90º. Interventricular dyssynchrony was identified in 73% of the patients, while intraventricular dyssynchrony, in 37%-98%. Patients with QRS > 150 ms had larger left atrium and ventricle, and lower EF (p < 0.05). Left electrical axis deviation associated with worse diastolic function and greater atrial diameter. Interventricular and intraventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (ten methods) was similar in the different LBBB patterns (p = ns). CONCLUSION: In the two different electrocardiographic patterns of LBBB analyzed, no difference regarding the presence of mechanical dyssynchrony was observed.

Mechanical dyssynchrony is similar in different patterns of left bundle-branch block.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle-branch block (LBBB) and the presence of systolic dysfunction are the major indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Mechanical ventricular dyssynchrony on echocardiography can help identify patients responsive to CRT. Left bundle-branch block can have different morphologic patterns. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of mechanical dyssynchrony in different patterns of LBBB in patients with left systolic dysfunction. METHODS: This study assessed 48 patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 40% and LBBB consecutively referred for dyssynchrony analysis. Conventional echocardiography and mechanical dyssynchrony analysis were performed, interventricular and intraventricular, with ten known methods, using M mode, Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging, isolated or combined. The LBBB morphology was categorized according to left electrical axis deviation in the frontal plane and QRS duration > 150 ms. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 60 ± 11 years, 24 were males, and mean EF was 29% ± 7%. Thirty-two had QRS > 150 ms, and22, an electrical axis between -30º and +90º. Interventricular dyssynchrony was identified in 73% of the patients, while intraventricular dyssynchrony, in 37%-98%. Patients with QRS > 150 ms had larger left atrium and ventricle, and lower EF (p < 0.05). Left electrical axis deviation associated with worse diastolic function and greater atrial diameter. Interventricular and intraventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (ten methods) was similar in the different LBBB patterns (p = ns). CONCLUSION: In the two different electrocardiographic patterns of LBBB analyzed, no difference regarding the presence of mechanical dyssynchrony was observed.

Índice Internacional de Função Erétil Simplificado e doença coronariana em pacientes hipertensos / Simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients

FUNDAMENTO: A Disfunção Erétil (DE) se associa ao risco aumentado de Doença Arterial Coronariana (DAC). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre DE, determinada pelo Índice Internacional de Função Erétil Simplificado (IIFE-5), e DAC. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal que avaliou 263 hipertensos (55 [50 - 61] anos). A DE foi avaliada pelo IIEF-5 e a DAC, por meio da história de revascularização miocárdica prévia e/ou por cineangiocoronariografia. RESULTADOS: O IIFE-5 se correlacionou com o clearance de creatinina [ClCr] (Rho = 0,23; p < 0,001) e com a idade (Rho = -0,22; p < 0,001). Quarenta e dois pacientes apresentavam DAC; e o IIFE-5 foi capaz de discriminá-los (área sob a curva ROC = 0,63; p = 0,006). Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: IIFE-5 < 20 (n = 140) e IIFE- 5 > 20 (n = 123); aqueles com menor IIFE-5 tinham idade mais elevada (57 [52 - 61] vs. 54 [45 - 60] anos; p = 0,002), maior prevalência de DAC (22% vs. 9%; p = 0,004), tabagismo (64% vs. 47%; p = 0,009) e do uso de inibidores dos canais de cálcio (65 % vs. 43%; p = 0,001), além de menor ClCr (67,3 [30,8 - 88,6] vs. 82,6 [65,9 - 98,2] ml/min; p < 0,001). O IIFE-5 < 20 se associou ao maior risco de DAC em regressão logística; tanto univariada (RR = 2,89 [IC 95% 1,39 - 6,05]), quanto após ajustes para idade, diabetes, ClCr, tabagismo, pressão arterial média e uso de anti- hipertensivos (RR = 2,59 [IC 95%: 1,01 - 6,61]). CONCLUSÃO: O IIFE-5 se associa ao diagnóstico de DAC e sua utilização pode agregar informação ao estadiamento do risco cardiovascular em pacientes hipertensos.

BACKGROUND: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between ED, determined by the Simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and CAD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional cohort study that evaluated 263 hypertensive patients (55 [50-61] years). ED was assessed through the IIEF-5 and CAD by the history of previous myocardial revascularization and/or coronary angiography. RESULTS: The IIEF-5 correlated with creatinine clearance [CrCl] (Rho = 0.23, p <0.001) and age (Rho = -0.22, p <0.001). Forty-two patients had CAD, and IIEF-5 was able to discriminate them (area under the ROC curve = 0.63, p = 0.006). Patients were divided into two groups: IIEF-5 < 20 (n = 140) and IIEF-5 > 20 (n = 123); those with lower IIEF-5 scores were older (57 [52-61] vs. 54 [45-60] years, p = 0.002), had higher prevalence of CAD (22% vs. 9%, p = 0.004), smoking (64% vs. 47%, p = 0.009) and use of calcium channel inhibitors (65% vs. 43.%, p = 0.001), as well as lower CrCl (67.3 [30.8 to 88.6] vs. 82.6 [65.9 - 98.2] ml/min, p <0.001). The IIEF-5 < 21 was associated with increased risk of CAD in the logistic regression, both univariate (RR = 2.89 [95%CI: 1.39 - 6.05]), and after adjusting for age, diabetes, CrCl, smoking, mean arterial pressure and use of antihypertensive drugs (RR = 2.59 [95% CI: 1.01 - 6.61]). CONCLUSION: The IIEF-5 is associated with the diagnosis of CAD and its use can add information to cardiovascular risk staging in hypertensive patients.

Simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between ED, determined by the Simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and CAD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional cohort study that evaluated 263 hypertensive patients (55 [50-61] years). ED was assessed through the IIEF-5 and CAD by the history of previous myocardial revascularization and/or coronary angiography. RESULTS: The IIEF-5 correlated with creatinine clearance [CrCl] (Rho = 0.23, p <0.001) and age (Rho = -0.22, p <0.001). Forty-two patients had CAD, and IIEF-5 was able to discriminate them (area under the ROC curve = 0.63, p = 0.006). Patients were divided into two groups: IIEF-5 < 20 (n = 140) and IIEF-5 > 20 (n = 123); those with lower IIEF-5 scores were older (57 [52-61] vs. 54 [45-60] years, p = 0.002), had higher prevalence of CAD (22% vs. 9%, p = 0.004), smoking (64% vs. 47%, p = 0.009) and use of calcium channel inhibitors (65% vs. 43.%, p = 0.001), as well as lower CrCl (67.3 [30.8 to 88.6] vs. 82.6 [65.9 - 98.2] ml/min, p <0.001). The IIEF-5 < 21 was associated with increased risk of CAD in the logistic regression, both univariate (RR = 2.89 [95%CI: 1.39 - 6.05]), and after adjusting for age, diabetes, CrCl, smoking, mean arterial pressure and use of antihypertensive drugs (RR = 2.59 [95% CI: 1.01 - 6.61]). CONCLUSION: The IIEF-5 is associated with the diagnosis of CAD and its use can add information to cardiovascular risk staging in hypertensive patients.

Comparison of electrophysiological parameters of septal and apical endocardial cardiac stimulation.

BACKGROUND: The conventional right ventricle (RV) endocardial pacing leads QRS widening and desynchronization myocardial compromising ventricular function. With the need for stimulation less deleterious, RV septal pacing has been used more. Eventually have been reported higher thresholds and smaller R waves in the septal stimulation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the parameters of the septal and apical stimulation, intra-patient, if there are any differences that may affect the choice of the point of stimulation. METHODS: A prospective controlled study. We included 25 patients, 67.2±9 years, 10 (40%) women with indications for pacemaker for bradyarrhythmias. Etiologies were degenerative in nine (36%), Coronary disease in eight (32%), Chagas disease in seven (28%), and valve disease in one (4%) patient. Electrodes were active fixation and assessed the thresholds of command, impedance and R wave in uniand bipolar implant and after six months. RESULTS: The average acute threshold command, R wave and impedance unipolar / bipolar septais x apicais were respectively 0.73 x 0.73V and 0,74V x 0,78V; 10 x 9,9mV and 12,3 x 12,4mV; 579 x 621Ω and 611 x 629Ω. Comparisons between parameters with septal and apical two-tailed paired t-test showed a P > 0.1. After six months, the mean control thresholds, R wave impedances and unipolar/bipolar septais x apicais were respectively 0.5V x 0 72V and 0.71V x 0,87V; 11.4 x 9,5mV and 12x11,2mV; 423x426 Ω and 578x550 Ω, with P > 0.05, except compared to unipolar pacing threshold septal apical unipolar P 0.02. CONCLUSION: Using intra-patient comparisons, no significant differences between electrophysiological parameters septal and apical pacing and there are no restrictions for choosing the right ventricular septal pacing.

Improvement of atherosclerotic markers in non-diabetic patients after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of bariatric surgery performed in extremely obese non-diabetic subjects on the following parameters: endothelial function, inflammatory processes (assessed by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), and glucose and lipid profiles. METHODS: Forty-seven obese individuals with body mass index >40 kg/m(2) underwent bariatric surgery and returned for post-procedure assessment between 6 and 19 months after surgery. Ninety-three percent of patients were female. Their age ranged from 18 to 65 (mean 41) years old at baseline. Baseline was defined as the maximum of 30 days before surgery. Before and after surgery, all patients were subjected to a brachial artery ultrasound examination to evaluate endothelial-dependent dilation, CIMT by ultrasound, and laboratory analyses including glucose, lipid and inflammatory profiles were performed. RESULTS: Subjects lost an average of 33 % of their original weight (p < 0.001). Flow-mediated dilation showed significant improvement after surgery from 7.4 % to 18.9 % (p < 0.001) on average. There was regression of CIMT, with the median being reduced from 0.8 to 0.5 mm (p < 0.001). The median Hs-CRP reduced from 0.83 to 0.18 mg/dl (p < 0.001), while glucose and lipid profiles were also improved after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that severely obese, non-diabetic patients who had pronounced weight loss after bariatric surgery had an overall improvement in brachial flow-mediated dilation, CIMT, high-sensitivity CRP, and glucose and lipid metabolism. The best responses of the brachial flow-mediated dilation after surgery were observed in non-smokers and in younger subjects.

Comparação de parâmetros eletrofisiológicos das estimulações cardíacas endocárdicas septal e apical / Comparison of electrophysiological parameters of septal and apical endocardial cardiac stimulation

FUNDAMENTO: A estimulação endocárdica convencional do ventrículo direito (VD) ocasiona alargamento do QRS e dessincronização do miocárdio, comprometendo a função ventricular. Com a necessidade de estimulação menos deletéria, a estimulação septal do VD tem sido mais utilizada. Eventualmente têm sido relatados limiares mais altos e ondas R menores na estimulação septal. OBJETIVO: Comparar os parâmetros das estimulações apical e septal, intrapaciente, para verificar se existem diferenças que possam interferir na escolha do ponto de estimulação. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo controlado. Foram incluídos 25 pacientes, com 67,2 ± 9 anos, 10 (40%) mulheres, com indicações de marca-passo por bradiarritmias. Etiologias foram degenerativa em nove (36%), coronariopatia em oito (32%), doença de Chagas em sete (28%), e valvopatia em um (4%) pacientes. Foram utilizados eletrodos de fixação ativa e avaliados os limiares de comando, impedância e onda R uni e bipolares no implante e após seis meses. RESULTADOS: A média aguda dos limiares de comando, ondas R e impedâncias unipolares/bipolares septais x apicais foram, respectivamente, 0,73x0,74V e 0,73x0,78V; 10x9,9 mV e 12,3x12,4 mV; 579x621 Ω e 611x629 Ω. Comparações entre parâmetros septais e apicais com teste t-pareado bicaudal demonstraram um P > 0,1. Após seis meses, a média dos limiares de comando, ondas R e Impedâncias unipolares/ bipolares septais x apicais foram, respectivamente, 0,5 x 0,72 V e 0,71 x 0,87 V; 11,4x9,5 mV e 12x11,2 mV; 423x426Ω e 578x550Ω, com P > 0,05, exceto comparando-se limiar de estimulação unipolar septal com apical unipolar p de 0,02. CONCLUSÃO: Utilizando comparações intrapaciente, não existem diferenças expressivas entre parâmetros eletrofisiológicos de estimulação septal e apical sendo que não há restrições para a escolha da estimulação septal em ventrículo direito.

BACKGROUND: The conventional right ventricle (RV) endocardial pacing leads QRS widening and desynchronization myocardial compromising ventricular function. With the need for stimulation less deleterious, RV septal pacing has been used more. Eventually have been reported higher thresholds and smaller R waves in the septal stimulation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the parameters of the septal and apical stimulation, intra-patient, if there are any differences that may affect the choice of the point of stimulation. METHODS: A prospective controlled study. We included 25 patients, 67.2±9 years, 10 (40%) women with indications for pacemaker for bradyarrhythmias. Etiologies were degenerative in nine (36%), Coronary disease in eight (32%), Chagas disease in seven (28%), and valve disease in one (4%) patient. Electrodes were active fixation and assessed the thresholds of command, impedance and R wave in uniand bipolar implant and after six months. RESULTS: The average acute threshold command, R wave and impedance unipolar / bipolar septais x apicais were respectively 0.73 x 0.73V and 0,74V x 0,78V; 10 x 9,9mV and 12,3 x 12,4mV; 579 x 621Ω and 611 x 629Ω. Comparisons between parameters with septal and apical two-tailed paired t-test showed a P > 0.1. After six months, the mean control thresholds, R wave impedances and unipolar/bipolar septais x apicais were respectively 0.5V x 0 72V and 0.71V x 0,87V; 11.4 x 9,5mV and 12x11,2mV; 423x426 Ω and 578x550 Ω, with P > 0.05, except compared to unipolar pacing threshold septal apical unipolar P 0.02. CONCLUSION: Using intra-patient comparisons, no significant differences between electrophysiological parameters septal and apical pacing and there are no restrictions for choosing the right ventricular septal pacing.

Improvement of atherosclerotic markers in non-diabetic patients after bariatric surgery

Background The objective of this study was to assess the impact of bariatric surgery performed in extremely obesenon-diabetic subjects on the following parameters: endothelial function, inflammatory processes (assessed by highsensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), carotid arteryintima-media thickness (CIMT), and glucose and lipid profiles. Methods Forty-seven obese individuals with body mass index >40 kg/m2 underwent bariatric surgery and returned for post-procedure assessment between 6 and 19 months after surgery. Ninety-three percent of patients were female.Their age ranged from 18 to 65 (mean 41) years old at baseline. Baseline was defined as the maximum of 30 days before surgery. Before and after surgery, all patients were subjected to a brachial artery ultrasound examination to evaluate endothelial-dependent dilation, CIMT by ultrasound, and laboratory analyses including glucose, lipidand inflammatory profiles were performed. Results Subjects lost an average of 33 % of their original weight (p<0.001). Flow-mediated dilation showed significant improvement after surgery from 7.4 % to 18.9 % (p<0.001)on average. There was regression of CIMT, with the median being reduced from 0.8 to 0.5mm(p<0.001). The median Hs-CRP reduced from 0.83 to 0.18 mg/dl (p<0.001), while glucose and lipid profiles were also improved after surgery. Conclusions This study shows that severely obese, non diabetic patients who had pronounced weight loss after bariatric surgery had an overall improvement in brachial flow-mediated dilation, CIMT, high-sensitivity CRP, and glucose and lipid metabolism. The best responses of the brachial flow-mediated dilation after surgery were observed in non-smokers and in younger subjects.

Acetylcysteine for prevention renal outcomes in patients undergoing coronary and peripheral vascular angiography

Methods and Results—We randomly assigned 2308 patients undergoing an intravascular angiographic procedure with at

least 1 risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (age 70 years, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, heart failure,

or hypotension) to acetylcysteine 1200 mg or placebo. The study drugs were administered orally twice daily for 2 doses

before and 2 doses after the procedure. The allocation was concealed (central Web-based randomization). All analysis

followed the intention-to-treat principle. The incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (primary end point) was

12.7% in the acetylcysteine group and 12.7% in the control group (relative risk, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.81 to

1.25; P 0.97). A combined end point of mortality or need for dialysis at 30 days was also similar in both groups (2.2%

and 2.3%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 1.69; P 0.92). Consistent effects were

observed in all subgroups analyzed, including those with renal impairment.

Conclusions—In this large randomized trial, we found that acetylcysteine does not reduce the risk of contrast-induced

acute kidney injury or other clinically relevant outcomes in at-risk patients undergoing coronary and peripheral vascular

Efeitos da estimulação com corrente elétrica contínua pulsátil sobre as propriedades eletrofisiológicas atriais: estudo experimental da fibrilação atrial em cães / Effects of stimulation with pulsatile continuous electrical current on atrial electrophysiological properties: experimental study of atrial fibrillation in dogs

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a estimulação atrial com corrente elétrica contínua pulsátil induz fibrilação atrial e os seus efeitos sobre as propriedades eletrofisiológicas atriais e as alterações histológicas atriais. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidos à toracotomia lateral direita 22 cães e implantados eletrodos de marcapasso no sulcus terminalis (ST), apêndice atrial direito (ADb) e na região póstero-inferior do átrio esquerdo (AE); um par de eletrodos foi suturado na auriculeta direita para estimulação com bateria alcalina de 9 Volts conectada a uma sistema (LM 555) que transforma a energia contínua linear da bateria em corrente contínua pulsátil, durante 60 min. A biópsia epicárdica atrial foi realizada antes e após a estimulação atrial. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças nas durações dos períodos refratários efetivos atriais. Os tempos de condução intra-atrial, interatrial, bem como dos extra-estímulos atriais também prolongaram-se. A duração dos eletrogramas atriais prolongou-se durante ritmo sinusal e estimulação atrial programada; em 68 por cento dos cães a fibrilação atrial foi induzida e sustentou-se. Foram observados edema intersticial e bandas de contração celular no subepicárdio à microscopia óptica, e intensa desorganização miofibrilar e aumento do tamanho das mitocôndrias à microscopia eletrônica. CONCLUSÃO: Esta técnica de estimulação atrial induz fibrilação atrial e provoca modificações atriais que aumentam sua vulnerabilidade para o surgimento de fibrilação atrial.

Comparative study of the use of diltiazem as an antispasmodic drug in coronary angiography via the transradial approach.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the use, prior to the procedure, of injectable diltiazem to prevent complications. METHODS: Between September 2000 and July 2001, 50 patients underwent transradial coronary angiography and were randomized to receive placebo (GI) or diltiazem (GII) through a catheter inserted into the radial artery. All patients received isosorbide mononitrate. Ultrasound analyses of the radial artery were performed before examination, 30 minutes afterwards, and 7 days afterwards to evaluate the flow, the diameter, and the artery output. RESULTS: The radial artery diameter of GI was 2.4d +/- 0.5 mm before the procedure and 2.3 +/- 0.5 mm after 30 minutes (NS), whereas in GII the diameter was 2.2 +/- 0.3 mm before the examination and +/- 2.5 0.4 mm 30 minutes after it (P<0.001). Radial artery output in group 1 was 7.3 +/- 5.l2 mL/min before the examination and 6.1 +/- 3.5 mL/min 30 minutes after the examination (NS), and GII had an increase of 5.9 +/- 2.5 mL/min before examination to 9.05 +/- 7.78 mL/min after the examination (P=0.04). Complications (spasm, occlusion, and partial obstruction) occurred in 4 patients (17.4%) in GI and did not occur in GII (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The study suggests a decrease in vascular complications through the transradial access for coronary angiography with the use of diltiazem as an antispasmodic drug, resulting in the significant increase in the diameter of the radial artery and radial artery output.