ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is accompanied by the release of microparticles (MP). OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effect of moderate hypoxia on circulatory levels of microparticles, biomarkers of cardiovascular function and inflammation and on echocardiographic parameters in healthy volunteers staying at an altitude of 2978âm. METHODS: Eighteen healthy volunteers were subjected to moderate hypoxia by staying at 2978âm above sea level for three days. Blood samples were evaluated for MP using flow cytometry. ELISA analysis was performed for sST2, H-FABP, suPAR and GDF-15. Moreover, the effect of dual endothelin-receptor blockade was investigated. RESULTS: Oxygen saturation decreased to 93%. A significant decrease of endothelial and platelet MP levels was found. These results were corroborated by a similar response in sST2 and suPAR plasma concentration. Endothelin-receptor blockade by macitentan only had a marginal influence on MP, sST2, H-FABP, suPAR and GDF-15 levels, though it led to a significant amelioration of echocardiographic parameters of right heart function. CONCLUSIONS: These experimental results show that moderate hypoxia due to altitude exposition led to a reduction in parameters of endothelial dysfunction as shown by a decrease in endothelial and platelet MP, sST2 and suPAR levels. A slight increase in pulmonary pressure at moderate altitude was decreased by dual endothelin receptor blockade.
Subject(s)
Altitude , Biomarkers/metabolism , Cardiovascular Infections/blood , Inflammation/metabolism , Receptors, Endothelin/metabolism , Adult , Cell Differentiation , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Purulent pericarditis is a rare disease that is most often caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, viridans streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, and anaerobic bacteria. We present an unusual case of purulent pericarditis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Lancefield group A streptococcus (GAS), and we provide a review of the literature.
