The role of E-wave velocity in predicting early left ventricular dysfunction and significant decline in left ventricular ejection fraction after mitral valve repair for severe chronic primary mitral regurgitation.

Preoperative left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV end-systolic dimension (LVESD) are established predictors of LV dysfunction (LVD) after mitral valve repair (MVr) for mitral regurgitation (MR). Although elevated estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP) indicating pulmonary hypertension is the best proposed additional predictor, we hypothesized that transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters more directly reflecting left atrial pressure (LAP) would more accurately predict LVD than eRVSP. Furthermore, predictors of a significant decline in LVEF remain unknown. We retrospectively studied 622 patients, aged 20-87 years, who underwent MVr for severe chronic primary MR. As previously reported predictors of postoperative LVD, we collected seven preoperative TTE parameters, including LVESD, LVEF, eRVSP, LV end-diastolic dimension, left atrial volume index (LAVI), early transmitral annular (e') velocity, and atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, as LAP-related TTE parameters, we collected left atrial dimension, E-wave velocity, and E/e' ratio, in addition to eRVSP and LAVI. Using multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, we explored predictors of early postoperative LVD, defined as LVEF < 50% measured on postoperative day 7. We further explored predictors of a significant decline in LVEF, defined as an absolute decline in LVEF of > 12 percentage points, the third quintile of the data. Incidences of postoperative LVD and a significant LVEF decline were 12.9% and 23.2%, respectively. In addition to LVESD and LVEF, E-wave velocity, but not eRVSP, remained a significant predictor of postoperative LVD. E-wave velocity, LVESD, and LVEF had additive effects in risk prediction. Furthermore, E-wave velocity was the strongest predictor of a significant LVEF decline. E-wave velocities > 121.5 cm/s and > 101.5 cm/s were associated with increased risks of postoperative LVD (odds ratio [OR], 2.896; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.792-4.681; p < 0.001) and a significant LVEF decline (OR, 6.345; 95%CI, 3.707-10.86; p < 0.001), respectively. After adjustment for multiple TTE parameters, E-wave velocity, but not eRVSP, remained significant predictors of postoperative LVD and a significant LVEF decline after MVr. These results were reproducible in 461 patients who underwent follow-up TTE at 1 year, suggesting an important role of E-wave velocity in risk prediction.

Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern with a strong association with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of heart failure is significantly higher in the T2DM population compared to non-diabetic individuals. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic class for managing T2DM, with potential cardioprotective effects. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the impact of SGLT-2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in adult patients with T2DM. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across multiple databases and registries from May 8 to June 6, 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Studies published between January 2019 and June 6, 2024 that evaluated the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in adults with T2DM were included. The risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools based on the study design. A narrative synthesis was planned to summarize the findings. The search strategy identified 25 studies (22 randomized controlled trials, three cohort studies) for inclusion in the systematic review. Most of the included studies demonstrated a low overall risk of bias, although some observational studies had some limitations. The studies investigated the effects of various SGLT-2 inhibitors, including empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and others, on cardiovascular endpoints such as heart failure-related hospitalizations, mortality, cardiac structure and function, and biomarkers. The findings suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors may have a beneficial impact on reducing the risk of heart failure-related hospitalizations and potentially improving other cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2DM. This comprehensive systematic review provides valuable insights into the emerging role of SGLT-2 inhibitors in mitigating cardiovascular complications associated with T2DM. The findings have important clinical implications and may inform evidence-based guidelines and treatment strategies aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes in this high-risk patient population.

Revascularization and outcomes in ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction after heart failure admission: The RevascHeart study.

AIMS: Despite numerous trials on revascularization in patients with heart failure (HF) and ischaemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, its role remains unsettled. Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HF has shown benefits on outcomes. This multicentre study aims to compare long-term mortality between revascularization and GDMT in patients with ischaemic LV dysfunction following admission for HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2023, 408 patients admitted for HF with a LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or less and documented coronary artery disease (CAD) were included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their initial treatment decision: revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) or GDMT. The primary outcome was rate of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, and secondary outcomes included type of revascularization (PCI vs. CABG) and LV reverse remodelling. After a median 44.6-month follow-up, 100 patients (33%) died in the revascularization group, compared to 44 (43%) in the GDMT group. Multivariate analysis showed no significant benefit of revascularization on all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-1.39, p = 0.45) or cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.62-1.52, p = 0.90) compared to GDMT. Neither CABG (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.51-1.08, p = 0.13) nor PCI (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.62-1.55, p = 0.93) demonstrated a mortality reduction compared to GDMT. Both groups experienced significant reductions in LV size and improvements in LVEF, greater in the revascularization group. CONCLUSION: Revascularization did not outperform GDMT in ischaemic LV dysfunction following HF admission in this retrospective analysis. Larger prospective studies are needed to clarify the potential role of revascularization in improving outcomes.

Pharmacological resynchronisation with flecainide in an infant with Ebstein anomaly and Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern: a case report.

Background: Conduction abnormalities are frequently encountered in patients with Ebstein anomaly. The following case describes the safe use of flecainide in an infant with accessory-pathway mediated left ventricular dysfunction in the setting of Ebstein anomaly. Case Summary: An infant with an antenatal diagnosis of Ebstein anomaly developed progressive left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction over the first 2 months of life. ECG demonstrated persistent Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern with delta-wave polarity suggesting a right-sided septal accessory pathway. In the absence of SVT, accessory-pathway mediated dyssynchrony was suspected as the cause for left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. He was commenced on flecainide which successfully blocked antegrade conduction via the accessory pathway resulting in a reduction in left ventricular volume and improvement in left ventricular systolic function. He remains asymptomatic at 12 months of age. Discussion: There is a known association between Ebstein anomaly and Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern. Right-sided septal accessory pathways can cause cardiomyopathy secondary to dyssynchronous left ventricular contraction. In patients who are unsuitable for accessory pathway ablation, flecainide can be used to block antegrade conduction via the accessory pathway resulting in improved left ventricular function, which was successful on this occasion.

New-Onset Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Left Bundle Branch Pacing.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) provides stable pacing parameters and has been suggested as an alternative for right ventricular pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and etiology of new-onset left ventricular dysfunction (NOLVD) following LBBP in patients with baseline normal left ventricular (LV) function and cardiomyopathy patients with normalized LV function. METHODS: Patients undergoing successful LBBP for symptomatic bradyarrhythmia or as an alternative to cardiac resynchronization therapy were included. Normalization of LV function was defined as improvement in LV ejection fraction to ≥50%. Patients with baseline normal LV function and those with recovered LV function after LBBP constituted the study group. Loss of conduction system capture (LOCSC) was defined as complete or partial loss of right bundle branch delay pattern along with inability to demonstrate capture transition during threshold assessment. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients were included; 59% (n = 250) had baseline normal LV function (group I) and 41% (n = 176) had recovered LV function after LBBP (group II). Mean follow-up duration of 28.3 ± 16.7 months. NOLVD was noted in 3.75% (n = 16; group I = 5 and group II = 11) of patients. The etiologies for NOLVD were LOCSC in 62.5% (n = 10), suboptimal atrioventricular (AV) delay in 18.7% (n = 3), atrial fibrillation in 6.3% (n = 1), and idiopathic in 12.5% (n = 2). LOCSC occurred at a mean interval of 9.2 ± 6.4 months after the initial implantation. Reinterventions (n = 6) including lead repositioning, AV delay optimization, and AV junction ablation resulted in renormalization of LV function in all 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Periodic assessment in device clinic is required because NOLVD from reversible causes can occur during follow-up in patients after LBBP.

Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction over Seven-Year Follow-Up in Type 2 Diabetes Patients without Cardiovascular Diseases.

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) is common in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to define long-term structural and functional disorders of the left ventricle (LV) myocardium over a 7-year follow-up in patients with T2D without cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Of the 120 patients with and without T2D of both sexes aged from 45 to 75 years (57.11 ± 7.9 years), included in the study in 2012-2013, 57 responded to the follow-up study. They were divided into two groups: one with T2D (n = 29), the other without it, the control (n = 28). All patients underwent transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography with an assessment of standard indicators of systolic and diastolic cardiac function, global longitudinal strain (GLS), laboratory diagnostics of carbohydrate metabolism disorders markers, NT-proBNP, and CRP. The median follow-up duration was 7.2 [7.0-7.8] years. During the follow-up, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of diastolic dysfunction (DD) from 53% to 61% (p = 0.004) was found in the T2D group; no significant dynamics were noted in the control group (p = 0.48). The proportion of patients with reduced GLS (<-18%) increased in the T2D group (p = 0.036). A significant difference in the frequency of decreased GLS depending on presence of T2D was demonstrated. In conclusion, T2D is an independent risk factor for the worsening of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with T2D without CVD over 7-year follow-up.

The Incidence and Impact of Cardiac Function Decline after Lower Extremity Revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of cardiac function decline on major adverse limb events (MALE) following lower extremity revascularization (LER) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been described. METHODS: The electronic records of patients undergoing LER for PAD in a single center were reviewed. Two transthoracic echocardiograms were captured, the first within 6 months of LER and the second on later follow-up (most recent to date). Patients were then divided into 2 groups: cardiac function decline (decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction ΔEF ≥10%) or stable cardiac function (reduction in ΔEF <10%, no change or improved EF). Patient characteristics and outcomes, including MALE, were compared. RESULTS: Of the 926 patients who underwent LER, 222 (24.0%) experienced a cardiac function decline, with 704 (76.0%) patients having stable cardiac function. Patients with cardiac function decline were more likely to have diabetes mellitus and heart failure than patients with stable cardiac function. There were no differences in the mode of revascularization (open vs. endovascular) between both groups. Patients with cardiac function decline demonstrated higher rates of periprocedural bleeding after initial LER. After a mean follow-up of 3 years, patients with cardiac function decline had higher mortality. However, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no difference in freedom from MALE or reintervention rates between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with cardiac function decline after LER for PAD have increased mortality but no significant difference in limb outcomes compared to patients with stable cardiac function.

Unmasking the Intricate Association Between Takotsubo Syndrome, Atrial Fibrillation, and Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary artery disease, often mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Its association with diabetes mellitus and arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), suggests potential shared pathophysiological mechanisms. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with diabetes who developed sudden, severe chest pain and palpitations after cataract surgery. Initial EKG showed ST-segment elevation, and laboratory tests revealed elevated high-sensitivity troponin, inflammatory markers, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Despite acute coronary syndrome symptoms, coronary angiography showed no significant obstruction. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed left ventricular apical akinesia and a moderately reduced ejection fraction. A cardiac MRI a month later demonstrated complete recovery of left ventricular function and spontaneous resolution of AF tachycardia. This case highlights a rare presentation of TTS in a diabetic patient with AF and DKA. The spontaneous resolution of AF and recovery of left ventricular function underscore the complex interplay between these conditions. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms linking TTS with diabetes and AF to improve clinical management and outcomes.

Subclinical left ventricular structural and functional alterations in children with obesity: is body mass or insulin resistance the main issue?

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to assess the left ventricular structure and functions in children with obesity. METHODS: This study included 29 patients with metabolic syndrome, 31 patients with obesity without metabolic syndrome, and 30 healthy children of similar age and gender. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical findings and left ventricular structure and functions evaluated by conventional pulsed wave Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography were compared. RESULTS: The left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness were significantly higher in children with obesity compared to controls. The mean left ventricular mass index of children with metabolic syndrome was also higher than for those without it. Most children with obesity had normal left ventricular geometry; concentric hypertrophy (27.6%) was more common in children with metabolic syndrome, and eccentric hypertrophy (25.7%) was more common in those without. The early to late diastolic mitral annular velocity ratios obtained with conventional pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography (E/A and Em/Am, respectively) were lower in children with obesity than controls. In addition, the ratio obtained by tissue Doppler echocardiography was lower in children with metabolic syndrome than without. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index has been identified as independent factors for left ventricular structures and functions. CONCLUSION: Obesity causes subclinical left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Additional metabolic syndrome-related risks lead to further deterioration of cardiac morphology and functions.

Anesthetic management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported aortic bypass surgery for atypical coarctation with severe left ventricular dysfunction: A case report.

Atypical aortic coarctation is an exceedingly rare condition, and there are very few reported cases of anesthetic management for bypass surgery in patients with severe impaired cardiac function. We present the anesthetic management of a 68-year-old woman with atypical aortic coarctation due to Takayasu arteritis and severely impaired cardiac function, who underwent ascending-to-abdominal aorta bypass surgery under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient's severe cardiac dysfunction was due to sustained afterload from the coarctation, leading to recurrent episodes of heart failure. Surgical intervention was deemed necessary, and a decision was made to perform a bypass operation. The patient experienced a transient state of shock following induction of anesthesia, but subsequent perioperative care was safely managed with the implementation of ECMO. For bypass surgery performed on patients with severe cardiac dysfunction due to atypical coarctation of the aorta, it is crucial to prepare for potential circulatory collapse during anesthesia induction and the surgical procedure. This preparation includes meticulous planning of the anesthesia induction method and ensuring that ECMO can be established promptly if needed.

Recombinant human placental growth factor-2 in post-infarction left ventricular dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, preclinical study.

Placental growth factor (PlGF)-2 induces angio- and arteriogenesis in rodents but its therapeutic potential in a clinically representative post-infarction left ventricular (LV) dysfunction model remains unclear. We, therefore, investigated the safety and efficacy of recombinant human (rh)PlGF-2 in the infarcted porcine heart in a randomized, placebo-controlled blinded study. We induced myocardial infarction (MI) in pigs using 75 min mid-LAD balloon occlusion followed by reperfusion. After 4 w, we randomized pigs with marked LV dysfunction (LVEF < 40%) to receive continuous intravenous infusion of 5, 15, 45 µg/kg/day rhPlGF-2 or PBS (CON) for 2 w using osmotic pumps. We evaluated the treatment effect at 8 w using comprehensive MRI and immunohistochemistry and measured myocardial PlGF-2 receptor transcript levels. At 4 w after MI, infarct size was 16-18 ± 4% of LV mass, resulting in significantly impaired systolic function (LVEF 34 ± 4%). In the pilot study (3 pigs/dose), PIGF administration showed sustained dose-dependent increases in plasma concentrations for 14 days without systemic toxicity and was associated with favorable post-infarct remodeling. In the second phase (n = 42), we detected no significant differences at 8 w between CON and PlGF-treated pigs in infarct size, capillary or arteriolar density, global LV function and regional myocardial blood flow at rest or during stress. Molecular analysis showed significant downregulation of the main PlGF-2 receptor, pVEGFR-1, in dysfunctional myocardium. Chronic rhPIGF-2 infusion was safe but failed to induce therapeutic neovascularization and improve global cardiac function after myocardial infarction in pigs. Our data emphasize the critical need for properly designed trials in representative large animal models before translating presumed promising therapies to patients.

A case report of reversible left ventricular dysfunction due to azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome.

Background: Hypersensitivity reaction is a rare side effect during immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine (AZA). Some cases of cardiac involvement have already been reported but causality is notoriously difficult to prove. Case summary: We present the case of a 68-year-old man with two episodes of reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. One month after treatment initiation with AZA, he developed non-specific symptoms, including mild chest pain. In the context of elevated cardiac biomarkers and markers of inflammation, echocardiography showed depressed systolic LV function. Biventricular dysfunction was shown on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), but neither myocardial oedema nor late gadolinium enhancement was documented. There was full recovery of LV function after AZA discontinuation. Very similar clinical course and echocardiography findings were observed early after restarting AZA treatment. After definitive cessation of AZA, systolic LV function recovered again and remained stable throughout long-term follow-up. Discussion: Hypersensitivity reaction with cardiac involvement due to AZA is rare. The exact mechanisms underlying AZA-related cardiac dysfunction are still not completely understood, and causality is often difficult to prove. However, because of re-exposure to the drug, which, considered retrospectively, was inappropriate, the effect was clearly apparent in our patient. Knowledge of this potentially life-threatening side effect of AZA treatment is important. AZA must be discontinued promptly if there is any evidence of hypersensitivity reaction.

Brazil nuts potential: effects on lipid peroxidation and heart health in nephrectomized rats.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a Brazil nut-enriched diet on the wall thickness and the left ventricular chamber diameter of the heart, and lipid peroxidation in a CKD-induced model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats at 12 weeks of age were divided into two groups (n=16/group): the Nx group, which underwent 5/6 nephrectomy, and the Sham group, as a control. After 5 weeks, the groups were subdivided according to diet (n=8/group): the Nx and Sham groups received a control diet; the Nx5% and Sham5% groups received a diet enriched with 5 % Brazil nuts for 8 weeks. The left ventricular thickening and chamber diameter were determined. Plasma biochemical parameters were evaluated. Analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and antioxidant enzyme activity was performed in the plasma and the left ventricle (LV). LV mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The Nx5% group showed a remodeled LV wall with decreased thickness compared to the Nx group (p=0.016). Furthermore, LV TBARS concentration was reduced in the Nx5% group (p=0.0064). In addition, the Nx5% group showed an increase in plasma GPx activity (p=0.0431). No significant results were found concerning the LV mRNA expression of NF-κB and Nrf2 genes. CONCLUSIONS: A Brazil nut-enriched diet decreased LV thickness and LV TBARS concentration and increased GPx activity in a 5/6 nephrectomy experimental model, making it a promising adjuvant therapy to improve antioxidant status and cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

Should routine pulmonary function tests be performed in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and/or congestive heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery?

BACKGROUND: It is controversial whether pulmonary function testing should be performed routinely in cardiac surgery patients. The aim of our study was to focus on patients who have congestive heart failure, caused by left ventricular dysfunction or left-sided heart valve disease, and study the prognostic value of performing preoperative pulmonary function testing on their postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective propensity score matched study that included 366 patients with congestive heart failure who underwent cardiac surgery and had preoperative pulmonary function test. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 who had a normal or mild reduction in pulmonary function tests and group 2 who had moderate to severe reduction in pulmonary function tests. The postoperative outcomes, including pulmonary complications, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Pulmonary function tests were normal or mildly reduced in 190 patients (group 1) and moderately to severely reduced in 176 patients (group 2). Propensity matching identified 111 matched pairs in each group with balanced preoperative and operative characteristics. Compared to group 1, Group 2 had longer duration of mechanical ventilation [12 (7.5-16) vs. 9 (6.5-13) hours, p < 0.001], higher postoperative Creatinine [111 (90-142) vs. 105 (81-128) µmol/dl, p = 0.02] and higher hospital mortality (6.31% vs. 0%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Routine Pulmonary Function Testing should be performed in patients with Left ventricular dysfunction and/or congestive heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery since moderate to severe reduction in those patients was associated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation and higher hospital mortality.

Isolated left ventricular non-compaction: Clinical characterisation of a teenage male.

Isolated Left Ventricular Non-compaction (LVNC) is a type of cardiomyopathy that usually has a genetic origin. Its diagnosis is based on finding such as deep intertrabecular recesses or sinusoids and ventricular trabeculations communicating with the left ventricular cavity. LVNC was first clinically recognised almost four decades ago, yet its diagnostic and management challenges persist. In this report, we present the case of an 18-year-old boy, who presented at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, in March 2023, with complaints of dizziness, pedal oedema, and shortness of breath. Echocardiography revealed signs suggestive of LVNC, which were confirmed conclusively on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) (NC/C ratio>2.4). The patient underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement, was discharged after a smooth post-procedure recovery, and is doing well on follow-ups. Hence, ICD and guideline-directed medical therapy as a combination have turned out to have satisfactory outcomes in decreasing morbidity and providing mortality benefits for such patients.

Surgical Management of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Is It Time to Reconsider Revascularization Surgery?

Ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction are a specific group of patients with poor surgical outcomes. There are few surgical treatment options in practice for the treatment of these patients such as heart transplantation, coronary artery bypass surgery, surgical ventricular restoration, etc. Despite multiple treatment options, there are no explicit clinical guidelines available to guide surgeons in choosing the most appropriate option and ensuring that the specific patient can benefit from the selected surgical treatment. Heart transplantation is the gold standard treatment for ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, but it is limited to very few highly equipped centers around the world due to donor shortages, complex perioperative and surgical management, and limited technological and human resources. It is evident from some studies that heart transplant-eligible candidates can benefit from alternative surgical options such as coronary artery bypass surgery alone or combined with surgical ventricular restoration. Therefore, alternative surgical options that are used for most of the population, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, need to be discussed to improve their outcomes. A challenge in the recent era which has yet to find a solution is to determine which heart transplant candidate can benefit from simple revascularization compared to a complex heart transplantation procedure. Myocardial viability testing was one of the most important determinants in deciding whether a patient should undergo revascularization, but its role in guiding appropriate surgical options has been challenged. This review aims to discuss the available surgical management options and their long-term outcomes for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, which will eventually help surgeons when choosing a surgical procedure.

Early Methylglyoxal Exposure Leads to Worsened Cardiovascular Function in Young Rats.

BACKGROUND: Though maternal diabetes effects are well described in the literature, the effects of maternal diabetes in postnatal phases are often overlooked. Diabetic individuals have higher levels of circulating glycotoxins, and there is a positive correlation between maternal-derived glycotoxins and circulating glycotoxins in their progeny. Previous studies evaluated the metabolic effects of high glycotoxin exposure during lactation in adult animals. However, here we focus on the cardiovascular system of juvenile rats. METHODS: For this, we used two experimental models: 1. High Methylglyoxal (MG) environment: pregnant Wistar rats were injected with PBS (VEH group) or Methylglyoxal (MG group; 60 mg/kg/day; orally, postnatal day (PND) 3 to PND14). 2. GLO-1 inhibition: pregnant Wistar rats were injected with dimethyl sulfoxide (VEH group) or a GLO-1 inhibitor (BBGC group; 5 mg/kg/day; subcutaneously, PND1-PND5). The offspring were evaluated at PND45. RESULTS: MG offspring presented cardiac dysfunction and subtly worsened vasomotor responses in the presence of perivascular adipose tissue, without morphological alterations. In addition, an endogenous increase in maternal glycotoxins impacts offspring vasomotricity due to impaired redox status. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that early glycotoxin exposure led to cardiac and vascular impairments, which may increase the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases later in life.