Reduced Levels of Selenium and Thioredoxin Reductase in the Thoracic Aorta Could Contribute to Aneurysm Formation in Patients with Marfan Syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a heterozygous mutation of the FBN1 gene. MFS patients present oxidative stress that disturbs redox homeostasis. Redox homeostasis depends in part on the enzymatic antioxidant system, which includes thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and glutathione peroxidases (GPx), both of which require an adequate concentration of selenium (Se). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if Se levels are decreased in the TAA of patients with MFS since this could contribute to the formation of an aneurysm in these patients. The results show that interleukins IL-1ß, IL-6 TGF-ß1, and TNF-α (p ≤ 0.03), and carbonylation (p ≤ 0.03) were increased in the TAA of patients with MFS in comparison with control subjects, while Se, thiols (p = 0.02), TrxR, and GPx (p ≤ 0.001) were decreased. TLR4 and NOX1 (p ≤ 0.03), MMP9 and MMP2 (p = 0.04) and NOS2 (p < 0.001) were also increased. Therefore, Se concentrations are decreased in the TAA of MFS, which can contribute to a decrease in the activities of TrxR and GPx, and thiol groups. A decrease in the activities of these enzymes can lead to the loss of redox homeostasis, which can, in turn, lead to an increase in the pro-inflammatory interleukins associated with the overexpression of MMP9 and MMP2.

Overexpression of microRNA-21-5p and microRNA-221-5p in Monocytes Increases the Risk of Developing Coronary Artery Disease.

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are found to be present in monocytes. This study aimed to investigate miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p, their expression in monocytes, and their role in coronary arterial disease (CAD). The study population comprised 110 subjects, and RT-qPCR was used to examine the miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p expressions in monocytes. Results: the miR-21-5p (p = 0.001) and miR-221-5p (p < 0.001) expression levels were significantly higher in the CAD group, and the miR-155-5p (p = 0.021) expression levels were significantly lower in the CAD group; only miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p upregulation was found to be associated with an increased CAD risk. The results show significant increases in miR-21-5p in the unmedicated CAD group with the metformin patients vs. the healthy control group (p = 0.001) and vs. the medicated CAD group with metformin (p = 0.022). The same was true for miR-221-5p in the CAD patients unmedicated with metformin vs. the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Our results from Mexican CAD patients show that the overexpression in monocytes of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p increases the risk of the development of CAD. In addition, in the CAD group, the metformin downregulated the expression of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p. Also, the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) decreased significantly in our patients with CAD, regardless of whether they were medicated. Therefore, our findings allow for the proposal of new therapeutic strategies for the diagnosis and prognosis of CAD and the evaluation of treatment efficacy.

Expressions of mRNA and encoded proteins of mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes (UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3) in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue and associations with coronary artery disease.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissues in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects and methods: We studied 60 patients with CAD and 106 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery (controls). Expression levels of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: : We found increased UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA levels in the epicardial adipose tissue in the CAD versus the control group, and higher UCP1 and UCP3 mRNA expression in the epicardial compared with the mediastinal tissue in the CAD group. There was also increased expression of UCP1 protein in the epicardial tissue and UCP2 protein in the mediastinum tissue in patients with CAD. Finally, UCP1 expression was associated with levels of fasting plasma glucose, and UCP3 expression was associated with levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in the epicardial tissue. Conclusion: Our study supports the hypothesis that higher mRNA expression by UCP genes in the epicardial adipose tissue could be a protective mechanism against the production of reactive oxygen species and may guard the myocardium against damage. Thus, UCP levels are essential to maintain the adaptive phase of cardiac injury in the presence of metabolic disorders.

Expressions of mRNA and encoded proteins of mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes (UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3) in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue and associations with coronary artery disease

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the expression of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissues in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects and methods: We studied 60 patients with CAD and 106 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery (controls). Expression levels of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: We found increased UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA levels in the epicardial adipose tissue in the CAD versus the control group, and higher UCP1 and UCP3 mRNA expression in the epicardial compared with the mediastinal tissue in the CAD group. There was also increased expression of UCP1 protein in the epicardial tissue and UCP2 protein in the mediastinum tissue in patients with CAD. Finally, UCP1 expression was associated with levels of fasting plasma glucose, and UCP3 expression was associated with levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in the epicardial tissue. Conclusions: Our study supports the hypothesis that higher mRNA expression by UCP genes in the epicardial adipose tissue could be a protective mechanism against the production of reactive oxygen species and may guard the myocardium against damage. Thus, UCP levels are essential to maintain the adaptive phase of cardiac injury in the presence of metabolic disorders.

Coronary Revascularization in Patients With Cardiac Sequelae of Kawasaki Disease at a Single Center.

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limited vasculitis that mainly affects infants and preschool-age children, characterized by coronary aneurysms and/or stenoses that may lead to the occurrence of ischemia, heart attack, and sudden death. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and surgical results of pediatric patients with KD and cardiac sequelae who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out. Patients with a diagnosis of KD and cardiac sequelae who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting from January 1, 2004, through March 31, 2021, were included: preoperative characteristics and conditions. Results: Ten patients were included, with a mean age of 6.4 ± 3.7 years; 80% males. Seven (70%) had the compromise of 2 coronary arteries, the most affected being the left anterior descendent artery (36.9%) with aneurysm and the right coronary artery (36.8%) with stenosis. 40% had preoperative moderate-to-severe ventricular dysfunction. The graft most frequently used was the right internal thoracic artery (47.6%), and the most frequent coronary bypass target vessel was the left anterior descending artery (38.1%). There was no early mortality or deaths during follow-up; 90% remained in functional class I. Among the cohort as a group, there was an overall improvement in postoperative ventricular function (P = .03). This persisted, being unchanged at subsequent follow-up (P = .95). Conclusions: Coronary artery bypass grafting is an appropriate treatment option for children with cardiac sequelae of KD, with excellent surgical results. Furthermore, this surgical procedure avoids the deterioration of left ventricular function in pediatric age.

Origen anómalo de una de las ramas de la arteria pulmonar (OAAP): tratamiento quirúrgico y resultados / Anomalous origin of one of the branches of the pulmonary artery (AOPA): Surgical treatment and outcome

Resumen Introducción: El origen anómalo de una de las ramas de la arteria pulmonar procedente de la aorta ascendente es poco frecuente. Objetivo: Identificar las características clínicas y quirúrgicas de los pacientes sometidos a reimplante de la rama afectada. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo, retrospectivo y retrolectivo, en el que se incluyeron los pacientes diagnosticados de origen anómalo de alguna de las ramas de la arteria pulmonar y que fueron tratados mediante cirugía correctiva en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, en el periodo del 1 de enero de 2003 al 31 de enero de 2019. De los expedientes se extrajeron las características demográficas, los antecedentes quirúrgicos, los diagnósticos, los reportes ecocardiográficos y tomográficos, la técnica quirúrgica y el estado posquirúrgico. Resultados: Se encontraron nueve pacientes sometidos a cirugía de corrección, con un promedio de edad de 2 ± 2 años, un peso de 11.4 ± 1.5 kg y una talla de 82 ± 15 cm. El 67% fueron de sexo masculino. La rama afectada con más frecuencia fue la derecha; el 68% se originaban directamente de la aorta y el 42% de un conducto arterioso persistente. La corrección con circulación extracorpórea tuvo un tiempo promedio de pinzamiento aórtico de 35 minutos y de soporte circulatorio de 45 minutos. Se utilizó el implante directo o con material sintético. Las complicaciones fueron falla ventricular, sangrado, arritmias y neumonía nosocomial. La mortalidad fue del 11%. Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico para el reimplante de la rama anómala de la arteria pulmonar es el procedimiento de elección, y con cuidados quirúrgicos y posteriores tiene un buen pronóstico a mediano y largo plazo.

Abstract Introduction: The anomalous origin of one of the branches of the pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is rare. Objective: To identify the clinical and surgical characteristics of the patients undergoing reimplantation of the affected branch. Method: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective and retrolective study was performed; patients diagnosed with anomalous origin of one of the branches of the pulmonary artery and treated by corrective surgery at the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chavez, in the period from January 1, 2003 to January 31, 2019, were included. It was extracted from the files: demographic characteristics, surgical antecedents, diagnoses, echocardiographic and tomographic reports, surgical technique and post-surgical status. Results: Nine patients underwent correction surgery, with an average age of 2 ± 2 years, 11.4 ± 1.5 kg and height 82 ± 15 cm; 67% were male. The most frequent affected branch was the right, 68% originated directly from the aorta and 42% from a patent ductus arteriosus. The correction with extracorporeal circulation had an average aortic cross-clamp of 35 minutes and circulatory support of 45 minutes, the direct or synthetic implant was used. The complications were ventricular failure, bleeding, arrhythmias and nosocomial pneumonia. Mortality was 11%. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for reimplantation of the anomalous branch of the pulmonary artery is the procedure of choice, which with surgical and subsequent care has a good prognosis in the medium and long term.

[Coronary Revascularization in Kawasaki's disease]. / Revascularización Coronaria en Enfermedad de Kawasaki.

Kawasaki´s disease (KD) has surpassed rheumatic fever in many countries as the first cause of acquired heart disease in pediatric age, being the coronary aneurism its worst complication. We present a case of successful revascularization in a 5-year-old patient, with three-vessel coronary disease secondary to KD, who underwent a coronary bypass with anastomosis from the left internal mammary artery to the anterior descending artery, the right mammary artery to the marginal obtuse artery and the radial artery to the posterior descending artery. Close follow-up and choosing the right time to undergo surgery will prevent adverse events like permanent disability of the patient, ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, global infarction and sudden death.

Corrección uno y medio. Resultados en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología "Ignacio Chávez" / One and half ventricle repair. Surgical results at the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología

La hipertensión pulmonar primaria (HPP) es una enfermedad rara, progresiva y fatal. Debido a que los signos y síntomas son inespecíficos, al momento del diagnóstico los pacientes se presentan con una enfermedad ya avanzada. En años recientes se han realizado avances importantes en el conocimiento de esta enfermedad. Una nueva nomenclatura ha sido propuesta, se ha definido mejor la patobiología, se han identificado nuevos factores de riesgo y las nuevas estrategias terapéuticas parecen estar cambiando la historia natural y el pronóstico de esta enfermedad.