Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本成人先天性心疾患学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本成人先天性心疾患学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

INTRODUCTION: Electrical storm (ES) of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) is an important cause of sudden death in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). VTAs in CS are associated with myocardial scarring and inflammation. However, little is known about the risk factors of ES in patients with CS and VTAs. The objective of this study is to clarify the characteristics and risk factors for the development of ES in patients with CS. METHODS: The study population included consecutive 52 patients with CS and sustained VTA. Twenty-five out of 52 patients experienced ES. We evaluated clinical characteristics, imaging modalities, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters to determine the risk factors associated with ES. RESULTS: Half of the patients experienced VTAs as the initial symptom of sarcoidosis, and eight patients had ES as the initial VTA episode. There were no differences in cardiac imaging abnormalities between patients with and without ES. Among ECG markers, significant QRS fragmentation (odds ratio [OR]: 7.9, p = .01) and epsilon waves (OR: 12.24, p = .02) were associated with ES. Among the ventricular tachycardia (VT) characteristics, multiple morphologies of monomorphic VTs (OR: 10.9, p < .01), short VT cycle lengths (OR: 12.5, p < .01), and polymorphic VT (OR: 13.5, p < .01) were associated with ES. Bidirectional VTs were detected in 10 patients with ES and one patient without ES. Immunosuppressive therapy relieved ES in some patients. CONCLUSIONS: ES was common in patients with CS and VTAs. Significant depolarization abnormalities that appeared as QRS fragmentation, epsilon waves, and specific VT characteristics were associated with ES.

DOI： 10.1111/jce.16156

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DOI： 10.1111/pace.14871

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本人工臓器学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本脈管学会  

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Frontiers Media SA  

Introduction

Transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) is a promising treatment for heart failure. Information on long-term cell engraftment after transplantation is clinically important. However, clinically applicable evaluation methods have not yet been established.

Methods

In this study, to noninvasively assess transplanted cell engraftment, human SLC5A5, which encodes a sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) that transports radioactive tracers such as ¹²⁵I, ¹⁸F-tetrafluoroborate (TFB), and ^99mTc-pertechnetate (^99mTcO₄⁻), was transduced into human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and nuclear medicine imaging was used to track engrafted human iPSC-CMs.

Results

To evaluate the pluripotency of NIS-expressing human iPSCs, they were subcutaneously transplanted into immunodeficient rats. Teratomas were detected by ^99mTcO₄⁻ single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. NIS expression and the uptake ability of ¹²⁵I were maintained in purified human iPSC-CMs. NIS-expressing human iPSC-CMs transplanted into immunodeficient rats could be detected over time using ^99mTcO₄⁻ SPECT/CT imaging. Unexpectedly, NIS expression affected cell proliferation of human iPSCs and iPSC-derived cells.

Discussion

Such functionally designed iPSC-CMs have potential clinical applications as a noninvasive method of grafted cell evaluation, but further studies are needed to determine the effects of NIS transduction on cellular characteristics and functions.

DOI： 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1261330

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DOI： 10.1007/s12928-023-00956-5

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Background: Various types of arrhythmia are observed in patients with cardiac amyloidosis, but the prevalence of arrhythmia has not been fully investigated. This study investigated the prevalence and treatment of arrhythmias in patients with cardiac amyloidosis before the introduction of new agents for amyloidosis, such as tafamidis. Methods and Results: Of 53 patients who were histologically diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis at 10 centers in western Japan between 2009 and 2021, 43 who were diagnosed on the basis of immunohistochemical staining were evaluated in this study. Of these 43 patients, 13 had immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and 30 had transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis; further, 27 had atrial tachyarrhythmia, 13 had ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and 17 had bradyarrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the most common arrhythmia in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (n=24; 55.8%), especially among those with ATTR amyloidosis (70.0% of ATTR vs. 23.1% of AL). Eleven (25.6%) patients were treated with a cardiac implantable device. All 3 patients with pacemakers were alive at the last follow-up (median 76.7 months; interquartile range [IQR] 4.8-146.4 months). Of the 8 patients who underwent AF ablation, there was no recurrence in 6 (75%) after a median of 39.3 months (IQR 19.8-59.3 months). Conclusions: The prevalence of various arrhythmias was high in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. AF occurred most frequently in patients with cardiac amyloidosis, especially among patients with ATTR.

DOI： 10.1253/circrep.CR-23-0022

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Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a life-threatening disease that coexists with right heart failure. We evaluated the relationship between malnutrition and prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, as malnutrition is known as a prognosis determinant in chronic heart failure. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension before treatment. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, Prognostic Nutritional Index, and Controlling Nutritional Status scores on the day of diagnosis were calculated to assess the nutritional status. Clinical endpoints were defined as composite outcomes of all-cause death or lung transplantation. Eighty patients were enrolled (mean age, 50 years; 23 men). The mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 47 ± 19 mmHg, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index was 99.9 ± 12.0, and Prognostic Nutritional Index was 46.3 ± 10.0. The median Controlling Nutritional Status score was 2 (1-4). During the median 5.5-year follow-up period, 28 composite events occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significant differences in the incidence of clinical endpoints between groups divided by each median Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, Prognostic Nutritional Index, and Controlling Nutritional Status score (p = 0.007, 0.039, and 0.010, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, clinical endpoints were significantly associated with Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (hazard ratio: 0.953, 95% confidence interval: 0.918-0.990), Prognostic Nutritional Index (hazard ratio: 0.942, 95% confidence interval: 0.892-0.996), and Controlling Nutritional Status score (hazard ratio: 1.230, 95% confidence interval: 1.056-1.433) after adjustment for factors associated in univariate Cox regression analysis. Malnutrition at diagnosis is a useful prognostic predictor for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

DOI： 10.1002/pul2.12286

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：International Heart Journal (Japanese Heart Journal)  

DOI： 10.1536/ihj.22-752

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background The appearance of complete right bundle-branch block (CRBBB) in Brugada syndrome (BrS) is associated with an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation. The pathophysiological mechanism of CRBBB in patients with BrS has not been well established. We aimed to clarify the significance of a conduction delay zone associated with arrhythmias on CRBBB using body surface mapping in patients with BrS. Methods and Results Body surface mapping was recorded in 11 patients with BrS and 8 control patients both with CRBBB. CRBBB in control patients was transiently exhibited by unintentional catheter manipulation (proximal RBBB). Ventricular activation time maps were constructed for both of the groups. We divided the anterior chest into 4 areas (inferolateral right ventricle [RV], RV outflow tract [RVOT], intraventricular septum, and left ventricle) and compared activation patterns between the 2 groups. Excitation propagated to the RV from the left ventricle through the intraventricular septum with activation delay in the entire RV in the control group (proximal RBBB pattern). In 7 patients with BrS, excitation propagated from the inferolateral RV to the RVOT with significant regional activation delay. The remaining 4 patients with BrS showed a proximal RBBB pattern with the RVOT activation delay. The ventricular activation time in the inferolateral RV was significantly shorter in patients with BrS without a proximal RBBB pattern than in control patients. Conclusions The CRBBB morphology in patients with BrS consisted of 2 mechanisms: (1) significantly delayed conduction in the RVOT and (2) proximal RBBB with RVOT conduction delay. Significant RVOT conduction delay without proximal RBBB resulted in CRBBB morphology in patients with BrS.

DOI： 10.1161/JAHA.122.028706

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BACKGROUND: Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) frequently have concomitant aortic regurgitation (AR), but the association between aortic valvular calcification (AVC) and the severity of AR remains unclear.Methods and Results: We retrospectively reviewed patients with severe AS who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) within 1 month. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the degree of concomitant AR. The association between AVC and the severity of concomitant AR was assessed in patients with severe AS. The study population consisted of 95 patients: 43 men and 52 women with a mean age of 82±7 years. Of the 95 patients with severe AS, 27 had no or trivial AR, 53 had mild AR, and 15 had moderate AR. The AVC score (AVCS) and AVC volume (AVCV) significantly increased as the severity of concomitant AR increased (P=0.014 for both), and similar findings were obtained for the AVCS and AVCV indexes (P=0.004 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of AR correlated with AVCS and AVCV measured by MDCT in patients with severe AS. AVC may cause concomitant AR, leading to worsening of disease condition.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-22-0746

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure can cause acute pulmonary edema. Before transcatheter closure is performed, temporary balloon occlusion test (BOT) is recommended in patients with left ventricular dysfunction to predict the risk of pulmonary edema. However, the accuracy of BOT has not been verified. This study aimed to compare hemodynamic differences between BOT and transcatheter closure. METHODS: A total of 42 patients with a single ASD over age 18 years who underwent BOT before transcatheter ASD closure between October 2010 and May 2020 were analyzed. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was measured using a Swan-Ganz catheter placed in the pulmonary artery at baseline, after 10 min of BOT, and after transcatheter closure. Amplatzer septal occluder was used for all transcatheter closures. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 64 ± 18 years (range, 18-78). Mean ASD diameter and pulmonary to systemic flow ratio were 18 ± 5 and 2.8 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Mean PCWP at baseline, during BOT, and after transcatheter closure was 8.9 ± 2.9, 13.5 ± 4.2, and 9.5 ± 2.6 mmHg, respectively. The difference between BOT and after transcatheter closure values was significant (p < 0.001). During BOT, PCWP increased ≥18 mmHg in 7 patients, whereas after ASD closure, PCWP was <18 mmHg in all 7 and none developed acute pulmonary edema. CONCLUSION: Temporary balloon occlusion of an ASD and transcatheter ASD closure result in different hemodynamic change. BOT overestimates increase of PCWP after transcatheter ASD closure and requires careful interpretation. Well-designed, larger studies in higher-risk patients are warranted to verify the clinical implications of BOT in more detail.

DOI： 10.1002/ccd.30556

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本成人先天性心疾患学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本成人先天性心疾患学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)日本心臓財団  

43歳男性.非代償性アルコール性肝硬変のため他院で通院加療を行われていた.特発性細菌性腹膜炎を契機とした肝腎症候群による急性腎障害を発症し当院転院となった.著明なアシドーシスおよび腎不全を認め集中治療室に入室した.入院後,下壁誘導ST上昇および高度房室ブロックを生じショック状態に至った.気管挿管を行いアルブミン補充および昇圧薬を使用して呼吸循環を維持し,持続的血液濾過透析を施行しながら緊急冠動脈造影検査を施行した.右冠動脈中間部90%狭窄,左冠動脈前下行枝近位部90%狭窄,左冠動脈回旋枝中間部90%狭窄を認めたが,血管拡張薬冠注により狭窄は解除され冠攣縮に伴うST上昇型急性下壁心筋梗塞と診断した.ニコランジル持続静脈投与を開始しST変化や房室ブロックの再発を認めなかった.血行動態安定し,全身状態も改善に向かった.肝腎症候群は末期肝硬変に続発する腎皮質血管の攣縮により生じるとされ,肝・腎以外の臓器にも血流障害が併存する可能性を示唆されている.今回我々は肝腎症候群に冠攣縮による急性心筋梗塞を発症し,集学的治療により救命し得た1例を経験したためここに報告する.(著者抄録)

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Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/default/link?pub_year=2022&ichushi_jid=J00679&link_issn=&doc_id=20221018180015&doc_link_id=%2Fah2sinzd%2F2022%2F005410%2F019%2F1164-1169%26dl%3D0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalonline.jp%2Fjamas.php%3FGoodsID%3D%2Fah2sinzd%2F2022%2F005410%2F019%2F1164-1169%26dl%3D0&type=MedicalOnline&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00004_2.gif

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The 86thAnnual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society was held in a web-based format on March 11-13, 2022. In accordance with the internationalization policy of the JCS, the meeting was held with the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Congress 2022. The main theme was "Cardiology Spreading its Wings". The number of patients with heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases is increasing dramatically, and the fields dealt with by cardiovascular medicine are also greatly expanding. This conference was both intellectually satisfying and exciting for all participants, who numbered over 14,900. The meeting was completed with great success, and the enormous amount of cooperation and support from all involved was greatly appreciated.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-22-0349

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This study aimed to elucidate the utility of a novel ultrasound-based technique, shear wave dispersion slope (SWDS) analysis, which estimates tissue viscosity, for evaluating the severity of myocardial inflammation. Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) at different disease phases [3-week (acute phase): n = 10, 5-week (subacute phase): n = 9, and 7-week (late phase): n = 11] were developed in male Lewis rats. SWDS was measured in the right and the left ventricular free walls (RVFW and LVFW) under a retrograde perfusion condition. Histological myocardial inflammation was evaluated by CD68 staining. The accumulation of CD68-positive cells was severe in the myocardium of the EAM 3-week group. The median (interquartile range) SWDS of RVFW was significantly higher in the EAM 3-week group [9.9 (6.5-11.0) m/s/kHz] than in the control group [5.4 (4.5-6.8) m/s/kHz] (P = 0.034). The median SWDS of LVFW was also significantly higher in the EAM 3-week group [8.1 (6.4-11.0) m/s/kHz] than in the control group [4.4 (4.2-4.8) m/s/kHz] (P = 0.003). SWDS and the percentage of CD68-positive area showed a significant correlation in RVFW (R2 = 0.64, P < 0.001) and LVFW (R2 = 0.73, P < 0.001). This study showed that SWDS was elevated in ventricular walls with acute inflammation and also significantly correlated with the degree of myocardial inflammation. These results suggest the potential of SWDS in estimating the histological severity of acute myocarditis.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-022-12935-6

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Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is a promising technique for the assessment of the lung perfused blood volume (LPBV) in the lung parenchyma. This study was performed to compare the LPBV by DECT of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and controls and to evaluate the association between the LPBV and the perfusion ratio derived by lung perfusion scintigraphy. This study involved 45 patients who underwent DECT (25 patients with PH and 20 controls). We measured the total LPBV and distribution of the LPBV in each lung. The total LPBV was significantly lower in the PH group than the control group (38 ± 9 vs. 45 ± 8 HU, p = 0.024). Significant differences were observed between the LPBV of the upper lung of the PH and control groups (34 ± 10 vs. 47 ± 10, p = 0.021 and 37 ± 10 vs. 47 ± 8, p &lt; 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between the LPBV and the lung perfusion scintigraphy. A lower total LPBV and lower LPBV of the upper lung as detected by DECT might be specific findings of PH.

DOI： 10.3390/life12050684

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BACKGROUND: The number of patients with bradyarrhythmia and the number of patients with cardiac pacemakers are increasing with the aging population and the increase in the number of patients with heart diseases. Some patients in whom a cardiac pacemaker has been implanted experience problems such as pacemaker infection and inconvenience due to electromagnetic interference. We have reported that overexpression of HCN channels producing a pacemaker current in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes showed enhanced pacing function in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to determine whether HCN4 overexpression in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) can strengthen the pacing function of the cells. METHODS: Human HCN4 was transduced in the AAVS1 locus of human induced pluripotent stem cells by nucleofection and HCN4-overexpressing iPSC-CMs were generated. Gene expression profiles, frequencies of spontaneous contraction and pacing abilities of HCN4-overexpressing and non-overexpressing iPSC-CMs in vitro were compared. RESULTS: HCN4-overexpressing iPSC-CMs showed higher spontaneous contraction rates than those of non-overexpressing iPSC-CMs. They responded to an HCN channel blocker and β adrenergic stimulation. The pacing rates against parent iPSC line-derived cardiomyocytes were also higher in HCN4-overexpressing iPSC-CMs than in non-overexpressing iPSC-CMs. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of HCN4 showed enhancement of If current, spontaneous firing and pacing function in iPSC-CMs. These data suggest this transgenic cell line may be useful as a cardiac pacemaker.

DOI： 10.1186/s13287-022-02818-y

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AIMS: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have diuretic effects in both patients with glycosuria and with natriuresis. We sought to assess the effect of luseogliflozin on estimated plasma volume (ePV) in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: This study was a post-hoc analysis of the MUSCAT-HF trial (UMIN000018395), a multicentre, prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial that assessed the effect of 12 weeks of luseogliflozin (2.5 mg, once daily, n = 83) as compared with voglibose (0.2 mg, three times daily, n = 82) on the reduction in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFpEF. The analysis compared the change in ePV calculated by the Straus formula from baseline to Weeks 4, 12, and 24, using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures. We also estimated the association between changes in ePV and changes in other clinical parameters, including BNP levels. Luseogliflozin significantly reduced ePV as compared to voglibose at Week 4 {adjusted mean group-difference -6.43% [95% confidence interval (CI): -9.11 to -3.74]}, at Week 12 [-8.73% (95%CI: -11.40 to -6.05)], and at Week 24 [-11.02% (95%CI: -13.71 to -8.33)]. The effect of luseogliflozin on these parameters was mostly consistent across various patient clinical characteristics. The change in ePV at Week 12 was significantly associated with log-transformed BNP (r = 0.197, P = 0.015) and left atrial volume index (r = 0.283, P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Luseogliflozin significantly reduced ePV in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFpEF, as compared with voglibose. The reduction of intravascular volume by luseogliflozin may provide clinical benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes and HFpEF.

DOI： 10.1002/ehf2.13683

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本内科学会  

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Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease that lacks effective preventive therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pemafibrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist, on AAA formation and rupture. Methods: Experimental AAA was induced by subcutaneous angiotensin II (AngII) infusion in ApoE - / - mice for 4 weeks. Pemafibrate (0.1 mg/kg/day) was administered orally. Dihydroethidium staining was used to evaluate the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results: The size of the AngII-induced AAA did not differ between pemafibrate- and vehicle-treated groups. However, a decreased mortality rate due to AAA rupture was observed in pemafibrate-treated mice. Pemafibrate ameliorated AngII-induced ROS and reduced the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the aortic wall. Gelatin zymography analysis demonstrated significant inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity by pemafibrate. AngII-induced ROS production in human vascular smooth muscle cells was inhibited by pre-treatment with pemafibrate and was accompanied by an increase in catalase activity. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of catalase or PPARα significantly attenuated the anti-oxidative effect of pemafibrate. Conclusion: Pemafibrate prevented AAA rupture in a murine model, concomitant with reduced ROS, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation in the aortic wall. The protective effect against AAA rupture was partly mediated by the anti-oxidative effect of catalase induced by pemafibrate in the smooth muscle cells.

DOI： 10.3389/fcvm.2022.904215

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BACKGROUND: Multiple spikes within the QRS complex, known as fragmented QRS (fQRS), are associated with the occurrences of ventricular arrhythmic events (VAEs) in patients with Brugada syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, the association between fQRS and occurrence of VAEs in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) has not been elucidated. METHODS: We evaluated the associations between fQRS and cardiac events including VAEs [non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF)], hospitalization for heart failure, and all-cause death in 68 patients with CS (30 patients with fQRS vs. 38 patients without fQRS) over a 5-year period. RESULTS: Cardiac events occurred in 22 patients with fQRS and 18 patients without fQRS (73% vs. 47%, p=0.009). Of the cardiac events that occurred in CS patients, VAEs occurred more frequently in patients with fQRS than in patients without fQRS (VAEs: 70% vs. 45%, p=0.017; NSVT: 70% vs. 45%, p=0.010; VT: 43% vs. 18%, p=0.011, and VF: 6.7% vs. 2.6%, p=0.34), whereas there was no significant difference in hospitalization for heart failure or all-cause death between patients with and those without fQRS (hospitalization for heart failure: 6.7% vs. 5.3%, p=0.75; all-cause death: 6.7% vs. 5.3%, p=0.64). Multivariate analysis showed that fQRS in the baseline electrocardiogram was independently associated with VAEs (hazard ratio: 2.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-4.25, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: fQRS is a predictor of VAEs in patients with CS.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jjcc.2021.10.022

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AIMS: This study aimed to investigate additional risk stratification benefits of hepatic steatosis (HS) concurrently assessed during coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a large patient cohort with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective study, 1148 Japanese outpatients without a history of CAD who underwent coronary CTA for suspected stable CAD (mean age 64 ± 14 years) were included. HS, defined on CT as a hepatic-to-spleen attenuation ratio of <1.0, was examined just before the evaluation of adverse CTA findings, defined as obstructive and/or high-risk plaque. The major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were the composite of cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and late revascularization. The incremental predictive value of HS was evaluated using the global χ2 test and C-statistic. HS was identified in 247 (22%) patients. During a median follow-up of 3.9 years, MACE was observed in 40 (3.5%) patients. HS was significantly associated with MACE in a model that included adverse CTA findings (hazard ratio 4.01, 95% confidence interval 2.12-7.59, P < 0.001). By adding HS to the Framingham risk score and adverse CTA findings, the global χ2 score and C-statistic significantly increased from 29.0 to 49.5 (P < 0.001) and 0.74 to 0.81 (P = 0.026), respectively. In subgroup analyses in patients with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, HS had significant additive predictive value for MACE over the Framingham risk score and adverse CTA findings. CONCLUSION: In patients with suspected stable CAD, concurrent evaluation of HS during coronary CTA enables more accurate detection of patients at higher risk of MACE.

DOI： 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab120

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本心血管インターベンション治療学会  

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BACKGROUND: Risk stratification of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been established. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are independently associated with cardiovascular events in T2DM patients. This study examined the incremental prognostic value of NAFLD assessed by non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in addition to CACS and Framingham risk score (FRS) for cardiovascular events in T2DM patients. METHODS: This prospective pilot study included 529 T2DM outpatients with no history of cardiovascular disease who underwent CACS measurement because of suspected coronary artery disease. NAFLD was defined on CT images as a liver:spleen attenuation ratio < 1.0. Cardiovascular events were defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, late coronary revascularization, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. RESULTS: Among 529 patients (61% men, mean age 65 years), NAFLD was identified in 143 (27%). Forty-four cardiovascular events were documented during a median follow-up of 4.4 years. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, NAFLD, CACS, and FRS were associated with cardiovascular events (hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals 5.43, 2.82-10.44, p < 0.001; 1.56, 1.32-1.86, p < 0.001; 1.23, 1.08-1.39, p = 0.001, respectively). The global χ2 score for predicting cardiovascular events increased significantly from 27.0 to 49.7 by adding NAFLD to CACS and FRS (p < 0.001). The addition of NAFLD to a model including CACS and FRS significantly increased the C-statistic from 0.71 to 0.80 (p = 0.005). The net reclassification achieved by adding CACS and FRS was 0.551 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD assessed by CT, in addition to CACS and FRS, could be useful for identifying T2DM patients at higher risk of cardiovascular events.

DOI： 10.1186/s12933-020-01192-4

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PURPOSE: High-risk patients can be identified by preprocedural computed tomography (CT) before lead extraction. However, CT evaluation may be difficult especially for lead tip identification due to artifacts in the leads. Selective right ventriculography (RVG) may enable preprocedural evaluation of lead perforation. We investigated the efficacy of RVG for identifying right ventricular (RV) lead perforation compared with CT in patients who underwent lead extraction. METHODS: Ninety-five consecutive patients who were examined by thin-section non-ECG-gated multidetector CT and RVG before lead extraction were investigated retrospectively. Newly recognized pericardial effusion after lead extraction was used as a reference standard for lead perforation. We analyzed the prevalence of RV lead perforation diagnosed by each method. The difference in the detection rates of lead perforation by RVG and CT was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 115 RV leads in the 95 patients, lead perforation was diagnosed for 35 leads using CT, but the leads for 29 (83%) of those 35 leads diagnosed as lead perforation by CT were shown to be within the right ventricle by RVG. Three patients with 5 leads could not be evaluated by CT due to motion artifacts. The diagnostic accuracies of RVG and CT were significantly different (p < 0.001). There was no complication of pericardial effusion caused by RV lead extraction. CONCLUSION: RVG for identification of RV lead perforation leads to fewer false-positives compared to non-ECG-gated CT. However, even in cases in which lead perforation is diagnosed, most leads may be safely extracted by transvenous lead extraction.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0245502

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DOI： 10.1186/s12933-020-01181-7

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Authorship：Last author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本救急医学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本超音波医学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Statins suppress the progression of atherosclerosis by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Pemafibrate (K-877), a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator, is expected to reduce residual risk factors including high triglycerides (TGs) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol during statin treatment. However, it is not known if statin therapy with add-on pemafibrate improves the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of combination therapy with pitavastatin and pemafibrate on lipid profiles and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension and insulin resistance model rats. METHODS: Seven-week-old male Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats were divided into the following five treatment groups (normal diet (ND) plus vehicle, high-salt and high-fat diet (HD) plus vehicle, HD plus pitavastatin (0.3 mg/kg/day), HD plus pemafibrate (K-877) (0.5 mg/kg/day), and HD plus combination of pitavastatin and pemafibrate) and treated for 12 weeks. At 19 weeks, endothelium-dependent relaxation of the thoracic aorta in response to acetylcholine was evaluated. RESULTS: After feeding for 12 weeks, systolic blood pressure and plasma levels of total cholesterol were significantly higher in the HD-vehicle group compared with the ND-vehicle group. Combination therapy with pitavastatin and pemafibrate significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, TG levels, including total, chylomicron (CM), very LDL (VLDL), HDL-TG, and cholesterol levels, including total, CM, VLDL, and LDL-cholesterol, compared with vehicle treatment. Acetylcholine caused concentration-dependent relaxation of thoracic aorta rings that were pre-contracted with phenylephrine in all rats. Relaxation rates in the HD-vehicle group were significantly lower compared with the ND-vehicle group. Relaxation rates in the HD-combination of pitavastatin and pemafibrate group significantly increased compared with the HD-vehicle group, although neither medication alone ameliorated relaxation rates significantly. Western blotting experiments showed increased phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein expression in aortas from rats in the HD-pemafibrate group and the HD-combination group compared with the HD-vehicle group. However, the expression levels did not respond significantly to pitavastatin alone. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with pitavastatin and pemafibrate improved lipid profiles and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension and insulin resistance model rats. Pemafibrate as an add-on strategy to statins may be useful for preventing atherosclerosis progression.

DOI： 10.1186/s12933-020-01132-2

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transdermal β-blocker patches, which offer stable blood concentration and easy availability during operation, for prevention of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) in high-risk patients.Methods and Results:In this randomized controlled trial, patients aged >60 years with hypertension and high revised cardiac risk index (≥2) undergoing non-cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to a bisoprolol patch or control group. Primary efficacy outcome was incidence of PMI, defined as postoperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) >0.014ng/mL and relative hs-cTnT change ≥20%. Secondary efficacy outcomes were number of cardiovascular events and 30-day mortality. From November 2014 to February 2019, 240 patients from 5 hospitals were enrolled in this study. The incidence of PMI was 35.7% in the bisoprolol patch group and 44.5% in the control group (P=0.18). Incidence of major adverse cardiac events including non-critical myocardial infarction, strokes, decompensated heart failure and tachyarrhythmia was similar between the 2 groups. Tachyarrhythmia tended to be higher in the control group. There were no significant differences in safety outcomes including significant hypotension and bradycardia requiring any treatment between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Bisoprolol patches do not influence the incidence of PMI and cardiovascular events in high-risk patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, but perioperative use of these patches is safe.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-19-0871

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Multiple spikes in the QRS complex (fragmented QRS [fQRS]) on 12-lead electrocardiography have been associated with ventricular arrhythmic events (VAEs) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aim of this study was to assess the association between new appearances of fQRS and cardiac events in patients with HCM.Methods and Results:The association between baseline fQRS and cardiac events, namely VAEs, heart failure-related hospitalization, and all-cause death, was evaluated retrospectively in 146 HCM patients (46 patients with fQRS, 100 without fQRS). The median follow-up was 5.3 years. Cardiac events occurred in 29 patients with baseline fQRS and 32 patients without baseline fQRS (63% vs. 32%; P<0.001). VAEs occurred in a significantly larger percentage of patients with than without baseline fQRS (54% vs. 23%, respectively; P<0.001). Of the 100 patients without baseline fQRS, 33 had a new appearance of fQRS during the 4.6-year follow-up, whereas 67 did not. VAEs occurred more frequently in the 33 patients with the appearance of fQRS than in those without (42% vs. 13%, respectively; P=0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that the new appearance of fQRS documented before VAEs was associated with VAEs (hazard ratio 4.29, 95% confidence interval 1.81-10.2; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The new appearance of fQRS was associated with an increased risk of VAEs in HCM patients.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-19-0968

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BACKGROUND: In heart failure (HF) patients implanted with high-energy devices, worsening of HF can be diagnosed from intrathoracic impedance (ITI) before symptoms appear. Early therapeutic intervention can prevent HF worsening, but the optimal intervention remains unknown. This study aimed to examine which lifestyle modifications or medications can improve HF indicators in asymptomatic HF patients diagnosed from ITI.Methods and Results:This multicenter, prospective, randomized study included patients with high-energy devices, left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, or with a history of HF hospitalization. After the OptiVol alert was evoked by decreased ITI, patients underwent examinations. If they were diagnosed with HF, they were randomly assigned to 3 groups: lifestyle modification, diuretic, or nitrate. After 1 week, they underwent the same examinations. The primary endpoint was change in ITI and serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Totally, 57 patients were randomized. In all 3 groups, ITI was significantly increased post-intervention compared with pre-intervention. In the diuretic and nitrate groups, logBNP post-intervention was significantly lower than pre-intervention, but not in the lifestyle modification group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with lifestyle modifications, diuretic and nitrate therapy for 1 week may be more effective management of HF detected by decreased ITI. However, lifestyle modification may have the additional benefits of reducing the workload or cost.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-19-0986

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本成人先天性心疾患学会  

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In order to prevent ischemic stroke, it is important to identify and treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who do not consult a doctor in a medical institution. The aim of this study was to determine the consultation rate at medical institutions for patients with AF in group medical examinations conducted in a city in western Japan. Of 6101 examinees of group medical examinations (40 years of age or older) conducted in Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, from 2012 to 2014, 4338 participants (71.1%) who were evaluated by electrocardiogram (ECG) gave written informed consent and responded to surveys in the form of questionnaires through a personal interview conducted by nurses were included in the Ibara-AF study. A cumulative total of 82 subjects were diagnosed as having AF by ECG (prevalence of AF = 1.89%), and 51 individuals had AF during the three-year period.15 (29.4%) of the 51 patients with AF did not regularly visit medical institutions. Among them, 46.7% (n = 7) and 53.3% (n = 8) of the patients were symptomatic and asymptomatic, respectively, and 73.3% of the patients had a CHADS2 score of more than one point. There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics between regular and non-regular visit groups. In conclusion, about one-third of the patients with AF did not regularly see a doctor in a medical institution and most of them had a CHADS2 score of more than one point in a Japanese rural area. Educating the public about the risks of AF is required.

DOI： 10.1536/ihj.19-062

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Oxford University Press (OUP)  

<title>Abstract</title>
<sec>
<title>Aims</title>
There is no valid treatment strategy for addressing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with unclosed atrial septal defect (ASD). We aimed to assess the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) compared with transcatheter ASD closure alone for treating pre-existing paroxysmal AF in patients with ASD.


</sec>
<sec>
<title>Methods and results</title>
Among 908 patients who underwent transcatheter ASD closure, we evaluated 50 consecutive patients (63 ± 12 years) with paroxysmal AF. We compared the AF outcomes of these patients after transcatheter ASD closure between those with and without CA prior to ASD closure. Thirty (60%) patients underwent CA. During the follow-up period after ASD closure (mean: 49 ± 23 months), recurrence of AF was observed in 6/30 (20%) patients with upfront CA and 12/20 (60%) patients with ASD closure alone. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the AF-free survival rate was significantly higher for patients with CA than for those with ASD closure alone (79% vs. 37% at 5 years, P = 0.002). Upfront CA and previous heart failure hospitalization were associated with recurrence of AF after ASD closure [hazard ratio (HR) 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.53; P = 0.002 and HR 4.64, 95% CI 1.60–13.49; P = 0.005, respectively].


</sec>
<sec>
<title>Conclusion</title>
In ASD patient with paroxysmal AF, transcatheter ASD closure alone demonstrated high AF recurrence rate after ASD closure. On the other hand, upfront CA prior to ASD closure substantially suppressed AF recurrence over the long term. A combination of CA and transcatheter ASD closure may be a feasible treatment strategy for paroxysmal AF in patients with ASD.


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DOI： 10.1093/europace/euz207

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SAGE Publications Ltd  

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia or Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome is a systemic vascular disease with autosomal dominant inheritance, mucocutaneous telangiectasia, and repeated nasal bleeding due to vascular abnormalities. Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia may occasionally lead to complications, including arteriovenous malformations and pulmonary hypertension. We present a case of a 52-year-old female patient with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia who was referred to our hospital for treatment of pulmonary hypertension. She had been diagnosed with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia during adolescence and was being followed up. Six months prior to presentation, she had undergone coil embolization for pulmonary haemorrhage due to pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. She was in World Health Organization functional class IV, with a mean of pulmonary arterial pressure of 38 mmHg, a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 10 mmHg, and a right atrial pressure of 22 mmHg. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography showed large arteriovenous malformations in the liver. Right heart catheterization revealed an increase in oxygen saturation in the inferior vena cava between the supra- and infra-hepatic veins, low pulmonary vascular resistance, and high right atrial pressure. Hence, she was diagnosed with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia with pulmonary hypertension due to major arteriovenous shunt resulting from arteriovenous malformations in the liver. Therefore, we considered liver transplantation as an essential treatment option. She underwent cadaveric liver transplantation after a year resulting in dramatic haemodynamic improvement to World Health Organization functional class I. Liver transplantation is a promising treatment in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and pulmonary hypertension resulting from arteriovenous shunt caused by arteriovenous malformations in the liver.

DOI： 10.1177/2045894019896677

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本心血管インターベンション治療学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本心血管インターベンション治療学会  

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Objective Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electric devices (CIEDs) has been advocated as a healthcare standard. However, expert consensus statements suggest that all patients require annual face-to-face follow-up consultations at outpatient clinics even if RM reveals no episodes. The objective of this study was to determine the critical event rate after CIED implantation through RM. Methods This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study evaluated patients with pacemakers (PMs), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-Ds) and analyzed whether or not the data drawn from RM included abnormal or critical events. Patients A total of 1,849 CIED patients in 12 hospitals who were followed up by the RM center in Okayama University Hospital were included in this study. Results During the mean follow-up period of 774.9 days, 16,560 transmissions were analyzed, of which 11,040 (66.7%) were abnormal events and only 676 (4.1%) were critical events. The critical event rate in the PM group was significantly lower than that in the ICD or CRT-D groups (0.9% vs. 5.0% or 5.9%, p<0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed that ICD, CRT-D, and a low ejection fraction were independently associated with critical events. In patients with ICD, the independent risk factors for a critical event were old age, low ejection fraction, Brugada syndrome, dilated phase hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Conclusion Although abnormal events were observed in two-thirds of the transmitted RM data, the critical event rate was <1% in patients with a PM, which was lower in comparison to the rates in patients with ICDs or CRT-Ds. A low ejection fraction was an independent predictor of critical events.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.1905-18

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BACKGROUND: The increase in the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has been associated with an increase in CIED-related infections. Transvenous lead extraction is safe and effective for patients with CIED-related infections; however, the mortality rate in these patients is high. The prognosis after transvenous lead extraction in Japanese patients, especially those with lead-related infective endocarditis, has not been evaluated. Then, the purpose of this study is to clarify the prognosis after transvenous lead extraction in Japanese patients with CIED-related infections at a single Japanese center. METHODS: A total of 107 patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into a lead-related infective endocarditis group (n = 32) and a pocket infection group (n = 75). Procedure success rate and prognosis after lead extraction were evaluated between the two groups. RESULTS: Procedure success rate was not significantly different between the groups. There were no deaths associated with the procedure or with infection. The survival rate was not significantly different at 1 year or at a median of 816 days (lead-related infective endocarditis vs pocket infection; 93.7% vs 94.7%, P = 1.000; 78.1% vs 81.3%, P = 0.791) Time to reimplantation and duration of hospital stay and antibiotics therapy were significantly longer for patients with lead-related infective endocarditis. CONCLUSION: In this study, the prognosis for patients with lead-related infective endocarditis after transvenous lead extraction was favorable. Thus, extraction should be strongly recommended, even if the general condition of the patient is poor.

DOI： 10.1002/joa3.12164

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Recent large clinical trials failed to show clear benefits of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) as compared with medical therapy on patients with renal artery stenosis. It was also reported that proteinuria is an adverse prognostic factor after PTRA, and PTRA is less effective in patients with overt proteinuria. From the renoprotective point of view, to reduce proteinuria after PTRA is an important therapeutic goal in patients with renal artery stenosis with overt proteinuria. We hereby describe two patients successfully treated by combination therapy with PTRA and administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for bilateral renal artery disease with overt proteinuria.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.2076-18

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Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are drugs for diabetes and might prevent heart failure. In this study, we investigated the effects of tofogliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on cardiac hypertrophy and metabolism in hypertensive rats fed a high-fat diet. Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats, hypertensive model rats, and Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats, non-hypertensive model rats, were fed a high-salt and high-fat diet containing tofogliflozin (0.005%) for 9 weeks to examine the effects of this drug on cardiac hypertrophy and metabolism. Tofogliflozin tended to suppress a rise of the systolic blood pressure, relative to the control, throughout the treatment period in both DR and DS rats, and significantly suppress a rise of the systolic blood pressure, relative to the control, at the 9th week in DS rats. Tofogliflozin reduced cardiac hypertrophy (heart weight/body weight) not only in DS rats but also in DR rats. Histological analysis showed that tofogliflozin significantly decreased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and perivascular fibrosis in both DS and DR rats. Tofogliflozin significantly decreased the expression levels of genes related to cardiac hypertrophy (encoding for natriuretic peptides A and B and interleukin-6), and to cardiac fibrosis (encoding for transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen type IV), in DS rats. Recent studies have shown that hypertrophied and failing hearts shift to oxidizing ketone bodies as a significant fuel source. We also performed metabolome analysis for ventricular myocardial tissue. Tofogliflozin reduced 3-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body, and significantly decreased the expression levels of β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 and 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase, which are related to ketone oxidization. In conclusion, tofogliflozin ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis along with reduction of ketone usage in myocardial tissue.

DOI： 10.1536/ihj.18-392

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DOI： 10.1038/s41440-019-0225-7

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DOI： 10.1016/j.hrcr.2019.01.012

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本下肢救済・足病学会  

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexists with cardiovascular disease (CAD) in a clinical setting. However, the optimum therapy for AF patients who have concomitant CAD is unclear. We retrospectively examined the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with AF who had concomitant stable CAD. Between January 2014 and December 2015, a total 264 patients (179 men; mean age, 65.5 ± 10.1 years) who were referred to undergo a first RFCA procedure were reviewed in this study. Of the 264 patients, 41 (15.5%) had stable CAD detected by multi-detector computed tomography before RFCA. Thirty-seven patients who had AF with stable CAD were divided into two treatment arms: (1) RFCA prior to PCI (n = 13) and (2) PCI prior to RFCA (n = 24) [four patients excluded because of left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) or triple vessel disease (TVD)]. The median follow-up was 14 (IQR 8-19) months. There was no significant difference in AF recurrence rate after the procedure between the RFCA first group and PCI first group (P = 0.515). No symptomatic cardiovascular events occurred the during follow-up period. The PCI first group had a significantly longer duration of triple therapy (188.5 ± 167 days vs 5.6 ± 24.5 days, P = 0.01) and all of the four bleeding events occurred during triple therapy (P = 0.01). The results of this single-center pilot study suggested that prior RFCA in patients with AF coexisting with CAD could have fewer serious bleeding events than prior PCI.

DOI： 10.1007/s00380-018-1280-8

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SAGE Publications Ltd  

Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAA) can be complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), causing sudden death due to PA rupture and dissection. Because treatment with PAH-targeted drugs does not always prevent PAA progression, prophylactic surgical repair of the PAA seems a promising alternative. However, although it avoids rupture and dissection of the PAs, additional benefits have not been forthcoming. We therefore present two patients with co-existing PAH and a PAA who underwent surgical repair of the aneurysm. Following the surgery, their lung function and pulmonary hypertension improved. Optimal treatment of PAA remains uncertain, however, with no clear guidelines regarding the best therapeutic approach. This case series provides physicians with reasons to repair PAA surgically in patients with PAH.

DOI： 10.1177/2045894019831217

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本脈管学会  

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DOI： 10.1016/j.jjcc.2018.03.005

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本下肢救済・足病学会  

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A biological pacemaker is expected to solve the persisting problems of an artificial cardiac pacemaker including short battery life, lead breaks, infection, and electromagnetic interference. We previously reported HCN4 overexpression enhances pacemaking ability of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (mESC-CMs) in vitro. However, the effect of these cells on bradycardia in vivo has remained unclear. Therefore, we transplanted HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs into bradycardia model animals and investigated whether they could function as a biological pacemaker. The rabbit Hcn4 gene was transfected into mouse embryonic stem cells and induced HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs. Non-cardiomyocytes were removed under serum/glucose-free and lactate-supplemented conditions. Cardiac balls containing 5 × 103 mESC-CMs were made by using the hanging drop method. One hundred cardiac balls were injected into the left ventricular free wall of complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) model rats. Heart beats were evaluated using an implantable telemetry system 7 to 30 days after cell transplantation. The result showed that ectopic ventricular beats that were faster than the intrinsic escape rhythm were often observed in CAVB model rats transplanted with HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs. On the other hand, the rats transplanted with non-overexpressing mESC-CMs showed sporadic single premature ventricular contraction but not sustained ectopic ventricular rhythms. These results indicated that HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs produce rapid ectopic ventricular rhythms as a biological pacemaker.

DOI： 10.1536/ihj.17-241

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：臨床心臓電気生理研究会  

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DOI： 10.1161/CIRCGEN.118.002103

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Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition that is characterized by dyspnea and arterial oxygen desaturation, which worsen on standing and which are relieved by recumbency. We treated an 80-year-old woman with an atrial septal defect (ASD) who demonstrated POS following thoracic and lumbar vertebral compression fractures. The surgical closure of the ASD relieved her symptoms. The etiology might have been multiple compression fractures causing kyphosis and aortic distortion producing right atrial compression and increased right-to-left flow through the ASD. POS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who develop dyspnea after vertebral compression fractures. The careful assessment of the patient's history and clinical condition helps in the diagnosis of POS.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.9904-17

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BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is useful for detecting myocardial injury and is expected to become a prognostic marker in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this pilot study evaluating the efficacy of β-blocker therapy in a perioperative setting (MAMACARI study) was to assess perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) in elderly patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF) undergoing non-cardiac surgery.Methods and Results:In this prospective observational cohort study of 151 consecutive patients with preserved EF and aged >60 years who underwent non-cardiac surgery, serum levels of hs-cTnT were measured before and on postoperative days 1 and 3 after surgery. PMI was defined as postoperative hs-cTnT >0.014 ng/mL and relative hs-cTnT change ≥20%. A total of 36 (23.8%) of the patients were diagnosed as having PMI. The incidence of a composite of cardiovascular events within 30 days after surgery, including myocardial infarction, stroke, worsening heart failure, atrial fibrillation and pulmonary embolism, was significantly higher in patients with PMI than in patients without PMI (odds ratio (OR) 9.25, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.65-32.3). Multivariate analysis revealed that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction defined by echocardiography was independently associated with PMI (OR: 3.029, 95% CI: 1.341-6.84, P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: PMI is frequently observed in elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Diastolic dysfunction is an independent predictor of PMI.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-17-0747

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/jce.13336

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本脈管学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)日本心臓財団  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本成人先天性心疾患学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：(一社)日本心血管インターベンション治療学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Part of collection (book)   Publisher：Nova Science Publishers, Inc.  

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by progressively elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Sustained elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance causes severe right ventricular hypertrophy and failure. Sympathetic nerve activity is increased in patients with left ventricular failure, and treatment with beta-adrenergic receptor blockers was found to improve survival rate and cardiac function of patients with left ventricular failure. Sympathetic nerve activity is also increased in patients with PAH. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity in patients with PAH was correlated with heart rate and NYHA class. These findings indicate that treatment with adrenergic receptor blockers may be effective in patients with PAH. However, neurohormonal modulation with beta-adrenergic receptor blockers carries the risks of decreased cardiac contractility and cardiac output. The safety of treatment with beta-adrenergic receptor blockers in clinical settings has been uncertain. Meanwhile, several experimental studies have shown beneficial effects of adrenergic receptor blockers in PAH. Carvedilol inhibited the exaggerated proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of patients with idiopathic PAH. Treatment with carvedilol improved survival of rats with monocrotaline-induced PAH. Bisoprolol also delays progression to right heart failure in rats with PAH. Careful use of beta blockers in selected patients might be beneficial. Further studies are needed to determine whether beta-adrenergic receptor blockers are tolerable and effective in patients with PAH.

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BACKGROUND: No study has investigated whether pioglitazone (an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) protects against ischemia and reperfusion (IR)-induced endothelial dysfunction in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the first crossover study, 20 volunteers were randomized to 1 week of pioglitazone (30 mg/d, postoperatively) or control (no treatment). In the second single-arm study, 15 volunteers received pioglitazone and the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor meloxicam for 1 week. On day 7, endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the distal brachial artery was measured before and after IR (15 minutes of ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion in the proximal upper arm). Pre-IR brachial-artery diameter and FMD were similar across the 2 sessions (control, pioglitazone) in protocol 1 and between the 2 protocols. IR significantly blunted FMD after no treatment (pre-IR FMD: 10.2% ± 2.6%; post-IR FMD: 3.5% ± 1.9%, P < 0.01) but not after pioglitazone administration (pre-IR FMD: 9.7% ± 2.5%; post-IR FMD: 8.8% ± 2.9%, P = 0.11). This protective effect was accompanied by an increase in serum levels of the antioxidant enzyme extracellular superoxide dismutase and was not affected by concomitant administration of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor meloxicam (P = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: In humans, pioglitazone provides potent protection against IR-induced endothelial dysfunction.

DOI： 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000124

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Postprandial elevation of triglycerides impairs endothelial function and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. We investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on postprandial endothelial function and lipid profiles. METHODS: Healthy volunteers [10] were given supplementation at 4g/day omega-3 fatty acids (or were not treated) for 4 weeks in a randomised crossover study. Postprandial levels of various lipids were monitored and endothelial function assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation during fasting and after a standard cookie test. RESULTS: Omega-3 fatty acids reduced postprandial endothelial dysfunction compared with the control diet (flow-mediated dilation at 4h=-0.5±1.2 vs. -2.0±1.6%, P=0.03). Postprandial levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B-48, and remnant lipoprotein-cholesterol increased in untreated subjects, peaked at 2-4h, and returned to baseline at 8h, whereas low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels did not change. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids significantly suppressed postprandial elevation of triglycerides (incremental area under the curve=220±209 vs. 374±216mg/h/dL, P=0.04) and remnant lipoprotein-cholesterol (incremental area under the curve=21.7±13.8 vs. 13.3±12.9mg/h/dL, P=0.04). Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids significantly suppressed the increase in triglyceride content in chylomicrons as well as in very-low-density lipoproteins from baseline to 4h after the cookie test. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased postprandial triglyceride elevation and postprandial endothelial dysfunction, suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids may have vascular protective effects in postprandial state.

DOI： 10.1016/j.biopha.2014.10.008

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：臨床心臓電気生理研究会  

症例は52歳、男性。以前より心電図にて早期再分極が認められていた。心室細動自然発作を来たしたため、当院入院。心電図ではI、II、aVl、aVf、V4-6にJ波を認めた。心臓電気生理学的検査において、多極カテーテルにて経冠静脈的に左室側壁心外膜側の電位を記録すると、単極および双極誘導において体表面心電図のJ波に相当する成分が記録され、この成分は心房頻回刺激およびisoproterenolにて減高し、pilsicainideにて増強を示した。一方、前室間静脈、中心静脈、左室側壁心内膜側からの記録ではJ波に相当する成分は記録されず、また心室プログラム刺激にて心室細動は右室心尖部、右室流出路、左室心内膜側からは誘発されず、左室側壁心外膜側からのみ誘発された。Pilsicainide投与後は左室心外膜側起源と思われる期外収縮が散発し、Brugada型波形は出現しなかった。本例はJ波症候群Type 1+2と考えられ、左室側壁心外膜側の電気的異常が病態の成因に関与することが示唆された興味深い1例と考えられたので報告する。(著者抄録)

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本超音波医学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本超音波医学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本成人先天性心疾患学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Heart Foundation  

DOI： 10.11281/shinzo.46.S3_203

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Heart Foundation  

DOI： 10.11281/shinzo.46.812

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Other Link： http://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/2014260969

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)日本心臓財団  

症例は62歳、男性。早朝の苦悶様呼吸に続く呼吸停止疑いのため近医受診し、Brugada症候群疑いにて当院紹介入院。心電図では完全右脚ブロックを合併することもありBrugada型心電図との診断が容易ではなかった。電気生理学的検査時、ピルジカイニド1mg/kgを投与したが、やはり明瞭なBrugada型波形が得られないため、完全右脚ブロックの状態を是正する目的で右室心尖部より単発早期刺激を加えた。すると刺激間隔の短縮に伴いcoved型そしてsaddleback型の比較的明瞭なBrugada型心電図を得ることができた。完全右脚ブロックを伴いBrugada型心電図の診断が困難であったが右室心尖部単発早期断激によりBrugada型心電図が明瞭化され、また、相対的な右室伝導遅延の改善に伴いcoved型からsaddleback型に心電図が変化したBrugada症候群の1例を経験したので報告する。(著者抄録)

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Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/default/link?pub_year=2013&ichushi_jid=J00679&link_issn=&doc_id=20131216220028&doc_link_id=10.11281%2Fshinzo.45.S3_143&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.11281%2Fshinzo.45.S3_143&type=J-STAGE&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00007_3.gif

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：ライフサイエンス出版(株)  

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Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/default/link?pub_year=2013&ichushi_jid=J01759&link_issn=&doc_id=20131007210019&doc_link_id=issn%3D0289-8020%26volume%3D34%26issue%3D9%26spage%3D1202&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pieronline.jp%2Fopenurl%3Fissn%3D0289-8020%26volume%3D34%26issue%3D9%26spage%3D1202&type=PierOnline&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00005_2.gif

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)日本心臓財団  

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Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/default/link?pub_year=2013&ichushi_jid=J00679&link_issn=&doc_id=20130819090020&doc_link_id=10.11281%2Fshinzo.45.S2_91&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.11281%2Fshinzo.45.S2_91&type=J-STAGE&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00007_3.gif

Language：English  

DOI： 10.1111/chf.12039

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公社)日本超音波医学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：The Japanese Circulation Society  

Background: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a bolus injection of landiolol hydrochloride, an ultrashort-acting β1-selective antagonist, as an additional treatment after premedication with an oral β-blocker to reduce heart rate prior to multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography (CAG). Methods and Results: A total of 458 patients who underwent MDCT CAG were retrospectively enrolled. Image quality and hemodynamic parameters were compared in patients before and after approval of landiolol hydrochloride. If heart rate reduction was insufficient after premedication with an oral β-blocker, a bolus injection of landiolol hydrochloride (n=66) or other drugs (n=30) was used. The percentage of evaluable images per segment in patients after approval of landiolol (99.3%) was greater than that in patients before approval of landiolol (97.4%, P<0.01). Heart rates before scanning in patients receiving landiolol hydrochloride were similar to those receiving other drugs. Heart rate was significantly reduced approximately 5min after injection of landiolol hydrochloride and increased shortly. No decrease in systolic blood pressure or other adverse effects was observed. Conclusions: Bolus injection of landiolol hydrochloride sufficiently reduced heart rate without significantly reducing systolic blood pressure and produced a high percentage of evaluable images, suggesting that bolus injection of landiolol hydrochloride as an additional pretreatment is feasible in MDCT CAG.  (Circ J 2013; 77: 146–152)<br>

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-12-0663

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Other Link： http://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/2013357873

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本高血圧学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese  

DOI： 10.4044/joma.124.71

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Other Link： http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/48140

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)医学書院  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本臨床分子医学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)ライフ・サイエンス  

心不全を合併した心房細動症例に対するアミオダロンの効果、安全性について検討した。心室性不整脈に対してアミオダロンを処方した124例を対象とした。処方時に発作性・持続性心房細動を合併していた症例は43例で、そのうち6ヵ月間経過観察できた心房細動症例は30例であった。アミオダロン投与による洞調律維持は18例で可能であった。洞調律維持群をsinus群、洞調律に回復しなかった群をAF群として検討した。LVEFはAF群では改善する傾向がみられた。心拍数はsinus群で低下傾向を示した。LADは両群ともに変化は認めなかった。BNP値はsinus群で有意に低下し、AF群では低下傾向を示した。KL-6は投与前後で有意差を認めず、KL-6が急上昇した1例は、CT所見で間質の線維化を認めたためアミオダロン投与を中止し、KL-6は投与前の数値にまで回復した。

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Heart Foundation  

DOI： 10.11281/shinzo.44.S2_55

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：ライフサイエンス出版(株)  

56歳女。著明に拡張した主肺動脈が左冠動脈主幹部を圧排し、左冠動脈の血流低下が左心機能低下と肺高血圧症の悪化をもたらしていた。同部に対してIABP補助下に冠動脈ステント留置術を行い、肺高血圧の改善はあまりみられなかったが、左心機能の改善が得られた。

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Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/default/link?pub_year=2011&ichushi_jid=J01759&link_issn=&doc_id=20111111100004&doc_link_id=issn%3D0289-8020%26volume%3D32%26issue%3D10%26spage%3D1217&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pieronline.jp%2Fopenurl%3Fissn%3D0289-8020%26volume%3D32%26issue%3D10%26spage%3D1217&type=PierOnline&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00005_2.gif

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the failing myocardium, and ROS cause hypertrophy, apoptosis/cell death and intracellular Ca(2+) overload in cardiac myocytes. ROS also cause damage to lipid cell membranes in the process of lipid peroxidation. In this process, several aldehydes, including 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), are generated and the amount of HNE is increased in the human failing myocardium. HNE exacerbates the formation of ROS, especially H₂O₂ and ·OH, in cardiomyocytes and subsequently ROS cause intracellular Ca(2+) overload. Treatment with beta-blockers such as metoprolol, carvedilol and bisoprolol reduces the levels of oxidative stress, together with amelioration of heart failure. This reduction could be caused by several possible mechanisms. First, the beta-blocking effect is important, because catecholamines such as isoproterenol and norepinephrine induce oxidative stress in the myocardium. Second, anti-ischemic effects and negative chronotropic effects are also important. Furthermore, direct antioxidative effects of carvedilol contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress. Carvedilol inhibited HNE-induced intracellular Ca(2+) overload. Beta-blocker therapy is a useful antioxidative therapy in patients with heart failure.

DOI： 10.3390/ph4081088

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：臨床心臓電気生理研究会  

症例は39歳、男性。心室細動自然発作を認めるBrugada症候群との診断で当院入院。心電図ではV2でのsaddle back型ST上昇とI、II、aV1、V3-6でのJ波を認めた。心臓電気生理学的検査では、経冠静脈的に左室側壁心外膜側に多極カテーテルを挿入し電位の記録を行ったところ、単極誘導では明瞭なJ波が記録され、双極誘導ではJ波の成分に伴いout of QRS potentialが記録された。単極誘導でのJ波は心房ペーシング、およびisoproterenol投与で減高し、pilsicainide投与で増高した。また双極誘導でのout of QRS電位は心房ペーシングおよびisoproterenol投与で短縮しpilsicainide投与で延長した。再分極異常の性質を示す左室心外膜側J波がout of QRS potentialとしても記録され、J wave syndromeの成因を考えるうえで興味深い症例と考えられここに報告する。(著者抄録)

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Heart Foundation  

DOI： 10.11281/shinzo.43.S2_39

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Introduction: Japanese guideline of the Brugada syndrome (BS) defined the indication of the implantable cardioverter defibrillater (ICD) in asymptomatic patients with BS as patients having both family history of sudden death (FH) and induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) by programmed electrical stimulation (PES) (class IIa). When patients had one of these criteria, ICD indication considered as class IIb. We analyzed new onset of VF episodes in asymptomatic patients. Methods and Results: We analyzed 99 asymptomatic patients with Brugada type ECG. Fourty-seven patients had FH. VF was induced by PES in 44 patients. Criteria of ICD indication of class IIa, IIb, and III were met in 20, 50, and 29 patients, respectively. Three patients experienced new-onset VF episode during follow-up periods (84±43 months). Although there was no new-onset VF in patients with class IIa, all patients who experienced VF episodes belonged to class IIb (6%). All patients with new-VF had spontaneous type 1 ECG, induced VF by PES, positive late potential and fragmented QRS, but did not have FH and SCN5A mutation. Conclusion: Prediction of prognosis in patients with BS-ECG based on BS-guideline has limited value and occurrence of VF is not rare in patients with class IIb of ICD indication. © 2011, Japanese Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.4020/jhrs.27.PJ3_053

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Backgrond: Ventricular Late Potential(LPs) detected signal averaged ECGs have been used widely to detect high risk patients. In Brugada syndrome(BrS), Ventricular fibrillation(VF) frequently occurs at nighttime and pronounced vagal activity. Purpose: We examine relationship between LPs and Heart rate, Vagal activity, and circadian variation of LPs in BrS. Methods: We evaluated 24hours HolterECGs of total 14 BrS and 10 normal controls. We evaluated LPs (fQRS,LAS40,RMS40), RR interval and High frequency (HF:0.15-0.4Hz) of frequency domaine analysis. We examined relationship between LPs and RRinterval, LnHF. Results: Relationship between LAS40 and RRinterval, relationship between LAS40 and LnHF were obtained as a liner regression line and significant positive correlation inBrS. LAS40/RRslope was significantly sharpened in BrSwithVF than BrSwithout VF, Controls (24 ±11 vs 3±13 vs -4±20, p<0.01, BrSwithVF vs BrSwithoutVF vs Controls). LAS40 at bradycardia was significantly pronounced in BrS withVF than BrS withoutVF, Controls (48±3 vs 32±12 vs 22±11, p<0.01, BrS withVF vs BrS withoutVF vs Controls). LAS40/LnHFslope were significantly sharpened than Controls.(3.0±3.2 vs -0.4±3.0, p<0.05, BrS vs Controls). Conclusion: In BrS, LPs were pronounced at bradycardia and night time and at pronounced vagal acitivity. Pronounced LPs at bradycardia and nighttime, at pronounced vagalacitivity may be a risk marker of VF inBrS. © 2011, Japanese Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.4020/jhrs.27.OP36_4

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Background: Inferolateral early repolarization (ER) pattern is often observed in Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, its clinical implication in this syndrome is still controversial. Method: Total two-hundred forty five Brugada ECG patients (mean age 48 years, men/female=235/10), including documented ventricular fibrillation (VF) in 27, were evaluated. Infero/lateral ER pattern was defined as a notched or slurring>1mm J-wave at least consecutive two of inferior (II, III, aVF) or lateral (I, aVL, V4, V5, V6) leads. The presence of this ER pattern was compared with clinical, electrocardiographic and genetic parameters. Results: Infero/lateral ER pattern was observed in 25 (10.2%) BrS patients (inferior leads in 12, lateral leads in 11 and both in 2) and was significantly associated with patients of documented VF (P<0.01) and with prolonged PQ interval (P<0.04). However they were not associated with the frequency of spontaneous type-1 ECG, wide QRS complex (>120ms), family history of sudden death, positive late potential on signal averaged ECG and SCN5A mutation. Increased number of positive ER leads have a trend of increasing documented VF patients (>3 leads; 54%). Conclusion: These data indicates that infero/lateral ER reflects the expansion of repolarization abnormality in the ventricle and may be associated with high-risk phenotype in BrS. © 2011, Japanese Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.4020/jhrs.27.CP1_07

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A 45-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy was admitted to our hospital due to congestive heart failure (CHF). Despite the optimal medical treatment, his condition had not improved because of severe left ventricular dysfunction. Because he experienced non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), a biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (Bi-V ICD) was implanted for reduction of dyssynchrony and primary prevention of lethal tachyarrhythmia. After discharge, he developed CHF and was transported to our hospital by ambulance. In the ambulance, monomorphic sustained VT with 200 bpm suddenly occurred. The ICD detected it as fast VT and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) was delivered. After the ATP therapy, RR intervals of VT became irregular and prolonged. Ventricular fibrillation-like electrical activity was recorded by a far-field electrogram from the defibrillator, but the tachycardia cycle length exceeded 400 ms which is under the tachycardia detection rate. The device failed to deliver a shock and the patient had to be rescued with an external shock. This is a rare case of fast VT that degenerated into undetectable life-threatening tachyarrhythmia by ATP.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jccase.2010.06.003

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)日本心臓財団  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：臨床心臓電気生理研究会  

症例は32歳、女性。開胸術の既往があり、頻拍発作を主訴に来院。心電図にて心房頻拍を認めアブレーション目的に入院。CARTOを用いたvoltage mappingにて右房側壁は強く障害され、activation mappingにて右房内興奮は右房側壁を前方より後方へ伝播し、後壁を横断、中隔を後方から前方へ伝播した後、三尖弁-上大静脈間、いわゆるupper-loopと三尖弁-下大静脈間、いわゆるlower-loopを伝播した。以上より右房側壁にcommon channelを持ち、upper loopとlower loopを同時に旋回するdual-loop reentryと診断した。Common channelでfragmented electrogramが記録され、同部位の通電で速やかに頻拍は停止した。上大静脈と下大静脈周囲を興奮が各々旋回するまれなdual-loop reentryの1例と考える。(著者抄録)

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Background: Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a disease characterized by progressively increased resistance of pulmonary arteries. In this study, we evaluated the mechanical property of single pulmonary artery smooth muscles cells (PASMC) from patients with IPAH and tested whether the PASMC showed abnormal response to a vasodilator by use of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Methods: PASMC were isolated and cultured from explanted lungs of 7 patients with IPAH (IPAH-PASMC). Normal vascular specimens from 3 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma were used as normal controls (normal PASMC). The nano/micro-order elasticity of five to ten living PASMC in each sample was measured by parabolic force curves of cantilever deflection/indentation obtained by using an AFM. The elasticity measurements were performed under control conditions and under condition of nitric oxide (NO) treatment (190 and 380 nmol/L). Results: There was no significant difference between nano/micro-order elasticity of normal PASMC and that of IPAH-PASMC under the control conditions. In normal PASMC, NO (190 and 380 nmol/L) significantly reduced (i.e., softened) the nano/micro-order elasticity. However, NO did not reduce elasticity in IPAH-PASMC, indicating higher vasodilator-resistive nano/micro-order rigidity in IPAH-PASMC. Conclusion: Nano/micro-order elasticity change in PASMC in response to vasodilation induced by NO is reduced in patients with IPAH. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.11.022

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AIMS: This study sought to examine the action potential duration restitution (APDR) property and conduction delay in Brugada syndrome (BrS) patients. A steeply sloped APDR curve and conduction delay are known to be important determinants for the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Endocardial monophasic action potential was obtained from 39 BrS patients and 9 control subjects using the contact electrode method. Maximum slopes of the APDR curve were obtained at both the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the right ventricular apex (RVA). The onset of activation delay (OAD) after premature stimulation was examined as a marker of conduction delay. Maximum slope of the APDR curve in BrS patients was significantly steeper than that in control subjects at both the RVOT and the RVA (0.77 +/- 0.21 vs. 058 +/- 0.14 at RVOT, P = 0.009; 0.98 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.16 at RVA, P = 0.001). The dispersion of maximum slope of the APDR curve between the RVOT and the RVA was also larger in BrS patients than in control subjects. The OAD was significantly longer in BrS patients than in control subjects from the RVOT to RVA and from the RVA to RVOT (from RVOT to RVA: 256 +/- 12 vs. 243 +/- 7 ms, P = 0.003; from RVA to RVOT: 252 +/- 11 vs. 241 +/- 9 ms, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal APDR properties and conduction delay were observed in BrS patients. Both repolarization and depolarization abnormalities are thought to be related to the development of VF in BrS patients.

DOI： 10.1093/europace/eup432

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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アミオダロン肺障害(AIPT)における臨床的特徴とアンギオテンシン系拮抗薬(ASA)の効果について検討した。対象は96例(男性74例、女性22例、平均年齢58.1歳)で、基礎疾患は拡張型心筋症39例、虚血性心疾患26例、肥大型心筋症10例、観察期間は平均33.8ヵ月であった。1)11例(11.5%)にAIPTが認められ、AIPT(+)群ではAIPT(-)群に比し繰り返す心不全のエピソードが有意に多かった。2)ヒト肺胞上皮細胞にアミオダロン添加でアポトーシスは濃度依存性に増加し、アミオダロンにアンギオテンシンII追加でとアポトーシスは有意に増強されたが、アンギオテンシンII受容体拮抗薬添加でアポトーシスは有意に抑制された。3)AIPT(+)群ではAIPT(-)群に比しASA投与量は有意に少なかった。多変量解析では繰り返す心不全エピソードとASA投与量が各々独立したAIPT発症の予測因子であった。

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本ヘモレオロジー学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本サルコイドーシス  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(有)科学評論社  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本不整脈心電学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本医学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(公財)日本心臓財団  

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The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by prolongation of the QT interval, causing torsade de pointes and sudden cardiac death. This syndrome can be divided into idiopathic (congenital) and acquired forms. The idiopathic form is a familial disorder that can be associated with sensorineural deafness (Jervell and Lange--Nielsen syndrome, autosomal recessive) or normal hearing (Romano--Ward syndrome, autosomal dominant). The acquired form has a long QT interval caused by various drugs such as quinidine sotalol and dofetilide, also by noncardiovascular drugs such as antihistamine, antibiotics, antipsychotics and others. Also, the QT interval is prolonged by electrolyte abnormalities such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, central nervous system lesions, significant bradyarrhythmias, cardiac ganglionitis, mitral valve prolapse and probucol. DNA variants appearing to predispose to drug-associated acquired long QT syndrome have been reported in congenital long QT.

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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INTRODUCTION: Repolarization and depolarization abnormalities have been reported to be related to Brugada syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated the relationships between repolarization abnormality and depolarization abnormality using 48-lead unipolar signal-averaged electrocardiograms and 87-lead unipolar body surface maps in 15 patients with Brugada-type ECGs. Data were compared with those from healthy control subjects (n = 5) and within subgroups of Brugada syndrome with (n = 8) and without (n = 7) ventricular arrhythmias (VA) induced by programmed electrical stimulation (PES). Eighty-seven-lead body surface maps were recorded, and potential maps were constructed to evaluate elevation of the ST segment 20 ms after the J point. Forty-eight-lead signal-averaged ECGs were recorded, and isochronal maps of duration of the delayed potential (dDP) were constructed to evaluate the dDP in each lead. Potential maps showed that patients with Brugada-type ECG, especially those with VA induced by programmed electrical stimulation, had greater elevation of the ST segment in the right ventricular outflow tract, especially at E5. Isochronal maps of dDP in the Brugada-type ECG group showed that maximum dDP was located at E5 and that the area with long dDP was larger than that in the control subjects. The dDPs at E7, E5, F7, and F5 in the VA-inducible group were significantly longer than those in the VA-noninducible group. These results showed that the location of greater elevation in the ST segment coincided with the location of longer dDP. CONCLUSION: Repolarization abnormality and depolarization abnormality in the walls of both ventricles, especially in the right ventricular outflow tract, are related to the VA of Brugada syndrome.

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本心臓病学会  

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BACKGROUND: It has been reported that recording electrocardiograms (ECGs) in the 3rd intercostal space (ICS) is one method that can be used for detecting Brugada syndrome; however, the prevalence of Brugada-type ECGs recorded in the 3rd ICS and the usefulness of recording the ECG in the 3rd ICS in accordance with recently established electrocardiographic criteria is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: ECGs were recorded in both the 4th and 3rd ICS in 17 Brugada-type ECG patients (group A) and in 206 consecutive male subjects (group B). Brugada-type ECGs were divided into 3 types. In group A, the prevalence of type 1 ECG, which is a coved-type ECG with ST-segment elevation of >/=2 mm, increased from 23.5% to 64.7% when ECG was recorded in the 3rd ICS. The conversion to type 1 ECG was found to be related to induction of ventricular arrhythmia. In group B, the prevalence of Brugada-type ECG increased from 1.5% to 5.8% when the ECG was recorded in the 3rd ICS. CONCLUSIONS: Recording the ECG in the 3rd ICS is useful for identifying high-risk patients with Brugada-type ECG and for detecting concealed Brugada-type ECG.

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Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is induced in some asymptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome (BS), but the prognostic value of programmed electrical stimulation (PES) in such patients is controversial. The clinical characteristics of 41 asymptomatic BS patients, divided into 2 groups according to whether VF was induced by PES (inducible VF group: n=13, non-inducible VF group: n=28) were evaluated. ST levels in the right precordial leads were measured before and after administration of pilsicainide and the abnormal late potential (LP) was evaluated on the signal-averaged electrogram. The ST level at V(2) at baseline in the inducible VF group was significantly higher than that in the non-inducible VF group (p<0.05). Pilsicainide induced significant ST segment elevation in both groups and the ST level after pilsicainide in the inducible VF group was higher than that in the non-inducible VF group (p<0.01). LP was more frequent in the inducible VF group than in the non-inducible VF group. The criterion of ST level >0.15 mV at baseline with pilsicainide-induced additional ST elevation >0.10 mV and positive LP showed high sensitivity (92%) and specificity (89%) for detection of PES-induced VF in asymptomatic BS patients.

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)メディカルレビュー社  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(有)科学評論社  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本循環器学会  

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Language：English   Publisher：Elsevier B.V.  

Background The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is recognized as a viable alternative to the transvenous ICD. The safety and efficacy of this device has been demonstrated in Western countries, but studies with S-ICD implantation in Japanese patients have not been reported. Methods and results Twelve patients received an S-ICD implant in our institute between February and September 2016. All S-ICDs were successfully implanted without complications. One appropriate and one inappropriate therapy was identified. Conclusions S-ICD implantation appears to provide a viable alternative to transvenous ICD implantation for some Japanese patients. However, we should perform careful follow-up of patients to eliminate inappropriate therapy.

DOI： 10.1016/j.joa.2017.02.004

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Language：English   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background
The klotho gene was identified as an "aging-suppressor" gene that accelerates arterial calcification when disrupted. Serum and vascular klotho levels are reduced in patients with chronic kidney disease, and the reduced levels are associated with arterial calcification. Intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an n-3 fatty acid, reduces the risk of fatal coronary artery disease. However, the effects of EPA on arterial calcification have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of EPA on arterial calcification in klotho mutant mice.
Methods and results
Four-week-old klotho mutant mice and wild-type (WT) mice were given a diet containing 5% EPA (EPA food, klotho and WT: n = 12, each) or not containing EPA (control food, klotho and WT: n = 12, each) for 4 weeks. Calcium volume scores of thoracic and abdominal aortas assessed by computed tomography were significantly elevated in klotho mice after 4 weeks of control food, but they were not elevated in klotho mice after EPA food or in WT mice. Serum levels of EPA and resolvin E1, an active metabolite of EPA, in EPA food-fed mice were significantly increased compared to those in control food-fed mice. An oxidative stress PCR array followed by quantitative PCR revealed that NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4), an enzyme that generates superoxide, gene expression was up-regulated in arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of klotho mice. Activity of NOX was also significantly higher in SMCs of klotho mice than in those of WT mice. EPA decreased expression levels of the NOX4 gene and NOX activity. GPR120, a receptor of n-3 fatty acids, gene knockdown by siRNA canceled effects of EPA on NOX4 gene expression and NOX activity in arterial SMCs of klotho mice.
Conclusions
EPA prevents arterial calcification together with reduction of NOX gene expression and activity via GPR120 in klotho mutant mice.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0181009

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Language：English   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Vascular medial calcification is often observed in patients with arteriosclerosis. It is also associated with systolic hypertension, wide pulse pressure, and fluctuation of blood pressure, which results in cardiovascular events. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been shown to suppress vascular calcification in previous animal experiments. We investigated the inhibitory effects of EPA on Wnt signaling, which is one of the important signaling pathways involved in vascular calcification. Intake of food containing 5% EPA resulted in upregulation of the mRNA expression of Klotho, an intrinsic inhibitor of Wnt signaling, in the kidneys of wild-type mice. Expression levels of beta-catenin, an intracellular signal transducer in the Wnt signaling pathway, were increased in the aortas of Klotho mutant (kl/kl) mice compared to the levels in the aortas of wild-type mice. Wnt3a or BIO, a GSK-3 inhibitor that activates beta-catenin signaling, upregulated mRNA levels of AXIN2 and LEF1, Wnt signaling marker genes, and RUNX2 and BMP4, early osteogenic genes, in human aorta smooth muscle cells. EPA suppressed the upregulation of AXIN2 and BMP4. The effect of EPA was cancelled by T0070907, a PPAR gamma inhibitor. The results suggested that EPA could suppress vascular calcification via the inhibition of Wnt signaling in osteogenic vascular smooth muscle cells via PPAR gamma activation.

DOI： 10.3390/nu9080858

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Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

Background: Little is known about the suitability of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). We evaluated the efficacy of ICD implantation in patients with CS, including suspected CS, compared with those with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Methods: A total of 102 consecutive patients with definite CS, suspected CS, or DCM who underwent ICD implantation were enrolled. The endpoint was the first documentation of appropriate ICD therapy for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The follow-up started after ICD implantation.
Results: Appropriate ICD therapies occurred in 15 (56%) of 27 patients with definite CS, 17 (68%) of 25 with suspected CS, and 16 (32%) of 50 with DCM. The rate of appropriate ICD therapies was higher in patients with definite CS and those with suspected CS than in those with DCM (log-rank test, p= 0.010). After ICD implantation, five or more appropriate ICD therapies occurred in 5 (19%) patients with definite CS and 10 (40%) with suspected CS, but in only 1 (2%) with DCM. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that CS, including suspected CS, was independently associated with appropriate ICD therapies. For primary prevention, the rate of appropriate ICD therapies was higher in patients with CS than in those with DCM(log-rank test, p= 0.034). More than half of patients with CS received appropriate ICD therapies.
Conclusions: Patients with CS receive appropriate ICD therapies for ventricular tachyarrhythmias at a higher rate, compared with those with DCM, suggesting that ICD implantation should be performed in patients with CS.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.04.044

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Language：English   Publisher：INT HEART JOURNAL ASSOC  

Adverse cardiovascular events after lung transplantation (LT) increase the mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Long-term intravenous prostacyclin is the usual treatment in severe patients with PAH, but it may increase the risk of hemorrhage due to its antiplatelet aggregation effect or thrombocytopenia. We investigated the impact of length of intravenous prostacyclin therapy on acute adverse cardiovascular events including hemorrhagic complication after LT. We retrospectively compared the incidence of adverse events (death, intrathoracic hematoma and bleeding, cardiac congestion or shock, cerebral infarction and pulmonary embolism) within 30 days after LT between no/short-term (median 0.6 years, n = 13) and long-term (median 3.7 years, n = 15) intravenous prostacyclin groups. There were no differences in the dose of intravenous prostacyclin and pulmonary artery pressure between the two groups. Among 22 adverse events (0.8 +/- 1.1 events/patient), 4 events occurred in the no/short-term intravenous prostacyclin group and 18 occurred in the long-term intravenous prostacyclin group. The event rate per patient in the long-term intravenous prostacyclin group (1.2 +/- 1.3 events/patient) was significantly higher than that in the no/short-term intravenous prostacyclin group (0.3 +/- 0.5 events/patient) (P &lt; 0.05). Intrathoracic hematoma and bleeding was the most frequent adverse event (9 events, 41%). Preoperative long-term intravenous prostacyclin therapy increases acute adverse cardiovascular events after LT in patients with PAH.

DOI： 10.1536/ihj.16-389

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Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Background: In order to minimize inappropriate shocks of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICD), it is important to recognize who is suitable for S-ICD indication. This study aimed to clarify what types of cardiac disease are likely to fulfill the S-ICD screening criteria and ineligible factors for S-ICD in the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
Methods: A total of 348 patients with heart disease were enrolled. They were assessed by supine and standing ECG recording to simulate the 3 S-ICD sensing vectors and standard 12-lead ECG, simultaneously. Clinical and ECG characteristics were analyzed to compare the patients who are eligible and ineligible with S-ICD screening ECG indication.
Results: The mean age of study patients was 49 21 years and 244 (70%) were men. Nineteen percent of patients were unsuitable for S-ICD. There was no significant difference in ineligibility for S-ICD among cardiac diseases (p = 0.48). Univariate analysis showed complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB), QRS-T discordance in lead II, and QRS-T discordance in 3 leads (I, II, and aVF) were more frequent in patients who were ineligible for S-ICD than in the eligible group. Multivariate regression analysis showed CRBBB and QRST discordance in 3 leads were independent predictors for ineligibility of S-ICD.
Conclusion: There are no differences in eligibility of S-ICD among types of cardiac diseases. CRBBB and QRS-T discordance were independent predictors for ineligibility. (C) 2016 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jjcc.2016.11.014

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A 7-year-old boy presented at our hospital with syncope. At birth, electrocardiography had shown a long QT interval with torsade de pointes (TdP). Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) had been diagnosed by genetic testing, and was successfully controlled with oral propranolol. At age 7, TdP had recurred with syncope. Electrocardiography revealed a prominent long QT interval with T-wave alternans. The propranolol dose was increased, but TdP remained uncontrolled. A cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was implanted epicardially, and TdP completely resolved with atrial pacing. We report this rare case of ICD implantation in a child with LQTS.

DOI： 10.1016/j.joa.2016.10.561

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Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

Background: The effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) and nicorandil on periprocedural myocardial injury (pMI) in patients with planned percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. The aim of this randomized trial was to evaluate the effect of RIPC or nicorandil on pMI following PCI in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with a control group.
Methods: Patients with stable CAD who planned to undergo PCI were assigned to a 1: 1: 1 ratio to control, RIPC, or intravenous nicorandil (6mg/h). Automated RIPC was performed by a device, which performs intermittent arm ischemia through three cycles of 5min of inflation and 5min of deflation of a pressure cuff. The primary outcome was the incidence of pMI, determined by an elevation in high-sensitive troponin T or creatine kinase myocardial band at 12 or 24 h after PCI. The secondary outcomes were ischemic events during PCI and adverse clinical events at 8 months after PCI.
Results: A total of 391 patients were enrolled. The incidence of pMI following PCI was not significantly different between the control group (48.9%) and RIPC group (39.5%; p = 0.14), or between the control group and nicorandil group (40.3%; p = 0.17). There were no significant differences in ischemic events during PCI or adverse clinical events within 8 months after PCI among the three groups.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated moderate reductions in biomarker release and pMI by RIPC or intravenous nicorandil prior to the PCI consistently, but may have failed to achieve statistical significance because the study was underpowered. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.02.028

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Language：English   Publisher：BMJ Publishing Group  

Background The effects of antihypertensive drug combination therapy on central blood pressure (BP) and augmentation index (AI) have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the effects of the direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren, or a diuretic added to an angiotensin II receptor blocker on AI in patients with essential hypertension. Methods A 24-week, prospective, multicentre, randomised, open-label study enrolled 103 patients already treated with valsartan. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either valsartan with aliskiren (V+A), or valsartan with trichlormethiazide (V+T). The primary outcome was the change in AI derived from radial artery tonometry. Secondary outcome measures included systolic and diastolic BP, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI, which reflects arterial stiffness) and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentration. Results After 24 weeks, systolic and diastolic BP were significantly reduced in both groups to a broadly comparable extent. There was no significant difference in AI at the end of the study between the V+A group and the V+T group (between-group difference: -2.3%, 95% CI -6.9% to 2.2%, p=0.31). Central BP at the end of the study also did not differ between the two groups (p=0.62). There was no significant difference in the CAVI between the groups at the end of the study. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentration was significantly lower in the V+A group than in the V+T group (p &lt
0.01), suggesting that V+A attenuated oxidative stress more than V+T. Conclusion The combination of valsartan and aliskiren had an effect on AI comparable with that of the combination of valsartan and trichlormethiazide.

DOI： 10.1136/openhrt-2017-000591

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Language：English   Publisher：JAPANESE CIRCULATION SOC  

Background: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are currently treated with combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs. Reverse right ventricular (RV) remodeling after lung transplantation (LTx) in patients with end-stage PAH despite combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs has not been fully elucidated.
Methods and Results: A total of 136 patients, including 32 with PAH, underwent LTx from 1998 to 2014. We enrolled 12 consecutive patients with PAH treated with combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs who underwent LTx and retrospectively analyzed the temporal and serial changes in hemodynamics and echocardiography before LTx and at 3 and 12 months after LTx. Before LTx, the RV was markedly dilated with substantially reduced RV fractional area change (RVFAC). At 3 months after LTx, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and RV stroke work index were significantly decreased, while left ventricular stroke work index was increased. RV size assessed by echocardiography also significantly decreased and RVFAC improved. At 12 months after LTx, RVFAC was further increased and RV wall thickness was decreased significantly.
Conclusions: Although severe RV dysfunction and dilation were observed in patients with end-stage PAH despite combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs, RV function and morphology were improved after reduction of RV pressure load by LTx.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-16-0838

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Language：English   Publisher：FRONTIERS MEDIA SA  

Background: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is characterized by J-point or ST-segment elevation on electrocardiograms (ECGs) and increased risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF). In BrS, epicardial depolarization abnormality with delayed potential on the right ventricular outflow tract is reportedly the predominant mechanism underlying VF. Yet VF occurrence is also associated with early repolarization (ER) pattern in the inferolateral ECG leads, which may represent the inferior and/or left lateral ventricular myocardium. The aim of this study was to examine epicardial electrograms recorded directly at the left ventricle (LV) in BrS patients after VF episodes.
Methods: In 12 BrS patients who had experienced VF episodes and 17 control subjects, a multipolar catheter was introduced into the left lateral coronary vein for unipolar and bipolar electrogram recordings at the LV epicardium. Both inferior and lateral ER patterns on ECG were observed in three BrS patients and six control subjects.
Results: In the epicardium, prominent J waves were detected using unipolar recording, and potentials after the QRS complex were detected using bipolar recording in three of the 12 BrS patients. These three patients also showed both inferior and lateral ER patterns on ECG. Neither prominent J waves nor potentials after the QRS complex were recorded at the endocardium of the LV in any of these three patients; nor were they seen at the epicardium in any of the control subjects. These features were accentuated on pilsicainide administration (n = 2) but diminished on constant atrial pacing (n = 3) and isoproterenol administration (n = 1). The J waves observed through unipolar recording coincided with the potentials after QRS complex observed through bipolar recording and with the inferolateral ER patterns on ECG.
Conclusions: We recorded prominent J waves in unipolar electrogram and potentials after QRS complex in bipolar electrogram at the LV epicardium in BrS patients with global ER pattern. The prominent J waves coincided with the potentials after QRS complex and the inferolateral ER pattern on ECG. The characteristics of the inferolateral ER pattern on ECG in these patients primarily represent depolarization feature.

DOI： 10.3389/fphys.2017.00014

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DOI： 10.1111/jce.13349

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DOI： 10.1111/jce.13315

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DOI： 10.1016/j.jjcc.2017.11.005

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DOI： 10.1016/j.jjcc.2017.05.001

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DOI： 10.1111/jce.13399

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Language：English   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume is reported to be associated with coronary plaques. We evaluated whether non-invasive measurement of EAT thickness by echocardiography can predict high-risk coronary plaque characteristics determined independently by coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. We enrolled 406 patients (mean age 63 years, 57 % male) referred for 64-slice CT. EAT was measured on the right ventricle free wall from a parasternal long-axis view at the end of systole. High-risk coronary plaques were defined as low-density plaques (&lt; 30 Hounsfield units) with positive remodeling (remodeling index &gt; 1.05). Patients were divided into thin or thick EAT groups using a cutoff value derived from receiver operator characteristic curve analysis for discriminating high-risk plaques. The receiver operator characteristic cutoff value was 5.8 mm with a sensitivity of 83 % and specificity of 64 % (area under the curve 0.77, 95 % confidence interval 0.70-0.83, p &lt; 0.01). Compared with the thin EAT group, the thick EAT group had a high prevalence of low-density plaques (4 vs. 24 %, p &lt; 0.01), positive remodeling (39 vs. 60 %, p &lt; 0.01), and high-risk plaques (3 vs. 17 %, p &lt; 0.01). Multiple logistic analysis revealed that thick EAT was a significant predictor of high-risk plaques (odds ratio 7.98, 95 % confidence interval 2.77-22.98, p &lt; 0.01) after adjustment for covariates, including conventional risk factors, visceral adipose tissue area, and medications. The measurement of EAT thickness by echocardiography may provide a non-invasive option for predicting high-risk coronary plaques.

DOI： 10.1007/s00380-016-0802-5

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Language：English   Publisher：LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS  

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used as novel drug delivery systems. Drug-incorporated NPs for local delivery might optimize the efficacy and minimize the side effects of drugs. Intravenous prostacyclin improves long-term survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but it causes serious side effects such as catheter-related infections. We investigated the efficacy and safety of intratracheal administration of a prostacyclin analogue, beraprost (BPS), incorporated NPs in Sugen-hypoxia-normoxia and monocrotaline rat models of PAH and in human PAH pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). After a single administration, BPS NPs significantly decreased right ventricular pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary artery muscularization in the 2 rat models. BPS NPs significantly improved the survival rate in the monocrotaline rat model. No infiltration of inflammatory cells, hemorrhage, or fibrosis was found in the liver, kidney, spleen, and heart after the administration of BPS NPs. No liver or kidney dysfunction was found in the blood examinations. BPS and BPS NPs significantly inhibited the proliferation of human PAH PASMCs after 24 hours of treatment. BPS NPs significantly continued to inhibit the proliferation of human PAH PASMCs at 24 hours after the removal of BPS NPs. BPS NPs significantly induced apoptosis in PAH PASMCs compared to that in non-PAH PASMCs. Intratracheal administration of BPS NPs ameliorates pulmonary hypertension in PAH rat models by a sustained antiproliferative effect and a proapoptotic effect on PAH PASMCs.

DOI： 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000352

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Language：English   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is associated with the incidence of congestive heart failure. We evaluated the association between CAC and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in elderly patients without coronary artery disease. Coronary computed tomography was performed in 1,021 consecutive patients &gt; 55 years of age who were suspected of having coronary artery disease. A total of 530 patients (age, 70 +/- A 8 years; 56 % men) with a LV ejection fraction &gt; 50 % and without obstructive coronary artery disease and a history of coronary artery disease were included in the analysis. LVDD was defined according to a standard algorithm by echocardiography (septal e' &lt; 8, lateral e' &lt; 10, and left atrial volume index a parts per thousand yen34 mL/m(2)). A total of 224 of 530 patients had LVDD. CAC scores in patients with LVDD were higher than those in patients without LVDD (p &lt; 0.01). The prevalence of LVDD in patients with CAC scores a parts per thousand yen400 was greater than that in patients with CAC scores of 0-9 (58 vs. 34 %, p &lt; 0.01). After adjustment for confounding factors, the CAC score was associated with LVDD, with an odds ratio of 1.96 (95 % confidence interval: 1.11-3.43, p = 0.02) for a CAC score a parts per thousand yen400 compared with a CAC score of 0-9. A CAC score a parts per thousand yen400 was associated with LVDD in elderly patients without CAD in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of CAC as a risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

DOI： 10.1007/s00380-015-0645-5

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Language：English   Publisher：Elsevier Inc  

We recently found a constitutively active mutant of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (caNPR2
V883M), which synthesizes larger amounts of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) intracellularly without any ligand stimulation than existing drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of gene transduction using caNPR2 for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In vitro gene transduction into human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells using Sendai virus (SeV) vectors carrying caNPR2 induced 10,000-fold increases in the synthesis of cGMP without ligand stimulation, and the proliferation of caNPR2-expressing cells was significantly attenuated. The PAH model rats generated by hypoxia and the administration of SU5416 were then treated with SeV vectors through a direct injection into the left pulmonary artery. Right ventricular systolic pressure was significantly decreased 2 weeks after the treatment, while systemic blood pressure remained unchanged. Histological analyses revealed that the medial wall thickness and occlusion rate of pulmonary arterioles were significantly improved in caNPR2-treated lungs. Neither the systemic integration of virus vectors nor side effects were observed. The massive stimulation of cGMP synthesis by gene therapy with caNPR2 was safe and effective in a PAH rat model and, thus, has potential as a novel therapy for patients with severe progressive PAH.

DOI： 10.1038/mtm.2016.44

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Language：English   Publishing type：Book review, literature introduction, etc.   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Statin therapy targeting reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and all-cause mortality. However, a substantial number of cases of CHD are not prevented and residual risk factors remain unsettled. A high triglyceride (TG) level is considered to be an important and residual risk factor. Postprandial hyperlipidemia is a condition in which TG-rich chylomicron remnants are increased during the postprandial period and hypertriglycedemia is protracted. Postprandial hyperlipidemia evokes atherogenesis during the postprandial period. Several prospective studies have revealed that nonfasting serum TG levels predict the incidence of CHD. Values of TG, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, and remnant lipoprotein TG after fat loading were significantly higher in diabetes patients with insulin resistance than in diabetes patients without insulin resistance.
Endothelial dysfunction is an initial process of atherogenesis and it contributes to the pathogenesis of CHD. Postprandial hyperlipidemia (postprandial hypertriglyceridemia) is involved in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, recruitment of neutrophils, and generation of oxidative stress, resulting in endothelial dysfunction in healthy subjects, hypertriglyceridemic patients, or type 2 diabetic patients.
Effective treatment has not been established till date. Ezetimibe or omega-3 fatty acids significantly decrease postprandial TG elevation and postprandial endothelial dysfunction. Ezetimibe or omega-3 fatty acids added to statin therapy reduce serum TG levels and result in good outcomes in patients with CHD.
In conclusion, postprandial hyperlipidemia is an important and residual risk factor especially in patients with insulin resistance syndrome (metabolic syndrome) and diabetes mellitus. Further studies are needed to establish effective treatment. (C) 2015 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jjcc.2015.12.001

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Language：English   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

OBJECTIVES: Identity of the optimal heart preservation solution remains unknown. Because oxidative stress contributes to contractile failure in the ischaemic/reperfused myocardium and the main characteristic of Celsior is its antioxidant effect, it is important to elucidate the relationship between the inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and cardiac mechano-energetics. We therefore evaluated the efficacy of Celsior from both aspects by comparison with the University of Wisconsin solution (UWS).
METHODS: We used 18 excised cross-circulated canine hearts. Excised hearts were preserved with UWS (n = 6) or Celsior (n = 6) for 3 h at 4 degrees C; the remaining six served as controls. Hearts were then cross-circulated and rewarmed. The end-systolic pressure-volume ratio (LV E-max) and the ventricular pressure-volume area, which is a measure of total mechanical energy, were assessed after reperfusion. Biopsies were taken from the endocardium after excising the heart, before reperfusion, after reperfusion and 4 h after reperfusion to assess the inhibitory effect of each agent on oxidative stress. Endo-myocardial biopsy samples were studied immunohistochemically for expression of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified protein, which is a major lipid peroxidation product.
RESULTS: E-max in the UWS group was significantly smaller than in the control group, whereas the E-max in the Celsior group was preserved. Oxygen cost of E-max in the UWS group was significantly higher than in the Celsior group. Myocardial HNE-modified protein levels increased gradually, both under preservation and after reperfusion in the UWS group. Myocardial HNE-modified protein levels in the Celsior group were lower, mainly before and 4 h after reperfusion compared with the UWS group.
CONCLUSIONS: Celsior may maintain cardiac contractility and conserve oxygen cost by inhibiting oxidative stress.

DOI： 10.1093/icvts/ivv324

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Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Background: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of short-term treatment with tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, in patients with heart failure. However, the response to tolvaptan varies among patients. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with response to tolvaptan in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).
Methods: The Tolvaptan Registry, a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study performed in Japan, aims to determine factors affecting the responsiveness of tolvaptan in patients with ADHF. We enrolled ADHF patients treated with tolvaptan and they were divided into two groups: responders and non-responders. Responders were defined as subjects who met all of the following three conditions: (1) increasing urine volume during a 24-hour period after the start of tolvaptan treatment; (2) improvement in New York Heart Association functional class; and (3) decrease in cardiothoracic ratio assessed by chest X-ray on day 3 of tolvaptan administration.
Results: Among the 114 patients, treatment with tolvaptan improved three conditions of heart failure in more than half of all the cohorts (71 patients, 62%). As for baseline characteristics, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine osmolality, and kidney size were significantly greater in responders than in non responders. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that kidney size was independently associated with responders (odds ratio: 1.083, p = 0.001, 95% confidence interval 1.031-1.137).
Conclusions: The main clinical characteristic of responders to treatment with tolvaptan is that kidney size is preserved. (C) 2015 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jjcc.2015.04.017

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Language：English   Publisher：NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP  

DOI： 10.1038/hr.2015.116

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DOI： 10.18926/AMO/54600

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DOI： 10.15106/J00974.2016187512

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Language：English   Publisher：JAPANESE CIRCULATION SOC  

Background: Brugada syndrome (BrS)-type electrocardiogram (ECG) is concealed by complete right bundle-branch block (CRBBB) in some cases of BrS. Clinical significance of BrS masked by CRBBB is not well known.
Methods and Results: We reviewed an ECG database of 326 BrS patients who had type 1 ECG with or without pilsicainide. "BrS masked by CRBBB" was defined on ECG as &lt;2-mm elevation of the J point at the time of CRBBB in the right precordial leads, and BrS-type J-point elevation &gt;= 2 mm at the time of normalized QRS complex on relieved CRBBB. We identified 25 BrS patients (7.7%) with persistent (n=12) or intermittent CRBBB (n=13). Relief of CRBBB by pacing was performed in patients with persistent CRBBB. The prevalence of BrS masked by CRBBB was 3.1% (10/326 patients). Three patients had type 1 ECG, and 7 patients had type 2 or 3 ECG on relief of CRBBB. Two of these 10 patients had lethal arrhythmic events during the follow-up period (mean, 86.4+/-57.2 months). There was no prognostic difference between BrS masked by CRBBB and other BrS.
Conclusions: In a small BrS population, CRBBB can completely mask typical BrS-type ECG. BrS masked by CRBBB is associated with the same risk of fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia as other BrS.

DOI： 10.1253/circj.CJ-15-0618

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Language：English   Publisher：BIOMED CENTRAL LTD  

Background: Endothelial function is a prognostic predictor in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, in an era with widespread use of drug-eluting stents, the clinical relevance of endothelial dysfunction on restenosis in patients undergoing PCI has not been fully evaluated.
Methods: This study included 80 patients with stable angina pectoris. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was examined 1 week after PCI. Patients were retrospectively followed-up for an average of 21 months after PCI. The primary endpoints included cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and critical limb ischemia.
Results: A drug-eluting stent was used in 58 patients and a cardiovascular event was recorded in 34 patients during follow-up. The incidence of all cardiovascular diseases was significantly greater in the low FMD (median FMD &lt;4.2 %) than the high FMD (median FMD &gt;= 4.2 %) group (60 % vs. 25 %, p &lt;0.01). Furthermore, the incidence of coronary revascularization was significantly higher in the low than the high FMD group (p = 0.02), while the incidence of in-stent restenosis did not differ between the two groups. Cox regression analysis showed that low FMD was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio: 2.77, 95 % confidence interval: 1.23 to 6.19, p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Impaired brachial artery FMD independently predicts long-term cardiovascular events after PCI in the era of drug-eluting stents.

DOI： 10.1186/s12872-015-0096-z

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Language：English   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background
Establishment of a biological pacemaker is expected to solve the persisting problems of a mechanical pacemaker including the problems of battery life and electromagnetic interference. Enhancement of the funny current (If) flowing through hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and attenuation of the inward rectifier K+ current (I-K1) flowing through inward rectifier potassium (K-ir) channels are essential for generation of a biological pacemaker. Therefore, we generated HCN4-overexpressing mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and induced cardiomyocytes that originally show poor I-K1 currents, and we investigated whether the HCN4-overexpressing mESC-derived cardiomyocytes (mESC-CMs) function as a biological pacemaker in vitro.
Methods and Results
The rabbit Hcn4 gene was transfected into mESCs, and stable clones were selected. mESC-CMs were generated via embryoid bodies and purified under serum/glucose-free and lactate-supplemented conditions. Approximately 90% of the purified cells were troponin I-positive by immunostaining. In mESC-CMs, expression level of the Kcnj2 gene encoding K(ir)2.1, which is essential for generation of I-K1 currents that are responsible for stabilizing the resting membrane potential, was lower than that in an adult mouse ventricle. HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs expressed about a 3-times higher level of the Hcn4 gene than did non-overexpressing mESC-CMs. Expression of the Cacna1h gene, which encodes T-type calcium channel and generates diastolic depolarization in the sinoatrial node, was also confirmed. Additionally, genes required for impulse conduction including Connexin40, Connexin43, and Connexin45 genes, which encode connexins forming gap junctions, and the Scn5a gene, which encodes sodium channels, are expressed in the cells. HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs showed significantly larger I-f currents and more rapid spontaneous beating than did non-overexpressing mESC-CMs. The beating rate of HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs responded to ivabradine, an I-f inhibitor, and to isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist. Co-culture of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) with aggregates composed of mESC-CMs resulted in synchronized contraction of the cells. The beating rate of hiPSC-CMs co-cultured with aggregates of HCN4-overexpressing mESC-CMs was significantly higher than that of nontreated hiPSC-CMs and that of hiPSC-CMs co-cultured with aggregates of non-overexpressing mESC-CMs.
Conclusions
We generated HCN4-overexpresssing mESC-CMs expressing genes required for impulse conduction, showing rapid spontaneous beating, responding to an I-f inhibitor and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, and having pacing ability in an in vitro co-culture system with other excitable cells. The results indicated that these cells could be applied to a biological pacemaker.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0138193

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Language：English   Publisher：ADIS INT LTD  

Background and Aim The increase in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) leads to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor degradation. Statins significantly reduce LDL-cholesterol levels, but upregulate PCSK9. This study evaluated the effect of ezetimibe monotherapy or ezetimibe in combination with a statin on serum levels of PCSK9 in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.
Methods Ezetimibe treatment was given to ten patients with diabetes without statin therapy and ten patients with statin therapy. Plasma levels of PCSK9 were examined at baseline and 24 weeks after treatment.
Results At baseline, PCSK9 concentrations in patients with statin therapy were significantly higher than those in patients without statin use and in control subjects [median (25th-75th percentile) 411 (272-467) and 382 (356-453) ng/mL, respectively, p&lt;0.01]. After ezetimibe treatment for 24 weeks, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and remnant-like lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased in both groups. However, PCSK9 concentration did not change compared with baseline measurements in both groups. The percentage change in LDL-cholesterol after ezetimibe therapy for 24 weeks was not correlated with the percentage change in PCSK9 concentration.
Conclusion Ezetimibe may reduce LDL-cholesterol levels without affecting PCSK9 in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.

DOI： 10.1007/s40256-015-0119-2

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Language：English   Publisher：BIOMED CENTRAL LTD  

Background: Left ventricular ( LV) diastolic dysfunction is frequently observed in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor ( DPP-4i) attenuates postprandial hyperglycemia ( PPH) and may have cardio-protective effects. It remains unclear whether DPP-4i improves LV diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes, and, if so, it is attributable to the attenuation of PPH or to a direct cardiac effect of DPP-4i. We compared the effects of the DPP-4i, sitagliptin, and the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, voglibose, on LV diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study of 100 diabetic patients with LV diastolic dysfunction. Patients received sitagliptin ( 50 mg/day) or voglibose ( 0.6 mg/day). The primary endpoints were changes in the e' velocity and E/e' ratio from baseline to 24 weeks later. The secondary efficacy measures included HbA1c, GLP-1, lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers.
Results: The study was completed with 40 patients in the sitagliptin group and 40 patients in the voglibose group. There were no significant changes in the e' velocity and E/e' ratio from baseline to 24 weeks later in both groups. However, analysis of covariance demonstrated that pioglitazone use is an independent factor associated with changes in the e' and E/e' ratio. Among patients not using pioglitazone, e' increased and the E/e' ratio decreased in both the sitagliptin and voglibose groups. GLP-1 level increased from baseline to 24 weeks later only in the sitagliptin group ( 4.8 +/- 4.7 vs. 7.3 +/- 5.5 pmol/L, p &lt; 0.05). The reductions in HbA1c and body weight were significantly greater in the sitagliptin group than in the voglibose group (-0.7 +/- 0.6 % vs. -0.3 +/- 0.4, p &lt; 0.005; -1.3 +/- 3.2 kg vs. 0.4 +/- 2.8 kg, p &lt; 0.05, respectively). There were no changes in lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in both groups.
Conclusions: Our trial showed that sitagliptin reduces HbA1c levels more greatly than voglibose does, but that neither was associated with improvement in the echocardiographic parameters of LV diastolic function in patients with diabetes.

DOI： 10.1186/s12933-015-0242-z

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Language：English   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with a risk of coronary artery disease (e.g., diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome). We evaluated whether nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis is associated with high-risk plaques as assessed by multidetector computed tomography (CT).
Methods
This retrospective study involved 414 participants suspected of having coronary artery disease. Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis was defined as a liver-to-spleen fat ratio of &lt;1.0 and the presence and appropriate characteristics of coronary-artery plaques as assessed by coronary CT angiography. High-risk plaques were identified, as were low-density plaques, positive remodeling, and spotty calcification.
Results
Compared with patients who did not have nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis had more low-density plaques (21% vs. 44%, p&lt;0.01), positive remodeling (41% vs. 58%, p = 0.01), and spotty calcification (12% vs. 36%, p&lt;0.01). The number of high-risk plaques in patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis was greater than in those without nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis (p&lt;0.01). Patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis were more likely to have high-risk plaques than were those with only an elevated level of visceral adipose tissue (&gt;= 86 cm(2); 35% vs. 16%, p&lt;0.01). Multivariate analyses that included nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, amount of visceral adipose tissue, and the presence/absence of traditional risk factors demonstrated that nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis was an independent predictor of high-risk plaques (odds ratio: 4.60; 95% confidence interval: 1.94-9.07, p&lt;0.01).
Conclusions
Diagnosis of nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis may be of value when assessing the risk of coronary artery disease.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0131138

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Language：English   Publisher：EXCERPTA MEDICA INC-ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

Patients with probable cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) who satisfy only clinical cardiac findings for CS are not uncommon. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between patients with probable CS and those with definite CS treated with steroids. The study population consisted of 101 consecutive patients who satisfied clinical cardiac findings for CS. Patients with definite CS were defined as having histologic or clinical confirmation of CS according to the guidelines and were treated with steroids. Patients with probable CS were defined as having only clinical cardiac findings but not definite CS because of no histologic confirmation or extracardiac sarcoidosis and were not treated with steroids. The end point was major adverse cardiac events. Forty-seven patients had definite CS, and the other 54 had probable CS. Except for serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels and left ventricular dysfunction, clinical characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Over a median follow-up period of 15 months, major adverse cardiac events occurred more frequently in patients with probable CS than in those with definite CS (74% vs 53%, p = 0.029). The event-free survival rate was worse in patients with probable CS than in those with definite CS (log-rank test, p = 0.006). Cox proportional-hazards analysis showed that probable CS was an independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events. In conclusion, outcomes were worse in patients with probable CS than in those with definite CS treated with steroids. The initiation of steroid treatment may be considered for patients who satisfy only clinical cardiac findings for CS. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.01.562

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Language：English   Publisher：EXCERPTA MEDICA INC-ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC  

Although high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) is a common initial manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis, little is known about the outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes in patients with AVB as an initial manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis compared with those in patients with ventricular tachyarrhytlunia (VT) and/or heart failure (HF). Fifty-three consecutive patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, who had high-degree AVB (n = 22) or VT and/or HF (n = 31), were enrolled. The end point was defined as major adverse cardiac events, including cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation, sustained VT, and hospitalization for HF. Over a median follow-up period of 34 months, the outcomes of major adverse cardiac events were better in patients with high-degree AVB than in those with VT and/or HF (log-rank test, p = 0.046). However, this difference was due mainly to HF hospitalization. The outcomes of fatal cardiac events, including cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation, and sustained VT, were comparable between the 2 groups (log-rank test, p = 0.877). The fatal cardiac events in patients with high-degree AVB were not associated with the initiation of steroid treatment or left ventricular dysfunction. In conclusion, the outcomes of major adverse cardiac events are better in patients with high-degree AVB than in those with VT and/or HF. However, patients with high-degree AVB have a high rate of fatal cardiac events, similar to those with VT and/or HF. An indication for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, but not a pacemaker system, can be considered in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis manifested by high-degree AVB. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.11.028

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Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

Background: Contrast medium-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a cardiovascular complication after myocardial infarction treated with emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of this randomized, sham-controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on CI-AKI in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who received emergency primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Methods and results: Patients with a suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction were randomly assigned at a 1: 1 ratio to receive percutaneous coronary intervention eitherwith (n = 63) or without (n = 62) RIPC (intermittent arm ischemia through three cycles of 5 min of inflation and 5 min of deflation of a blood pressure cuff). A total of 47 RIPC patients and 47 control patients met all study criteria. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CI-AKI, which was defined as an increase in serum creatinine &gt;0.5 mg/dL or N25% over the baseline value 48-72 h after administration of contrast medium. The incidence of CI-AKI was 10% (n = 5) in the RIPC group and 36% (n = 17) in the control group (p = 0.003). The odds ratio of CI-AKI in patients who received RIPC was 0.18 (95% confidence interval: 0.05-0.64; p = 0.008).
Conclusions: In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, RIPC before percutaneous coronary intervention reduced the incidence of CI-AKI. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.10.135

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DOI： 10.18926/AMO/53519

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Heart Foundation  

DOI： 10.11281/shinzo.47.S1_33

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本心臓血管外科学会  

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DOI： 10.1536/ihj.14-338

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The release of endogenous prostacyclin (PGI2) is depressed in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PGI2 replacement therapy by epoprostenol infusion is one of the best treatments available for PAH. Here, we provide an overview of the current clinical data for epoprostenol. Epoprostenol treatment improves symptoms, exercise capacity, and hemodynamics, and is the only treatment that has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) in randomized clinical trials. We have reported that high-dose epoprostenol therapy (>40 ng/kg/min) also results in marked hemodynamic improvement in some patients with IPAH. High-dose epoprostenol has a pro-apoptotic effect on PAH-PASMCs via the IP receptor and upregulation of Fas ligand (FasL) in vitro. However, long-term intravenous administration of epoprostenol is sometimes associated with catheter-related infections and leads to considerable inconvenience for the patient. In the future, the development of new routes of administration or the development of powerful PGI2 analogs, IP-receptor agonists, and gene and cell-based therapy enhancing PGI2 production with new routes of administration is required.

DOI： 10.2147/VHRM.S50368

PubMed