Effects of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis.

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on cardiovascular risk factors and, in particular, on some inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: A total of 48 subjects of both sexes who were nondrinkers or rare drinkers of moderate red wine were selected randomly subdivided into two groups assigned to receive with a crossover design a Sicilian red wine (Nero d\u2019Avola or Torrepalino) during meals: Group A (n 24), in whom the diet was supplemented for 4 weeks with 250 ml/day of red followed by 4 weeks when they returned to their usual wine intake; and Group B (n 24), in whom the usual wine intake maintained for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks when the diet was supplemented with 250 ml/day of red wine. The following values measured in all tests: blood glucose, total and HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL apolipoproteins A1 and B, Lp(a), plasma C-reactive protein, TGFb1, D-Dimer, Factor VII , PAI Ag, t-PA Ag, fibrinogen, oxidized LDL Ab, total plasma antioxidant capacity. Results: At the end of the red wine intake period, LDL/HDL, fibrinogen, factor VII, plasma C-reactive protein and oxidized Ab were significantly decreased, while HDL-C, Apo A1,TGFb1, t-PA, PAI and total plasma antioxidant capacity were significantly increased. Conclusions: Our results show a positive effect of two Sicilian red wines on many risk factors and on some inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting that a moderate consumption of red wine in the adult population is a positive component of Mediterranean diet

Migraine Prevention through Ketogenic Diet: More than Body Mass Composition Changes

The ketogenic diet (KD) is gaining attention as a preventive treatment for migraine, which is sustained by many pre-clinical and clinical data. KD is also used for weight loss, and there is a relation between migraine and weight excess, but it is speculated that KD efficacy on migraine may go beyond this effect. We conducted a retrospective observational study on 23 migraine patients who received a KD and were evaluated at the baseline and then after 3 months both from a neurological and a nutritional point of view, including body mass composition analysis. We observed a reduction in monthly headache days (12.5 ± 9.5 vs. 6.7 ± 8.6; p < 0.001) and in days of acute medication intake (11.06 ± 9.37 vs. 4.93 ± 7.99; p = 0.008). We also observed a reduction in patients’ weight (73.8 ± 15.2 vs. 68.4 ± 14.6; p < 0.001) and BMI (26.9 ± 6.2 vs. 23.7 ± 8.1; p < 0.001) with a decrement of the fat mass (28.6 ± 12.5 vs. 20.6 ± 9.8; p < 0.001). Patients who responded to KD and those who did not had no differences with respect to weight or fat mass loss. These data corroborate the utilization of KD as a preventive treatment for migraine and suggest that the efficacy of such an intervention is not only due to weight or fat mass loss but probably relies on other mechanisms specific to KD

Effects of Transmitters and Amyloid-Beta Peptide on Calcium Signals in Rat Cortical Astrocytes: Fura-2AM Measurements and Stochastic Model Simulations

BACKGROUND: To better understand the complex molecular level interactions seen in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, the results of the wet-lab and clinical studies can be complemented by mathematical models. Astrocytes are known to become reactive in Alzheimer's disease and their ionic equilibrium can be disturbed by interaction of the released and accumulated transmitters, such as serotonin, and peptides, including amyloid- peptides (A). We have here studied the effects of small amounts of A25-35 fragments on the transmitter-induced calcium signals in astrocytes by Fura-2AM fluorescence measurements and running simulations of the detected calcium signals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Intracellular calcium signals were measured in cultured rat cortical astrocytes following additions of serotonin and glutamate, or either of these transmitters together with A25-35. A25-35 increased the number of astrocytes responding to glutamate and exceedingly increased the magnitude of the serotonin-induced calcium signals. In addition to A25-35-induced effects, the contribution of intracellular calcium stores to calcium signaling was tested. When using higher stimulus frequency, the subsequent calcium peaks after the initial peak were of lower amplitude. This may indicate inadequate filling of the intracellular calcium stores between the stimuli. In order to reproduce the experimental findings, a stochastic computational model was introduced. The model takes into account the major mechanisms known to be involved in calcium signaling in astrocytes. Model simulations confirm the principal experimental findings and show the variability typical for experimental measurements. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Nanomolar A25-35 alone does not cause persistent change in the basal level of calcium in astrocytes. However, even small amounts of A25-35, together with transmitters, can have substantial synergistic effects on intracellular calcium signals. Computational modeling further helps in understanding the mechanisms associated with intracellular calcium oscillations. Modeling the mechanisms is important, as astrocytes have an essential role in regulating the neuronal microenvironment of the central nervous system

Global Chronic Total Occlusion Crossing Algorithm: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

The authors developed a global chronic total occlusion crossing algorithm following 10 steps: 1) dual angiography; 2) careful angiographic review focusing on proximal cap morphology, occlusion segment, distal vessel quality, and collateral circulation; 3) approaching proximal cap ambiguity using intravascular ultrasound, retrograde, and move-the-cap techniques; 4) approaching poor distal vessel quality using the retrograde approach and bifurcation at the distal cap by use of a dual-lumen catheter and intravascular ultrasound; 5) feasibility of retrograde crossing through grafts and septal and epicardial collateral vessels; 6) antegrade wiring strategies; 7) retrograde approach; 8) changing strategy when failing to achieve progress; 9) considering performing an investment procedure if crossing attempts fail; and 10) stopping when reaching high radiation or contrast dose or in case of long procedural time, occurrence of a serious complication, operator and patient fatigue, or lack of expertise or equipment. This algorithm can improve outcomes and expand discussion, research, and collaboration

One-year atorvastatin treatment in hypercholesterolemic patients with or without carotid artery disease

Aim. Statins are the drugs of choice in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which has a high risk of premature cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and surgical revascularization. Methods. A 1-year open-label study was conducted to test the efficacy and tolerability of Atorvastatin titrated to the target, in proven FH patients and to evaluate certain inflammatory parameters. One hundred and two FH patients (44 men and 58 women; mean age 58.7±3.6 years) were included in the study. After evaluation using the B-mode duplex scanning system of extracranial carotid arteries, the patients were divided into groups: Group 1 (15 men, 25 women) with carotid plaques or intima-media thickness (IMT) greater than 0.95 mm and Group 2 (30 men, 32 women) without carotid plaques or IMT less than 0.95 mm. After a 6-week hypolipemic diet phase all the patients were treated with atorvastatin titrated to achieve a low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) <100 mg/dL. Patients with carotid lesions were also submitted to an oral fixed dose of aspirin 100 mg/day. Results. In patients without and with carotid lesions, atorvastatin treatment (mean dosage: 23.5 mg/day) reduced triglycerides by 8.7% (P<0.005) and 10.6% (P<0.005), total cholesterol by 41.5% (P<0.005) and 42.6% (P<0.005), LDL-C by 55.8% (P<0.005) and 57.3% (P<0.005) and apolipoprotein B by 38.3% (P<0.005) and 37.2% (P<0.005) respectively, and increased the mean levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) by 8.7% (P<0.005) and 11% (P<0.005), and apolipoprotein A-I by 3.2% (P<0.05) and 3.3%, respectively. In both groups of patients the mean decrease (52 weeks) of fibrinogen was 19.8% (P<0.005) and 10.4% (P<0.005), respectively and of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), 36.2% (P<0.005) and 38.2% (P<0.005), respectively. No variation of the parameters of safety and clinical tolerability of the drugs administered was observed. No variation in hematocrit in the patients taking ASA treatment was observed. Conclusion. In FH patients, 1-year atorvastatin treatment titrated to the target (LDL-C <100 mg/dL) was well tolerated and improved serum lipid levels and inflammatory parameters