Atorvastatin induces associated reductions in platelet P-selectin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and interleukin-6 in patients with coronary artery diseases.

The development and progression of atherosclerosis comprises various processes, such as endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, thrombus formation, and lipid profile modification. Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors that have pleiotropic effects in addition to cholesterol-lowering properties. However, the mechanisms of these effects are not completely understood. Here, we investigated whether atorvastatin affects the levels of malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDALDL), an oxidized LDL, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), or platelet P-selectin, a marker of platelet activation, relative to that of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Forty-eight patients with coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia were separated into two groups that were administered with (atorvastatin group) or without (control group) atorvastatin. The baseline MDA-LDL level in all participants significantly correlated with LDL-C (r = 0.71, P < 0.01) and apolipoprotein B levels (r = 0.66, P < 0.01). Atorvastatin (10 mg/day) significantly reduced the LDL-C level within 4 weeks and persisted for a further 8 weeks of administration. Atorvastatin also reduced the MDA-LDL level within 4 weeks and further reduced it over the next 8 weeks. Platelet P-selectin expression did not change until 4 weeks of administration and then significantly decreased at 12 weeks, whereas the IL-6 level was gradually, but not significantly, reduced at 12 weeks. In contrast, none of these parameters significantly changed in the control group within these time frames. The reduction (%) in IL-6 between 4 and 12 weeks after atorvastatin administration significantly correlated with that of MDALDL and of platelet P-selectin (r = 0.65, P < 0.05 and r = 0.70, P < 0.05, respectively). These results suggested that the positive effects of atorvastatin on the LDL-C oxidation, platelet activation and inflammation that are involved in atherosclerotic processes are exerted in concert after lowering LDL-C

Assessment of left ventricular function by strain echocardiography in healthy first degree relatives of non-familial idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients

Annual Meeting of the European-Society-of-Cardiology (ESC) -- AUG 30-SEP 03, 2014 -- Barcelona, SPAINWOS: 000343001300638European Soc Cardio

Two cases of cardiac cyst hydatid with right and left ventricular involvement

WOS: 000168815100014PubMed ID: 11398768Cardiac cyst hydatic is a rare disease. Two cases with left and right ventricular involvement are presented that demonstrate the use of echocardiography in the diagnosis and during follow Lip of the disease. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Acute pulmonary oedema due to single dose acetazolamide taken after cataract surgery

PubMed ID: 27170607An increase in intraocular pressure following cataract surgery is very common. The main reason for this condition is viscoelastic agent remaining in the eye, which leads to mechanical obstruction of the trabecular meshwork. Prophylaxis with oral acetazolamide is frequently practised to prevent this early rise in intraocular pressure in the preoperative and postoperative periods. We report a case of an 81-yearold man with acute pulmonary oedema due to prophylactic acetazolamide intake after cataract surgery. The case is presented in order to draw attention to this serious complication. © 2016 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved

Evaluation of endothelial function with flow-mediated dilatation of brachial artery in patients with erectile dysfunction

American-Heart-Association Abstracts From Scientific Sessions -- NOV 17-20, 2002 -- CHICAGO, ILLINOISWOS: 000179142700900Amer Heart Asso