Unravelling molecular mechanisms in atherosclerosis using cellular models and omics technologies.

Despite the discovery and prevalent clinical use of potent lipid-lowering therapies, including statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) caused by atherosclerosis remain a large unmet clinical need, accounting for frequent deaths worldwide. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is a complex process underlying the presence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors affecting several cell types including endothelial cells (ECs), monocytes/macrophages, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and T cells. Heterogeneous composition of the plaque and its morphology could lead to rupture or erosion causing thrombosis, even a sudden death.

Percutaneous Revascularization in End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) Patients With Non-culprit Coronary Stenosis: A Strategy Beyond Fractional Flow Reserve.

Complete myocardial revascularization, targeting both culprit and non-culprit coronary stenoses, is recommended by current guidelines in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management, either during the index percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure or within 45 days, depending on the clinical context. However, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), fractional flow reserve (FFR) presents unique challenges. Altered coronary physiology in CKD, such as arterial stiffness and microcirculatory dysfunction, affects FFR accuracy, complicating revascularization decisions.

Liver Status Assessment After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common surgical intervention used to treat severe coronary artery disease. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score has become a widely used prognostic index for assessing the severity of liver disease and prioritizing liver transplantation. However, its utility in predicting outcomes in cardiac surgery procedures has not been extensively evaluated.

Exploring Adiposity and Chronic Kidney Disease: Clinical Implications, Management Strategies, Prognostic Considerations.

Obesity poses a significant and growing risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), requiring comprehensive evaluation and management strategies. This review explores the intricate relationship between obesity and CKD, emphasizing the diverse phenotypes of obesity, including sarcopenic obesity and metabolically healthy versus unhealthy obesity, and their differential impact on kidney function. We discuss the epidemiological evidence linking elevated body mass index (BMI) with CKD risk while also addressing the paradoxical survival benefits observed in obese CKD patients.