Cell-free plasma telomere length correlated with the risk of cardiovascular events using machine learning classifiers.

This retrospective study explored the association between circulating cell-free plasma telomere length (cf-TL) and coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). Data from 518 participants were collected, including clinical and laboratory data. cf-TL was measured in plasma samples and machine learning (ML) classification models were developed to differentiate between CAD, HF and control conditions.

Association of endothelial function and lower extremity perfusion in peripheral artery disease.

The current study aims to investigate the association between endothelial function and lower extremity perfusion in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). : In total 229 patients with PAD (Rutherford stage 0-3) were enrolled in the current study. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelial cell proliferation capacity (ECPC).

Oxidized high-density lipoprotein associates with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia and considered to be a progressive chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recent data suggest a link between inflammation, oxidative stress, and AF, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Because oxidized lipoproteins cause structural damage and electrophysiologic changes in cardiomyocytes, it is feasible that the transformation of atheroprotective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) into dysfunctional HDL contributes to the development of AF.

Defibrillator exchange in the elderly.

Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in elderly patients is controversial because survival benefits might be attenuated by nonarrhythmic causes of death.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of septuagenarians and octogenarians after ICD generator exchange (GE).

Methods: A total of 506 patients undergoing elective GE were analyzed to determine the incidence of ICD shocks and/or survival after GE.

Leukocyte telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number associate with endothelial function in aging-related cardiovascular disease.

Background: We investigated the association between leukocyte telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and endothelial function in patients with aging-related cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: In total 430 patients with CVD and healthy persons were enrolled in the current study. Peripheral blood was drawn by routine venipuncture procedure.

Autophagy-related genes analysis reveals potential biomarkers for prediction of the impaired walking capacity of peripheral arterial disease.

Background: The role of autophagy and autophagy-related genes in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains unknown and may be of diagnostic and prognostic value. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between autophagy and PAD, and identify potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for medical practice.

Methods: Differentially expressed autophagy-related genes in PAD were explored from GSE57691 and validated in our WalkByLab registry participants by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor improves coronary collateral perfusion.

Background: We investigated the pleiotropic effects of an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) on collateral-dependent myocardial perfusion in a rat model of coronary arteriogenesis, and performed comprehensive analyses to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: A rat model of coronary arteriogenesis was established by implanting an inflatable occluder on the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by a 7-day repetitive occlusion procedure (ROP). Coronary collateral perfusion was measured by using a myocardial particle infusion technique.

Tolerability safety and effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation versus individual shear rate therapy in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease: A prospective pilot clinical trial.

Aims: We aimed to investigate the tolerability, safety, and effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation therapy (EECP) versus individual shear rate therapy (ISRT) in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD).

Methods: Eighteen patients (age: 73.1 ± 6 years) underwent EECP and ISRT, each daily over five consecutive days in a cross-over design with a 1 week resting period in between the two regimens.

Effect of ACEI and ARB treatment on nitric oxide-dependent endothelial function.

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are widely used as a first-line therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Here, ACEI modulate the bradykinin receptor (BDKRB1 and BDKRB2) system and NO-dependent endothelial function, thus determining cardiovascular health and regenerative arteriogenesis. The current study aims at evaluating nitric oxide-dependent endothelial function, and gene expression of bradykinin receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with ACEI or ARB treatment.

Risk Factor Management in Non-Metropolitan Patients with Coronary and Peripheral Artery Disease - A Protocol of a Prospective, Multi-Center, Quality Improvement Strategy.

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) account for significant morbidity and mortality in Germany and are more prevalent in rural, non-metropolitan areas. The goal of this study is to screen patients for their current atherosclerotic status, initiate treatment according to the latest scientific findings using a standardised multimodal approach and track their atherosclerotic status over one year.

Methods And Analysis: This manuscript describes the study protocol of a prospective, multicentre registry of 500 sequential patients with CAD and/or PAD in rural, non-metropolitan regions of Germany.

Guidelines adherence in the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus on the background of recent European recommendations - a registry-based analysis.

Background: Recent European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) guidelines provide recommendations for detecting and treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) in diabetic patients. We compared clinical practice with guidelines to determine areas for improvement.

Methods: German database analysis of 675,628 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with 134,395 included in this analysis.

Post-exercise pulsatility index indicates treatment effects in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

Background: Hypothesis: Post-exercise measurements better discriminate PAOD-patients from healthy persons and they more sensitively detect hemodynamic improvements after treatment procedures than resting measurements.

Methods: A total of 19 healthy volunteers and 23 consecutive PAOD-patients underwent measurements of peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), minimal diastolic velocity (MDV), time-averaged maximum velocities (TAMAX), resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) before and after a standard exercise test (at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min) before and after treatment (incl. epidemiological data, PAOD risk factors and comorbidities).

Impact of chemotherapeutic effects on the pathophysiology of the arterial wall - insights from peripheral arterial disease.

Systemic antineoplastic treatment agents represent one of the fastest developing medical fields. Oncological treatment is becoming increasingly individualized and new targets with corresponding agents, are constantly being developed. In tandem with this progress, new combinations and algorithms have evolved and patient's outcome have improved.

Type 2 diabetes in older patients: an analysis of the DPV and DIVE databases.

Background: The clinical profile differs between old and young patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We explored, based on a large real-world database, patient and disease characteristics and actual treatment patterns by age.

Methods: The analysis was based on the DIVE and DPV registries of patients with T2DM.

Renal function deterioration in adult patients with type-2 diabetes.

Background: To explore, in a large group of patients with type-2 diabetes (T2DM), renal function decline in terms of the slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time, and to find out how classical risk factors, such as the presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and microalbuminuria, affect the renal function.

Methods: The analysis included 32,492 adult T2DM patients from the DIVE/DPV registries who had serial eGFR determinations and information on the presence of microalbuminuria, hypertension and dyslipidemia available.

Results: Patients had a mean age of 66.

Individual shear rate therapy (ISRT)-further development of external counterpulsation for decreasing blood pressure in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD).

Individual shear rate therapy (ISRT) evolved from external counterpulsation with individual treatment pressures based on Doppler ultrasound measurements. In this study, we assessed the effect of ISRT on blood pressure (BP) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Eighty-four patients with symptomatic CAD were included in the study.

Loop Diuretics in Acute Kidney Injury Prevention, Therapy, and Risk Stratification.

Background: Loop diuretics (LD) are widely used in emergency and intensive care medicine.

Summary: The substances increase the clearance of electrolytes and water; thus, they allow us to control hypervolemia and to prevent patients from pulmonary edema. LD are also frequently applied to patients with an acute decrease in glomerular filtration rate, namely, acute kidney injury (AKI).

The impact of aerobic and isometric exercise on different measures of dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein in patients with hypertension.

Background: Exercise training increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, but its effect on HDL function is unclear. In hypertensives, exercise improves endothelial dysfunction, which is related to HDL function. In the present study, we assess for the first time the effects of different exercise modalities on two cell-free assays of HDL function.