Genome-scale metabolic network of human carotid plaque reveals the pivotal role of glutamine/glutamate metabolism in macrophage modulating plaque inflammation and vulnerability.

Background: Metabolism is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of the function and phenotype of the primary cellular constituents of the atherosclerotic vascular wall, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and inflammatory cells. However, a comprehensive analysis of metabolic changes associated with the transition of plaque from a stable to a hemorrhaged phenotype is lacking.

Methods: In this study, we integrated two large mRNA expression and protein abundance datasets (BIKE, n = 126; MaasHPS, n = 43) from human atherosclerotic carotid artery plaque to reconstruct a genome-scale metabolic network (GEM).

Integrative multiomics analysis of human atherosclerosis reveals a serum response factor-driven network associated with intraplaque hemorrhage.

Background: While single-omics analyses on human atherosclerotic plaque have been very useful to map stage- or disease-related differences in expression, they only partly capture the array of changes in this tissue and suffer from scale-intrinsic limitations. In order to better identify processes associated with intraplaque hemorrhage and plaque instability, we therefore combined multiple omics into an integrated model.

Methods: In this study, we compared protein and gene makeup of low- versus high-risk atherosclerotic lesion segments from carotid endarterectomy patients, as judged from the absence or presence of intraplaque hemorrhage, respectively.

Editor's Choice - Nationwide Analysis of Patients Undergoing Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands.

Objective: The new 2019 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) recommends consideration for elective iliac artery aneurysm (eIAA) repair when the iliac diameter exceeds 3.5 cm, as opposed to 3.0 cm previously.

Assessment of behavioral determinants influencing success of supervised exercise therapy in patients with intermittent claudication: A cross sectional survey.

Background: Supervised exercise therapy is the first step in treatment of intermittent claudication. However, adherence to supervised exercise therapy is low. Limited access and reimbursement issues are known reasons, though lack of motivation is often leading.

Prevention of postcontrast acute kidney injury after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty by inducing RenalGuard controlled furosemide forced diuresis with matched hydration: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is often complicated due to postcontrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) in patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hydration therapy is the cornerstone in the prevention of PC-AKI. Furosemide forced diuresis with matched hydration using the RenalGuard system enables a steady balance between diuresis and hydration.