The role of the osteoprotegerin/RANKL/RANK axis and osteopontin in acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteopontin (OPN), alongside osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio (ORR), and assess their association with the SYNTAX score and ascertain the potential of these molecules as predictive markers for risk, aiding in risk stratification. Eventually, they could potentially be employed even before angiography to gauge the severity of coronary lesions.

Methods: Prospective study with 147 participants, 101 (69%) were men, with an average age of 60.

Diagnostic Performance of Serum MicroRNAs for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Emergency Department.

Prompt diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is essential for initiating timely treatment. MicroRNAs have recently emerged as biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of serum microRNAs in identifying an ischemic origin in patients presenting with chest discomfort to the Emergency Department.

Senescent CD4CD28 cells are increased in chronic hyperuricemia, show aberrant effector phenotypes, and are reversed after allopurinol therapy: a proof-of-concept pilot study.

To characterize CD4CD28 cells in chronic hyperuricemia and investigate whether allopurinol could restore CD28 expression and the balance of T helper phenotypes. Asymptomatic individuals with chronic hyperuricemia and ultrasonographic findings evocative of urate deposition in the joints. Age- and gender-matched normouricemic individuals were also studied.

The prognostic importance of the angiotensin II/angiotensin-(1-7) ratio in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: Information about angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and Ang-(1-7) levels in patients with COVID-19 is scarce.

Objective: To characterize the Ang II-ACE2-Ang-(1-7) axis in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection to understand its role in pathogenesis and prognosis.

Methods: Patients greater than 18 years diagnosed with COVID-19, based on clinical findings and positive RT-PCR test, who required hospitalization and treatment were included.

Should a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection be considered a risk or prognostic factor for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction?

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess whether a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection could by itself be a risk or prognostic factor for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Method: An observational study in unvaccinated patients with STEMI confirmed by cardiac catheterization was conducted. A recent or concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection was identified by the presence of serum IgG against the nucleocapsid protein, or a positive polymerase chain reaction test on nasopharyngeal swabs.

Elevated Levels of Soluble CD147 are Associated with Hyperinflammation and Disease Severity in COVID-19: A Proof-of-Concept Clinical Study.

To evaluate soluble CD147 levels in COVID-19 and identify whether these are associated with hyperinflammation and disease severity. One-hundred and nine COVID-19 patients and 72 healthy blood donors were studied. Levels of CD147, matrix metalloproteases (MMP) and inflammatory markers were measured on hospital arrival, while the need for mechanical ventilation and the occurrence of death during hospitalization were recorded.

Usefulness of Easy-to-Use Risk Scoring Systems Rated in the Emergency Department to Predict Major Adverse Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Several easy-to-use risk scoring systems have been built to identify patients at risk of developing complications associated with COVID-19. However, information about the ability of each score to early predict major adverse outcomes during hospitalization of severe COVID-19 patients is still scarce.

Methods: Eight risk scoring systems were rated upon arrival at the Emergency Department, and the occurrence of thrombosis, need for mechanical ventilation, death, and a composite that included all major adverse outcomes were assessed during the hospital stay.

A simple and readily available inflammation-based risk scoring system on admission predicts the need for mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19.

Objective: To investigate whether a simplified inflammation-based risk scoring system comprising three readily available biomarkers (albumin, C-reactive protein, and leukocytes) may predict major adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: Upon admission to the emergency room, the inflammation-based risk scoring system was applied and patients were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe inflammation. In-hospital occurrence of thrombosis, need for mechanical ventilation, and death were recorded.