Endocan expression correlated with total volume of coronary artery dilation in patients with coronary artery ectasia.

Introduction: Inflammation and angiogenesis disturbances are considered as factors contributing to the development of coronary artery ectasias (CAE). Endocan (endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 - ESM-1) regulates both inflammatory and angiogenetic processes. However, there are no data about the correlation between endocan level and the severity of CAE measured with total volume of coronary artery dilation.

Photosensitivity reactions in the elderly population: questionnaire-based survey and literature review.

Purpose: Older people are at risk of developing adverse drug reactions, including photosensitivity reactions. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the use of potentially photosensitizing medications and photoprotection in the elderly population.

Patients And Methods: Three hundred and fifty-six respondents (223 [63%] women and 133 [37%] men) aged ≥65 years filled in the original questionnaire concerning photosensitivity reactions to drugs.

Neopterin as a Biomarker in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background: Upregulation of the immune system is regarded to play an important role in the etiopathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). To the best of our knowledge, neopterin (NP) has never been investigated in patients with PAH and CTEPH.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of NP in blood in order to examine its impact on outcome and relationship with disease severity in that population.

Prognostic usefulness of IL-6 and VEGF for the occurrence of changes in coronary arteries of patients with stable angina and implanted stents.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with chronic coronary artery disease treated who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation, for assessing the risk of restenosis and the occurrence of de novo lesions.

Patients And Methods: 498 patients with stable angina were examined during 18 months. 50 patients with significant (> 70%) stenosis of one coronary artery, eligible for the implantation of one stent, were enrolled to the study.