Arterial stiffness as a predictor of recovery of left ventricular systolic function after acute myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are acknowledged as independent risk factors in different high-risk populations. We investigated the effects of arterial stiffness on LV function at 3 and 6 months after acute myocardial infarction. Changes in LVEF were evaluated in 136 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with ST-segment elevation coronary syndrome and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Circulating progenitor cells are increased in newly diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients with arterial stiffening but normal carotid intima-media thickness.

Circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), including endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), have a key role in endothelium repair. Cellular NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes, including Nox-containing gp91phox, represent a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS); ROS trigger protective signals but may also have detrimental effects. Cellular defenses against ROS include the enzymes manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase type-1 (GPx-1).

Smoke exposure and circulating progenitor cells: evidence for modulation of antioxidant enzymes and cell count.

Background: Cigarette smoking is involved in vascular inflammation and impairment of circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), including endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The study aim was to evaluate the redox balance of these cells in relation to smoking exposure.

Methods: Circulating cells from 36 healthy smokers and 26 controls were isolated and identified by flow cytometry.