Changes in plasma levels of MMP-9, MMP-7 and their inhibitors in patients with coronary artery disease.

Unlabelled: To describe the enzymatic profile of plasma matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-7 and -9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and -2) in different categories of patients (pts.) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and their relationship with clinical status, left ventricular (LV) function and remodelling.

Methods: Total plasma MMP7, active fraction of MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2 were determined in 68 consecutive pts with confirmed CAD (Group A, 56.

Therapeutical perspectives for apoptosis modulation in cardiovascular disease.

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an active form of cell death, distinct from necrosis, through which multicellular organisms dispose of cells efficiently. Implication of apoptosis in the initiation and progression of many cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, has raised the possibility to elaborate new classes of medication to modulate this process. We review the most important drugs used in cardiovascular diseases and their interference with apoptosis, demonstrated by clinical studies as well as the involved mechanisms.

Spontaneous echo contrast of unexpected etiology.

Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of a fibromuscular membrane dividing the left atrium into two chambers: one entering the four pulmonary veins, the other connecting to the mitral valve. The extent of the communication between the two chambers and the presence of associated lesions determine the severity of symptoms and the complications. We report the case of a 20-year-old man firstly diagnosed with obstructive cor triatriatum sinister and severe pulmonary hypertension.