Vane blood-bathed technique reveals the significance of adrenergic reaction in myocardial infarction.

Using the blood-bathed technique of Vane we induced acute coronary occlusion in the dog and subsequently detected adrenaline release into the circulatory system, determined the rate of release and documented its significance for induction of cardiac arrhythmias. In the intact anesthetized dog, adrenaline excess of the magnitude released after coronary occlusion was sufficient to injure the healthy myocardium and to induce unfavorable metabolic systemic alterations. Subsequently, clinical research has documented that a serious clinical course of acute myocardial infarction is associated not only with enhanced excretion of catecholamines but also with augmentation of plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels.

Effects of vitamins C and E on the outcome after acute myocardial infarction in diabetics: a retrospective, hypothesis-generating analysis from the MIVIT study.

Background: There is significant evidence that reactive oxygen species play an important role in endothelial dysfunction, ischemia/reperfusion injury as well as in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). It is also known that vitamins C and E have substantial antioxidant properties. However, clinical evidence concerning this topic is insufficient so far.

Low serum triiodothyronine in acute myocardial infarction indicates major heart injury.

Aims: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), low serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentration is commonly associated with a severe clinical course. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether a severe clinical course in patients with low T3 is related to the magnitude of myocardial injury assessed by echocardiography.

Methods And Results: Out of 635 patients with MI we enrolled 100 consecutive patients.

L-arginine supplementation prolongs exercise capacity in congestive heart failure.

Background: In congestive heart failure (CHF), endothelial dysfunction may contribute to impairment of exercise induced vasodilatation and decreased exercise capacity. We hypothesised that administration of L-arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide (NO) and postulated antioxidant, may improve endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and exercise capacity and also exert antioxidant activity.

Aims: To investigate the effect of oral supplementation with L-arginine on exercise capacity and markers of oxidative stress in patients with mild to moderate CHF.

Release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 during balloon angioplasty in patients with stable angina. A preliminary study.

Background: Vascular wall remodeling is a major factor contributing to restenosis after angioplasty that involves migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. The release of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases, including metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9, facilitates remodeling. Experimental data suggest that nitric oxide (NO) decreases the activity of metalloproteinases and this may attenuate arterial remodeling after balloon injury.