Levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and 2 are associated with survival after ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

The soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) are suggested to play dual roles on physiological and pathophysiological actions of TNF-α. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of these biomarkers in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Blood was collected from 165 STEMI patients at admission, 1-3 days and 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and from 40 healthy blood donors.

Dynamic Changes in Pentraxin-3 and Neprilysin in ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and neprilysin have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in chronic inflammatory disease and heart failure, but these biomarkers have been studied less in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated the dynamic changes in these biomarkers, as well as the well-known C-reactive protein (CRP), in STEMI patients. PTX3, neprilysin and CRP were measured in samples from 165 STEMI patients, collected at the acute stage, 1-3 days after and 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and from 40 healthy donors.

Evidence of contact activation in patients suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Introduction: Factor (F) XIIa is an attractive target for anticoagulation in arterial thrombosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the degree of involvement of the contact system in cardiac infarctions.

Methods And Patients: 165 patients suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 100 healthy controls were included in the study.

Left bundle branch block and suspected myocardial infarction: does chronicity of the branch block matter?

Background: Our aim was to investigate if patients with suspected myocardial infarction (MI) and a new or presumed new left bundle branch block (nLBBB) were treated according to the ESC reperfusion guidelines and to compare them with patients having a previously known LBBB (oLBBB). Furthermore, we investigated the prevalence of ST-segment concordance in this population.

Methods: Retrospective data was collected from the Swedeheart registry for patients admitted to the cardiac care unit at Örebro University Hospital with LBBB and suspected MI during 2009 and 2010.

Downregulation of platelet activation markers during long-term immobilization.

Immobilization and sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular disease, yet little is known about platelet function during long-term physical inactivity. Our aim was to investigate platelet activation markers and their coupling to standardized immobilization: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and P-selectin. We studied 15 healthy females participating in the Women International Space simulation for Exploration study.

Effect of prolonged standardized bed rest on cystatin C and other markers of cardiovascular risk.

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is associated with coronary artery disease but even shorter periods of physical inactivity may increase cardiovascular risk. Cystatin C is independently associated with cardiovascular disease and our objective was to investigate the relation between this novel biomarker and standardized bed rest. Research of immobilization physiology in humans is challenging because good biological models are in short supply.

Platelet function in brown bear (Ursus arctos) compared to man.

Background: Information on hemostasis and platelet function in brown bear (Ursus arctos) is of importance for understanding the physiological, protective changes during hibernation.

Objective: The study objective was to document platelet activity values in brown bears shortly after leaving the den and compare them to platelet function in healthy humans.

Methods: Blood was drawn from immobilized wild brown bears 7-10 days after leaving the den in mid April.

Effects on blood compatibility in vitro by combining a direct P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and heparin coating of stents.

The effect of the direct platelet P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, AR-C69931MX, on activation of blood induced by stents with and without heparin coating was investigated using a whole blood Chandler loop model in vitro. Stents were deployed in Chandler loops. Fresh human blood with heparin and AR-C69931MX was rotated for 1 h at 37 degrees C and used for measurements of platelets, microparticles, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), fibrinogen binding to platelets, P-selectin expression by platelets, CD11b, Prothrombin Fragment F1+2, FXIa-AT, FXIIa-AT, C3a, sC5b-9 and stent score.

Improved blood compatibility of a stent graft by combining heparin coating and abciximab.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of heparin coating of a stent graft and administration of abciximab, on platelet and coagulation activity in vitro.

Methods: Stent grafts with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane interfoliated between two stents were deployed in tubings to form Chandler loops. Fresh human blood with a low concentration of heparin and various doses of abciximab was rotated for 1 h, then collected and used for measurements of platelets, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), CD11b, complement and contact activation of coagulation.

Pharmaceutical thrombosis prevention in cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in modern society. As a result of this, great efforts have been made to establish regimens for prophylaxis and treatment of such disorders. Pharmacological intervention is also a prerequisite for the success of other therapeutic approaches, e.