Changes of matrix metalloproteinase-9 level is associated with left ventricular remodeling following acute myocardial infarction among patients treated with trandolapril, valsartan or both.

Background: Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can suppress left ventricular (LV) remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), possibly through the modifications of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Whether LV remodeling is suppressed in association with MMP-9 suppression in post-AMI/-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients treated with ACE inhibitor and/or ARB was examined. The presence of any differences in LV remodeling and MMP-9 levels across the groups was also investigated.

Long-term efficacy of pravastatin therapy in diabetic patients undergoing complete coronary revascularization.

Aim: The long-term effect of statin therapy in diabetic patients after coronary revascularization is not well established. Accordingly, we sought to determine if whether statin therapy initiated at the time of complete revascularization including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and/or bypass surgery reduces total and cardiac mortality among diabetic patients.

Methods: We collected data from 1,138 consecutive patients who underwent complete revascularization (PCI and/or bypass surgery).

Effectiveness of statin-eluting stent on early inflammatory response and neointimal thickness in a porcine coronary model.

Background: Drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation is routine during coronary revascularization because DES significantly reduce rates of restenosis and target lesion revascularization compared with bare metal stent (BMS). However, available DES have limitations, such as late thrombosis because of delayed healing with poorer endothelialization and persistent local inflammation. Statins can inhibit cell proliferation, inflammation, and restore endothelial function.

Efficacy of peroxisome proliferative activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha ligands, fenofibrate, on intimal hyperplasia and constrictive remodeling after coronary angioplasty in porcine models.

Constrictive remodeling and intimal hyperplasia play a prominent role in restenosis after angioplasty. It has been reported that the severity of constrictive remodeling and intimal hyperplasia correlate with adventitial angiogenesis and inflammation. Experimental evidence indicates that inflammation participates in angiogenesis, and therefore inhibition of inflammation may impair neovascularization.