The angiotensin AT-receptor agonist compound 21 is an antagonist for the thromboxane TP-receptor - Implications for preclinical studies and future clinical use.

Since the AT-receptor (ATR) agonist C21 has structural similarity to the AT-receptor antagonists Irbesartan and Losartan, which are antagonists not only at the ATR, but also at thromboxane TP-receptors, we tested the hypothesis that C21 has TP-receptor antagonistic properties as well. Isolated mouse mesenteric arteries from C57BL/6 J and ATR-knockout mice (ATR) were mounted in wire myographs, contracted with either phenylephrine or the thromboxane A (TXA) analogue U46619, and the relaxing effect of C21 (0.1 nM - 10 µM) was investigated.

Vitamin K2 and D in Patients With Aortic Valve Calcification: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Background: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), also known as vitamin K2, is a cofactor for the carboxylation of proteins involved in the inhibition of arterial calcification and has been suggested to reduce the progression rate of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in patients with aortic stenosis.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial, men from the community with an AVC score >300 arbitrary units (AU) on cardiac noncontrast computer tomography were randomized to daily treatment with tablet 720 µg MK-7 plus 25 µg vitamin D or matching placebo for 24 months. The primary outcome was the change in AVC score.

Association of Left Atrial Size Measured by Non-Contrast Computed Tomography with Cardiovascular Risk Factors-The Danish Cardiovascular Screening Trial (DANCAVAS).

Left atrium (LA) size is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of LA enlargement measured by non-contrast CT (NCCT) with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Individuals aged 60-75 years from the population-based multicentre Danish Cardiovascular Screening (DANCAVAS) trial were included in this cross-sectional study.

Mitral Annulus Calcification and Cardiac Conduction Disturbances: A DANCAVAS Sub-study.

Background: Due to its location very close to the bundle of His, mitral annulus calcification (MAC) might be associated with the development of atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances. This study assessed the association between MAC and AV conduction disturbances identified by cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) use and electrocardiographic parameters. The association between MAC and traditional cardiovascular risk factors was also assessed.

Aortic valve calcification among elderly males from the general population, associated echocardiographic findings, and clinical implications.

Aims: Aortic valve calcification (AVC) detected by non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) associates with morbidity and mortality in patients with aortic valve stenosis. However, the importance of AVC in the general population is sparsely evaluated. We intend to describe the associations between AVC score on NCCT and echocardiographic findings as left atrial (LA) dilatation, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, aortic valve area (AVA), peak velocity, mean gradient, and aortic valve replacement (AVR) in a population with AVC scores ≥300 AU.

Cross-sectional study of aortic valve calcification and cardiovascular risk factors in older Danish men.

Objective: Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), presumably sharing risk factors. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and extent of AVC in a large population of men aged 60-74 years and to assess the association between AVC and cardiovascular risk factors including CAC and biomarkers.

Methods: Participants from the DANish CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DANCAVAS) with AVC and CAC scores and without previous valve replacement were included in the study.

Prognostic importance of left atrial size measured by non-contrast cardiac computed tomography - A DANCAVAS study.

Background: Enlargement of left atrium (LA) is a valuable marker of cardiovascular events, and LA size is readily available while performing non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (NCCT) for preventive purposes. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of a single LA area from NCCT in a population-based cohort.

Method: Mainly men aged 60-75 years from DANCAVAS were included.

Effects of menaquinone-7 supplementation in patients with aortic valve calcification: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Aortic stenosis is a common heart valve disease, and due to the growing elderly population, the prevalence is increasing. The disease is progressive with increasing calcification of the valve cusps. A few attempts with medical preventive treatment have failed; thus, presently, the only effective treatment of aortic stenosis is surgery.

Measurement of left atrial volume by 2D and 3D non-contrast computed tomography compared with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for assessment of left atrial (LA) volume. We assessed the feasibility of evaluating LA volume using 3D non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT). Furthermore, since manual tracing of LA volume is time consuming, we evaluated the accuracy of the LA area using 2D NCCT imaging for LA volume assessment.

Endothelin-1 shifts the mediator of bradykinin-induced relaxation from NO to H2 O2 in resistance arteries from patients with cardiovascular disease.

Background And Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that in resistance arteries from cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, effects of an endothelium-dependent vasodilator depend on the contractile stimulus.

Experimental Approach: Arteries dissected from parietal pericardium of cardiothoracic surgery patients were studied by myography and imaging techniques. Segments were sub-maximally contracted by K(+) , the TxA2 analogue U46619 or endothelin-1 (ET-1).