Distal Transradial Access for Coronary Angiography and Interventions in Everyday Practice: Data From the TRIANGLE Registry (TwitteR Initiated registry for coronary ANgiography in Germany via distaL radial accEss).

Introduction: Transradial access (TRA) has become the primary route for coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Recently a new puncture site more distally in the area of the anatomical snuffbox has been described. With this multicenter registry, we wish to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the distal radial access (dRA).

His bundle pacing, learning curve, procedure characteristics, safety, and feasibility: Insights from a large international observational study.

Background: His-bundle pacing (HBP) provides physiological ventricular activation. Observational studies have demonstrated the techniques' feasibility; however, data have come from a limited number of centers.

Objectives: We set out to explore the contemporary global practice in HBP focusing on the learning curve, procedural characteristics, and outcomes.

The Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN, CD147) - a potential novel target in atherothrombosis prevention?

The immunoglobulin superfamily member EMMPRIN (CD147) plays an important role in a number of organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. Here we review the contemporary understanding of EMMPRIN and EMMPRIN-associated sequelae in the course of atherosclerosis. A significant body of data documents the pivotal role of EMMPRIN in the complex processes of atherogenesis, atheroprogression, and acute atherosclerothrombosis, a role that goes beyond that of a mere marker of inflammation.

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (CD147) and membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase are expressed on tissue macrophages in calcific aortic stenosis and induce transmigration in an artificial valve model.

Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases participate in remodeling of extracellular matrix, which is central to the development of aortic stenosis. Synthesis of certain matrix metalloproteinases is induced by the glycoprotein extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer. We investigated whether extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer and membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase are abundant in calcific aortic valve and their role in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Cytokine profiles and T cell function in acute coronary syndromes.

Aims: In advanced human atherosclerotic plaques infiltrating T cells congregate at sites of plaque rupture. However, little is known about the systemic activation of circulating T cells in acute coronary syndromes as a prerequisite for recruitment to atherosclerotic lesions.

Methods And Results: As a measure for specific lymphocyte activation we analyzed IFN-gamma production of T cells after stimulation with a superantigen and expression of CXCR-3 and CCR-3 in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina (uAP) or stable angina (sAP).

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer regulates matrix metalloproteinase activity in cardiovascular cells: implications in acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to promote progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications such as plaque rupture. It has been suggested that, on tumor cells, the extracellular MMP inducer (EMMPRIN) is involved in MMP synthesis by as yet unknown mechanisms. On cardiovascular cells, regulation of EMMPRIN in vivo or any functional relevance for MMP induction in vitro has not yet been studied.