[The relationship between insulin resistance and left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure and metabolic syndrome].

Objectives: The relationship between chronic heart failure (CHF) and insulin resistance (IR) has long been recognized. We examined the relationship of IR with left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions and functional capacity of CHF patients with metabolic syndrome.

Study Design: The study included 50 nondiabetic CHF patients with metabolic syndrome (NYHA class I-III; 40 men, 10 women; mean age 60+/-10 years).

Relationship between elevated serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity and slow coronary flow.

Objectives: We evaluated the relationship between coronary blood flow and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity in patients with slow coronary flow (SCF).

Study Design: The study included 90 patients (47 men, 43 women; mean age 50.8+/-9.

Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity increased in patients with coronary artery ectasia.

Background: Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, an enzyme responsible for the extracellular catabolism of antioxidant glutathione, may directly take part in atherogenesis and evolve as a potential biochemical risk indicator of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. An important characteristic of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is the fact that in 85% of the cases, atherosclerotic coronary disease accompanies it. The relation between CAE and serum GGT activity has not been studied so far.