Targeting Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling to Prevent the Progression of Aortic Valve Disease.

Background: Aortic valve disease (AVD) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. To date, there is no pharmacological therapy available to prevent AVD progression. Because valve calcification is the hallmark of AVD and S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate) plays an important role in osteogenic signaling, we examined the role of S1P signaling in aortic stenosis disease.

Recombinant Acetylcholine Receptor Immunization Induces a Robust Model of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in Mice.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypical autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The study of the underlying pathophysiology has provided novel insights into the interplay of autoantibodies and complement-mediated tissue damage. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) emerged as a valuable animal model, designed to gain further insight and to test novel therapeutic approaches for MG.

Heparin dosing in patients with Impella-supported cardiogenic shock.

Background: Impella™ is increasingly used in cardiogenic shock. However, thromboembolic and bleeding events are frequent during percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS).

Objective: Therefore, we aimed to explore the optimal anticoagulation regime for pMCS to prevent thromboembolism and bleedings.

Revealing concealed cardioprotection by platelet Mfsd2b-released S1P in human and murine myocardial infarction.

Antiplatelet medication is standard of care in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it may have obscured beneficial properties of the activated platelet secretome. We identify platelets as major source of a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) burst during AMI, and find its magnitude to favorably associate with cardiovascular mortality and infarct size in STEMI patients over 12 months.

High On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity: Aspirin versus Clopidogrel.

Background: Antithrombotic regimen in patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is challenging. At least, one antiplatelet agent in combination with OAC is recommended after PCI for 6-12 months. Clopidogrel is used most frequently in this setting.

Left ventricular-aortic angle is associated with platelet reactivity in patients with aortic stenosis.

The impact of aortic stenosis on platelet reactivity is unclear. Previous studies reported contradicting results. The reason for this is unknown.

Excess Mortality in Aspirin and Dipyrone (Metamizole) Co-Medicated in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Nationwide Study.

Background Pain is a major issue in our aging society. Dipyrone (metamizole) is one of the most frequently used analgesics. Additionally, it has been shown to impair pharmacodynamic response to aspirin as measured by platelet function tests.

Platelet reactivity is higher in e-cigarette vaping as compared to traditional smoking.

Introduction: Vaping emerges as alternative to standard tobacco smoking. However, there is evidence for critical cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory side effects. Nevertheless, long-term vaping effects on thrombocyte reactivity have not been investigated.

Aspirin I.V. Loading during Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Additional loading dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) despite permanent oral ASA medication is frequently applicated. The impact on platelet reactivity and clinical events is not known. In this pilot study, we aimed to analyze high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) to aspirin in patients undergoing elective PCI.

Risk prediction of bleeding and MACCE by PRECISE-DAPT score post-PCI.

Background: Guidelines recommend the PRECISE-DAPT (PD) score to adapt duration of dual antiplatelet therapy due to bleeding risk. However, there is first evidence that PD predicts mortality and ischemic events as well.

Methods: We investigated PD Score in 994 patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Thrombin Generation and Platelet Function.

Background:  Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an evolving treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. However, thromboembolic events such as stroke are common, predominantly early after TAVI. Optimal periprocedural antithrombotic regime is unknown.

A novel mechanism of ACE inhibition-associated enhanced platelet reactivity: disproof of the ARB-MI paradox?

Purpose: ACE inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are important drugs in cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about which of these drug class is to be preferred. First analyses show that the blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) influences platelet reactivity.

Lipid lowering therapy in cardiovascular disease: From myth to molecular reality.

Lipid-lowering therapy is one major cornerstone of medical treatment of cardiovascular disease in order to modulate atherosclerosis. Statins, ezetimibe and novel PCSK9-inhibitors are already recommended in current guidelines and were shown to improve lipid profiles and have positive effects on the rate of ischemic events and cardiovascular mortality. Recent studies suggest that the concept of "The lower the better" might be valid at least regarding low density lipoproteins.

Aspirin antiplatelet effects are associated with body weight.

Background: Aspirin is indispensable in secondary prevention of ischemic events. Recently, it was reported that clinical aspirin effects are hampered in patients above 70 kg body weight. It is well known that a plethora of reasons beside obesity is associated with increased platelet reactivity and insufficient aspirin effects (HTPR).

Rivaroxaban Reduces Arterial Thrombosis by Inhibition of FXa-Driven Platelet Activation via Protease Activated Receptor-1.

Rationale: A reduced rate of myocardial infarction has been reported in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with FXa (factor Xa) inhibitors including rivaroxaban compared with vitamin K antagonists. At the same time, low-dose rivaroxaban has been shown to reduce mortality and atherothrombotic events in patients with coronary artery disease. Yet, the mechanisms underlying this reduction remain unknown.