[Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)] angiogenesis PET following myocardial infarction in an experimental rat model predicts cardiac functional parameters and development of heart failure.

Background: Angiogenesis has increasingly been a target for imaging and treatment over the last decade. The integrin αβ is highly expressed in cells during angiogenesis and are therefore a promising target for imaging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the PET tracer [Ga]Ga-RGD as a marker of angiogenesis following MI and its ability to predict cardiac functional parameters.

[Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)] and [Cu]Cu-DOTATATE PET Predict Improvement in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

An increasing number of patients are living with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and/or heart failure. Treatment options and prognostic tools are lacking for many of these patients. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic value of imaging angiogenesis and macrophage activation via positron emission tomography (PET) in terms of functional improvement after cell therapy.

Feasibility of positron range correction in 82-Rubidium cardiac PET/CT.

Background: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using positron emission tomography (PET) tracers is an essential tool in investigating diseases and treatment responses in cardiology. Rubidium (Rb)-PET imaging is advantageous for MPI due to its short half-life, but cannot be used for small animal research due to the long positron range. We aimed to correct for this, enabling MPI with Rb-PET in rats.

Semaglutide reduces vascular inflammation investigated by PET in a rabbit model of advanced atherosclerosis.

Background And Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of semaglutide, a long acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, on atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification using a multimodality positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) approach.

Methods: Atherosclerotic New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to an intervention- (n = 12) or placebo group (n = 11) receiving either semaglutide or saline-placebo. PET/CT imaging was done before and after 16-weeks of intervention.

The Initial Cardiac Tissue Response to Cryopreserved Allogeneic Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Rats with Chronic Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Mesenchymal stromal cells have proven capable of improving cardiac pump function in patients with chronic heart failure, yet little is known about their mode of action. The aim of the study was to investigate the short-term effect of cryopreserved allogeneic rat adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASC) on cardiac composition, cellular subpopulations, and gene transcription in a rat model of chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.

[Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)] Angiogenesis PET/MR in a Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Infarction.

Angiogenesis is crucial in tissue repair and prevents scar tissue formation following an ischemic event such as myocardial infarction. The ischemia induces formation of new capillaries, which have high expression of integrin αβ. [Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)] ([Ga]Ga-RGD) is a promising PET-radiotracer reflecting angiogenesis by binding to integrin αβ.

Amiodarone attenuates cardiac Rubidium-82 in consecutive PET/CT scans in a rodent model.

Background: Risk stratification and diagnosis using Rubidium-82 (Rb) positron emission tomography (PET) is a routine clinical approach in coronary artery disease (CAD). Various drugs are used to treat CAD; however, whether any of them change the uptake of Rb in the heart has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to determine whether drugs used in treatment of CAD affect the uptake of Rb in the heart in healthy rats.

Myocardial perfusion recovery induced by an α-calcitonin gene-related peptide analogue.

Background: Endogenous calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) induces cardioprotective effects through coronary vasodilation. However, the systemic administration of CGRP induces peripheral vasodilation and positive chronotropic and inotropic effects. This study aims to examine the net effect on coronary perfusion of the systemically administered α-calcitonin gene-related peptide analogue, SAX, in rats during myocardial infarction.

Flow Cytometric Evaluation of the Ongoing Angiogenic Response in Rat Cardiac Tissue Following Myocardial Infarction.

Angiogenesis is involved in regeneration of cardiac tissue following acute myocardial infarction (MI), a disease often investigated in rat models. Therefore, the ability to thoroughly evaluate the angiogenic response following experimentally induced MI in rats, and distinguish it from inflammation, is desired. This would enable evaluation of the angiogenic potential of new therapeutics and improve knowledge on MI pathophysiology.

Retention and Functional Effect of Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Administered in Alginate Hydrogel in a Rat Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Cell therapy for heart disease has been proven safe and efficacious, despite poor cell retention in the injected area. Improving cell retention is hypothesized to increase the treatment effect. In the present study, human adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) were delivered in an in situ forming alginate hydrogel following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats.

Thrombelastographic hypercoagulability and antiplatelet therapy after coronary artery bypass surgery (TEG-CABG trial): a randomized controlled trial.

A hypercoagulable state has, in observational studies, been associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events. The aim of this trial was to study whether dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel in addition to aspirin could reduce the rate of graft occlusions, thromboembolic events, and death compared to aspirin monotherapy in hypercoagulable patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. A total of 1683 patients were screened for eligibility, among which 165 patients were randomized and 133 patients underwent multislice computed tomography scan to evaluate their grafts.