Regular Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Impaired Atrial Mechanical Function in the Atrial Fibrillation Population: A Cross-Sectional MRI-Based Study.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the impact of regular alcohol consumption on left atrial (LA) mechanical and reservoir function.

Background: Earlier studies suggest that regular alcohol intake is associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) and LA dilatation.

Methods: This study prospectively enrolled 160 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF to undergo 3-T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in sinus rhythm.

New Glucose-Lowering Agents for Diabetic Kidney Disease.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing and is associated with a range of complications including nephropathy. New antidiabetic agents are sought which also have positive effects to diminish diabetic complications. Examples of promising new classes of such agents are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors.

Association of Epicardial Adipose Tissue and High-Risk Plaque Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is hypothesized to alter atherosclerotic plaque composition, with potential development of high-risk plaque (HRP). EAT can be measured by volumetric assessment (EAT-v) or linear thickness (EAT-t). We performed a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis to assess the association of EAT with HRP and whether this association is dependent on the measurement method used.

NADPH Oxidase Nox5 Accelerates Renal Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy.

NADPH oxidase-derived excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the kidney plays a key role in mediating renal injury in diabetes. Pathological changes in diabetes include mesangial expansion and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to glomerulosclerosis. There is a paucity of data about the role of the Nox5 isoform of NADPH oxidase in animal models of diabetic nephropathy since Nox5 is absent in the mouse genome.