Reduced mitochondrial pyruvate carrier expression in hearts with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction patients: ischemic vs. non-ischemic origin.

Introduction And Objectives: Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) mediates the entry of pyruvate into mitochondria, determining whether pyruvate is incorporated into the Krebs cycle or metabolized in the cytosol. In heart failure (HF), a large amount of pyruvate is metabolized to lactate in the cytosol rather than being oxidized inside the mitochondria. Thus, MPC activity or expression might play a key role in the fate of pyruvate during HF.

Soluble HLA-G levels in heart transplant recipients: Dynamics and correlation with clinical outcomes.

Purpose: To describe the evolution of the serum levels of soluble HLA-G (s-HLA-G) during the first 12 months after heart transplantation (HT) and to correlate it with clinical outcomes.

Methods: Observational study based in a single-center cohort of 59 patients who underwent HT between December-2003 and March-2010. Soluble HLA-G levels were measured from serum samples extracted before HT, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after HT.

Cancer in patients with heart failure: Incidence, risk factors and prognostic impact.

Aims: To assess the incidence of cancer diagnosis and cancer-related mortality in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods: Observational study based in a prospective cohort of patients with HF referred to a specialized Spanish clinic between 2010 and 2019. The observed incidence of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) was compared to that expected for the general Spanish population according to the Global Cancer Observatory.

Determinants of maximal oxygen uptake in patients with heart failure.

Aims: Maximum oxygen uptake (VO ) is an essential parameter to assess functional capacity of patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to identify clinical factors that determine its value, as they have not been well characterized yet.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational, single-centre study of 362 consecutive patients with HF who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) as part of standard clinical assessment since 2009-2019.

Comparison of predicted and observed mortality in patients with heart failure treated at a specialized unit.

Introduction And Objectives: To analyze survival in heart failure (HF) patients treated at a specialized unit.

Methods: Prospective cohort-based study of HF patients treated at a specialized unit from 2011 to 2017. Observed 1- and 3-year mortality rates were compared with those predicted by the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score.

Incidence, risk factors and prognostic impact of cytomegalovirus infection after heart transplantation.

Introduction And Objectives: To assess the risk factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after heart transplant (HT) and its influence on long-term prognosis.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-centre study of 222 HT recipients. Risk factors for CMV infection were identified by means of multivariable Cox́s regression.

Circulating Galectin-3 Following Heart Transplant: Long-term Dynamics and Prognostic Value.

Introduction And Objectives: Circulating galectin-3 (Gal-3) is elevated and significantly correlates with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. However, the relationship between serum Gal-3 and heart transplant (HT) outcomes is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the longitudinal trend and prognostic value of Gal-3 levels after HT.

Polymorphisms in genes related to the complement system and antibody-mediated cardiac allograft rejection.

Background: Heart transplantation (HT) is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. One of the main problems after HT is the humoral response termed antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Complement activation plays a key role in AMR contributing to graft damage.

Analysis of variants in the HCN4 gene and in three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the CYP3A4 gene for association with ivabradine reduction in heart rate: A preliminary report.

Background: Ivabradine, a selective bradycardic drug, inhibits the If. In patients with heart failure (HF), ivabradine reduces the risk of rehospitalization and mortality. The average heart rate (HR) reduction is 8-10 beats, although clinical trials reveal interindividual variability.

Prognostic Significance of Heart Rate and its Long-term Trend in Cardiac Transplant Patients.

Introduction And Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the prognostic significance of heart rate and its trend in heart transplantation.

Methods: This observational study enrolled 170 patients who received a bicaval heart transplant between 1995 and 2005; all were in sinus rhythm. The resting heart rate was determined via electrocardiography at the end of the first posttransplant year and annually until the tenth year.

Clinical evaluation of rosuvastatin in heart transplant patients with hypercholesterolemia and therapeutic failure of other statin regimens: short-term and long-term efficacy and safety results.

We conducted an observational study of 30 heart transplant recipients with serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) >100 mg/dl despite previous statin therapy, who were treated with rosuvastatin 10 mg daily (5 mg in case of renal dysfunction). Serum lipids, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), bilirubin, and hepatic enzymes were prospectively measured 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the initiation of the drug. Clinical outcomes of patients who continued on long-term rosuvastatin therapy beyond this 12-week period were reviewed in February 2015.

Venous thromboembolism in heart transplant recipients: incidence, recurrence and predisposing factors.

Background: A high frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been observed after lung, kidney, and liver transplantation. However, data about the incidence of this complication among heart transplant (HT) recipients are lacking.

Methods: We analyzed the incidence, recurrence, and predisposing factors of VTE in a single-center cohort of 635 patients who underwent HT from April 1991 to April 2013.

Usefulness of the INTERMACS Scale for predicting outcomes after urgent heart transplantation.

Introduction And Objectives: Our aim was to assess the prognostic value of the INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) scale in patients undergoing urgent heart transplantation (HT).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 111 patients treated with urgent HT at our institution from April, 1991 to October, 2009. Patients were retrospectively assigned to three levels of the INTERMACS scale according to their clinical status before HT.