MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Cardiovascular Therapeutics' source. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:13:09 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3351661&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00127.x Evidence-based treatment for heart failure (HF) comprises beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and aldosterone receptor antagonists (ARA). Diuretics (DR) are prescribed in acute and chronic HF, but their impact on survival and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT/VF) is unclear. The present observational study aims to examine the influence of DR and ARA on survival and appropriate cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) treatment episodes in routine ICD patients. In 352 consecutive ICD patients (291 men, 60 ± 12 years, LVEF 34 ± 15%, follow-up 37 ± 19 months) overall survival and the time to a first appropriate VT/VF episode were assessed. Electrograms were validated. Potassium and creatinine serum levels and the medical treatment regimen for hear... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3351661 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3351661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3351667&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00129.x Laropiprant is a selective antagonist of the prostaglandin D2 receptor subtype 1, and is primarily eliminated via glucuronidation with a minor contribution from oxidative metabolism via CYP3A. The effects of multiple oral doses of clarithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of laropiprant were investigated in an open-labeled, randomized, 2-period cross-over study. A single oral dose of 40 mg laropiprant was administered alone or coadministered with 500 mg clarithromycin b.i.d. on Day 5 of a 7-day clarithromycin regimen. Geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for AUC0-[infin] and Cmax of laropiprant in the presence versus absence of clarithromycin were 1.39 (1.19, 1.62) and 1.46 (1.17, 1.80), respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in Tmax (P= 0.543) or app... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3351667 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3351667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3351666&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00119.x Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with enhanced atherosclerosis and impaired endothelial function early after the onset of the disease and cardiovascular (CV) disease represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It is well known that disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are able to improve the course of the disease and the quality of life of these patients, but little is known about the effects of DMARDs on CV risk and endothelial dysfunction. Our goal was to examine the effects of long-term therapy with DMARDs on endothelial function and disease activity in early RA (ERA). Twenty-five ERA patients (mean age 52 ± 14.6 years, disease duration 6.24 ± 4.10 months) without evidence of CV involvement were evaluated for disease activity score (DAS-28), 2D-ec... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3351666 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3351666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3351665&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00116.x The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation via such an approach in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sixteen patients with anterior AMI who had successfully undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in this pilot, randomized study. Three weeks after PCI, cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were injected into the myocardium via either the infarct-relative artery (left anterior descending branch artery, LAD) or a noninfarct-relative artery (right coronary artery, RCA). The safety and feasibility of the cell infusion were evaluated during the procedure and during 6 months of follow-up. In addition, 2D echocardiography, technetium-99m methoxyisobutyli... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3351665 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3351665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3351664&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00118.x Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage frequently have indications for antithrombotic therapy. This represents a therapeutic dilemma as intracerebral hemorrhage is considered a contraindication to antithrombotic medication. Previous systematic reviews have revealed no long-term randomised studies addressing this issue. Our objective was to review observational studies describing the long-term follow-up of patients receiving antithrombotic therapy following intracerebral hemorrhage. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE from 1984 to 2008 for any observational studies detailing use of antithrombotic treatments in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Included studies must have had follow-up extending beyond discharge. The primary endpoint was recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage. Sec... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3351664 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3351664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3351663&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00121.x Some recent clinical reports have suggested that paradoxical decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels after fenofibrate treatment may be quite common. These appear to occur mainly in patients with combined fibrate/statin therapy and possibly in those with low baseline HDL-C. Reports on HDL-C reductions after fenofibrate are possibly supported by the disappointing results in terms of HDL-C responses from the recent FIELD study. A survey on 581 patients treated for 1 year or longer was carried out in our Clinical Center. This indicated that paradoxical HDL-C reductions are a relatively uncommon phenomenon. Not more than 15.3% of the present series showed an HDL-C reduction, mostly of a modest degree. Further, reductions of HDL-C appear to occur mainly in individuals w... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3351663 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3351663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3351662&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00126.x This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of amlodipine (an inhibitor of L-type calcium channels) and cilnidipine (an inhibitor of both L-type and N-type calcium channels) in patients with hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus. Seventy-seven hypertensive patients were divided into two groups according to presence/absence of type II diabetes mellitus. In these two groups of patients, the effects of amlodipine and cilnidipine on glucose and lipid metabolism and renal function were compared. As for glucose and lipid metabolism, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-R) level in the non-diabetic group and triglyceride in the diabetes group were significantly lower with cilnidipine than with amlodipine. As regards renal function in the diabetic group, estimated glome... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3351662 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3351662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3295666&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2010.00146.x In conclusion, the NAVIGATOR study comprises prediabetic subjects who typically have concurrent BP and metabolic disturbances and an enhanced risk of CVD, and are thus at higher risk for cardiovascular events than subjects in previous DM prevention trials. (Source: Cardiovascular Therapeutics) Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3295666 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3295666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3112458&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00114.x Cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with significant morbidities, and the ideal temperature management during cardiopulmonary bypass remains uncertain. This review assessed the benefits and risks of maintaining normothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgery. A total of 6731 patients from 44 randomized controlled trials in 14 countries, comparing normothermic (>34°C) and hypothermic ([le]34°C) cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery (>18 years of age), were identified from MEDLINE (1966 to August 10, 2009), EMBASE (1988 to August 10, 2009), and Cochrane controlled trials register and subject to meta-analysis. Two investigators examined all studies and extracted the data independently. Mortality after normothermic and hypothermic bypass was not significantly differe... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3112458 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3112458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3109092&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00109.x The aim of this trial was to evaluate the Angina Plan (AP), a cognitive-behavioral nurse-facilitated self-help intervention against standard care (SC). A randomized controlled trial of 218 patients hospitalized with angina assessed participants predischarge and 6 months later. Data were collected during a structured interview using validated questionnaires, self-report, and physiological measurement to assess between group changes in mood, knowledge and misconceptions, cardiovascular risk, symptoms, quality of life, and health service utilization. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis found no reliable effects on anxiety and depression at 6 months. AP participants reported increased knowledge, less misconceptions, reduced body mass index (BMI), an increase in self-reported exercise, less f... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3109092 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3109092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974840&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00110.x Patients with atrial fibrillation taking vitamin-K antagonists and undergoing invasive interventions or large surgery procedures are at highest risk of bleeding complications. Therefore, the temporary interruption of vitamin-K antagonists and bridging with heparin is a frequent clinical need, particularly in patients with high risk for stroke. The management of such patients is challenging because of the lack of randomized clinical trials assessing different periprocedural anticoagulation approaches and inconsistent recommendations from consensus groups. Recent non-randomized trials have helped to estimate the risks of thromboembolism and bleeding with "bridging" anticoagulation involving either low-molecular-weight heparin or intravenous unfractioned heparin. Nevertheless, there is still ... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974840 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:54:29 +0100 2974840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974846&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00105.x Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia are the main candidates for limb amputations and have a poor life expectancy. Frequently, these patients are not eligible for either surgical or percutaneous interventions aimed at mechanical revascularization. Therefore, new strategies need to be identified to offer these patients a viable therapeutic option. Gene and cell therapy hold great promise for the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases because, in animal models, local delivery of growth factors and endothelial progenitor cells result in new blood vessel formation and regeneration of ischemic tissues. In this article, are reviewed phase I and phase II gene, and cell therapy clinical trials in patients with PAD. (Source: Cardiovascular Therapeutics) Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974846 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2974846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974845&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00100.x Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the best prophylaxis for AF prior to CABG. In this double-blind randomized study, 240 consecutive patients underwent elective CABG. They were then divided randomly into three groups to receive propranolol (n = 80), amiodarone (n = 80), or both drugs (n = 80). All groups received their medications from preoperative day 7 to post-CABG day 5. The patients were well matched for age, sex, risk factors, comorbidities, ejection fraction, and cardioplegic technique. Post-CABG AF developed in 22 patients (9.2%) of whom 13 (16.3%) had received propranolol, 5 (6.3%) had received amiodarone, and 4 (5%) had received both drugs. The difference between the ... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974845 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2974845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974844&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00106.x There is significant variability in both baseline clotting tendency and response to antiplatelet therapy. Responses are associated with outcome. We have investigated whether differences could explain the increased risk observed in women presenting with coronary artery disease. We have utilized short thrombelastography to assess (i) baseline clotting responses, (ii) response to aspirin and clopidogrel, and (iii) post-treatment platelet reactivity in 48 young volunteers, 22 older patients and 18 patients with previous stent thrombosis. Baseline responses were significantly higher in young women than in men. While there was no difference in response to aspirin, platelet reactivity on aspirin remained higher in women (area under curve at 15 min [AUC15] of arachidonic acid channel 332 ± 122 vs... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974844 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2974844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974843&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00104.x Laropiprant (LRPT), a prostaglandin D2 receptor-1 antagonist shown to reduce niacin-induced flushing symptoms, has been combined with niacin for treatment of dyslipidemia. This open-label, randomized, 2-period crossover study assessed the pharmacokinetics of single-dose rosiglitazone in the presence and absence of multiple-dose LRPT. Twelve healthy male and female subjects, 34[ndash]64 years of age, received two, once-daily oral treatments in random sequence separated by [ge]3-day washout: (1) multiple-dose LRPT 40 mg/day for 7 days (Days 1 to 7) coadministered with single-dose rosiglitazone 4 mg on Day 6; (2) single-dose rosiglitazone 4 mg on Day 1. Comparability was declared because the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the AUC0-[infin] geometric mean ratio (GMR; rosiglitazone + LRPT/rosi... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974843 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2974843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974842&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00099.x Current American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines on the perioperative management of oral anticoagulation (OAC) suggest bridging therapy with therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) if at high or moderate thromboembolic (TE) risk, and with reduced doses in patients with low TE risk. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of bridging OAC with enoxaparin in AF patients. These are the results of an open, prospective monocenter register. Hospitalized and ambulatory patients with AF requiring bridging therapy at high or moderate TE risk and normal renal function were treated with therapeutic LMWH doses; all other patients received reduced doses. A total of 703 patients were enrolled, of whom 358 (50.9%) were at... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974842 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2974842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974841&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00111.x Understanding and documentation of drug[ndash]drug interactions (DDIs) are an important component of drug development, and of clinical therapeutics. Because clinical DDI studies are costly, time-consuming, and involve some risk, not all clinical DDI questions can be realistically addressed through human DDI trials. In vitro models have been used to identify and predict drug combinations that might interact, and combinations that are unlikely to interact. This screening or "filtration" information allows clinical resources to be targeted in a more informed way. Still, many DDI studies will end up with a negative result. Negative DDI results constitute important and clinically relevant information, and scientific reports of such studies are candidates for publication. (Source: Cardiovascular... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974841 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2974841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2887947&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00102.x Zofenopril, is a highly lipophilic ACE inhibitor, characterized by long-lasting tissue penetration and sustained cardiac ACE inhibition, indicated for the treatment of hypertension and myocardial infarction. Comparative studies with different antihypertensive drug classes have demonstrated the good efficacy and tolerability of this compound in the management of the patient with mild[ndash]moderate hypertension. Zofenopril may also be combined with hydrochlorothiazide, a combination which has proved to be effective and safe as compared with monotherapy with either agent in three studies, including more than 600 patients. In addition, recent post hoc analyses in high-risk patients, such as those with the metabolic syndrome, impaired fasting glucose or diabetes, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and ... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2887947 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2887947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599485&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00085.x Endothelial dysfunction can predict cardiac outcomes in hypertension and reversing this abnormality has become an attractive therapeutic objective. We tested the hypothesis that blocking the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor with valsartan in comparison with amlodipine would lead to an improvement in forearm resistance artery endothelial dysfunction. In total, 25 hypertensive subjects (mean age 60 years, SD 8) with a mean daytime ambulatory blood pressure (BP) of 154 (10)/97 (6) mmHg were randomized following a 3-week placebo run-in period to a double-blind, crossover trial of 16-week treatment periods with either valsartan or amlodipine, separated by a 3-week washout period. Intra-arterial infusions of acetylcholine (ACh) and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) were used to assess stimulate... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599485 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2589466&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00096.x Ticagrelor (AZD6140) is the first reversibly binding oral P2Y12 receptor antagonist that blocks ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Unlike thienopyridines, which irreversibly bind to the P2Y12 receptor for the lifetime of the platelet, ticagrelor binds reversibly to the receptor and exhibits rapid onset and offset of effect, which closely follow drug exposure levels. Animal models indicate greater separation between antithrombotic effects and bleeding effects with ticagrelor than with thienopyridines. Unlike the thienopyridines, ticagrelor does not require metabolic activation. It is quickly absorbed and exhibits a rapid antiplatelet effect, with higher and more consistent levels of inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) being maintained across the dosing interval than with clopidogrel. IP... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2589466 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2589466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2487021&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00088.x Statins are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the western world and play a significant role in reducing cardiovascular risk. However, concern regarding their hepatic safety profile has meant that patients with concurrent liver pathology are often denied such benefits. In this review we consider the evidence for and against the prescription of statins to patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a group typically associated with high cardiovascular risk. Contrary to current opinion, we find that there is considerable evidence for and little evidence against the prescription of statins to this population and suggest that the guidelines advising against their use in these patients should be reviewed. (Source: Cardiovascular Therapeutics) Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2487021 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2487021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475417&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00076.x This study was conducted at the coronary care unit (CCU) in one of the busiest hospitals in Kuwait; with special attention to the rate of heparin resistance, potential factor that may predict resistance or responsiveness and heparin related complications. A prospective observational study was conducted in Farwania hospital over a 4-month period; this study included 146 patients admitted to the CCU. Patients were treated with UFH according to a standard normogram. Several variables were collected and analyzed, including demographic data, initial diagnosis, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) on admission and at 6, 24, and 48 h after UFH administration, and any complications that occurred. A significant number of patients had subtherapeutic APTT at 6, 24, and 48 h (41.1%, 42.3%, and... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475417 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475425&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00081.x Ventricular assist devices are an important therapeutic option for advanced congestive heart failure. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be implanted as a bridge to transplantation or for the purpose of destination therapy. LVADs improve end-organ function and reduce morbidity and mortality in appropriately selected patients. The development of axial flow pumps has overcome many of the limitations of the first-generation pulsatile flow LVADs. However, many complications of LVAD therapy remain. Treating these complications requires an understanding of LVAD physiology. Ongoing research is directed at reducing the incidence of many of these complications and may allow for wider use of LVADs. (Source: Cardiovascular Therapeutics) Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475425 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475424&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00079.x Cilnidipine is a unique Ca2+ channel blocker with an inhibitory action on the sympathetic N-type Ca2+ channels, which is used for patients with hypertension in Japan. Cilnidipine has been clarified to exert antisympathetic actions in various examinations from cell to human levels, in contrast to classical Ca2+ channel blockers. Furthermore, renoprotective and neuroprotective effects as well as cardioprotective action of cilnidipine have been demonstrated in clinical practice or animal examinations. After the introduction of nifedipine as an antihypertensive drug, many Ca2+ channel blockers with long-lasting action for blood pressure have been developed to minimize sympathetic reflex during antihypertensive therapy, which have been divided into three groups; namely, first, second, and third... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475424 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475423&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00077.x This article reviews the current experimental and clinical evidence for the role of TLRs in the cardiovascular system, and examines the mechanisms by which TLR antagonists could potentially be used in targeted therapy. (Source: Cardiovascular Therapeutics) Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475423 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475422&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00078.x Doxorubicin is a common chemotherapeutic anticancer drug. Its use is associated with adverse effects including cardiotoxicity. Several therapeutics interventions have been attempted to reduce the toxicity and to improve the efficacy of the drug. However, on phytochemicals very few investigations have been made. In the present study we have evaluated the potential of a cardenolide, periplogenin, isolated from the leaves of Aegle marmelos in protecting the doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rats. Doxorubicin induced cardiac and hepatotoxicity were characterized by marked biochemical changes including an increase in serum creatine kinase[ndash]MB (CK[ndash]MB), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and tissue LPO, with a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD)... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475422 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475421&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00084.x We evaluated the long-term changes on overt proteinuria induced by dual blockade of the renin[ndash]angiotensin system (RAS). Dual blockade was produced by adding an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) to treatment with maximal recommended doses of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in proteinuric patients. A total of 28 patients (19 men and 9 women) with proteinuria higher than 1 g/24 h were enrolled in this trial of treatment with the ARB candesartan (from 4 up to 32 mg daily) added to existing treatment with an ACE inhibitor. At 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, we evaluated proteinuria in 24-h urinary collections, office blood pressure (BP), plasmatic creatinine (Cr), serum potassium (K), and 24 h urine collection creatinine clearance (CrC). During monoblockade of the RAS by AC... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475421 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475420&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00082.x We examined patients with first-time statin prescriptions and evaluated all laboratory liver function tests recorded before and after prescriptions from 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2002. Of the 5717 patients identified, 54% were male and the subjects had a mean age of 62 ± 14 standard deviation (SD) years. The prescriptions yielded five types of statin and included the start date, dose, and number of tablets. In total, 1455 (25%) patients had no biochemistry data at all from the year 2002, and despite the 75% of patients who had an ALT measurement, over 90% of patients did not follow the current recommendations. The prevalence of elevated transaminases was consistent with published data in that significant elevation occurred in 1.9% of subjects. Adherence to the recommended laborato... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475420 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475419&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00080.x Optimizing responses to intravenous furosemide (ivF) in acute pulmonary edema is limited by current insensitive noninvasive means of volume assessment. We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of performing repeated measures of echocardiographic and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) parameters and test their response as noninvasive markers of volume response to ivF. We also aimed to identify the most potentially sensitive markers of this response. Patients receiving ivF for a clinical diagnosis of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema were studied. Echocardiographic and BIA parameters were measured at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h after ivF. Intraobserver variability for each parameter was determined. Thirty-one patients were enrolled who were receiving 40[ndash]100 mg of ivF. Transmitral (MV) e... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475419 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2475418&cid=s_38719_7_f&fid=38719&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%252Fj.1755-5922.2009.00083.x Prescribing behavior may be linked to media influence rather than to scientific evidence. Recently, the oral diabetic drug class of thiazolidinedione has been under the spotlight because of concerns over their cardiovascular safety. We have therefore conducted an electronic questionnaire survey among prescribing physicians in Tayside, Scotland to evaluate the prescribing attitudes and knowledge of the available evidence regarding the cardiovascular safety of thiazolidinedione use. Nationally representative prescribing data thoughout Scotland and Tayside from the IMS Health RSA dataset were also examined. Prescriptions for rosiglitazone alone or in combination with metformin have steadily decreased since the publication of a meta-analysis suggesting harm from rosiglitazone. This was mirrore... Cardiovascular Therapeutics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2475418 Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2475418