Effects of Lead on Systolic and Diastolic Cardiac Functions

In this paper, both systolic and diastolic cardiac functions were cvaluatcd in 54 lead exposed and 24 non-exposed workers by Doppler cchocardiography. With regard to systolic cardiac function, the results suggested that cardiac systolic function increased in exposed groups as a compensatory response for the effecl of lead on myocardium. To study left ventriculaf diastolic function, 2.5 MHz pulsed Doppler analyses of transmitral flow velocity were performed from apical four-chamber view. The results showed that timerelated parameters were comparable among all groups, but blood flow velocity through the mitral valve and Doppler area fractions changed significantly in lead-exposed groups as cvidenced by increased value A, decreased value E and E/A ratio. The decrease of diastolic cardiac function was more significant in lead intoxication group. It was also observed in this study that the activity in serum of thc MB isoenzyme of creatine phosphokinase (CPK-MB), one of the indices of myocardial damage, was significantly highcr in exposed group than that in control (P (0.05), and a positive correlation was found between CPK-MB activity and Pb-B. It denoted that the inereasing of lead burden leads to more release of CPK-MB from the myocardial cells and suggested the existence of slight myocardial damage, which, conceivably, might cause harm to diastolic cardiac function

nfluence and mechanism of Xindakang on cardiac functions of isolated frog heart

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of flavonoids from Xindakang(Hippophae Fructus flavone)on myocardial systolic and diastolic functions of isolated frog hearts and explore the possible mechanism,and provide experimental basis for improving the effect and efficacy of Xindakang on cardiac function.METHODS The isolated frog heart perfusion specimens were prepared by Yagi′s method,and the effects of different concentrations of Xindakang on myocardial contractility(0.0125,0.025,0.05,0.1 and 0.2 g·L^(-1)),heart rate and cardiac output of isolated frog heart were studied.Acetylcholine,atropine and epinephrine were administered successively to analyze the effects of Xindakang on cardiac systolic function of isolated frogs under the action of different drugs,and compared with propranolol.The effect of extracellular calcium ion concentration on the action of Xindakang was studied by using low calcium concentration,high calcium concentration and normal Ren′s solution.To study the effect and possible mechanism of Xindakang on cardiac systolic function of frog.RESULTS The concentration of Xindakang in the range of 0.0125-0.1 g·L^(-1)could weaken the contractility of isolated frog heart and increase the concentration of Xindakang.The inhibitory effect of Xindakang on contractility of isolated frog heart was enhanced,and showed obvious dose-effect relationship.Cardiac output was significantly decreased by Xindakang(P<0.01),slow heart rate(P<0.05);M receptor blocker atropine could not antagonize the contractile effect of Xindakang,and Xindakang could not completely antagonize the contractile effect of adrenalin.Xindakang could inhibit the isolated frog heart in low calcium concentration,high calcium concentration and normal Ren′s solution,and increased with the increase of extracellular calcium concentration(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Xindakang has inhibitory effect on isolated frog heart,which may be achieved by blocking the calcium channel on myocardial cell membrane and reducing the calcium concentration in myocardial cells.

Effect of cardiac rehabilitation care after coronary intervention on cardiac function recovery and negative mood in patients with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease,particularly myocardial infarction(MI)profound impact on patients'quality of life and places a substantial burden on the healthcare and economy systems.Developments in medical technology have led to the emer-gence of coronary intervention as an essential method for treating MI.AIM To assess the effects of cardiac rehabilitation care on cardiac function recovery and negative emotions in MI after coronary intervention.METHODS This study included a total of 180 patients with MI during the period from June 2022 to July 2023.Selected patients were divided into two groups:An observation group,which receiving cardiac rehabilitation care;a control group,which re-ceiving conventional care.By comparing multiple observation indicators such as cardiac function indicators,blood pressure,exercise tolerance,occurrence of adverse cardiac events,and negative emotion scores between the two groups of patients.All the data were analyzed and compared between two groups.RESULTS There were 44 males and 46 females in the observation group with an average age of 36.26±9.88 yr;there were 43 males and 47 females in the control group,with an average age of 40.87±10.5 yr.After receiving the appropriate postoperative nursing measures,the results of the observation group showed significant improvement in several indicators compared with the control group.Indicators of cardiac function,such as left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Exercise endurance assessment showed that the 6-minute walking test distance was significantly increased in the patients of the observation group(P<0.01).In addition,the incidence of adverse cardiac events was significantly lower in the observation group,and negative mood scores were significantly reduced(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Cardiac rehabilitation care after coronary intervention has a significant positive impact on functional recovery.This emphasizes the importance of cardiac rehabilitation care to improve patient recovery.

Effects of Continuous Precision Nursing Model on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Behavior and Cardiac Function in Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Stent Implantation

Objective:To explore the impact of a continuous precision nursing model on patients’Knowledge,Attitudes,and Practices(KAP)and cardiac function during the nursing process of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation.Methods:Ninety patients who underwent percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation in our hospital from April 2022 to April 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the control group(45 cases),in which routine nursing support was carried out during the treatment process,and the observation group(45 cases),in which continuous precision nursing model was carried out during the treatment process.Comparisons were made between the two groups of patients on their KAP,cardiac function,and quality of life during recovery.Results:There was no difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),cardiac output(CO),and cardiac index(CI)levels before intervention.After the intervention,the levels of cardiac function in the observation group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no difference in the Exercise of Self-Care Agency(ESCA)self-care ability scale scores before the intervention.After the intervention,the observation group had higher ESCA scores than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Implementation of a continuous precision nursing model in the care of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation improved the patient’s cardiac function,and KAP,and promoted recovery.

The Impact of Cardiac Pacing Site on Patient's Cardiac Function and Psychological State

With the widespread application of artificial permanent pacemakers in clinical practice,there have been new changes in the indications for pacemaker implantation.The current clinical indications include high atrioventricular block,sick sinus syndrome,cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure,and implantation of cardioverter defibrillators for ventricular arrhythmias.The implantation of a pacemaker can improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients with arrhythmia.In the past,permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in clinical practice,and the right ventricular pacing electrode was often fixed at the apex of the right ventricle,which belongs to non physiological pacing.Through long-term clinical follow-up,it was found that apex pacing can easily cause abnormal depolarization of the left ventricle,asynchronous contraction of the myocardium,and ultimately lead to myocardial fibrosis,which has adverse effects on the patient's cardiac function and psychological state.In recent years,Scholars have found that pacing in the right ventricular outflow tract septum is closer to the atrioventricular node and closer to the His bundle Purkinje fibers.The pacing impulse almost simultaneously expands towards both ventricles,closer to the physiological pacing state,thereby reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients.This article explores the impact of pacing in different parts of the heart on the cardiac function and psychological state of patients based on clinical data from the past three years.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide for chronic heart failure:Effects on cardiac function and inflammation

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a serious and prevalent condition characterized by impaired cardiac function and inflammation.Standard therapy for CHF has limitations,prompting the exploration of alternative treatments.Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)has emerged as a potential therapy,with evidence suggesting that it can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in patients with CHF.However,further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of lyophilized recombinant human BNP in CHF patients and its impact on microinflammatory status.This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized recombinant human BNP therapy on CHF patients’cardiac function and microinflammatory status.AIM To investigate the effects of freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy on cardiac function and microinflammatory status in patients with CHF.METHODS In total,102 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups(n=51 patients/group).The control patients were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d,whereas the observational patients were injected with the recombinant human BNP for 3 d.Clinical efficacy,inflammatory factor levels,myocardial damage,cardiac function before and after the treatment,and adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group.Compared with baseline,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal proBNP,and troponin I level,and physical,emotional,social,and economic scores were lower in both groups after treatment,with greater reductions in levels and scores noted in the observation group than in the control group.The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was not significantly different compared with that in the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy can improve heart function and enhance microinflammatory status,thereby improving overall quality of life without any obvious side effects.This therapy is safe and reliable.

Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor promotes mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into cardiac progenitor cells in vitro and improves cardiomyopathy in vivo

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases particularly myocardial infarction(MI)are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the globe.As cardiac tissue possesses very limited regeneration potential,therefore use of a potent small molecule,inhibitor Wnt production-4(IWP-4)for stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes could be a promising approach for cardiac regeneration.Wnt pathway inhibitors may help stem cells in their fate determination towards cardiomyogenic lineage and provide better homing and survival of cells in vivo.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)derived from the human umbilical cord have the potential to regenerate cardiac tissue,as they are easy to isolate and possess multilineage differentiation capability.IWP-4 may promote the differentiation of MSCs into the cardiac lineage.AIM To evaluate the cardiac differentiation ability of IWP-4 and its subsequent in vivo effects.METHODS Umbilical cord tissue of human origin was utilized to isolate the MSCs which were characterized by their morphology,immunophenotyping of surface markers specific to MSCs,as well as by tri-lineage differentiation capability.Cytotoxicity analysis was performed to identify the optimal concentration of IWP-4.MSCs were treated with 5μM IWP-4 at two different time intervals.Differentiation of MSCs into cardiomyocytes was evaluated at DNA and protein levels.The MI ratmodel was developed.IWP-4 treated as well as untreated MSCs were implanted in the MI model,then the cardiac function was analyzed via echocardiography.MSCs were labeled with 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate(DiI)dye for tracking,while the regeneration of infarcted myocardium was examined by histology and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS MSCs were isolated and characterized.Cytotoxicity analysis showed that IWP-4 was non-cytotoxic at 5μM concentration.Cardiac specific gene and protein expression analyses exhibited more remarkable results in fourteen days treated group that was eventually selected for in vivo transplantation.Cardiac function was restored in the IWP-4 treated group in comparison to the MI group.Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the homing of pre-differentiated MSCs that were labeled with DiI cell labeling dye.Histological analysis confirmed the significant reduction in fibrotic area,and improved left ventricular wall thickness in IWP-4 treated MSC group.CONCLUSION Treatment of MSCs with IWP-4 inhibits Wnt pathway and promotes cardiac differentiation.These pre-conditioned MSCs transplanted in vivo improved cardiac function by cell homing,survival,and differentiation at the infarcted region,increased left ventricular wall thickness,and reduced infarct size.

Intrinsic Wave Velocity Propagation:A Novel Parameter for Assessing the Effect of Anthracycline Chemotherapy Agents on Cardiac Diastolic Function in Breast Cancer Patients

Objective Anthracycline chemotherapeutic agents have significant cardiotoxicity.The present study emphasized the effect of anthracycline chemotherapy drugs on left ventricular(LV)myocardial stiffness in breast cancer patients by measuring the intrinsic wave velocity propagation(IVP),and evaluating the potential clinical value of IVP in detecting early LV diastolic function impairment.Methods A total of 68 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients,who were treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy,were analyzed.Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline(T0),and after 1,2,3,4 and 8 chemotherapeutic cycles(T1,T2,T3,T4 and T5,respectively).Then,the IVP,LV strain parameters[global longitudinal strain(GLS),longitudinal peak strain rate at systole(LSRs),longitudinal peak strain rate at early diastole(LSRe),longitudinal peak strain rate at late diastole(LSRa),and the E/LSRe ratio],and conventional echocardiographic parameters were obtained and further analyzed.A relative reduction of>15%in GLS was considered a marker of early LV subclinical dysfunction.Results Compared to the T0 stage,IVP significantly increased at the T1 stage.However,there were no significant changes in GLS,LSRs,or LSRe between the T0 and T1 stages.These parameters significantly decreased from the T2 stage.LSRa started to significantly decrease at the T5 stage,and the E/LSRe ratio started to significantly increase at the T3 stage(all P<0.05).At the T0 stage,IVP(AUC=0.752,P<0.001)had a good predictive value for LV subclinical dysfunction after chemotherapy.Conclusions IVP is a potentially sensitive parameter for the early clinical assessment of anthracycline-related cardiac diastolic impairment.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Injection on Blood Pressure and Cardiac Function in Rats with Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Objective: This study is to observe the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection on blood pressure and cardiac function in rats with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia. Methodology: Syncytiotrophoblast microvilli (stbm) and l-arginine nitrosyl methyl ester were screened out via caudal vein injection. Twenty gestational hypertension-preeclampsia model SD (Sprague Dawley) rats successfully induced by L-NAME (L-arginine Nitrosyl methyl ester) were randomly divided into 2 groups (model group and Danshen injection group, n = 10). Then another 10 normal pregnant SD rats without model were selected as blank control group. The Salvia miltiorrhiza injection group was given Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (0.5 g?kg?1?d?1) through tail vein, and the control group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline through tail vein injection. All three groups were treated by tail vein injection once a day (d) for 7 days. After treatment, heart rate (HR), Systolic pressure (SP), diastolic pressure (DP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured by tail artery. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and Left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVDs) were recorded by echocardiography. Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection) fraction, LVEF) and the maximum rate of increase/decrease of left ventricular pressure during isovolemic systole (+dp/dtmax/?dp/dtmax);Endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in rat tail vein blood were detected by ELISA. Results: SP, DP, MP, HR, LVSP, LVDs and ?dp/dtmaxx were all decreased, plasma ET-1 expression was low, and LVDd, LVEDP, LVEF, and +dp/dtmax were all increased in the Salvia miltiorroot injection group, with statistical significance compared to the model group (p Conclusion: Salvia miltiorrhiza injection can improve the cardiac function and reduce blood pressure in rats with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, and the mechanism may be related to alleviating systemic arteriolar spasm by regulating ET-1 level.

Efficacy and safety of Yangxinshi tablet for chronic heart failure:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The specific benefits of Yangxinshi tablet(YXST)in the treating chronic heart failure(CHF)remain uncertain.AIM To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of YXST in the treatment of CHF.METHODS Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)investigating YXST for CHF treatment were retrieved from eight public databases up to November 2023.Meta-analyses of the included clinical studies were conducted using Review Manager 5.3.RESULTS Twenty RCTs and 1845 patients were included.The meta-analysis results showed that the YXST combination group,compared to the conventional drug group,significantly increased the clinical efficacy rate by 23%[relative risk(RR)=1.23,95%CI:1.17-1.29],(P<0.00001),left ventricular ejection fraction by 6.69%[mean difference(MD)=6.69,95%CI:4.42-8.95,P<0.00001]and 6-min walk test by 49.82 m(MD=49.82,95%C:38.84-60.80,P<0.00001),and reduced N-terminal pro-Btype natriuretic peptide by 1.03 ng/L[standardized MD(SMD)=-1.03,95%CI:-1.32 to-0.74,P<0.00001],brain natriuretic peptide by 80.95 ng/L(MD=-80.95,95%CI:-143.31 to-18.59,P=0.01),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter by 3.92 mm(MD=-3.92,95%CI:-5.06 to-2.78,P<0.00001),and left ventricular endsystolic diameter by 4.34 mm(MD=-4.34,95%CI:-6.22 to-2.47,P<0.00001).Regarding safety,neither group reported any serious adverse events during treatment(RR=0.54,95%CI:0.15-1.90,P=0.33).In addition,Egger's test results indicated no significant publication bias(P=0.557).CONCLUSION YXST effectively improves clinical symptoms and cardiac function in patients with CHF while maintaining a favorable safety profile,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for CHF.

Clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on chronic heart failure complicated with depression

BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)is challenging,with no ideal treatment at present.AIM To analyze the clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction(XFZYD)on CHF complicated with depression.METHODS The study cohort comprised 116 patients with CHF complicated with depression who received treatment from July 2020 to July 2023,of which 55 received Western medicine(control group)and 61 received XFZYD(research group).Data on clinical effectiveness,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,cardiac function,negative emotions,and serum inflammatory factors,were collected for comparative analyses.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the research group had an evidently higher total effective rate.Furthermore,there were marked reductions in TCM symptom score,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,left ventricular end-systolic diameter,Self-Rating Depression Scale,Hamilton Depression Scale,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the research group after treatment,and these were lower than the corresponding values in the control group.Left ventricular ejection fraction was increased and higher in the research group compared with the control group after treatment.CONCLUSION Our findings conclusively proved that XFZYD was considerably superior to Western medicine for treating CHF complicated with depression because it significantly alleviated patients’symptoms,improved cardiac function,relieved negative emotions,and reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors.

Expression and Significance of fgl2 Prothrombinase in Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cells of Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

Microthrombosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac microangiopathy due to diabetes.Recent studies have shown that fibrinogen-like protein 2 (fgl2) plays a pivotal role in microthrombosis in viral hepatitis, acute vascular xenograft rejection and cytokine-induced fetal loss syndrome.The current study was designed to examine the expression of fgl2 in microvascular endothelial cells and investigate the effects of microthrombi due to fgl2 on cardiac function and structure in rats with type 2 diabetes.Following induction of type 2 diabetes, 24 rats were observed dynamically.Fgl2 expression and related cardiac microthrombosis were examined.Local or circulating TNF-α was measured.Coronary flow (CF) per min was calculated as an index of cardiac microcirculation.Cardiac function and morphology were evaluated.It was found that Fgl2 was highly expressed in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells of rats with type 2 diabetes, which was promoted by local or circulating TNF-α.The Fgl2 expression was associated with cardiac hyaline microthrombosis.In parallel with the fgl2 expression, CF per min, cardiac diastolic or systolic function and cardiac morphology were aggravated to some extent.It was concluded that in rats with type 2 diabetes, microthrombosis due to fgl2 contributes to the impairment of cardiac diastolic or systolic function and morphological changes.

Inhibition of TGF-β1 by eNOS gene transfer provides cardiac protection after myocardial infarction

Objective： Endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） and nitric oxide （NO） have been implicated in protection against myocardial ischemia injury. This study was designed to explore a new method of therapy for myocardial injury by eNOS gene transfection. Methods： A rat model of myocardial infarction （MI） was established by left anterior descending （LAD） coronary artery ligation, eNOS gene in an adenovirus vector was delivered locally into the rat heart and hemodynamic parameters were examined after 3 weeks, Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 （MMP-2, MMP-9） mRNA were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, and the protein levels of eNOS, caspase-3, and transforming grouth factor 131 （TGF-131） were determined by western blot assay. Results： eNOS gene transfer significantly reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improved cardiac function. In addition, eNOS significantly reduced the mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. In the eNOS gene transfected group, the activation of caspase-3 and TGF-β1 were decreased. However, the protection was reversed by administration of the NOS inhibitor, N（o））-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester （L-NAME）. Conclusion： These results demonstrate that the eNOS provides cardiac protection after myocardial infarction injury through inhibition of cardiac apoptosis and collagen deposition, and suppression of TGF-β1.

HGF percutaneous endocardial injection induces cardiomyocyte proliferation and rescues cardiac function in pigs

Objective：To investigate the effect of cardiomyocyte proliferation induced by human hepatocyte growth factor（HGF）in pigs with chronic myocardial infarction（CMI）.Methods：A steerable,deflectable 7F catheter incorporating a 27-guage needle was advanced percutaneously to the left ventricular myocardium of 18 pigs with CMI.Pigs were randomized（1：1：1）to receive adenoviral vector HGF（total dose,1×10^10 genome copies）,which was administered as five injections into the infarcted myocardium（total,1.0 mL）,or saline,or Ad-null（control groups）.Injections were guided by Ensite NavX left ventricular electroanatomical mapping.HGF and cyclin proteins were detected by western blot and immunoprecipitation analysis.Histological and immunohistochemical analysis determined proliferating cardiomyocytes.Myocardial perfusion and cardiac function were estimated by Gated-Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography（G-SPECT）.Results：Western blot analyses showed that HGF were predominantly expressed in the infarct core and border in the myocardium of the infarcted heart.G-SPECT analysis indicated that the HGF group had better cardiac function and myocardial perfusion four weeks after the injection of Ad-HGF than before the injection of Ad-HGF.After treatment there were more proliferating cardiomyocytes in the HGF group compared to either of the control groups.Furthermore,the HGF group myocardial samples expressed higher levels of p-Akt,cyclin A,cyclin E,cyclin D1,cdk2,cdk4 than those in the control groups.Conclusion：The over-expression of HGF activates pro-survival pathways,induces cardiomyocyte proliferation,and improves the perfusion and function of the porcine CMI heart.

Ultrasonographic assessment of cardiac function and disease severity in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)causes many adverse cardiovascular events and poses a threat to the patient’s health and quality of life.AIM To evaluate ultrasonography for evaluation of cardiac function and lesion degree in patients with CHD.METHODS A total of 106 patients with CHD(study group)and 106 healthy individuals(control group)in our hospital from March 2019 to September 2020 were selected for this study.All subjects were examined by ultrasound,and the mitral orifice’s early-to-late diastolic blood flow velocity ratio(E/A),left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVDd),and left atrial diameter(LAD)were measured.Values were compared between the study group and healthy group,and the correlation between the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different cardiac function grades and the degree of CHD were assessed.In addition,the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different prognoses were compared after a follow-up for 6 mo.RESULTS E/A(1.46±0.34)of the study group was smaller than that of the control group(1.88±0.44),while LVDd(58.24±5.05 mm)and LAD(43.31±4.38 mm)were larger(48.15±3.93 and 34.94±2.81,respectively;P<0.05).E/A for patients with grade III disease(1.41±0.43)was smaller and their LVDd(60.04±4.21 mm)and LA(44.16±2.79 mm)were larger than those in patients with grade II disease(1.71±0.48,52.18±3.67 mm,and 39.68±2.37,respectively;P<0.05).Patients with grade IV disease had smaller E/A(1.08±0.39)and larger LVDd(66.81±5.39 mm)and LAD(48.81±3.95 mm)than patients with grade II and III disease(P<0.05).In patients with moderate disease,E/A(1.44±0.41)was smaller and LVDd(59.95±4.14 mm)and LAD(45.15±2.97 mm)were larger than in patients with mild disease(1.69±0.50,51.97±3.88 and 38.81±2.56 mm,respectively;P<0.05).In patients with severe disease,E/A(1.13±0.36)was smaller and LVDd(67.70±6.11 mm)and LAD(49.09±4.05 mm)were larger than in patients with moderate disease(P<0.05).E/A was negatively correlated with cardiac function classi-fication and disease severity,while LVDd and LAD were positively correlated with cardiac function classification and disease severity(P<0.05).E/A(1.83±0.51)for patients with good prognosis was higher than that for those with poor prognosis(1.39±0.32),while LVDd(49.60±4.39 mm)and LAD(36.13±3.05 mm)were lower(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The ultrasonic parameters of patients with CHD are abnormal,and differ significantly in patients with different cardiac function grades,lesion degree,and prognosis.

Effect of spironolactone on cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:Few studies have reported the effect of aldosterone receptor antagonist(ARA) on myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction(AMI).This study was undertaken to investigate the preventive effect of ARA on myocardial remodeling after AMI.METHODS:A total of 616 patients who had been admitted into the CCU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2008 to January 2010 were studied prospectively.Only 528 patients were observed completely,including 266 of the control group and 262 of the treatment group.There was no statistical difference in age,gender,medical history,admission situation,and treatment between the two groups(P>0.05).The preventive effects of spironolactone on cardiac remodeling,left ventricular function,renal function and blood levels of potassium were evaluated by echocardiography,serum potassium and serum creatinine at one-month and one-year follow-up.RESULTS:The echocardiography indicators such as LVESD,LVEDD,LVEF,LAD-ML and LADSI were significantly improved in the treatment group compared with the control group at one year(P<0.05).In the treatment group,LVESD,LVEDD,LVPWT,LVEF,LAD-ML and LAD-SI were more significantly improved at one year than one month(P<0.05,P=0.007 to LVEF),and in the control group LVEF was more significantly improved at one year than one month(P=0.0277).There were no significant differences in serum potassium and serum creatinine levels between the two groups.CONCLUSION:On the basis of conventional treatment,the early combination of low-dose spironolactone(20 mg/d) could inhibit cardiac remodeling at late stage and prevent heart fadure.

Evaluation of Normal Fetal Left Cardiac Function by Tissue Doppler Imaging

To explore the feasibility of using tissue Doppler imaging technique for the evaluation of fetus＇s left ventrieular diastolic function, and to confirm its reliability by comparing it with traditional methods, this study examined 61 pregnant women in whom satisfactory images were obtained of fetal eehoeardiography. The peak velocity of blood stream were measured, including E, A and E/A at mitral valve orifice on the four chamber view with pulse wave. And then tissue Doppler imaging mode was employed to measure the velocity of mitral valve annulus including Ea, Aa, Sa and Ea / Aa. Correlation analysis was conducted between the velocity of orifice and that of annulus in terms of gestation age. And then correlation analysis was performed between above data and gestation ages. A positive correlation was found between the velocity of orifice and that of annulus, and the velocity increased with the gestation age. The change was the most significant between the 28th and the 34th week of gestation age. Our study showed that it is feasible to evaluate the fetus＇s left ven trieular diastole function by tissue Doppler imaging. Its stability can avoid the influence of fetal heart rates and preload.

Cardiac functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7T:Image quality optimization and ultra-high field capabilities

BACKGROUND 7T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)introduces several advantages,as well as some limitations,compared to lower-field imaging.The capabilities of ultra-high field(UHF)MRI have not been fully exploited in cardiac functional imaging.AIM To optimize 7T cardiac MRI functional imaging without the need for conducting B1 shimming or subject-specific tuning,which improves scan efficiency.In this study,we provide results from phantom and in vivo scans using a multi-channel transceiver modular coil.METHODS We investigated the effects of adding a dielectric pad at different locations next to the imaged region of interest on improving image quality in subjects with different body habitus.We also investigated the effects of adjusting the imaging flip angle in cine and tagging sequences on improving image quality,B1 field homogeneity,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),blood-myocardium contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR),and tagging persistence throughout the cardiac cycle.RESULTS The results showed the capability of achieving improved image quality with high spatial resolution(0.75 mm×0.75 mm×2 mm),high temporal resolution(20 ms),and increased tagging persistence(for up to 1200 ms cardiac cycle duration)at 7T cardiac MRI after adjusting scan set-up and imaging parameters.Adjusting the imaging flip angle was essential for achieving optimal SNR and myocardium-toblood CNR.Placing a dielectric pad at the anterior left position of the chest resulted in improved B1 homogeneity compared to other positions,especially in subjects with small chest size.CONCLUSION Improved regional and global cardiac functional imaging can be achieved at 7T MRI through simple scan set-up adjustment and imaging parameter optimization,which would allow for more streamlined and efficient UHF cardiac MRI.

Effect of L-carnitine on Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Cardiac Function in Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement Operation

Summary： The effects of L-carnitine, as an ingredient of cardioplegia solution, on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation were investigated. Twenty-three cases undergoing heart valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB） were randomly allocated into two groups： L-carnitine group （n=12, 12 g/L L-carnitine was put in the ST. Thomas cardioplegia） and control group （n=11, identical to the L-carnitine group except that normal saline was administered instead of L-carnitine）. Serum cardial troponin I （cTnI） levels, the left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, and cardiac index （CI） were measured perioperatively. A bit of myocardial tissue obtained from right atria was taken before CPB and by the end of intracardiac procedure to undergo electron microscopy examination and estimate apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL）. From the end of CPB to 3 days after operation, the serum levels of cTnI in the L-carnitine group was significantly lower than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Heart color ultrasonogram showed that the CI index and LVEF at 7th day postoperatively in the L-carnitine group were significantly higher than in the control group （P〈0.05）. Compared to the control group, L-carnitine significantly alleviated the morphologic changes of cardiac muscle cells （electron microscopy examination） and decreased the amounts of apoptotic cardiac muscle cells （TUNEL）. Furthermore, the dosage of vasoactive drugs used after operation was significantly less in the L-carnitine group （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that L-carnitine cardioplegia solution could improve cardiac function in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation and alleviate CPB-mediated apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells.