Network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation reveal the synergistic myocardial protection mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.and Carthamus tinctorius L.

Objective:To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the compatibility of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge(S.miltiorrhiza,Dan Shen)and C.tinctorius L.(C.tinctorius,Hong Hua)as an herb pair through network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation.Methods:Network pharmacology was applied to construct an active ingredient-efficacy target-disease protein network to reveal the unique regulation pattern of s.miltiorrhiza and C.tinctorius as herb pair.Molecular docking was used to verify the binding of the components of these herbs and their potential targets.An H9c2 glucose hypoxia model was used to evaluate the efficacy of the components and their synergistic effects,which were evaluated using the combination index.Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of these targets.Results:Network pharmacology analysis revealed 5 pathways and 8 core targets of s.miltiorrhiza and C.tinctorius in myocardial protection.Five of the core targets were enriched in the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1)signaling pathway.S.miltiorrhiza-C.tinctorius achieved vascular tone mainly by regulating the target genes of the HIF-1 pathway.As an upstream gene of the HIF-1 pathway,STAT3 can be activated by the active ingredients cryptotanshinone(Ctan),salvianolic acid B(Sal.B),and myricetin(Myric).Cell experiments revealed that Myric,Sal.B,and Ctan also exhibited synergistic myocardial protective activity.Molecular docking verified the strong binding of Myric,Sal.B,and Ctan to STAT3.Western blot further showed that the active ingredients synergistically upregulated the protein expressionof STAT3.Conclusion:The pharmacodynamic transmission analysis revealed that the active ingredients of S.miltiorrhiza and C.tinctorius can synergistically resist ischemia through various targets and pathways.This study provides a methodological reference for interpreting traditional Chinese medicine compatibility.

Aldo-Keto reductase 1C3 reduces myocardial cell damage after acute myocardial infarction by activating the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element pathway to inhibit ferroptosis

Background Acute myocardial infarction(AMI)is a high-risk cardiovascular condition associated with increased cellular damage and oxidative stress.Aldo-Keto Reductase 1C3(AKR1C3)is a stress-regulating gene.Nevertheless,its specific role and mechanisms regarding AMI remain unclear.Methods We assessed cardiac function through echocardiography;tissue damage was evaluated using Hematoxylin and Eosin(HE)and Masson trichrome staining.AKR1C3 expression levels were measured through Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot.Assessed cell viability using Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)assays.The extent of ferroptosis was determined by measuring the levels of Fe2+,boron-dipyrromethane(BODIPY)and malondialdehyde(MDA),the glutathione/glutathione disulfide(GSH/GSSG)ratio,and the expression of Glutathione Peroxidase 4(GPX4)and Solute carrier 7A11(SLC7A11).Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-Antioxidant response element(Keap1-Nrf2-ARE)pathway activation was analyzed through western blotting.Nrf2 was inhibited with ML385and activated with(R)-Sulforaphane to investigate the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway.Results The rats in the AMI group displayed reduced heart function,more tissue damage,and lower AKR1C3 expression compared to the Sham group.Similarly,hypoxia-treated H9C2 cells showed reduced viability,and decreased AKR1C3 expression.Overexpressing AKR1C3 in H9C2 cells enhanced viability.Knocking down AKR1C3 exhibited the opposite effect.Of the inhibitors tested,Ferrostatin-1 most effectively restored cell viability in hypoxia-treated H9C2 cells.Moreover,H9C2 cells subjected to hypoxia suggested Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway inhibition.Overexpressing AKR1C3 reduced ferroptosis and activated the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway in hypoxia-treated cells,knocking down AKR1C3 exhibited the opposite effect.Further experiments using ML385 in hypoxia-treated H9C2 cells with overexpressed AKR1C3 showed decreased viability and increased ferroptosis compared to the control.Using(R)-Sulforaphane in hypoxia-treated H9C2 cells with knocked-down AKR1C3 exhibited the opposite effect.Conclusion This study's findings indicate that AKR1C3 plays a role in regulating ferroptosis in myocardial cells,with the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway likely being a key mechanism behind it.

Effect of bivalirudin on myocardial microcirculation and adverse events after interventional therapy in older patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Bivalirudin,a direct thrombin inhibitor,is used in anticoagulation therapies as a substitute for heparin,especially during cardiovascular procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention.AIM To explore the effect of bivalirudin on myocardial microcirculation following an intervention and its influence on adverse cardiac events in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).METHODS In total,165 patients diagnosed with acute myocardial at our hospital between June 2020 and June 2022 were enrolled in this study.From June 2020 to June 2022,elderly patients with ACS with complete data were selected and treated with interventional therapy.The study cohort was randomly divided into a study group(n=80,administered bivalirudin)and a control group(n=85,administered unfractionated heparin).Over a 6-mo follow-up period,differences in emergency processing times,including coronary intervention,cardiac function indicators,occurrence of cardiovascular events,and recurrence rates,were analyzed.RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the study cohorts,with the observation group showing shorter emergency process times across all stages:Emergency classification;diagnostic testing;implementation of coronary intervention;and conclusion of emergency treatment(P<0.05).Furthermore,the left ventricular ejection fraction in the observation group was significantly higher(P<0.05),and the creatine kinase-MB and New York Heart Association scores were CONCLUSION In elderly patients receiving interventional therapy for ACS,bivalirudin administration led to increased activated clotting time achievement rates,enhanced myocardial reperfusion,and reduced incidence of bleeding complications and adverse cardiac events.

A Comparative Study of Myocardial Damage Caused by Novel Coronavirus Infection and Influenza A Virus Infection in Children during the COVID-19 Epidemic Period

Objective: To explore the comparative study of myocardial damage in children infected with COVID-19 and influenza A virus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Retrospective analysis of myocardial injury caused by COVID-19 infection and influenza A virus infection in children during the COVID-19 from October 2022 to May 2023, including 106 cases of COVID-19 infection, that is, the COVID-19 group;And 164 cases of influenza A virus infection, namely, H1N1 group;Two groups were tested for various indicators of myocardial enzyme spectrum, and the situation of myocardial injury was compared between the two groups. Result: In the enrolled cases, there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of men and women in the COVID-19 group (P > 0.05);There was no statistically significant difference in the average age between men and women (P > 0.05);The comparison of the incidence rates between males and females in the H1N1 group showed a statistically significant difference (P 0.05);There was no statistically significant difference in the average age between the two groups of girls (P > 0.05). A comparison between two groups of various indicators of myocardial enzyme spectra showed that the results of AST, -HBDH and LDH were statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: Both COVID-19 infection and influenza A virus infection in children have different degrees of myocardial damage, but COVID-19 infection causes more myocardial damage than influenza A virus infection, and influenza A virus is more prone to myocardial infarction, which deserves our attention.

The Efficacy and Safety of Drug-Coated Balloons in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing year by year, which seriously endangers human health around the world. The preferred treatment strategy for AMI patients is the use of drug-eluting stents (DES), as there is ample evidence to suggest that stent implantation can reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). With the application of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and the enhancement of the concept of interventional without implantation, the question is whether DCBs can be safely and effectively used in patients with AMI? The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of DCBs in the treatment of AMI. A retrospective review of clinical data was conducted on 55 AMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2020 to December 2021. Of these patients, 25 were treated with DCBs and 30 were treated with DESs. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure the minimum lumen diameter, lumen stenosis, and coronary artery dissection before and after surgery, and angina pectoris attacks and various MACEs were recorded at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The results showed that there were no significant differences in clinical baseline data between the two groups. However, the minimum lumen diameter of the DCB group immediately after the operation was smaller than that of the DES group, and the stenosis degree of the lumen in the DCB group was higher than that in the DES group. The incidence of coronary artery dissection in the DCB group was significantly higher than that in the DES group, but the majority of them were type B. At 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of MACEs between the two groups. In conclusion, DCBs is a safe and effective treatment for AMI. However, the incidence of coronary artery dissection in DCB patients is higher than that in DES patients, but the majority of them are type B. .

Dapagliflozin and sacubitril on myocardial microperfusion in patients with post-acute myocardial infarction heart failure and type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)frequently coexist,creating a complex and challenging clinical scenario,particularly when complicated with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).AIM To examine the effects of dapagliflozin combined with sakubactrovalsartan sodium tablets on myocardial microperfusion.METHODS In total,98 patients were categorized into control(n=47)and observation(n=51)groups.The control group received noxital,while the observation group was treated with dapagliflozin combined with noxital for 6 months.Changes in myocardial microperfusion,blood glucose level,cardiac function,N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)level,growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15)level,and other related factors were compared between the two groups.Additionally,the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and adverse reactions were calculated.RESULTS After treatment,in the observation and control groups,the corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame counts were 37.12±5.02 and 48.23±4.66,respectively.The NT-proBNP levels were 1502.65±255.87 and 2015.23±286.31 pg/mL,the N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide(NT-proANP)levels were 1415.69±213.05 and 1875.52±241.02 ng/mL,the GDF-15 levels were 0.87±0.43 and 1.21±0.56 g/L,and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)levels were 6.54±1.56 and 8.77±1.94 mg/L,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The cumulative incidence of MACEs in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was 13.73%(7/51)in the observation group and 10.64%(5/47)in the control group,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin combined with nocinto can improve myocardial microperfusion and left ventricular remodeling and reduce MACE incidence in patients with post-AMI heart failure and T2DM.The underlying mechanism may be related to the reduction in the expression levels of NT-proANP,GDF-15,and hs-CRP.

Use of Beta-Blocker in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

This paper reported beta-blocker use in 21 STEMI patients over four years. The patients were between 50 - 65 years of age presenting with anterior, lateral, and inferior STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). Seven of the patients were female, and 14 were male. They presented to an emergency room of a rural hospital that did not provide emergency percutaneous coronary angioplasty/stenting (PTCA/stenting). The hospital is about 70 minutes from a facility that provided PTCA/ stenting—all the patients presented with typical angina chest pain with ST elevation. They are hemodynamic stable. Most patients received Lopressor 35 mg IVP, with one receiving 115 mg in a 5 mg increment. They were chest pain-free and hemodynamically before leaving the ER for the transfer for PTCA/stent. The results demonstrated that beta-blockers are effective in relieving pain in STEMI patients. Further study is needed to determine its efficacy, safety, and how to use it.

One Case of Primary Thrombocythemia with Concealed Hypokalemia Complicated by Acute Myocardial Infarction

Medical history summary: Male, 47 years old, was admitted to the hospital due to “dizziness accompanied by chest tightness and pain for more than 8 days”. One week ago, the patient experienced chest tightness, chest pain accompanied by profuse sweating for 3 hours and underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a local hospital. The procedure revealed left main stem occlusion with subsequent left main stem to left anterior descending artery percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). After the procedure, the patient experienced hemodynamic instability, recurrent ventricular fibrillation, and critical condition, thus transferred to our hospital for further treatment. Symptoms and signs: The patient is in a comatose state, unresponsive to stimuli, with bilateral dilated pupils measuring 2.0 mm, exhibiting reduced sensitivity to light reflex, and recurrent fever. Coarse breath sounds can be heard in both lungs, with audible moist rales. Irregular breathing pattern is observed, and heart sounds vary in intensity. No pathological murmurs are auscultated in any valve auscultation area. Diagnostic methods: Coronary angiography results at the local hospital showed complete occlusion of the left main stem, and left main stem to left anterior descending artery percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed. However, the distal guidewire did not pass through. After admission, blood tests showed a Troponin T level of 1.44 ng/ml and a Myoglobin level of 312 ng/ml. The platelet count was 1390 × 109/L. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity was measured at 201.9%. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed active bone marrow proliferation and platelet clustering. The peripheral blood smear also showed platelet clustering. JAK-2 gene testing was positive, confirming the diagnosis of primary thrombocytosis. Treatment methods: The patient is assisted with mechanical ventilation and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation to improve coronary blood flow. Electrolyte levels are closely monitored, especially maintaining plasma potassium levels between 4.0 and 4.5 mmol/l. Hydroxyurea 500 mg is administered for platelet reduction. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are used rationally to prevent further infarction or bleeding. Antiarrhythmic, lipid-lowering, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and heart failure treatment are also provided. Clinical outcome: The family members chose to withdraw treatment and signed for discharge due to a combination of reasons, including economic constraints and uncertainty about the prognosis due to the long disease course. Acute myocardial infarction has gradually become one of the leading causes of death in our country. As a “green channel” disease, corresponding diagnostic and treatment protocols have been established in China, and significant progress has been made in emergency care. There are strict regulations for the time taken from the catheterization lab to the cardiac intensive care unit, and standardized treatments are provided to patients once they enter the intensive care unit. Research results show that the incidence of acute myocardial infarction in patients with primary thrombocythemia within 10 years is 9.4%. This type of disease is rare and difficult to cure, posing significant challenges to medical and nursing professionals. In order to benefit future patients, we have documented individual cases of treatment and nursing care for these patients. The research results show that these patients exhibit resistance to traditional oral anticoagulant drugs and require alternative anticoagulants. Additionally, there are significant differences in serum and plasma potassium levels among patients. Therefore, when making clinical diagnoses, it is necessary to carefully distinguish between the two. Particularly, nursing personnel should possess dialectical thinking when supplementing potassium levels in patients in order to reduce the incidence of malignant arrhythmias and mortality rates.

Delay Times and Clinical Outcomes in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Comparison of Periods before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Myocardial Infarction and the Pandemic

Introduction: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a drop in the number of patients treated for cardiac emergencies raised concern about cardiovascular mortality in that period. An increase in care delay for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may have affected clinical outcomes. Objectives: To analyze delay times and clinical outcomes of patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Retrospective observational study that included patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI from December 2018 to July 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic cases were divided into two groups: pandemic I—from March to August 2020;and pandemic II—from September 2020 to July 2021. Patients were compared according to the period of hospitalization. Primary outcomes were delay times in assistance and clinical outcomes (acute kidney injury [AKI], post-procedural vascular complications and in-hospital mortality). Results: 108 patients were included, 39 (36.1%) in the pre-pandemic period, 13 (12.1%) in pandemic I and 56 (51.8%) in pandemic II. Time from onset of symptoms to arrival at the service and door-to-balloon time did not differ significantly among groups. Vascular complications were more frequent during the pandemic (I and II) than in the pre-pandemic period (2.5% pre-pandemic vs 15.4% pandemic vs 12.5% pandemic II;p = 0.03). AKI incidence was similar in all three periods. There was a non-significant increase in in-hospital mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: In patients with STEMI, there was an increase in vascular complications and a trend toward increased mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delay times to admission and reperfusion did not differ significantly between before and during the pandemic.

Polar residual network model for assisting evaluation on rat myocardial infarction segment in myocardial contrast echocardiography

Objective To investigate the value of polar residual network(PResNet)model for assisting evaluation on rat myocardial infarction(MI)segment in myocardial contrast echocardiography(MCE).Methods Twenty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into MI group(n=15)and sham operation group(n=10).MI models were established in MI group through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery using atraumatic suture,while no intervention was given to those in sham operation group after thoracotomy.MCE images of both basal and papillary muscle levels on the short axis section of left ventricles were acquired after 1 week,which were assessed independently by 2 junior and 2 senior ultrasound physicians.The evaluating efficacy of MI segment,the mean interpretation time and the consistency were compared whether under the assistance of PResNet model or not.Results No significant difference of efficacy of evaluation on MI segment was found for senior physicians with or without assistance of PResNet model(both P>0.05).Under the assistance of PResNet model,the efficacy of junior physicians for diagnosing MI segment was significantly improved compared with that without the assistance of PResNet model(both P<0.01),and was comparable to that of senior physicians.Under the assistance of PResNet model,the mean interpretation time of each physician was significantly shorter than that without assistance(all P<0.001),and the consistency between junior physicians and among junior and senior physicians were both moderate(Kappa=0.692,0.542),which became better under the assistance(Kappa=0.763,0.749).Conclusion PResNet could improve the efficacy of junior physicians for evaluation on rat MI segment in MCE images,shorten interpretation time with different aptitudes,also improve the consistency to some extent.

Chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) is expressed in myocardial ischemia injury in vivo and in vitro

Introduction:Chemokine-like factor 1(CKLF1)is a chemokine that is overexpressed in several diseases.Our previousfindings revealed a significant increase in CKLF1 expression in the ischemic brain,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.Methods:In this study,we examined the expression dynamics of CKLF1 in both in vivo and in vitro models of ischemic cardiac injury.Myocardial infarction(MI)was induced in vivo by ligation of the left anterior descending artery(LAD)of the rat heart.The levels of CKLF1,Creatine Kinase MB Isoenzyme(CK-MB),and Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in the serum were detected using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of CKLF1 in the infarcted area was detected by immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence,quantitative PCR(qPCR),and Western blotting(WB).H9C2 and AC16 cardiomyocytes cultured in vitro were subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation(OGD).LDH was used to detect cell damage,and CKLF1 expression was detected by qPCR and WB.Results:CKLF1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in h9c2 cells at 1.5 h and in AC16 cells at 4 h after OGD.The serum CK-MB in rats increased significantly on thefirst day after infarction,while the LDH concentration increased significantly on the third day after infarction.CKLF1 blood levels significantly increased on thefirst day following MI in rats.CKLF1 expression notably increased in the infarct area on days 1,3,and 7 post-MI.In MI tissue,CKLF1 colocalizes with cardiomyocytes,macrophages,and neutrophils.Conclusion:CKLF1 was substantially expressed during myocardial ischemia injury both in vivo and in vitro and was colocalized with macrophages and neutrophils,indicating that CKLF1 is expected to be a biomarker and a drug target for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

MiR-106a targets ATG7 to inhibit autophagy and angiogenesis after myocardial infarction

Background:Myocardial infarction(MI)is an acute condition in which the heart mus-cle dies due to the lack of blood supply.Previous research has suggested that au-tophagy and angiogenesis play vital roles in the prevention of heart failure after MI,and miR-106a is considered to be an important regulatory factor in MI.But the specific mechanism remains unknown.In this study,using cultured venous endothelial cells and a rat model of MI,we aimed to identify the potential target genes of miR-106a and discover the mechanisms of inhibiting autophagy and angiogenesis.Methods:We first explored the biological functions of miR-106a on autophagy and angiogenesis on endothelial cells.Then we identified ATG7,which was the down-stream target gene of miR-106a.The expression of miR-106a and ATG7 was investi-gated in the rat model of MI.Results:We found that miR-106a inhibits the proliferation,cell cycle,autophagy and angiogenesis,but promoted the apoptosis of vein endothelial cells.Moreover,ATG7 was identified as the target of miR-106a,and ATG7 rescued the inhibition of autophagy and angiogenesis by miR-106a.The expression of miR-106a in the rat model of MI was decreased but the expression of ATG7 was increased in the infarction areas.Conclusion:Our results indicate that miR-106a may inhibit autophagy and angiogenesis by targeting ATG7.This mechanism may be a potential therapeutic treatment for MI.

Successful emergency surgical intervention in acute non-STsegment elevation myocardial infarction with rupture:A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence of acute myocardial infarction(AMI)is rising,with cardiac rupture accounting for approximately 2%of deaths in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Ventricular free wall rupture(FWR)occurs in approximately 2%of AMI patients and is notably rare in patients with non-STEMI.Types of cardiac rupture include left ventricular FWR,ventricular septal rupture,and papillary muscle rupture.The FWR usually leads to acute cardiac tamponade or electromechanical dissociation,where standard resuscitation efforts may not be effective.Ventricular septal rupture and papillary muscle rupture often result in refractory heart failure,with mortality rates over 50%,even with surgical or percutaneous repair options.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case of an acute non-STEMI patient who suffered sudden FWR causing cardiac tamponade and loss of consciousness immediate before undergoing coronary angiography.Prompt resuscitation and emergency open-heart repair along with coronary artery bypass grafting resulted in successful patient recovery.CONCLUSION This case emphasizes the risks of AMI complications,shares a successful treatment scenario,and discusses measures to prevent such complications.

Buxu Tongyu Granule Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia by Activating Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Soluble Guanylate Cyclase to Inhibit Abnormal Vasomotion

Myocardial ischemia is a serious threat to human health,and vascular dysfunction is its main cause.Buxu Tongyu(BXTY)Granule is an effective traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for treating myocardial ischemia.However,the underlying mechanism of BXTY is still unclear.In this study,we demonstrate that BXTY ameliorates myocardial ischemia by activating the soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)-30,50-cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)-protein kinase G(PKG)signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)to dilate the arteries.BXTY was given by gavage for ten consecutive days before establishing an animal model of acute myocardial ischemia in mice via the intraperitoneal injection of pituitrin.The results showed that BXTY alleviated the symptoms of myocardial ischemia induced by pituitrin in mice,including electrocardiogram abnormalities and changes in plasma enzymes.In addition,BXTY dilated pre-constricted blood vessels and inhibited the vasoconstriction of the superior mesenteric artery in a dose-dependent but endothelial-independent manner.These effects were eliminated by preincubating vascular rings with the sGC inhibitors NS 2028 or ODQ,or with the PKG inhibitor KT 5823.Moreover,BXTY increased the protein expression of sGC-b1 and the intracellular second messenger cGMP level in mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells(MOVAs).NS 2028 or ODQ reversed these effects of BXTY.The expression level of the cGMP downstream effector protein PKG-1 increased after treating MOVAs with BXTY.NS 2028,ODQ,or KT 5823 also reversed this effect of BXTY.In conclusion,BXTY can improve the symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia in mice,and activating the sGC-cGMP-PKG pathway in VSMCs to induce vasodilation is its key pharmacodynamic mechanism.

Myocardial metastasis from ZEB1-and TWIST-positive spindle cell carcinoma of the esophagus:A case report

BACKGROUND Metastatic cardiac tumors are known to occur more frequently than primary cardiac tumors,however,they often remain asymptomatic and are commonly dis-covered on autopsy.Malignant tumors with a relatively high frequency of cardiac metastasis include mesothelioma,melanoma,lung cancer,and breast cancer,whereas reports of esophageal cancer with cardiac metastasis are rare.CASE SUMMARY The case of a 60-year-old man who complained of dysphagia is presented.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a submucosal tumor-like elevated lesion in the esophagus causing stenosis.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed left atrial compression due to the esophageal tumor,multiple liver and lung metastases,and a left pleural effusion.Pathological examination of a biopsy speci-men from the esophageal tumor showed spindle-shaped cells,raising suspicion of esophageal sarcoma.The disease progressed rapidly,and systemic chemotherapy was deemed necessary,however,due to his poor general condition,adminis-tration of cytotoxic agents was considered difficult.Given his high Combined Positive Score,nivolumab was administered,however,the patient soon died from the disease.The autopsy confirmed spindle cell carcinoma(SCC)of the esophagus and cardiac metastasis with similar histological features.Cancer stem cell markers,ZEB1 and TWIST,were positive in both the primary tumor and the cardiac metastasis.CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge,there have been no prior reports of cardiac metastasis of esophageal SCC.This case highlights our experience with a patient with esophageal SCC who progressed rapidly and died from the disease,with the autopsy examination showing cardiac metastasis.

Betulin protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and attenuating cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress in rats

Objective:To investigate the cardioprotective potential of betulin in isoproterenol(ISO)-induced myocardial injury in rats.Methods:Wistar rats were divided into five groups(n=10):normal,ISO,nebivolol 5 mg/kg,and betulin(20&40 mg/kg).Nebivolol and betulin were administered orally for 29 days.ISO(85 mg/kg)was administered subcutaneously on day 27 and day 28 to induce myocardial injury.On day 29,blood was collected for determination of cardiac markers,and hemodynamic parameters were investigated.The levels of oxidative stress markers and the gene expressions of apoptotic markers and inflammatory mediators were evaluated.Moreover,2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and histopathological analysis were also performed.Results:Betulin reduced the size of myocardial infarction,decreased elevated levels of cardiac enzymes,and maintained hemodynamic functions.It also inhibited ISO-induced upregulation of Bax,caspase-3,NF-κB,and IL-6,enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzymes,and reduced lipid peroxidation.Additionally,pretreatment with betulin alleviated myocardial ischemic damage,as reflected by reduced myonecrosis,edema,and inflammatory changes.Conclusions:Betulin exhibits strong cardioprotective activity against ISO-induced myocardial injury by anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic,and antioxidant activities.

The mechanism and treatment strategies of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction(MI)is associated with high morbidity and mortality and poses a significant challenge to human health.Despite advances in medicine,effective treatment options for MI are still associated with adverse outcomes,such as heart failure.Consequently,identifying the pathogenesis of MI is a promising avenue for developing practical treatments.The inflammatory response plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of MI.Gasdermin D(GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis regulates the inflammatory response,which is a pathogenic and potential therapeutic target for MI.Therefore,anti-pyroptosis treatment is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for MI.Overall,this article reviews the mechanism and treatment strategies for GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in MI,with the hope of providing insights into pathogenic interventions.

Development and validation of a nomogram model for predicting the risk of pre-hospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Acute myocardial infarction(AMI)is a severe cardiovascular disease caused by the blockage of coronary arteries that leads to ischemic necrosis of the myocardium.Timely medical contact is critical for successful AMI treatment,and delays increase the risk of death for patients.Pre-hospital delay time(PDT)is a significant challenge for reducing treatment times,as identifying high-risk patients with AMI remains difficult.This study aims to construct a risk prediction model to identify high-risk patients and develop targeted strategies for effective and prompt care,ultimately reducing PDT and improving treatment outcomes.AIM To construct a nomogram model for forecasting pre-hospital delay(PHD)likelihood in patients with AMI and to assess the precision of the nomogram model in predicting PHD risk.METHODS A retrospective cohort design was employed to investigate predictive factors for PHD in patients with AMI diagnosed between January 2022 and September 2022.The study included 252 patients,with 180 randomly assigned to the development group and the remaining 72 to the validation group in a 7:3 ratio.Independent risk factors influencing PHD were identified in the development group,leading to the establishment of a nomogram model for predicting PHD in patients with AMI.The model's predictive performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve in both the development and validation groups.RESULTS Independent risk factors for PHD in patients with AMI included living alone,hyperlipidemia,age,diabetes mellitus,and digestive system diseases(P<0.05).A characteristic curve analysis indicated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.787(95%confidence interval:0.716–0.858)and 0.770(95%confidence interval:0.660-0.879)in the development and validation groups,respectively,demonstrating the model's good discriminatory ability.The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test revealed no statistically significant disparity between the anticipated and observed incidence of PHD in both development and validation cohorts(P>0.05),indicating satisfactory model calibration.CONCLUSION The nomogram model,developed with independent risk factors,accurately forecasts PHD likelihood in AMI individuals,enabling efficient identification of PHD risk in these patients.

Inflammation as a cause of acute myocardial infarction in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm

Myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN)are a group of diseases characterized by the clonal proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor or stem cells.They are clinically classifiable into four main diseases:chronic myeloid leukemia,essential thrombocythemia,polycythemia vera,and primary myelofibrosis.These pathologies are closely related to cardio-and cerebrovascular diseases due to the increased risk of arterial thrombosis,the most common underlying cause of acute myocardial infarction.Recent evidence shows that the classical Virchow triad(hypercoagulability,blood stasis,endothelial injury)might offer an explanation for such association.Indeed,patients with MPN might have a higher number and more reactive circulating platelets and leukocytes,a tendency toward blood stasis because of a high number of circulating red blood cells,endothelial injury or overactivation as a consequence of sustained inflammation caused by the neoplastic clonal cell.These abnormal cancer cells,especially when associated with the JAK2V617F mutation,tend to proliferate and secrete several inflammatory cytokines.This sustains a pro-inflammatory state throughout the body.The direct consequence is the induction of a pro-thrombotic state that acts as a determinant in favoring both venous and arterial thrombus formation.Clinically,MPN patients need to be carefully evaluated to be treated not only with cytoreductive treatments but also with cardiovascular protective strategies.

Integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics to explore the mechanisms of Shenzao dripping pill against chronic myocardial ischemia

Background:Shenzao dripping pill(SZDP)is empirically prescribed for treating cardiac diseases.Nevertheless,there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms contributing to its therapeutic effects.The objective of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanism of SZDP against chronic myocardial ischemia(CMI)in a rat model.Methods:In this study,we utilized electrocardiographic and echocardiographic detection along with pathological tissue analysis to evaluate the efficacy of SZDP.The integration of network pharmacology and metabolomics was conducted to investigate the mechanisms.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to validate the binding energy between the compounds of SZDP and the associated targets.Results:The results showed that SZDP was able to improve T wave voltage,reverse CMI abnormalities in ejection fraction and fractional shortening,and restore histopathological heart damage.Metabolomics results indicated that disturbances of metabolic profile in CMI rats were partly corrected after SZDP administration,mainly affecting purine metabolism.13-Docosenamide may be the potential metabolic biomarker of the therapeutic application of SZDP for CMI.Integrating network pharmacology and metabolomics,thiopurine S-methyltransferase(TPMT),xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase(XDH),bifunctional purine biosynthesis protein ATIC(ATIC),and cytochrome p4501A1(CYP1A1)were identified as possible targets of SZDP to exert therapeutic effects by enhancing the metabolic levels of L-Tryptophan,Deoxyribose 1-phosphate and Phosphoribosyl formamidocarboxamide.Conclusion:SZDP has a therapeutic effect on CMI by regulating metabolite levels,acting on the targets of TMPT,XDH,ATIC,and CYP1A1,and reducing cardiomyocyte injury and myocardial fibrosis.