Bicuspid aortic valve with associated aortopathy, significant left ventricular hypertrophy or concomitant hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Due to its prevalence of 0.5%to 2%in the general population,with a 75%predominance among men,bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart defect.It is frequently accompanied by other cardiac congenital anomalies,and clinical presentation can vary significantly,with stenosis being the most common manifestation,often resulting in mild to moderate concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle.Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic modality utilized for establishing the diagnosis,and it is often the sole diagnostic tool relied upon by clinicians.However,due to the heterogeneous clinical presentation and possible associated anomalies(which are often overlooked in clinical practice),it is necessary to employ various diagnostic methods and persist in finding the accurate diagnosis if multiple inconsistencies exist.By employing this approach,we can effectively manage these patients and provide them with appropriate treatment.Through a clinical case from our practice,we provide an overview of the literature on bicuspid aortic valve with aortophaty and the possible association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,diagnostic methods,and treatment options.This review article highlights the critical significance of achieving an accurate diagnosis in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and significant left ventricular hypertrophy.It is crucial to exclude other possible causes of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction,such as sub-or supra-aortic obstructions,and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The Concordance Rates between LV Hypertrophy and RV Hypertrophy in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy as Diagnosed by Cardiovascular MRI with Fibrosis Imaging

Introduction: CMR has become the leading modality to define the clinical impact of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) accurately identifies regions of myocardial fibrosis. It is well known that myocardial fibrosis can occur in patients with HCM and is independently linked to a poorer prognosis than those without fibrosis by CMR. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that there is significant RV involvement in HCM when incorporates a CMR analysis for RV hypertrophy and fibrosis. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients referred for HCM was performed. SSFP/LGE techniques were used to diagnose patients with HCM, using gadolinium administration (0.15 mmol/kg). Post-injection (10 minutes) LGE images were obtained using manual T1-weighted, IR-preparations. Regions of myocardium with LGE signals were visually designated as fibrotic. LV/RV mass indices (LVMI/RVMI) and ejection fractions were calculated. Results: Via 72 patients referred for HCM, 47(65%) were CMR confirmed. The mean LVMI was 108 ± 44 g/m2 while the mean RVMI was 30 ± 21 g/m2. As well, 34/47 (72%) had evidence of LV fibrosis while 24/47 (51%) had evidence for RV fibrosis. Of the RVH positive patients, 26/34 (76%) patients were LV LGE positive and 18/34 (52%) were RV LGE positive. Conclusion: The high frequency of RVH and RV fibrosis in the setting of HCM is surprising in that this phenomenon is rarely described. However, there is no reason to expect the phenotypic expression should be limited to the LV. Interestingly, as for the LV, the presence or absence of RV fibrosis has little predictive power towards the systolic function.

An initial study on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with hypertrophy cardiomyopathy using single-beat, real-time, three-dimensional echocardiography

Objectives To assess the regional diastolic function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy （HCM） by using single-beat, real-time, three-dimensional echocardiography （RT-3DE）. Methods Sixty-five patients with HCM in sinus rhythm together with fifty age- and gender-matched normal controls were studied by two dimensional echocardiography （2DE） and RT-3DE. The parameters analyzed by RT-3DE included： left ventrieular （LV） volumes, left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, end diastolic sphericity index （EDSI）, diastolic dyssynchrony index （DDI）, dispersion end diastole （DISPED）, and normalized 17 segmental volume-time curves. Results Evaluated by RT-3DE, LVEF was slightly lower compared with 2DE （63.2 ± 6.8% vs. 59.1 ± 6.4%, P 〈 0.0001）. Normal subjects had relatively uniform volumetric curves for all LV segments. In HCM patients, the segmental volumetric curves were dyssynchronous. Increased DDI and DISPED in end diastole were observed in patients with HCM （9.95 ± 3.75, 41.76 ± 17.19, P 〈 0.0001）, and not all abnormal volumetric segments occurred in the hypertrophic regions. Conclusions Patients with HCM have presented regional diastolic dyssynchrony in the diastole phase, and this preclinical lesion can be recognized by single-beat RT-3DE.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular non-compaction:Distinct diseases or variant phenotypes of a single condition?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)is a genetically determined myocardial disease characterized by an increased thickness of the left ventricle(LV)wall that cannot be solely attributed to abnormal loading conditions.HCM may present with an intraventricular or LV outflow tract obstruction,diastolic dysfunction,myocardial fibrosis and/or ventricular arrhythmias.Differentiating HCM from other diseases associated with LV hypertrophy,such as hypertension,aortic stenosis,or LV non-compaction(LVNC),can at times be challenging.LVNC is defined by excessive LV trabeculation and deep recesses between trabeculae,often accompanied by increased LV myocardial mass.Previous studies indicate that the LVNC phenotype may be observed in up to 5%of the general population;however,in most cases,it is a benign finding with no impact on clinical outcomes.Nevertheless,LVNC can occasionally lead to LV systolic dysfunction,manifesting as a phenotype of dilated or non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy,with an increased risk of thrombus formation and arterial embolism.In extreme cases,where LVNC is associated with a very thickened LV wall,it can even mimic HCM.There is growing evidence of an overlap between HCM and LVNC,including similar genetic mutations and clinical presentations.This raises the question of whether HCM and LVNC represent different phenotypes of the same disease or are,in fact,two distinct entities.

Isolated Hyperacute T-Waves in West Nile Encephalitis Indicating Atypical Variant of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Several cardiac outcomes have been reported with West Nile-encephalitis;however, the underlying pathophysiology remains complex. We present a 42-year-old female, with multiple sclerosis, whose neurological symptoms and respiratory decline were finally explained by the diagnosis of West Nile-encephalitis. During her admission, the isolated peaked T-waves indicated the underlying stress-induced cardiomyopathy. The absence of all other causes of hyperacute T-waves, their subsequent resolution with the resolution of infection and improvement in wall motion abnormalities, further supported the association. This case highlights the importance of considering hyperacute T-waves in an approach towards the diagnosis of WNV-encephalitis related atypical variant of stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Teneligliptin mitigates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

BACKGROUND Diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM),which is a complication of diabetes,poses a great threat to public health.Recent studies have confirmed the role of NLRP3(NOD-like receptor protein 3)activation in DCM development through the inflammatory response.Teneligliptin is an oral hypoglycemic dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor used to treat diabetes.Teneligliptin has recently been reported to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on myocardial cells.AIM To examine the therapeutic effects of teneligliptin on DCM in diabetic mice.METHODS Streptozotocin was administered to induce diabetes in mice,followed by treatment with 30 mg/kg teneligliptin.RESULTS Marked increases in cardiomyocyte area and cardiac hypertrophy indicator heart weight/tibia length reductions in fractional shortening,ejection fraction,and heart rate;increases in creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB),aspartate transaminase(AST),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)levels;and upregulated NADPH oxidase 4 were observed in diabetic mice,all of which were significantly reversed by teneligliptin.Moreover,NLRP3 inflammasome activation and increased release of interleukin-1βin diabetic mice were inhibited by teneligliptin.Primary mouse cardiomyocytes were treated with high glucose(30 mmol/L)with or without teneligliptin(2.5 or 5μM)for 24 h.NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Increases in CKMB,AST,and LDH levels in glucose-stimulated cardiomyocytes were markedly inhibited by teneligliptin,and AMP(p-adenosine 5‘-monophosphate)-p-AMPK(activated protein kinase)levels were increased.Furthermore,the beneficial effects of teneligliptin on hyperglycaemia-induced cardiomyocytes were abolished by the AMPK signaling inhibitor compound C.CONCLUSION Overall,teneligliptin mitigated DCM by mitigating activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Effect of Trimetazidine on Functional Capacity in Patient with Ischaemic Cardiomyopathy (TOFCAPI)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of trimetazidine on exercise capacity via a six-minute walk test in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and also evaluate the effect of trimetazidine on left ventricular function via echocardiography in the same population. Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Dhaka, Bangladesh, enrolled 200 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF Results: In this study (n = 200) of ischaemic cardiomyopathy patients, the mean age was 58 years, with 76% of the patients being male. All study subjects received GDMT (Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy) for angina and heart failure. Those who received the modified released form of trimetazidine developed lesions during the 1st and 2nd follow-ups, during which the LVEF, LVIDd, and six-minute walk distance significantly improved (p Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated that the addition of modified-release trimetazidine to GDMT can improve exercise capacity and left ventricular function in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy in China:epidemiology and current treatments

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022)intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China.In connection with the previous section,this ninth section of the report offers a comprehensive analysis of valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy.Although rheumatic valve disease is still the main cause of valvular heart disease in China,with the aging of the population and the improvement of living standards,the prevalence of degenerative valvular heart disease is on the rise.Because many patients with valvular heart disease have only mild to moderate valve stenosis or insufficiency,and no symptoms,the detection rate in the population is low and late,resulting in many patients been in the severe late stage of disease at visit,increasing the difficulty of treatment and affecting effectiveness and prognosis.Therefore,we should strengthen the examination and screening of valvular heart disease in order to find and prevent it as early as possible.In addition,compared with other diseases,the treatment of valvular heart disease needs more and higher technical support(surgery,intervention,etc).However,not all hospitals can provide relevant technologies.At present,the treatment of valvular heart disease is still mainly concentrated in the provincial hospitals.It is necessary to carry out more professional training so that more doctors and hospitals can participate in the treatment of valvular heart disease.Cardiomyopathy is a group of myocardial diseases with abnormal myocardial structure and/or function,but couldn't be explained by hypertension,coronary atherosclerosis,valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease.It includes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM),dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM),arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy(also known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy),restrictive cardiomyopathy(RCM)and undifferentiated cardiomyopathy.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy:Emerging therapeutic options

Diabetic cardiomyopathy(DbCM)is a common but underrecognized complication of patients with diabetes mellitus(DM).Although the pathobiology of other cardiac complications of diabetes such as ischemic heart disease and cardiac autonomic neuropathy are mostly known with reasonable therapeutic options,the mechanisms and management options for DbCM are still not fully understood.In its early stages,DbCM presents with diastolic dysfunction followed by heart failure(HF)with preserved ejection fraction that can progress to systolic dysfunction and HF with reduced ejection fraction in its advanced stages unless appropriately managed.Apart from prompt control of DM with lifestyle changes and antidiabetic medications,disease-modifying therapy for DbCM includes prompt control of hypertension and dyslipidemia inherent to patients with DM as in other forms of heart diseases and the use of treatments with proven efficacy in HF.A basic study by Zhang et al,in a recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes elaborates the potential pathophysiological alterations and the therapeutic role of teneligliptin in diabetic mouse models with DbCM.Although this preliminary basic study might help to improve our understanding of DbCM and offer a potential new management option for patients with the disease,the positive results from such animal models might not always translate to clinical practice as the pathobiology of DbCM in humans could be different.However,such experimental studies can encourage more scientific efforts to find a better solution to treat patients with this enigmatic disease.

Bioceramic-mediated chondrocyte hypertrophy promotes calcified cartilage formation for rabbit osteochondral defect repair

Osteochondral tissue is a highly specialized and complex tissue composed of articular cartilage and subchondral bone that are separated by a calcified cartilage interface.Multilayered or gradient scaffolds,often in conjunction with stem cells and growth factors,have been developed to mimic the respective layers for osteochondral defect repair.In this study,we designed a hyaline cartilage-hypertrophic cartilage bilayer graft(RGD/RGDW)with chondrocytes.Previously,we demonstrated that RGD peptide-modified chondroitin sulfate cryogel(RGD group)is chondro-conductive and capable of hyaline cartilage formation.Here,we incorporated whitlockite(WH),a Mg2+-containing calcium phosphate,into RGD cryogel(RGDW group)to induce chondrocyte hypertrophy and form collagen X-rich hypertrophic cartilage.This is the first study to use WH to produce hypertrophic cartilage.Chondrocytes-laden RGDW cryogel exhibited significantly upregulated expression of hypertrophy markers in vitro and formed ectopic hypertrophic cartilage in vivo,which mineralized into calcified cartilage in bone microenvironment.Subsequently,RGD cryogel and RGDW cryogel were combined into bilayer(RGD/RGDW group)and implanted into rabbit osteochondral defect,where RGD layer supports hyaline cartilage regeneration and bioceramic-containing RGDW layer promotes calcified cartilage formation.While the RGD group(monolayer)formed hyaline-like neotissue that extends into the subchondral bone,the RGD/RGDW group(bilayer)regenerated hyaline cartilage tissue confined to its respective layer and promoted osseointegration for integrative defect repair.

Atorvastatin ameliorated myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating macrophage polarization in diabetic cardiomyopathy

In this editorial,we commented on the article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes.Diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)is characterized by myocardial fibrosis,ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in diabetic patients,which can cause heart failure and threaten the life of patients.The pathogenesis of DCM has not been fully clarified,and it may involve oxidative stress,inflammatory stimulation,apoptosis,and autophagy.There is lack of effective therapies for DCM in the clinical practice.Statins have been widely used in the clinical practice for years mainly to reduce cholesterol and stabilize arterial plaques,and exhibit definite cardiovascular protective effects.Studies have shown that statins also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.We were particularly concerned about the recent findings that atorvastatin alleviated myocardial fibrosis in db/db mice by regulating the antioxidant stress and antiinflammatory effects of macrophage polarization on diabetic myocardium,and thereby improving DCM.

Adipsin inhibits Irak2 mitochondrial translocation and improves fatty acid β-oxidation to alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy

Background Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes the myocardium to rely on fatty acid β-oxidation for energy. The accumulation of intracellular lipids and fatty acids in the myocardium usually results in lipotoxicity, which impairs myocardial function. Adipsin may play an important protective role in the pathogenesis of DCM. The aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory effect of Adipsin on DCM lipotoxicity and its molecular mechanism.MethodsA high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus model was constructed in mice with adipose tissue-specific overexpression of Adipsin (Adipsin-Tg). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pull-down technique, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofluorescence colocalization analyses were used to investigate the molecules which can directly interact with Adipsin. The immunocolloidal gold method was also used to detect the interaction between Adipsin and its downstream modulator.ResultsThe expression of Adipsin was significantly downregulated in the HFD-induced DCM model (P < 0.05). Adipose tissue-specific overexpression of Adipsin significantly improved cardiac function and alleviated cardiac remodeling in DCM (P < 0.05). Adipsin overexpression also alleviated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function in diabetic stress (P < 0.05). LC–MS/MS analysis, GST pull-down technique and Co-IP studies revealed that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-like 2 (Irak2) was a downstream regulator of Adipsin. Immunofluorescence analysis also revealed that Adipsin was co-localized with Irak2 in cardiomyocytes. Immunocolloidal gold electron microscopy and Western blotting analysis indicated that Adipsin inhibited the mitochondrial translocation of Irak2 in DCM, thus dampening the interaction between Irak2 and prohibitin (Phb)-optic atrophy protein 1 (Opa1) on mitochondria and improving the structural integrity and function of mitochondria (P < 0.05). Interestingly, in the presence of Irak2 knockdown, Adipsin overexpression did not further alleviate myocardial mitochondrial destruction and cardiac dysfunction, suggesting a downstream role of Irak2 in Adipsin-induced responses (P < 0.05). Consistent with these findings, overexpression of Adipsin after Irak2 knockdown did not further reduce the accumulation of lipids and their metabolites in the cardiac myocardium, nor did it enhance the oxidation capacity of cardiomyocytes expose to palmitate (PA) (P < 0.05). These results indicated that Irak2 may be a downstream regulator of Adipsin.ConclusionsAdipsin improves fatty acid β-oxidation and alleviates mitochondrial injury in DCM. The mechanism is related to Irak2 interaction and inhibition of Irak2 mitochondrial translocation.

Cardiac hypertrophy in polycythemia vera:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The combination of polycythemia vera(PV)with pathological cardiac hypertro-phy is uncommon.In this study,we describe a case of PV accompanied by pa-thological cardiac hypertrophy.It is hypothesized that the pronounced cardiac hypertrophy in this patient has a strong connection with PV.CASE SUMMARY In 2021,a 34-year-old Chinese man experienced chest constriction,shortness of breath,and palpitations during vigorous activity.Each episode lasted several minutes and resolved spontaneously following cessation of vigorous activity.He occasionally experienced syncope and vertigo without a headache.He underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and was diagnosed with“hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)”.He was discharged after receiving symptomatic treat-ment,which resulted in an improvement.He presented to our department with chest constriction,shortness of breath,and respiratory distress for one month while climbing to the second floor in 2023.His blood pressure was 180/100 mmHg at the time of admittance,and he was receiving antihypertensive treat-ment.He had a history of PV for 2 years without treatment.Symptomatic treat-ment was implemented concurrently with the administration of hydroxyurea upon admission.Good blood pressure control was observed during the long-term follow-up,and echocardiography did not reveal any progression of myocardial hypertrophy.CONCLUSION Clinicians managing PV patients should remain highly vigilant regarding the risks of thrombosis and cardio-vascular complications,particularly in those with refractory hypertension.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Ventricular Tachycardia during Labor: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease that typically affects young, healthy women. Because PPCM is associated with significant mortality, timely diagnosis and management are essential. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a major complication and contributor to sudden death. Available data on VT in patients with PPCM are limited. Aim: This case report demonstrates the clinical presentation, antenatal care, and management of labor and delivery in a patient with PPCM complicated by VT. Case report: 36-year old patient G4P3 presents at 27 weeks gestation to the emergency department complaining of chest tightness, palpitations, and profuse sweating. Peripartum cardiomyopathy was diagnosed after her last pregnancy a few years prior. Ventricular tachycardia was diagnosed at this visit and treated successfully. The remainder of the pregnancy was uneventful until she had another episode of ventricular tachycardia during labor. Treatment using antiarrhythmics (diltiazem, amiodarone, adenosine) highlights the importance of prompt intervention and the need for a range of therapeutic options. Results: This case demonstrated successful VT management during pregnancy and labor, emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration, influencing maternal and fetal outcomes positively, providing insights into optimal care strategies. Conclusion: Peripartum cardiomyopathy complicated by ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening combination. This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and management with combined care between cardiologists, maternal fetal medicine specialists and anesthesiologists to prevent morbidities and sudden maternal death.

Cardiac remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation reversing bradycardia-induced cardiomyopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND Bradycardia-induced cardiomyopathy(BIC),which is a disease resulting from bradycardia,is characterized by cardiac chamber enlargement and diminished cardiac function.The correction of bradycardia can allow for significant improvements in both cardiac function and structure;however,this disease has been infrequently documented.In this case,we conducted a longitudinal followup of a patient who had been enduring BIC for more than 40 years to heighten awareness and prompt timely diagnosis and rational intervention.CASE SUMMARY A woman who presented with postactivity fatigue and dyspnea was diagnosed with bradycardia at the age of 7.Since she had no obvious symptoms,she did not receive any treatment to improve her bradycardia during the 42-year follow-up,except for the implantation of a temporary pacemaker during labor induction surgery.As time progressed,the patient's heart gradually expanded due to her low ventricular rate,and she was diagnosed with BIC.In 2014,the patient developed atrial fibrillation,her ventricular rate gradually increased,and her heart shape gradually returned to normal.This report describes the cardiac morphological changes caused by the heart rate changes in BIC patients older than 40 years,introduces another possible outcome of BIC,and emphasizes the importance of early intervention in treating BIC.CONCLUSION BIC can induce atrial fibrillation,causing an increased ventricular rate and leading to positive cardiac remodeling.

Potential mechanism of teneligliptin in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM),a complication of diabetes,poses a significant threat to public health,both its diagnosis and treatment presents challenges.Teneligliptin has promising applications and research implications in the treat-ment of diabetes mellitus.Zhang et al observed the therapeutic effect of tenelig-liptin on cardiac function in mice with DCM.They validated that teneligliptin’s mechanism of action in treating DCM involves cardiomyocyte protection and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity.Given that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of DCM,it presents a promising therapeutic target.Nevertheless,further clinical validation is required to ascertain the preventive and therapeutic efficacy of teneligliptin in DCM.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Relationship between Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Chronic Heart Failure

Objective: To screen and analyze the differentially expressed genes between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic heart failure (CHF) based on bioinformatics methods. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used for data retrieval, and the chip data GSE3585 was downloaded, which was the original data of DCM and normal control group. At the same time, the chip data GSE76701 was downloaded, which was the original data of CHF and control group. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were screened by R language limma package, the data were standardized, and the common differentially expressed genes were screened. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the common differentially expressed genes. String11.0 online tool was used for data analysis to obtain differentially expressed genes, and the results were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. The results were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software, and the common expression gene module was obtained by MOCDE algorithm. Nine Hub genes were obtained by 10 algorithms such as MCC. Results: A total of 248 differentially expressed genes were screened. GO analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in 9 different physiological and pathological processes. KEGG analysis showed that the main signaling pathways involved in differentially expressed genes were 2, and 9 key differentially expressed genes were predicted: NPPB, NPPA, MYH6, FRZB, ASPN, SFRP4, RPS4Y1, DDX3Y. Conclusion: This study preliminarily explored the molecular mechanism of DCM and CHF, and obtained the common differentially expressed genes of the two diseases. Further experimental studies are needed to verify the correlation between gene expression and clinicopathological features. Provide new ideas for clinical drug treatment research.

Cardioprotective Potential of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil against Isoproterenol-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy:Possible Involvement of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Oxidative Phosphorylation Complex Subunits

Objective:Cymbopogon citratus(DC.)Stapf is a medicinal and edible herb that is widely used for the treatment of gastric,nervous and hypertensive disorders.In this study,we investigated the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of the essential oil,the main active ingredient of Cymbopogon citratus,on isoproterenol(ISO)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Methods:The compositions of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil(CCEO)were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Cardiomyocytes were pretreated with 16.9µg/L CCEO for 1 h followed by 10µmol/L ISO for 24 h.Cardiac hypertrophy-related indicators and NLRP3 inflammasome expression were evaluated.Subsequently,transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)and target verification were used to further explore the underlying mechanism.Results:Our results showed that the CCEO mainly included citronellal(45.66%),geraniol(23.32%),and citronellol(10.37%).CCEO inhibited ISO-induced increases in cell surface area and protein content,as well as the upregulation of fetal gene expression.Moreover,CCEO inhibited ISO-induced NLRP3 inflammasome expression,as evidenced by decreased lactate dehydrogenase content and downregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3,ASC,CASP1,GSDMD,and IL-1β,as well as reduced protein levels of NLRP3,ASC,pro-caspase-1,caspase-1(p20),GSDMD-FL,GSDMD-N,and pro-IL-1β.The RNA-seq results showed that CCEO inhibited the increase in the mRNA levels of 26 oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes.Our further experiments confirmed that CCEO suppressed ISO-induced upregulation of mt-Nd1,Sdhd,mt-Cytb,Uqcrq,and mt-Atp6 but had no obvious effects on mt-Col expression.Conclusion:CCEO inhibits ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome expression and the regulation of several oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits.

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes syndrome with dilated cardiomyopathy: A case report

BACKGROUND Polyneuropathy,organomegaly,endocrinopathy,M-protein,skin changes(POEMS)syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome that encompass multiple systems.The most common clinical symptoms of POEMS syndrome are pro-gressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy,organ enlargement,endocrine disorders,darkening skin,a monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder,and lymph node hyperplasia.The organomegaly consists of hepatosplenomegaly and/or lym-phadenopathy;cases of cardiomyopathy are rare.Diagnoses are often delayed because of the atypical nature of the syndrome,exposing patients to possibly severe disability.Therefore,identifying atypical symptoms can improve the prognosis and quality of life among POEMS syndrome patients.lenalidomide and dexamethasone.CONCLUSION When patients with cardiomyopathy have systemic manifestations such as numb limbs and darkening skin,the POEMS syndrome is the most possible diagnosis.

Teneligliptin:A potential therapeutic approach for diabetic cardiomyopathy

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Zhang et al.Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder associated with several complications like cardiomyopathy,neuropathy,and retinopathy.Diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide.Multiple diabetes medications are prescribed based on individual patients’needs.However,the exact mechanisms by which many of these drugs exert their protective effects remain unclear.Zhang et al elucidates molecular mechanisms undelaying cardioprotective effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor,teneligliptin.Briefly,teneligliptin alleviates the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome,a multiprotein complex that plays a pivotal role in regulating the innate immune system and inflammatory signaling.Suppression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activity reduces the expression of cytokines,oxygen radicals and inflammation.These findings highlight teneligliptin as an anti-diabetic cardioprotective reagent.