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This review of colchicine, an effective anti-inflammatory agent, examines whether the reduction in ischemic events produced by colchicine translates to a reduction in mortality, the optimal duration of treatment, and the patient populations that benefits the most from colchicine treatment.We performed a comprehensive PubMed database search using the key words colchicine and coronary heart disease on August 23, 2021. We also screened the included reference list of manuscripts.Colchicine's role in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease has been the focus of recent large-scale randomized controlled trials in chronic coronary syndrome (ie, the Low-Dose Colchicine and Low-Dose Colchicine 2 trials), acute myocardial infarction (the Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial and Colchicine in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome trial), and after percutaneous coronary intervention (the Colchicine-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention trial).Current evidence suggests that low-dose colchicine (0.5 mg once a day) reduces the risk of cardiovascular events among patients with acute myocardial infarction or chronic coronary syndrome. Colchicine has the potential to become a new standard therapy for the prevention of coronary artery disease-related atherothrombotic events because it is effective and cost-efficient and has a well-tolerated safety profile.

Objective This study aimed to establish a new scoring system that includes histological quantitative features derived from coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) to predict the efficiency of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI). Methods This study analyzed clinical, morphological, and histological characteristics of 207 CTO lesions in 201 patients (mean age 60.0 [52.0–65.0] years, 85% male), which were recruited from two centers. The primary endpoint was a guidewire successfully crossing the lesions within 30 m. The new predictive model was generated by factors that were determined by multivariate analysis. The CCTA plaque (CTAP) score that included a quantitative plaque characteristic was developed by assigning an appropriate integer score to each independent predictor, then summing all points. In addition, the CTAP score was compared with other predictive scores based on CCTA. Results The endpoint was achieved in 63% of the lesions. The independent predictors included previous CTO-PCI failure, the proximal blunt stump, proximal side branch, distal side branch, occluded segment bending > 45°, and high-density plaque volume (fibrous volume + calcified volume) ≥ 19.9 mm3. As the score increased from 0 to 5, the success rate of the guidewire crossing within 30 m decreased from 96 to 0%. Comparing the CTAP score with other predictive scores, the CTAP score showed the highest discriminant power (c-statistic = 0.81 versus 0.73–0.77, p value 0.02–0.07). The CTAP score showed similar results for procedural success. Conclusion The CTAP score efficiently predicted the guidewire crossing efficiency and procedural success. Key Points • An increase in high-density plaque volume (fibrous + dense calcium) was more probable to reduce the efficiency of crossing and lead to procedural failure. • The new prediction scoring system with the addition of the quantitative characteristics of plaques had an improved predictive ability compared with the traditional prediction scoring system.

Multiple pathophysiological pathways are activated during the process of myocardial injury. Various cardioprotective strategies protect the myocardium from ischemia, infarction, and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury through different targets, yet the clinical translation remains limited. Caveolae and its structure protein, caveolins, have been suggested as a bridge to transmit damage-preventing signals and mediate the protection of ultrastructure in cardiomyocytes under pathological conditions. In this review, we first briefly introduce caveolae and caveolins. Then we review the cardioprotective strategies mediated by caveolins through various pathophysiological pathways. Finally, some possible research directions are proposed to provide future experiments and clinical translation perspectives targeting caveolin based on the investigative evidence.

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. The clinical manifestations of CAS include variant angina, myocardial infarction and sudden death. Although endothelial dysfunction and hyperreactivity of vascular smooth muscle cells have been associated with CAS, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, there is a long way to go to truly understand the pathogenesis of CAS to formulate effective treatments. This article discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms as well as downstream molecular pathways of CAS, with a focus on potential therapeutic targets.

Insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder in the general population, and it is a risk factor for impaired function, the development of other medical and mental disorders, and causes an increase in health care costs. In view of the health hazards of insomnia and the shortcomings of western medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) should be considered in the management of insomnia. The present overview reports the potential role of herbal medicine and non-pharmacological therapies in the treatment of insomnia and summarizes the scientific evidence reported from 2008 to 2018. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published from 2008 to 2018. 17 randomized controlled trials and 22 non-pharmacological therapies were included in this review, and the results showed that CAM had certain advantages in the treatment of insomnia. The safety of CAM for insomnia was acceptable. Meanwhile, based on pre-clinical trial, the possible mechanisms of CAM for insomnia were modulation of circadian rhythm, GABA receptor activation, antagonisms of 5-HT receptors, inhibition of glutamate-mediated pathways, and attenuation of inflammation. CAM for insomnia has made some progress, but high quality evidence-based medical evidence is still needed to provide guidance for clinical application.

Aim To study the role of toll-like receptors 4-myeloid differentiation factor 88 (TLR4-Myd88) dependent caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression modulation in coronary artery spasm (CAS) and explore the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Methods and results Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and acetylcholine (Ach) were used to develop the in vitro and in vivo models mimicking the physiological CAS microenvironment. LPS-induced upregulation of Cav-1 expression in mouse coronary and aorta endothelial cells was shown by western blot and immunofluorescence (IF) staining (p Conclusion These findings suggested that Cav-1, which was upregulated by TLR4-Myd88, served as an important modulator of CAS microenvironment establishment in vivo and in vitro, making it a potential pharmacologic target for the treatment of vasospasm via reduced endothelial cell inflammation.

We evaluated the predictive power of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 3278 patients who underwent coronary angiography were consecutively enrolled, including 2052 patients with CAD and 1226 patients with T2DM but without CAD. Patients in the CAD group had higher levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, AIP and a lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In correlation analyses, AIP correlated positively with body mass index, log (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), TG, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, non–HDL-C, but negatively with age and HDL-C. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that AIP was an independent risk factor for CAD in diabetic patients and was validated by multiple models. Furthermore, the ORs for CAD risk were raised with increasing AIP quartiles; ORs of AIP quartiles Q2–Q4 compared with Q1 were 1.56, 1.70, and 2.22, respectively ( Ps < .001), which suggested AIP was the lipid parameter that most strongly associated with incident CAD. In conclusion, AIP is a powerful and reliable biomarker for predicting CAD risk beyond individual lipid profiles in patients with T2DM.

The long-term relative benefit of culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and staged PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease remains disputable. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of culprit-only PCI and in-hospital staged complete revascularization in real-world patients with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease.A total of 452 patients were treated with in-hospital staged complete revascularization (n=133) or culprit-only PCI (n=319) between May 2012 and December 2015 in our center. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and unplanned revascularization.The median follow-up period was 3.2 years. Overall, treatment with in-hospital staged complete revascularization can reduce the incidence of the primary end point of MACCE in both the overall population [hazard ratio (HR): 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-0.82] and the propensity-matched cohorts (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.27-0.97). After correction of the possible confounders, staged PCI remained associated with decreased risk of MACCE (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.96). Besides, the strategy of staged PCI tended to be associated with lower risk of a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke than culprit-only PCI in multivariable-adjusted analysis (HR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.09-1.01).In patients with STEMI and multivessel disease undergoing primary PCI, an approach of in-hospital staged complete revascularization was associated with a better 3-year composite outcome compared with culprit-only PCI.

Studies on chronic total occlusion (CTO) treatment strategy in stable patients have reported conflicting results. We focused on stable diabetic patients with a single CTO (other vessels have been successfully treated before). We attempted to identify which strategy (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or medical therapy [MT]) is optimal; 545 patients were selected from a total of 39 952 patients. Based on the initial treatment strategy, we assigned patients to either the PCI or MT group. The primary end point was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE). After a median follow-up of 45 months (interquartile range: 25.7-79.2 months), we observed (1) no difference in MACE and myocardial infarction between groups, (2) multivariate analysis showed that PCI group was superior to MT group in cardiac death (hazard ratio: 4.758 (1.698-13.334); P = .003) and all-cause death (2.767 [1.157-6.618]; P = .022). The superiority was consistent in propensity score–matched analysis, and (3) a failed PCI group was not associated with higher risks in the clinical end points, except for target vessel revascularization, compared with MT. We concluded that for stable patients with diabetes and one single CTO, initial PCI strategy tended to offer patients survival benefits compared with MT.

An increasing number of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus eventually develop severe coronary atherosclerosis disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus increase the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with atherosclerosis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting the incidence of diabetic atherosclerosis are still unclear, as are appropriate strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss progress in the study of herbs as potential therapeutic agents for diabetic atherosclerosis.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the major complications among patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is featured by left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and damaged left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions. The pathophysiological mechanisms include metabolic-altered substrate metabolism, dysfunction of microvascular, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired Ca2+ handling. An array of molecules and signaling pathways such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular-regulated protein kinases (ERK) take roles in the pathogenesis of DCM. Currently, there was no remarkable effect in the treatment of DCM with application of single Western medicine. The myocardial protection actions of herbs have been gearing much attention. We present a review of the progress research of herbal medicine as a potential therapy for diabetic cardiomyopathy and the underlying mechanisms.

BackgroundRecently, several randomized trials have noted improved outcomes with staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of nonculprit vessels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease. However, it remains unclear whether diabetes status affects the outcomes after different revascularization strategies. This study thus compared the impact of diabetes status on long-term outcomes after staged complete revascularization with that after culprit-only PCI.MethodsFrom January 2006 to December 2015, 371 diabetic patients (staged PCI: 164, culprit-only PCI: 207) and 834 nondiabetic patients (staged PCI: 412, culprit-only PCI: 422) with STEMI and multivessel disease were enrolled. The primary endpoint was 5-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or unplanned revascularization.ResultsThe rate of the 5-year composite primary endpoint for diabetic patients was close to that for nondiabetic patients (34.5% vs. 33.7%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.012, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.815–1.255). In nondiabetic patients, the 5-year risks of MACCE (31.8% vs. 35.5%; adjusted HR 0.638, 95% CI 0.500–0.816), MI (4.6% vs. 9.2%; adjusted HR 0.358, 95% CI 0.200–0.641), unplanned revascularization (19.9% vs. 24.9%; adjusted HR 0.532, 95% CI 0.393–0.720), and the composite of cardiac death, MI or stroke (11.4% vs. 15.2%; adjusted HR 0.621, 95% CI 0.419–0.921) were significantly lower after staged PCI than after culprit-only PCI. In contrast, no significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to MACCE, MI, unplanned revascularization, and the composite of cardiac death, MI or stroke in diabetic patients. Significant interactions were found between diabetes status and revascularization assignment for the composite of cardiac death, MI or stroke (Pinteraction = 0.013), MI (Pinteraction = 0.005), and unplanned revascularization (Pinteraction = 0.013) at 5 years. In addition, the interaction tended to be significant for the primary endpoint of MACCE (Pinteraction = 0.053). Moreover, the results of propensity score-matching analysis were concordant with the overall analysis in both diabetic and nondiabetic population.ConclusionsIn patients with STEMI and multivessel disease, diabetes is not an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events at 5 years. In nondiabetic patients, an approach of staged complete revascularization is superior to culprit-only PCI, whereas the advantage of staged PCI is attenuated in diabetic patients.Trial registrationThis study was not registered in an open access database

The relative benefit of staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus culprit-only PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary disease remains disputable. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the long-term outcomes of staged complete revascularization and culprit-only PCI in this population. A total of 1,205 patients were treated with staged PCI (n = 576) or culprit-only PCI (n = 629) from January 2006 to December 2015 in our center. After propensity-score matching, 415 pairs of patients were identified, and postmatching absolute standardized differences were10% for all covariates. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or unplanned revascularization. The mean follow-up duration was 5 years. Overall, staged complete revascularization was associated with lower risks of MACCE, MI, unplanned revascularization, and a composite of cardiac death, MI or stroke compared with culprit-only PCI in both overall population and propensity-matched cohorts. In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the strategy of staged PCI was consistently a significant predictor of lower incidences of MACCE, MI, unplanned revascularization and a composite of cardiac death, MI, or stroke. However, there was no difference in the risks of MACCE, MI and unplanned revascularization between the 2 approaches for diabetic patients. In conclusion, among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease who underwent primary PCI, an approach of staged complete revascularization is superior to culprit-only PCI at 5-year follow-up. Nevertheless, the advantage of staged PCI is attenuated in diabetic patients.

Background. Insufficient data are available on the potential benefit of selective aspiration and clinical predictors for no-reflow in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) adjunct with aspiration thrombectomy. Objective. The aim of our study was to investigate clinical predictors for insufficient reperfusion in patients with high thrombus burden treated with PPCI and manual aspiration thrombectomy. Methods. From January 2011 till December 2015, 277 STEMI patients undergoing manual aspiration thrombectomy and PPCI were selected and 202 patients with a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) thrombus grade 4~5 were eventually involved in our study. According to a cTFC value, patients were divided into Group I (cTFC > 40), namely, insufficient reperfusion group; Group II (cTFC ≤ 40), namely, sufficient reperfusion group. Results. Univariate analysis showed that hypertension, multivessel disease, time from symptom to PCI (≧4.8 hours), and postaspiration cTFC > 40 were negative predictors for insufficient reperfusion. After multivariate adjustment, age ≧ 60 years, hypertension, time from symptom to PCI (≧4.8 hours), and postaspiration cTFC > 40 were independently associated with insufficient reperfusion in STEMI patients treated with manual aspiration thrombectomy. Upfront intracoronary GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (Tirofiban) was positively associated with improved myocardial reperfusion. Conclusion. Fully identifying risk factors will help to improve the effectiveness of selective thrombus aspiration.

Introduction: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD), highly prevalent among patients with a mental disorder (anxiety or depression), is closely related to adverse cardiac events, including hospitalization, sudden cardiac death, and myocardial infarction. Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills (STDP), a traditional Chinese medicine, exerts endothelial protective function by anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and promoting blood circulation. STDP protects against CMVD in previous fundamental studies. The present trial is aiming at evaluating the effect of STDP on CMVD among depressed or anxious patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD). Methods and analysis: Seventy-two depressed or anxious patients diagnosed with NOCAD combined with CMVD utilizing coronary artery angiography and stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) will be recruited in the present study. These patients will be randomized into two groups, namely, Nicorandil group (Nicorandil combined with routine medicine), and STDP groups (STDP combined with routine medicine). The change of CMVD status by assessing absolute myocardial blood flow and myocardial reperfusion using stress CMR 3-month after discharge is defined as the primary endpoint. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), quality of life (QOL), and metal disorder improvement are defined as the secondary endpoints. Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) which is used to assess angina pectoris and QOL will be recorded at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-month of follow-up. Seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and 9-item depression module from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) which utilized to evaluate anxiety and depression, respectively, will be recorded at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-month of follow-up. This study will first evaluate the efficacy of STDP on CMVD among patients with a mental disorder and NOCAD, and discuss the potential mechanisms, providing therapeutic evidence for the STDP for these patients.

The impact of coronary collaterals on the prognosis in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the era of coronary revascularization remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of coronary collateral on clinical outcomes, especially mortality (≥6 months), in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI. Eligible observational studies were selected by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to August 9, 2017. Overall, 14 observational studies involving 10 411 patients were included. Coronary collaterals were found to reduce the risk of long-term mortality (≥6 months; risk ratio [RR]: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.76) as well as in-hospital plus 30-day mortality (RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47-0.78) in patients undergoing PCI for STEMI. In addition, pooling the risk-adjusted or propensity-matched data showed a significant reduction in long-term mortality (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.95) and in-hospital plus 30-day mortality (RR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.55) in patients with collateral circulation. However, no significant difference was found in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization between the 2 groups. Therefore, it was found that coronary collaterals have a beneficial effect on long-term survival (≥6 months) as well as in-hospital plus 30-day survival in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI.

Background Leaves of Ginkgo biloba, a "living fossil," have been used as traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years in China. Currently, its application in vascular protection is garnering much attention. Methods In this manuscript, preclinical studies were reviewed to discuss various mechanisms underlying the vascular protection by Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). Additionally, we reviewed clinical studies to present the application of GBE in the ischaemic disease. Results GBE, a commonly used dietary supplement, has been shown to act as an antioxidant and freeradical scavenger, a membrane stabilizer, an inhibitor of the platelet-activating factor, a vasodilator, and a regulator of metabolism. Currently, there exist a growing number of clinical studies about GBE in the application of cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and diabetic vascular complications. Conclusion GBE, a promising therapeutic agent for cardiovascular and ischaemic diseases, exerts vascular- protection function by a comprehensive mechanisms.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of stent versus non-stent in treating acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with single vessel disease and intermediate stenosis culprit lesions.Between September 2009 and May 2015, 475 acute STEMI patients (time from symptom onset12 hours) with single vessel disease and intermediate stenosis culprit lesions were retrospectively studied at Beijing Anzhen Hospital. The patients were divided into a stent group (n = 308) and non-stent group (n = 167) based on whether they received stent implantation or not during primary coronary angiography.During follow-up, the stent group patients had a lower major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate than the non-stent group: 5.5% versus 12.0%; P = 0.01; hazard ratio (HR) 0.35 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.180.69]). The nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) rate was lower in the stent group (2.9% versus 7.2%, P = 0.03). The cardiac death rate (1.9% versus 3%, P = 0.45) and stroke (0.6% versus 1.8%, P = 0.35) rate were similar between the stent and non-stent groups. The two groups shared similar all cause death rates: 4.9% versus 5.4%, respectively, P = 0.81; HR: 1.23 [95%CI: 0.51-2.99]. The composite ischemia outcome of death/MI/stroke was lower in the stent group (8.1% versus 14.4%, P = 0.02). The stent and non-stent groups had similar repeat revascularization rates (10.1% versus 11.4%, P = 0.67); ischemia driven readmission (19.5% versus 15.0%, P = 0.27), and bleeding (1.3% versus 1.2%, P = 1) rates.Stent implantation has a better efficacy and safety in reducing adverse ischemia events in acute STEMI patients with single vessel disease and intermediate stenosis culprit lesions.

Objective.The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of neutrophil count for no-reflow in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent successful primary percutaneous intervention (PCI).Methods.We conducted a retrospective study of 361 patients diagnosed with acute STEMI between 2011 and 2015. All patients underwent successful PCI within 12 h from the onset of symptoms. Angiographic no-reflow was diagnosed based on a post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade ≤ 2 without mechanical obstruction. According to a neutrophil count cut-off determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, patients were divided into two groups: group A (neutrophil count 9/L) and group B (neutrophil count ≥ 9.14 × 109/L).Results.Compared to patients in the normal reflow group, patients with no-reflow had higher neutrophil counts (P<0.05). The incidence rate of no-reflow in group A (18, 9.3%) was significantly lower than that in group B (38). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a neutrophil count ≥ 9.14 × 109/L was independently predictive for no-reflow (odds ratio = 4.474, 95% confidence interval: 1.610–12.433,P=0.004) after adjusting for potential confounders.Conclusions.A circulating neutrophil count ≥ 9.14 × 109/L is independently associated with no-reflow in patients with acute STEMI following primary PCI.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Introduction: Percutanous coronary intervention (PCI) has been increasingly used for patients suffered from severe coronary artery disease. However, physical trauma and potential adverse events related to the procedure often result in detrimental psychological stress. Accumulating evidences have shown that depression is closely related to coronary artery disease. However, the association of depression following percutanous coronary intervention with adverse cardiovascular events is still unknown. Objective: This review is designed to assess the prognostic association of depression following PCI with adverse cardiac events. Methods and analysis: The following databases will be searched, PubMed, the EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science of English-language publications from inception to 30 October 2018. Cross-referencing from retrieved studies will be conducted additionally, and observational studies were included. Two independent review authors will do the study selection on the basis of the study eligibility criteria. Extracted data will be used for quantitative and qualitative evidence synthesis as well as to assess methodological quality of studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa checklist. The primary objective of this review is adverse cardiac events, presented as a composition of myocardial infarction, repeat coronary revascularization, cardiac readmission, and cardiac death. The accumulated evidence is evaluated and graded according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results and conclusions: This review will explain the association of depression following percutanous coronary intervention with adverse cardiovascular events, and provide physicians with scientific evidence for psychological intervention in patients after PCI. Prospero registration number: CRD42018112486.