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A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Effects of administration of omega-3 fatty acids with or without vitamin E supplementation on adiponectin gene expression in PBMCs and serum adiponectin and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein levels in male patients with CAD."

Background: Steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists reduce morbidity and mortality among patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, but their efficacy in those with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction has not been established. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction are needed., Methods: In this international, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned patients with heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or greater, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive finerenone (at a maximum dose of 20 mg or 40 mg once daily) or matching placebo, in addition to usual therapy. The primary outcome was a composite of total worsening heart failure events (with an event defined as a first or recurrent unplanned hospitalization or urgent visit for heart failure) and death from cardiovascular causes. The components of the primary outcome and safety were also assessed., Results: Over a median follow-up of 32 months, 1083 primary-outcome events occurred in 624 of 3003 patients in the finerenone group, and 1283 primary-outcome events occurred in 719 of 2998 patients in the placebo group (rate ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 0.95; P = 0.007). The total number of worsening heart failure events was 842 in the finerenone group and 1024 in the placebo group (rate ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.94; P = 0.006). The percentage of patients who died from cardiovascular causes was 8.1% and 8.7%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.11). Finerenone was associated with an increased risk of hyperkalemia and a reduced risk of hypokalemia., Conclusions: In patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, finerenone resulted in a significantly lower rate of a composite of total worsening heart failure events and death from cardiovascular causes than placebo. (Funded by Bayer; FINEARTS-HF ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04435626.)., (Copyright © 2024 Massachusetts Medical Society.)

Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease and is associated with a significant increase in mortality. AS has been shown to be linked with numerous coagulation system abnormalities, including increased fibrin deposition on the stenotic aortic valves. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the primary treatment method for patients at high surgical risk., Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of treating severe AS with TAVI on thrombin generation and clot lysis time (CLT)., Methods: We studied 135 symptomatic AS patients recommended for TAVI by the local Heart Team. All measurements were performed before and 5-7 days after TAVI. Alongside clinical assessment and echocardiographic analysis, we assessed clot lysis time (CLT) and thrombin generation parameters, including lag time, peak thrombin generation, time to peak thrombin generation (ttPeak), and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP)., Results: 70 patients were included in the final analysis. After TAVI, there was a significant 9% reduction in CLT despite a 12% increase in fibrinogen concentration. We observed significant increase in lag time and ttPeak (20% and 12%, respectively), and 13% decrease in peak thrombin concentration compared to pre-procedural levels. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that baseline CLT and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were independent predictors of significant reduction in mean aortic gradient, defined as TAVI procedure success., Conclusions: CLT and peak thrombin concentration decreased, while Lag time and ttPeak increased significantly after TAVI. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated CLT and CRP levels as independent predictors of achieving a reduction in mean aortic gradient, defining TAVI procedure success., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Intricate management of heart failure (HF), especially in the context of reduced ejection fraction, is further complicated by an elevated risk of thromboembolic events. Studies published so far offer inconclusive insight into the interplay between mitral regurgitation (MR) and the coagulation system., Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of transcatheter edge‑to‑edge repair (TEER) on specific coagulation parameters in HF patients., Patients and Methods: A cohort of 31 HF patients with severe MR treated with TEER underwent a systematic evaluation at 3 visits (V1, V2, and V3). Coagulation parameters, including fibrinogen concentration, thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeability, and clot lysis time (CLT) were assessed (n = 27 at V2; n = 25 at V3)., Results: TEER induced changes in fibrinogen levels (P = 0.01; V3 vs V2) and improved fibrin clot properties over 50‑day follow‑up (P = 0.01; V3 vs V2). No significant differences were observed between time points in the analyzed blood clot parameters. Correlation analysis showed that baseline CLT was associated with ΔN‑terminal pro-B‑type natriuretic peptide (NT‑proBNP) level (P = 0.049; r = 0.4). Multivariable analysis identified baseline CLT as an independent predictor of early post‑TEER NT‑proBNP change (R2 = 0.55; P = 0.02)., Conclusions: We found decreased level of fibrinogen and increased permeation coefficient over a median 50 (interquartile range, 32.5-75.5)-day post‑TEER follow‑up, as compared with early postprocedural assessments. Other blood coagulation parameters remained unchanged from baseline at both follow‑up time points after TEER. Finally, CLT was an independent predictor of early NT‑proBNP increase, emphasizing its role as an indicator of hemodynamic response to TEER.

Objective: To determine whether semaglutide slows progression of glycemia in people with cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity but without diabetes., Research Design and Methods: In a multicenter, double-blind trial, participants aged ≥45 years, with BMI ≥27 kg/m2, and with preexisting cardiovascular disease but without diabetes (HbA1c <6.5%) were randomized to receive subcutaneous semaglutide (2.4 mg weekly) or placebo. Major glycemic outcomes were HbA1c and proportions achieving biochemical normoglycemia (HbA1c <5.7%) and progressing to biochemical diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5%)., Results: Of 17,604 participants, 8,803 were assigned to semaglutide and 8,801 to placebo. Mean ± SD intervention exposure was 152 ± 56 weeks and follow-up 176 ± 40 weeks. In both treatment arms mean nadir HbA1c for participants was at 20 weeks. Thereafter, HbA1c increased similarly in both arms, with a mean difference of -0.32 percentage points (95% CI -0.33 to -0.30; -3.49 mmol/mol [-3.66 to -3.32]) and with the difference favoring semaglutide throughout the study (P < 0.0001). Body weight plateaued at 65 weeks and was 8.9% lower with semaglutide. At week 156, a greater proportion treated with semaglutide were normoglycemic (69.5% vs. 35.8%; P < 0.0001) and a smaller proportion had biochemical diabetes by week 156 (1.5% vs. 6.9%; P < 0.0001). The number needed to treat was 18.5 to prevent a case of diabetes. Both regression and progression were dependent on glycemia at baseline, with the magnitude of weight reduction important in mediating 24.5% of progression and 27.1% of regression., Conclusions: In people with preexisting cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity but without diabetes, long-term semaglutide increases regression to biochemical normoglycemia and reduces progression to biochemical diabetes but does not slow glycemic progression over time., (© 2024 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Objective: To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of semaglutide by baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and change in HbA1c in a prespecified analysis of Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With Overweight or Obesity (SELECT)., Research Design and Methods: In SELECT, people with overweight or obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without diabetes were randomized to weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo. The primary end point of first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke) was reduced by 20% with semaglutide versus placebo. Analysis of outcomes included first MACE, its individual components, expanded MACE (cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke; coronary revascularization; or hospitalization for unstable angina), a heart failure composite (heart failure hospitalization or urgent medical visit or cardiovascular mortality), coronary revascularization, and all-cause mortality by baseline HbA1c subgroup and categories of HbA1c change (<-0.3, -0.3 to 0.3, and >0.3 percentage points) from baseline to 20 weeks using the intention-to-treat principle with Cox proportional hazards., Results: Among 17,604 participants (mean age 61.6 years, 72.3% male), baseline HbA1c was <5.7% for 33.5%, 5.7% to <6.0% for 34.6%, and 6.0% to <6.5% for 31.9%. Cardiovascular risk reduction with semaglutide versus placebo was not shown to be different across baseline HbA1c groups and was consistent with that of the overall study for all end points, except all-cause mortality. Cardiovascular outcomes were also consistent across subgroups of HbA1c change., Conclusions: In people with overweight or obesity and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease but not diabetes, semaglutide reduced cardiovascular events irrespective of baseline HbA1c or change in HbA1c. Thus, semaglutide is expected to confer cardiovascular benefits in people with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who are normoglycemic at baseline and/or in those without HbA1c improvements., (© 2024 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Aims: To describe the baseline characteristics of participants in the FINEARTS-HF trial, contextualized with prior trials including patients with heart failure (HF) with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF). The FINEARTS-HF trial is comparing the effects of the non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone with placebo in reducing cardiovascular death and total worsening HF events in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF., Methods and Results: Patients with symptomatic HF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40%, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 25 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , elevated natriuretic peptide levels and evidence of structural heart disease were enrolled and randomized to finerenone titrated to a maximum of 40 mg once daily or matching placebo. We validly randomized 6001 patients to finerenone or placebo (mean age 72 ± 10 years, 46% women). The majority were New York Heart Association functional class II (69%). The baseline mean LVEF was 53 ± 8% (range 34-84%); 36% of participants had a LVEF <50% and 64% had a LVEF ≥50%. The median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was 1041 (interquartile range 449-1946) pg/ml. A total of 1219 (20%) patients were enrolled during or within 7 days of a worsening HF event, and 3247 (54%) patients were enrolled within 3 months of a worsening HF event. Compared with prior large-scale HFmrEF/HFpEF trials, FINEARTS-HF participants were more likely to have recent (within 6 months) HF hospitalization and greater symptoms and functional limitations. Further, concomitant medications included a larger percentage of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors than previous trials., Conclusions: FINEARTS-HF has enrolled a broad range of high-risk patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF. The trial will determine the safety and efficacy of finerenone in this population., (© 2024 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology.)

Background: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) may play an important role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Increased plasma levels of Lp-PLA2 may predict future cardiovascular (CV) events in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The potential beneficial effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on ASCVD have been widely investigated. However, the impact of different PUFA concentrations on Lp-PLA2 remains uncertain., Objectives: We sought to determine the intergender differences in a population of patients with both T2D and ASCVD regarding Lp-PLA2 mass and the association between Lp-PLA2 mass and plasma levels of PUFA., Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we measured the Lp-PLA2 mass, PUFA concentrations and inflammatory markers in 74 patients (49 males and 25 females) with T2D and ASCVD., Results: In this very high-risk population, males had, on average, 33.6% higher levels of Lp-PLA2 than females. The Lp-PLA2 mass was positively associated with interleukin 6 (IL-6) (r = 0.27, p = 0.019), creatinine (r = 0.29, p = 0.03) and triglyceride levels (r = 0.41, p = 0.002). Additionally, male gender and higher levels of triglycerides, leptin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) were independent predictors for an increased Lp-PLA2. Moreover, arachidonic acid (AA) negatively correlated with Lp-PLA2 (r = -0.26, p = 0.024), which was especially apparent in the female subgroup., Conclusions: In the population of patients with ASCVD and T2D, males present with higher plasma levels of Lp-PLA2 than females. Additionally, higher plasma levels of AA were associated with lower Lp-PLA2 levels. Our findings support the utilization of Lp-PLA2 as a novel biomarker in ASCVD risk assessment in a very high CV risk population.

It is estimated that one‑third of the world's population consumes alcohol. At the same time, it is well‑known that excessive alcohol consumption in one of the leading causes of premature mortality. The history of production of alcoholic beverages, especially wine, dates back as long as 8000 years. However, people soon realized adverse effects of alcohol abuse and tried to limit its consumption. Higher alcohol consumption is associated with health loss and increased risk of all‑cause mortality. It is linearly associated with a greater risk of many types of cancers, liver disease, incidence of atrial fibrillation, hemorrhagic stroke, or heart failure. Although many scientific societies recommend reduction of alcohol intake and specify the recommended limits of consumption, there is no proven safe amount of alcohol for the general population. There are conflicting data on the effect of low‑to‑moderate alcohol consumption on mortality, with most of the studies indicating a J‑shaped curve related mostly to a reduction of coronary artery disease complications, including cardiovascular death. Among different types of alcohol, red wine consumption may have different health effects, due to its high content of antioxidative polyphenols. Wine, together with abundance of plant‑based foods, olive oil, and fish, is an important part of the Mediterranean diet. There are both observational and randomized studies documenting a wide spectrum of health‑promoting effects of such a diet, especially a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events. People who want to drink alcohol should be advised to limit their consumption to a minimum, and should consider choosing red wine.

Background: There is a strong link between coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes (T2D) on one hand, and altered fibrin clot properties, including increased clot density, and unfavorable fibrin clot structure on the other. T2D-related changes in fibrin clots can increase cardiovascular (CV) disease risk, including future CV events. We aimed to assess fibrin clot properties, thrombin generation, and platelet activation in CAD patients with prediabetes (PD) or T2D, compared to CAD patients without glycemic disorders., Methods: We allocated patients to three groups: 1) Those with angiographically established CAD but without glycemic abnormalities (CAD group); 2) individuals with PD and established CAD (CAD+PD group); and 3) patients with T2D and CAD (CAD+T2D group). We conducted comparisons across these groups for thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeability, fibrin clot lysis, and platelet activation., Results: The final analysis included 116 eligible patients: 1) CAD group (n = 31); 2) CAD+PD (n = 42); and 3) CAD+T2D (n = 43). The CAD+T2D patients enrolled had well-controlled T2D (median HbA1c level of 5.90%; IQR: 5.7%-6.3%). We found no significant differences in thrombin generation, fibrin clot properties, or platelet activation markers across the three analyzed groups (all P-values >0.20). However, elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were noted in both the highest and lowest glucose concentration quartiles. Additionally, a substantial increase in endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was observed in patients in the highest glycated hemoglobin quintile., Conclusions: Individuals with established CAD and concomitant PD or well-controlled T2D exhibited comparable fibrin clot phenotypes, thrombin generation potential, and platelet activation when compared to CAD patients without dysglycemia.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess some parameters of right ventricle (RV) function as predictors of short-term mortality in patients with severe secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) after mitral valve surgery., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 112 consecutive patients with severe SMR who had undergone mitral valve repair or replacement with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery. We assessed RV to pulmonary artery coupling by calculating the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to non-invasively estimated RV systolic pressure (RVSP). The study endpoint was 30 days post-procedural mortality., Results: Overall, the 30-day mortality was 6%. TAPSE/RVSP ratio < 0.42 mm/mmHg was a significant predictor of mortality and remained so after adjusting for age and sex. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with RVSP > 55 mmHg and those with TAPSE/RVSP ratio < 0.42 mm/mmHg had a lower survival probability., Conclusions: TAPSE/RVSP < 0.42 mm/mmHg is a strong predictor of short-term mortality in patients with SMR when considered for valve surgery.

Background: Recently two indicators - metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) and triglyceride glucose-BMI (TyG-BMI) have been proposed as surrogate markers of IR and potential cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of METS-IR and TyG-BMI concerning the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in 1-year follow-up among patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)., Methods: Two thousand one hundred fifty-three patients with a median age of 68 years were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of AMI., Results: MACE occurred in 7.9% of the patients in the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group and in 10.9% of the non-STEMI (NSTEMI) group. No significant difference in median MACE-IR and TyG-BMI between patients with and without incidence of MACE was found in both groups. None of the examined indices were predictors of MACE in the STEMI and NSTEMI groups. Moreover, both of them did not predict MACE in subgroups of patients classified according to the presence of diabetes. Finally, METS-IR and TyG-BMI were significant predictors of 1-year morality, however with low prognostic value and only in univariate regression analysis., Conclusion: METS-IR and TyG-BMI should not be used in predicting MACE among patients with AMI., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The phrase "dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein" has been developed in the literature to describe the particle which loses its basic role- anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. In this porcess, the significance of enzymes- pro-oxidant myeloperoxidase (MPO) and antioxidant paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) from the perspective of HDL-C function has been noted., Aims: The objective of this study was to analyze the associations between two enzymes -MPO and PON-1 and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD)., Methods: An observational cross-sectional study including 70 patients with IHD of whom 35 had also T2DM, and 35 had no T2DM. Laboratory tests (MPO, PON-1, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) were performed., Results: The study revealed a significant difference in the serum concentration of the enzymes between patients with IHD with and without T2DM. Our results showed increased MPO concentration levels in diabetic patients. The analysis also revealed that T2DM is independently associated with an increase in MPO levels. Simultaneously, a decrease in PON-1 levels was observed in patients with T2DM. The study also revealed that T2DM is independently associated with a decrease in PON-1 levels., Conclusions: In patients with type 2 diabetes the profile of enzymes involved in high-density lipoprotein metabolism in patients with IHD is worse than in patients without T2DM. The increase in the levels of MPO, an enzyme with oxidative and atherogenic properties and on a decrease in PON-1 levels, an enzyme with antioxidant and atheroprotective properties is observed., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) analogues (epoprostenol, treprostonil, iloprost) are the cornerstone of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment. PGI 2 analogues inhibit platelet reactivity, but their impact on coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters has not been elucidated. We compared platelet reactivity, thrombin generation, clot permeation, and lysis properties in patients with PAH treated with PGI 2 analogues (n = 20) and those not receiving PGI 2 analogues (n = 20). Platelet reactivity was lower in patients treated with PGI 2 analogues, compared to the control group, as evaluated with arachidonic acid (ASPI), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and thrombin receptor-activating peptide-6 (TRAP) tests ( p = .009, p = .02, p = .007, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, both treprostinil and epoprostenol decreased platelet reactivity to the similar extent. There were no differences regarding thrombin generation, clot permeation, and lysis parameters in patients receiving and not receiving PGI 2 analogues ( p ≥ .60 for all). In the subgroup analysis, there were no differences regarding coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters between treprostinil, epoprostenol, and no PGI 2 analogues. To conclude, patients with PAH treated with PGI 2 analogues have reduced platelet reactivity, but similar clot formation and lysis parameters, compared to patients not receiving PGI 2 analogues. Further randomized clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.

Background:  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a prothrombotic state. Presence of active tissue factor (TF), activated factor IX (FIXa) and FXIa in circulating blood contributes to thrombosis. We investigated a prognostic value of these factors in AF patients., Methods:  In this cohort study, 284 AF patients (aged 63.3 ± 8.8 years) treated with oral anticoagulants were enrolled. Plasma levels of active coagulation factors were evaluated using thrombin generation assay. Concentrations of fibrinogen, D-dimer, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and endothelial damage markers, including von Willebrand factor (VWF) and soluble (s)E-selectin, were also measured. Ischemic stroke and cardiovascular death, analyzed separately or as a composite endpoint, were recorded during a mean follow-up of 47 months., Results:  Cerebrovascular events were observed in 20 patients (1.8%/year) who had at baseline higher fibrinogen, D-dimer, and VWF levels. Active TF and FXIa at enrollment were detectable in 12 (60%) and 15 (75%) patients who experienced ischemic stroke during follow-up. The composite endpoint observed in 23 patients (2.1%/year) was associated with increased concentrations of the above laboratory variables, along with 26% higher IL-6 levels. sE-selectin did not differ between the studied groups. On multivariable regression analysis, advanced age, anticoagulation discontinuation, and detectable FXIa, but not active TF, independently predicted the composite endpoint. No associations of FIXa with the study endpoints were observed., Conclusion:  FXIa present in circulating blood is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular death in anticoagulated AF patients during long-term follow-up. FXIa inhibition could be useful in cardiovascular prevention in AF beyond the current oral anticoagulation., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased metabolic and cardiovascular risk, excessive morbidity and mortality worldwide. The authors of the present consensus, clinicians representing medical specialties related to the treatment of obesity and its complications, reviewed a number of European and American guidelines, published mostly in 2019-2021, and summarized the principles of obesity management to provide a practical guidance considering the impact that increased adiposity poses to health. From a clinical perspective, the primary goal of obesity treatment is to prevent or slow down the progression of diseases associated with obesity, reduce metabolic and cardiovascular risk, and improve the quality of life by achieving adequate and stable weight reduction. However, obesity should be not only considered a disease requiring treatment in an individual patient, but also a civilization disease requiring preventive measures at the populational level. Despite the evident benefits, obesity management within the health care system-whether through pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery-is only a symptomatic treatment, with all its limitations, and will not ultimately solve the problem of obesity. The important message is that available treatment options fail to correct the true drivers of the obesity pandemic. To this end, new solutions and efforts to prevent obesity in the populations are needed.

Introduction: Optimal medical therapy (OMT) is the cornerstone of treatment for stable coronary disease with the ISCHEMIA trial showing similar outcomes using OMT with or without an initial invasive approach. Objectives: To describe OMT goal attainment in Polish ISCHEMIA participants compared with other countries. Patients and methods: Among 5179 trial participants, 333 were randomized in Poland. The median follow-up was 3.2 years. OMT targets were: not smoking, high-intensity statin therapy, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of less than 70 mg/dl, systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg, aspirin therapy, and ACEI / ARB, and β-blocker therapy if indicated. Results: Compared with 36 other countries, at randomization, patients in Poland were older (67 [62–75] y vs 65 [58–71] y); P <⁠0.001), more often female (30% vs 22%; P = 0.002), with a longer history of angina (3 [1–9] y vs 1 [0–3] y; P <⁠0.001), and there were more cases of prior myocardial infarction (32% vs 18%; P <⁠0.01) and revascularization (PCI, 40% vs 19%; CABG, 11% vs 3%; P <⁠0.001 for both). The number of OMT goals attained increased from baseline to follow-up visits (5 [4–5] vs 6 [5–6]; P <⁠0.001) in Poland and other countries alike (P = 0.89 vs P = 0.14). In Poland, significant improvements were achieved regarding high-intensity statin therapy (27% vs 50%), LDL-C <⁠70 mg/dl (29% vs 65%), and systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg (63% vs 81%) (P <⁠0.001 for all), whereas not-smoking (89% vs 89%), aspirin (90% vs 88%), ACEI / ARB (93% vs 95%), and β-blocker therapy (94% vs 90%) remained high. Conclusions: With regular surveillance and contemporary medical therapy, high OMT goal attainment was achievable among the participants of the ISCHEMIA trial in Poland relative to other countries. There is still room for improvement in LDL-C and blood pressure management.

Background: Among patients with diabetes and chronic coronary disease, it is unclear if invasive management improves outcomes when added to medical therapy., Methods: The ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trials (ie, ISCHEMIA and ISCHEMIA-Chronic Kidney Disease) randomized chronic coronary disease patients to an invasive (medical therapy + angiography and revascularization if feasible) or a conservative approach (medical therapy alone with revascularization if medical therapy failed). Cohorts were combined after no trial-specific effects were observed. Diabetes was defined by history, hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5%, or use of glucose-lowering medication. The primary outcome was all-cause death or myocardial infarction (MI). Heterogeneity of effect of invasive management on death or MI was evaluated using a Bayesian approach to protect against random high or low estimates of treatment effect for patients with versus without diabetes and for diabetes subgroups of clinical (female sex and insulin use) and anatomic features (coronary artery disease severity or left ventricular function)., Results: Of 5900 participants with complete baseline data, the median age was 64 years (interquartile range, 57-70), 24% were female, and the median estimated glomerular filtration was 80 mL·min -1 ·1.73 -2 (interquartile range, 64-95). Among the 2553 (43%) of participants with diabetes, the median percent hemoglobin A1c was 7% (interquartile range, 7-8), and 30% were insulin-treated. Participants with diabetes had a 49% increased hazard of death or MI (hazard ratio, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.31-1.70]; P <0.001). At median 3.1-year follow-up the adjusted event-free survival was 0.54 (95% bootstrapped CI, 0.48-0.60) and 0.66 (95% bootstrapped CI, 0.61-0.71) for patients with diabetes versus without diabetes, respectively, with a 12% (95% bootstrapped CI, 4%-20%) absolute decrease in event-free survival among participants with diabetes. Female and male patients with insulin-treated diabetes had an adjusted event-free survival of 0.52 (95% bootstrapped CI, 0.42-0.56) and 0.49 (95% bootstrapped CI, 0.42-0.56), respectively. There was no difference in death or MI between strategies for patients with diabetes versus without diabetes, or for clinical (female sex or insulin use) or anatomic features (coronary artery disease severity or left ventricular function) of patients with diabetes., Conclusions: Despite higher risk for death or MI, chronic coronary disease patients with diabetes did not derive incremental benefit from routine invasive management compared with initial medical therapy alone. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01471522.

Introduction: Coronary artery disease is associated with impaired clot structure. The aim of this study was to investigate acute phase myocardial infarction (AMI) and provide detailed quantitative analysis of clot ultrastructure., Materials and Methods: Clot formation and breakdown, pore size, fiber density, fiber radius and protofibril packing were investigated in plasma clots from AMI patients. These data were compared to those from healthy controls., Results: Analysis on clot formation using turbidity showed increased lag time, suggesting changes in protofibril packing and increased fiber size for AMI patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, increased average rate of clotting and decreased time to maximum absorbance in AMI patients suggest that clots formed more quickly. Moreover, we observed increased time from max OD to max rate of lysis. Increased fibrinogen and decreased plasminogen in AMI patients were accounted for in represented significant differences. AMI samples showed increased time to 25% and 50% lysis, but no change in 75% lysis, representative of delayed lysis onset, but expediated lysis once initiated. These data suggest that AMI patients formed less porous clots made from more densely packed fibers with decreased numbers of protofibrils, which was confirmed using decreased permeation and increased fiber density, and decreased turbidimetry., Conclusions: AMI plasma formed clots that were denser, less permeable, and lysed more slowly than healthy controls. These findings were confirmed by detailed analysis of clot ultrastructure, fiber size, and protofibril packing. Dense clot structures that are resistant to lysis may contribute to a prothrombotic milieu in AMI., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In the late 1970s, a lower incidence of myocardial infarction and favorable hemostatic alterations were reported in Greenland Inuits. This observation prompted investigators worldwide to continue research on the role of a specific diet in this population and sparked an ongoing discussion about the potential use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (VITAL), and the secondary prevention of primarily coronary artery disease (JELIS, REDUCE‑IT, OMEMI). However, the current evidence to support the preventive value of PUFAs is inconsistent. Seminal clinical trials such as the GISSI‑Prevenzione, JELIS, PREDIMED, or ASCEND differed in their approach to the assessment of cardiovascular effects of n-3 PUFAs and reported divergent results. The questions remain whether eicosapentaenoic acid is the only PUFA offering cardiovascular benefits, what is the importance of PUFA dosing, and, finally, who should receive n-3 PUFA treatment. This article discusses the latest insights into n-3 PUFA use in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Background: The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) is a novel metabolic marker initially used as an indicator of insulin resistance. Recently, its use as a cardiovascular risk factor has been taken into consideration; however, there is a shortage of evidence for its clinical importance., Aims: The study aimed to assess the relationship between the TyG index = ln (fasting triglyceride [mg/dl] × fasting glucose [mg/dl]/2) and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at a 1-year follow-up among non-diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). In addition, the predictive value of the TyG index concerning all-cause mortality in the study group was evaluated., Methods: For the study, 1340 non-diabetic patients with acute MI (median age, 67 years, 70.4% male) were consecutively enrolled between 2013 and 2019. The fasting lipid profile and the fasting glucose level were assessed within 24 hours of admission., Results: MACE occurred in 8.13 % (n = 109) of the study group, whereas 1-year mortality rate was 14.5% (n = 195). There was no difference in the median TyG index value among patients with and without incidence of MACE at a 1-year follow-up (8.73 [8.36-9.08] vs. 8.81 [8.5-9.17]; P = 0.09). Moreover, the TyG index was not a predictor of these events (P = 0.06). In multivariable regression analysis, only previously diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) was an independent predictor of MACE (odds ratio [OR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.02-2.32; P = 0.03). Finally, the TyG index was not an indicator of all-cause mortality (P = 0.25)., Conclusions: The TyG index should not be used as a predictor of MACE and all-cause mortality among non-diabetic patients with MI at a 1-year follow-up.

Background: Recently, novel ischemic electrocardiographic changes have been described, which may be clinically significant in the identification of the culprit coronary vessel in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We sought to determine the predictive value of N-wave, T-wave precordial instability, de-Winter ST/T-wave complex, and inferolateral myocardial infarction in the identification of the culprit artery in patients with NSTEMI referred for early invasive (<24 h) treatment., Methods: A total of 148 patients with NSTEMI, aged 40-91 years, were enrolled from a cohort of 510 consecutive NSTEMI subjects, hospitalized in our center in 2015-2017., Results: Of the evaluated ischemic ECG changes, the most common finding in patients with culprit left circumflex (LCx)/obtuse marginal artery or right coronary artery was T-wave precordial instability (28.3 and 13.5%, respectively), whereas in individuals with culprit left anterior descending/diagonal artery, T-wave precordial instability and N-wave in leads II, III or aVF occurred equally often (16.0%). A significant relationship was found between the occurrence of N-wave in inferolateral leads and culprit LCx/obtuse marginal. In multivariable analysis, N-wave in lead aVL [odds ratio (OR) 2.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-3.81], and T-wave precordial instability (OR 1.56; 95% CI, 1.02-2.41) were independent predictors of culprit LCx/obtuse marginal. The accuracy of N-wave in lead aVL in predicting the culprit LCx/obtuse marginal was 73.9% and was higher than the accuracy of T-wave precordial instability, which was 69.1%., Conclusions: In patients with NSTEMI referred for early invasive treatment, the presence of N-wave or T-wave precordial instability may be of greater clinical importance in the prediction of culprit LCx/obtuse marginal than classic ischemic changes.

Introduction: Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) are common disorders that increase cardiovascular risk and lead to coronary artery disease (CAD)., Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the link between epicardial fat (EF) volume and paracardial fat (PF) volume, relative expressions of several genes in epicardial, paracardial, and perivascular fat and corresponding serum cytokines in patients with CAD in relation to DM., Patients and Methods: A total of 66 consecutive patients (33 with DM) with multivessel CAD were included. We obtained cardiac magnetic resonance, serum cytokines levels, and their relative mRNA expressions in EF, PF, and perivascular fat samples of the following: adrenomedullin (ADM), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), thrombospondin 1 (THSB1), and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)., Results: There were no differences in the anthropometric parameters or fat depots, except for higher epicardial fat volume in patients with DM (mean [SD], 105.6 [38.5] ml vs 84 [29.2] ml; P = 0.02). Patients with DM exhibited a significantly increased RAGE expression in EF (median [Q1-Q3], 0.17 [0.06-1.48] AU vs 0.08 [0.02-0.24] AU, P = 0.03). Diabetes was also associated with increased expression of ADM in EF and PF and decreased expression of FGF21 compared with patients without DM., Conclusions: Patients with multivessel CAD and DM revealed increased volume and more dysfunctional profile of gene expressions in EF and significantly decreased expression of cardioprotective FGF21.

INTRODUCTION It is widely believed that patients with diabetes are at increased risk of severe and premature coronary artery disease (CAD) when compared with nondiabetic individuals. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, 7‑year incidence, predictors, and outcomes of obstructive and nonobstructive CAD in patients with long‑lasting type 1 diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 2330 patients at a median age of 50 years and a median diabetes duration of 32 years. All participants underwent diagnostic workup for CAD with an exercise treadmill test (ETT), single‑photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), or both. Coronary angiography was performed in patients with abnormal ETT/SPECT results and repeated during the study if clinically indicated. RESULTS The prevalence of obstructive and nonobstructive CAD was 6.9% and 42%, respectively, while the 7‑year incidence, 1.9% and 7.4%, respectively. Of the 160 revascularized patients, 38% underwent complete revascularization. Acute coronary syndromes were reported in 3.6% of patients (54% with nonobstructive CAD). Cardiac deaths were reported in 1.07% of the population, and only in patients with obstructive CAD. Age, diabetes duration, hypertension, and renal failure were predictors of obstructive CAD, while type 1 diabetes duration, glycated hemoglobin A1c levels, frequent severe hypoglycemia, hypertension, triglyceride levels, renal failure, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy predicted nonobstructive CAD. CONCLUSIONS Nonobstructive CAD was the most frequent coronary complication in patients with type 1 diabetes. Both obstructive and nonobstructive CAD showed a similar incidence of nonfatal outcomes and selected predictors. Positive ETT/SPECT results were related to glycemic control only in patients with nonobstructive CAD.

Background: Little is known about factors that affect the composition of contracted blood clots in specific diseases. We investigated the content of polyhedral erythrocytes (polyhedrocytes) formed in blood clots and its determinants in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients., Methods: In 97 patients with long-standing T2D [median HbA 1c , 6.4% (interquartile range 5.9-7.8)], we measured in vitro the composition of blood clots, including a clot area covered by polyhedrocytes using scanning electron microscopy and the erythrocyte compression index (ECI), defined as a ratio of the mean polyhedrocyte area to the mean native erythrocyte area. Moreover, plasma fibrin clot permeability (K s ), clot lysis time (CLT), thrombin generation, oxidative stress [total protein carbonyl (total PC), total antioxidant capacity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], and platelet activation markers were determined. The impact of glucose concentration on polyhedrocytes formation was assessed in vitro., Results: Polyhedrocytes content in contracted clots was positively correlated with glucose (r = 0.24, p = 0.028), glycated hemoglobin (r = 0.40, p = 0.024), total cholesterol (r = 0.22, p = 0.044), TBARS (r = 0.60, p = 0.0027), P-selectin (r = 0.54, p = 0.0078) and platelet factor-4, PF4 (r = 0.59, p = 0.0032), but not with thrombin generation, platelet count, K s or CLT. Patients who formed more polyhedrocytes (≥ 10th percentile) (n = 83, 85.6%) had higher glucose (+ 15.7%, p = 0.018), fibrinogen (+ 16.6%, p = 0.004), lower red blood cell distribution width (RDW, - 8.8%, p = 0.034), reduced plasma clot density (- 21.8% K s , p = 0.011) and impaired fibrinolysis (+ 6.5% CLT, p = 0.037) when compared to patients with lesser amount of polyhedrocytes (< 10th percentile). ECI and the content of polyhedrocytes were strongly associated with total PC (r = 0.79, p = 0.036 and r = 0.67, p = 0.0004, respectively). In vitro an increase of glucose concentration by 10 mmol/L was associated with 94% higher polyhedrocytes content (p = 0.033) when compared to the baseline (7.1 mM). After adjustment for age, sex and fibrinogen, multiple regression analysis showed that RDW was the only independent predictor of polyhedrocytes content in T2D (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.39-0.92)., Conclusions: Poor glycemic control, together with enhanced platelet activation and oxidative stress, increase the content of polyhedrocytes in blood clots generated in T2D patients.

Background and Aims: Numerous recent studies conducted in different clinical settings have focused on the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. There is limited evidence that patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and very high cardiovascular risk can also benefit from a high dose of n-3PUFAs, especially those on optimal medical therapy as recommended by the guidelines. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of high-dose n-3 PUFA treatment on endothelial function in patients with T2D and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)., Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study, in which endothelial function was measured using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD). Serum fatty acids composition was measured by gas chromatography. All measurements were done at baseline and after 3 months of treatment with PUFAs at a dose of 2 g/d (n = 36) or placebo (n = 38)., Results: The majority of the study population was treated with optimal medical therapy. Despite significantly higher concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid in the n-3 PUFA group after 3-month treatment, we did not observe significant changes in endothelial function indices (FMD and NMD). However, in regression analysis, only baseline FMD was associated with EPA concentration before 3 months of n-3 PUFA treatment., Conclusions: Three months of high-dose n-3 PUFA treatment in very high-risk patients with ASCVD and T2D did not improve the endothelial function indices., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: There are inconsistent data about the role of serum phospholipid fatty acid composition in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum phospholipid fatty acid composition, systemic low-grade inflammation, and glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients., Methods: Seventy-four patients (26% women, mean age 65.6 ± 6.8 years) with T2DM (median diabetes duration 10 years) and documented ASCVD (74 with coronary artery disease, 26 with peripheral arterial disease) were enrolled in the study. Baseline HbA 1c was estimated using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay. According to the median value of HbA 1c the patients were grouped into those with HbA 1c  < 7.0% (< 53 mmol/mol) (n = 38) and those with HbA 1c  ≥ 7.0% (≥ 53 mmol/mol) (n = 36). Serum phospholipid fatty acids were measured with gas chromatography., Results: Patients with HbA 1c  ≥ 7.0%, compared with those with HbA 1c  < 7.0% had similar composition of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids, but had higher concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) and higher n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio as well as lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), total n-3 PUFAs, and the EPA/arachidonic acid ratio. We found that LA (r = 0.25; p = 0.03) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (r = 0.28; p = 0.02) were positively correlated with HbA 1c . Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, hsCRP and T2DM duration were independent predictors of worse glycemic control in patients with T2DM and ASCVD., Conclusions: This study showed that glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients with ASCVD was significantly associated with unfavorable serum phospholipid n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio and greater systemic inflammation.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is still a challenge in clinical practice. The prognosis of patients with HFPEF is similar to or only slightly better than that of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). Impaired relaxation is the mildest form of diastolic dysfunction, which should not be accompanied by symptoms of HFPEF., Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of chronic HFPEF in patients with hypertension and isolated mild diastolic dysfunction., Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study including 210 patients (mean age, 56.11 ±6.24 years; women, 58%) with isolated abnormalities of left ventricular relaxation and arterial hypertension. In addition, we identified patients with type 2 diabetes to compare the incidence of HFPEF between patients with and without diabetes. HFPEF was diagnosed when clinical symptoms of HF were present simultaneously with echocardiographic markers of elevated left ventricular diastolic pressure, pulmonary congestion on chest X-ray, or elevated serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels., Results: HFPEF was diagnosed in 42% of the patients with impaired relaxation. An elevated left atrial volume index (>34 ml/m²) was observed in 38% of the patients; E/e' ratio exceeding 8, in 37%; elevated BNP levels, in 39%; and pulmonary congestion on chest X-ray, in 41%. Independent predictors of HFPEF were age, systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m². In diabetic patients, a positive correlation was found between an insulin dose (>80 units/day) and BNP levels., Conclusions: Patients with isolated relaxation abnormalities constitute a clinically heterogeneous group because some of these individuals present with symptoms of HFPEF and a simultaneous increase in BNP levels. Therefore, the question of whether diastolic dysfunction is mild should be readdressed, and it should be emphasized that these patients have a serious prognosis with the risk of HF. In diabetic patients, a positive correlation between high insulin doses and BNP levels requires further research.

Background and Aims: Increased consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) together with lifestyle measures and medications is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanisms underlying observed benefits are not well defined. To this aim, we evaluated the effects of omega-3 PUFA in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) mass and activity and their relation to oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxy-LDL)., Methods and Results: In a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study Lp-PLA2, oxy-LDL, myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6 were determined at baseline, 3-5 days and 30 days during administration of omega-3 PUFA 1 g/day (n = 30) or placebo (n = 24). Treatment with omega-3 PUFA resulted in reduction of Lp-PLA2 mass by 10.7%, activity by 9.3 (p = 0.026 for both) and oxy-LDL by 10.9% (p = 0.014) at 30 days, with no change in myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6. Compared with placebo, patients receiving omega-3 PUFA had lower Lp-PLA2 mass by 9.42%, activity by 9.2 (p = 0.041 for both) and oxy-LDL by 12.3% (p = 0.10) after one month, but not at 3-5 days. There were no correlations between Lp-PLA2 and both myeloperoxidase and oxy-LDL throughout the study. The multivariate model showed that only treatment with omega-3 PUFA and baseline myeloperoxidase levels were independent predictors of Lp-PLA2 mass changes at one month (R(2) = 0.37, P = 0.005)., Conclusions: Administration of omega-3 PUFA can decrease Lp-PLA2 in patients with stable angina undergoing PCI. This novel effect may contribute to the benefits derived from omega-3 PUF., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction:  Atherosclerosis is a systemic pathological process involving the whole arterial bed. Valvular calcifications are associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Significant carotid stenosis accounts for approximately 20% of cerebrovascular ischemic episodes. , Objectives:  The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between mitral and aortic annular calcifications, increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and incidence of cerebrovascular ischemic episodes., Patients and Methods:  A total of 127 patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (68 men and 59 women; aged 74 (33-87) years) were divided into 4 groups: with aortic valve calcifications (AVCs), mitral annular calcifications (MACs), both aortic valve and mitral annular calcifications (AMVCs), and no valvular calcifications (no-VCs), based on the echocardiographic assessment of the mitral and aortic valves. CIMT and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques were evaluated by carotid ultrasonography. A history of cerebrovascular ischemic episodes was obtained. , Results:  The combined prevalence of mitral or aortic valve calcifications in the study population was 59% (AVCs, 55%; MACs, 24%; and AMVCs, 21%). CIMT was significantly increased in the MAC and AMVC groups (P <0.05 for MACs; P <0.01 for AMVCs). Ischemic stroke was more common in the AVC group (P <0.05), while the MAC group had a higher incidence of carotid plaques (P <0.05), transient ischemic attacks (TIA; P <0.05), and strokes (P <0.05) as compared with the no-VC group. In multivariate analysis, only MACs remained independently associated with increased CIMT., Conclusions:  In patients with coronary artery disease, MACs are independently associated with increased CIMT but not with TIA or stroke. There is no relationship between the concomitant presence of mitral and aortic calcifications and carotid atherosclerosis.

Data of the European Cancer Registries indicate that the incidence of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women, tends to increase not only in postmenopausal but also in very young women. The potential causes of breast cancer are genetic predisposition, long -term hormonal replacement therapy, alcohol, environmental pollution, and possibly modern lifestyle. The controversial results of several studies suggest that certain everyday-use products (including cosmetic ingredients) may be linked to breast cancer. Some of these ingredients, such as ethylene oxide, have recently been classified by the International Agency for Research for Cancer as carcinogenic and mutagenic to humans, with sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity for breast cancer. Other ingredients, such as xenoestrogens, are chemicals which have an estrogen -like effect or disrupt the normal metabolism of the natural estrogen and thus act as carcinogens. Some of them have been shown to result in DNA damage in animal and human mammary epithelial cells and, therefore, have the potential to generate genomic instability in the breast tissue. Examples of xenoestrogens with such properties include parabens, aluminium salts, phthalates, or bisophenol A. No sufficient epidemiological data on humans have been published so far, and the effects of a mixture of chemicals to which women are exposed during lifetime on the incidence of breast cancer have not been investigated. However, the results of the available studies emphasize the need for analysis of adverse environmental factors, which, in addition to a genetic predisposition and natural aging, may contribute to the increased incidence of breast cancer.

Background: Growing evidence suggests a cardioprotective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). However, the exact mechanisms underlying the effects of omega-3 PUFA in humans have not yet been fully clarified., Purpose: We sought to evaluate omega-3 PUFA-mediated effects on adipokines in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Methods: We conducted a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, in which adiponectin, leptin and resistin were determined at baseline, 3-5 days and 30 days during administration of omega-3 PUFA 1 g/day (n=20) or placebo (n=28)., Results: As compared to controls administration of omega-3 PUFA resulted in increase of adiponectin by 13.4% (P<0.0001), reduction of leptin by 22% (P<0.0001) and increase of adiponectin to leptin (A/L) ratio by 45.5% (P<0.0001) at 30 days, but not at 3-5 days. Compared with placebo adiponectin was 12.7% higher (P=0.0042), leptin was 16.7% lower (P<0.0001) and A/L ratio was 33.3% higher (P<0.0001) in the omega-3 PUFA group at 30 days. Resistin decreased similarly in both groups after 1 month, without intergroup differences (P=0.32). The multivariate model showed that the independent predictors of changes in adiponectin at 1 month (P<0.001) were: omega-3 PUFA treatment, baseline platelet count, total cholesterol and those in leptin (P<0.0001) were: omega-3 PUFA treatment and waist circumference. Independent predictors of A/L ratio changes (P<0.0001) were: assigned treatment, current smoking and hyperlipidemia., Conclusions: In high risk stable coronary patients after PCI omega-3 PUFA supplementation improves adipokine profile in circulating blood. This might be a novel, favourable mechanism of omega-3 PUFA action.