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Early pressure injury (PI) can result in either spontaneous healing (SH) or deterioration into ulcer (DU). However, determining whether PI will progress into SH or DU on the basis of non-blanchable erythema only is difficult. In this study, we constructed two animal PI models to mimic SH and DU injuries and observed haemorrhage by using ultraviolet (UV) photography to develop potential clinical indicators for predicting the progression of early PI. Macroscopy, UV photography, and skin temperature observations were obtained. In the SH group, macroscopic observation showed the erythema was obvious at 0.5 hours after decompression and faded gradually had almost disappeared at 72 hours. In the DU group, the erythema persisted, and an erosion appeared at 24 hours after decompression and expanded at 36 hours. The erythema developed into an obvious ulcer at 48 hours and enlarged at 72 hours. The obvious ulcer found at 48 hours through macroscopic observation was clearly visible at 36 hours with UV photography, and a significant difference in grey values between the two groups was found at as early as 18 hours (P < .05). This study provided evidence showing that UV photography can predict the different progression stages of early PI. Additionally, when combined with the transparent disc method, UV photography also can be used to identify the circulatory disorders of early PI, such as haemorrhage or hyperaemia and even congestion.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are drugs for diabetes and might prevent heart failure. In this study, we investigated the effects of tofogliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on cardiac hypertrophy and metabolism in hypertensive rats fed a high-fat diet. Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats, hypertensive model rats, and Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats, non-hypertensive model rats, were fed a high-salt and high-fat diet containing tofogliflozin (0.005%) for 9 weeks to examine the effects of this drug on cardiac hypertrophy and metabolism. Tofogliflozin tended to suppress a rise of the systolic blood pressure, relative to the control, throughout the treatment period in both DR and DS rats, and significantly suppress a rise of the systolic blood pressure, relative to the control, at the 9th week in DS rats. Tofogliflozin reduced cardiac hypertrophy (heart weight/body weight) not only in DS rats but also in DR rats. Histological analysis showed that tofogliflozin significantly decreased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and perivascular fibrosis in both DS and DR rats. Tofogliflozin significantly decreased the expression levels of genes related to cardiac hypertrophy (encoding for natriuretic peptides A and B and interleukin-6), and to cardiac fibrosis (encoding for transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen type IV), in DS rats. Recent studies have shown that hypertrophied and failing hearts shift to oxidizing ketone bodies as a significant fuel source. We also performed metabolome analysis for ventricular myocardial tissue. Tofogliflozin reduced 3-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body, and significantly decreased the expression levels of β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 and 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase, which are related to ketone oxidization. In conclusion, tofogliflozin ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis along with reduction of ketone usage in myocardial tissue.

To examine the preventive effect of heat preconditioning (HPC) on intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers (IAPU) in surgical patients and explore the mechanisms of HPC on pressure injury (PI) in rat skin. We generated a skin PI model using hairless rats and treated these rats with HPC. Skin injury size was measured and the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the skin were examined by real-time RT PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. For human studies, 118 surgical patients were randomly divided into HPC and control groups. We measured sacral skin temperature, sacral pressure and compared the PI prevalence rate. HPC treatment significantly reduced both area(p =0.007, p =0.007, p =0.012) and incidence (p=0.025, p =0.019, p =0.012) of PI in rats on the second, third and fourth days. HSP27 expression was increased in HPC group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that HSP27 was distributed in all types of dermal cells with increase in basal cells. In human studies, HPC treatment increased sacral temperature (p. The incidence of IAPUs was significantly decreased by 75% in HPC group. HPC can reduce the incidence of PI in both experimental animals and humans. Beneficial effects of HPC were possibly mediated by upregulation of HSP27.

Background: Recent clinical studies have shown that treatment with LCZ696, a complex containing the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan and neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril, improves the prognosis of heart failure patients with a reduced ejection fraction. This study evaluated whether LCZ696 affects left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and hemodynamics in isoproterenol (ISO)-treated rats compared with valsartan alone. Methods: Male Wistar rats received subcutaneous saline (n = 10), subcutaneous ISO (2.4 mg/kg/day; n = 10), subcutaneous ISO + oral LCZ696 (60 mg/kg/day; n = 20) (ISO-LCZ), or subcutaneous ISO + oral valsartan (30 mg/kg/day; n = 20) (ISO-VAL) for 7 days. Results: LCZ696 and valsartan did not significantly reduce the increased heart weight/body weight ratio in rats treated with ISO. Echocardiography showed that the deceleration time shortened by ISO was restored by LCZ696 but not valsartan alone (p = 0.01 vs. the ISO group). Histological analysis showed that cardiac interstitial fibrosis increased by ISO was decreased significantly by LCZ696 but not valsartan alone (control: 0.10 ± 0.14%; ISO: 0.41 ± 0.32%; ISO-LCZ: 0.19 ± 0.23% [p < 0.01 vs. the ISO group]; ISO-VAL: 0.34 ± 0.23% [p = 0.34 vs. the ISO group]). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that mRNA expression of Tgfb1, Col1a1, Ccl2, and Anp increased by ISO was significantly attenuated by LCZ696 but not valsartan alone (p < 0.05 vs. the ISO group). Conclusions: LCZ696 improves cardiac fibrosis, but not hypertrophy, caused by continuous exposure to ISO in rats.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used as novel drug delivery systems. Drug-incorporated NPs for local delivery might optimize the efficacy and minimize the side effects of drugs. Intravenous prostacyclin improves long-term survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but it causes serious side effects such as catheter-related infections. We investigated the efficacy and safety of intratracheal administration of a prostacyclin analogue, beraprost (BPS), incorporated NPs in Sugen-hypoxia-normoxia and monocrotaline rat models of PAH and in human PAH pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). After a single administration, BPS NPs significantly decreased right ventricular pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary artery muscularization in the 2 rat models. BPS NPs significantly improved the survival rate in the monocrotaline rat model. No infiltration of inflammatory cells, hemorrhage, or fibrosis was found in the liver, kidney, spleen, and heart after the administration of BPS NPs. No liver or kidney dysfunction was found in the blood examinations. BPS and BPS NPs significantly inhibited the proliferation of human PAH PASMCs after 24 hours of treatment. BPS NPs significantly continued to inhibit the proliferation of human PAH PASMCs at 24 hours after the removal of BPS NPs. BPS NPs significantly induced apoptosis in PAH PASMCs compared to that in non-PAH PASMCs. Intratracheal administration of BPS NPs ameliorates pulmonary hypertension in PAH rat models by a sustained antiproliferative effect and a proapoptotic effect on PAH PASMCs.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Imatinib, a PDGF-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, improved hemodynamics, but serious side effects and drug discontinuation are common when treating PAH. A drug delivery system using nanoparticles (NPs) enables the reduction of side effects while maintaining the effects of the drug. We examined the efficacy of imatinib-incorporated NPs (Ima-NPs) in a rat model and in human PAH-pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Rats received a single intratracheal administration of PBS, FITC-NPs, or Ima-NPs immediately after monocrotaline injection. Three weeks after monocrotaline injection, intratracheal administration of Ima-NPs suppressed the development of pulmonary hypertension, small pulmonary artery remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy in the rat model of monocrotaline-induced PAH. We also examined the effects of imatinib and Ima-NPs on PDGF-induced proliferation of human PAH-PASMCs by (3)H-thymidine incorporation. Imatinib and Ima-NPs significantly inhibited proliferation after 24 hours of treatment. Ima-NPs significantly inhibited proliferation compared with imatinib at 24 hours after removal of these drugs. Delivery of Ima-NPs into lungs suppressed the development of MCT-induced PAH by sustained antiproliferative effects on PAS-MCs.

Objectives This study aimed to determine the usefulness of the combination of several electrocardiographic markers on risk assessment of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS). Background Detection of high-/low-risk BrS patients using a noninvasive method is an important issue in the clinical setting. Several electrocardiographic markers related to depolarization and repolarization abnormalities have been reported, but the relationship and usefulness of these parameters in VF events are unclear. Methods Baseline characteristics of 246 consecutive patients (236 men; mean age, 47.6 +/- 13.6 years) with a Brugada-type electrocardiogram, including 13 patients with a history of VF and 40 patients with a history of syncope episodes, were retrospectively analyzed. During the mean follow-up period of 45.1 months, VF in 23 patients and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in 1 patient were observed. Clinical/ genetic and electrocardiographic parameters were compared with VF/SCD events. Results On univariate analysis, a history of VF and syncope episodes, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, spontaneous type 1 pattern in the precordial leads, and electrocardiographic markers of depolarization abnormalities (QRS duration >= 120 ms, and fragmented QRS [f-QRS]) and those of repolarization abnormalities (inferolateral early repolarization [ER] pattern and QT prolongation) were associated with later cardiac events. On multivariable analysis, a history of VF and syncope episodes, inferolateral ER pattern, and f-QRS were independent predictors of documented VF and SCD (odds ratios: 19.61, 28.57, 2.87, and 5.21, respectively; p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the presence/ absence of inferolateral ER and f-QRS predicted a worse/better prognosis (log-rank test, p < 0.01). Conclusions The combination of depolarization and repolarization abnormalities in BrS is associated with later VF events. The combination of these abnormalities is useful for detecting high-and low-risk BrS patients.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the failing myocardium, and ROS cause hypertrophy, apoptosis/cell death and intracellular Ca(2+) overload in cardiac myocytes. ROS also cause damage to lipid cell membranes in the process of lipid peroxidation. In this process, several aldehydes, including 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), are generated and the amount of HNE is increased in the human failing myocardium. HNE exacerbates the formation of ROS, especially H₂O₂ and ·OH, in cardiomyocytes and subsequently ROS cause intracellular Ca(2+) overload. Treatment with beta-blockers such as metoprolol, carvedilol and bisoprolol reduces the levels of oxidative stress, together with amelioration of heart failure. This reduction could be caused by several possible mechanisms. First, the beta-blocking effect is important, because catecholamines such as isoproterenol and norepinephrine induce oxidative stress in the myocardium. Second, anti-ischemic effects and negative chronotropic effects are also important. Furthermore, direct antioxidative effects of carvedilol contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress. Carvedilol inhibited HNE-induced intracellular Ca(2+) overload. Beta-blocker therapy is a useful antioxidative therapy in patients with heart failure.

Brugada syndrome is a disease known to cause ventricular fibrillation with a structurally normal heart and is linked to SCN5A gene mutation. However, the mechanism by which ventricular fibrillation develops in cases of Brugada-type electrocardiogram without SCN5A mutation has remained unclear. Recently, oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiac arrhythmia. We also investigated oxidative stress levels in the myocardia of patients with Brugada-type electrocardiogram.Endomyocardial biopsy samples were obtained from 68 patients with Brugada-type electrocardiogram (66 males and two females). We performed histological and immunohistochemical analyses for CD45, CD68, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified protein, which is a major lipid peroxidation product.SCN5A mutation was detected in 14 patients. Ventricular fibrillation was documented in three patients with SCN5A mutation and in 11 without SCN5A mutation. In patients with SCN5A mutation, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified protein-positive area was not significantly different between the documented ventricular fibrillation (VF) group (VF+ group) and the group without documented VF (VF- group). However, in patients without SCN5A, the area was significantly larger in the VF+ group than that in the VF- group (P.05). All other parameters (fibrosis area, CD45, and CD68) were not different between the VF+ and VF- group in both SCN5A+ and SCN5A- patients.Oxidative stress is elevated in the myocardium of patients with Brugada-type electrocardiogram who have VF episodes and do not have SCN5A gene mutations. Oxidative stress may be associated with the occurrence of VF in patients with Brugada-type electrocardiogram without SCN5A mutation.

It has been reported that bepridil prevents ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with Brugada syndrome, but the comparative efficacy with and without mutation in the SCN5A gene has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of low-dose bepridil (100 mg/day) for VF prevention in patients with Brugada syndrome with and without SCN5A mutation. Among 130 patients with Brugada-type electrocardiogram (ECG), low-dose bepridil was administered to seven patients because of repetitive VF episodes, including three with and four without SCN5A mutation. Preventive effect for VF recurrence and changes of the ECG and the signal-averaged ECG were evaluated. Frequencies of VF episodes were reduced after treatment with low-dose bepridil in all three patients with the SCN5A mutation (before: 0.33 versus after: 0.02 episodes/month, P < 0.01), but not in all four patients without the SCN5A mutation (before: 0.43 versus after: 2.94 episodes/month, P = nonsignificant). Levels of ST-segment elevation at J points and duration of low-amplitude signals less than 40 µV in the terminal filtered QRS complex (LAS40) in signal-averaged ECG were improved exclusively in patients with the SCN5A mutation. Treatment with bepridil prevented recurrence of VF along with improvement of ST elevation and LAS40 in patients with Brugada syndrome with the SCN5A mutation.

Background It has been reported that that the amount of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), which is a major lipid peroxidation product and a cytotoxic aldehyde, is increased in the human failing myocardium. This study was designed to determine whether HNE has a pro-oxidant effect in cardiac myocytes and whether HNE causes Ca2+ overload. Methods and Results Exposure to HNE for 10 minutes in the presence of ferric nitrilotriacetate induced the production of hydroxyl radical (·OH) in the rat myocardium as assessed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and HNE induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner as assessed by 2′, 7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence. HNE increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) as assessed by fura-2 ratio in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After 20 minutes of HNE (400 μmol/L) exposure, hypercontracture was induced in 67% of the cells. Catalase, an antioxidative enzyme that can decompose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), significantly attenuated the increase in [Ca2+]i and completely inhibited hypercontracture. Carvedilol, a β-blocker with potent antioxidant activity, also significantly attenuated the increase in [Ca2+]i and completely inhibited hypercontracture, but propranolol had no effect on either [Ca2+]i increase or hypercontracture. Conclusions HNE induces the formation of ROS, especially H2O2 and ·OH, in cardiomyocytes and subsequently ROS cause intracellular Ca2+ overload. HNE formation may play an important role as a mediator of oxidative stress in heart failure.

Objectives The goal of our work was to examine the relationships of atrial fibrillation (AF) with genetic, clinical, and electrophysiological backgrounds in Brugada syndrome (BrS). Background Atrial fibrillation is often observed in patients with BrS and indicates that electrical abnormality might exist in the atrium as well as in the ventricle. SCN5A, a gene encoding the cardiac sodium channel, has been reported to be causally related to BrS. However, little is known about the relationships of atrial arrhythmias with genetic, clinical, and electrophysiological backgrounds of BrS. Methods Seventy-three BrS patients (49 ± 12 years of age, men/women = 72/1) were studied. The existence of SCN5A mutation and clinical variables (syncopal episode, documented ventricular fibrillation [VF], and family history of sudden death) were compared with spontaneous AF episodes. Genetic and clinical variables were also compared with electrophysiologic (EP) parameters: atrial refractory period, interatrial conduction time (CT), repetitive atrial firing, and AF induction by atrial extra-stimulus testing. Results Spontaneous AF occurred in 10 (13.7%) of the BrS patients and SCN5A mutation was detected in 15 patients. Spontaneous AF was associated with higher incidence of syncopal episodes (60.0% vs. 22.2%, p Conclusions Spontaneous AF and VF are closely linked clinically and electrophysiologically in BrS patients. Patients with spontaneous AF have more severe clinical backgrounds in BrS. SCN5A mutation is associated with electrical abnormality but not disease severity.

Andersen–Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a multisystem inherited disease exhibiting periodic paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and dysmorphic features. In this study, we characterized the KCNJ2 channels with an ATS mutation (T75M) which is associated with cardiac phenotypes of bi-directional ventricular tachycardia, syncope, and QT c prolongation. Confocal imaging of GFP-KCNJ2 fusion proteins showed that the T75M mutation impaired membrane localization of the channel protein, which was restored by co-expression of WT channels with T75M channels. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments in CHO-K1 cells showed that the T75M mutation produced a loss-of-function of the channel. When both WT and the T75M were co-expressed, the T75M mutation showed dominant-negative effects on inward rectifier K + current densities, with prominent suppression of outward currents at potentials between 0 mV and + 80 mV over the E K . Inside-out patch experiments in HEK293T cells revealed that co-expression of WT and the T75M channels enhanced voltage-dependent block of the channels by internal Mg 2+ , resulting in enhanced inward rectification at potentials 50 mV more positive than the E K . We suggest that the T75M mutation causes dominant-negative suppression of the co-expressed WT KCNJ2 channels. In addition, the T75M mutation caused alteration of gating kinetics of the mutated KCNJ2 channels, i.e., increased sensitivity to intracellular Mg 2+ and resultant enhancement of inward rectification. The data presented suggest that the mutation may influence clinical features, but it does not directly show this.

Background: Brugada syndrome is an inherited arrhythmogenic disease characterized by right bundle branch block pattern and ST segment elevation, leading to the change of V1 to V3 on electrocardiogram, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death resulting from ventricular fibrillation. The sodium channel alpha 5 subunit (SCN5A) gene encodes a cardiac voltage-dependent sodium channel, and SCN5A mutations have been reported in Brugada syndrome. However, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene mutations have not been well investigated in Japanese patients with Brugada syndrome. Methods and Results: The SCN5A gene was examined in 58 patients by using PCR and the ABI 3130xl sequencer, revealing 17 SNP patterns and 13 mutations. Of the 13 mutations, 8 were missense mutations (with amino acid change), 4 were silent mutations (without amino acid change), and one case was a mutation within the splicing junction. Six of the eight missense mutations were novel mutations. Interestingly, we detected an R1664H mutation, which was identified originally in long QT syndrome. Conclusion: We found 13 mutations of the SCN5A gene in 58 patients with Brugada syndrome. The disease may be attributable to some of the mutations and SNPs.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is associated with proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in small pulmonary arteries. Inhibition of proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) may be an effective treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Recent studies have shown that carvedilol, an alpha- and beta-blocker with antioxidant and calcium channel blocking properties, inhibits the proliferation of cultured normal human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that carvedilol has antiproliferative effects on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from six idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients who had undergone lung transplantation were cultured. To determine cell proliferation, H-thymidine incorporation was measured. Platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation of IPAH-PASMCs was significantly greater than that of normal control pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Carvedilol (0.1 microM to 10 microM) inhibited the proliferation of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension-pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Prazosin (an alpha-blocker) and N-acetyl L cysteine (an antioxidant agent) (0.1 microM to 10 microM) did not inhibit their proliferation, but the high concentration of propranolol (a beta-blocker) and nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker) (10 microM) inhibited the proliferation. The combination of propranolol and nifedipine inhibited the proliferation but only at a high concentration (10 microM) combination. Cell cycle analysis revealed that carvedilol (10 microM) significantly decreased the number of cells in S and G2/M phases. These results indicate that carvedilol inhibits the exaggerated proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension partially via its beta-blocking [corrected] and calcium channel blocking effects in vitro.

Previously, we reported that spironolactone reduced cytokine production in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with angiotensin (Ang) II stimulation. To address the mechanisms underlying this effect, we examined the contribution of aldosterone to cytokine production in cultured human PBMCs with Ang II stimulation. PBMCs expressed the messenger RNA (mRNA) of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) both spontaneously and after Ang II stimulation, but expressed Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) under neither condition. After 24 h of incubation, exogenous Ang II induced the expression of CYP11B2 (a key enzyme of aldosterone synthesis) mRNA and caused aldosterone synthesis. CV-11974 (an AT1R antagonist) reduced Ang II-induced aldosterone synthesis, whereas PD-123319 (an AT2R antagonist) had no effect. The concentration of aldosterone peaked earlier than those of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). After 48 h of incubation (under the influence of synthesized aldosterone), CV-11974 and spironolactone significantly reduced the Ang II-enhanced production of MCP-1 and TNF-α, whereas PD-123319 also had no effect. In conclusion, Ang II induces aldosterone synthesis through AT1R and enhances cytokine production through an AT1R-dependent mechanism and, at least partly, through a MR-dependent mechanism in human PBMCs. Keywords:: angiotensin II, aldosterone, peripheral blood mononuclear cell, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α

We evaluated the effect of alacepril, CV-11974, and spironolactone on the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with angiotensin (Ang) II. Alacepril, CV-11974, and spironolactone significantly reduced the enhanced production of MCP-1 and TNF-α induced by exogenous Ang II. Specifically, 10 µM of spironolactone significantly reduced cytokine production, compared to the same dose of alacepril or CV-11974. These findings indicate that spironolactone may contribute to ameliorate the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular diseases by reducing Ang II-induced inflammation, although further exploration including determining the mechanisms would be required. Keywords:: spironolactone, angiotensin II, peripheral blood mononuclear cell

Vascular medial calcification is often observed in patients with arteriosclerosis. It is also associated with systolic hypertension, wide pulse pressure, and fluctuation of blood pressure, which results in cardiovascular events. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been shown to suppress vascular calcification in previous animal experiments. We investigated the inhibitory effects of EPA on Wnt signaling, which is one of the important signaling pathways involved in vascular calcification. Intake of food containing 5% EPA resulted in upregulation of the mRNA expression of Klotho, an intrinsic inhibitor of Wnt signaling, in the kidneys of wild-type mice. Expression levels of β-catenin, an intracellular signal transducer in the Wnt signaling pathway, were increased in the aortas of Klotho mutant (kl/kl) mice compared to the levels in the aortas of wild-type mice. Wnt3a or BIO, a GSK-3 inhibitor that activates β-catenin signaling, upregulated mRNA levels of AXIN2 and LEF1, Wnt signaling marker genes, and RUNX2 and BMP4, early osteogenic genes, in human aorta smooth muscle cells. EPA suppressed the upregulation of AXIN2 and BMP4. The effect of EPA was cancelled by T0070907, a PPARγ inhibitor. The results suggested that EPA could suppress vascular calcification via the inhibition of Wnt signaling in osteogenic vascular smooth muscle cells via PPARγ activation.

This study aimed to determine the usefulness of the combination of several electrocardiographic markers on risk assessment of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS).Detection of high-/low-risk BrS patients using a noninvasive method is an important issue in the clinical setting. Several electrocardiographic markers related to depolarization and repolarization abnormalities have been reported, but the relationship and usefulness of these parameters in VF events are unclear.Baseline characteristics of 246 consecutive patients (236 men; mean age, 47.6 ± 13.6 years) with a Brugada-type electrocardiogram, including 13 patients with a history of VF and 40 patients with a history of syncope episodes, were retrospectively analyzed. During the mean follow-up period of 45.1 months, VF in 23 patients and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in 1 patient were observed. Clinical/genetic and electrocardiographic parameters were compared with VF/SCD events.On univariate analysis, a history of VF and syncope episodes, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, spontaneous type 1 pattern in the precordial leads, and electrocardiographic markers of depolarization abnormalities (QRS duration ≥120 ms, and fragmented QRS [f-QRS]) and those of repolarization abnormalities (inferolateral early repolarization [ER] pattern and QT prolongation) were associated with later cardiac events. On multivariable analysis, a history of VF and syncope episodes, inferolateral ER pattern, and f-QRS were independent predictors of documented VF and SCD (odds ratios: 19.61, 28.57, 2.87, and 5.21, respectively; p0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the presence/absence of inferolateral ER and f-QRS predicted a worse/better prognosis (log-rank test, p0.01).The combination of depolarization and repolarization abnormalities in BrS is associated with later VF events. The combination of these abnormalities is useful for detecting high- and low-risk BrS patients.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is often present in patients with diastolic heart failure. However, stiffness of hypertrophied cardiomyocytes in the transverse direction has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess passive cardiomyocyte stiffness of hypertrophied hearts in the transverse direction and the influence of actin-myosin cross-bridge formation on the stiffness. Methods and Results: Wistar rats received a vehicle (control) or isoproterenol (ISO) subcutaneously. After 7 days, compared with the controls, ISO administration had significantly increased heart weight and LV wall thickness and had decreased peak early annular relaxation velocity (e’) assessed by echocardiography. Elastic modulus of living cardiomyocytes in the transverse direction assessed by an atomic force microscope was significantly higher in the ISO group than in controls. We added butanedione monoxime (BDM), an inhibitor of actin-myosin interaction, and blebbistatin, a specific myosin II inhibitor, to the medium. BDM and blebbistatin significantly reduced the elastic modulus of cardiomyocytes in the ISO group. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the reflection intensity ratio (I(1,0)/I(1,1)) at diastole was not different before and after treatment with BDM, which induces complete relaxation, in control hearts, but that I(1,0)/I(1,1) was significantly increased after BDM treatment in the ISO group, indicating residual cross-bridge formation in hypertrophied hearts. Conclusions: Passive cardiomyocyte stiffness in the transverse direction is increased in hearts with ISO-induced hypertrophy and this is caused by residual actin-myosin cross-bridge formation. (Circ J 2013; 77: 741–748)

Background: Mutations in SCN5A are reportedly linked to Brugada syndrome (BS), but recent observations suggest that they are not necessarily associated with ventricular fibrillation (VF) in BS patients. Therefore, the clinical importance of SCN5A mutations in BS patients was examined in the present study. Methods and Results: The 108 BS patients were examined for SCN5A mutations and various parameters were compared between patients with and without mutations. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in 49 patients and a predictor of appropriate ICD shock was investigated. The existence of a SCN5A mutation was not associated with initial VF episodes (21.7% vs 20.0%, P=0.373). In the secondary prevention group, appropriate shock-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with spontaneous type 1 ECG than in those without (41.1% vs 85.7% at 2 years, P=0.014). The appropriate shock-free survival rate was also significantly lower in patients with SCN5A mutations than in those without (28.6% vs 83.3% at 1 year, P=0.040). Appropriate shock was more frequent in patients with SCN5A mutations than in those without (6.6±6.2 vs 1.7±3.0, P=0.007). Conclusions: SCN5A mutations are associated with early and frequent VF recurrence, but not with initial VF episodes. This is the first report on the genotype-phenotype interaction and clinical significance of this mutation. (Circ J 2010; 74: 2572-2578)

Background Remodeling of the pulmonary artery by an inappropriate increase of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is problematic in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Effective treatment that achieves reverse remodeling is required. The aim of this study was to assess the pro-apoptotic effects of imatinib, a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on PASMCs obtained from patients with IPAH. Methods PASMCs were obtained from 8 patients with IPAH undergoing lung transplantation. Cellular proliferation was assessed by 3 H-thymidine incorporation. Pro-apoptotic effects of imatinib were examined using TUNEL and caspase-3,7 assays and using transmission electron microscopy. Results Treatment with imatinib (0.1 to 10μg/mL) significantly inhibited PDGF-BB (10ng/mL)-induced proliferation of PASMCs from IPAH patients. Imatinib (1μg/mL) did not induce apoptosis in quiescent IPAH-PASMCs, but it had a pro-apoptotic effect on IPAH-PASMCs stimulated with PDGF-BB. Imatinib did not induce apoptosis in normal control PASMCs with or without PDGF-BB stimulation. PDGF-BB induced phosphorylation of Akt at 15min, and Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by imatinib in IPAH-PASMCs. Akt-I-1/2 (1μmol/L), an Akt inhibitor, in the presence of PDGF-BB significantly increased apoptotic cells compared with the control condition. Thus, Akt-I-1/2 could mimic the effects of imatinib on PASMCs. Conclusion Imatinib has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on IPAH-PASMCs stimulated with PDGF. The inhibitory effect of imatinib on Akt phosphorylation induced by PDGF plays an important role in the pro-apoptotic effect.

Numerous clinical trials have shown that calcium channel blocker (CCB) therapy improves the clinical outcome in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Since the progression of several types of cardiovascular diseases is closely associated with inflammation, alleviation of inflammation may be one potential mechanism of those beneficial effects of CCB therapy. We examined whether a new CCB (azelnidipine) could influence the inflammatory response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which are recruited to inflammatory lesions and modulate inflammation. We investigated whether azelnidipine affected intracellular signaling and cytokine production by phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated human PBMCs in vitro. PBMCs were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and stimulated with PHA. Then relative intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was assessed by fluorescence microscopy, and the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Stimulation with PHA significantly raised [Ca(2+)](i) and enhanced the production of MCP-1 and TNF-alpha by human PBMCs. Azelnidipine significantly diminished the PHA-induced rise of [Ca(2+)](i), and the production of MCP-1 and TNF-alpha. These findings indicate that azelnidipine might have an anti-inflammatory influence on human PBMCs, although the mechanisms and the difference from other CCBs still remain unclear and further exploration should be required.

Aims This study sought to examine the action potential duration restitution (APDR) property and conduction delay in Brugada syndrome (BrS) patients. A steeply sloped APDR curve and conduction delay are known to be important determinants for the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Methods and results Endocardial monophasic action potential was obtained from 39 BrS patients and 9 control subjects using the contact electrode method. Maximum slopes of the APDR curve were obtained at both the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the right ventricular apex (RVA). The onset of activation delay (OAD) after premature stimulation was examined as a marker of conduction delay. Maximum slope of the APDR curve in BrS patients was significantly steeper than that in control subjects at both the RVOT and the RVA (0.77 ± 0.21 vs. 058 ± 0.14 at RVOT, P = 0.009; 0.98 ± 0.23 vs. 0.62 ± 0.16 at RVA, P = 0.001). The dispersion of maximum slope of the APDR curve between the RVOT and the RVA was also larger in BrS patients than in control subjects. The OAD was significantly longer in BrS patients than in control subjects from the RVOT to RVA and from the RVA to RVOT (from RVOT to RVA: 256 ± 12 vs. 243 ± 7 ms, P = 0.003; from RVA to RVOT: 252 ± 11 vs. 241 ± 9 ms, P = 0.01). Conclusions Abnormal APDR properties and conduction delay were observed in BrS patients. Both repolarization and depolarization abnormalities are thought to be related to the development of VF in BrS patients.

The side effects of thiazide-type diuretics include metabolic abnormality and increased oxidative stress, which might cause endothelial dysfunction despite blood pressure reduction. In hypertensive patients with heart failure, treatment with an aldosterone antagonist resulted in improvements in endothelial function and significant blood pressure reduction. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences between spironolactone and chlorthalidone in hypertensive elderly patients treated with calcium antagonists and angiotensin II receptor blockers. Fourteen uncontrolled hypertensive patients treated with amlodipine and candesartan were included in this study. The study was an open-label randomized crossover comparison of 16 weeks treatment with spironolactone against chlorthalidone added to amlodipine and candesartan. Blood pressure significantly decreased in patients treated with both spironolactone and chlorthalidone. Chlorthalidone reduced flow mediated dilation significantly compared to the baseline condition and spironolactone. Serum high sensitively C-reactive protein and uric acid increased significantly in chlorthalidone-treated patients compared to spironolactone treated patients. We conclude that spironolactone may be a more useful add-on therapy than chlorthalidone in hypertensive patients inadequately controlled on candesartan and amlodipine, because spironolactone preserves endothelial function and reduces inflammation compared to chlorthalidone.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a progressive disease characterized by inappropriate increase of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) leading to occlusion of pulmonary arterioles. Inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling is starting to garner attention as a targeted therapy for IPAH. We assessed the inhibitory effects of simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutanyl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, on PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of PASMCs obtained from 6 patients with IPAH who underwent lung transplantation. PDGF stimulation caused a significantly higher growth rate of PASMCs from patients with IPAH than that of normal control PASMCs as assessed by (3)H-thymidine incorporation. Simvastatin (0.1 micromol/L) significantly inhibited PDGF-induced cell proliferation of PASMCs from patients with IPAH but did not inhibit proliferation of normal control cells at the same concentration. Western blot analysis revealed that simvastatin significantly increased the expression of cell cycle inhibitor p27. PDGF significantly increased the migration distance of IPAH-PASMCs compared with that of normal PASMCs, and simvastatin (1 micromol/L) significantly inhibited PDGF-induced migration. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that simvastatin (1 micromol/L) inhibited translocation of Rho A from the cytoplasm to membrane and disorganized actin fibers in PASMCs from patients with IPAH. In conclusion, simvastatin had inhibitory effects on inappropriate PDGF signaling in PASMCs from patients with IPAH.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) often occurs in Brugada syndrome (BrS), and BrS patients with spontaneous AF often experience ventricular fibrillation (VF) attacks. Atrial vulnerability providing a substrate for AF is known to be enhanced in BrS, but there are no data on atrial structural attributes.The objective of this study was to assess atrial electrophysiological and structural characteristics in BrS and their relationships with gene mutations.We studied 57 patients with BrS. Intra-atrial conduction time (CT) was defined as the interval from the stimulus at the high right atrium to atrial deflection at the distal portion of the coronary sinus. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) was measured by the modified Simpson method at left ventricular end-systole using echocardiography. SCN5A mutations were analyzed in all patients.In patients with documented VF, spontaneous AF frequently occurred and prolonged CT and increased LAVI were observed compared with those in patients without VF (all P.05; LAVI: 22 +/- 5 vs. 32 +/- 7 ml/m(2)). Even among patients without AF, CT and LAVI were still increased in patients with VF (all P.05; LAVI: 22 +/- 5 vs. 29 +/- 5 ml/m(2)). The presence of SCN5A mutation was associated with prolonged CT (P.05) and increased LAVI (P.01), but not with arrhythmic episodes.Both atrial vulnerability and structural remodeling are enhanced in high-risk patients with BrS, even in those without AF. These morphological characteristics suggest that BrS is a form of genetic myocardial disease.

Background Repolarization abnormality, especially during bradycardia, might be critical for initiation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS), but the contribution of the rate-dependent repolarization dynamics to the occurrence of VF is still unknown. Objective The aim of our study was to determine the differences in rate-dependent repolarization dynamics between BrS with and without spontaneous VF and between BrS with and without SCN5A mutation. Methods The subjects were 37 BrS patients with VF (VF(+) group: 10 male subjects) and without VF (VF(−) group: 27 male subjects) and 20 control subjects. Genetic analysis of SCN5A was performed in all 37 BrS patients. The relationships between QT, QTp, Tp-e, and RR intervals were obtained from Holter recordings as first linear regression lines, and the slopes of QT/RR, QTp/RR, and Tp-e/RR linear regression lines as the sensitivity of rate-dependent repolarization dynamics were compared. Results QT/RR and Tp-e/RR slopes showed loss of a rate-dependent property in the VF(+) group compared with those in the VF(−) and control groups. There was no significant difference in QTp/RR slope among the VF(+), VF(−) and control groups. The Tp-e interval had a negative correlation with the RR interval in the VF(+) group and a positive correlation with the RR interval in the VF(−) and control groups. There was no significant difference in QT/RR, QTp/RR, and Tp-e/RR slopes between BrS patients with SCN5A mutation and those without SCN5A mutation. Conclusions Loss of rate-dependent QT dynamics may be associated with occurrence of VF in BrS.

Background; Brugada Syndrome (BS) is a disease known to cause ventricular fibrillation (VF) with structurally normal heart. Gene mutation (i.e. SCN5A) has been proposed to be related to the development of BS and VF. However, the pathophysiological mechanism associated with VF development without SCN5A mutation has not been studied yet. Oxidative stress is a common disorder that is related to many heart diseases. We have previously demonstrated that oxidative stress is closely linked to the arrhythmic development. Accordingly, we examined 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) modified protein, which is a common mediator of oxidative stress in the myocardium, and VF episodes in patients with BS. Methods; We collected sixty-eight BS patients that underwent right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy (66 males, 2 female; mean age 49.0±11.6 years old). VF was documented in 11 and SCN5A mutation was detected in 14 patients. Biopsy samples were processed for histology [Masson’s trichrome staining for fibrosis, immuno staining for CD45, CD68, and HNE modified protein]. All results from histology were compared with VF episodes. We also performed the analysis in VF patients with (n=14) or without SCN5A mutations (n=54). Results: HNE positive area was significantly larger in VF patients [VF(+): 16.3±10.5, VF(−): 9.3±5.7%: P=0.029]. All other parameters (fibrosis area, CD45, and CD68) were not different between the groups. In multivariable analysis, HNE positive area was most important risk factor of VF development in patients without SCN5A mutation (P=0.004). Conclusions ; These data suggested that oxidative stress is associated with VF development in BS patients, especially in patients without SCN5A mutation.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary vascular diseases (pulmonary arterial hypertension: PAH, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: PVOD and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis: PCH) are well-known diseases that cause pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the differences of structural characteristics of pulmonary microvasculature in these diseases have not been elucidated enough. We examined the morphological differences among these diseases by methacrylate resin (Mercox) perfusion using scanning electron microscope. Methods and Results: Ten lung samples were 8 patients with PH and 2 control subjects without PH. These were obtained at lung transplantations or autopsies. Microvascular corrosion replicas were made by Mercox perfusion from the pulmonary artery. Pathological diagnosis revealed 5 PAH, 2 PVOD and 1 PCH in patients with PH. In PAH samples, small arteries or arterioles showed twisted and tortuous courses, but such vessels were not observed in samples from control, PVOD and PCH. Binary branching was observed in control, but not in PVOD and PCH. In PVOD and PCH, several branching was commonly observed. Moreover, the loss of capillary network and the disruption of arterioles were more severe in samples from PVOD and PCH patients than in samples from PAH patients. Conclusion: Pulmonary microvascular morphology is seriously different among the type of underlying diseases in PH patients.

Background: Sodium channel alpha 5 subunit (SCN5A) mutations are important genetic abnormalities of Brugada syndrome (BS). Here we report novel SCN5A mutations in patients with BS. Methods and Results: Genomic mutations in the SCN5A gene were analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing in 121 patients with BS (119 men and 2 women). Thirteen (11%) of the patients had SCN5A mutation and five (4%) of the patients had single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with BS. Eleven patients had single point mutations, one patient had a deletion (1380 del N) and one patient had a mutation within the splicing junction (IVS21+1 g>a). The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that four novel mutations (F532C, R814Q, G833R, R878C) showed loss of function, and peak INa of a novel SNP (L1988R) transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells was significantly reduced (Pa) resulted in exon 21 deletion of SCN5A in cardiac biopsy specimens from the patient (Figure ). Conclusions: We detected five novel SCN5A mutations (1380 del N, F532C, R814Q, G833R, R878C) and a novel disease-associated SNP (L1988R) in patients with BS. We showed a novel analysis of splicing mutation (IVS21+1 g>a) that resulted in exon skipping in the heart.

Background: Sodium channel alpha 5 subunit (SCN5A) mutations are important genetic abnormalities of Brugada syndrome (BS). Here we report novel SCN5A mutations in patients with BS. Methods and Results: Genomic mutations in the SCN5A gene were analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing in 121 patients with BS (119 men and 2 women). Thirteen (11%) of the patients had SCN5A mutation and five (4%) of the patients had single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with BS. Eleven patients had single point mutations, one patient had a deletion (1380 del N) and one patient had a mutation within the splicing junction (IVS21+1 g>a). The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that four novel mutations (F532C, R814Q, G833R, R878C) showed loss of function, and peak INa of a novel SNP (L1988R) transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells was significantly reduced (Pa) resulted in exon 21 deletion of SCN5A in cardiac biopsy specimens from the patient (Figure ). Conclusions: We detected five novel SCN5A mutations (1380 del N, F532C, R814Q, G833R, R878C) and a novel disease-associated SNP (L1988R) in patients with BS. We showed a novel analysis of splicing mutation (IVS21+1 g>a) that resulted in exon skipping in the heart.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) often occurs in patients with Brugada syndrome (BS) and BS patients with spontaneous AF often experience ventricular fibrillation (VF) attacks. We have reported that patients with BS had abnormal atrial electrophysiological vulnerability, which provides a substrate for AF, but there are no data regarding the atrial structural attribute. Our objective is to assess the atrial electrophysiological and structural characteristics according to the disease severity and their relations with gene mutations in BS. Methods: We studied 41 patients with BS: 9 patients with documented VF and spontaneous AF (Group VF+AF+), 7 patients with VF and without AF (Group VF+AF−), and 25 patients without VF and AF (Group VF−AF−). In electrophysiologic study, intra-atrial conduction time (CT) was defined as the interval from the stimulus at the high right atrium to the atrial deflection at the distal portion of the coronary sinus, and it was measured at constant pacing (CT1) and extrastimuli (CT2). In echocardiographic study, left atrial volume was calculated using the biplane modified Simpson’s method and indexed to body surface area (LA volume index). Mutations of SCN5A gene were examined in all patients. Results: CTs, especially CT2, were prolonged in both Group VF+AF+ and Group VF+AF− compared to Group VF−AF− (CT2: Group VF−AF−134.1±15.7 vs. Group VF+AF− 152.8±23.6* vs. Group VF+AF+ 173.5±12.4** ms, *p2 , respectively, *p Conclusions: High-risk patients with BS had both abnormal atrial vulnerability and remodeling even if patients did not have AF. Existence of SCN5A also induced both electrophysiological and anatomical remodeling of the atrium. To identify atrial electrophysiological and structural characteristics may be useful for the risk stratification in patients with BS.

Background— Conduction abnormalities serve as a substrate for ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BS). Signal-averaged electrograms can detect late potentials, but the significance of conduction abnormalities within the QRS complex is still unknown. The latter can present as multiple spikes within the QRS complex (fragmented QRS [f-QRS]). We hypothesized that f-QRS could indicate a substrate for VF and might predict a high risk of VF for patients with BS. Methods and Results— In study 1, we analyzed the incidence of f-QRS in 115 patients with BS (13 resuscitated from VF, 28 with syncope, and 74 asymptomatic). f-QRS was observed in 43% of patients, more often in the VF group (incidence of f-QRS: VF 85%, syncope 50%, and asymptomatic 34%, P SCN5A mutations occurred more often in patients with f-QRS (33%) than in patients without f-QRS (5%). In patients with syncope or VF, only 6% without f-QRS experienced VF during follow-up (43±25 months), but 58% of patients with f-QRS had recurrent syncope due to VF ( P Conclusions— f-QRS appears to be a marker for the substrate for spontaneous VF in BS and predicts patients at high risk of syncope.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a progressive disease characterized by inappropriate increase of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) leading to occlusion of pulmonary arterioles and causing pulmonary hypertension. In this study, we assessed the inhibitory effects of simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, on proliferation and migration of PASMCs obtained from patients with IPAH. Methods and Results: PASMCs were obtained from 6 patients with IPAH who underwent lung transplantation, and PASMCs were obtained as control cells from 6 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma who underwent lung lobectomy. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (10 ng/mL) stimulation caused a significantly higher growth rate of PASMCs from patients with IPAH than that of control cells assessed by 3 H-thymidine incorporation ( P< 0.05). Simvastatin at 0.1 Â113>mol/L significantly inhibited PDGF-induced cell proliferation of PASMCs from IPAH patients but did not inhibit proliferation of control cells at the same concentration. Simvastatin at 1 Â113>mol/L also inhibited PDGF-induced migration of PASMCs from IPAH patients assessed by a transwell migration assay ( P< 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining revealed that simvastatin at 1 Â113>mol/L inhibited translocation of Rho A from the cytoplasm to membrane and disorganized actin fibers in PASMCs from IPAH patients. Conclusions: Simvastatin had an inhibitory effect on the inappropriate proliferation and migration of PASMCs from IPAH patients. Simvastatin may be useful for treatment of patients with IPAH.