A randomized study of prourokinase during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Safety and efficacy of low-dose intracoronary thrombolysis during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

In patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), intracoronary thrombolysis (ICT) may reduce thrombotic burden and microvascular obstruction in the infarct-related artery. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of adjunctive low-dose ICT during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in improving clinical outcomes and indices of microvascular function.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, Medline; inception to October 2023) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of adjunctive ICT in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, compared with placebo or usual care. Study-level data on efficacy and safety outcomes were pooled using a fixed-effect model. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

RESULTS

A total of 8 RCTs were included, comprising a total of 1,208 patients. Compared with placebo or usual care, ICT was associated with a trend towards lower MACE (11.3% vs. 15.1%; odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51 to 1.04). Infarct size (mean difference [MD] -1.98, 95% CI -3.68 to -0.27; p=0.02), ST-segment resolution (MD: 6.06, 95% CI: 0.69 to 11.43; p=0.03) and corrected TIMI frame count (MD: -2.26, 95% CI: -4.03 to -0.48; p=0.01; I2=78%). The odds for major (0.7% vs. 0.7%; OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.24 to 3.7; p=0.93) and minor bleeding (7.7% vs. 4.3%; OR 1.81, 95% CI 0.87 to 3.76; p=0.11) were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive low-dose ICT during PPCI is safe, associated with a trend towards lower MACE, and may improve surrogate markers of microvascular function. These hypothesis-generating findings warrant validation in larger, adequately powered randomized trials.

Intracoronary Thrombolysis in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: an Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the standard reperfusion treatment in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Intracoronary thrombolysis (ICT) may reduce thrombotic burden in the infarct-related artery, which is often responsible for microvascular obstruction and no-reflow.

METHODS

We conducted, according to the PRISMA statement, the largest meta-analysis to date of ICT as adjuvant therapy to PPCI. All relevant studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

RESULTS

Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1876 patients were included. Compared to the control group, STEMI ICT-treated patients had fewer major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (OR 0.65, 95% CI, 0.48-0.86, P = 0.003) and an improved 6-month left ventricular ejection fraction (MD 3.78, 95% CI, 1.53-6.02, P = 0.0010). Indices of enhanced myocardial microcirculation were better with ICT (Post-PCI corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (MD - 3.57; 95% CI, - 5.00 to - 2.14, P < 0.00001); myocardial blush grade (MBG) 2/3 (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.16-2.69, P = 0.008), and complete ST-segment resolution (OR 1.97; 95% CI, 1.33-2.91, P = 0.0007)). The odds for major bleeding were comparable between the 2 groups (OR 1.27; 95% CI, 0.61-2.63, P = 0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis suggests that ICT was associated with improved MACE and myocardial microcirculation in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, without significant increase in major bleeding. However, these findings necessitate confirmation in a contemporary large RCT.

Intracoronary antithrombotic therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with STEMI: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of intracoronary (IC) antithrombotic therapy, which may best prevent the no-reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), remains unclear. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of different IC antithrombotic agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared IC fibrinolytic agents (recombinant tissue plasminogen activators [rtPAs] and non-rtPAs) or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (small molecules and monoclonal antibodies) with placebo by searching the relevant studies published before September 21, 2022. Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Twenty-five RCTs with 4546 patients were included. Non-rtPAs and small molecules were significantly more effective in achieving thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow than placebo (odds ratio [OR] 2.28, 95 % credible intervals [CrI] 1.24-4.13; OR 2.06, 95 % CrI 1.17-3.46). Moreover, these agents' efficacy was observed in other microcirculation-related outcomes, including TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3, complete ST-segment resolution, and corrected TIMI frame counts. Within 6 months, small molecules were associated with both an improved left ventricular ejection fraction (MD 3.90, 95 % CrI 0.48-7.46) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) reduction (OR 0.36, 95 % CrI 0.20-0.61). Non-rtPAs demonstrated a reduced MACE incidence within 6 months (OR 0.51, 95 % CrI 0.31-0.81). The results were consistent in the subgroup with a total ischemic time > 6 h. No significant differences in mortality or bleeding events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

IC non-rtPAs and small molecules may be effective for adjunctive therapy to PCI, particularly in patients with longer ischemia periods.

Local Intracoronary Fibrinolysis with Distal Occlusion: A Series of Cases Using Marinade Technique

No-reflow phenomenon is frequent in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and has proven to be a strong predictor of mortality. Local fibrinolytic infusion with distal coronary occlusion (previously described as "marinade technique") can be useful in patients with acute myocardial infarction and intraluminal thrombus refractory to aspiration enabling the local effect of the drug, directly applied inside the thrombus, while protecting the microvasculature with prolonged inflation of a distal balloon. We present the early experience of four patients with inferior acute myocardial infarction and high thrombus burden successfully treated with marinade technique in one center.

Safety and efficacy of intracoronary thrombolytic agents during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI

INTRODUCTION

Large thrombus burden in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with higher rates of distal embolization, no-reflow phenomenon, abrupt closure, stent thrombosis, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and mortality. Intracoronary (IC) thrombolytic agents are theoretically attractive as an adjunct to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) as they activate endogenous fibrinolysis which results in degradation of the cross-linked fibrin matrix in coronary thrombus.

AREAS COVERED

We reviewed published studies reporting on intraprocedural anti-thrombus strategies used during PPCI including randomized controlled trials and observational studies.

EXPERT OPINION

Published studies are limited by small sample size and heterogeneity due to variation in indication, inclusion criteria, thrombolytic agent, dose, delivery mechanisms, antiplatelet and anticoagulant regimen, timing in regard to reperfusion, PCI techniques, and endpoints. Despite these limitations, data are consistent that IC administration of thrombolytic agents at low doses is associated with low rates of bleeding and vascular complications. While there is currently no compelling data demonstrating a benefit to the routine use of IC thrombolytic therapy in patients with STEMI, there is suggestive data that IC thrombolysis may have benefit in selected patients.

Effects of intracoronary low-dose prourokinase administration on ST-segment elevation in patients with myocardial infarction and a high thrombus burden: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose prourokinase (pro-UK) administration during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients with a high thrombus burden.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, China. Patients with STEMI and a high thrombus burden who underwent thrombus aspiration and primary PCI were randomly allocated to pro-UK administration or control groups. The primary endpoint was corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the baseline demographics or clinical characteristics of the two groups. The CTFC, tissue myocardial perfusion grade, ST-segment resolution, and myocardial blush grade of the pro-UK group were significantly better than those of the control group. In addition, after 30 days of follow-up, the pro-UK group had better cardiac function and perfusion than the control group. There were no differences in the clinical outcomes or incidence of hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary low-dose pro-UK improves myocardial perfusion and cardiac function in patients with a high thrombus burden. Major hemorrhages still occur in patients administered pro-UK, but are no more frequent.Study registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900022290).

Safety and efficacy of intracoronary recombinant human prourokinase administration in patients with acute myocardial infarction and ST‑segment elevation: A meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

Slow blood flow or no reflow following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) typically leads to an adverse prognosis. However, it is controversial whether to use prourokinase (Pro-UK) during PCI in patients with acute STEMI. The present meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of intracoronary Pro-UK administration in patients with acute STEMI. Published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were analyzed to compare Pro-UK with non-Pro-UK treatment in patients with acute STEMI. PubMed, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 13 RCTs were selected and 1,797 patients were considered in the meta-analysis, including 897 patients who received Pro-UK intervention and 900 patients who were in the control group. No significant heterogeneity was identified across these selected studies. Pro-UK therapy significantly decreased the incidence of major adverse cardiac events [risk ratio (RR), 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56-0.82, P<0.0001], left ventricular end-diastolic diameter [standardized mean difference (SMD), -0.26; 95% CI, -0.40 - -0.12; P=0.0003], corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count [SMD, -0.45; 95% CI, -0.62 - -0.28; P<0.00001] and cardiac troponin I [SMD, -0.31; 95% CI, -0.46 - -0.17; P<0.0001]. In addition, Pro-UK administration increased TIMI grade 3 flow (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.07-1.25; P=0.0003), TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.74, P=0.004), ST-segment resolution (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10-1.36; P=0.0002) and left ventricular ejection fraction (SMD, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.27-0.49; P<0.00001). No significant difference was identified in bleeding (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.85-1.47; P=0.41). The present meta-analysis determined that intracoronary Pro-UK administration is efficacious and safe to decrease slow blood flow or no reflow phenomena following PCI and improve the prognosis of patients with acute STEMI.

Intracoronary pharmacological therapy versus aspiration thrombectomy in STEMI (IPAT-STEMI): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Thrombus load in STEMI patients remains a challenge in practice. It aggravates coronary obstruction leading to impaired myocardial perfusion, worsened cardiac function, and adverse clinical outcomes. Various strategies have been advocated to reduce thrombus burden.

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intracoronary-administered thrombolytics or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) in comparison with aspiration thrombectomy (AT) as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search for randomized trials that compared intracoronary-administered thrombolytics or GPI with AT in STEMI patients who underwent PCI, was conducted using various databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRALE). Primary outcome was procedural measures (e.g., TIMI flow grade 3, TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) 3, Myocardial blush grade (MBG) 2/3, ST-segment resolution (STR)).

RESULTS

Twelve randomized trials enrolled 1,466 patients: 696 were randomized to intracoronary-administered pharmacological interventions and 553 to AT. Patients randomized to PCI alone were excluded. Thrombolytics significantly improved TIMI flow grade 3 (odds ratio = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.85-7.45), complete STR (odds ratio = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.60-8.26), and TMPG 3 (odds ratio = 5.31, 95% CI: 2.48-11.36). Thrombolytics significantly reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13-0.65) without increasing bleeding risk. Trial sequential analysis assessment confirmed the superiority of thrombolytics for the primary outcome. Intracoronary GPI, either alone or combined with AT, did not improve procedural or clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with AT, intracoronary-administered thrombolytics significantly improved myocardial perfusion and MACE in STEMI patients.

New Ultrasound-Controlled Paclitaxel Releasing Balloon vs. Asymmetric Drug-Eluting Stent in Primary ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction - A Prospective Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Application of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) is popular for the treatment of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A new DCB has been designed as ultrasound-controlled paclitaxel releasing. This study was conducted to determine whether a DCB-only strategy has a similar safety profile and equal angiographic and clinical outcomes to DES implantation in primary ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, as well as determine the efficiency and safety of this new DCB.Methods and Results:Overall, 184 pretreated STEMI patients were randomized into DCB and DES groups with a 1:1 allocation. The main study end-point was late lumen loss (LLL) during the 9 months after PCI. Late lumen loss was reported to be 0.24±0.39 mm in the DCB group and 0.31±0.38 mm in the DES group (P=0.215). Diameter stenosis was 28.27±15.35% in the DCB group and 25.73±15.41% in the DES group (P=0.312). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were reported in 3 patients (3.4%) in the DCB group and 4 patients (4.7%) in the DES group (P=0.718). TLR and TVR in the DCB group was 2.3%, 3.4% and 2.4%, 3.5% in the DES group (P=1.000), respectively. No cardiac death and stent thrombosis (ST) was found in the DCB group at 12 months clinical follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

The DCB-only strategy showed good angiographic and clinical outcomes in the 9- and 12-month follow-up periods, respectively. The VasoguardTM DCB is safe and feasible to treat STEMI patients.

Effects of Intracoronary Pro-urokinase or Tirofiban on Coronary Flow During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Multi-Center, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: To determine whether intracoronary pro-urokinase or tirofiban improves myocardial reperfusion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods: The study included patients with acute STEMI presenting within 12 h of symptoms at 11 hospitals in China between November 2015 and July 2017. Patients were randomized to receive selective intracoronary infusion of recombinant pro-urokinase (20 mg), tirofiban (10 μg/kg), or saline (20 mL) proximal to the infarct-related lesion over a 3-min period before stent implantation during primary PCI. The primary outcome was final corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) after PCI.

Results: This study included 345 patients. Initial angiography identified a high-grade thrombus (TIMI 4–5) in 80% of patients. Final CTFC after PCI was significantly lower in the pro-urokinase (P < 0.001) and tirofiban (P < 0.001) groups than in the saline group and similar between the pro-urokinase and tirofiban groups (P > 0.05). The pro-urokinase (P = 0.008) and tirofiban groups (P = 0.022) had more complete ST-segment resolution at 2 h and lower peak creatine kinase-MB levels after PCI than the saline group (P = 0.006 and P = 0.023). The 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 4.5% in the pro-urokinase group, 3.4% in the tirofiban group, and 2.6% in the saline group. The incidence of in-hospital TIMI major bleeding events was low and comparable between groups.

Conclusions: Adjunctive intracoronary pro-urokinase or tirofiban given before stent implantation during primary PCI improves myocardial reperfusion without increasing the incidence of major bleeding events.

Adjunctive Intracoronary Fibrinolytic Therapy During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Despite routinely restoring epicardial coronary patency, with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), microvascular obstruction affects approximately half of patients and confers an adverse prognosis. There are no evidence-based treatments for microvascular obstruction. A key contributor to microvascular obstruction is distal embolisation and microvascular thrombi. Adjunctive intracoronary fibrinolytic therapy may reduce thrombotic burden, potentially reducing distal embolisation of atherothrombotic debris to the microcirculation. In this review, the evidence from published randomised trials on the effects of adjunctive intracoronary fibrinolytic therapy during primary PCI is critically appraised, the ongoing randomised trials are described, and conclusions are made from the available evidence. Clinical uncertainties, to be addressed by future research, are highlighted.

Intracoronary Thrombolysis in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The effects of intracoronary (IC) thrombolysis therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) remain unclear.

METHODS

The meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. All relevant studies were identified by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, with no time or language limitation. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1341 patients were included. Compared with the control group, IC thrombolysis in patients with STEMI could reduce the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; RR 0.632, 95% CI, 0.474-0.843, P = .002) and improve left ventricular ejection fraction (RR 0.343, 95% CI, 0.178-0.509, P < .001) and myocardial microcirculation. However, there was no difference noted in the mortality (RR 0.759, 95% CI, 0.347-1.661, P = .490). The incidence rate of major bleeding and minor bleeding was comparable between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary thrombolysis was associated with improved MACE and myocardial microcirculation in patients with STEMI having PPCI, though it failed to improve mortality.

Index of microvascular resistance and outcomes following intra-coronary thrombolysis with percutaneous intervention in STEMI: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Microvascular obstruction following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is highly prevalent and independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Microvascular obstruction is determined by index of the microvascular resistance. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of all published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) studying the effect of intra-coronary thrombolysis with PCI as compared to standard treatment among patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction. We included 6 RCTs summing up to 947 patients in the final analysis. Intra-coronary thrombolysis resulted in significantly lower index of microvascular resistance [standardized mean difference: - 13.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): - 16.74 to - 10.73, P value < 0.001, I² = 0%]. There was no difference noted in the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events with intra-coronary thrombolysis as compared to standard treatment [Odds ratio:  0.71, 95% CI: 0.46-1.08, P value = 0.11,  I² = 0%]. The absence of heterogeneity deferred us from using dose-response analysis to account for altering dose used across studies. The results of the present meta-analysis highlights the role of intra-coronary thrombolysis in reducing microvascular obstruction. No effect of intra-coronary thrombolysis was noted on the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events.

Effects of different strategies on high thrombus burden in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary catheterization

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at evaluating efficacy and safety of thrombus aspiration and intracoronary-targeted thrombolysis on coronary thrombus burden in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous catheterization, comparing their effects on myocardial perfusion through index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

From January 2017 to January 2018, STEMI patients with high thrombus burden undergoing primary catheterization were enrolled and randomly assigned to receiving thrombus aspiration (TA group) or intracoronary thrombolysis (IT group). IMR, SPECT, and other conventional measurements were adopted to assess myocardial perfusion. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and complications were recorded over a 90-day follow-up and a 12-month follow-up after the procedure.

RESULTS

The study consisted of 38 patients in the IT group and 33 in the TA group. After recanalization, thrombus burden score, corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count, the proportion of TIMI myocardial perfusion 3 grade, and IMR in the IT group were significantly better than those of the TA group (P<0.05). During the 90-day follow-up, no difference was observed in cardiac function and MACEs. During the 12-month follow-up, there were significant differences in infarct size of SPECT (18.56±8.56 vs. 22.67±7.66, P=0.046), left ventricular ejection fraction of echocardiography (58.13±5.92 vs. 55.17±5.68, P=0.043), and the composite MACEs between the two groups (P=0.034).

CONCLUSION

Thrombus aspiration and intracoronary-targeted thrombolysis are effective and safe strategies in managing high coronary thrombus burden in STEMI patients. Compared with aspiration, intracoronary-targeted thrombolysis is more beneficial in improving myocardial microcirculation perfusion.

Efficacy and safety of intracoronary prourokinase during percutaneous coronary intervention in treating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: a randomized, controlled study

Background

Prourokinase is a single-chain plasminogen activator presenting with fewer hemorrhagic complications and reduced reocclusion rate compared with the conventional fibrinolytic agents in patients with coronary artery disease. However, prourokinase intracoronary injection during PCI for treating patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rarely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracoronary prourokinase during the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in treating STEMI patients.

Methods

Fifty STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI were consecutively enrolled and randomly assigned to intracoronary prourokinase group (N = 25) or control group (N = 25). During the primary PCI procedure, patients in the intracoronary prourokinase group received 10 ml prourokinase injection, while patients in control group received 10 ml saline injection as control. The primary endpoints were coronary physiological indexes, the secondary endpoints were angiographic assessments, myocardial infarct size/reperfusion assessment, cardiac function evaluations, major adverse coronary events (MACEs) and hemorrhagic complications. All patients were followed up for 3 months.

Results

Post PCI, the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) was decreased in intracoronary prourokinase group than that in control group (34.56 ± 7.48 vs. 49.00 ± 8.98, P < 0.001), while no difference of coronary flow reserve (CFR) (2.01 ± 0.32 vs. 1.88 ± 0.23, P = 0.267) or fractional flow reserve (FFR) (0.89 ± 0.05 vs. 0.87 ± 0.04, P = 0.121) was found between the two groups. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) (P = 0.024), peak values of creatine kinase (CK) (P = 0.028), CK isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) (P = 0.016), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (P = 0.032) and complete ST-segment resolution (STR) (P = 0.005) were better in intracoronary prourokinase group compared with control group. At 3-months post PCI, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall motion score index (WMSI) were higher, while left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) was lower in intracoronary prourokinase group compared with control group (all P < 0.05). There was no difference in hemorrhagic complication or total MACE between the two groups.

Conclusion

Intracoronary prourokinase during PCI is more efficient and equally tolerant compared with PCI alone in treating STEMI patients.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800016207. Prospectively registered.

Assessment of the Preventive Effect Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of FGF1-Loaded Nanoliposomes Combined With Microbubble Cavitation by Ultrasound

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) has great potential in preventing diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of FGF1-loaded nanoliposomes (FGF1-nlip) combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) using ultrasound examination. Nanoliposomes encapsulating FGF1 were prepared by reverse phase evaporation. DM model rats were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), and different forms of FGF1 (FGF1 solution, FGF1-nlip, and FGF1-nlip+UTMD) were used for a 12-week intervention. According to the transthoracic echocardiography and velocity vector imaging (VVI) indexes, the LVEF, LVFS, and VVI indexes (Vs, Sr, SRr) in the FGF1-nlip+UTMD group were significantly higher than those in the DM model group and other FGF1 intervention groups. From the real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RT-MCE) indexes, the FGF1-nlip+UTMD group A and A×β showed significant differences from the DM model group and other FGF1 intervention groups. Cardiac catheter hemodynamic testing, CD31 immunohistochemical staining, and electron microscopy also confirmed the same conclusion. These results confirmed that the abnormalities, including myocardial dysfunction and perfusion impairment, could be suppressed to different extents by the twice weekly FGF1 treatments for 12 consecutive weeks (free FGF1, FGF1-nlip, and FGF1-nlip+UTMD), with the strongest improvements observed in the FGF1-nlip+UTMD group. In conclusion, the VVI and RT-MCE techniques can detect left ventricular systolic function and perfusion changes in DM rats, providing a more effective experimental basis for the early detection and treatment evaluation of DCM, which is of great significance for the prevention of DCM.

Cardiotonic Pills Plus Recombinant Human Prourokinase Ameliorates Atherosclerotic Lesions in LDLR-/- Mice

Aim

This study was to explore the protective effects of cardiotonic pills (CP) or/and recombinant human prourokinase (proUK)on the atherosclerosis and the potential underlying mechanism.

Methods and Results

Atherosclerosis was induced in LDLR^–/^– mice by high fat diet contained 20% lard and 0.5% cholesterol. Daily oral administration of CP (130 mg/kg) or/and intravenous injection of proUK (2.5 mg/kg, twice a week) began at 8 weeks after feeding with high fat diet and continued for 4 weeks. CP alone treatment markedly decreased plasma triglyceride, but did not ameliorate atherosclerosis plaque. No effect was observed for proUK alone on any endpoints tested. CP plus proUK induced a significantly reduction in the atherosclerotic lesions, along with decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride in the plasma. CP plus proUK inhibited the elevated hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride in high fat diet-fed LDLR^–/– mice, up-regulating the expressions of ATP-binding cassette gene 5 and 8, and adipose triglyceride lipase. In the aorta, CP plus proUK inhibited the expression of scavenger receptor A and CD36 in LDLR^–/– mice. In addition, we observed that systemic inflammation was inhibited, manifested downregulation of plasma macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Conclusion

CP plus proUK effectively attenuated atherosclerosis plaque in LDLR^–/– mice, which is associated with normalizing the lipid metabolism in the liver and aorta, reducing phagocytosis of receptor-mediated modified-LDL uptake and inhibiting systemic inflammation.

Comparison of myocardial microcirculatory perfusion after catheter-administered intracoronary thrombolysis with anisodamine versus standard thrombus aspiration in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy, safety and feasibility of targeted intracoronary injection using pro-urokinase combined with anisodamine (TCA) versus thrombus aspiration (TA) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with high thrombus loads.

BACKGROUND

The best method of avoiding thrombus detachment and stroke in PCI patients with high thrombus loads has not yet been established.

METHODS

STEMI patients receiving coronary artery angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention (CAG/PCI) with thrombus grade ≥ 3 from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 were randomly assigned to targeted intracoronary thrombolysis (pro-urokinase and anisodamine via catheter (TCA) group), or the TA group which followed the standard thrombus aspiration procedure. Parameters compared included thrombus grade, index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), postoperative myocardial SPECT, thrombosis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) scores including flow grade, corrected TIMI frame counts (CTFCs), and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). Adverse events were followed up within 3 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were finally enrolled. In primary CAG/PCI, the TCA group had higher percentages of TIMI 3 flow and lower IMR values compared with the TA group. The ratio of TMPG 3 grade in the TCA group was higher in repeat CAG, and the perfusion descending area (PDA) presented by SPECT was lower than in the TA group. No significant difference was seen in major adverse coronary events (MACEs) or bleeding events at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

TCA appears to be effective, safe, and feasible for repatency and reduction of high thrombus burden in primary PCI and may protect myocardial microcirculation with improved outcomes.

Role of Intracoronary Fibrinolytic Therapy in Contemporary PCI Practice

Plaque rupture or plaque erosion leads to intracoronary thrombus formation resulting in coronary artery occlusion and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Early restoration of blood flow in occluded coronary artery is the mainstay of therapy and it can be achieved by either thrombolytic therapy or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) or a combination of these two in many different ways. It has been proved that primary PCI is better than thrombolytic therapy in establishing early and effective recanalization of infarct related artery, reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and increasing survival. There have been tremendous advances in PCI techniques over the years with newer stents, thrombectomy devices, and adjunctive pharmacotherapy. However, intracoronary thrombus continues to be the bane of interventional cardiologists. Failure of recanalization, suboptimal results, distal embolization, no reflow and impaired myocardial perfusion are some of the unresolved difficulties, regularly seen during PCI of patients with large intracoronary thrombus burden indicating an unmet need. This review focuses on emerging evidence about the usefulness of intracoronary thrombolytic therapy as an adjunct to PCI in patients with large intracoronary thrombus burden.