Electrocardiographic Risk Markers of Cardiac Death: Gender Differences in the General Population

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia: The Role of Biomarkers

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) refers to a complex rebuilding of the left ventricle that can gradually lead to serious complications-heart failure and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. LVH is defined as an increase in the size of the left ventricle (i.e., anatomically), therefore the basic diagnosis detecting the increase in the LV size is the domain of imaging methods such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance. However, to evaluate the functional status indicating the gradual deterioration of the left ventricular myocardium, additional methods are available approaching the complex process of hypertrophic remodeling. The novel molecular and genetic biomarkers provide insights on the underlying processes, representing a potential basis for targeted therapy. This review summarizes the spectrum of the main biomarkers employed in the LVH valuation.

Prolongation of the heart rate-corrected QT interval is associated with cardiovascular diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Conflicting findings have described the association between prolonged heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) and cardiovascular disease.

AIMS

To identify articles investigating the association between QTc and cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, and to summarize the available evidence for the general and type 2 diabetes populations.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase in May 2022 to identify studies that investigated the association between QTc prolongation and cardiovascular disease in both the general and type 2 diabetes populations. Screening, full-text assessment, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random-effect models.

RESULTS

Of the 59 studies included, 36 qualified for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the general population studies showed a significant association for: overall cardiovascular disease (fatal and non-fatal) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-2.12; I²=69%); coronary heart disease (fatal and non-fatal) in women (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08-1.50; I²=38%; coronary heart disease (fatal and non-fatal) in men (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26-3.39; I²=78%); stroke (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.29-1.96; I²=45%); sudden cardiac death (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.14-2.25; I²=68%); and atrial fibrillation (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.31-1.83; I²=0.0%). No significant association was found for cardiovascular disease in the type 2 diabetes population.

CONCLUSION

QTc prolongation was associated with risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population, but not in the type 2 diabetes population.

Association of IL-6 promoter polymorphism hotspots (- 174G/C and - 572G/C) with cardiovascular disease risk factors

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, despite the recent advancements in clinical research. Early diagnosis of CVD and prevention of future complications are important for the management of CVD. In the present study, we determined the genotypic linkage of interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoters with the clinical, biochemical, and inflammatory markers of CVD in the Saudi population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study consisted of 89 patients (male and female) with CVD who were admitted at the King Abdulaziz university hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The biochemical parameters were evaluated using an automated chemistry analyzer, and inflammatory markers were measured using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. For genotypic analysis, Sanger sequencing was performed. We observed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between GG (66.29%), GC (30.34%), and CC (3.37%) genotypes at the - 174G/C (rs1800795) hotspot and neopterin levels. However, the genotypes at the - 572G/C (rs1800796) hotspot did not show any association with age, gender, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and coronary artery status. In addition, no significant association was observed with biochemical and inflammatory markers, namely fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, IL-6, and C-reactive protein. The comparison between different possible genotypic groups and CVD risk factors showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between the male gender and HDL with GG, rs1800795 group vs. GC, rs1800796 group. Similarly, neopterin level was also found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the genotypes GC, rs1800795, and GG, rs1800796. Additionally, the male gender (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.05), serum creatinine (p < 0.001), and neopterin (p < 0.05) were found to be significantly associated with GG, rs1800795 + GG, rs1800796, GC, rs1800795 + GC, and rs1800796 GC.

CONCLUSION

The direct association of neopterin level with IL-6 promoter polymorphism at - 174G/C (rs1800795) hotspot indicated the role of inflammation in CVD pathogenesis in the Saudi population.