Comparison between provisional and dual systematic stenting approach for left main bifurcation disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite recent advancements, challenges persist in determining the optimal stenting strategy for LM bifurcation disease. Hence, this systematic review aims to compare single provisional and systematic dual stenting for managing LM bifurcation disease. A systematic search was performed until January 14, 2024. For the effect measure, risk ratios (RRs) was calculated. This study included 22 studies with 10776 participants. The all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality revealed comparable outcomes between provisional and dual-systematic stenting (RR 1.13, CI95 %: 0.87-1.47, p 0.36, I2 59 %; RR 1.16, CI95 %: 0.73-1.84, p 0.63, I2 80 %). In addition, MACE, MI, TLR, TVR, and in stent thrombosis also showed similar findings. Subgroup analysis revealed that cohort studies was the source of heterogeneity in all-cause mortality, stent thrombosis, and TLR. This meta-analysis suggests comparable outcomes between provisional and dual-systematic stenting in managing LM bifurcation disease. Further study is needed to validate the outcomes of novel techniques.

The roles of C-reactive protein-albumin ratio as a novel prognostic biomarker in heart failure patients: A systematic review

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)-albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel prognostic biomarker that is predicted to be a more reliable indicator than CRP or albumin alone. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the role of CAR in predicting poor outcomes of heart failure (HF) patients. We conducted a literature search across ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. All related studies assessing CAR and reporting mortality outcomes or other adverse outcomes were assessed. A total of five studies with a total of 1821 patients were included in this review. CAR is significantly associated with all-causes in-hospital mortality and out-hospital mortality in patients with acute and chronic heart failure. CAR is associated with higher hospitalization rates, the number of hospitalizations, severe New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, and the risk of advanced HF. In conclusion, CAR is significantly associated with poor HF outcomes including all-cause mortality (cardiac and non-cardiac death).

Long-term systolic blood pressure variability independent of mean blood pressure is associated with mortality and cardiovascular events: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The association between long-term systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes after being adjusted with mean blood pressure (BP) is questionable. This systematic review aims to evaluate the associations between mean BP adjusted long-term SBPV and CV outcomes. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct on January 4, 2023. A total of 9,944,254 subjects from 43 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Long-term SBPV increased the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.21 [95%CI 1.16-1.25], I2=100%), CV mortality (HR 1.10 [95%CI 1.07-11.4], I2 = 90%), MACE (HR 1.10 [1.07-1.13], I2 = 91%), cerebrovascular stroke (HR 1.22 [1.16-1.29], I2=100%), and myocardial infarction (HR 1.13 [95%CI (1.07-1.19)], I2=91%). European populations generally had higher risk compared to other continents. In conclusion, long-term SBPV is associated with all-cause mortality, CV mortality, MACE, MI, and stroke. Poor outcomes related to long-term SBPV seem more dominated by cerebrovascular than coronary events.

The roles of trimethylamine-N-oxide in atherosclerosis and its potential therapeutic aspect: A literature review

Current research supports the evidence that the gut microbiome (GM), which consist of gut microbiota and their biologically active metabolites, is associated with atherosclerosis development. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite produced by the GM through trimethylamine (TMA) oxidation, significantly enhances the formation and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques. TMAO promotes inflammation and oxidative stress in endothelial cells, leading to vascular dysfunction and plaque formation. Dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB), iodomethylcholine (IMC) and fluoromethylcholine (FMC) have been recognized for their ability to reduce plasma TMAO by inhibiting trimethylamine lyase, a bacterial enzyme involved in the choline cleavage anaerobic process, thus reducing TMA formation. Conversely, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and trigonelline inhibit TMA oxidation by inhibiting flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 (FMO3), resulting in reduced plasma TMAO. The combined use of inhibitors of choline trimethylamine lyase and flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 could provide novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention by stabilizing existing atherosclerotic plaques. This review aims to present the current evidence of the roles of TMA/TMAO in atherosclerosis as well as its potential therapeutic prevention aspects.