Negative correlation between organ heteroplasmy, particularly hepatic heteroplasmy, and age at death revealed by post-mortem studies of m.3243A > G cases

Mitochondrial DNA m.3243A > G mutation causes mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and its associated multi-organ disorders, including diabetes. To clarify associations between m.3243A > G organ heteroplasmy and clinical phenotypes, including the age at death, we combined genetic and pathological examinations from seven unreported and 36 literature cases of autopsied subjects. Clinical characteristics of subjects were as follows: male, 13; female, 28; unknown, 2; the age at death, 36.9 ± 20.2 [4-82] years; BMI, 16.0 ± 2.9 [13.0-22.3]; diabetes, N = 21 (49%), diabetes onset age 38.6 ± 14.2 years; deafness, N = 27 (63%); stroke-like episodes (StLEp), N = 25 (58%); congestive heart failure (CHF), N = 15 (35%); CHF onset age, 51.3 ± 14.5 years. Causes of death (N = 32) were as follows: cardiac, N = 13 (41%); infection, N = 8 (25%); StLEp, N = 4 (13%); gastrointestinal, N = 4 (13%); renal, N = 2 (6%); hepatic, N = 1 (2%). High and low heteroplasmies were confirmed in non-regenerative and regenerative organs, respectively. Heteroplasmy of the liver, spleen, leukocytes, and kidney for all subjects was significantly associated with the age at death. Furthermore, the age at death was related to juvenile-onset (any m.3243A > G-related symptoms appeared before 20) and stroke-like episodes. Multiple linear regression analysis with the age at death as an objective variable showed the significant contribution of liver heteroplasty and juvenile-onset to the age at death. m.3243A > G organ heteroplasmy levels, particularly hepatic heteroplasmy, are significantly associated with the age at death in deceased cases.

A case of hyperchylomicronemia associated with GPIHBP1 autoantibodies and fluctuating thyroid autoimmune disease

Recent studies have reported that patients with autoimmune hyperchylomicronemia caused by glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) autoantibodies are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Basedow's disease, and immune thrombocytopenia. We report a rare case of hyperchylomicronemia due to GPIHBP1 autoantibodies and fluctuating thyroid autoimmune disease. A 28-year-old woman, diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis at 26 years of age, started taking 50 µg/day of levothyroxine sodium. She had an episode of acute pancreatitis at 27 years of age; her serum triglyceride (TG) level was 1291 mg/dL at that time. The patient was referred to our hospital because her hyperchylomicronemia (hypertriglyceridemia) did not improve on treatment with pemafibrate and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Serum total cholesterol and TG levels were 237 mg/dL and 2535 mg/dL, respectively, while plasma pre-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mass was 15 ng/mL (26.5-105.5 ng/mL). We diagnosed her as Basedow's disease based on autoimmune antibodies and ultrasound examination. Targeted exome sequencing revealed no pathogenic variants in the LPL or GPIHBP1 genes. The serum GPIHBP1 autoantibody level was 686.0 U/mL (<58.4 U/mL) and GPIHBP1 mass was 301.9 pg/mL (570.6-1625.6 pg/mL). The patient showed hyperchylomicronemia during periods of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, whereas GPIHBP1 autoantibodies were positive during episode of hyperchylomicronemia but negative during periods of normal TG levels. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with hyperchylomicronemia due to GPIHBP1 autoantibodies and treated with rituximab. GPIHBP1 autoantibodies remained undetectable and TG levels were controlled at approximately 200 mg/dL.

Whole Exome Sequencing Insufficient for a Definitive Diagnosis of a Patient with Compound Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic disorder, and a genetic analysis is important to make a definitive diagnosis. A comprehensive genetic analysis using next generation sequencing (NGS) and whole exome sequencing (WES) is feasible. However, the application of NGS in the assessment of genomic structural variations is generally limited, and a substantial number of control samples are needed for such assessments. Thus, NGS alone is unlikely to detect genomic structural variations in a "singleton." We present the case of a patient with compound HeFH (heterozygous FH), whose causative mutations in the LDLR gene could not be identified by WES, necessitating the application of the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique.

Hokuriku-plus familial hypercholesterolaemia registry study: rationale and study design

INTRODUCTION

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal-dominant inherited genetic disease. It carries an extremely high cardiovascular risk associated with significantly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The diagnostic rate of this disease in some European nations is quite high, due to the presence of multiple prospective registries. On the other hand, few data-and in particular multicentre data-exist regarding this issue among Japanese subjects. Therefore, this study intends to assemble a multicentre registry that aims to comprehensively assess cardiovascular risk among Japanese FH patients while taking into account their genetic backgrounds.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Hokuriku-plus FH registry is a prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study, enrolling consecutive FH patients who fulfil the clinical criteria of FH in Japan from 37 participating hospitals mostly in Hokuriku region of Japan from April 2020 to March 2024. A total of 1000 patients will be enrolled into the study, and we plan to follow-up participants over 5 years. We will collect clinical parameters, including lipids, physical findings, genetic backgrounds and clinical events covering atherosclerotic and other important events, such as malignancies. The primary endpoint of this study is new atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. The secondary endpoints are as follows: LDL cholesterol, secondary ASCVD events and the occurrence of other diseases including hypertension, diabetes and malignancies.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is being conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki, the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects, and all other applicable laws and guidelines in Japan. This study protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Kanazawa University. We will disseminate the final results at international conferences and in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000038210.

Systemic Sarcoidosis Associated with Certolizumab Pegol Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 69-year-old woman presented with appetite loss, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. She had been receiving certolizumab pegol for rheumatoid arthritis for six years. Computed tomography of the chest showed multiple micronodules in both lungs and bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. An ophthalmic examination showed the findings of uveitis. Lymphocytosis with an increased CD4/CD8 ratio was seen in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy specimens obtained from the right lung and a right hilar lymph node showed noncaseous epithelioid cell granulomas. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α-induced sarcoidosis was diagnosed, and she was successfully treated with cessation of certolizumab pegol and systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Bucillamine-induced Pneumonitis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated Interstitial Pneumonia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

An 81-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had been treated with bucillamine presented with dyspnea. Computed tomography of the chest showed ground-glass opacities and consolidations in both lungs and honeycombing in both basal lung areas. An elevation of the serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 level and hypoxemia were seen. Lymphocytosis with a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio was seen in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. A transbronchial lung biopsy specimen showed organizing pneumonia. Based on a diagnosis of bucillamine-induced pneumonitis (BIP) with RA-associated pre-existing interstitial pneumonia, she was successfully treated with the cessation of bucillamine and systemic corticosteroid therapy. The risk factors and prognosis of BIP are discussed.

Anti-Jo-1 Antibody-positive Interstitial Pneumonia in an Elderly Patient with Congenital Rubella Syndrome

A 71-year-old woman with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) presented with prolonged cough. No physical findings suggested the presence of any connective tissue diseases. Chest computed tomography showed ground-glass opacities and consolidations in the bilateral lower lobes. She had elevated serum Krebs von den Lungen-6, hypoxemia and positive serum anti-Jo-1 antibody. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed lymphocytosis with a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. A transbronchial lung biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia. Based on a diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF), systemic corticosteroids were administered, and a good outcome was obtained. A possible relationship between CRS and IPAF is herein discussed.

Plaque Volume and Morphology are Associated with Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Aim: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) accurately diagnoses ischemic lesions of intermediate stenosis severity. However, significant determinants of FFRCT have not been fully evaluated.

Methods: This was a sub-analysis of the Treatment of Alogliptin on Coronary Atherosclerosis Evaluated by Computed Tomography-Based Fractional Flow Reserve trial. Thirty-nine diabetic patients (117 vessels) with intermediate coronary artery stenosis [percent diameter stenosis (%DS) <70%] in whom FFRCT was measured were included in this study. CCTA-defined, vessel-based volumetric and morphological characteristics of plaques were examined to determine their ability to predict FFRCT.

Results: Patient-based, multivariate linear regression analysis showed that hemoglobinA1c, triglycerides, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate were significant independent factors associated with FFRCT. Vessel-based, univariate linear regression analysis showed that the total atheroma volume (r = -0.233, p=0.01) and the percentage atheroma volume (PAV) (r = −0.284, p=0.002) as well as %DS (r = −0.316, p=0.006) were significant determinants of FFRCT. Among the plaque components, significant negative correlations were observed between FFRCT and low- (r = −0.248, p=0.007) or intermediate-attenuation plaque volume (r = −0.186, p= 0.045), whereas calcified plaque volume was not associated with FFRCT. In the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), the plaque volume of each component was associated with FFRCT.

Conclusions: Plaque volume, PAV, and %DS were significant determinants of FFRCT. Plaque morphology, particularly in LAD, was associated with FFRCT in diabetic patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis.

Changes in coronary atherosclerosis, composition, and fractional flow reserve evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

The use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for noninvasive anatomic detection of coronary artery disease is increasing. Recently, fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment using routinely acquired CCTA datasets (FFR_CT) has been developed. However, there are no reports about changes in coronary atherosclerosis, composition, and FFR_CT in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, observational trial evaluated changes in coronary atherosclerosis after alogliptin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Fifty-one patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent CCTA examination and having intermediate coronary artery stenosis were treated with 25 mg of alogliptin. After 48 weeks, CCTA examination was repeated. The primary endpoint was changes in FFR_CT, and the secondary endpoint was changes in total atheroma volume (TAV) from the baseline to the 48-week follow-up.

Results

The FFR_CT decreased from the baseline to follow-up, but not significantly. A significant increase in TAV (from 658.5 mm³ to 668.9 mm³, p = 0.048) was observed. Vessel volume tended to increase, whereas percentage atheroma volume and lumen volume did not change. A significant negative correlation was observed between percentage change in TAV and change in FFR_CT (r = −0.185, p = 0.048). A significant increase in calcified plaques (p = 0.01) and a decrease in intermediate-attenuation plaques (p = 0.006) was observed.

Conclusions

In Japanese patients with diabetes and intermediate coronary artery stenosis, alogliptin could not improve FFR_CT or reduce atheroma volume, whereas the plaque composition changed. A progression of atheroma volume was associated with a reduction in FFR_CT.

Lipid Lowering Therapy and Circulating PCSK9 Concentration

Hypercholesterolemia, particularly an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, contributes substantially to the development of coronary artery disease and the risk for cardiovascular events. As the first-line pharmacotherapy, statins have been shown to reduce both LDL-C levels and cardiovascular events. However, despite intensive statin therapy, a sizable proportion of statin-treated patients are unable to achieve the recommended target LDL-C levels, and not all patients can avoid future cardiovascular events. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis by enhancing the degradation of hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Owing to its importance in lipid metabolism, PCSK9 has emerged as a novel pharmacological target for lowering LDL-C levels. In this review, the potential role of circulating PCSK9 as a new biomarker of lipid metabolism is described. Next, previous studies evaluating the effects of lipid-modifying pharmacological agents, particularly statins, on circulating PCSK9 concentrations are summarized. Statins decrease hepatic intracellular cholesterol, resulting in increased LDLRs as well as increased PCSK9 protein. There is a clear dose-response effect of statin treatment on PCSK9 level, as increasing doses of statins also increase the level of circulating PCSK9. Finally, the available therapeutic strategies to inhibit PCSK9 are present. Monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9, in combination with statins, are one of the most promising and novel approaches to achieve further reduction of LDL-C levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Effects of sitagliptin on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes-A serial integrated backscatter-intravascular ultrasound study

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects in an animal model. However, the clinical usefulness of DPP-4 inhibitors, particularly its effects on coronary atherosclerosis, has not been evaluated thus far. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, on coronary atherosclerosis using integrated backscatter (IB)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with type 2 diabetes. This trial was a prospective, open-labeled, randomized, multicenter study. Twenty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly assigned to either the sitagliptin group (group S) or the control group (group C). Non-PCI lesions were evaluated using IB-IVUS at the time of PCI and at the 48-week follow-up. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in plaque volume measured using grayscale IVUS, and the secondary endpoint was changes in plaque composition evaluated using IB-IVUS. Grayscale IVUS analysis demonstrated that plaque volume tended to decrease in both groups (group S: -1.7±8.5%; group C: -3.2±12.2%), but a between-group difference was not observed. A decrease in the lipid plaque volume (group S: from 200.1±116.2 to 179.8±121.0 mm³, P = 0.02; group C: from 298.3±363.0 to 256.6±386.1 mm³, P = 0.1) and an increase in the calcified plaque volume (group S: from 2.1±0.9 to 3.2±1.8 mm³, P = 0.06; group C: from 2.3±1.7 to 4.8±3.5 mm³, P = 0.04) was observed on IB-IVUS analysis. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that the percentage change in serum non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was an independent and significant predictor of a reduction in lipid plaque volume (β = 0.445, P = 0.04). In conclusions, sitagliptin did not significantly reduce coronary plaque volume in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, a decrease in the lipid plaque volume was observed in the sitagliptin group. A decrease in non-HDL cholesterol level was associated with a reduction in the lipid volume of coronary artery plaques.

Correlation between serum levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with coronary artery disease

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Recently, PCSK9 has additionally been related to metabolic risk factors such as the levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B (apoB), insulin, and glucose, as well as body mass index. The purpose of this study was to investigate correlations between serum levels of PCSK9 and apoB-containing atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Serum levels of PCSK9 and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]; small, dense LDL; and oxidized LDL were measured in 101 patients with CAD who were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy.

Results

Serum hetero-dimer PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with serum levels of Lp(a) (r = 0.195, p = 0.05); small, dense LDL (r = 0.336, p = 0.0006); and oxidized LDL (r = 0.268, p = 0.008). Multivariate regression analyses showed that serum hetero-dimer PCSK9 was a significant predictor of serum levels of Lp(a) (β = 0.235, p = 0.01); small, dense LDL (β = 0.143, p = 0.03); and oxidized LDL (β = 0.268, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Serum PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with serum levels of Lp(a); small, dense LDL; and oxidized LDL in patients with CAD. This suggests that the interaction between serum PCSK9 and apoB-containing lipoproteins plays a role in establishing the atherosclerotic status of patients.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN ID: C000000311.

Effects of alogliptin on fractional flow reserve evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with type 2 diabetes: Rationale and design of the TRACT study

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes are at high risk for developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Noninvasive anatomic assessment by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is being increasingly used for detecting or excluding CAD. Recently, fractional flow reserve (FFR) using routinely acquired CCTA datasets (FFR_CT) has been developed. Although intensive glycemic control can reduce the risk of microvascular complications, intensive glucose control does not seem to be beneficial in preventing major cardiovascular events when compared with standard therapy. However, it has been reported that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have anti-atherogenic effects in an animal model. In addition, DPP-4 inhibitors attenuate the progression of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this study will be performed to evaluate the effects of alogliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, on coronary atherosclerosis using FFR_CT in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS AND DESIGN

This study will be a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter trial performed in Japan. Patients with type 2 diabetes who have intermediate coronary artery stenosis (diameter stenosis <70%) as evaluated by CCTA will be treated with 25mg/day of alogliptin. After 48 weeks' treatment, CCTA will be repeated. The primary endpoint will be changes in FFR_CT, and the secondary endpoint will be the change in plaque volume from baseline to the 48-week follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study will be the first multicenter trial to evaluate the effects of alogliptin on coronary atherosclerosis using the newly developed FFR_CT as the primary endpoint, and the findings will clarify the anti-atherogenic effects of alogliptin.

Efficacy of Statin Therapy in Inducing Coronary Plaque Regression in Patients with Low Baseline Cholesterol Levels

Aim: The efficacy of statin therapy in inducing coronary plaque regression may depend on baseline cholesterol levels. We aimed to determine the efficacy of statin therapy in inducing coronary plaque regression in statin-naïve patients with low cholesterol levels using serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data from the treatment with statin on atheroma regression evaluated by virtual histology IVUS (TRUTH) study.

Methods: The TRUTH study is a prospective, multicenter trial, comparing the efficacies of pitavastatin and pravastatin in coronary plaque regression in 164 patients. All patients were statin-naïve and received statin therapy only after study enrollment. The primary endpoint was the observation of coronary plaque progression, despite statin therapy.

Results: Serial IVUS data, at baseline and after an 8-month follow-up, were available for 119 patients. The patients were divided into three groups based on non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels—low: ≤ 140 mg/dl, n = 38; moderate: 141–169 mg/dl, n = 42; and high: ≥ 170 mg/dl, n = 39. Coronary plaque progression was noted in the low cholesterol group, whereas plaque regression was noted in the moderate and high cholesterol groups [%Δplaque volume: 2.3 ± 7.4 vs. − 2.7 ± 10.7 vs. − 3.2 ± 7.5, p = 0.004 (analysis of variance)]. After adjusting for all variables, a low non-HDLC level (≤ 140 mg/dl) was identified as an independent predictor of coronary plaque progression [odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–9.1, p = 0.004].

Conclusion: Serial IVUS data analysis indicated that statin therapy was less effective in inducing coronary plaque regression in patients with low cholesterol levels but more effective in those with high cholesterol levels at baseline.

University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) (UMIN ID: C000000311).

Effects of Statin Therapy on Plasma Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 9 and Sortilin Levels in Statin-Naive Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

AIM

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, and sortilin is linked to lipoprotein metabolism. Although statin therapy increases PCSK9 levels, effects of this therapy on plasma sortilin levels have not been evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of statins on plasma PCSK9 and sortilin levels, and association of statin-induced increase in PCSK9 levels with sortilin.

METHODS

Serum lipid levels and plasma PCSK9 and sortilin levels were measured at baseline and 8 months after statin therapy in 90 statin-naive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Pitavastatin 4 mg/day was used to treat 44 patients and pravastatin 20 mg/day to treat the remaining 46 patients.

RESULTS

For both statin groups, significant increases in hetero-dimer PCSK9 levels (pitavastatin: 31%, p＜0.0001; pravastatin: 34%, p=0.03) and decreases in sortilin levels (pitavastatin: －8%, p=0.02; pravastatin: －16%, p=0.002) were observed. Although a reduction in LDL cholesterol was greater in the pitavastatin group than in the pravastatin group, no significant differences were observed in percentage changes in hetero-dimer PCSK9 and sortilin levels. A significant positive correlation was observed between percentage changes in hetero-dimer PCSK9 levels and those in sortilin levels (pitavastatin: r=0.359, p=0.02; pravastatin: r=0.276, p=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of pitavastatin and pravastatin increased plasma PCSK9 and decreased sortilin levels. Statin-induced increases in PCSK9 were associated with changes in sortilin in statin-naive patients with CAD.

A case of giant saphenous vein graft aneurysm successfully treated with catheter intervention

The patient was a 67-year-old man who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery using a saphenous vein graft (SVG) 22 years before. Computed tomography angiogram revealed a large aneurysm of the SVG (38 × 42 mm in diameter; 80-mm long) and total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). We first performed percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion of the native LAD with bi-directional approach via the SVG. One month later, we performed the trans-catheter embolization of the SVG and occluded the SVG using multiple coils. This case demonstrates that trans-catheter embolization after recanalization of native coronary artery is an effective strategy to treat an SVG aneurysm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[THREE CASES OF DRUG-INDUCED PNEUMONIA CAUSED BY MESALAZINE]

We report three cases of drug-induced pneumonia caused by mesalazine. They were all diagnosed as ulcerative colitis and treated with mesalazine orally. Our three cases and literature review revealed that mesalazine-induced pneumonia resemble like eosinophilic pneumonia or organizing pneumonia and that have good prognosis with drug cessation or administration of corticosteroid. The patient of ulcerative colitis is increasing every year and it is anticipated that the patient with mesalazine-induced pneumonia may also increase. In the treatment of ulcerative colitis with mesalazine, we should pay attention with patient's cough or fever for early detection of drug-induced pneumonia.

Effects of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog, on left ventricular remodeling assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

The clinical efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the GLP-1 analog liraglutide on left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with AMI. We retrospectively evaluated the effects of liraglutide on LV remodeling assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in 15 patients with type 2 diabetes who were successfully treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI. Patients were divided into two groups based on their hypoglycemic medication: liraglutide use (group L; n = 6) or standard therapy (group S; n = 9). The CMRI findings in the early phase and at the 6-month follow-up were compared. At the 6-month follow-up, group S showed increases in LV end-diastolic (from 64 to 74 mL/m(2), p = 0.08) and end-systolic (from 38 to 45 mL/m(2), p = 0.13) volume indexes, whereas no such increase was observed in group L. The LV mass index (LVMI) was significantly smaller in group L than in group S at baseline (64 vs. 75 g/m(2), p = 0.05) and at follow-up (56 vs. 78 g/m(2), p = 0.009). Multivariate regression analysis showed that liraglutide use was an independent negative predictor of LVMI (β = -0.720, p = 0.003). In conclusion, liraglutide may be able to prevent the progression of LV remodeling and is associated with a lower LV mass in diabetic patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI.

Effects of sitagliptin on coronary atherosclerosis evaluated using integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound in patients with type 2 diabetes: rationale and design of the TRUST study

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk for developing coronary artery disease (CAD), even if they are treated with statins. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on the cardiovascular system in an animal model. However, recent clinical trials using DPP-4 inhibitors have shown that these inhibitors fail to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study will be performed to evaluate the effects of sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study will be a prospective, open-label, randomized multicenter trial performed in 6 centers in Japan. Stable CAD patients with type 2 diabetes who have undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention under integrated backscatter (IB)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance will be studied. They will be randomly assigned to either the sitagliptin group or a control group. After 48 weeks' treatment, the IVUS examination will be repeated in the same coronary artery as at baseline. The primary end point will be the percentage change in plaque volume measured using grayscale IVUS from baseline to the 48-week follow-up. This study will be the first multicenter trial to evaluate the effects of a DPP-4 inhibitor on coronary atherosclerosis evaluated using IB-IVUS, and the findings will clarify the anti-atherogenic effects of sitagliptin.

Frequency and predictors of bleeding complications associated with anti-coagulant therapy using dabigatran in Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Few data exist regarding frequency and predictors of bleeding complications associated with anticoagulant therapy using dabigatran in Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively studied 184 patients with AF who were administered dabigatran from April 2011 to August 2012 in our institution. Twenty-eight patients (15%) developed some type of bleeding complication. In the Bleeding group, age, CHADS2 and HAS-BLED score were higher (75 vs. 71 years, p=0.067, 2.7 vs. 1.9, p=0.006 and 2.3 vs. 1.8, p=0.01, respectively), hemoglobin concentration was lower (13.1 vs. 13.7 g/dL, p=0.04), casual activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was longer (60.2 vs. 47.4 sec., p<0.0001) and frequency of aspirin use was higher (29 vs. 15%, p=0.09) than those in the Non-bleeding group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that casual APTT was an independent significant predictor of any type of bleeding complications (β=0.431, p<0.0001). Moreover, casual APTT (β=0.359, p=0.049), pre-existing anemia (β=0.457, p=0.02) and aspirin use (β=0.597, p=0.02) were significant predictors of major bleeding. ROC analysis showed that casual APTT exhibited 83.3% sensitivity and 72.5% specificity as predictors of major bleeding and its cut-off value was 54.7 sec.

CONCLUSION

Casual APTT level can serve as a predictor of bleeding complications, while pre-existing anemia and aspirin use may be associated with major bleeding in patients with AF treated with dabigatran.

Lipoprotein(a) is associated with necrotic core progression of non-culprit coronary lesions in statin-treated patients with angina pectoris

Background

Statin therapy results in regression and stabilization of coronary artery plaques, and reduces the incidence of coronary artery disease. However, statin therapy does not effectively halt the accumulation of necrotic core in all patients. The purpose of the present study was to identify the predictors associated with necrotic core progression during statin therapy.

Methods

Coronary atherosclerosis in non-culprit lesions was evaluated using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound at baseline and 8 months after statin therapy. One hundred nineteen patients were divided into 2 groups based on necrotic core progression or regression during an 8-month follow-up period.

Results

Patients with necrotic core progression had higher serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels than patients with regression at baseline (16 mg/dL vs. 12 mg/dL, p = 0.02) and at the 8-month follow-up (17 mg/dL vs. 10 mg/dL, p = 0.006). Patients with necrotic core progression had a higher fibro-fatty plaque volume (1.28 mm³/mm vs. 0.73 mm³/mm, p = 0.002), and less necrotic core (0.56 mm³/mm vs. 1.04 mm³/mm, p < 0.0001) and dense calcium (0.35 mm³/mm vs. 0.56 mm³/mm, p = 0.006) plaque volumes at baseline than patients with regression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Lp(a) was a significant independent predictor associated with necrotic core progression during statin therapy (odds ratio [OR]: 3.514; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.338-9.228; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Serum Lp(a) is independently associated with necrotic core progression in statin-treated patients with angina pectoris.

Low serum docosahexaenoic acid is associated with progression of coronary atherosclerosis in statin-treated patients with diabetes mellitus: results of the treatment with statin on atheroma regression evaluated by intravascular ultrasound with virtual histology (TRUTH) study

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) accelerates plaque progression despite the use of statin therapy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the determinants of atheroma progression in statin-treated patients with DM.

Methods

Coronary atherosclerosis in nonculprit lesions in a vessel undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was evaluated using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound. The study included 50 patients with DM who had been taking statin therapy for 8 months at the time of PCI.

Results

Twenty-six patients (52%) showed atheroma progression (progressors) and the remaining 24 patients (48%) showed atheroma regression (regressors) after 8 months of follow-up. Fewer progressors than regressors received intensive lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin (31% vs. 50%, p = 0.17) and the frequency of insulin use was higher in progressors (31% vs. 13%, p = 0.18). However, neither of these differences reached statistical significance. Risk factor control at baseline and at the 8-month follow-up did not differ between the 2 groups except for serum levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Univariate regression analysis showed that serum EPA (r = -0.317, p = 0.03) and DHA (r = -0.353, p = 0.02) negatively correlated with atheroma progression. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that low serum DHA and pravastatin use were significant independent predictors for atheroma progression during statin therapy (DHA: β = -0.414, type of statin: β = -0.287, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Low serum DHA is associated with progression of coronary atherosclerosis in statin-treated patients with DM.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN ID: C000000311.

A predictor of atheroma progression in patients achieving very low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

An aggressive reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statins produces regression or stabilization of coronary artery plaques. However, after achieving very low levels of LDL-C, atheroma regression is not observed in all patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the determinants of atheroma progression despite achieving very low levels of LDL-C. The effects of 8-month statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in the TRUTH study. Of these, 33 patients who achieved an on-treatment LDL-C level of <70 mg/dl were divided into 2 groups according to increase in plaque volume (progressors, n= 16) or decrease in plaque volume (regressors, n= 17) during an 8-month follow-up period. At the 8-month follow-up, serum LDL-C and apolipoprotein B levels were significantly lower in progressors than in regressors; however, significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI and decreases in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and oxidized LDL were observed only in regressors. The changes in the n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios significantly differed between the 2 groups. Multivariate regression analysis showed that a decrease in the eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio was a significant predictor associated with atheroma progression (β= -0.512, p= 0.004). In conclusions, n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios affected coronary artery plaque progression and regression in patients who achieved very low levels of LDL-C during statin therapy.

A case of carotid artery dissection after surgical repair of aortic dissection successfully treated with endovascular therapy using intravascular ultrasound

A 71-year-old woman developed the dissection from right brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) to internal carotid artery 6 days after the operation of ascending aortic dissection. Since no improvement of symptoms was observed despite conservative therapy, we performed endovascular therapy (EVT). Although a balloon-expandable stent was implanted in the BCT to seal the entry point of the dissection, the true lumen of the carotid artery was still compressed. Thus, we covered the dissected lesion completely with multiple stents, and her neurological findings improved. This case demonstrates that EVT using multiple stents is an effective strategy to manage dissection of supra-aortic branches.

Impacts of age on coronary atherosclerosis and vascular response to statin therapy

Age is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recent trials using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) have shown that lipid-lowering therapy with statins halts the progression or induces the regression of coronary artery plaques. However, impacts of age on coronary atherosclerosis and vascular response to statin therapy have not been fully evaluated. The effects of 8-month statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated using virtual histology-IVUS. IVUS data were analyzed from 119 patients who were divided into two groups according to age: elderly patients (≥65 years, n = 72) and non-elderly patients (<65 years, n = 47). No patients were taking statins or other lipid-lowering therapies at baseline. At baseline, external elastic membrane (EEM) volume (17.27 vs. 14.95 mm(3)/mm, p = 0.02) and plaque volume (9.49 vs. 8.11 mm(3)/mm, p = 0.03) in the elderly patients were significantly greater than in the non-elderly patients. The EEM volume (-2.4 %, p = 0.007) and plaque volume (-3.1 %, p = 0.007) after 8-month of statin therapy had significantly decreased in the non-elderly patients but not in the elderly patients. A significant positive correlation was observed between age and percentage change in plaque volume (r = 0.265, p = 0.004). A multivariate regression analysis showed that age was a significant predictor of the percentage change in plaque volume during statin therapy (β = 0.223, p = 0.02). Coronary atherosclerosis was more advanced and vascular responses to statin therapy were attenuated in the elderly patients compared to the non-elderly patients.

C-reactive protein and future cardiovascular events in statin-treated patients with angina pectoris: the extended TRUTH study

AIM

The TRUTH trial demonstrated that 8-month statin therapy alters the composition of coronary artery plaque using virtual histology (VH)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The extended TRUTH study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between changes in coronary atherosclerosis and mid-term clinical outcomes and identify the factors associated with cardiovascular events.

METHODS

Of 164 patients with angina pectoris who participated in the TRUTH trial, 119 subjects with analyzable IVUS data at both enrollment and the 8-month follow-up were enrolled and observed for at least two years. The primary end point was the time to first occurrence of cardiovascular composite events, including cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal cerebral infarction, unstable angina and ischemic-driven revascularization, except for target lesion revascularization.

RESULTS

The frequency of reaching the primary end point was 13% (16/119), with a mean follow-up period of 41.9±9.4 months. Although plaque regression and changes in plaque composition were not associated with future cardiovascular events, the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels at the start of the extended TRUTH study were significantly higher in the event group than in the event-free group (1.43 mg/L vs. 0.58 mg/L, p=0.01). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the hs-CRP level was an independent significant predictor of cardiovascular events (odds ratio: 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-2.50, p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary artery plaque regression and changes in plaque composition during statin therapy do not predict future cardiovascular events in patients with angina pectoris. Instead, the serum hs-CRP level can be used as a predictor of cardiovascular events.

Comparison of effects of serum n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on coronary atherosclerosis in patients treated with pitavastatin or pravastatin undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

A low n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio is associated with cardiovascular events. However, the effects of this ratio on coronary atherosclerosis have not been fully examined, particularly in patients treated with different types of statins. This study compared the effects of n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratios on coronary atherosclerosis in patients treated with pitavastatin and pravastatin. Coronary atherosclerosis in nonculprit lesions in the percutaneous coronary intervention vessel was evaluated using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in 101 patients at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention and 8 months after statin therapy. Pitavastatin and pravastatin were used to treat 51 and 50 patients, respectively. Changes in the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid+DHA/AA ratios were not correlated with the percentage change in plaque volume in the pitavastatin group, whereas the percentage change in plaque volume and the changes in the DHA/AA ratio (r = -0.404, p = 0.004) and eicosapentaenoic acid+DHA/AA ratio (r = -0.350, p = 0.01) in the pravastatin group showed significant negative correlations. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age (β = 0.306, p = 0.02), the presence of diabetes mellitus (β = 0.250, p = 0.048), and changes in the DHA/AA ratio (β = -0.423, p = 0.001) were significant predictors of the percentage change in plaque volume in patients treated with pravastatin. In conclusion, decreases in n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratios are associated with progression in coronary atherosclerosis during pravastatin therapy but not during pitavastatin therapy.

Comparison of effects of pitavastatin versus pravastatin on serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels in statin-naive patients with coronary artery disease

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Although statins increase serum PCSK9 levels, the effects of different types of statins on the serum PCSK9 levels have not been examined in detail. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of pitavastatin versus pravastatin on the serum PCSK9 levels. A total of 164 patients with coronary artery disease who were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy were randomly assigned to receive either 4 mg/day of pitavastatin (intensive lipid-lowering therapy) or 20 mg/day of pravastatin (moderate lipid-lowering therapy). The serum PCSK9 levels were measured before statin treatment and 8 months after therapy. A significantly greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in the pitavastatin group (-41% vs -28%, p = 0.0001). The serum levels of total PCSK9 and heterodimer PCSK9 significantly increased from 192 to 249 ng/ml (37%, p <0.0001) and 147 to 206 ng/ml (78%, p <0.0001) in the pitavastatin group and from 192 to 249 ng/ml (39%, p <0.0001) and 143 to 201 ng/ml (65%, p <0.0001) in the pravastatin group, respectively. The increase in total and heterodimer PSCK9 did not differ between the 2 groups. No significant correlations were found between the percentage of changes in heterodimer PCSK9 and changes in the various lipid parameters in either group. In conclusion, significant increases in the total and heterodimer PSCK9 levels were observed at 8 months after treatment with pitavastatin and pravastatin; however, these increases did not differ between the 2 statins.

Elevation of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein as predicting factor for occurrence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury and its reduction by hemodiafiltration with blood suction from right atrium

Although contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) has a great impact on patients' prognosis, few data exist regarding predictors of CI-AKI in patients with severe renal dysfunction who have undergone contrast angiography. Therefore, we prospectively studied 25 patients with renal dysfunction, which was defined as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level <45 ml/min/1.73 m(2), undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We performed hemodiafiltration with blood suction from the right atrium (RA-HDF). The mean level of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) at baseline was significantly higher in the CI-AKI group than in the non-CI-AKI group (59.8 ± 45.6 vs 13.4 ± 11.9 μg/gCr, P = 0.0003). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that baseline urinary L-FABP was an independent significant predictor of CI-AKI (β = 0.741, P = 0.013). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed that baseline urinary L-FABP exhibited 100 % sensitivity and 81.8 % specificity for predicting CI-AKI when the cutoff value was defined as 19.0 μg/gCr. Interestingly, the incidence of CI-AKI after CAG or PCI was reduced in the RA-HDF group in a comparison with 41 control patients (12 % vs 27 %) with eGFR level <45 ml/min/1.73 m(2) who underwent PCI before the introduction of RA-HDF. In conclusion, baseline L-FABP levels can be a predictor for occurrence of CI-AKI. We suggest that RA-HDF may prevent the development of CI-AKI in patients with severe renal dysfunction undergoing coronary procedures, although further large-scale prospective study is necessary to confirm our conclusions.

Comparison of change in coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable versus unstable angina pectoris receiving statin therapy (from the Treatment With Statin on Atheroma Regression Evaluated by Intravascular Ultrasound With Virtual Histology [TRUTH] study)

Although statin-induced regression in coronary atherosclerosis seems to be greater in patients with acute coronary syndrome than in those with stable coronary artery disease, no reports have examined this. The purpose of the present study was to compare the changes in coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable versus unstable angina pectoris (AP). The effects of 8-month statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound, and analyzable intravascular ultrasound data were obtained from 119 patients (83 patients with stable AP and 36 with unstable AP). A significant decrease in plaque volume was observed in patients with unstable AP (-2.2%, p = 0.02) but not in patients with stable AP. A significant increase in the necrotic-core component (0.30 mm(3)/mm, p = 0.009) was observed only in patients with unstable AP. Significant positive correlations were observed between the percentage of change in platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase and the percentage of change in plaque volume (r = 0.346, p = 0.05) in patients with unstable AP. No significant correlations were observed in patients with stable AP. Multivariate regression analyses showed that a reduction in platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase was associated with regression in coronary atherosclerosis, particularly of the fibrous component (β = 0.443, p = 0.003), in patients with unstable AP. In conclusion, regression of the coronary artery plaque volume was greater, although statin therapy did not halt the increases in plaque vulnerability, in patients with unstable AP compared to those with stable AP. A reduction in the serum platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase level was associated with regression in coronary atherosclerosis, particularly the fibrous plaque volume, in patients with unstable AP.

Effects of ezetimibe on atherogenic lipoproteins and glucose metabolism in patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance

AIM

To evaluate the effects of ezetimibe on atherogenic lipoproteins and glucose metabolism in patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance were enrolled in this study. At baseline and 12 weeks after treatment with ezetimibe 10mg/day, we measured the levels of lipid and glucose parameters.

RESULTS

Ezetimibe reduced the mean levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (-20%, P<0.001), remnant-like particle cholesterol (-22%, P<0.001), small dense-LDL (-19%, P<0.001), apolipoprotein B-48 (-2%, P<0.01), malondialdehyde modified-LDL (-15%, P<0.001), and serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) (-4%, P<0.01). In the insulin resistance subgroup, ezetimibe reduced the abdominal circumference (-1%, P<0.05) and mean levels of fasting plasma glucose (-7%, P<0.05), IRI (-36%, P<0.01), s-CPR (-27%, P<0.01), HOMA-IR (-39%, P<0.01) and HbA1c tended to decrease (-2%, P=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Ezetimibe reduced atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with diabetes and glucose intolerance; besides, it improved glucose metabolism in patients with insulin resistance.

Impacts of estimated glomerular filtration rate on coronary atherosclerosis and plaque composition before and during statin therapy in patients with normal to mild renal dysfunction: subanalysis of the TRUTH study

AIM

Renal dysfunction is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, little is known regarding the impacts of renal dysfunction on coronary atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The effects of 8-month statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated in the TRUTH study using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in 164 patients with angina pectoris. We analyzed correlations between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy.

RESULTS

Baseline eGFR was 64.5 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) . Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased significantly from 132 to 85 mg/dL (-35%, P < 0.0001) after 8 months. Weak, but significant, negative correlations were observed between eGFR and external elastic membrane volume (r = -0.228, P = 0.01) and atheroma volume (r = -0.232, P = 0.01) at baseline. The eGFR was also negatively correlated with fibro-fatty volume (r = -0.254, P = 0.005) and fibrous volume (r = -0.241, P = 0.008) at baseline. Multivariate regression analyses showed that eGFR was a significant independent predictor associated with statin pre-treatment volume in fibro-fatty (β = -0.23, P = 0.01) and fibrous (β = -0.203, P = 0.02) components. Furthermore, eGFR was positively correlated with volume change in the fibro-fatty component during statin therapy (r = 0.215, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Decreased eGFR is associated with expanding remodelling and a greater atheroma volume, particularly the fibro-fatty and fibrous volume before statin therapy in patients with normal to mild renal dysfunction. Reduction of fibro-fatty volume during statin therapy gradually accelerated with decreasing renal function.

Effects of Statins on Serum n-3 to n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratios in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Background:

A low n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratio is reported to be associated with cardiovascular events. However, the effects of statins on this ratio have not been fully examined.

Methods:

A total of 101 patients with coronary artery disease, who were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy were randomly assigned to receive either 4 mg/day of pitavastatin or 20 mg/day of pravastatin. Serum PUFA levels were measured at baseline and 8 months after treatment with statins.

Results:

Pitavastatin was used to treat 51 patients and the remaining 50 patients were treated using pravastatin. A significant positive correlation was observed between the percent change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and that in dihomogamma-linolenic acid ( r = .376, P = .007), arachidonic acid (AA; r = .316, P = .02), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; r = .408, P = .003), or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; r = .270, P = .056) in the pitavastatin group. However, these correlations were not observed in the pravastatin group. The DHA/AA ratio decreased significantly in the pitavastatin group only (from 0.96 to 0.83, P = .0002) and the DHA/AA ratio was significantly lower in the pitavastatin group at 8 months (0.83 vs 0.96, P = .03). The EPA/AA ratio did not show significant changes in either group.

Conclusions:

Pitavastatin decreased the serum DHA/AA ratio, whereas pravastatin had no effect on this ratio. Neither pitavastatin nor pravastatin had an effect on the serum EPA/AA ratio in patients with coronary artery disease.

Direct puncture of the prosthetic bypass graft in the treatment of critical limb ischemia patient undergoing prior axillo-femoral bypass

A 76-year-old man presented with a non-healing ischemic ulceration of the left foot. He had undergone left axillo-femoral bypass surgery 4 years previously. Diagnostic angiography showed total occlusion from the left common iliac to the common femoral artery and the anterior and posterior tibial artery as well as severe stenosis of the superficial femoral and peroneal artery. Because there were no other access sites except for the axillo-femoral bypass graft, we performed endovascular therapy (EVT) by direct puncture of this bypass graft. Here, we have described the utility of direct puncture of axillo-femoral prosthetic bypass graft for EVT of the infrainguinal arteries.

Impact of SYNTAX score on 1-year clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected left main coronary artery

SYNTAX score is an angiographic scoring system that was developed to quantify the number, complexity, and location of lesions in patients undergoing coronary revascularization. Up to now, the impact of SYNTAX score on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) lesions has not been fully examined. Therefore, we evaluate the usefulness of the SYNTAX score and identify the cutoff value of this score to predict 1-year clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PCI for unprotected LMCA lesions. This was a single-center retrospective study that included 49 consecutive patients undergoing elective PCI for unprotected LMCA lesions. We calculated the SYNTAX score and examined the correlations between this score and 1-year clinical outcomes. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred in 12 patients (24%): target lesion revascularization in 9 patients (18%), myocardial infarction in 2 (4%), and cardiac death in 1 (2%). The frequency of MACE was significantly higher in the intermediate (47%) or high score group (50%) than in the low score group (4%). Furthermore, the SYNTAX score was significantly higher in the MACE group than in the non-MACE group (31 vs. 22, p = 0.008). Receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that the SYNTAX score exhibited 83% sensitivity and 76% specificity for predicting the development of MACE at a cutoff value 26. These results demonstrate that the SYNTAX score could be a useful tool to predict 1-year clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective PCI for unprotected LMCA lesions.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on coronary atherosclerosis and plaque composition under statin therapy – subanalysis of the TRUTH study –

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a markedly increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, but the mechanisms have not been well-characterized.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The TRUTH study evaluated the effects of 8-month statin therapy on coronary artery plaque composition using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Analyzable IVUS data were obtained from 119 patients, including 50 DM patients. The pattern of arterial remodeling, extent of coronary atherosclerosis, and plaque composition were compared in subjects with and without DM. Significant decreases in atheroma volume (-2.3%, P=0.02) and external elastic membrane volume (-1.7%, P=0.02) were observed only in the non-DM group. Although statin therapy significantly decreased the fibro-fatty component in both groups, this component at follow-up was significantly greater in the DM group (0.99 mm(3)/mm vs. 0.70 mm(3)/mm, P=0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the presence of DM was associated with greater atheroma volume (β=0.203, P=0.02), particularly fibro-fatty plaque volume at follow-up (β=0.215, P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

DM attenuated the degree of regression of coronary atherosclerosis under statin therapy. A large amount of fibro-fatty plaque volume under statin therapy may affect the development of coronary events in patients with DM. 

Comparison of arterial remodeling and changes in plaque composition between patients with progression versus regression of coronary atherosclerosis during statin therapy (from the TRUTH study)

Statin therapy produces regression of coronary artery plaques and reduces the incidence of coronary artery disease. However, not all patients show regression of coronary atherosclerosis after statin therapy. The purpose of the present study was to identify differences in clinical characteristics, serum lipid profiles, arterial remodeling, and plaque composition between patients with progression and those with regression of coronary atherosclerosis during statin therapy. The effects of 8-month statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated in the Treatment With Statin on Atheroma Regression Evaluated by Intravascular Ultrasound With Virtual Histology (TRUTH) study using intravascular ultrasound-virtual histology. One hundred nineteen patients were divided into 2 groups according to atheroma volume increase (progressors) or decrease (regressors) during an 8-month follow-up period. Fifty-one patients (43%) were categorized as progressors and the remaining 68 (57%) as regressors. External elastic membrane volume increased, although not significantly (0.8%, p = 0.34), and luminal volume decreased significantly (-5.3%, p = 0.0003) in progressors, while external elastic membrane volume decreased significantly (-3.2%, p <0.0001) and luminal volume increased (2.2%, p = 0.13) in regressors. The fibrous component increased significantly in progressors, while this component decreased in regressors. A strong positive correlation was observed between change in atheroma volume and change in fibrous volume (r = 0.812, p <0.0001). In conclusion, coronary arteries showed negative remodeling during statin-induced plaque regression. The difference in plaque composition between patients with progression and those with regression of coronary atherosclerosis during statin therapy arose from the difference in the change in fibrous component.

Statin treatment for coronary artery plaque composition based on intravascular ultrasound radiofrequency data analysis

BACKGROUND

Systemic therapy with statin has been shown to lower the risk of coronary events; however, the in vivo effects of statin therapy on plaque volume and composition are less understood.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, open-labeled, randomized, multicenter study in 11 centers in Japan. A total of 164 patients were randomized to receive either 4 mg/d of pitavastatin (intensive lipid-lowering therapy) or 20 mg/d of pravastatin (moderate lipid-lowering therapy). Analyzable intravascular ultrasound data were obtained for 119 patients at baseline and at 8-month follow-up. The primary end point was the difference of volume changes in each of the 4 main plaque components (fibrosis, fibrofatty, calcium, and necrosis), assessed by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound, between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level at follow-up was significantly lower in the pitavastatin than in the pravastatin group (74 vs 95 mg/dL, P < .0001). During the 8-month follow-up period, statin therapy reduced the absolute and relative amount of fibrofatty component (pitavastatin: from 1.09 to 0.81 mm(3)/mm, P = .001; pravastatin: from 1.05 to 0.83 mm(3)/mm, P = .0008) and increased in the amount of calcium (pitavastatin: from 0.42 to 0.55 mm(3)/mm, P < .0001; pravastatin: from 0.44 to 0.55 mm(3)/mm, P = .005), whereas volume changes in both plaque components were not statistically different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both pitavastatin and pravastatin altered coronary artery plaque composition by significantly decreasing the fibrofatty plaque component and increasing the calcified plaque component.