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Is it time to reconcile HDL with cardiovascular diseases and beyond? An update on a paradigm shift.
Martinez, LO, Ingueneau, C, Genoux, A
Current opinion in lipidology. 2020;(5):302-304
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[Aspirin for primary cardiovascular prevention : the end of an era ?].
Ravach, G, Fournier, S, Mazzolai, L, Nanchen, D
Revue medicale suisse. 2020;(684):459-462
Abstract
Low-dose aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is still debated. Recent clinical trials of aspirin vs placebo reported an unfavourable risk-benefit ratio with an increase in major bleedings without reduction on the occurrence of non-fatal cardiovascular events. These studies also highlight that current cardiovascular risk calculators overestimate cardiovascular risk, which is probably related to the improvement in the management of cardiovascular risk factors over the last decades. In accordance with European cardiovascular prevention recommendations, aspirin should not be prescribed for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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Allicin pharmacology: Common molecular mechanisms against neuroinflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
Mocayar Marón, FJ, Camargo, AB, Manucha, W
Life sciences. 2020;:117513
Abstract
According to investigations in phytomedicine and ethnopharmacology, the therapeutic properties of garlic (Allium sativum) have been described by ancestral cultures. Notwithstanding, it is of particular concern to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this millenary empirical knowledge. Allicin (S-allyl prop-2-ene-1-sulfinothioate), a thioester of sulfenic acid, is one of the main bioactive compounds present in garlic, and it is responsible for the particular aroma of the spice. The pharmacological attributes of allicin integrate a broad spectrum of properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-tumoral activities, among others). The primary goal of the present article is to review and clarify the common molecular mechanisms by which allicin and its derivates molecules may perform its therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases and neuroinflammatory processes. The intricate interface connecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems suggests that the impairment of one organ could contribute to the dysfunction of the other. Allicin might target the cornerstone of the pathological processes underlying cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory disorders, like inflammation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) hyperactivation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Indeed, the current evidence suggests that allicin improves mitochondrial function by enhancing the expression of HSP70 and NRF2, decreasing RAAS activation, and promoting mitochondrial fusion processes. Finally, allicin represents an attractive therapeutic alternative targeting the complex interaction between cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory disorders.
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The effect of egg consumption on cardiometabolic health outcomes: an umbrella review.
Mah, E, Chen, CO, Liska, DJ
Public health nutrition. 2020;(5):935-955
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This umbrella review provides an overview of the consistency and gaps in the evidence base on eggs and cardiometabolic health. DESIGN PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, the Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality databases were screened for evidence-based reviews in English that assessed human studies on egg consumption and cardiometabolic outcomes. RESULTS Seven systematic reviews and fifteen meta-analyses were identified, with eighteen of these published since 2015. Overall, the systematic reviews were of low quality, while meta-analyses were of moderate- to high-quality. No association of increased egg intake and risks of heart disease or stroke in the general population were found in the meta-analyses. Increased risk of heart failure was noted in two meta-analyses that analysed the same three cohort studies. Five recent meta-analyses reported no increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the general population, although increased risk in US-based populations only has been reported. Older (<2013) meta-analyses reported increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart disease in T2DM populations, and no recent evidence-based reviews were identified. Finally, only one meta-analysis reported intervention studies specifically on eggs and biomarkers (i.e. lipids), and the results contradicted those from observation studies. CONCLUSIONS Recent evidence-based reviews conclude that increased egg consumption is not associated with CVD risk in the general population. More research is needed on the positive associations between egg consumption and heart failure and T2DM risk, as well as CVD risk in diabetics, before firm conclusions can be made.
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Emerging science on benefits of whole grain oat and barley and their soluble dietary fibers for heart health, glycemic response, and gut microbiota.
Tosh, SM, Bordenave, N
Nutrition reviews. 2020;(Suppl 1):13-20
Abstract
The aim of this work is to review the major mechanisms by which consumption of whole grain oats and barley, and β-glucans, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other noncommunicable chronic conditions. These effects have been predominantly explained by the role of soluble dietary fibers and smaller bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, in oats and barley. These help to reduce the level of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreasing postprandial blood glucose and modulating gut microbiota. In the present review, the role of viscosity development of the intestinal content by β-glucans in these mechanisms is discussed, as well as the impact of processing conditions altering the composition or the physicochemical characteristics of β-glucans.
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A quick glance at selected topics in this issue.
Bhambhvani, P, Hage, FG, Iskandrian, AE
Journal of nuclear cardiology : official publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. 2020;(2):351-354
Abstract
"A quick glance at selected topics in this issue" aims to highlight contents of the Journal and provide a quick review to the readers.
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Gene polymorphisms in calcium-calmodulin pathway: Focus on cardiovascular disease.
Beghi, S, Cavaliere, F, Buschini, A
Mutation research. Reviews in mutation research. 2020;:108325
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in industrialized countries and affects an increasing number of people. Several risk factors play an important role in the etiology of this disease, such as an unhealthy lifestyle. It is increasingly clear that genetic factors influencing the molecular basis of excitation-contraction mechanisms in the heart could contribute to modify the individual's risk. Thanks to the progress that has been made in understanding calcium signaling in the heart, it is assumed that calmodulin can play a crucial role in the excitation-contraction coupling. In fact, calmodulin (CaM) binds calcium and consequently regulates calcium channels. Several works show how some polymorphic variants can be considered predisposing factors to complex pathologies. Therefore, we hypothesize that the identification of polymorphic variants of proteins involved in the CaM pathway could be important for understanding how genetic traits can influence predisposition to myocardial infarction. This review considers each pathway of the three different isoforms of calmodulin (CaM1; CaM2; CaM3) and focuses on some common proteins involved in the three pathways, with the aim of analyzing the polymorphisms studied in the literature and understanding if they are associated with cardiovascular disease.
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Integrated diagnostics: the future of laboratory medicine?
Lippi, G, Plebani, M
Biochemia medica. 2020;(1):010501
Abstract
The current scenario of in vitro and in vivo diagnostics can be summarized using the "silo metaphor", where laboratory medicine, pathology and radiology are three conceptually separated diagnostic disciplines, which will increasingly share many comparable features. The substantial progresses in our understanding of biochemical-biological interplays that characterize many human diseases, coupled with extraordinary technical advances, are now generating important multidisciplinary convergences, leading the way to a new frontier, called integrated diagnostics. This new discipline, which is currently defined as convergence of imaging, pathology and laboratory tests with advanced information technology, has an enormous potential for revolutionizing diagnosis and therapeutic management of human diseases, including those causing the largest number of worldwide deaths (i.e. cardiovascular disease, cancer and infectious diseases). However, some important drawbacks should be overcome, mostly represented by insufficient information technology infrastructures, costs and enormous volume of different information that will be integrated and delivered. To overcome these hurdles, some specific strategies should be defined and implemented, such as planning major integration of exiting information systems or developing innovative ones, combining bioinformatics and imaging informatics, using health technology assessment for assessing cost and benefits, providing interpretative comments in integrated reports, developing and using expert systems and neural networks, overcoming cultural and political boundaries for generating multidisciplinary teams and integrated diagnostic algorithms.
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SGLT2 Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Do they Differ or there is a Class Effect? New Insights from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial and the CVD-REAL Study.
Kyriakos, G, Quiles-Sanchez, LV, Garmpi, A, Farmaki, P, Kyre, K, Savvanis, S, Antoniou, VK, Memi, E
Current cardiology reviews. 2020;(4):258-265
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Abstract
A new group of hypoglycemic drugs has been used to treat diabetes type 2. This group is active sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) or SGLT2 inhibitors. It has been shown that besides the treatment of diabetes, this drug class is responsible for the mildness of the cardiovascular events shown in patients with diabetes type 2. However, there is an intriguing question regarding the range of SGLT2 inhibitors and if there is a difference between them or if there is a class effect among their results. EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial and the CVD-study are used to answer this question. Additional information from the DECLARE-TIMI 58 and Dapa-HF trials is studied.
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Mediterranean-Style Diet for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Cochrane Review.
Rees, K, Takeda, A, Martin, N, Ellis, L, Wijesekara, D, Vepa, A, Das, A, Hartley, L, Stranges, S
Global heart. 2020;(1):56
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diet plays a major role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of a Mediterranean-style diet for the primary and secondary prevention of CVD. METHODS We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of Mediterranean-style diets in healthy adults and those at increased risk of CVD (primary prevention) and with established CVD (secondary prevention). RESULTS Thirty RCTs were included, 22 in primary prevention and eight in secondary prevention. Clinical endpoints were reported in two trials where there was moderate quality evidence for a reduction in strokes for primary prevention, and low quality evidence for a reduction in total and CVD mortality in secondary prevention. We found moderate quality evidence of improvement in CVD risk factors for primary prevention and low quality evidence of little or no effect in secondary prevention. CONCLUSIONS There is still some uncertainty regarding the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet in CVD prevention.