European journal of clinical investigation
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Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is involved in cholesterol homeostasis. After binding to the complex low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor, PCSK9 induces its intracellular degradation, thus reducing serum LDL clearance. ⋯ Indeed, PCSK9 is expressed by various cell types that are involved in atherosclerosis (e.g. endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages) and is detected inside human atherosclerotic plaques. We here analyse the biology of PCSK9 and its possible involvement in molecular processes involved in atherosclerosis, beyond the regulation of circulating LDL cholesterol levels.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
OLFM4 polymorphisms predict septic shock survival after major surgery.
Higher expression of olfactomedin-4 (OLFM4), a gene regulated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), has been related to a higher risk of organ failure and death in patients with septic shock. We aimed to evaluate the association between OLFM4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and septic shock-related death in 175 patients who underwent major surgery, as well as its performance in predicting mortality. ⋯ OLFM4 rs17552047 A allele predicts septic shock survival in patients who underwent major surgery. Furthermore, rs17552047, together with clinical variables, could be useful to predict the outcome of septic shock.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
Exercise testing in COVID-19 ERA: Clinical profile, results and feasibility wearing a facemask.
No data are available about whether Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to changes in clinical profiles or results of exercise testing once the usual activity was reassumed, as well as if wearing a facemask has any impact on the tests. The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in the patients referred to exercise stress testing in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and analyse the feasibility and results of these tests wearing a facemask. ⋯ COVID-19 pandemic has not changed the clinical profile of patients referred to exercise testing. In addition, performing exercise testing wearing a facemask is feasible, with no influence in functional capacity and clinical results.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
ReviewPulmonary hypertension in connective tissue diseases, new evidence and challenges.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a lethal complication of different connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Although the treatment possibilities for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have increased in the last two decades and survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension has improved, the latter is not the case for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease. In this narrative review, we review recent literature and describe the improvement of early diagnostic possibilities, screening modalities and treatment options. We also point out the pitfalls in diagnosis in this patient category and describe the unmet needs and what the focus of future research should be.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2021
Review Meta AnalysisEffect of low-dose colchicine in acute and chronic coronary syndromes.
Sparse evidence of the prognostic benefit of the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine in chronic and acute coronary syndromes (CCS/ACS) exists. ⋯ Colchicine therapy near halves the risk of cardiovascular events in CCS compared with placebo and is associated with a nonsignificant 23% risk reduction in ACS, together with a trend towards a greater reduction of hs-CRP.