European heart journal
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European heart journal · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialFlu vaccination in acute coronary syndromes and planned percutaneous coronary interventions (FLUVACS) Study.
We have previously reported a significant benefit of vaccination against flu on the incidence of a single and composite end-point of death, myocardial infarction or recurrent ischaemia in patients with myocardial necrosis and planned percutaneous coronary interventions. To determine whether the observed benefits of vaccination against flu were maintained beyond the winter season a 1-year follow-up was conducted. ⋯ Influenza vaccination may reduce the risk of death and ischaemic events in patients suffering from infarction and post-angioplasty during flu season. This effect was significantly evident at 1-year follow-up. Larger confirmatory studies are needed to evaluate the real impact on flu vaccination on outcome after acute coronary syndromes.
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European heart journal · Jan 2004
Heme oxygenase-1 gene promotor microsatellite polymorphism is associated with angiographic restenosis after coronary stenting.
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation, leading to the generation of free iron, biliverdin, and carbon monoxide (CO). CO exerts potent antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects in the vascular walls, thereby influencing neointimal formation after vascular injury. A dinucleotide GT repeat in the promotor region of human HO-1 gene shows a length polymorphism that modulates the level of gene transcription. This study aimed to assess the association of the length of (GT)(n)repeats in HO-1 gene promotor with restenosis and adverse cardiac events after coronary stenting. ⋯ The length polymorphism of GT repeat in HO-1 gene promoter is an independent risk factor for angiographic restenosis as well as adverse cardiac events after coronary stenting. These findings suggest the genetic contribution to stent restenosis and support the notion that the long dinucleotide GT repeat in promotor region may interfere with HO-1 gene transcription, leading to decreased vascular protection upon injury.