Current Vascular Pharmacology - Volume 19, Issue 6, 2021

Aging has been considered to be the most important non-modifiable risk factor for stroke and death. Changes in circulation factors in the systemic environment, cellular senescence and artery hypertension during human ageing have been investigated. Exosomes are nanosize membrane vesicles that can regulate target cell functions via delivering their carried bioactive molecules (e.g. protein, mRNA, and microRNAs). In t Read More

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major cause of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that the risk for CVD can increase at the fetal stages due to maternal metabolic diseases, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia (MSPH). GDM is a hyperglycemic, inflammatory, and insulin-resistant state that increases plasma levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides, impa Read More

Background: There is a need to analyse the current approach to beta-blocker (BB) use in relation to exercise-based stress tests. Objective: We compared various guidelines regarding recommending abrupt vs. gradual discontinuation of BB prior to exercise tests. We also analyse the shortcomings of the currently recommended approach and suggest a new approach to avoid BB rebound. Methods: A narrative review i Read More

Background: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) fall under the category of a very high cardiovascular risk. Although consequent lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) is advised, only sparse data on attained target level in PAD exists. Objectives: We aimed to analyse contemporary guideline recommendations for LLT in symptomatic PAD patients. Methods: A monocentric, prospective, observational study involving 200 sympto Read More

Background: Pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress are related to the severity of angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease. Objective: We evaluated the effects of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress on recurrent angina pectoris after coronary artery stenting in elderly patients. Methods: We determined the expression levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), acrolein (ACR), tumour necrosis factor-α ( Read More

Background: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a chronic, non-atherosclerotic, progressive inflammatory vascular disease affecting the small- and medium-size arteries and veins of the extremities. Objective: To evaluate whether long-term anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and warfarin is beneficial for treating the inflammation and symptoms associated with TAO. Methods: Patients with TAO who un Read More

Background: Platelet-activating-factor (PAF) is a lipid inflammatory mediator implicated in liver disease. Its main biosynthetic enzymes are cytidine diphosphate (CDP)-choline: 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) and acetyl-coenzyme A: lyso-PAF-acetyltransferases (Lyso-PAF-AT). At the same time, PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) degrade PAF. Obj Read More