Current Vascular Pharmacology - Volume 20, Issue 1, 2022

Contrast-induced Nephropathy (CIN) is animportant complication of iodinated Contrast Medium (CM) administration, being associated with both short- and long-term adverse outcomes (e.g., cardiorenal events, longer hospital stay and mortality). CIN has been mainly studied in relation to cardiac procedures but it can also occur following non-cardiac vascular interventions. This is Part 1 of a narrative review summarizing th Read More

This is Part 2 of a narrative review summarizing the literature on CIN after non-cardiac vascular diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, focusing on Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS). Part 1 discussed CIN in relation to aortic aneurysms and carotid stenosis. We comment on the incidence, biomarkers, risk factors and consequences of CIN in patients with PAD or RAS, as well as on strategies to pre Read More

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut microbiota metabolite derived from trimethylamine- containing nutrient precursors such as choline, L-carnitine, and betaine, which are rich in many vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy products, and meats. An increasing number of clinical studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between elevated plasma TMAO levels and adverse cardiovascular events. It is commonly agreed th Read More

Patients at High Bleeding Risk (HBR) are a sizable part of the population undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and stent implantation. This population historically lacks standardized definition, thus limiting trial design, data generalizability, and clinical decision-- making. To overcome this limitation, the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) has recently released comprehensive guidelines defining HBR crit Read More

Background: Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. By the end of this decade, ∼8 million Americans will have heart failure with an expenditure of $69.8 billion. Objective: In this narrative review, we evaluate the benefits, potential risks and the role of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRAs) in the management of both Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) and H Read More

Arterial Stiffness (AS) describes the rigidity of the arterial walls. Epidemiological studies have shown that increased AS is an independent predictive marker of Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Preeclampsia (PE), a form of pregnancy-induced hypertension, affects approximately 5% of pregnancies worldwide. Preeclamptic women have a higher risk of CV Disease (CVD) Read More

Background: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare autoimmune vasculitis that predominantly affects the aorta and its major branches, including the coronary arteries. Information is limited regarding sex-specific differences in coronary artery involvement among TAK patients. Objective: To assess the differences in coronary angiographic findings and long-term outcomes between male and female TAK patients with coronary artery i Read More

Background and Aim: Negatively charged nanoliposomes have a strong attraction towards plasma lipoprotein particles and can thereby regulate lipid metabolism. Here, the impact of such nanoliposomes on dyslipidaemia and progression of atherosclerosis was investigated in a rabbit model. Methods: Two sets of negatively-charged nanoliposome formulations including [Hydrogenated Soy Phosphatidylcholine (HSPC)/1,2-distea Read More

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with Coagulopathy (CAC) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). These are well-reported complications of COVID-19 infection. Earlier publications have shown that CAC and thromboembolism are predictors of mortality among COVID-19 patients with severe disease. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) wher Read More

Background: Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) surrounds the epicardium and can mediate harmful effects related to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Objective: We explored the regional differences between adipose stores surrounding diseased and non-diseased segments of coronary arteries in patients with advanced CAD. Methods: We enrolled 32 patients with known CAD who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) sur Read More

Background: Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is common among patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Anticoagulation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients has been associated with survival benefit; however, the optimal thromboprophylaxis strategy has not yet been defined. Objective: To identify published guidance reports by national and international societies regarding thromboprophylaxis strategie Read More