愈心梗液保护急性心肌梗死后心力衰竭大鼠心肌细胞和线粒体超微结构及抗氧化作用的实验研究

目的观察愈心梗液保护大鼠急性心肌梗死（AMI）后状动脉造成实验性AMI心力衰竭模型，并使之长期存活。造模成心力衰竭心肌细胞及线粒体超微结构和抗氧化的作用。方法结扎Wistar大鼠冠功后，大鼠随机分为7组，每组10只，即空白组、假手术（只穿刺不结扎）组、模型组、开搏通组、愈心梗液大、中、小剂量组。各给药组于手术即日起开始灌胃给药，连续4周。4周后麻醉处死大鼠．心脏组织切片处理后通过电镜和光镜观察心肌细胞及线粒体的形态结构及测定心肌细胞的横截面积、周长，同时测定大鼠心肌组织和血清中丙二醛（MDA）和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）的含量。结果动物造模4周后，大鼠心肌细胞中心肌纤维排列杂乱，图像系统测量显示心肌细胞横截面积增大、周长增加。与模型组比较，愈心梗液大、中剂量可显著降低大鼠心肌细胞横截面积、周长和直径（和模型比较，P〈0．01）。减少大鼠心肌组织和血清中MDA的含量和升高SOD的含量。结论愈心梗液可抑制大鼠AMI后心肌细胞的代偿性增大，保护线粒体结构的相对完整性，提高大鼠的抗氧化能力，干预AMI大鼠心室重构VR的病理过程，有改善AMI后心力衰竭的作用。     

Tigecycline-induced inhibition of mitochondrial DNA translation may cause lethal mitochondrial dysfunction in humans

BackgroundA 65-year-old patient developed an unexplained and ultimately lethal metabolic acidosis under prolonged treatment with tigecycline. Tigecycline is known to have a selective inhibitory effect on eukaryotic mitochondrial translation. The underlying molecular mechanisms of the metabolic acidosis in this patient were explored.MethodsOxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) analysis, blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by in-gel activity staining in mitochondria, molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for genomic rearrangements and sequencing of the rRNA genes was performed on the subject's skeletal muscle.ResultsOXPHOS analysis revealed a combined deficiency of the complexes I, III, IV and V, with a preserved function of complex II (encoded by nuclear DNA), thus demonstrating a defective mtDNA translation. There were no known underlying mitochondrial genetic defects. The patient had a (m.1391T>A) variant within the 12SrRNA gene in heteroplasmy (50–60%).ConclusionsThis patient developed an ultimately lethal mitochondrial toxicity while receiving prolonged treatment with tigecycline, which was caused by a defective translation of the mtDNA. Tigecycline is known to suppress eukaryotic mitochondrial DNA translation, but until now this effect has been considered to be clinically insignificant. The observations in this patient suggest a clinically significant mitochondrial toxicity of tigecycline in this patient, and warrant further investigation.     

急性心肌梗死大鼠钙调蛋白的改变及卡维地洛的干预作用

目的：研究急性心肌梗死（AMI）后心力衰竭大鼠心肌钙调蛋白肌质网Ca2+-ATP酶（SERCA）和受磷蛋白（PLB)的变化及卡维地洛对其干预作用。 方法： 选取AMI术后成活的雄性SD大鼠随机分为AMI组、卡维地洛组两组。给药6周后观察血流动力学参数、心室重构指标及钙调蛋白SERCA、PLB的蛋白和mRNA表达。另设正常对照组及假手术组。 结果： AMI组左室舒张末压（LVEDP）、各心室重量均显著大于假手术组，左室内压最大收缩和舒张速率（±dp/dt）显著低于假手术组；SERCA蛋白和mRNA表达显著低于假手术组（P<0.01），PLB蛋白和mRNA表达高于假手术组（P<0.01）。卡维地洛组的LVEDP、心室重量均显著低于AMI组，±dp/dt显著高于AMI组；卡维地洛治疗使SERCA蛋白和mRNA表达明显升高（P<0.05），但未能改变PLB蛋白和mRNA水平(P>0.05）。 结论： 急性心肌梗死后心力衰竭中钙调蛋白SERCA和PLB的变化可能是心肌收缩功能失调的重要机制；卡维地洛能有效地抑制大鼠AMI后心室重构并改善血流动力学，其分子机制可能与钙调蛋白SERCA含量正常化有关。     

Clinical Outcomes of Ticagrelor in Korean Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction without High Bleeding Risk

BackgroundAlthough ticagrelor is known to increase the bleeding risk compared to clopidogrel in East Asian patients, its clinical benefits in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without high bleeding risk (HBR) remains unknown.MethodsA total of 7,348 patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health (KAMIR-NIH), between November 2011 and December 2015, were divided into two groups according to the Academic Research Consortium for HBR criteria (KAMIR-HBR, 2,469 patients; KAMIR-non HBR, 4,879 patients). We compared in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs, defined as a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or stroke), and the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in the KAMIR-HBR and the KAMIR-non HBR groups, respectively.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, ticagrelor had a higher incidence of in-hospital TIMI major bleeding than clopidogrel in all patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.683; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010–2.805; P = 0.046) and the KAMIR-HBR group (OR, 3.460; 95% CI, 1.374–8.714; P = 0.008). However, there was no significant difference in in-hospital TIMI major bleeding between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in the KAMIR-non HBR group (OR, 1.436; 95% CI, 0.722–2.855; P = 0.303). No differences were observed in the cumulative incidences of in-hospital and 6-month MACEs between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in both groups.ConclusionsThe bleeding risk of ticagrelor was attenuated in Korean patients with AMI without HBR. Appropriate patient selection could reduce in-hospital bleeding complications associated with ticagrelor in Korean patients with AMI who underwent successful PCI.     

Th1/Th2 Functional Imbalance After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Coronary Arterial Inflammation or Myocardial Inflammation

Objectives: The study clarified whether the T-helper (Th)1/Th2 imbalance existed only in coronary arterial inflammation or in both coronary arterial inflammation and myocardial inflammation and explored the significance of the imbalance of Th1/Th2 function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Background: There are two different inflammatory processes in patients with AMI: the coronary arterial inflammation that leads to the pathogenesis of AMI and the myocardial inflammation after AMI that leads to ventricular remodeling, which are positively and negatively regulated by Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes, respectively. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 33 AMI patients, 22 unstable angina (UA) patients and splenocytes from 35 AMI Wistar rats were collected. Cytokine-producing Th cells were ambulatorily monitored by 3-color flow cytometry. Interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 mRNA in the rat myocardium and chemokine receptors CCR3,CCR5 and CXCR3 mRNA on the surface of rat T-lymphocytes after AMI were measured by RT-PCR. Results: IFN-γ-producing T-cells significantly increased in patients with AMI and UA within 24 hours after the onset of symptom. The high ratio of IFN-γ-producing T-cells recovered 1 week after the onset in UA patients, while it could be examined 1 week and even 1 month after the onset in AMI patients. The up-regulation of Th1 cell function is consistent with bad heart function. There was no significant difference on the frequencies of IL-4-producing T-cells between each group. 1 week, 2 weeks and 1 month after AMI, IFN-γ mRNA increased in the myocardium of rats, but there was no significant change on global Th cell functions. Conclusions: Th1/Th2 functional imbalance exists in both coronary arterial inflammation and myocardial inflammation processes. The up-regulation of Th1 cell-functions may participate in the immune-mediated ventricular remodeling after AMI.     

Evaluation of Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein in Early Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundAlthough electrocardiography and cardiac troponin play important roles in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), there remain unmet clinical needs. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) has been identified as an early diagnostic marker of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we examined the diagnostic and prognostic value of H-FABP in patients suspected with ACS.MethodsWe conducted an observational single-center cohort study, including 89 adults aged 30 years or older, who presented to the emergency room (ER) within 24 hours after the onset of chest pain and/or dyspnea. We performed laboratory analysis and point-of-care testing (POCT) for cardiac markers, including H-FABP, troponin I, and creatine kinase-myocardial band. We also evaluated the correlation between cardiac markers and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD).ResultsIn patients presented to ER within 4 hours after symptom onset (n = 49), the diagnostic accuracy of H-FABP for AMI, as quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, was higher (0.738; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.591–0.885) than other cardiac markers. In POCT, the diagnostic accuracy of H-FABP (56%; 95% CI, 45–67) was significantly higher than other cardiac markers. H-FABP was correlated with not extent of CAD but post-AMI LV dysfunction.ConclusionH-FABP is a useful cardiac marker for the early diagnosis of AMI and prediction of myocardia injury. Difference in the circulatory release timeline of cardiac markers could explain its utility in early-stage of myocardial injury.     

Repolarization Heterogeneity of Magnetocardiography Predicts Long-Term Prognosis in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

PurposeMagnetocardiography (MCG) has been proposed as a noninvasive, diagnostic tool for risk-stratifying patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study evaluated whether MCG predicts long-term prognosis in AMI.ResultsMACE occurred in 31 (25%) patients, including 20 revascularizations, 8 deaths, and 3 re-infarctions. Non-dipole patterns were observed at the end of the T wave in every patients. However, they were observed at T-peak in 77% (24/31) and 54% (50/93) of patients with and without MACE, respectively (p=0.03). Maximum current, field map angles, and distance dynamics were not different between groups. In the multivariate analysis, patients with non-dipole patterns at T-peak had increased age- and gender-adjusted hazard ratios for MACE (hazard ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.20–6.97, p=0.02) and lower cumulative MACE-free survival than those with dipole patterns (p=0.02).ConclusionNon-dipole patterns at T-peak were more frequently observed in patients with MACE and were related to poor long-term prognosis. Thus, repolarization heterogeneity measured by MCG may be a useful predictor for AMI prognosis.     

TMLR对缺血心肌乳酸代谢及线粒体的影响

目的:探讨激光心肌血运重建术(TMLR)对急性心肌缺血(AMI)的作用与机制。方法: 将18条犬随机等分为假手术组、AMI组和TMLR组,采用连续型Nd:YAG激光行TMLR术。测动脉和冠状窦血乳酸含量(A.Lat 和CS.Lat),心肌乳酸代谢速率(MLR)和心肌乳酸吸收分数(MLE);超微电镜结合生物体视学原理定量观察心肌细胞线粒体形态和数量。结果: 结扎左前降支冠状动脉(LAD)后60 min,AMI组和TMLR组CS.Lat分别为(7.63±4.27)mmol/L和(5.78±3.98)mmol/L,P<0.05;MLR分别为(0.03±0.01)mmol·100 g心肌^-1·min^-1和(0.06±0.02)mmol·100 g心肌^-1·min^-1,P<0.05;MLE分别为(12.04±3.04)% 和(21.84±8.49)%,P<0.05。LAD结扎后4 h,AMI组和TMLR组线粒体体密度分别为(27.51±7.93)% 和(31.26±3.85)%,P>0.05;面密度分别为(1.25±0.18)μm^-1和(1.64±0.28)μm^-1,P<0.01;数密度分别为(0.10±0.03)μm^-3和(0.18±0.05)μm^-3,P<0.01;平均体积分别为(5.27±2.85)μm³和(2.80±0.54)μm³,P<0.05;平均外径分别为(2.06±0.36)μm和(1.78±0.12)μm,P<0.05。结论: TMLR可纠正急性心肌缺血犬的心肌乳酸代谢障碍和减轻心肌细胞损伤。     

姜黄素预处理对急性心肌缺血大鼠心肌细胞凋亡相关因子表达的影响

 【摘要】 目的 探讨姜黄素预处理对急性心肌缺血大鼠心肌细胞凋亡相关因子表达的影响。方法 30只SD雄性大鼠随机分为姜黄素预处理组、心肌缺血2h组及假手术组,采用冠状动脉结扎的方法建立大鼠心肌缺血模型。用TUNEL法观察各组大鼠的心肌细胞凋亡情况;采用RT-PCR检测各组大鼠心肌细胞bcl-2及caspase-3 mRNA的表达水平,并探讨它们之间的关系。结果 与心肌缺血组相比,姜黄素预处理组bcl-2 mRNA的表达水平明显升高,心肌细胞凋亡数与bcl-2 mRNA表达量之间成明显的负相关(r=-0.93, P<0.05);姜黄素预处理组caspase-3 mRNA的表达水平降低,心肌细胞凋亡数与caspase-3 mRNA表达量值之间成明显的正相关(r=0.89, P<0.05)。结论 姜黄素对心肌缺血大鼠模型心肌梗死有明显保护作用,其作用机制可能与调节心肌细胞凋亡相关因子作用有关。     

A novel mutation in NDUFB11 unveils a new clinical phenotype associated with lactic acidosis and sideroblastic anemia

NDUFB11, a component of mitochondrial complex I, is a relatively small integral membrane protein, belonging to the “supernumerary” group of subunits, but proved to be absolutely essential for the assembly of an active complex I. Mutations in the X‐linked nuclear‐encoded NDUFB11 gene have recently been discovered in association with two distinct phenotypes, i.e. microphthalmia with linear skin defects and histiocytoid cardiomyopathy. We report on a male with complex I deficiency, caused by a de novo mutation in NDUFB11 and displaying early‐onset sideroblastic anemia as the unique feature. This is the third report that describes a mutation in NDUFB11, but all are associated with a different phenotype. Our results further expand the molecular spectrum and associated clinical phenotype of NDUFB11 defects.     

Mitochondria and degenerative disorders

In mammalian cells, mitochondria provide energy from aerobic metabolism. They play an important regulatory role in apoptosis, produce and detoxify free radicals, and serve as a cellular calcium buffer. Neurodegenerative disorders involving mitochondria can be divided into those caused by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) abnormalities either due to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abnormalities, e.g., chronic external ophthalmoplegia, or due to nuclear mutations of OXPHOS proteins, e.g., complex I and II associated with Leigh syndrome. There are diseases caused by nuclear genes encoding non-OXPHOS mitochondrial proteins, such as frataxin in Friedreich ataxia (which is likely to play an important role in mitochondrial-cytosolic iron cycling), paraplegin (possibly a mitochondrial ATP-dependent zinc metalloprotease of the AAA-ATPases in hereditary spastic paraparesis), and possibly Wilson disease protein (an abnormal copper transporting ATP-dependent P-type ATPase associated with Wilson disease). Huntingon disease is an example of diseases with OXPHOS defects associated with mutations of nuclear genes encoding non-mitochondrial proteins such as huntingtin. There are also disorders with evidence of mitochondrial involvement that cannot as yet be assigned. These include Parkinson disease (where a complex I defect is described and free radicals are generated from dopamine metabolism), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer disease, where there is evidence to suggest mitochondrial involvement perhaps secondary to other abnormalities.     

Use of Insulin to Decrease Septic Shock-Induced Myocardial Depression in a Porcine Model

Insulin is known to attenuate septic shock-induced myocardial depression. Possible mechanisms include an anti-inflammatory or inotropic effect of insulin. The objective of this study was to determine whether the mechanism of action of insulin in attenuating septic shock-induced myocardial depression is through an immunomodulatory effect. Fourteen pigs were assigned to one of two groups. Both groups received a 4-h infusion of lipopolysaccharide endotoxin from Escherichia coli 0111:B4. Group 2 additionally received insulin at 1.5 U/kg/h with infusions of D50 normal saline and KCl to maintain normal serum glucose and potassium levels. Cardiac function was measured with shortening fraction using transthoracic echocardiogram. Plasma TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were obtained every 30 min. Postmortem cytokine analysis and histomorphology were performed on the heart tissue. Although insulin attenuated septic shock-induced myocardial depression, this was not due to an anti-inflammatory effect and, therefore, likely resulted from an inotropic effect of insulin.     

Neck fat and obstructive sleep apnea in obese adolescents

Study ObjectivesIncreased neck circumference, a surrogate for the neck fat that can narrow the upper airway in obese individuals, is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in adults, but the association between neck fat and OSAS in adolescent males and females is unknown. We hypothesized that obese adolescents with OSAS have more neck fat than controls, females more neck fat than males, and that neck fat correlates with obesity and OSAS severity.MethodsObese adolescents with OSAS and obese and normal-weight controls underwent upper airway magnetic resonance imaging, polysomnography, and anthropometrics, including neck circumference measurement. Intra-neck and subcutaneous neck fat measurements were manually segmented and compared among the three groups using ANOVA and between males and females using t-tests. The relationship between polysomnographic parameters and neck fat measurements was assessed in adolescents with OSAS using Pearson correlations.ResultsOne-hundred nineteen adolescents (38 females) were studied: 39 obese with OSAS, 34 obese controls, and 46 normal-weight controls. Neck fat was not greater in adolescents with OSAS compared to obese controls (p=0.35), and neck fat volume was not related to OSAS severity (p = 0.36). However, obese adolescents had more neck fat than normal-weight controls (p < 0.001), and neck fat volume correlated with neck circumference (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). Females had significantly greater cross-sectional neck fat than males (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWhile neck fat is associated with obesity and neck circumference in adolescents and is greater in females versus males, it does not appear to correlate with presence and severity of OSAS.     

Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Emergency Care Utilization in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: a Nationwide Population-based Study

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted various aspects of daily living and has influenced the life of every individual in a unique way. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality; thus, timely treatment is crucial to prevent poor prognosis. Therefore, an immediate emergency department (ED) visit is required; however, no domestic studies have reported the effect of COVID-19 on ED visits by patients with AMI. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the changes in the pattern of ED visits by patients with AMI by comparing visits during the COVID-19 outbreak period to those during two control periods.MethodsThis nationwide, retrospective study used registry data of the National Emergency Department Information System. The ‘outbreak period’ was defined as the period between February 21, 2020 and April 1, 2020, while the ‘control period’ was defined as the same time period in the preceding two years (2018 and 2019). The primary outcome of our study was the number of patients admitted to the ED owing to AMI during the outbreak and control periods. Secondary outcomes were time from symptom onset to ED visit, length of ED stay, and 30-day mortality following admission.ResultsDuring the outbreak period, 401,378 patients visited the ED; this number was lower than that during the control periods (2018: 577,548; 2019: 598,514). The number of patients with AMI visiting the ED was lower during the outbreak period (2,221) than during 2018 (2,437) and 2019 (2,591).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused a reduction in ED visits by patients with AMI. We assume that this could likely be caused by misinterpretation of AMI symptoms as symptoms of respiratory infection, fear of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and restrictions in accessing emergency medical care owing to overburdened healthcare facilities. This study sheds light on the fact that healthcare and emergency medical staff members must work towards eliminating hurdles due to this pandemic for patients to receive timely emergency care, which in turn will help curb the growing burden of mortality.     

Cardiotin localization in mitochondria of cardiomyocytes in vivo and in vitro and its down-regulation during dedifferentiation

BackgroundCardiotin expression is observed in adult cardiac tissue. In the present study, we provide evidence for the specific localization of cardiotin in cardiac mitochondria and for its down-regulation during adaptive remodeling (dedifferentiation) of cardiomyocytes.MethodsImmunocytochemistry was used to study cardiotin localization in adult rabbit papillary muscle, in late-stage embryonic rabbit left ventricular tissue, and in left ventricle samples of rabbits suffering from pressure and volume overload. Western blot analysis of cardiotin was performed in purified pig heart mitochondrial fractions. Cardiotin expression was monitored in vitro in isolated adult rat and rabbit left ventricular cardiomyocytes.ResultsWestern blot analysis revealed the presence of cardiotin in the mitochondrial fractions of pig heart. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the presence of cardiotin in cardiac mitochondria of normal adult rabbits both in vivo and in vitro. Quantification of the localization of immunogold particles suggests an association of cardiotin with the mitochondrial inner membrane. Cardiotin expression is initiated in late-stage embryonic rabbit heart, whereas in adult ventricular tissue cardiotin clearly stained longitudinal arrays of mitochondria. Pressure- and volume-overloaded myocardium showed a reduction in cardiotin expression in dispersed local myocardial areas. Cell cultures of adult cardiomyocytes showed a gradual loss in cardiotin expression in parallel with a sarcomeric remodeling.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the specific localization of cardiotin in adult cardiomyocyte mitochondria and propose its use as an early marker for cardiomyocyte adaptive remodeling and dedifferentiation.     

择期经皮冠脉介入术对急性心肌梗死心肌微循环的作用

目的应用心肌声学造影(MCE)评价急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者择期经皮冠脉介入术(PCI)前后的心肌微循环。方法选择20例AMI患者,在择期PCI治疗前、后分别应用声诺维(SonoVue)静脉注射,行间歇触发、二次谐波MCE检查,应用声学密度分析软件(AD)定量测定心肌微循环内造影剂的声学峰值强度(PI)、曲线下面积(AUC)。结果治疗前梗死相关节段的PI、AUC明显低于正常灌注节段(P<0.001);择期PCI治疗后梗死节段的PI、AUC仍明显低于正常节段(P<0.001),但较PCI前明显升高(P<0.001),校正后的PIr、AUCr亦明显升高(P<0.001);而正常灌注节段的PI、AUC在PCI前后无明显变化(P>0.05)。结论MCE可定量评定AMI患者的心肌微循环;择期PCI可改善AMI患者梗死节段的微循环。     

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patient Delay and Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundIt has been known that the fear of contagion during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) creates time delays with subsequent impact on mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, difference of time delay and clinical outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI between the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic era has not been fully investigated yet in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on time delays and clinical outcome in patients with STEMI or non-STEMI compared to the same period years prior.MethodsA total of 598 patients with STEMI (n = 195) or non-STEMI (n = 403) who underwent coronary angiography during the COVID-19 pandemic (February 1 to April 30, 2020) and pre-pandemic era (February 1 to April 30, 2017, 2018, and 2019) were analyzed in this study. Main outcomes were the incidence of time delay, cardiac arrest, and in-hospital death.ResultsThere was 13.5% reduction in the number of patients hospitalized with AMI during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic era. In patients with STEMI, door to balloon time tended to be longer during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic era (55.7 ± 12.6 minutes vs. 60.8 ± 13.0 minutes, P = 0.08). There were no significant differences in cardiac arrest (15.6% vs. 10.4%, P = 0.397) and in-hospital mortality (15.6% vs. 10.4%, P = 0.397) between pre-pandemic and the pandemic era. In patients with non-STEMI, symptom to door time was significantly longer (310.0 ± 346.2 minutes vs. 511.5 ± 635.7 minutes, P = 0.038) and the incidence of cardiac arrest (0.9% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.017) and in-hospital mortality (0.3% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.045) was significantly greater during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic era. Among medications, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin type 2 receptor blockers (ACE-I/ARBs) were underused in STEMI (64.6% vs. 45.8%, P = 0.021) and non-STEMI (67.8% vs. 57.0%, P = 0.061) during the pandemic.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a considerable reduction in hospital admissions for AMI, time delay, and underuse of ACE-I/ARBs for the management of AMI, and this might be closely associated with the excess death in Korea.     

Control of OXPHOS efficiency by complex I in brain mitochondria

In the present work we have analysed the efficiency (P/O ratio) of energy production by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in rat brain, liver and heart mitochondria. This study has revealed tissue-specific differences in the mean values of P/O ratios and ATP production rates. A marked dependence of the P/O ratio on the respiration rates has been observed with complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase), but not with complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) respiratory substrates. The physiological impact of the P/O variations with complex I substrates has been further confirmed by extending the analysis to brain mitochondria from three independent groups of animals utilized to study the effects of dietary treatments on the age-related changes of OXPHOS. The general site-specificity of the rate-dependent P/O variability indicates that the decoupling, i.e. decreased coupling between electron transfer and proton pumping, is likely to be mostly due to slip of mitochondrial complex I. These findings suggest an additional mechanism for the pivotal role played by the energy-conserving respiratory complex I in the physiological and adaptive plasticity of mitochondrial OXPHOS.