The association of tooth scaling and decreased cardiovascular disease: a nationwide population-based study

ObjectivePoor oral hygiene has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between preventive dentistry and cardiovascular risk reduction has remained undetermined. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tooth scaling and the risk of cardiovascular events by using a nationwide, population-based study and a prospective cohort design.MethodsOur analyses were conducted using information from a random sample of 1 million persons enrolled in the nationally representative Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Exposed individuals consisted of all subjects who were aged ≥ 50 years and who received at least 1 tooth scaling in 2000. The comparison group of non-exposed persons consisted of persons who did not undergo tooth scaling and were matched to exposed individuals using propensity score matching by the time of enrollment, age, gender, history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.ResultsDuring an average follow-up period of 7 years, 10,887 subjects who had ever received tooth scaling (exposed group) and 10,989 age-, gender-, and comorbidity-matched subjects who had not received tooth scaling (non-exposed group) were enrolled. The exposed group had a lower incidence of acute myocardial infarction (1.6% vs 2.2%, P < .001), stroke (8.9% vs 10%, P = .03), and total cardiovascular events (10% vs 11.6%, P < .001) when compared with the non-exposed group. After multivariate analysis, tooth scaling was an independent factor associated with less risk of developing future myocardial infarction (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.85), stroke (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.93), and total cardiovascular events (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.91). Furthermore, when compared with the non-exposed group, increasing frequency of tooth scaling correlated with a higher risk reduction of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and total cardiovascular events (P for trend < .001).ConclusionTooth scaling was associated with a decreased risk for future cardiovascular events.     

Cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cancer during a 5-year follow-up: Results from a French administrative database

BackgroundLimited data are available regarding the optimal management and prognosis of patients with cancer who develop an acute myocardial infarction.AimThe objective of this study was to analyse the characteristics and outcomes of patients according to cancer and myocardial infarction occurrence.MethodsBased on the French administrative hospital discharge database, the study collected information for all consecutive patients seen in French hospitals in 2013, excluding those with a history of myocardial infarction. The population was divided into two groups according to their history of cancer. We studied the following outcomes: all-cause and cardiovascular mortality; acute myocardial infarction; and ischaemic stroke. Data were collected after a 5-year follow-up.ResultsBetween 2013 and 2019, 3,381,472 patients were seen in French hospitals; among them, 3,323,757 had no history of myocardial infarction. Patients with a history of cancer (n = 497,593) had higher incidences of all-cause mortality (17.82%/year vs 3.79%/year), cardiovascular mortality (1.61%/year vs 1.17%/year), myocardial infarction (0.82%/year vs 0.61%/year) and ischaemic stroke (0.91%/year vs 0.62%/year) compared with patients without cancer (n = 2,826,164). After performing an adjusted competing-risk analysis, the cumulative incidence of acute myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death and ischaemic stroke incidence was found to be lower in patients with a history of cancer, whereas death of non-cardiac origin was more prevalent in patients with a history of cancer.ConclusionsIn this observational study, we have shown that patients with cancer have a higher incidence of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and myocardial infarction. However, multivariable analysis showed a lower cumulative incidence of these events.     

Circulating high-mobility group box 1 and cardiovascular mortality in unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

ObjectiveHigh-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, which suggests a potential role of this protein in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Circulating HMGB1 has been shown to be independently associated with cardiac mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, its prognostic value remains unclear in unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI).MethodsHMGB1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cardiac troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations were measured on admission in 258 consecutive patients (mean age of 67 years) hospitalized for UA/NSTEMI within 24 h (mean, 7.4 h) of the onset of chest symptoms.ResultsA total of 38 (14.7%) cardiovascular deaths, including 10 in-hospital deaths, occurred during a median follow-up period of 49 months after admission. In a stepwise Cox regression analysis including 19 well-known clinical predictors of ACS, HMGB1 [relative risk (RR) 3.24 per 10-fold increment; P = 0.0003], cardiac troponin I (RR 1.83 per 10-fold increment, P = 0.0007), Killip class > 1 (RR 4.67, P = 0.0001) and age (RR 1.05 per 1-year increment, P = 0.03), but not hsCRP, were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. In-hospital and cardiovascular mortality rates were higher in patients with increased HMGB1 (≥2.4 ng/mL of median value) than those without increased HMGB1 (6.3% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.04; and 23% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.0003).ConclusionCirculating concentration of HMGB1 on admission may be a potential and independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients hospitalized for UA/NSTEMI within 24 h of onset.     

Gender differences in epicardial and tissue-level reperfusion in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

ObjectivePregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a potential new marker for vulnerable plaques in the coronary arteries only examined in stable coronary disease (CAD) in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Here we address the prognostic value of serum PAPP-A in unselected stable CAD patients.MethodBlood samples were drawn at study entry. Serum PAPP-A values ≥4 mIU/L were considered elevated. Mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction was prospectively registered. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality, secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction.ResultsPatients (n = 4243) were followed for a median of 2.8 years. In a Cox analysis, elevated PAPP-A was significantly related to the composite outcome of myocardial infarction and death (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.62–2.45, p < 0.0005), all-cause mortality (HR 2.42, 1.92–3.06, p < 0.0005), and myocardial infarction (HR 1.40, 1.01–1.94, p = 0.046). After Holm's correction, the latter significance disappeared. After adjustment for risk factors and medication at entry, elevated PAPP-A remained significantly related to the composite outcome (HR 1.51, 1.22–1.86, p < 0.0005) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.68, 1.32–2.13, p < 0.0005).ConclusionIn patients with stable CAD elevated serum PAPP-A seems promising as aid in identifying patients at high risk for death.     

The efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen with and without vitamin C supplementation

BackgroundVitamin C in gastric juice and in vitro has been shown to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).AimsThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of addition of vitamin C to eradication regimen on H. pylori eradication rate.PatientsThis randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted on 312 patients with H. pylori infection who had referred to the Taleghani Research Center of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease.MethodsPatients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A patients (162 patients) received amoxicillin 1 g and metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d., bismuth 240 mg b.i.d. and omeprazole 40 mg q.i.d. in two divided doses. Patients in group B (150 patients) received the same regimen plus 500 mg vitamin C per day. All patients received therapy for 2 weeks. Four weeks later all patients underwent urea breath test and results were compared.ResultsA total of 140 patients in group A and 141 in group B completed the study. On intention-to-treat analysis 48.8% of patients in group A in comparison to 78% in group B responded to eradication therapy and had negative urea breath test (p < 0.0001).ConclusionAddition of vitamin C to H. pylori treatment regimen of amoxicillin, metronidazole and bismuth can significantly increases H. pylori eradication rate.     

Fate of individuals with ischemic amputations in the REACH Registry: three-year cardiovascular and limb-related outcomes

ObjectiveTo evaluate systemic and limb ischemic event rates of PAD patients with prior leg amputation and determine predictors of adverse outcomes.MethodsThe REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) Registry provided a prospective multinational cohort of 7996 outpatients with PAD enrolled from primary medical clinics in 44 countries in 2003–2004. 1160 patients (14.5%) had a prior leg amputation at any level. Systemic (myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, cardiovascular death) and limb (angioplasty, surgery, amputation) ischemic event rates were determined in a 3-year follow-up.ResultsPAD patients with leg amputations on entry had a 5-fold higher rate of a subsequent amputation (12.4% vs. 2.4%, P < .001), lower rate of peripheral angioplasty (8.3% vs. 10.7%, P = .005), and similar rates of surgical revascularization procedures compared with PAD patients without amputation. A nearly 2-fold increase in rates of cardiovascular death (14.5% vs. 7.7%, P < .001) and all-cause mortality (21.8% vs. 12.6%, P < .001) and an increase in the composite outcome of MI, stroke, cardiovascular death, or hospitalization (48.7% vs. 40.0%, P < .001) were noted. Recent (≤1 year) amputation was associated with higher rates of worsening PAD, subsequent lower extremity surgical revascularization procedures, re-amputation, non-fatal MI, and the composite outcome, including hospitalization. Adverse systemic and limb ischemic outcomes were similar regardless of amputation level.ConclusionsIndividuals with a history of leg amputations have markedly elevated rates of systemic and limb-related outcomes. PAD patients with recent ischemic amputation have the highest risk of adverse events. A history of “minor” ischemic amputation may confer an identical systemic risk as “major” leg amputation.     

Coronary bare metal stent implantation in homozygous LDL receptor deficient swine induces a neointimal formation pattern similar to humans

ObjectiveMethylarginines have been shown to interfere with nitric oxide (NO) formation by inhibiting NO synthase (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA, and monomethylarginine, NMMA) and the cellular l-arginine uptake system (ADMA, NMMA and symmetric dimethylarginine, SDMA), thereby causing endothelial dysfunction. ADMA is a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality in diverse populations.MethodsWe investigated whether methylarginines are predictors of mortality in 394 patients after acute ischemic stroke during 7.4 years of follow-up.ResultsPatients who died (N = 231) were older and more frequently had one of the traditional risk factors for stroke (previous stroke/TIA, atrial fibrillation, prevalent ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, each p < 0.05). ADMA (0.52 μmol/l vs. 0.50 μmol/l, p = 0.015) and SDMA (0.56 μmol/l vs. 0.43 μmol/l, p < 0.001) were higher in patients who died. In multivariable-adjusted hazard models, SDMA but not ADMA or NMMA was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality after stroke (SDMA, hazard ratio 2.41 (1.55–3.72), p < 0.001; ADMA, hazard ratio 1.43 (0.99–2.07), p = 0.06). SDMA was significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (0.55 μmol/l vs. 0.50 μmol/l, p = 0.03) but there was no significant interaction between SDMA and AF in relation to mortality (p = 0.81). SDMA remained significantly associated with mortality after adjusting for eGFR and also additionally adjusting for C-reactive protein, albumin, β-thromboglobulin, and von Willebrand factor.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that SDMA is an independent predictor of total mortality after acute stroke irrespective of renal function. SDMA is associated with atrial fibrillation, endothelial and platelet activation, and may therefore play a previously unknown role in the pathophysiology of stroke.     

Body mass index and mortality in acute myocardial infarction patients

BackgroundPrevious studies have described an “obesity paradox” with heart failure, whereby higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower mortality. However, little is known about the impact of obesity on survival after acute myocardial infarction.MethodsData from 2 registries of patients hospitalized in the US with acute myocardial infarction between 2003-2004 (PREMIER) and 2005-2008 (TRIUMPH) were used to examine the association of BMI with mortality. Patients (n = 6359) were categorized into BMI groups (kg/m²) using baseline measurements. Two sets of analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression with fractional polynomials to model BMI as categorical and continuous variables. To assess the independent association of BMI with mortality, analyses were repeated, adjusting for 7 domains of patient and clinical characteristics.ResultsMedian BMI was 28.6. BMI was inversely associated with crude 1-year mortality (normal, 9.2%; overweight, 6.1%; obese, 4.7%; morbidly obese; 4.6%; P <.001), which persisted after multivariable adjustment. When BMI was examined as a continuous variable, the hazards curve declined with increasing BMI and then increased above a BMI of 40. Compared with patients with a BMI of 18.5, patients with higher BMIs had a 20% to 68% lower mortality at 1 year. No interactions between age (P = .37), sex (P = .87), or diabetes mellitus (P = .55) were observed.ConclusionsThere appears to be an “obesity paradox” among patients after acute myocardial infarction such that higher BMI is associated with lower mortality, an effect that was not modified by patient characteristics and was comparable across age, sex, and diabetes subgroups.     

Benefits from intracoronary as compared to intravenous abciximab administration for STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty: a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials

BackgroundAdjunctive abciximab administration has been demonstrated to reduce mortality and reinfarction in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred to invasive management. Standard abciximab regimen consists of an intravenous (IV) bolus followed by a 12-h IV infusion. Experimental studies and small clinical trials suggest the superiority of intracoronary (IC) injection of abciximab over IV route. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized trials (RCTs) to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of IC vs IV abciximab administration in STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty.MethodsWe obtained results from all RCTs enrolling STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The primary endpoint was mortality, while recurrent myocardial infarction, postprocedural epicardial (TIMI 3) and myocardial (MBG 2–3) perfusion were identified as secondary endpoints. The safety endpoint was the risk of major bleeding complications.ResultsA total of 8 randomized trials were finally included in the meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 3259 patients. As compared to IV route, IC abciximab was associated with a significant improvement in myocardial perfusion (OR [95% CI] = 1.76 [1.28–2.42], p < 0.001), without significant benefits in terms of mortality (OR [95% CI] = 0.85 [0.59–1.23], p = 0.39), reinfarction (OR [95% CI] = 0.79 [0.46–1.33], p = 0.37), or major bleeding complications (OR [95% CI] = 1.19 [0.76–1.87], p = 0.44). However, we observed a significant relationship between patient's risk profile and mortality benefits from IC abciximab administration (p = 0.011).ConclusionsThe present updated meta-analysis showed that IC administration of abciximab is associated with significant benefits in myocardial perfusion, but not in clinical outcome at short-term follow-up as compared to IV abciximab administration, without any excess of major bleedings in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. However, a significant relationship was observed between patient's risk profile and mortality benefits from IC abciximab administration. Therefore, waiting for long-term follow-up results and additional randomized trials, IC abciximab administration cannot be routinely recommended, but may be considered in high-risk patients.     

Metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, and cardiovascular risk in elderly women

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome and abdominal obesity are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in middle age women but, not completely understood in older people. In this study we analyzed the association between metabolic syndrome and abdominal obesity and the occurrence of cardiovascular events in these elderly women.MethodsA prospective follow-up study included 516 consecutive women aged 60–84 years who sought medical care at a geriatric outpatient facility. The presence of metabolic syndrome and higher quartiles of waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were analyzed as predictive variables, and were adjusted for age, smoking, and previous cardiovascular diseases. The outcomes were the occurrence of stroke, myocardial infarction, evidence of coronary artery disease, or cardiovascular death.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 6.6 years, 94 (18.2%) cardiovascular events were observed (48 fatal and 46 non-fatal). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 206 women (39.9%). After adjustments for confounding variables, metabolic syndrome and waist-to-hip ratio above the 75th percentile (> 0.98) were predictors of the outcomes, but greater waist circumference (> 96 cm) was not. Adjusted hazard ratios for these variables were: metabolic syndrome, 1.66, 95% CI − 1.11 to 2.47, p = 0.01; waist-to-hip ratio, 1.72, 95% CI − 1.05 to 2.82; p = 0.03 and waist circumference, 1.37, 95% CI − 0.91 to 2.07, p = 0.12.ConclusionMetabolic syndrome and high waist-to-hip ratio were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in the studied sample.     

Adiponectin is associated with increased mortality and heart failure in patients with stable ischemic heart disease: data from the Heart and Soul Study

ObjectiveSerum adiponectin protects against incident ischemic heart disease (IHD). However, in patients with existing IHD, higher adiponectin levels are paradoxically associated with worse outcomes. We investigated this paradox by evaluating the relationship between adiponectin and cardiovascular events in patients with existing IHD.MethodsWe measured total serum adiponectin and cardiac disease severity by stress echocardiography in 981 outpatients with stable IHD who were recruited for the Heart and Soul Study between September 2000 and December 2002. Subsequent heart failure hospitalizations, myocardial infarction, and death were recorded.ResultsDuring an average of 7.1 years of follow-up, patients with adiponectin levels in the highest quartile were more likely than those in the lowest quartile to be hospitalized for heart failure (23% vs. 13%; demographics-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–2.56, p = 0.03) or die (49% vs. 31%; HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.24–2.26, p < 0.008), but not more likely to have a myocardial infarction (12% vs. 17%; HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.38–1.06, p = 0.08). The combined outcome of myocardial infarction, heart failure, or death occurred in 56% (136/245) of participants in the highest quartile of adiponectin vs. 38% (94/246) of participants in the lowest quartile (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.31–2.21, p < 0.002). Adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction, inducible ischemia, C-reactive protein, and NT-proBNP attenuated the association between higher adiponectin and increased risk of subsequent events (HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.98–2.09, p = 0.06).ConclusionsHigher concentrations of adiponectin were associated with heart failure and mortality among patients with existing IHD.     

Atrial fibrillation and acute myocardial infarction: antithrombotic therapy and outcomes

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation guidelines recommend long-term use of warfarin according to a patient's predicted risk of stroke. After acute myocardial infarction, however, combining warfarin and antiplatelet medications poses challenges.MethodsBy using data from more than 69,255 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were enrolled in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry's Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry–Get With the Guidelines at 309 hospitals from July 1, 2008, to September 30, 2009, we describe the characteristics and outcomes of the population with myocardial infarction with atrial fibrillation diagnosed within 2 weeks before index myocardial infarction admission (7.1%, N = 4947). Use of discharge antithrombotic therapy is described overall and across levels of predicted stroke and bleeding risks.ResultsCompared with patients without atrial fibrillation, those with atrial fibrillation before their index myocardial infarction were older and had more comorbidities and worse in-hospital outcomes. Only 32.5% of patients with atrial fibrillation were taking warfarin before their myocardial infarction admission. In these patients, use of warfarin at discharge increased with higher Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke [Doubled] (CHADS₂) risk strata (28.5%, 34.6%, and 43.5% for CHADS₂ scores 0, 1, and ≥2; P < .001) and increased in patients at low, intermediate, and high risk of bleeding (25.4%, 42.3%, and 42.1%; P = .004). Triple therapy at discharge (aspirin plus clopidogrel plus warfarin) was used in a minority of this population (14.6%).ConclusionsUse of warfarin at discharge in patients with atrial fibrillation is greater among those with higher stroke and bleeding risks, but despite higher-risk profiles, less than half received warfarin at discharge. These findings highlight that clarification is needed to guide choice of antithrombotic therapy for patients with both atrial fibrillation and acute myocardial infarction.     

Age and Gender Differences in Quality of Care and Outcomes for Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundYoung patients (aged ≤ 45 years) presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction present unique challenges. The quality of care and in-hospital outcomes may differ from their older counterparts.MethodsA total of 31,544 patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and enrolled in the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease registry were analyzed. The cohort was divided into those aged 45 years or less and those aged more than 45 years.ResultsYoung patients accounted for 10.3% of all ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction cases. Compared with older patients, younger patients were less likely to have traditional cardiovascular risk factors and had similar or better quality/performance measures with lower in-hospital mortality (unadjusted rate 1.6 vs 6.5%, P <.0001; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.46). Time trend analysis (2002-2008) suggested an increase over time in the “all or none” composite performance measure in both the younger and older patients (68%-97% and 69%-96%, respectively). However, there was significantly lower quality of care and worse outcomes in women (vs men) and in the very young (≤35 vs 36-45 years). Significant interaction was seen between age and gender for in-hospital death, such that the gender difference was greater in the younger cohort. Similar interaction was seen for door-to-thrombolytic time such that the gender delay was greater in the younger cohort (women:men ratio of means = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.21-2.45 [younger] vs 1.08, 95% CI, 1.00-1.18 [older]; P_interaction = .0031).ConclusionYoung patients aged 45 years or less presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction overall had similar quality of care and in-hospital outcomes as older counterparts. However, quality of care was significantly lower and mortality was higher in young women (vs young men) and the very young (≤35 vs 36-45 years).     

Orexin A associates with inflammation by interacting with OX1R/OX2R receptor and activating prepro-Orexin in cancer tissues of gastric cancer patients

ObjectiveGastric cancer (GC) has been become the second leading cause for cancer-associated death. This study aimed to investigate Orexin A levels and associated receptors in tumor tissues of GC patients.Patients and methodsForty-six consecutive gastric cancer patients (GC, n = 46) and 13 chronic atrophic gastritis patients (CAG, n = 13) were recruited. Meanwhile, 18 health individuals visiting Medical Examination Department were involved as control (N group, n = 18). ELISA was used to examine Orexin A concentration. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to examine OX1R and OX2R. HE staining was applied to evaluate inflammation. qRT-PCR was employed to detect OX1R, OX2R, prepro-Orexin mRNAs. Serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was measured.ResultsOrexin A expression in GC patients was significantly up-regulated compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). Orexin A expression was increased in CAG group compared to N group (p < 0.05). Gastric cancer tissues exhibited significantly obvious inflammation compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). OX1R and OX2R expressions were significantly down-regulated in GC group compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). OX1R and OX2R were lower significantly in GC group compared to CAG group (p < 0.05). Prepro-Orexin was significantly depleted in tumor tissues of GC group compared to N group and CAG group (p < 0.05). Orexin A expression was un-associated with gender, age and differential grades (p > 0.05). CAG and GC patients demonstrated higher H. pylori infection rates.ConclusionOrexin A was associated with inflammation by interacting with OX1R/OX2R receptor and activating prepro-Orexin in tumor tissues of gastric cancer patients.     

Decreased heparin cofactor II activity is associated with impaired endothelial function determined by brachial ultrasonography and predicts cardiovascular events

BackgroundHeparin cofactor II (HCII) could inactivate thrombin after binding to dermatan sulfate at injured arterial walls, and has been shown to be a novel and independent antiatherosclerotic factor. However, the relation between plasma HCII activity and peripheral vascular endothelial function remains unclear.MethodsA total of 199 patients (mean age, 63 ± 14 years) were enrolled and followed up for a median period of 24 months. Endothelial function was assessed using brachial ultrasonography to determine endothelium dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Cox regression analyses were conducted for the 199 subjects, with cardiovascular events being defined as myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery revascularization.ResultsA total of 31 patients (16%) had cardiovascular events. Patients with cardiovascular events had significantly lower HCII activity (112 ± 34 versus 127 ± 34%, p = 0.027) and lower antithrombin III (ATIII) activity (82 ± 12 versus 88 ± 13%, p = 0.014) than those without events. By multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.012), hsCRP (p = 0.020) and HCII activity (p = 0.035) were correlated with FMD. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed and showed plasma HCII (p = 0.036) and ATIII activities (p = 0.005) were predictors of cardiovascular events. By Cox regression analysis, plasma HCII activity (p = 0.026) could be an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, but not ATIII.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that plasma HCII activity is positively correlated with endothelial vasodilator function. Furthermore, plasma HCII activity could be a predictor of future cardiovascular events in patients with suspected coronary artery disease, suggesting its role in atherosclerosis.     

Asociación de cepas de Helicobater pylori cagA+ con alta actividad de ureasa y dispepsia en adultos mexicanos

Introduction and aimsHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with a higher risk of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. The sole presence of the bacterium is not a determinant of clinical outcome, but rather the interaction of strain type and host factors determines the risk of disease. Our aim was to study the association between bacterial load, strain type, and gastric symptoms in H. pylori-positive subjects.Materials and methodsIn a community survey, a diagnostic ¹³C-urea breath test for H. pylori was performed on 302 volunteers that were not taking antibiotics, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors one month prior to the test. The breath test produced 25 H. pylori-positive subjects, between 25-74 years of age, who then took a gastric symptoms survey and were tested for the presence of the cagA genotype in gastric juice, using the Entero-test®. Bacterial load was determined as a measure of urease activity, utilizing the delta over baseline value, obtained in the ¹³C-urea breath test.ResultsA total of 48% of the H. pylori-positive subjects were cagA+. A positive association was found between cagA status and high gastric urease activity (P < .0001) and the latter was significantly associated with the presence of symptoms (P < .0001).ConclusionGastric urease activity was strongly associated with dyspeptic symptoms and cagA+ H. pylori. Elevated ¹³C-delta over baseline values could be used as indicators of a higher risk for gastric disease.     

Association between vitamin B12 level and anti-parietal cells and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies among adult Jordanian patients with Helicobacter pylori infection

ObjectiveEvaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori infection with anti-parietal cell antibodies (APCA) and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies (AIFA) and their impact on vitamin B12 serum level.Patients and methodsOne hundred patients (M/F: 43/57; age 46.5 ± 17.5 years) who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid, Jordan were enrolled in the study. The patients were grouped as H. pylori-infected (n = 81) or H. pylori negative (n = 19) by histopathological examination. Fasting serum vitamin B12 levels, anti-parietal cell antibodies and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies for patients and controls were determined.ResultsAnti-parietal cell antibodies and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies were positive in 9.9% and 18.5% of H. pylori-positive patients respectively. None of the H. pylori negative subjects had anti-parietal cell antibodies or anti-intrinsic factor antibodies. Serum vitamin B12 level was lower in the H. pylori-infected patients (275 ± 70.4 pg/mL) than in controls (322.9 ± 60.7 pg/mL; p < 0.05). H. pylori was positive in 94% of the low-vitamin B12 group compared with 64.6% of the normal-vitamin B12 group (p < 0.5).ConclusionPatients with H. pylori infection are more likely to have anti-parietal cell antibodies and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies. There was an association between H. pylori infection and lower vitamin B12 levels. H. pylori infection might be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of autoimmune gastritis.     

Comparison of levofloxacin-containing sequential and standard triple therapies for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori

BackgroundThere is an important concern about the success of standard triple treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in recent years. Better eradication rates have been reported with sequential treatment in current studies. This study aimed to compare the success of a novel levofloxacin-containing sequential regimen with standard triple therapy.MethodsH. pylori-positive patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomly allocated to one of the study groups. The patients on sequential arm were given esomeprazole 40 mg BID and amoxicillin 1 g BID for the first week followed by esomeprazole 40 mg BID, levofloxacin 500 mg QD and metronidazole 500 mg TID for the second week. The patients on standard triple arm were given esomeprazole 40 mg BID, amoxicillin 1 g BID and clarithromycin 500 mg BID for 2 weeks. Eradication was assessed by urea breath test on 6th weeks.ResultsSeventy-five patients were enrolled in each group; 72 in sequential arm and 67 in standard arm completed the protocols. H. pylori eradication rate of per protocol was 90% in sequential versus 57% in standard treatment groups with a statistical significance (p < 0.000). Both regimens were similarly well tolerated and side effects were comparable. Only one patient in sequential arm stopped the treatment because of side effects.ConclusionThe levofloxacin-containing sequential therapy is a significantly better strategy than the standard triple treatment for H. pylori eradication. Standard triple treatment is no more effective for H. pylori in our population and levofloxacin-containing sequential regimen might be used as a first-line eradication option.     

Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes: A meta-analysis

BackgroundTo systematically review trials concerning the benefit and risk of aspirin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes mellitus.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies were prospective, randomized controlled trials of aspirin therapy for primary cardiovascular prevention in patients with diabetes with follow-up duration at least 12 months.Results7 trials included 11,618 individuals with diabetes. Aspirin therapy was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in major cardiovascular events (relative risk [RR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–1.02, p = 0.11). Aspirin use also did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality (0.95, 95% CI 0.85–1.06; p = 0.33), cardiovascular mortality (0.95, 95% CI 0.71–1.27; p = 0.71), stroke (0.83, 95% CI 0.63–1.10; p = 0.20), or myocardial infarction (MI) (0.85, 95% CI 0.65–1.11; p = 0.24). There was no significant increased risk of major bleeding in aspirin group (2.46, 95% CI 0.70–8.61; p = 0.16). Meta-regression suggested that aspirin agent could reduce the risk of stroke in women and MI in men.ConclusionsIn patients with diabetes, aspirin therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events without an increased risk of major bleeding, and showed sex-specific effects on MI and stroke.