Modulation of potassium channels in the hearts of transgenic and mutant mice with altered polyamine biosynthesis

Inward rectification of cardiac I(K1)channels was modulated by genetic manipulation of the naturally occurring polyamines. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was overexpressed in mouse heart under control of the cardiac alpha -myosin heavy chain promoter (alpha MHC). In ODC transgenic hearts, putrescine and cadaverine levels were highly elevated ( identical with 35-fold for putrescine), spermidine was increased 3.6-fold, but spermine was essentially unchanged. I(K1)density was reduced by identical with 38%, although the voltage-dependence of rectification was essentially unchanged. Interestingly, the fast component of transient outward (I(to,f)) current was increased, but the total outward current amplitude was unchanged. I(K1)and I(to)currents were also studied in myocytes from mutant Gyro (Gy) mice in which the spermine synthase gene is disrupted, leading to a complete loss of spermine. I(K1)current densities were not altered in Gy myocytes, but the steepness of rectification was reduced indicating a role for spermine in controlling rectification. Intracellular dialysis of myocytes with putrescine, spermidine and spermine caused reduction, no change and increase of the steepness of rectification, respectively. Taken together with kinetic analysis of I(K1)activation these results are consistent with spermine being a major rectifying factor at potentials positive to E(K), spermidine dominating at potentials around and negative to E(K), and putrescine playing no significant role in rectification in the mouse heart.     

The Heart Failure Association Atlas: rationale,objectives, and methods

Heart failure (HF) constitutes the growing cardiovascular burden and the major public health issue, but comprehensive statistics on HF epidemiology and related management in Europe are missing. The Heart Failure Association (HFA) Atlas has been initiated in 2016 in order to close this gap, representing the continuity directly rooted in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Atlas of Cardiology. The major aim of the HFA Atlas is to establish a contemporary dataset on HF epidemiology, resources and reimbursement policies for HF management, organization of the National Heart Failure Societies (NHFS) and their major activities, including education and HF awareness. These data are gathered in collaboration with the network of NHFS of the ESC member and ESC affiliated countries. The dataset will be continuously improved and advanced based on the experience and enhanced understanding of data collection in the forthcoming years. This will enable revealing trends, disparities and gaps in knowledge on epidemiology and management of HF. Such data are highly needed by the clinicians of different specialties (aside from cardiologists and cardiac surgeons), researchers, healthcare policy makers, as well as HF patients and their caregivers. It will also allow to map the snapshot of realities in HF care, as well as to provide insights for evidence‐based health care policy in contemporary management of HF. Such data will support the ESC/HFA efforts to improve HF management ant outcomes through stronger recommendations and calls for action. This will likely influence the allocation of funds for the prevention, treatment, education and research in HF.     

The level of C-reactive protein and major artery elasticity in patients with ischemic heart disease

AIM: To assess elasticity of the major arteries in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) with reference to concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 52 IHD males (mean age 54 +/- 1.58 years) with functional class I-III angina pectoris and heart failure entered the trial. Major artery elasticity was defined by velocity of the pulse wave. Response of the major arteries (a. radialis) to circulation intensification was evaluated with reactive hyperemia test. Concentration of CRP was determined by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: There is a significant correlation between pulse wave velocity for elastic arteries and the levels of C-reactive protein (r = 0.34; p = 0.018). In investigation of endothelium-dependent reactivity we detected significant changes in the response of muscular-type artery to enhancement of blood flow. CRP concentration significantly correlated with pulse wave velocity inhibition in response to blood flow intensification (r = 0.49; p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Elevation of C-reactive protein in blood plasma of IHD patients may point to marked changes in elasticity of major arteries. Simultaneous assessment of lipid spectrum and CRP enhances diagnostic significance of each index, separately.     

Application of the navigation system in endoscopic surgery of paranasal sinuses and base of the skull

The intraoperative navigation computer system Stealth Station is an effective technique of stereotactic guidance during endoscopic endonasal interventions. Use of navigation allows performance of a radical operation without damaging basic anatomical structures of the base of the skull (vision nerve, cribriform lamina, internal carotid arteries, cavernous sonus, etc.). In rhinosurgery, Stealth Station is indicated in borderline pathology of the paranasal sinuses and base of the skull. Ten cases of patients with combined pathology of the paranasal sinuses and base of the skull, cases of endoscopic endonasal removal of the lesions of the base of the skull and foreign bodies with application of the navigation system are reported.     

International Consensus on Nasal Polyposis 2002–2004

Seventeen well-known experts in rhinosinusology from various countries tried to achieve consensus on the etiology, conservative approach and surgical approach to nasal polyposis. A Digi-Vote electronic system was used for an immediate computer analysis of expert answers to 23 questions related to the problem of nasal polyposis.This report is presented by the International Consensus on Nasal Polyposis, 2002–2004.     

Heart rate variability in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes treated with long acting calcium antagonists

BACKGROUND: Enhanced sympathetic activity is a potential cause of increased risk of cardiovascular complications during treatment of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed before and after 12-16 weeks of treatment with calcium antagonists in 89 patients with mild and moderate hypertension. RESULTS: Changes of majority of parameters of 24 hour blood pressure monitoring were in general favorable however lowering of magnitude and rate of morning blood pressure rise was observed only in verapamil treated patients. Analysis of HRV showed that treatment with all long acting calcium antagonists under study was associated with enhancement of sympathetic activity. In supine position nifedipine treated compared with verapamil treated patients exhibited greater sympathetic activity. In upright position changes of HRV parameters characteristic for increased sympathetic activity were also more pronounced in dihydropyridine treated compared with verapamil treated patients. CONCLUSION: Effect of calcium antagonists on parameters of HRV is negative and this should be taken into consideration when antihypertensive treatment of patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes is selected.