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Abstract Although the 6 min walk test (6MWT) is well-established for assessing desaturation in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), it cannot be easily performed in primary healthcare settings. This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the 1 min sit-to-stand test (1STST) for assessing desaturation during 6MWT in ILD patients with normal resting blood oxygen levels. We included 116 patients, and the pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) for both methods was analyzed. The SpO2 nadir during the 1STST and 6MWT correlated strongly (ρ = 0.82). The frequency of patients with nadir SpO2

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinal vascular disease, initiated by delayed retinal vascular growth after premature birth. In the majority of cases, ROP resolves spontaneously; however, a history of ROP may increase the risk of long-term visual problems. In this study, we evaluated the endothelial function of retinal blood vessels in adult rats with a history of ROP. ROP was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (KRN633) on postnatal day (P) 7 and P8. On P56, vasodilator responses to acetylcholine, GSK1016790A (an activator of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channels), NOR3 (a nitric oxide [NO] donor), and salbutamol (a β2-adrenoceptor agonist) were assessed. Compared to age-matched controls, retinal vasodilator responses to acetylcholine and GSK1016790A were attenuated in P56 rats with a history of ROP. No attenuation of acetylcholine-induced retinal vasodilator response was observed under inhibition of NO synthase. Retinal vasodilator responses to NOR3 and salbutamol were unaffected. These results suggest that the production of and/or release of NO is impaired in retinal blood vessels in adult rats with a history of ROP. A history of ROP might increase the risk of impaired retinal circulation in adulthood.

Abstract We present a case of double‐chambered right ventricle (DCRV) complicated by hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) in KRAS mutation‐associated Noonan syndrome. The diagnosis was incidental and made during diagnostic testing for an intradural extramedullary tumour. Spinal compression, if not surgically treated, may cause paralysis of the extremities. We decided to pursue pharmacological therapy to control biventricular obstructions and reduce the perioperative complication rate. We initiated treatment with cibenzoline and bisoprolol; the doses were titrated according to the response. After 2 weeks, the peak pressure gradient of the two RV chambers decreased from 101 to 68 mmHg, and the LV peak pressure gradient decreased from 109 to 14 mmHg. Class 1A antiarrhythmic drugs and β‐blockers decreased the severe pressure gradients of biventricular obstructions caused by DCRV and HOCM. The patient was able to undergo surgery to remove the intradural extramedullary tumour, which was diagnosed as schwannoma.

Abstract Aims The prediction of future heart failure (HF) in stable outpatients is often difficult for general practitioners and cardiologists. Recently, the H2FPEF score (0–9 points) has been proposed for the discrimination of HF with preserved ejection fraction from non‐cardiac causes of dyspnoea. The six clinical and echocardiographic variables that constitute the H2FPEF score include the following: (i) obesity (H); (ii) the use of ≥2 antihypertensive drugs (H); (iii) atrial fibrillation (F); (iv) pulmonary hypertension (P); (v) an age > 60 years (E); and (vi) E/e' > 9 (F). We performed an external validation study that investigated whether the H2FPEF score could predict future HF‐related events in stable outpatients with cardiovascular risk factor(s) in Japan. Methods and results In this prospective cohort study, after exclusion of 195 from 551 consecutive, stable Japanese outpatients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor who were enrolled between September 2010 and July 2013, the remaining 356 outpatients (171 men, 185 women, mean age 73.2 years) were eligible for the analysis. We calculated the H2FPEF score (0–9 points), and followed up the patients for an average of 517 days. In all of the 356 patients, the mean H2FPEF score was 3.1 ± 1.8, and 15 developed HF‐related events during the follow‐up period, including cardiovascular death (n = 2) and hospitalization for HF decompensation (n = 13). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the H2FPEF score was an independent predictor of future HF‐related events (P < 0.001 for all three models). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a significantly higher probability of HF‐related events in the outpatients with a high H2FPEF score (P < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the H2FPEF score was significantly associated with the occurrence of future HF‐related events (P < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of a H2FPEF score of 7 points to predict HF‐related events were 47%, 96%, and 11.4%, respectively. Conclusions The H2FPEF score could provide useful information for future HF‐related events in stable outpatients with cardiovascular risk factor(s) in Japan.

Patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, sometimes exhibit no clinical features. Here, we describe a case of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-negative GPA presenting with only lung granuloma. A 55-year-old woman with a right upper lung mass underwent lobectomy for suspected lung cancer; however, only granuloma was detected, and the etiology was not identified. Serum ANCA results were negative. Four years postoperatively, another pulmonary nodule appeared in the left lung's apex. The kidneys and sinuses were not impaired, but re-examination of the resected specimen revealed necrotizing vasculitis and granulomas around the vessels. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with GPA localized to the lungs. Although this was a non-life-threatening disease, the patient was administered oral prednisolone (PSL) and intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY) to prevent fatal complications of GPA as she was non-elderly and had no comorbidities, leading to a decrease in the mass size. Detailed re-examination by expert pulmonary pathologists could aid in GPA diagnosis when clinical features are absent, as in our case. In patients with granulomas of unknown etiology, a careful multidisciplinary approach is pivotal in the diagnosis. If patients tolerate adverse effects, a PSL and IVCY combination may prevent fatal outcomes, even in patients with non-life-threatening disease.

We previously identified that NO derived from neuronal cells acts on glial cells and causes vasodilation in the healthy rat retina via the release of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and prostaglandins (PGs) by activation of the arachidonic acid cascade. However, it is not clear which PG types are involved in these responses. The aim of the present study was to identify prostanoid receptors involved in glial cell-derived vasodilation induced by NO in rat retina. Male Wistar rats were used to examine the effects of intravitreal pretreatment with indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor; PF-04418948, a prostanoid EP2 receptor antagonist; and CAY10441, a prostanoid IP receptor antagonist, on the changes in the retinal arteriolar diameter induced by intravitreal administration of NOR3, an NO donor. Retinal arteriolar diameters were measured using ocular fundus images captured with a high-resolution digital camera in vivo. The increase in the retinal arteriolar diameter induced by intravitreal injection of NOR3 was significantly suppressed by intravitreal pretreatment with indomethacin and PF-04418948, but not by CAY10441. The dose of PF-04418948 and CAY10441 injected intravitreally in the present study significantly reduced the increase in the retinal arteriolar diameter induced by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), respectively. These results suggest that activation of the arachidonic acid cascade and subsequent stimulation of prostanoid EP2 receptors are involved in rat retinal vasodilatory responses evoked by NO-induced glial cell stimulation. Therefore, glial cell-derived PGE2, similar to EETs, may play an important role in retinal vasodilatory mechanisms.

Background The clinical implication of vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the correlation between changes in vascular endothelial function assessed by reactive hyperemia‐peripheral arterial tonometry and the effect of sinus rhythm restoration after catheter ablation (CA) for AF. Methods and Results Consecutive 214 patients who underwent CA for AF were included in this single center, retrospective study. The natural logarithmic transformed reactive hyperemia‐peripheral arterial tonometry index (LnRHI) of all patients was measured before CA as well as 3 and 6 months after CA. LnRHI in sinus rhythm was significantly higher than that in AF before CA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of AF was an independent risk factor for lowering of LnRHI (odds ratio, 4.092; P=0.002) before CA. The LnRHI was significantly improved 3 and 6 months after CA in patients without AF recurrence. Multivariate Cox hazard analysis revealed that changes in LnRHI from before to 3 months after CA independently correlated with recurrence of AF (hazard ratio, 0.106; P=0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed the decrease in LnRHI levels from before to 3 months after CA as a significant marker that suspects AF recurrence (area under the curve, 0.792; log‐rank test, P

Background Cardiac fibrosis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) is a secretory protein expressed in activated fibroblasts that exacerbates tissue fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the clinical utility of HE4 measurement in patients with DCM and its pathophysiological role in preclinical experiments in vivo and in vitro. Methods and Results We measured serum HE4 levels of 87 patients with DCM. Endomyocardial biopsy expressed severe fibrosis only in the high HE4 group (P

Background We investigated the clinical significance of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (DROMs), a new marker of reactive oxygen species, in patients with nonischemic heart failure (HF) and compared them among new categories of HF. Methods and Results We recruited 201 consecutively hospitalized patients with HF and measured DROM under stable conditions. Then, we divided them according to new categories of HF (HF with reduced ejection fraction [EF], HF with midrangeEF, and HF with preserved EF) without coronary artery disease. In subgroup analysis, we followed EF changes in patients with HF with reduced EF and classified them into HF with recovered EF or nonrecovered EF according to whether EF had improved to >40%. DROMs are significantly and independently associated with HF‐related events in patients with NIHF. There were no significant differences in DROM and the probability of HF‐related events among HF categories in Kaplan–Meier analysis. However, patients with HF with reduced EF and HF with preserved EF but not HF with midrange EF with HF‐related events had higher DROM than those without HF‐related events. In subgroup analysis, Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the probabilities of HF‐related events in HF with recovered EF were dramatically decreased. DROM were significantly higher in patients with HF with nonrecovered EF than in HF with recovered EF. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cutoff level of DROM for predicting improvements in HF with recovered EF was 347 Carratelli units. Furthermore, the C‐statistic value for predicting EF improvement for the DROM levels was 0.703. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, DROM was independently and significantly associated with the prediction of HF with recovered EF. Conclusions DROM measurements can provide important prognostic information for risk stratification in any category of NIHF. Registration URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; Unique identifier: UMIN000035827.

In our previous study, we found that the vasodilation of retinal arterioles induced by acetylcholine and BMS-191011, a large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel opener, were diminished in diabetic rats. Currently, few agents ameliorate the impaired vasodilator responses of retinal blood vessels. Our recent finding that the intravenous infusion of L-citrulline dilated retinal arterioles, suggests that L-citrulline could be a potential therapeutic agent for circulatory disorders of the retina. In this study, we determined the effect of an oral L-citrulline treatment on impaired acetylcholine- and BMS-191011-induced vasodilation in the retinal arterioles of diabetic rats. To induce diabetes, rats were administered an intravenous dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and a 5% D-glucose solution as drinking water. The L-citrulline (2 g/kg/day) and L-arginine (2 g/kg/day) treatments commenced either 15 days before or just after the streptozotocin injection and continued throughout the experimental period. A 29-day treatment with L-citrulline, but not L-arginine, significantly ameliorated the impaired acetylcholine- and BMS-191011-induced retinal vasodilation in diabetic rats without affecting their plasma glucose levels. The 2-week L-citrulline treatment tended to ameliorate the dysfunction of the acetylcholine-induced retinal vasodilation in diabetic rats. In conclusion, these results showed that the retinal blood vessel dysfunction induced by diabetes mellitus could be prevented by the long-term administration of L-citrulline and suggest that the latter could play a potentially prophylactic role in diabetic retinopathy.

Backgrounds: The relationship between cardiovascular outcomes and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the score and cardiovascular outcomes in HFpEF patients. Methods and results: A total of 506 consecutive HFpEF patients were prospectively observed for up to 1500 days or until the occurrence of cardiovascular events. The mean age was 71.6 ± 9.4 years. Cardiovascular outcomes were compared between the CONUT score 0–1 group with a normal nutritional state (normal group), the CONUT score 2–4 group with a light degree of undernutrition (light group), and the CONUT score 5–8 group with a moderate degree of undernutrition (moderate group). In this study, there were no patients who scored 9–12, which was defined as a severe state of undernutrition. Overall, 238 cardiovascular events were observed during the follow-up period (median: 1159 days). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the moderate group was at higher risk of composite cardiovascular events than the normal group (P

Aims: Although the bacterial virulent factor of cytotoxin-associated gene-A (CagA)-seropositivity and the host genetic factors of interleukin (IL)-1 polymorphisms have been suggested to influence Helicobacter pylori (HP) -related diseases, the underlying mechanisms of the association between HP infection and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain unknown. Methods and results: Among 341 consecutive ACS patients, the clinical outcomes after ACS included composite cardiovascular events within the 2-year follow-up period.A significantly higher probability of primary outcomes was observed in HP positive patients than in HP negative patients. There were no significant differences in the rate of cardiovascular events between HP positive and HP negative patients in the absence of an IL-polymorphism, while there were significant differences in the presence of an IL-polymorphism. There were significant differences in the rate of cardiovascular events among CagA positive, CagA negative/ HP positive and CagA negative/HP negative patients. Moreover, via immunohistochemical staining, aortic CagA positive cells were confirmed in the vasa vasorum in CagA positive patients, whereas they could not be identified in CagA negative patients. Conclusions: The bacterial virulence factor CagA and host genetic IL-1 polymorphisms influence the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, possibly through infection of atherosclerotic lesions.Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN)-CTR (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/).Identifier: UMIN000035696. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, CagA, Interleukin-1, MACE

Pathological retinal angiogenesis contributes to the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases. Valproic acid, a widely used antiepileptic drug, exerts anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC). Herein, we investigated the effects of valproic acid and vorinostat, a HDAC inhibitor, on pathological retinal angiogenesis in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). OIR was induced in neonatal mice by exposure to 80% oxygen from postnatal day (P) 7 to P10 and to atmospheric oxygen from P10 to P15. Mice were subcutaneously injected with valproic acid, vorinostat, or vehicle once a day from P10 to P14. At P15, retinal neovascular tufts and vascular growth in the central avascular zone were observed in mice with OIR. Additionally, immunoreactivity for phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (pS6), an indicator of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, was detected in the neovascular tufts. Both valproic acid and vorinostat reduced the formation of retinal neovascular tuft without affecting vascular growth in the central avascular zone. Valproic acid reduced the pS6 immunoreactivity in neovascular tufts. Given that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activates mTOR-dependent pathways in proliferating endothelial cells of the neonatal mouse retina, these results suggest that valproic acid suppresses pathological retinal angiogenesis by interrupting VEGF-mTOR pathways. Keywords: Histone deacetylase, Mammalian target of rapamycin, Pathological angiogenesis, Retina, Vascular endothelial growth factor

Abnormalities in retinal blood vessels and neuronal function persist in eyes undergoing retinopathy of prematurity. In this study, we examined morphological and functional changes in retinal blood vessels and neurons in mice that had undergone short-term interruption of retinal vascular development through inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. In mice treated with the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor KRN633 on postnatal day (P) 0 and 1, the vascular density in the retinal surface increased by P12, but development of deep retinal vascular plexus and choroidal vasculature was delayed until P14. Overall retinal morphology was mostly normal in KRN633-treated mice during the observation period (∼P28), with the exception of P8 and P14. On P28, abnormalities in retinal vascular patterns were evident, but electroretinogram and retinal blood perfusion were within the normal range. Abnormal architecture of retinal vasculature disturbs retinal hemodynamics; therefore, mice treated postnatally with VEGF receptor inhibitors could serve as an animal model for studying the regulatory mechanism of local retinal blood flow and the effect of persistent abnormal retinal vascular patterns on the risk of onset of retinal ischemia. Keywords: Endothelial cell, Neuronal cell, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Vascular patterning, Retina

Delayed-phase cardiac CT is a useful tool for scar detection, based on differences in the volume of distribution of iodine. Although it covers the entire heart, provides uniform, high isotropic spatial resolution, and therefore may be useful for detecting small late iodine enhancement (LIE), we need to correctly differentiate small LIE and pseudo-lesions mimicking LIE. In this case report, we demonstrate basal septal perforator vein mimicking LIE in delayed phase cardiac CT. Left ventricular myocardium includes not only septal vein and artery but also capillaries, arterio- and venoluminal vessels, and sinusoids, etc. which connect to septal veins. To avoid misinterpretations of myocardial LIE on the delayed phase images, we need to understand those anatomical features. Keywords: Delayed iodine CT, Late iodine enhancement, Myocardial infarction, Myocardial scar, Septal perforator vein

We have previously reported that intravenous injection of l-citrulline, an α-amino acid isolated from watermelon juice, prevented the decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF) during cortical spreading depression (CSD) in rats, a widely accepted animal model of migraine aura. However it is not clear whether oral l-citrulline administration improves CBF during CSD or not. For clinical application of l-citrulline against migraine aura, we evaluated the effect of oral l-citrulline administration on the parameters of CSD. Daily oral administration of l-citrulline for 8 consecutive days increased brain concentration of l-arginine as well as l-citrulline. Moreover, l-citrulline reduced the disturbance of CBF, monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry, with less effect on mean arterial pressure and heart rate during CSD. Although l-citrulline had no effect on CSD propagation velocity, it accelerated the recovery of CBF changes. These results suggest that l-citrulline has a clinically beneficial effect on migraine aura via regulation of CBF.

We reported that high-mobility group Box-1 (HMGB1) was involved in excitoneurotoxicity in the retina. HMGB1 is known to activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). However, the role of NF-κB in excitotoxicity is still controversial. Here, we demonstrated that NF-κB activation induced by NMDA led to the retinal neurotoxicity. Male SpragueâDawley rats were used, and NMDA (200 nmol/eye) and bovine HMGB1 (15 μg/eye) were intravitreally injected. Triptolide (500 pmol/eye), BAY 11-7082 (500 pmol/eye), and IMD-0354 (7.5 nmol/eye), NF-κB inhibitors, were co-injected with NMDA or HMGB1. Retinal sections were obtained seven days after intravitreal injection. Cell loss in the ganglion cell layer was observed in the HMGB1- and the NMDA-treated retina. All of the NF-κB inhibitors used in this study reduced the damage. BAY 11-7082 reduced the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB 12 h after NMDA injection, upregulation of GFAP immunoreactivity induced by NMDA 12 and 48 h after NMDA injection, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells 48 h after NMDA injection. The results suggest that NF-κB activation is one of the mechanisms of the retinal neuronal death that occurs 48 h after NMDA injection or later. Prevention of NF-kB activation is a candidate for the treatment of retinal neurodegeneration associated with excitotoxicity. Keywords: N-methyl-d-aspartic acid, Nuclear factor kappa B, High-mobility group Box-1, Retina

l-Citrulline is a potent precursor of l-arginine, and exerts beneficial effect on cardiovascular system via nitric oxide (NO) production. Migraine is one of the most popular neurovascular disorder, and imbalance of cerebral blood flow (CBF) observed in cortical spreading depression (CSD) contributes to the mechanism of migraine aura. Here, we investigated the effect of l-citrulline on cardiovascular changes to KCl-induced CSD. in rats. Intravenous injection of l-citrulline prevented the decrease in CBF, monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry, without affecting mean arterial pressure and heart rate during CSD. Moreover, l-citrulline attenuated propagation velocity of CSD induced by KCl. The effect of l-citrulline on CBF change was prevented by l-NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase, but not by indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. On the other hand, attenuation effect of l-citrulline on CSD propagation velocity was prevented not only by l-NAME but also by indomethacin. In addition, propagation velocity of CSD was attenuated by intravenous injection of NOR3, a NO donor, which was diminished by ODQ, an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase. These results suggest that NO/cyclic GMP- and prostanoids-mediated pathway differently contribute to the effect of l-citrulline on the maintenance of CBF.

Background The long‐term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction who develop persistent renal dysfunction (RD) remains unclear. We investigated risk factors and prognostic implications of persistent RD after contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with acute myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods and Results We enrolled 952 consecutive patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine levels ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% from baseline within 72 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention. Persistent RD was defined as residual impairment of renal function over 2 weeks, and transient RD was defined as recovery of renal function within 2 weeks, after CIN. The overall incidence of CIN was 8.8% and that of persistent CIN was 3.1%. A receiver‐operator characteristic curve showed that the optimal cutoff value of the contrast volume/baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate ratio for persistent CIN was 3.45. In multivariable logistic analysis, a contrast volume/baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate >3.45 was an independent correlate of persistent RD. At 3 years, the incidence of death was significantly higher in patients with persistent RD than in those with transient RD (P=0.001) and in those without CIN (P3.45 is an independent predictor of persistent RD.

Background: In patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), continuing treatment with antifibrotic agents is crucial to decrease the reduction of forced vital capacity and mortality rate. However, predictive factors for the discontinuation of antifibrotic agents are unknown. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and predictive factors for the discontinuation of antifibrotic agents in patients with IPF. Methods: This was a double-center retrospective study that enrolled patients with IPF treated with pirfenidone or nintedanib between 2009 and 2017. We compared clinical parameters between the medication-continuing group and the discontinued group. The predictive factors were determined using Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results: A total of 66 subjects were included: 43 received pirfenidone and 23 received nintedanib. At 1 year, 23 of 66 patients had discontinued due to adverse events ( n = 12), disease progression ( n = 9), or death ( n = 2). The characteristics of the discontinuation group were poor performance status (PS) and delay from diagnosis to treatment. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis associated with the discontinuation of antifibrotic agents, PS was the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) value (cut-off value, 2; AUC, 0.83; specificity, 63%; sensitivity, 87%). This finding was consistent even when analyzing, except for examples of death and adjusting for the type of antifibrotic agent. The treatment persistence rate by PS was PS 0–1 = 90%, PS 2 = 65%, and PS 3 = 19%. Analysis of the relationship between PS and administration period of antifibrotic agents revealed that delays from diagnosis to treatment led to worsening of dyspnea, a decline in lung function, and deterioration of PS. Conclusions: PS may be informative for predicting discontinuation of medication. Our data reinforced the importance of early initiation of antifibrotic treatment, and we suggest PS should be used as a guide for starting antifibrotic agents in everyday practice. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplementary material section.

Introduction: Bleeding complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a major problem in clinical practice. However, there is few information on thrombogenicity after TAVI. The aim of this study was to establish a monitoring of total thrombogenicity in perioperative TAVI using the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System (T-TAS), a microchip-based flow chamber system for analysis of thrombus formation under flow condition. Methods: Twenty-three patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI between August 2017 and March 2018 at Kumamoto university hospital were enrolled. After exclusion, data of 21 patients were analyzed. Blood samples were obtained before, 2, 7, and 30 days after TAVI. Thrombogenicity were assessed by the T-TAS to compute the area under the curve (AUC) (AR10-AUC30) in the AR chip. We also measured platelet count, high-molecular-weight von Willebrand factor (HMW-vWF) multimers, and plasma thrombopoietin. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed to calculate the wall shear stress (WSS). Results: The AR10-AUC30 levels and platelet counts were significantly lower at 2 days post-TAVI, and then increased gradually. HMW-vWF multimers, and plasma thrombopoietin, were significantly higher at 2 days post-TAVI, compared with before TAVI. CFD analysis showed that WSS of the aortic valve and posterior ascending aortic wall were significantly lower after TAVI than before-TAVI. Multivariate analysis identified max velocity measured by echocardiography, platelet count, and D-dimer as significant determinants of AR10-AUC30, representing total thrombogenicity. Conclusions: Although HMW-vWF multimers improved earlier after TAVI, total thrombogenic activity evaluated by T-TAS remained relatively low followed by improvement in thrombogenic activity at 30 days after TAVI.Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT03248232. Keywords: Severe aortic stenosis, Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, Thrombogenicity, Thrombocytopenia

Retinal blood flow insufficiency due to capillary loss induces hypoxia in the retina, leading to an abnormal angiogenesis, relating to ischemic retinopathy. To better understand the mechanism and process of retinal capillary regression, we examined the process of hyperoxia- and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor-induced retinal capillary regression in neonatal mice. We also investigated the effects of Ca2+ channel blockers, amlodipine and nicardipine, on hyperoxia-induced capillary regression. The regression of capillaries adjacent to arteries began immediately after the mice were exposed to 80% oxygen on postnatal day 7. An apparent avascular zone was established within 24 h after the initiation of oxygen exposure, whereas capillaries in the retinal vascular front were not affected. Axitinib, an inhibitor of VEGFR tyrosine kinase, induced capillary regression throughout the retinal vasculature. High-concentration oxygen exposure affected the capillaries on the arterial side of the retinal circulation more preferentially than axitinib. The Ca2+ channel blockers significantly delayed hyperoxia-induced capillary regression and changes in the capillaries on the arterial side. These results suggest that the decreased blood flow due to arterial constriction contributes to hyperoxia-induced capillary regression. Compounds that improve the retinal blood flow may prevent ischemia by preventing capillary loss.

l-Citrulline is an effective precursor of l-arginine produced by the l-citrulline/l-arginine cycle, and it exerts beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system by supporting enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production. NO dilates retinal blood vessels via the cyclooxygenase-mediated pathway. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of l-citrulline on retinal circulation and to investigate the potential involvement of NO and prostaglandins in l-citrulline-induced responses in rats. l-Citrulline (10–300 μg kg−1 min−1, i.v.) increased the diameter of retinal arterioles without significantly changing mean blood pressure, heart rate, and fundus blood flow. The vasodilator response of retinal arterioles to l-citrulline was significantly diminished following treatment with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (30 mg/kg, i.v.), an NO synthase inhibitor, or indomethacin (5 mg/kg, i.v.), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. In addition, α-methyl-dl-aspartic acid (147 mg/kg, i.v.), an inhibitor of argininosuccinate synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme for the recycling of l-citrulline to l-arginine, diminished the l-citrulline-induced retinal vasodilation. These results suggest that both NO- and prostaglandin-dependent pathways contribute to the l-citrulline-induced vasodilation of rat retinal arterioles. The l-citrulline/l-arginine recycling pathway may have more importance in regulating vascular tone in retinal blood vessels than in peripheral resistance vessels.

Previous studies have shown that degeneration of retinal capillaries occurs following N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal neurotoxicity, but it is unclear whether vasodilatory mechanisms are altered in retinal blood vessels. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether retinal vasodilator responses are affected in a rat model of NMDA-induced retinal damage. At 14 days after a single intravitreal injection of NMDA (200 nmol), retinal vasodilator responses were assessed by measuring the diameter of retinal arterioles in fundus images. Acetylcholine-induced vasodilation of retinal arterioles was significantly reduced in NMDA-treated retinas, whereas retinal vasodilatory effects of the nitric oxide (NO) donor NOR3, the β2-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol, and the β3-adrenoceptor agonist CL316243 were unaltered. The vasodilator response to acetylcholine observed under the combined blockade of NO synthase and cyclooxygenase with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (30 mg/kg, i.v.) plus indomethacin (5 mg/kg, i.v.), possibly an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated response, was also reduced. These results suggest that endothelium-dependent vasodilatory mechanisms in retinal blood vessels are impaired in the rat model of NMDA-induced retinal degeneration. Glutamate-induced neurotoxicity is implicated in several retinal diseases; therefore, abnormal retinal circulation would contribute to the progression of the diseases.

BackgroundThe CHADS2 score has mainly been used to predict the likelihood of cerebrovascular accidents in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, increasing attention is being paid to this scoring system for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease. We investigated the value of the CHADS2 score in predicting cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events in coronary artery disease patients without atrial fibrillation. Methods and ResultsThis was a multicenter, observational cohort study. The subjects had been admitted to one of the participating institutions with coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. We calculated the CHADS2 scores for 7082 patients (mean age, 69.7 years; males, 71.9%) without clinical evidence of atrial fibrillation. Subjects were subdivided into low‐ (0–1), intermediate‐ (2–3), and high‐score (4–6) groups and followed for 1 year. The end point was a composite of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke at 1‐year follow‐up. Rates of triple‐vessel/left main trunk disease correlated positively with CHADS2 score categories. CHADS2 scores among single, double, and triple‐vessel/left main trunk groups were 2 (1–2), 2 (1–3), and 2 (2–3), respectively (P

Non-invasive real-time observations and the evaluation of living cell conditions and functions are increasingly demanded in life sciences. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors detect the refractive index (RI) changes on the surface of sensor chips in label-free and on a real-time basis. Using SPR sensors, we and other groups have developed techniques to evaluate living cells’ reactions in response to stimuli without any labeling in a real-time manner. The SPR imaging (SPRI) system for living cells may visualize single cell reactions and has the potential to expand application of SPR cell sensing for clinical diagnosis, such as multi-array cell diagnostic systems and detection of malignant cells among normal cells in combination with rapid cell isolation techniques.

Increasing evidence suggests that the complex interactions among multiple cell types including neuronal, glial, and vascular cells, are critical for maintaining adequate cerebral blood flow that is necessary for normal brain function and survival. The disturbance of these interactions contributes to the pathogenesis of central nervous system disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. The retina is part of the central nervous system, and the properties of vasculature in the retina are similar to those in the brain. The interactions among multiple cell types in the retina also play an important role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and the impairment of interactions can contribute to the onset and/or progression of retinal diseases. In this review, we describe the neurovascular interactions in the retina and alternations of interactions in pathological conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Keywords:: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, glial cell, neuronal cell, vascular cell

BackgroundDrug‐eluting stents are replacing bare‐metal stents, but in‐stent restenosis (ISR) remains a problem. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry evaluates endothelial function noninvasively. We prospectively assessed the prognostic value of RHI in predicting ISR after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods and ResultsRHI was measured before percutaneous coronary intervention and at follow‐up (F/U) angiography (F/U RHI; 6 and 9 months post bare‐metal stents– and drug‐eluting stents– percutaneous coronary intervention, respectively) in 249 consecutive patients. At F/U, ISR (stenosis >50% of diameter) was seen in 68 patients (27.3%). F/U natural logarithm (RHI) was significantly lower in patients with ISR than in those without (0.52±0.23 versus 0.65±0.27, P

BackgroundStatin therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of statins on the prognosis of patients with coronary vasospastic angina (VSA) free of significant atherosclerotic stenosis. Methods and ResultsAfter exclusion of 475 from 1877 consecutive patients who underwent an acetylcholine‐provocation test between January 1991 and December 2010, data of 640 VSA patients without significant organic stenosis of the remaining 1402 were analyzed retrospectively. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce the effect of treatment‐selection bias and possible confounders. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. Among the study population, dyslipidemia on admission was identified in 160 of 168 (95.2%) patients of the statin group compared with only 125 of 472 (26.5%) of the no‐statin group. Of the 640 patients, 24 (3.8%) developed MACE. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis identified statin therapy as a significant negative predictor of MACE (hazard ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02–0.84; P=0.033). In the propensity‐score matched cohorts (n=128 each), Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed a better 5‐year MACE‐free survival rate for patients of the statin group compared to the no‐statin group (100% vs 91.7%, respectively; P=0.002). ConclusionsStatin therapy correlated with a lower rate of cardiovascular events in VSA patients free of significant organic stenosis. Statins seems to improve the prognosis of VSA patients free of significant organic stenosis.

Helicobacter pylori infection and interleukin-1 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. We examined the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and interleukin-1 polymorphisms between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients.We recruited consecutive acute coronary syndrome patients, and 101 non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients and 103 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients were enrolled. Interleukin-1 polymorphism analyses were performed for single nucleotide polymorphism in interleukin-1 beta-511 and the variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism in the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist by polymerase chain reaction. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against Helicobacter pylori and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were also measured.The rates of the simultaneous presence of interleukin-1 polymorphisms and Helicobacter pylori-seropositivity between non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction groups were 25.7% and 42.7%, respectively (P = 0.012). Helicobacter pylori-seropositive subjects with interleukin-1 polymorphisms showed significantly higher levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (0.04-0.12 vs. 0.02-0.05; P

BackgroundNon–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are used to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The T‐TAS “Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System” (Fujimori Kogyo Co Ltd) was developed for quantitative analysis of thrombus formation using microchips with thrombogenic surfaces (collagen, platelet chip [PL] ; collagen plus tissue factor, atheroma chip [AR]). We evaluated the utility of T‐TAS in predicting periprocedural bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA). Methods and ResultsAfter exclusion of 20 from 148 consecutive patients undergoing CA, the remaining 128 patients were divided into 2 treatment groups: the warfarin group (n=30) and the non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants group (n=98). Blood samples obtained on the day of CA (anticoagulant‐free point) and at 3 and 30 days after CA were used in T‐TAS to compute the thrombus formation area under the curve (AUC; AUC for the first 10 minutes for PL tested at flow rate of 24 μL/min [PL24‐AUC10]; AUC for the first 30 minutes for AR tested at flow rate of 10 μL/min [AR10‐AUC30]). AR10‐AUC30 and PL24‐AUC10 levels were similar in the 2 groups on the day of CA. Levels of AR10‐AUC30, but not PL24‐AUC10, were significantly lower in the 2 groups at days 3 and 30 after CA. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified the AR10‐AUC30 level on the day of CA as a significant predictor of periprocedural bleeding events (odds ratio 5.7; 95% CI 1.54–21.1; P=0.009). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the AR10‐AUC30 level on the day of CA significantly predicted periprocedural bleeding events (AUC 0.859, 95% CI 0.766–0.951; P

We previously reported that acetylcholine (ACh)–induced vasodilation of retinal arterioles is diminished in diabetic rats; however, the underlying mechanism(s) of this phenomenon has not been fully elucidated. To determine the role of the polyol pathway in the diabetes-induced retinal vascular dysfunction, we investigated the effect of GP-1447, an inhibitor of aldose reductase, on the attenuation of ACh-induced vasodilation of retinal arterioles seen in diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and experiments were performed 2 weeks later. The STZ-treated animals were given drinking water containing 5% d-glucose to shorten the term for the development of retinal vascular dysfunction. Treatment with GP-1447 was initiated immediately after STZ treatment and continued throughout the 2-week experimental period. The attenuation of retinal vascular responses to ACh were not modified by treatment with GP-1447, whereas the aldose reductase inhibitor completely prevented diabetes-induced thinning of the retina and sorbitol accumulation in the retina and the lens. These results suggest that mechanisms that are independent of the polyol pathway may contribute to the onset of retinal endothelial dysfunction, although the pathway plays an important role in morphological changes of retina and formation of cataracts in diabetic rats. Keywords:: aldose reductase, diabetes, endothelium, polyol pathway, retinal circulation

Although a blockade of acetylcholine esterase has been reported to suppress neuronal cell death induced by exogenous glutamate and β-amyloid, information is still limited regarding the neuroprotective effects of the acetylcholine esterase inhibitor donepezil. We histologically examined the effects of donepezil on neuronal injury induced by ischemia–reperfusion. Intravenous and intravitreous treatment with donepezil 15 min prior to ischemia dramatically reduced the retinal damage. The protective effect of donepezil in the ganglion cell layer was not affected by mecamylamine, a nicotinic acetylcholine-receptor antagonist, nor scopolamine, a muscarinic acetylcholine-receptor antagonist. The protective effect of donepezil in the inner plexiform layer was reduced not by mecamylamine, but by scopolamine. Neostigmine, a choline-esterase inhibitor, and pilocarpine, a muscarinic acetylcholine-receptor agonist, have protective effects in the inner plexiform layer and the inner nuclear layer. These results suggest that not only the activation of acetylcholine receptors but also a mechanism unrelated to acetylcholine-esterase inhibition contribute to the protective effect of donepezil on the ganglion cells in the ischemic–reperfused rat retina. Donepezil may be useful as a therapeutic drug against retinal diseases that cause neuronal cell death such as glaucoma with high intraocular pressure. Keywords:: donepezil, retina, ischemia, reperfusion, acetylcholine esterase

The purpose of this study was to establish a novel imaging system for evaluation of cataract in small animals. Diabetic cataract was induced in male Wistar rats by a combination of a bolus injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.v.) and 5% D-glucose given as drinking water. To assess cataract development, we designed a digital camera system equipped with a nonreflecting illuminator for capturing clear high-resolution full lens images in the horizontal plane. Cataract was evaluated from the resulting images using both an observer-based scoring system and quantitative digital image-analysis techniques. The onset of cataract was detected in the peripheral section of the lens in 57% of cases 2 weeks after induction of hyperglycemia. Central opacities were visible following 3 weeks in hyperglycemic conditions. The cataract increased in severity with time, so that by week 9 in hyperglycemic conditions, mature cataracts were developed in over 90% of lenses. Treatment of diabetic rats with GP-1447, an aldose reductase inhibitor, completely prevented the formation of diabetic cataracts. These results indicate that the digital imaging system established in the present study permits an assessment of all stages of cataract development and it is helpful for accurately evaluating the effects of therapeutic drugs on cataracts. Keywords:: cataract, diabetes, lens, streptozotocin, himaging

We examined the effects of Ca2+-channel blockers on sugar cataract formation in streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced diabetic rats that were given 5% D-glucose as drinking water. The diabetic rats were treated with an L-type Ca2+-channel blocker, nifedipine or verapamil, for 9 weeks from the 3rd day of streptozotocin injection. Using the full lens images of the horizontal plane captured with the new digital camera system that we developed recently, the cataract formation was quantitatively assessed in parallel with the conventional scaling method. In the animal model of diabetes mellitus, the cataracts at the peripheral region of the lens were detected 2 weeks after induction of hyperglycemia and progressed depending on the length of the diabetic period. The majority of them developed mature cataracts after 9 weeks of hyperglycemia. Nifedipine slowed the progression rate of diabetic cataracts without affecting the period of time required for the onset of this disease, whereas verapamil had no significant inhibitory effect on the diabetic cataract. These findings suggest that nifedipine may be considered as a candidate drug to suppress the progression of diabetic cataracts. Keywords:: cataract, diabetes, lens, L-type Ca2+channel, streptozotocin

We established an experimental system for measuring blood flow in the rat fundus and examined whether intravenously administered vasodilatory prostaglandins (PGE1, PGE2, and PGI2), 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (a cAMP analogue), and nicardipine (a Ca2+-channel blocker) increase fundus blood flow (FBF). Under artificial ventilation, rats were injected with tetrodotoxin (50 µg/kg, i.v.) to eliminate any nerve activity and prevent movement of the eye. After tetrodotoxin, the rats were infused with norepinephrine (0.3 – 0.5 µg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ min−1) and epinephrine (2.7 – 4.5 µg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ min−1) simultaneously to maintain adequate systemic circulation. We found that intravenous infusion of PGE1 (2 – 10 µg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ min−1), PGE2 (3 – 30 µg ⋅ kg.1. min−1), and PGI2 (1 – 10 µg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅min−1) increased the FBF in a dose-dependent manner. The vasodilatory PGs decreased arterial pressure, whereas they did not affect heart rate. Like vasodilatory PGs, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (30 µmol/kg, i.v.) increased FBF and decreased arterial pressure. While infusion of nicardipine (0.3 – 3 µg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅min−1) produced comparable depressor responses with those to vasodilatory PGs and the cAMP analogue, it did not increase FBF. These results suggest that vasodilatory PGs and cAMP act more selectively than Ca2+- channel blockers on retinal /choroidal blood vessels. Therefore, the vasodilatory PGs might be considered to be possible candidates for the therapeutics to treat disorders of retinal /choroidal circulation. Keywords:: fundus blood flow, laser-Doppler flowmetry, laser-Doppler imaging, ocular circulation, vasodilatory prostaglandin

Background Myocardial lactate production in the coronary circulation during acetylcholine (ACh)‐provocation test (abbreviated as lactate production) provides supporting evidence for coronary spasm–induced myocardial ischemia. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features, predictive factors, and prognosis of patients with coronary vasospastic angina (VSA) and lactate production. Methods and Results We examined all 712 patients who underwent both myocardial lactate measurement during ACh‐provocation test in the left coronary artery and genetic screening test of a –786T/C polymorphism in the 5′‐flanking region of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene between January 1991 and December 2010. Lactate production was observed in 252 of the 712 patients and in 219 of 356 VSA patients diagnosed by ACh‐provocation test. Compared with lactate production–negative VSA patients, the lactate production–positive counterparts were more likely to be nonsmoker female diabetics with –786T/C eNOS polymorphism (61% vs 31%, P

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin is a specific biomarker for cardiomyocyte necrosis in acute coronary syndromes. Troponin release from the coronary circulation remains to be determined because of the lower sensitivity of the conventional assay. We sought to determine basal and angina-induced troponin release using a highly sensitive troponin assay. METHODS AND RESULTS: The cardiac troponin T levels in serum sampled from the peripheral vein (PV), the aortic root (AO), and the coronary sinus (CS) were measured in 105 consecutive stable patients with coronary risk factor(s) and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and in 33 patients without CAD who underwent an acetylcholine provocation test. At baseline, there was a significant increase in the troponin levels from AO [9.0 (6.4, 13.1) pg/mL for median (25(th), 75(th) percentiles)] to CS [10.3 (7.3, 15.5) pg/mL, p