Submit to Life Review for Life Edit a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Special Issue "Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II"

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 7617

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Irina-Iuliana Costache

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: ischemic heart disease; arterial hypertension; pulmonary embolism; heart failure; biomarkers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Bogdan-Mircea Mihai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: diabetes; metabolic diseases; cardiology; diabetic kidney disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Minerva Codruta Badescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: cardiovascular disease; atherosclerosis; arterial thrombosis; venous thrombosis; anticoagulants; hereditary thrombophilia; inflammation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of cardiology is very dynamic, and is constantly evolving and improving. Our knowledge about myocardial ischemia is deepening every day, as major progress is made both in understanding its pathophysiological substrate and in improving diagnostic algorithms and therapeutic protocols.

Myocardial ischemia is the fundamental substrate of acute and chronic coronary syndromes. Beyond this major role, its importance resides in its coexistence with many pathological conditions in which myocardial ischemia appears either as an associated factor or as a consequence.

Firstly, the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in the context of non-cardiac comorbidities can be a challenge for the clinician, who has the difficult task of choosing appropriate paraclinical investigations from many options—ECG, biomarkers, stress test, invasive and non-invasive imaging procedures—to establish a correct diagnosis.

Secondly, the high incidence and severe prognosis of myocardial ischemia highlight the need for continuous research in the field to optimize diagnosis and treatment, and to improve the prognosis and survival of patients.

Thirdly, atherosclerotic disease as a whole and myocardial ischemia in particular are frequently associated with a complex metabolic background. Innovative therapies bring important benefits, providing protection against atherosclerotic disease and significantly reducing major adverse cardiovascular events in dedicated clinical trials.

These are the main reasons why we chose this broad topic. Our goal is to form a team of specialists whose advanced experience allows us to understand the complex mechanisms of the bidirectional relationship between myocardial ischemia and various pathologies. Therefore, we invite you to share your knowledge and experience, and thus help to identify the best diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for our patients.

Dr. Irina-Iuliana Costache
Prof. Dr. Bogdan-Mircea Mihai
Dr. Minerva Codruta Badescu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

myocardial ischemia
acute coronary syndrome
chronic coronary syndrome
atherothrombosis
biomarkers
coronary imaging
revascularization
prevention

Related Special Issue

Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities in Life (12 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

Open AccessArticle

Syndecan-1: From a Promising Novel Cardiac Biomarker to a Surrogate Early Predictor of Kidney and Liver Injury in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Radu-Stefan Miftode

Irina-Iuliana Costache

Daniela Constantinescu

Ovidiu Mitu

Amalia-Stefana Timpau

Monica Hancianu

Daniela-Anicuta Leca

Ionela-Larisa Miftode

Raul-Alexandru Jigoranu

Alexandru-Florinel Oancea

Mihai Stefan Cristian Haba

Diandra Ioana Miftode

and

Ionela-Lacramioara Serban

Life 2023, 13(4), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13040898 - 28 Mar 2023

Viewed by 534

Abstract

(1) Background: Acute heart failure (HF) represents a complex clinical syndrome burdened by increased mortality and a high rate of systemic complications. Although natriuretic peptides (e.g., NT-proBNP) currently represent the diagnostic and prognostic gold standard in acute HF, those molecules do not accurately reflect all the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the progression of this pathology when determined independently. Therefore, the current paradigm tends to focus on a multi-marker approach for the risk stratification of patients with acute HF. Syndecan-1 is a less studied biomarker in cardiovascular diseases; its assessment in patients with acute HF being potentially able to reflect the myocardial pathological changes, such as fibrosis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction or global wall stress. (2) Methods: We conducted a single center prospective study that enrolled 173 patients (120 patients admitted for acute HF, compared to 53 controls with stable chronic HF). A complete standardized clinical, echocardiography and laboratory evaluation was performed at admission, including serum samples for the determination of syndecan-1 by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. (3) Results: The serum concentration of syndecan-1 was significantly higher in patients with acute HF, compared to controls [121.4 (69.3–257.9) vs. 72.1 (41.4–135.8) ng/mL, p = 0.015]. Syndecan-1 was a significant predictor for the diagnosis of acute HF, expressed by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.898, similar to NT-proBNP (AUC: 0.976) or cardiac troponin (AUC: 0.839). Moreover, syndecan-1 was independently associated with impaired kidney and liver function at admission, being also a predictor for early, subclinical organ dysfunction in patients with normal biological parameters at admission. When included in the multi-marker model, syndecan-1 levels influenced mortality more significantly than NT-proBNP or troponin. A multivariable regression including syndecan-1, NT-proBNP and troponin provided additional prognostic value compared to each independent biomarker. (4) Conclusions: Syndecan-1 can be considered a promising novel biomarker in acute HF, exhibiting adequate diagnostic and prognostic value. Additionally, syndecan-1 can be used as a surrogate biomarker for non-cardiac organ dysfunction, as its highs levels can accurately reflect early acute kidney and liver injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Relationships between Easily Available Biomarkers and Non-Dipper Blood Pressure Pattern in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Andrei Drugescu

Mihai Roca

Ioana Mădălina Zota

Alexandru-Dan Costache

Maria-Magdalena Leon-Constantin

Oana Irina Gavril

Radu Sebastian Gavril

Teodor Flaviu Vasilcu

Ovidiu Mitu

Cristina Mihaela Ghiciuc

and

Florin Mitu

Life 2023, 13(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030640 - 25 Feb 2023

Viewed by 759

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic inflammation plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of both arterial hypertension (HTN) and coronary artery disease (CAD), and is more pronounced in individuals with a non-dipper circadian blood pressure (BP) pattern. A non-dipping BP pattern is in turn is associated with increased cardiovascular morbi-mortality, and a higher risk of atherosclerotic events. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are readily available predictors of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. The purpose of our study is to evaluate whether NLR, MLR and PLR can be used as cost-effective predictors of a non-dipping blood pressure pattern in hypertensive patients with stable CAD. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional retrospective analysis that included 80 patients with hypertension and stable CAD (mean age 55.51 ± 11.83 years, 71.3% male) referred to a cardiovascular rehabilitation center. All patients underwent clinical examination, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and standard blood analysis. Results: Baseline demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Patients with non-dipper pattern had significantly higher NLR (median = 2, IR (2–3), p < 0.001), MLR (median = 0.31, IR (0.23–0.39), p < 0.001) and PLR (median = 175, IR (144–215), p < 0.001) compared to dippers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MLR and PLR are inexpensive and easily accessible biomarkers that predict a non-dipping pattern in hypertensive patients with stable CAD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease: The Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 (eNOS3), Krüppel-Like Factor-14 (KLF-14), Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR), MiRNAs27a and Their Association with the Predisposition and Susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease

and

Life 2022, 12(11), 1905; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111905 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 763

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important cause of death worldwide. CAD is caused by genetic and other factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, stress, unhealthy diet, physical inactively, smoking and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The genome wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed the association of many loci with risk to diseases such as cancers, T2D and CAD. Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator and is required for normal vascular health. It is produced in the endothelial cells in a reaction catalyzed by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a very important enzyme involved in metabolism of folate and homocysteine, and its reduced function leads to cardiovascular disease. The Krüppel-like factor-14 (KLF-14) is an important transcriptional regulator that has been implicated in metabolic syndrome. MicroRNA (MiRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate the gene expression of proteins involved in important physiological processes including cell cycle and metabolism. In the present study, we have investigated the potential impact of germline pathogenic variants of endothelial eNOS, KLF-14, MTHFR, MiRNA-27a and their association with risk to CAD in the Saudi population. Methods: Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) PCR was used to detect MTHFR, KLF-14, miRNA-27a and eNOS3 genotyping in CAD patients and healthy controls. About 125 CAD cases and 125 controls were enrolled in this study and statistical associations were calculated including p-value, risk ratio (RR), and odds ratio (OD). Results: There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in genotype distributions of MTHFR 677 C>T, KLF-14 rs972283 G>A, miRNAs27a rs895819 A>G and eNOS3 rs1799983 G>T between CAD patients and controls. In addition, our results indicated that the MTHFR-TT genotype was associated with increased CAD susceptibility with an OR 2.75 (95%) and p < 0.049, and the KLF14-AA genotype was also associated with increased CAD susceptibility with an OR of 2.24 (95%) and p < 0.024. Moreover, the miRNAs27a-GG genotype protects from CAD risk with an OR = 0.31 (0.016), p = 0.016. Our results also indicated that eNOS3 -GT genotype is associated with CAD susceptibility with an OR = 2.65, and p < 0.0003. Conclusion: The MTHFR 677C>T, KLF14 rs972283 G>A, miRNAs27a A>G, and eNOS3 rs1799983 G>T genotypes were associated with CAD susceptibility (p < 0.05). These findings require verification in future large-scale population based studies before these loci are used for the prediction and identification of individuals at risk to CAD. Weight control, physical activity, and smoking cessation are very influential recommendations given by clinicians to the at risk individuals to reduce or delay the development of CAD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

Review

Jump to: Research

Open AccessReview

T-Wave Analysis on the 24 h Holter ECG Monitoring as a Predictive Assessment of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A Literature Review and Future Perspectives

Ștefania-Teodora Duca

Mihai Roca

Alexandru-Dan Costache

Minerva Codruța Bădescu

Dan Iliescu-Halitchi

Codruța-Olimpiada Halițchi-Iliescu

Florin Mitu

Cătălina Lionte

and

Irina-Iuliana Costache

Life 2023, 13(5), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13051155 - 10 May 2023

Viewed by 902

Abstract

Myocardial ischemia is a pathophysiological state characterized by inadequate perfusion of the myocardium, resulting in an imbalance between myocardial oxygen demand and supply. It is most commonly caused by coronary artery disease, in which atherosclerotic plaques lead to luminal narrowing and reduced blood flow to the heart. Myocardial ischemia can manifest as angina pectoris or silent myocardial ischemia and can progress to myocardial infarction or heart failure if left untreated. Diagnosis of myocardial ischemia typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electrocardiography and imaging studies. Electrocardiographic parameters, as assessed by 24 h Holter ECG monitoring, can predict the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with myocardial ischemia, independent of other risk factors. The T-waves in patients with myocardial ischemia have prognostic value for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events, and their electrophysiological heterogeneity can be visualized using various techniques. Combining the electrocardiographic findings with the assessment of myocardial substrate may offer a better picture of the factors that can contribute to cardiovascular death. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

Cardiac Reverse Remodeling in Ischemic Heart Disease with Novel Therapies for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Sabina Andreea Leancă

Irina Afrăsânie

Daniela Crișu

Iulian Theodor Matei

Ștefania Teodora Duca

Alexandru Dan Costache

Viviana Onofrei

Ionuţ Tudorancea

Ovidiu Mitu

Minerva Codruța Bădescu

Lăcrămioara Ionela Șerban

and

Irina Iuliana Costache

Life 2023, 13(4), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13041000 - 13 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1536

Abstract

Despite the improvements in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction (MI) over the past 20 years, ischemic heart disease (IHD) continues to be the most common cause of heart failure (HF). In clinical trials, over 70% of patients diagnosed with HF had IHD as the underlying cause. Furthermore, IHD predicts a worse outcome for patients with HF, leading to a substantial increase in late morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In recent years, new pharmacological therapies have emerged for the treatment of HF, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, selective cardiac myosin activators, and oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, demonstrating clear or potential benefits in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Interventional strategies such as cardiac resynchronization therapy, cardiac contractility modulation, or baroreflex activation therapy might provide additional therapeutic benefits by improving symptoms and promoting reverse remodeling. Furthermore, cardiac regenerative therapies such as stem cell transplantation could become a new therapeutic resource in the management of HF. By analyzing the existing data from the literature, this review aims to evaluate the impact of new HF therapies in patients with IHD in order to gain further insight into the best form of therapeutic management for this large proportion of HF patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Open AccessReview

Risk Scores for Prediction of Major Cardiovascular Events in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A No Man’s Land?

Liliana Gheorghe

Roxana Nemteanu

Andreea Clim

Gina Eosefina Botnariu

Irina Iuliana Costache

and

Alina Plesa

Life 2023, 13(4), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13040857 - 23 Mar 2023

Viewed by 594

Abstract

Over the past 100 years, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries, and similar trends have occurred for chronic liver disease. Subsequent research also indicated that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had a twofold increased risk of CV events and that this risk was doubled in those with liver fibrosis. However, no validated CVD risk score specific for NAFLD patients has yet been validated, as traditional risk scores tend to underestimate the CV risk in NAFLD patients. From a practical perspective, identifying NAFLD patients and assessing severity of liver fibrosis when concurrent atherosclerotic risk factors are already established may serve as an important criterion in new CV risk scores. The current review aims to assess current risk scores and their utility for the prediction of CV events among patients with NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

Ischemia with Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Atrial Cardiomyopathy—Two Sides of the Same Story?

Irina Afrăsânie

Iulian Theodor Matei

Sabina Andreea Leancă

Adriana Chetran

Alexandru Dan Costache

Vlad-Adrian Afrăsânie

Bianca-Ana Dmour

Daniela Crișu

Minerva Codruța Bădescu

Lăcrămioara Ionela Șerban

and

Irina Iuliana Costache

Life 2023, 13(2), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020443 - 04 Feb 2023

Viewed by 766

Abstract

Ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of angina, myocardial remodeling, and eventually heart failure (HF). Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a major endotype of INOCA, and it is caused by structural and functional alterations of the coronary microcirculation. At the same time, atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) defined by structural, functional, and electrical atrial remodeling has a major clinical impact due to its manifestations: atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial thrombosis, stroke, and HF symptoms. Both these pathologies share similar risk factors and have a high comorbidity burden. CMD causing INOCA and ACM frequently coexist. Thus, questions arise whether there is a potential link between these pathologies. Does CMD promote AF or the reverse? Which are the mechanisms that ultimately lead to CMD and ACM? Are both part of a systemic disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction? Lastly, which are the therapeutic strategies that can target endothelial dysfunction and improve the prognosis of patients with CMD and ACM? This review aims to address these questions by analyzing the existing body of evidence, offering further insight into the mechanisms of CMD and ACM, and discussing potential therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Accelerated Atherosclerosis, New Biomarkers, and the Effects of Biological Therapy

Diana Popescu

Elena Rezus

Minerva Codruta Badescu

Nicoleta Dima

Petronela Nicoleta Seritean Isac

Ioan-Teodor Dragoi

and

Ciprian Rezus

Life 2023, 13(2), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020319 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1086

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most common of the chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases (CIADs), is recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Traditional risk factors such as smoking, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity are frequently found in RA. Given the increased risk of mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in RA patients, screening for risk factors is important. Moreover, there is a need to identify potential predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that markers such as serum homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, or carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) are correlated with cardiovascular risk. Although RA presents a cardiovascular risk comparable to that of diabetes, it is not managed as well in terms of acute cardiovascular events. The introduction of biological therapy has opened new perspectives in the understanding of this pathology, confirming the involvement and importance of the inflammatory markers, cytokines, and the immune system. In addition to effects in inducing remission and slowing disease progression, most biologics have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events. Some studies have also been conducted in patients without RA, with similar results. However, early detection of atherosclerosis and the use of targeted therapies are the cornerstone for reducing cardiovascular risk in RA patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Ischemic Heart Disease in the Context of Different Comorbidities, Volume II"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI