Cardiology Letters, 2016 (vol. 25), issue 4

Inhibition of neprilysin - new horizon in heart failure therapy

Šimko F, Dukát A

Cardiology Letters 2016, 25(4):273-276

Molecular mechanisms of quercetin effects in rats exposed to prolonged doxorubicin administration

Barteková M, Šimončíková P, Fogarassyová M, Okruhlicová L, Tribulová N, Radošinská J, Barančík M

Cardiology Letters 2016, 25(4):277-285  

The natural polyphenolic compound quercetin is a flavonoid that exerts various biological effects including anti-oxidative and radical-scavenging activities. Moreover, quercetin has been shown to possess some preventive actions in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of prolonged administration of quercetin on changes induced by the repeated application of doxorubicin in rat hearts. We focused on the ultrastructure of myocardium, biometric parameters, Akt kinase activity, connexin-43 expression, and apoptosis induction. Our aim was also to examine the effects of quercetin on ischemic tolerance...

The impact of the use of extracorporeal circulation on the early postoperative IgG concentrations: potential effect on the outcome in cardiac surgery patients - pilot study

Artemiou P, Bilý B, Rabajdová M, Pashalidis I, Sabol F

Cardiology Letters 2016, 25(4):286-292  

Objective: This study tried to elucidate the role of the cardiopulmonary bypass on the early postoperative immunoglobulin G levels and any probable effects on the postoperative outcome of the patients. Methods: A heterogeneous group for clinical study consisted of 117 consecutive patients. The evening after surgery the level of the IgG was obtained. The postoperative course of each patient during the first three days was followed. One way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: Twenty patients (17.09%) had decreased early postoperative immunoglobulin G levels. One hundred and five patients (89.74%) were operated on with cardiopulmonary bypass...

Background and principles of effective diuretic treatment in heart failure

Gonçalvesová E, Lesný P, Luknár M

Cardiology Letters 2016, 25(4):293-301  

Diuretics are an essential and regular part of the treatment of symptomatic heart failure patients regardless of left ventricular systolic function. The objective of diuretic administration is to remove the congestion which is not only the dominating cause of the symptoms and signs of heart failure but also an important factor of adverse remodeling and progression of myocardial dysfunction. Patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms of congestion have a poor prognosis. On the other hand a higher mortality was observed in the patients with high doses of diuretics. A principle of safe and effective diuretic therapy is to maintain the optivolemic...

2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis

The Task Force for the Management of Infective Endocarditis of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)

Cardiology Letters 2016, 25(4):302-344