Immune Regulation in Atrial Cardiomyopathy.

Clinical observations have shown that cases of stroke or thromboembolism are not uncommon even in the absence of atrial fibrillation, suggesting that atrial fibrillation is a delayed marker of atrial thrombus formation. Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a pathophysiological concept characterized by atrial substrate and functional abnormalities closely associated with atrial myopathy, atrial enlargement, and impaired ventricular diastolic function. It is an independent factor for thromboembolic stroke, increasing the risk of serious complications such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.

Comprehensive Analysis of Immune Cell Infiltration and M2-Like Macrophage Biomarker Expression Patterns in Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Macrophages play a crucial role in the progression of AF, closely linked to atrial inflammation and myocardial fibrosis. However, the functions and molecular mechanisms of different phenotypic macrophages in AF are not well understood. This study aims to analyze the infiltration characteristics of atrial immune cells in AF patients and further explore the role and molecular expression patterns of M2 macrophage-related genes in AF.

Icariin improves cardiac function and remodeling via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in rats following myocardial infarction.

Background: Postinfarction cardiac remodeling presents a compensatory mechanism aimed at mitigating congestive heart failure. It is distinguished by progressive dilatation and hypertrophy of the ventricular chambers, fibrotic alterations, and prolonged apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of icariin on myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling in rats subjected to myocardial infarction (MI).

The comparison of methods to identify the presence of fibrocytes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival cardiac tissue with coronary heart disease.

The purpose of this study was to find the optimal technical approach to identify the presence of fibrocytes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival cardiac tissue with CHD (coronary heart disease). Using the coexpression markers CD45 and αSMA, the presence of fibrocytes was examined by three different methods, including double immunohistochemistry staining, combination labeling of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and double immunofluorescence labeling. Double immunohistochemistry staining was very difficult to identify the CD45(+)/αSMA(+) fibrocytes.

Extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy ameliorates myocardial fibrosis by decreasing the amount of fibrocytes after acute myocardial infarction in pigs.

Objectives: Extracorporeal shock wave (SW) therapy ameliorates cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it remains to be examined whether and how SW therapy ameliorates myocardial fibrosis after AMI. Fibrocytes are associated with myocardial fibrosis.

Fibrocytes are associated with the fibrosis of coronary heart disease.

Fibrocytes contribute significantly to fibrosis in many cardiac diseases. However, it is not clear whether fibrocytes are associated with the fibrosis in coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to determine whether fibrocytes are involved in cardiac fibrosis in CHD.

A modified regimen of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy for treatment of coronary artery disease.

Background: Cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) improves cardiac function in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a new CSWT treatment regimen.

Methods: The 55 patients with severe CAD were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups.

[Extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy improved myocardial micro-vascular circulation after acute myocardial infarction at early stage in pigs].

Objective: To explore the effect of low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy to improve myocardial micro-vascular circulation after acute myocardial infarction at the early stage in pig model.

Methods: A total of 25 domestic pigs were used in this study. Model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was created successfully by the implantation of angioplasty balloon in mid-distal segment of left anterior descending coronary artery (n=20).

Cardiac shock wave therapy reduces angina and improves myocardial function in patients with refractory coronary artery disease.

Background: Safe and effective therapeutic management of refractory coronary artery disease (CAD) in heart patients is critical to enhance cardiovascular function and improve quality of life. Current therapies for refractory CAD are inadequate in ameliorating angina and promoting revascularization of ischemic myocardium.

Hypothesis: Cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) is a safe and effective noninvasive intervention in the management of patients with refractory CAD.

[Extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy for treatment of coronary artery disease].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) for treatment of coronary artery disease.

Methods: Twenty-five patients with 1 - 16 years history of chronic angina pectoris underwent the CSWT. Before and after the treatment, low-dose Dobutamine stress echocardiography and (99)Tc(m)-MIBI myocardial perfusion SPECT were applied to locate the ischemic segments, detect the viable myocardium and evaluate the effect of CSWT.