👤 Tomotaka Dohi

Limited evidence exists on the role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in the progression of atherosclerotic coronary plaques as assessed by intravascular imaging modality, particularly under low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of Lp(a) as a residual risk factor for coronary plaque progression, using serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This observational cohort study included statin-treated patients from two clinical prospective trials (the ENTERPRISE trial and Extended-ESTABLISH trial) in which coronary plaques were assessed using serial grayscale IVUS at baseline and at 6-12 months follow-up. The primary endpoints were defined as absolute changes in normalized total atheroma volume (TAV Show less

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiac disorder characterized by progressive fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium. In the Japanese population, variants of the desmoglein-2 ( A 6-year-old asymptomatic girl was diagnosed with ACM based on abnormal electrocardiogram findings, including epsilon waves, and T-wave inversions in leads V This case illustrates the potential for severe pediatric ACM associated with compound heterozygous This case underscores the genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic variability in inherited cardiomyopathies. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive genetic testing and close monitoring of affected individuals and their families. Show less

Complete endoscopic mucosal healing is defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0. Some patients diagnosed with a Mayo endoscopic subscore 0 may present with subsequent clinical relapse. Here, we aimed to demonstrate mucosal cytokine profile as a predictor of clinical relapse in ulcerative colitis patients with a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 as a marker of mucosal healing. We conducted prospective observational pilot study to examine the relationship between mucosal cytokine expression and subsequent relapse of UC patients diagnosed with a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0. We enrolled 55 patients, and expression of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon γ, interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-7, interleukin-8, interleukin-9, interleukin-10, interleukin-12, interleukin-13, interleukin-15, interleukin-17A, interleukin-17F, interleukin-18, interleukin-21, interleukin-22, interleukin-23, interleukin-27, and interleukin-33 was measured by quantitative real-time PCR using rectal mucosa biopsy materials. Cytokine expression levels were compared between patients who relapsed between March 1, 2016, and March 30, 2020, of the study period and those who remained in remission. Ten cytokines, including interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, interleukin-12, interleukin-15, interleukin-17A, interleukin-21, interleukin-23, and interleukin-33, were significantly elevated in patients with subsequent relapse compared with those who remained in remission. Interleukin-8 expression was the most useful predictor. In the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients with Mayo endoscopic subscore 0, levels of several cytokines were elevated in cases of subsequent relapse. Among these, interleukin-8 expression was the most useful for predicting relapse. Show less