Biomedical subjects

E Goncalvesova

Publications and source records attributed to E Goncalvesova.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Is the ApoE polymorphism associated with dilated cardiomyopathy?

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is 34 kDa protein involved in the modulation of cholesterol transport and homeostasis. Polymorphism of the ApoE gene has been implicated in many chronic cardiovascular and neuronal diseases. ApoE epsilon4 allele has been reported to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, coronary heart disease, etc. Fifty patients with the end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and advanced congestive heart failure were examined in our study. For evaluation of ApoE polymorphism, novel approach of fast screening of ApoE gene polymorphism by combination of PCR and blotting (CVD StripAssay) was used. Individual genotypes were correlated with basic cardiologic clinical parameters. The reported frequency of this allele in Caucasian population is 14.7 %. Our results showed that in patients with DCM frequency of the ApoE epsilon4 allele is 40 %. Frequency of the genotype epsilon2/4 was 58 % and epsilon3/4 was 22 %. Comparison with control Caucasian groups monitored by others clearly revealed that frequency of epsilon4 alelle is increased in patients with advanced stages of DCM. This observation suggests association of ApoE polymorphism with severe form of DCM. Physiological consequences of this observation remain to be clarified.

Alleles↗

PubMed2005

Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase gene expression in transplanted human heart.

BACKGROUND: Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) is an enzyme involved in the epinephrine synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate PNMT gene expression in the transplanted human heart in relation to the time elapsed from heart transplantation (HTx) and selected clinical characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of PNMT in myocardial tissue were determined in 22 (21 males) patients at 0-12 years after HTx. Relative quantification of mRNA levels was performed using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for correlation with heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), parameters of heart rate variability, and graft systolic and diastolic functions. RESULTS: During the first 3 years after HTx, PNMT mRNA levels were higher (mean +/- SEM) (0.75 +/- 0.06; n = 12) compared with later years (0.33 +/- 0.06; n = 10); (P < .01). HR variability in the low frequency band of the power spectrum (LF) was lower among patients during the first 3 years after HTx (2.73 +/- 0.31 vs 5.67 +/- 0.69 ms; P < .01). A significant negative linear correlation was observed between PNMT mRNA and LF (P = .05; r = -0.47). No association was noted between HR, BP, parameters of systolic or diastolic function, standard deviation of all RR intervals, or high frequency (0.15-0.40 Hz) bands of the 24-hour RR interval power spectrum. CONCLUSION: This work provides the first evidence of the presence of local PNMT transcription in human heart after HTx. Appearance of PNMT transcription in the myocardium after HTx may reflect autonomous "sympathicotrophy." Decreased PNMT expression with time elapsed after HTx suggests graft reinervation.

Blood Pressure↗

PubMed2003

The occurrence of symptomatic CMV infections in heart transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Human cytomegalovirus is widely spread in the human population and at present it is the most important clinical agent of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Bone marrow transplant recipients, solid organ transplant recipients and AIDS patients are at risk of the development of a severe systemic disease. Prompt detection of active infection is essential for early initiation of antiviral therapy. AIM: The aim of our work was to follow the occurrence of symptomatic CMV infection in heart recipients. METHODS: We have used antigenemia assay, PCR and serology methods for the detection of CMV infection in heart transplant recipients. RESULTS: We found that the occurrence of symptomatic CMV infections was lower than the literary data. CONCLUSION: Though a small group of patients was examined, we suppose that this was caused by the careful finding of CMV serostatus of donors and recipients, by using of CMV-seronegative, filtered, or leukocytes-poor blood products, by the examination of blood products and prophylaxis of risk patients, too. (Tab. 1, Ref. 37.).

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Graft dysfunction after heart transplantation].

Graft dysfunction/failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality either in early or late postoperative period after heart transplantation (HTx). Early graft failure is briefly discussed. Main causes of late graft failure are acute rejection and graft vessel disease. Rejection episodes with hemodynamic compromising are rather low (5%). Graft vessel disease is the dominant cause of systolic graft dysfunction which can appears several years after HTx.

Coronary Disease↗

PubMed2000

[Arterial hypertension after heart transplantation].

Arterial hypertension after HTx is almost a universal finding. The combined antihypertensive treatment achieves normotension in 34% of patients with arterial hypertension. Calcium blocators are the drugs of first choice.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Non-pharmacologic treatment of heart failure].

Chronic heart failure is a dominant problem not only in cardiology but also from the political and economical points of view in civilized countries. The paper describes general and specific methods of heart failure therapy such as reconstruction of coronary artery disease, valve disease, cardiomyoplasty remodelling of left ventricular cavity, ventricular assist-control devices, artificial heart and heart transplantation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Pharmacologic therapy of heart failure].

Authors describe pharmacotherapy used in the end stage of heart failure (EF 20.5 +/- 4.1%) in routine cardiologic practice in Slovakia, and compare it with pharmacotherapy after the discharge from specialized centers. Medical records of 107 (11 females) were evaluated. At admission vs. discharge, digoxin was prescribed in 94 vs. 91, ACE inhibitors in 86 vs. 94, loop diuretics in 90 vs. 94, AT-1 antagonists in 0 vs. 4, beta blockers in 23 vs. 55. The dosage of ACE inhibitors used in routine practice was rather low.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Physical training in the treatment of heart failure].

Exercise training leads to an increase in functional capacity and reduction of symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure. The benefit of training is explained particularly by its impacts on peripheral blood flow and metabolism of skeletal muscle. The appropriate exercise training as to its form and intensity is safe in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.

Exercise Therapy↗

PubMed1999

[Heart transplantation in patients with coronary disease. Preoperative period].

The authors report on the current heart transplantation (= HTx) frequency in international as well as domestic--Slovak conditions. The exact criteria for selection of patients who will gain maximum benefit from HTx are given. The alternative procedures namely in patients with progressive coronary artery (ischemic heart) disease, which could substitute or at least postpone HTx until the time when definitive solution of chronic and terminal congestive heart failure will be available are discussed. Apart from that, medical, as well as, psychological problems of pre-operative period and the possibilities of their solution are analysed.

Contraindications↗

PubMed1999

[Heart transplantation in patients with coronary disease. Long-term care of patients after heart transplantation].

The authors present information on basic principles of the long term follow-up of patients after heart transplantation (HTx) and about the present state of HTx programme in Slovakia. "Unique normal" cardiac findings after HTx are described. The most important causes of mortality (infection, rejection, graft vascular disease, malignancy) and morbidity (hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency) are analysed and basic information for rational diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive measures is provided. The authors also discuss long term survival and quality of life after HTx. The paper is dedicated to the large medical community which will take care of the patients after HTx. There is no doubt that the results of clinical transplantology are highly dependent on the level of medical care in wide medical practice.

Adolescent↗