Papers by Alessandro Cataliotti
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Mar 8, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Cardiac Failure, Aug 1, 2004
Circulation, Nov 23, 2010
Background: BNP and especially NT-proBNP have prognostic value for death and cardiovascular (CV) ... more Background: BNP and especially NT-proBNP have prognostic value for death and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity. ANP, like BNP, is a hormone released in response to myocardial stimuli. Few studies evalu...
Circulation, Nov 22, 2011
Blood Pressure, Jul 7, 2020
Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) is again gaining interest as recent well-designed trials have... more Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) is again gaining interest as recent well-designed trials have demonstrated reduced ambulatory blood pressure (BP) after RDN. However, the hemodynamic mechanisms have not been elucidated. We aimed for the first time to investigate the effect of RDN on the "Hallmark of Hypertension" namely increased systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). Materials and methods: We investigated SVRI change in patients with true treatment-resistant hypertension randomized to RDN (n=9) or drug adjusted control (n=9). Treatment-resistant hypertension was defined as office systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg despite ≥ 3 antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. True treatment-resistant hypertension was confirmed prior to inclusion with ambulatory daytime systolic BP ≥ 135 mmHg immediately after witnessed intake of antihypertensive drugs. Hemodynamic variables were recorded with thoracic impedance cardiography at baseline and at three and six months follow-up after RDN. This non-invasive method also guided further tailoring of drug treatment in the control group aiming to normalize hemodynamic variables and BP. Results: From three to six months follow-up after RDN, SVRI decreased with a median of-611 dyn*s*m 2 /cm 5 [IQR-949 to-267] (p<0.01), while supine mean BP decreased with a median of-11 mmHg [IQR-21 to-3] (p=0.02). In the same period, SVRI in the control group was reduced with-674 dyn*s*m 2 /cm 5 [IQR-1,309 to-340] (p<0.01), while supine mean BP decreased with-15 mmHg [IQR-29 to-6] (p=0.01). Thus, hemodynamic variables and BP in the two groups normalized in parallel. Conclusion: Our data suggest that in patients with true treatment-resistant hypertension, renal sympathetic denervation lowers BP by reducing systemic vascular resistance of similar size as in the control group with careful individual selection of antihypertensive drugs and dose titration.
Esc Heart Failure, Jan 26, 2021
AimsSacubitril/valsartan (sac/val) has shown superior effect compared with blockade of the renin–... more AimsSacubitril/valsartan (sac/val) has shown superior effect compared with blockade of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. We aimed to investigate effects of sac/val compared with valsartan in a pressure overload model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods and resultsSprague–Dawley rats underwent aortic banding or sham (n = 16) surgery and were randomized to sac/val (n = 28), valsartan (n = 29), or vehicle (n = 26) treatment for 8 weeks. Sac/val reduced left ventricular weight by 11% compared with vehicle (P = 0.01) and 9% compared with valsartan alone (P = 0.04). Only valsartan reduced blood pressure compared with sham (P = 0.02). Longitudinal early diastolic strain rate was preserved in sac/val compared with sham, while it was reduced by 23% in vehicle (P = 0.03) and 24% in valsartan (P = 0.02). Diastolic dysfunction, measured by E/e'SR, increased by 68% in vehicle (P &lt; 0.01) and 80% in valsartan alone (P &lt; 0.001), while sac/val showed no increase. Neither sac/val nor valsartan prevented interstitial fibrosis. Although ejection fraction was preserved, we observed mild systolic dysfunction, with vehicle showing a 28% decrease in longitudinal strain (P &lt; 0.01). Neither sac/val nor valsartan treatment improved this dysfunction.ConclusionsIn a model of HFpEF induced by cardiac pressure overload, sac/val reduced hypertrophy compared with valsartan alone and ameliorated diastolic dysfunction. These effects were independent of blood pressure. Early systolic dysfunction was not affected, supporting the notion that sac/val has the largest potential in conditions characterized by reduced ejection fraction. Observed anti‐hypertrophic effects in preserved ejection fraction implicate potential benefit of sac/val in the clinical setting of hypertrophic remodelling and impaired diastolic function.
Circulation, Nov 22, 2011
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases cardiovascular morbidity by unclear mechanisms. We reporte... more Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases cardiovascular morbidity by unclear mechanisms. We reported that mild renal impairment produced by unilateral nephrectomy (UNX) results in early cardiac fibro...
Circulation, Oct 16, 2007
<jats:p> <jats:bold>BACKGROUND:</jats:bold> AlbuBNP is a novel recombinant huma... more <jats:p> <jats:bold>BACKGROUND:</jats:bold> AlbuBNP is a novel recombinant human BNP serum albumin fusion protein which possesses a significantly longer elimination half-life compared to BNP. To date, it remains unclear if this novel protein which represents a single molecule of BNP synthesized with the carrier protein albumin can enter the post glomerular/tubular system due to the fusion of BNP to albumin and mediate renal actions. We hypothesized that this fusion protein will have potent renal actions and possess prolonged renal hemodynamic enhancing and excretory properties based upon its unique structure as compared to native BNP. </jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>METHODS:</jats:bold> We compared the cardiorenal and humoral actions of intravenous(IV) bolus of administration of AlbuBNP (Cardeva, CoGenesys, Rockville MD) (5 mg/kg, n=7) and Human BNP (Phoenix Pharmaceutical, Belmont CA) (25 μ g/Kg, n=5) in two groups of normal anesthetized dogs. * p&lt;0.05 </jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>RESULTS:</jats:bold> Single IV bolus of AlbuBNP resulted in a sustained increase in plasma cGMP (5±1 to 9±2 pmol/ml*) and urinary cGMP excretion (1136±113 to 2556±417 pmol/min*), markers of the biological activity of BNP, which remained elevated at the termination of the experiment at 270 minutes. In contrast, with human BNP, both plasma and urinary cGMP peaked at 30 minutes and returned to baseline by 150 minutes. In a similar fashion, there was a sustained increase in natriuresis (39±12 to 159±38 μEq/min*), diuresis (0.2±0.1 to 1.1±0.3 ml/min*), renal blood flow (220±22 to 301±33 ml/min*), and glomerular filtration rate (34±2 to 62±13 ml/min*) with AlbuBNP while with human BNP, these renal effects peaked at 30 minutes and returned to baseline by 150 minutes. Furthermore, there was a gradual and sustained suppression of plasma aldosterone (7.8±2 to 3.6±1 ng/dL*) with AlbuBNP. Likewise, there was a more sustained reduction of cardiac filling pressures with AlbuBNP as compared to human BNP. </jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>CONCLUSION:</jats:bold> We report for the first time that this newly developed BNP/albumin fusion protein has a more prolonged and sustained renal enhancing properties compared to human BNP. Thus, AlbuBNP (Cardeva) represents a novel long-acting renal enhancing and aldosterone suppressing drug which has therapeutic potential for the management of cardiovascular and renal diseases that should be defined in further studies. </jats:p>
Background Vibrational spectroscopy can be a valuable tool to monitor the markers of cardiovascul... more Background Vibrational spectroscopy can be a valuable tool to monitor the markers of cardiovascular diseases. In the present work, we explored the vibrational spectroscopy characteristics of the cardiac tissue in an experimental model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The goal was to detect early cardiac chemical modifications associated with the development of HFpEF. Methods We used the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman micro-spectroscopic techniques to provide complementary and objective tools for the histological assessment of heart tissues from an animal model of HFpEF. A new sampling technique was adopted (tissue print on a CaF2 disk) to characterize the extracellular matrix. Results Several spectroscopic markers (lipids, carbohydrates, and glutamate bands) were recognized in the cardiac ventricles due to the comorbidities associated with the pathology, such as obesity and diabetes. Besides, abnormal collagen cross-linking and a decrease in tr...
BackgroundVibrational spectroscopy can be a valuable tool to monitor the markers of cardiovascula... more BackgroundVibrational spectroscopy can be a valuable tool to monitor the markers of cardiovascular diseases. In the present work, we explored the vibrational spectroscopy characteristics of the cardiac tissue in an experimental model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).MethodsWe used the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman micro-spectroscopic techniques to provide complementary and objective tools for the histological assessment of heart tissues from an animal model of HFpEF. A new sampling technique was adopted (tissue print on a CaF2 disk) to characterize the extracellular matrix.ResultsSeveral spectroscopic markers (lipids, carbohydrates, and glutamate bands) were recognized in the cardiac ventricles as due to the comorbidities associated with the pathology, such as obesity and diabetes. Besides, abnormal collagen cross-linking and a decrease in tryptophan content were observed and related to the stiffening of ventricles and to the inflammatory state...
Gli autori hanno sviluppato un approccio semplificato per il calcolo del load flow per le reti ra... more Gli autori hanno sviluppato un approccio semplificato per il calcolo del load flow per le reti radiali, basato sulle misure delle potenze in BT e su una sola misura di tensione sulle sbarre MT. L\u2019algoritmo di load flow \ue8 di tipo \u201cbackward/ forward\u201d a somme di potenze, che, rispetto al precedente approccio a somme di corrente, consente di ottenere una migliore efficienza computazionale, senza peggiorarne le caratteristiche di convergenza e accuratezza. Questo rappresenta un vantaggio dal punto di vista dell'implementazione dell'algoritmo, anche in sistemi SCADA con limitate capacit\ue0 di calcolo. I risultati riportati nell'articolo, ottenuti per la rete di distribuzione dell\u2019Isola di Favignana, mostrano l'efficacia della soluzione proposta in termini di compatibilit\ue0 tra le stime dei flussi di potenza e le misure sul campo
Con la diffusione della generazione distribuita nei sistemi elettrici di distribuzione e la conse... more Con la diffusione della generazione distribuita nei sistemi elettrici di distribuzione e la conseguente loro transizione verso reti attive, \ue8 diventato essenziale disporre di opportuni sistemi per il monitoraggio, il controllo e la gestione delle reti stesse. In questo ambito, l\u2019unit\ue0 GMEE di Palermo, in collaborazione con l\u2019ISSIA-CNR e la STMicroelectronics, da alcuni anni si occupa dello sviluppo di sistemi di misura e comunicazione per lo sviluppo delle \u201csmart distribution grids\u201d. In particolare, per quanto riguarda il monitoraggio della rete, lo studio \ue8 stato focalizzato sull\u2019analisi dei flussi di potenza, che, noti il modello della rete e le potenze generate o assorbite nei vari nodi, pu\uf2 essere effettuata tramite algoritmi di load flow.The increasing presence of distributed generation at both medium-voltage and low-voltage (LV) levels is leading to important changes in distribution networks, where advanced systems are needed for grids monitoring, control and management. In this context, the GMEE research group of University of Palermo, in collaboration with ISSIA-CNR and STMicroelectronics, has been working for some years on the development of proper measurement and communication systems for smart distribution grids applications. In this framework, this paper presents a novel method for load flow analysis in MV radial distribution networks, which is based on distributed power measurements at LV level. The paper summarizes the proposed method implementation and some and some results obtained on the distribution network of Ustica Island
The Egyptian Heart Journal, 2021
Background Left atrial (LA) size is frequently assessed by posterior-anterior linear measurement ... more Background Left atrial (LA) size is frequently assessed by posterior-anterior linear measurement of LA (LAD P-A) in the parasternal long axis to expedite examination. Aging, changes in body surface area, and several cardiovascular pathologies can affect aortic root (AoR) size, thereby affecting LA anatomical shape. We hypothesized that AoR dilatation influences LAD P-A and consequently correct assessment of LA size. Results We tested our hypothesis in a study of 70 patients with AoR diameter ranging from 2.7 to 4.8 cm. LA size assessed in parasternal long axis view as LAD P-A was compared to that with LA width and length acquired in the apical two and four chamber view. Simpson’s method of discs was used as standard measurement to assess LA volume. We observed that LAD P-A in the parasternal long axis decreases when AoR diameter increases. Thus, the increase in LA size assessed in parasternal long axis did not correlate with the increase of LA volume. Further analysis revealed that ...
Hypertension, 2020
Cardiac hypertrophy and renal damage associated with hypertension are independent predictors of m... more Cardiac hypertrophy and renal damage associated with hypertension are independent predictors of morbidity and mortality. In a model of hypertensive heart disease and renal damage, we tested the actions of continuous administration of Vastiras, a novel compound derived from the linear fragment of ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), namely pro-ANP 31–67 , on blood pressure and associated renal and cardiac function and remodeling. Of note, this peptide, unlike the ring structured forms, does not bind to the classic natriuretic peptide receptors. Dahl/Salt–Sensitive rats fed a 4% NaCl diet for 6 weeks developed hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and renal damage. Four weeks of treatment with 50 to 100 ng/kg per day of Vastiras exhibited positive effects on renal function, independent of blood pressure regulation. Treated rats had increased urine excretion, natriuresis, and enhanced glomerular filtration rate. Importantly, these favorable renal effects were accompanied by improved cardiac ...
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2021
BACKGROUND Whereas heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with ventri... more BACKGROUND Whereas heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with ventricular dilation and markedly reduced systolic function, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients exhibit concentric hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Impaired cardiomyocyte Ca 2þ homeostasis in HFrEF has been linked to disruption of membrane invaginations called t-tubules, but it is unknown if such changes occur in HFpEF. OBJECTIVES This study examined whether distinct cardiomyocyte phenotypes underlie the heart failure entities of HFrEF and HFpEF. METHODS T-tubule structure was investigated in left ventricular biopsies obtained from HFrEF and HFpEF patients, whereas cardiomyocyte Ca 2þ homeostasis was studied in rat models of these conditions. RESULTS HFpEF patients exhibited increased t-tubule density in comparison with control subjects. Super-resolution imaging revealed that higher t-tubule density resulted from both tubule dilation and proliferation. In contrast, t-tubule density was reduced in patients with HFrEF. Augmented collagen deposition within t-tubules was observed in HFrEF but not HFpEF hearts. A causative link between mechanical stress and t-tubule disruption was supported by markedly elevated ventricular wall stress in HFrEF patients. In HFrEF rats, t-tubule loss was linked to impaired systolic Ca 2þ homeostasis, although diastolic Ca 2þ removal was also reduced. In contrast, Ca 2þ transient magnitude and release kinetics were largely maintained in HFpEF rats. However, diastolic Ca 2þ impairments, including reduced sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2þ-ATPase activity, were specifically observed in diabetic HFpEF but not in ischemic or hypertensive models. CONCLUSIONS Although t-tubule disruption and impaired cardiomyocyte Ca 2þ release are hallmarks of HFrEF, such changes are not prominent in HFpEF. Impaired diastolic Ca 2þ homeostasis occurs in both conditions, but in HFpEF, this mechanism for diastolic dysfunction is etiology-dependent.
Journal of Hypertension, 2019
s e27 produce MMP-1 and mmp-9 which through IL-6->JAK/Cox-2->PGE2->EP2/EP4 pathway. To further in... more s e27 produce MMP-1 and mmp-9 which through IL-6->JAK/Cox-2->PGE2->EP2/EP4 pathway. To further investigate the role of IL-6 signalling in aldosterone-induced macrophage infiltration, we measured the severity of macrophage infiltration in myocardium in aldosterone infusion mice models including an IL-6 chemical inhibitor and Sgp130 Knockin Transgenic Mice. Mice receiving IL-6 antibody and Sgp130 Knockin Transgenic Mice prevented increased macrophage infiltration in myocardium by aldosterone infusion. Conclusions: IL-6 plays critical role on aldosterone induced macrophage infiltration in myocardium
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 1, 2010
Objectives-Our objective was to determine the prognostic value of plasma N-terminal pro-Btype nat... more Objectives-Our objective was to determine the prognostic value of plasma N-terminal pro-Btype natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for death and cardiovascular events among subjects without risk factors for heart failure (HF), which we term healthy normal. Background-Previous studies report that plasma NT-proBNP has prognostic value for cardiovascular events in the general population even in the absence of HF. It is unclear if NT-proBNP retains predictive value in healthy normal subjects. Methods-We identified a community-based cohort of 2,042 subjects in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Subjects with symptomatic (stage C/D) HF were excluded. The remaining 1,991 subjects underwent echocardiography and NT-proBNP measurement. We further defined healthy normal (n = 703) and stage A/B HF (n = 1,288) subgroups. Healthy normal was defined as the absence of traditional clinical cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic structural cardiac abnormalities. Subjects were followed for death, HF, cerebrovascular accident, and myocardial infarction with median follow-up of 9.1, 8.7, 8.8, and 8.9 years, respectively. Results-NT-proBNP was not predictive of death or cardiovascular events in the healthy normal subgroup. Similar to previous reports, in stage A/B HF, plasma NT-proBNP values greater than age-/sex-specific 80th percentiles were associated with increased risk of death, HF, cerebrovascular accident, and myocardial infarction (p < 0.001 for all) even after adjustment for clinical risk factors and structural cardiac abnormalities. Conclusions-These findings do not support the use of NT-proBNP as a cardiovascular biomarker in healthy normal subjects and have important implications for NT-proBNP-based strategies for early detection and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
American Journal of Physiology-heart and Circulatory Physiology, Oct 1, 2006
We evaluated relationships among two circulating molecular forms of brain natriuretic peptide (BN... more We evaluated relationships among two circulating molecular forms of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP32 and NT-proBNP), severity of hypertension (HTN), and cardiac hypertrophy in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe HTN. We prospectively studied 78 patients (43 males; mean age 51.4 Ϯ 11 yr) with essential HTN and 28 age-and sex-matched controls. BNP32 and NT-proBNP were measured by radioimmunoassay. In grade 1 HTN, BNP32 was not elevated and NT-proBNP was reduced (P ϭ 0.030) compared with controls. However, log-transformed values of BNP32 and NT-proBNP were both increased with severity of HTN from grade 1 to 3 (P Ͻ0.0001 and P ϭ 0.003, respectively). By multivariate analysis, log BNP32 was independently predicted by age ( ϭ 0.210, P ϭ 0.026) and HTN grade ( ϭ 0.274, P ϭ 0.004), whereas log NT-proBNP was independently predicted by sex ( ϭ 0.235, P ϭ 0.012) and HTN grade ( ϭ 0.218, P ϭ 0.0023). Two forms of BNP were measured in normal subjects and patients with essential HTN. In grade 1 HTN, BNP32 was unchanged and NT-proBNP was significantly reduced compared with controls. As severity increased in humans with grade 1 to 3 HTN, both BNP32 and NT-proBNP levels were increased while not being affected by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy. The lack of activation of BNP32 together with the reduction of NT-proBNP in grade 1 HTN may represent an impaired response of the BNP system in the early phase of HTN. The later activation of both forms of BNP may be a late compensatory effect, because it correlates with severity of HTN rather than cardiac hypertrophy/remodeling. natriuretic peptide; brain natriuretic peptide; amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide; left ventricular hypertrophy
American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Mar 1, 2004
Background: Cardiovascular (CV) calcifications constitute a strong risk marker, and recent studie... more Background: Cardiovascular (CV) calcifications constitute a strong risk marker, and recent studies in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients have associated valvular calcifications to inflammation, mortality, and CV events. The prognostic value of cardiac valve calcifications and their relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy and background cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis patients is still unknown. Methods: The prognostic value of heart valve calcifications (detected by echocardiography) for all-cause and CV death was tested in a cohort of 202 hemodialysis (HD) patients. Results: Forty-seven patients had 1 or more calcified valves. Background CV complications were more frequent (P ؍ 0.001) and left ventricular hypertrophy was more severe (P < 0.001) in patients with calcified valves than in those without this alteration. During the follow-up period (44 ؎ 23 months), 96 patients died, 66 patients (69%) of CV causes. Valve calcifications were significantly associated with all-cause (P ؍ 0.02) and CV mortality (P < 0.001). However, in statistical models adjusting for traditional and nontraditional CV risk factors and background CV complications and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), the relationship between calcified valves and incident all-cause and CV mortality was not significant. Conclusion: In HD patients, cardiac valve calcifications predict all-cause and CV mortality in unadjusted analyses, but these associations are not evident in models adjusting for background CV complications, LVMI, and other risk factors. Cardiac valve calcifications do not provide an independent contribution in the prediction of death and CV mortality.
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Papers by Alessandro Cataliotti