Young Dae Kim

Chosun University, Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Are you Young Dae Kim?

Claim your profile

Publications (48)71.83 Total impact

  • Article: Inhibition of pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal by LPS via NF-κB and MAP kinase.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: AIM: To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) related signal transduction in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) from mouse small intestine. METHODS: For this study, primary culture of ICCs was prepared from the small intestine of the mouse. LPS was treated to the cells prior to measurement of the membrane currents by using whole-cell patch clamp technique. Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the expression of the proteins in ICCs. RESULTS: LPS suppressed the pacemaker currents of ICCs and this could be blocked by AH6809, a prostaglandin E2-EP2 receptor antagonist or NG-Nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Toll-like receptor 4, inducible NO synthase or cyclooxygenase-2 immunoreactivity by specific antibodies was detected on ICCs. Catalase (antioxidant agent) had no action on LPS-induced action in ICCs. LPS actions were blocked by nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) inhibitor, actinomycin D (a gene transcription inhibitor), PD 98059 (a p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases inhibitor) or SB 203580 [a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) inhibitor]. SB 203580 also blocked the prostaglandin E2-induced action on pacemaker currents in ICCs but not NO. CONCLUSION: LPS inhibit the pacemaker currents in ICCs via prostaglandin E2- and NO-dependent mechanism through toll-like receptor 4 and suggest that MAPK and NF-κB are implicated in these actions.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 02/2013; 19(8):1210-1218. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate on pacemaker activity of interstitial cells of Cajal from mouse small intestine.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are the pacemaker cells that generate the rhythmic oscillation responsible for the production of slow waves in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Spingolipids are known to present in digestive system and are responsible for multiple important physiological and pathological processes. In this study, we are interested in the action of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on ICC. S1P depolarized the membrane and increased tonic inward pacemaker currents. FTY720 phosphate (FTY720P, an S1P(1,3,4,5) agonist) and SEW 2871 (an S1P(1) agonist) had no effects on pacemaker activity. Suramin (an S1P(3) antagonist) did not block the S1P-induced action on pacemaker currents. However, JTE-013 (an S1P(2) antagonist) blocked the S1P-induced action. RT-PCR revealed the presence of the S1P(2) in ICC. Calphostin C (a protein kinase C inhibitor), NS-398 (a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor), PD 98059 (a p42/44 inhibitor), or SB 203580 (a p38 inhibitor) had no effects on S1P-induced action. However, c-jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor II suppressed S1P-induced action. External Ca(2+)-free solution or thapsigargin (a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum) suppressed action of S1P on ICC. In recording of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) concentration using fluo-4/AM S1P increased intensity of spontaneous [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in ICC. These results suggest that S1P can modulate pacemaker activity of ICC through S1P(2) via regulation of external and internal Ca(2+) and mitogenactivated protein kinase activation.
    Molecules and Cells 01/2013; · 2.18 Impact Factor
  • Article: Papillary fibroelastoma mimicking vegetation of the mitral valve.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Although cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is rare, it is the most common primary tumor of cardiac valves. The clinical presentation of these tumors varies from asymptomatic to embolic complications. We report an asymptomatic case of papillary fibroelastoma of mitral valve which was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography. The tumor was successfully resected by surgery.
    Journal of cardiovascular ultrasound 12/2012; 20(4):213-5.
  • Article: A case of aortic dissection with fistula from aorta to right ventricle.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Aorto-right ventricular fistula is a very rare complication of aortic dissection. We report a case of acute aortic dissection extending into the right ventricle as documented by echocardiography. The patient survived after successful surgical repair.
    Korean Circulation Journal 09/2012; 42(9):629-31.
  • Article: Action of lipopolysaccharide on interstitial cells of cajal from mouse small intestine.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Background and Purpose: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces intestinal dysmotility by alteration of smooth muscle and enteric neuronal activities. However, there is no report on the modulatory effects of LPS on the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). We investigated the effect of LPS and its signal transduction in ICCs. Methods: We performed whole-cell patch clamp and RT-PCR in cultured ICCs from mouse small intestine. Results: LPS suppressed the generation of pacemaker currents of ICCs. The mRNA transcripts for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were expressed in ICCs. However, the inhibitory action of LPS on pacemaker currents from TLR4(+/+) mice was not present in TLR4(-/-) mice. The inhibitory effects of LPS on ICCs were blocked by glibenclamide (an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels), NS-398 (a COX-2 inhibitor), AH6808 [a prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))-EP(2) receptor antagonist], ODQ (an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase) and L-NAME [an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)]. Furthermore, genistein and herbimycin A (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) blocked the LPS-induced inhibitory action on pacemaker activity in ICCs. Conclusions: LPS can activate ICCs to release NO and PGE(2) through TLR4 activation. The released NO and PGE(2) inhibit pacemaker currents by activating ATP-sensitive K(+) channels. The LPS actions are mediated by tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.
    Pharmacology 08/2012; 90(3-4):151-9. · 1.79 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Impact of platelet function test on platelet responsiveness and clinical outcome after coronary stent implantation: platelet responsiveness and clinical outcome.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to confirm the predictive cut-off values for P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) and aspirin reaction units (ARU) and to evaluate the clinical impact of VerifyNow® assays. From November 2007 to October 2009, 186 eligible patients were prospectively recruited. Post-treatment platelet reactivity was measured by VerifyNow® assays within 12 to 24 hours after intervention, followed by standard dual maintenance dose therapy for 1 year. All patients had scheduled clinical follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The rate of low responders to clopidogrel, aspirin, and both drugs were 41.4%, 10.2%, and 3.8%, respectively. The predictive factors for low responsiveness to clopidogrel (PRU ≥240) were female sex, age, and non-use of cilostazol medication in our univariate analysis and age ≥65 years and non-use cilostazol in the multivariate analysis. The predictors of low responsiveness to aspirin (ARU ≥550) were male sex and age in both univariate and multivariate analyses. There was no significant difference in the clinical event rate with a cut-off value of PRU ≥240 or ARU ≥550 for 30 days and 1-year (p>0.05). Hyporesponsiveness to antiplatelet agents (namely aspirin and clopidogrel) was identified in about half of the patients. The cut-off point of PRU ≥240 or ARU ≥550 did not confer predictive value for 30-day or 1-year clinical event rates in patients who had undergone coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents.
    Korean Circulation Journal 06/2012; 42(6):382-9.
  • Source
    Article: Cardiogenic shock from global myocardial ischemia induced by simultaneous multivessel coronary spasm.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Coronary artery spasm is an uncommon, but well recognized, etiology for acute myocardial infarction. However, cardiogenic shock with myocardial infarction resulting from simultaneous multiple coronary artery spasm has been rarely reported, and not in Korea. Recently, we experienced such a case in a 50-year-old Korean man without previous diagnosis of variant angina. The patient, hospitalized for blood sugar control, developed severe chest pain accompanying ST-segment elevation in multiple leads. The patient immediately received cardiac catheterization because of cardiogenic shock. Coronary angiogram revealed the severe and simultaneous spasm of three major epicardial arteries, which was promptly relieved by an intracoronary administration of isosorbide dinitrate. This case highlights the need to rule out the potential mechanism of coronary spasm even in the most severe episodes of acute coronary syndrome.
    Korean Circulation Journal 06/2012; 42(6):427-30.
  • Article: Neurotensin modulates pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal from the mouse small intestine.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Neurotensin, a tridecapeptide localized in the gut to discrete enteroendocrine cells of the small bowel mucosa, is a hormone that plays an important role in gastrointestinal secretion, growth, and motility. Neurotensin has inhibitory and excitatory effects on peristaltic activity and produces contractile and relaxant responses in intestinal smooth muscle. Our objective in this study is to investigate the effects of neurotensin in small intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and elucidate the mechanism. To determine the electrophysiological effects of neurotensin on ICC, whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed in cultured ICC from the small intestine. Exposure to neurotensin depolarized the membrane of pacemaker cells and produced tonic inward pacemaker currents. Only neurotensin receptor1 was identified when RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were performed with mRNA isolated from small intestinal ICC and c-Kit positive cells. Neurotensin-induced tonic inward pacemaker currents were blocked by external Na⁺-free solution and in the presence of flufenamic acid, an inhibitor of non-selective cation channels. Furthermore, neurotensin-induced action is blocked either by treatment with U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, or thapsigargin, a Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor in ICC. We found that neurotensin increased spontaneous intracellular Ca²⁺ oscillations as seen with fluo4/AM recording. These results suggest that neurotensin modulates pacemaker currents via the activation of non-selective cation channels by intracellular Ca²⁺-release through neurotensin receptor1.
    Molecules and Cells 03/2012; 33(5):509-16. · 2.18 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: A giant unruptured right coronary sinus of valsalva aneurysm.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: There have been few case reports on giant sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA). We report a case of a giant unruptured right coronary SVA that was confused with a pericardial cyst by transthoracic echocardiography.
    Journal of cardiovascular ultrasound 03/2012; 20(1):60-2.
  • Source
    Article: The impact of dose of the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan on the post-myocardial infarction ventricular remodeling: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan ameliorate ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Based on previous clinical trials, a maximum clinical dose is recommended in practical guidelines. Yet, has not been clearly demonstrated whether the recommended dose is more efficacious compared to the lower dose that is commonly used in clinical practice. Valsartan in post-MI remodeling (VALID) is a randomized, open-label, single-blinded multicenter study designed to compare the efficacy of different clinical dose of valsartan on the post-MI ventricular remodeling. This study also aims to assess neurohormone change and clinical parameters of patients during the post-infarct period. A total of 1116 patients with left ventricular dysfunction following the first episode of acute ST-elevation MI are to be enrolled and randomized to a maximal tolerable dose (up to 320 mg/day) or usual dose (80 mg/day) of valsartan for 12 months in 2:1 ratio. Echocardiographic analysis for quantifying post-MI ventricular remodeling is to be conducted in central core laboratory. Clinical assessment and laboratory test are performed at fixed times. VALID is a multicenter collaborative study to evaluate the impact of dose of valsartan on the post-MI ventricular remodeling. The results of the study provide information about optimal dosing of the drug in the management of patients after MI. The results will be available by 2012. NCT01340326.
    Trials 11/2011; 12:247. · 2.02 Impact Factor
  • Article: A comparative study of hepatitis caused by scrub typhus and viral hepatitis A in South Korea.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We compared clinical features and laboratory findings of 104 patients with hepatitis A and 197 patients with scrub typhus. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and jaundice were common in patient with hepatitis A, and fever and headache were significantly more common in patients with scrub typhus. At presentation, an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level ≥ 500 U/L was observed in 1% of scrub typhus patients and in 87.5% of hepatitis A patients (P < 0.001). A bilirubin level ≥ 1.3 mg/dL was observed in 16.8% of scrub typhus patients and 90.4% of hepatitis A patients. The ALT:lactate dehydrogenase ratio was ≤ 5 in 97.4% of the patients with scrub typhus and > 5 in 95.2% of those with hepatitis A (P < 0.001). Fever, headache, rash, and eschar are findings that indicate scrub typhus. An ALT level ≥ 500 U/L (adjusted odds ratio = 0.011) a bilirubin level ≥ 1.3 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.024), an ALT:lactate dehydrogenase ratio > 5, and hepatomegaly are indications of viral hepatitis A.
    The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 11/2011; 85(5):873-7. · 2.59 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Subclinical Myocardial Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Patients without Hypertension.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate myocardial function in patients with non-hypertensive metabolic syndrome. We selected metabolic syndrome patients (n = 42) without evidence of hypertension and compared them to age-matched control individuals (n = 20). All patients were evaluated by two-dimensional and tissue Doppler echocardiography including tissue Doppler derived strain and strain rate measurements. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mitral E and A inflow velocities or the E/A ratio. However, systolic and early diastolic myocardial velocities, and strain rate were significantly lower in patients with metabolic syndrome than in the control group (all p < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analyses revealed that age, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with peak systolic myocardial velocity. These results indicate that metabolic syndrome patients without hypertension may have decrease of myocardial systolic and early diastolic velocities on tissue Doppler imaging, even if they appear to have normal systolic and diastolic function on conventional echocardiography.
    Journal of cardiovascular ultrasound 09/2011; 19(3):134-9.
  • Article: Technical issues and new devices of ESD of early gastric cancer.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a highly refined technique compared to conventional endoscopic mucosal resection. It enables complete resection of early gastric cancer (EGC) which has no possibility of lymph node metastasis. Indication for ESD of EGC generally entails early gastric cancer confined to the mucosa with well differentiated histology, though there are clinically suitable expanded criteria. As ESD requires specific skill and expertise, endoscopists need to be familiarized with basic methods and the use of special devices. The essence of the technique is to dissect the submucosal layer with direct vision and maintain the cutting plane above the underlying proper muscle layer. Although there are some differences in the detailed technical aspect, the cardinal method of ESD is now well established and standardized. Furthermore, research and development of new ESD devices that render more efficient, safe ESD are still in progress to improve the overall result of ESD on early gastric cancer.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 08/2011; 17(31):3585-90. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Limited predictive value of dual-time-point F-18 FDG PET/CT for evaluation of pathologic N1 status in NSCLC patients.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The aim of the current study was to investigate the predictive value of dual-time-point F-18 FDG PET/CT for pathologic N1 metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A retrospective review identified 70 patients with NSCLC patients who received dual-time-point F-18 FDG PET/CT at diagnosis of cancer. The F-18 FDG PET/CT findings for all primary NSCLC and mediastinal lymph node involvement were compared with the pathologic diagnosis within 5 weeks after surgical resection. The pathologic diagnoses of N1 state were confirmed by surgical resection. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the associations among the pathologic N1 status and age, sex, tumor size, histology, standardized uptake value (SUV(maxE)), SUV(maxD), and %ΔSUV(max). The N1 (+) group showed statistically significant higher value of SUV(maxE) and SUV(maxD) than N1 (-) group. The %ΔSUV(max) did not show the statistical difference between pathologic N1 (+) and N1 (-) groups. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that the SUV(maxE) was superior to the %ΔSUV(max) for the prediction of pathologic N1 involvement in NSCLC. In univariate analysis, pathology (adenocarcinoma or nonadenocarcinoma), SUV(maxE) (>6.9 or ≤6.9), SUV(maxD) (>7.1 or ≤7.1) were factors significantly associated with pathologic N1 involvement. However, in multivariate analysis, only the SUV(maxE) was factor significantly associated with pathologic N1 involvement in NSCLC. Based on the presented results, the dual-time-point F-18 FDG PET/CT is not a useful method for the prediction of pathologic N1 status in NSCLC patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and improve statistical accuracy.
    Clinical nuclear medicine 06/2011; 36(6):434-9. · 3.92 Impact Factor
  • Article: 5-hydroxytryptamine generates tonic inward currents on pacemaker activity of interstitial cells of cajal from mouse small intestine.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: In this study we determined whether or not 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has an effect on the pacemaker activities of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from the mouse small intestine. The actions of 5-HT on pacemaker activities were investigated using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique, intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) analysis, and RT-PCR in ICC. Exogenously-treated 5-HT showed tonic inward currents on pacemaker currents in ICC under the voltage-clamp mode in a dose-dependent manner. Based on RT-PCR results, we found the existence of 5-HT(2B, 3, 4, and 7) receptors in ICC. However, SDZ 205557 (a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist), SB 269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist), 3-tropanylindole - 3 - carboxylate methiodide (3-TCM; a 5-HT(3) antagonist) blocked the 5-HT-induced action on pacemaker activity, but not SB 204741 (a 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonist). Based on [Ca(2+)](i) analysis, we found that 5-HT increased the intensity of [Ca(2+)](i). The treatment of PD 98059 or JNK II inhibitor blocked the 5-HT-induced action on pacemaker activity of ICC, but not SB 203580. In summary, these results suggest that 5-HT can modulate pacemaker activity through 5-HT(3, 4, and 7) receptors via [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization and regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases.
    Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 06/2011; 15(3):129-35. · 0.96 Impact Factor
  • Article: Reduction of door-to-balloon time by new performance processes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine whether the adoption of new performance processes reduced the door-to-balloon time for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To reduce the door-to-balloon time, we adopted 3 new performance processes: concurrent activation at the emergency department rather than stepwise activation; direct phone call rather than using a pager or message; patient transferred to catheterization laboratory before the PCI team arrive. A total of 139 consecutive patients were compared before and after the new performance processes. After the adoption of the new processes, median door-to-balloon time reduced significantly from 133 to 76 minutes (P < .0001) and patients undergoing primary PCI within 90 minutes increased significantly from 16% to 72% (P < .0001). Among the subdivisions of the door-to-balloon time, door-to-consent time and door-to-laboratory arrival time decreased significantly (50.0 vs 20.5 minutes, P < .0001; 95.0 vs 40.0 minutes, P < .0001, respectively).
    Angiology 04/2011; 62(3):257-64. · 1.51 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Determination of diastolic dysfunction cut-off value by tissue Doppler imaging in adults 70 years of age or older: a comparative analysis of pulsed-wave and color-coded tissue Doppler imaging.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The cut-off value of diastolic dysfunction by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is affected by aging and modalities used (pulsed-wave vs. color-coded). The purpose of this study was to investigate the diastolic function of healthy elderly people and to determine the appropriate cut-off value of diastolic dysfunction in elderly individuals. Healthy volunteers (n=76) and patients with hypertension (n=51) aged ≥70 years underwent 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. Mitral annulus velocities of TDI were measured at septal and lateral sites using the pulsed-wave and color-coded modalities. The appropriate cut-off value of diastolic dysfunction for healthy elderly individuals was defined as the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval for early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (Ea). The mean septal and lateral Ea were 6.5±1.5 and 8.3±1.7 cm/s, respectively, by pulsed-wave TDI, and 6.1±1.4 and 7.9±1.7 cm/s, respectively, by color-coded TDI. The cut-off values for diastolic dysfunction were as follows: septal and lateral Ea were 6.1 and 7.9 cm/s by pulsed-wave TDI, and 5.7 and 7.5 cm/s by color-coded TDI, respectively. When the group was stratified by gender, Ea was significantly lower in women than men. When interpreting diastolic function as measured by TDI in elderly subjects, different cut-off values should be considered based on the TDI modality, annulus site, and gender.
    Korean Circulation Journal 03/2011; 41(3):137-42.
  • Article: Effects of prostaglandin F2α on small intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: To explore the role of prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α))) on pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from mouse small intestine. In this study, effects of PGF(2α) in the cultured ICC cells were investigated with patch clamp technology combined with Ca(2+) image analysis. Externally applied PGF(2α) (10 μmol/L) produced membrane depolarization in current-clamp mode and increased tonic inward pacemaker currents in voltage-clamp mode. The application of flufenamic acid (a non-selective cation channel inhibitor) or niflumic acid (a Cl(-) channel inhibitor) abolished the generation of pacemaker currents but only flufenamic acid inhibited the PGF(2α)-induced tonic inward currents. In addition, the tonic inward currents induced by PGF(2α) were not inhibited by intracellular application of 5'-[-thio]diphosphate trilithium salt. Pretreatment with Ca(2+) free solution, U-73122, an active phospholipase C inhibitor, and thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor in endoplasmic reticulum, abolished the generation of pacemaker currents and suppressed the PGF(2α)-induced tonic inward currents. However, chelerythrine or calphostin C, protein kinase C inhibitors, did not block the PGF(2α)-induced effects on pacemaker currents. When recording intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) concentration using fluo-3/AM, PGF(2α) broadly increased the spontaneous [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations. These results suggest that PGF(2α) can modulate pacemaker activity of ICC by acting non-selective action channels through phospholipase C-dependent pathway via [Ca(2+)]i regulation.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 03/2011; 17(9):1143-51. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Emerging pathogenetic mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension: nitric oxide and more.
    Young Dae Kim
    Korean Circulation Journal 02/2011; 41(2):58-60.
  • Source
    Article: Effect of valsartan on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic Peptide in patient with stable chronic heart failure: comparison with enalapril.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The plasma concentration of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is a st-rong prognostic indicator for patients with heart failure (HF) across all stages of the condition. Several clinical trials have de-monstrated convincingly that neurohormonal modulation on the renin angiotensin system (RAS) decreases plasma NT-pro-BNP level and results in favorable outcomes. But there are still limited comparative data on the neuro-hormonal modulatory effects of two RAS inhibitors: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker. This study was a prospective, multi-center, randomized, open-label, controlled, and non-inferiority study involving 445 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 45%. Patients were assigned to receive either valsartan (target dose of 160 mg bid) or enalapril (target dose of 10 mg bid) for 12 months. We compared plasma NT-pro-BNP, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and echocardiographic parameters before and after treatment with valsartan or enalapril. The NT-pro-BNP and hs-CRP levels were significantly decreased after 12 months of treatment with valsartan and enalapril. The percentage change was similar between both groups. LVEF improved and left ventricular internal dimensions were decreased in both groups, and there were no significant differences between two groups. Valsartan is as effective on improving plasma NT-pro-BNP level as enalapril in patients with stable chronic HF.
    Korean Circulation Journal 02/2011; 41(2):61-7.