Mild coronary artery stenosis has no impact on cardiac and vascular parameters in miniature swine exposed to positive acceleration stress. Issue 10 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Haitao; Luo, Huilan; Sun, Jinjin; Liu, Chaozhong; Tian, Yi; Chen, Hao; Zhang, Chao
• Is Part Of: Journal of cardiovascular medicine. Volume 17:Issue 10(2016:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: acceleration -- coronary artery disease -- C-reactive protein -- stenosis -- swine -- thoracoscopy; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.1005
• DOI: 10.2459/JCM.0000000000000014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-2027

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Exposure of pilots' heart to acceleration-associated stress (+Gz stress) is an adverse effect of high-performance aviation. The occurrence of coronary heart diseases is one of the most frequent medical causes leading to cessation of flying. Aim: To assess the effects of +Gz stress on coronary artery stenosis (CAS) in a minimally invasive miniature swine model with a fast recovery. Methods: The proximal left anterior descending branch was ligated in 20 swine using silk suture. CAS degree (mild, moderate, severe) was analyzed by quantitative computerized angiography. Five swine underwent a sham operation. +Gz stress exposure was performed and venous blood was collected before/after exposure. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelin (ET)-1, angiotensin (Ang) II and urotensin 2 (U2) levels were measured. Results: CAS models were successful in 18 animals. Two swine exhibited ventricular fibrillation during the procedure and died. Plasma CRP, ET-1, Ang II and U2 changed significantly after maximal tolerated +Gz stress exposure (all P < 0.05). After maximal tolerated +Gz stress exposure, plasma CRP, ET-1, Ang II and U2 levels increased in the moderate and severe stenosis groups, compared with the sham group (all P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the mild stenosis group and the sham group (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: The fully endoscopic operation method successfully generated animal models of different degrees of CAS. Plasma CRP, ET-1, Ang II and U2 levels increased after +Gz stress exposure with increasing CAS severity. Animals with mild stenosis showed no ill effect under +Gz stress, suggesting that pilots with mild stenosis might be allowed to continue flying, but it must be confirmed in humans.