The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is essential protein involved in lipid metabolism. The present study was undertaken to detect the possible association of polymorphisms in the ABCA1 gene [rs2230806 (R219K) and rs2230808 (R1587K)] and lipid profile in Greek young nurses. The study population consisted of 308 unrelated nurses who were genotyped and the ABCA1 polymorphisms were detected. Additionally, lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein (apo) A] was evaluated. There was no difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the R219K polymorphism according to lipid profile. The R1587K genotypes differed significantly according to TC, LDL-C and TGs concentration (p = 0.023, p = 0.014 and p = 0.047, respectively). Particularly, significant difference in TC, LDL-C and TGs concentration was detected between RK and RR genotypes (p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p = 0.014, respectively). Women with RK genotype compared to RR genotype had higher concentration of TGs (134.25 mg/dl vs 108.89 mg/dl, p = 0.014, respectively), total cholesterol (207.41 mg/dl vs 187.69 mg/dl, p = 0.006, respectively), and LDL-C (110.6 mg/dl vs 96.9 mg/dl, p = 0.004, respectively). These findings suggest that the R1587K polymorphism of ABCA1 gene was associated with lipid profile of Greek nurses. Women with RK genotype had higher TGs, total and LDL-C concentration compared to RR genotype. These observations may be significant in assessing the risk of CAD since a 1% change in LDL-C is associated with a 1% change of cardiovascular events. Also, TGs concentration were documented to play a significant role in women. However, this needs to be confirmed by larger studies.

One of the important proteins involved in lipid metabolism is the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) encoding by ABCA1 gene. In this study we evaluated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCA1 gene. We analyzed SNPs in chromosome 9 such as rs2230806 (R219K) in the position 107620867, rs2230808 (R1587K) in the position 106602625 and rs4149313 (I883M) in the position 106626574 according to gender and lipid profile of Greek nurses. The study population consisted of 447 (87 men) unrelated nurses who were genotyped for ABCA1 gene polymorphisms. Additionally, lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1] was evaluated. The distribution of all three studied ABCA1 gene polymorphisms did not differ according to gender. However, only R219K genotype distribution bared borderline statistical significance (p = 0.08) between the two studied groups. Moreover, allele frequencies of R219K, R1587K and I88M polymorphisms did not differ according to gender. In general, blood lipid levels did not seem to vary according to ABCA1 gene polymorphisms, when testing all subjects or when testing only men or only women. However, a significant difference of LDL-C distribution was detected in all subjects according to R1587K genotype, indicating lower LDL-C levels with KK polymorphism (p = 0.0025). The above difference was solely detected on female population (p = 0.0053). The ABCA1 gene polymorphisms frequency, distribution and lipid profile did not differ according to gender. However, in the female population the KK genotype of R1587K gene indicated lower LDL-C levels. Further studies, involving a higher number of individuals, are required to clarify genes and gender contribution.

The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has a central role in the lipid metabolism and therefore may alter the susceptibility to atherosclerosis. The DNA of 471 subjects [133 subjects with angiographically documented left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD), 241 subjects with more peripheral coronary artery disease (MPCAD) and 97 subjects self reported healthy (Controls)] was analyzed for the frequency of TaqIB and I405V polymorphisms in the gene coding CETP. There is no significant difference in CETP allele frequency or genotype distribution among LMCAD and MPCAD patients although there is statistical difference between LMCAD and Controls (p = 0.001). Specifically, patients with LMCAD and B1B1 genotype of TaqIB polymorphism were more frequent present compared to Controls (33.8% vs 22.9%, respectively). The frequency of B2B2 genotype was 3 times lower in the LMCAD group compared to Controls (10.5% vs 30.2%, respectively). In the LMCAD group the frequency of B1 allele compared to Controls was higher (62% vs 46%, respectively, p = 0.001). The relationship between TaqIB gene polymorphism and the LMCAD was independent of lipid profile, with the exception of apolipoprotein A. These findings indicate that the TaqIB polymorphism may have potential importance in screening individuals at high risk for developing CAD. However, this polymorphism cannot distinguish between LMCAD and MPCAD. Further prospective investigations in larger populations are required to confirm these findings.

The Myval balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve was developed for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, but its broad 20–32-mm size matrix and controlled deployment have prompted use in non-aortic landing zones. This narrative review critically synthesizes Myval-specific case reports, case series, and observational cohorts, together with relevant platform-level evidence, addressing device design, anatomical selection, imaging, procedural strategy, clinical outcomes, and evidence gaps. Reported applications include mitral valve-in-valve, valve-in-ring, and valve-in-mitral annular calcification; tricuspid valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring; and pulmonary implantation in conduits, surgical bioprostheses, and selected native or patched right ventricular outflow tracts. Outcomes appear most predictable within circular stented surgical bioprostheses, whereas non-circular rings, severe mitral annular calcification, and compliant or aneurysmal outflow tracts present greater risks of inadequate anchoring, paravalvular regurgitation, embolization, frame deformation, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and coronary compression. Intermediate and extra-large sizes may facilitate closer dimensional matching, but comparative advantage has not been established. The available data document procedural feasibility in anatomically selected patients but are predominantly observational, with limited independent adjudication and follow-up. These procedures are generally off-label and should remain individualized Heart Team decisions; prospective multicenter studies are required to define comparative safety, antithrombotic management, durability, and lifetime reintervention strategies.

The Myval balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve was developed for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, but its broad 20–32 mm size matrix and controlled deployment have prompted use in non-aortic landing zones. This narrative review critically synthesizes Myval-specific case reports, case series, and observational cohorts, together with relevant platform-level evidence, addressing device design, anatomical selection, imaging, procedural strategy, clinical outcomes, and evidence gaps. Reported applications include mitral valve-in-valve, valve-in-ring, and valve-in-mitral annular calcification; tricuspid valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring; and pulmonary implantation in conduits, surgical bioprostheses, and selected native or patched right ventricular outflow tracts. Outcomes appear most predictable within circular stented surgical bioprostheses, whereas non-circular rings, severe mitral annular calcification, and compliant or aneurysmal outflow tracts present greater risks of inadequate anchoring, paravalvular regurgitation, embolization, frame deformation, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and coronary compression. Intermediate and extra-large diameters increase the available nominal sizing options; however, no clinical evidence demonstrates that this reduces embolization, paravalvular regurgitation, residual gradients, or reintervention. The available data document procedural feasibility in anatomically selected patients but are predominantly observational, with limited independent adjudication and follow-up. These procedures are generally off-label and should remain individualized Heart Team decisions; prospective multicenter studies are required to define comparative safety, antithrombotic management, durability, and lifetime reintervention strategies.