Is angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism associated with vulnerability to alcoholic cardiomyopathy?
Vulnerability to cardiomyopathy among chronic alcohol abusers is partially genetic and is related to presence of the ACE DD genotype. This finding demonstrates genetic susceptibility to alcohol-induced myocardial damage.
At low temperatures, dex reduces CBF in human respiratory epithelia, whereas dex increases CBF at physiologic temperature in vitro. Whether these effects translate into clinical consequences during hypothermia, as with cardiopulmonary bypass surgery will require further studies.