BACKGROUND: Systolic and diastolic dysfunction frequently coexist in heart failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate combined systolic and diastolic function in heart failure using new index presented by Dr. Tei. A new index: [(ICT+IRT)/ET] defined as the sum of isovolemic contraction time(ICT) and isovolemic relaxation time(IRT) divided by ejection time(ET). METHOD: Study patients consisted of 71 subjects. 20 normals, 23 patients in NYHA class II, 22 patients in NYHA class III and 6 patients in NYHA class IV. Left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimension, FS(fractional shortening) were measured by conventional echocardiography. ICT, IRT, ET, ICT/ET, deceleration time of mitral E wave and E/A of mitral flow were also measured.(ICT+IRT)/ET was easily obtained by subtracting ET from the interval between cessation and onset of the mitral inflow to give the sum of ICT and IRT. Cardiac output was calculated by left ventriculography in 10 normals and 19 patients. RESULTS: The mean value of (ICT+IRT)/ET was significantly different between group IV(0.88 +/-0.03) and group I(0.50+/-0.04) and II(0.50+/-0.03)(p<0.01). also, was significant between group IV and group III(0.63+/-0.04)(p<0.05). FS and deceleration time of mitral E wave were also significant between group III and group IV(p<0.05). Cardiac output calculated by left ventriculography was significantly correlated with(ICT+IRT)/ET(n=29, r=-0.463, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: (ICT+IRT)/ET is a new and simple Doppler index of combined systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in patient with heart failure.
Cardiac Output ; Deceleration ; Echocardiography* ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Relaxation ; Ventricular Function, Left*

In this study, the effects of a mixture consisting of vitamin E, vitamin C, pycnogenol and evening primrose oil (mixture LGNC-5) on ultraviolet light (UV) induced pigmentation and wrinkle reductions of normal healthy volunteers were studied. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, each of 54 subjects took daily either 4 capsules of the mixture LGNC-5 (Group ABC; 282.5 mg/capsule) or placebo (Group Ganada). We irradiated 2.5 MED UV on the upper arms and measured the whitening effect by colorimeter-based L value. The level of wrinkle reduction was determined by image analysis using skin replica around the crow' feet, and the level of serum vitamin E was determined at baseline and 12 weeks. After 12-week oral administration, the treated group showed a significant reduction in skin pigmentation and wrinkles compared with the placebo group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.000005 , respectively). Also, the level of serum vitamin E was significantly increased in the treated group after 12-week oral adminstration of the mixture compared with that in the placebo group (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, 12-week oral administration of LGNC-5 as a dietary supplement could be effective to reduce both UV induced pigmentation and skin wrinkle without side effects.
Administration, Oral ; Arm ; Ascorbic Acid ; Capsules ; Dietary Supplements ; Flavonoids ; Foot ; gamma-Linolenic Acid ; Humans ; Linoleic Acids ; Oenothera biennis ; Pigmentation ; Plant Oils ; Skin ; Skin Pigmentation ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins