Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 12, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibitor and cardiovascular outcomes. Key takeaway: Oral Bacteria Worsen Heart Attacks via B2 Cells. Article Links: Article 1: Association of Lipoprotein(a) and Interleukin-6 With Cardiovascular Risk: MESA and UK Biobank. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Oral Pathobionts Aggravate Myocardial Infarction Through Mobilization of B2 Cells. (Circulation) Article 3: Coramitug, a Humanized Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy: a Phase 2, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (Circulation) Article 4: High-Dose vs. Standard-Dose Influenza Vaccine and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults: The FLUNITY-HD Prespecified Pooled Analysis. (Circulation) Article 5: Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Inhibition with Alirocumab: The CAVIAR Trial. (Circulation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/oral-bacteria-worsen-heart-attacks-via-b2-cells-11-12-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Association of Lipoprotein(a) and Interleukin-6 With Cardiovascular Risk: MESA and UK Biobank. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41217319 Summary: The study aimed to evaluate if interleukin-6, a biomarker of inflammation, helps to further stratify atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with elevated lipoprotein(a). Researchers utilized data from 6514 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and 26574 participants from the U. K. Biobank. This research sought to identify if vascular inflammation, as indicated by interleukin-6 levels, provides additional insights into cardiovascular risk associated with high lipoprotein(a). Such findings could refine risk assessment and guide targeted preventative strategies for patients with elevated lipoprotein(a). Article 2: Oral Pathobionts Aggravate Myocardial Infarction Through Mobilization of B2 Cells. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40859845 Summary: This study investigated how oral pathobionts worsen myocardial infarction, addressing the unclear direct impact of periodontitis. Researchers utilized a mouse model combining ligature-induced periodontitis with myocardial infarction to assess this connection. They discovered that oral pathobionts accumulate ectopically in the heart and aggravate myocardial infarction through the mobilization of B2 cells. These findings elucidate a novel pathogenic mechanism linking periodontitis to myocardial infarction, highlighting the importance of oral health in cardiovascular disease. Article 3: Coramitug, a Humanized Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy: a Phase 2, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41212997 Summary: This phase two randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated Coramitug, a humanized monoclonal antibody, for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Unlike existing therapies that primarily slow progression, Coramitug is designed to target misfolded transthyretin and promote clearance of existing amyloid deposits through antibody-mediated phagocytosis. The study randomized participants with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. This research aims to establish a therapeutic agent that could significantly improve patient outcomes by actively removing pathogenic protein aggregates. Article 4: High-Dose vs. Standard-Dose Influenza Vaccine and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults: The FLUNITY-HD Prespecified Pooled Analysis. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41212981 Summary: Standard-Dose Influenza Vaccine and Cardiovascular Outcomes in O