This study sought to compare Multiplate impedance platelet aggregometry (IPA) with light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and the PFA-100 for determining the prevalence of residual platelet reactivity (RPR) by the Multiplate IPA in 297 patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving dual antiplatelet therapy. Aggregations were induced by adenosine-5 diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid, and collagen. PFA-100 closure times were measured by collagen and ADP and epinephrine (CEPI) cartridges. Significant correlations were observed between Multiplate IPA and LTA after all stimulations (P < .0001) and between Multiplate IPA (arachidonate and collagen) and PFA-100 CEPI closure time (P < .0001 for both). Cutoff values of Multiplate IPA (for all stimulations) were calculated for the identification of RPR. Between the Multiplate IPA and LTA good agreement was found with all 3 agonists (P < .0001 for all). Multiplate IPA might represent a reliable, handy, rapid tool to monitor antiplatelet therapy in clinical practice and for clinical investigations.

Ancient grain varieties have been shown to have some beneficial effects on health. Forty-five clinically healthy subjects were included in a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial aimed at evaluating the effect of a replacement diet with bread derived from ancient grain varieties versus modern grain variety on cardiovascular risk profile. After 8 weeks of intervention, consumption of bread obtained by the ancient varieties showed a significant amelioration of various cardiovascular parameters. Indeed, the ancient varieties were shown to result in a significant reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and blood glucose, whereas no significant differences during the phase with the modern variety were reported. Moreover, a significant increase in circulating endothelial progenitor cells were reported after the consumption of products made from the ancient "Verna" variety. The present results suggest that a dietary consumption of bread obtained from ancient grain varieties was effective in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

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