Abstract:Aim To explore the effect of heat shock pretreatment on hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2)-induced apoptosis and the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Samc) release from mitochondria in C₂C₁₂ myogenic cells. Methods After heat shock pretreatment (42℃ 1 h, recover 12 h), C₂C₁₂ myogenic cells were exposed to H 2O 2 (0.5 mmol/L)for 6 h, 12 h, 24 h,and 36 h respectively. The apoptotic morphological changes and percentage of apoptotic nuclei of C₂C₁₂ myogenic cells were analyzed. Caspase-3, Caspase-9 activities were assayed by caspase colorimetric assay kit and Western-blot. Inducible heat shock proteins were detected using Western-blot analysis. The release of Smac from mitochondria to cytoplasm was observed by Western-blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Results ①After treated with H 2O 2 (0.5 mmol/L), a marked increase of mitochondrial Smac release, activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and apoptosis were observed respectively in C₂C₁₂ myogenic cells.②Heat shock pretreatment induced expression of HSP70, HSP90,αB-crystallin and inhibited H 2O 2-mediated Smac release from mitochondria, and inhibited the activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and subsequent apoptosis. Conclusions Heat shock pretreatment could protect C₂C₁₂ myogenic cells against H 2O 2-induced apoptosis, and its mechanism might involve heat shock proteins expression and inhibition of Samc release from mitochondria.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 on the formation of abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA). Methods AAA model was established by perfusion of pancreas elasticity proteinase in 66 rats, which were divided into control team, Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) team and Lipofectin team. ODNs teams were treated by local application of ODNs, antisense ODNs or scramble ODNs in dosage of 50 μg or 100 μg. Lipofectin and pluronic gel were used. The specimen were havested on 14 d after operation. Results Prominantly infiltration of inflammtory cell was evident in aortic tissue 3 d after operation. MCP-1mRNA was dectected by RT-PCR which increased and reached the peak on 14 d after operation. The expression of MCP-1 and CD68 were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, and reached the peak on 14 d after surgery. Antisense ODNs could inhibit the expression of MCP-1 mRNA prominantly. Antisense ODNs could prevent AAA formation and had a dosage dependent relationship. Conclusions MCP-1 took part in the formation of AAA. Inhibiting the expression of MCP-1mRNA by antisense technology could reduce the infiltration of macrophage and AAA formation.

Abstract:Aim To investigate mechanism for accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic patients, effect of advanced glycosylation end-product (AGE) on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR γ) mRNA was observed in cultured human vascular endothelial cells (ECV304). Methods The ECV304 cells were exposed to AGE-modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) of 200 mg/L (glycated with glucose of 0, 20, 50, 80 mmol/L) for 24 h, or incubated with AGE-BSA (50 mmol/L, 200 mg/L) for 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 h, and were treated by AGE-BSA (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/L) for 24 h. Expression of PPARγ mRNA in ECV304 cells was measured by RT-PCR with β-actin as internal standard. Results The expressions of PPARγ mRNA were decreased by AGE-BSA incubated with glucose concentration of 20, 50, 80 mmol/L (p<0.001) and depressed by AGE-BSA (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/L), respectively. After intervention of AGE-BSA for periods of 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 h, PPARγ mRNA expression was decreased markedly (p<0.001). Conclusion AGE-BSA could decrease the expression of PPARγ mRNA in cultured human vascular endothelial cells, which might be partly involved in atherogenesis in diabetic patients.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol andα-zearalanol on coagulation and fibrinolysis in ovariectomized rats. Methods Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=9 each group): sham operated (sham), ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized and treated with 17β-estradiol (OVX+E₂), ovariectomized and treated withα-zearalanol(OVX+ZAL). After administration of 17β-estradiol or α-zearalanol for 5 weeks, rats were killed and plasma was collected. The following parameters were tested: the prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), the level of fibrinogen (FG) and tissue factor (TF), the activity of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)as well as plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). Results Ovariectomy markedly decreased PT and the activity of t-PA, as well as increased the level of FG, TF and the activity of PAI-1 in comparision with sham operated group (p<0.05 or p<0.01). These changes were reversed by 17β-estradiol or α-zearalanol replacement. Except for PAI-1, these parameters about coagulation and fibrinolysis were similar among sham, OVX+E₂ and OVX+ZAL. There was no significant difference on the value of APTT among the four groups (P>0.05). Conclusion After ovariectomy, as the endogenous estrogen decreases, the blood is hypercoagulative than ever; treating with 17β-estradiol or α-zearalanol can reverse this change. Both 17β-estradiol and α-zearalanol have protective effects on cardiovascular system. Prior study has shown that compared with 17β-estradiol, α-zearalanol has less side effects so more attention should be paid to this natural phytoestrogen.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of Jianpi Qutan Huayu Recipe on variations of signal transduction molecules [Ca 2+ ]i and protein kinase C (PKC) induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in atherosclersis (As). Methods Endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells were cultured in vitro, and the cells were treated with serum-containing-medicine (5%, 10% and 20%) and ox-LDL (100 mg/L). The variations of [Ca 2+ ]i were detected by flow cytometry. The activation of member PKC of smooth muscle cells were determined by liquid scintillaton spectrometer. Results The results revealed that [Ca 2+ ]i of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were increasing induced by ox-LDL. It also showed that the activation of member PKC of smooth muscle cells was higer in ox-LDL group than in control group. Jianpi Qutan Huayu Recipe could inhibit these changes significantly, and the effect of 20% concentration was most obviously. Conclusions The results indicated that Jianpi Qutan Huayu Recipe may inhibit the apoptosis of endothelial cells and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells by regulatin signal transduction molecules Ca 2+ and PKC, and it can retard the processes of As.

Abstract:Aim To explore the effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation and proliferation. Methods Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was used as a stimulus and the effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis on VSMC differentiation, DNA synthesis and proto-oncogene expression in VSMC induced by bFGF were observed. Results bFGF could downregulate the expression of smooth muscle (SM) α-actin, induce the expression of smooth muscle embryonic myosin heavy chain and osteopontin, stimulate the expression of c-jun gene and promote the DNA synthesis. Both Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis could inhibit VSMC phenotypic modulation and DNA synthesis induced by bFGF, and result in the effective inhibition of VSMC proliferation. The mechanisms were related with the inhibition of c-jun gene expression stimulated by bFGF. Compared with Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica sinensis was more effective in inhibiting the VSMC phenotypic conversion and proliferation. Conclusions All results above reflected multi-site effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis on VSMC phenotypic conversion and proliferation, and revealed their new pharmacological mechanisms.

Abstract:Aim To build an animal model of plaque disruption and arterial thrombosis by pharmacological triggering atherosclerotic rabbits. Methods Sixty New Zealand White rabbits were equally divided into 3 groups at random: balloon-injury +high lipid diet group, high lipid diet group and regular diet group. Rabbits in balloon-injury +high lipid diet group underwent balloon-induced arterial wall injury and then were fed on a diet of 1% cholesterol; rabbits in high lipid diet group were only given 1% cholesterol; rabbits in regular diet group were fed on a regular diet. They were all fed for 3 months. Then the three groups underwent pharmacological triggering with Russell's viper venom (RVV) and histamine. Results Atherosclerotic plaques were found in balloon-injury +high lipid diet group and high lipid diet group; the lipid cores in the first group were larger than those in the second group. In balloon-injury +high lipid diet group, it was found that plaques disruption and thrombosis occurred in 11 out of the 18 rabbits and in total 15 lesions occurred plaque disruption and thrombi after triggering. In high lipid diet group, only 5 rabbits demonstrated plaques disruption and thrombosis and there were in all 7 thrombi. However, rabbits in the regular diet group did not have plaques disruption and thrombosis. Conclusions With atherosclerotic plaque animal models, we could pharmacologically trigger plaque disruption and arterial thrombosis.

Abstract:Aim To observe the expressions of endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the anoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injury on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC), and further research the molecular mechanism of catopril late effect on production of ET-1 and NO. Methods The third passage of cultured EC was randomly divided into 7 groups: control, anoxia, anoxia-reoxygenation, catopril, catopril+bradykinin Β 2 receptor inhibitor, catopril+PKC inhibitor, catopril+NF-κB inhibitor. Total RNA was extracted. The expression of ET-1, endthelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA were analyzed by semi-quantiative RT-PCR method. The protein level of total NOS and NO were analyzed too. Results ET-1 mRNA expression increased significantly in anoxia group and anoxia-reoxygenation group, decreased in catopril group, and increased in three inhibitor groups. While the mRNA expressions of iNOS and eNOS were contrary to that of ET-1, and the change of iNOS was slightly. The protein levels of total NOS and NO are lower in anoxia group and anoxia-reoxygenation group than in control group, higher in catopril group than in anoxia group or anoxia-reoxygenation group, and lower in three inhibitor groups than in catopril group, but higher than in anoxia-reoxygenation group. Conclusion Anoxia-reoxygenation injury can induce ET-1 expression increasing and NO expression decreasing. Catopril can protect the imbalance of ET-1 and NO. Bradykinin Β 2 receptor, PKC activating and nucleus factor are partly involved in the protective effect.

Abstract:Aim To verify the puerarin anti-smooth muscle cell proliferation effect through treating rabbit artery balloon injury. Methods The rabbit iliac artery balloon injury model was duplicated, then treated with 50 mg/(kg·d), 100 mg/(kg·d) puerarin or without treatment. The diameter of iliac artery was measured by ultrasound equipment. The intima, media and blood vessel areas were measured by slide image analysis system. Results Five weeks after the operation, the 50 mg/(kg·d) treated group's iliac artery diameters (1.66±0.41 mm) were wider than control group's (1.13±0.43 mm), so did 100 mg/(kg·d) puerarin group's, and ratio of intima to media area of 100 mg/(kg·d) puerarin group was also lower than the control's. Conclusion Puerarin has effect of preventing stenosis after balloon injury.

Abstract:Aim To explore whether monocyte-derived macrophages and ECV304 endothelial cells express death-associated protein (Daxx) and expression induced by oxidative stress. Metheds Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to detect Daxx mRNA expression in THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages and ECV304 cells induced by ox-LDL and H 2O 2 respectively. Results THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages and ECV304 cells expressed Daxx, Daxx mRNA expression increased after THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages and ECV304 cells were incubated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) and H 2O 2 (1 mmol/L) respectively. Conclusion Daxx may be involved in apoptosis induced by Oxidative stress in THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages and ECV304 cells.

Abstract:Aim Atherosclerosis is a kind of chronic inflammation. The purpose of this study is to observe, in the inflammation course, how oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) impact interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and how lectin-like low density lipoprotein receptor-1(LOX-1) act as. Methods Smooth muscle cell from human umbilical artery was cultured in vitro. Took 4-5th generation for use. Grouping according to different ox-LDL concentrations and reaction times. Then, detection the quantity of VSMC IL-6 mRNA and LOX-1 mRNA with RT-PCR. Further more, observe how one inhibitor of LOX-1 named as polyinosinic acid influence the production of VSMC IL-6 mRNA. Results 1. The quantity of VSMC IL-6 mRNA increased highly after co-cultured with ox-LDL (p<0.01 or p<0.001). The peak value was found at about 6th hour. The expression of IL-6 mRNA and LOX-1 mRNA were increased with ox-LDL concentration ascending (p<0.01 or p<0.001). There is a positive relationship between IL-6 mRNA and LOX-1 mRNA (r=0.943,p<0.001). 2.IL-6 mRNA was reduced when LOX-1 was inhibited by polyinosinic acid (p<0.01 or p<0.001). Conclusions ox-LDL can induce increased expression of VSMC LOX-1 mRNA. LOX-1 plays a vital rule in this process.

Abstract:Aim To study the role on oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in the process of aorta disease on type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Methods Wister rats were divided into three groups radomly (normal controls,fed on high fat and high glucose diets,and diabetes group). In the insulin resistance (IR) stage, 10 th week and 20 th week after developed diabetes, the intima-media thickness (IMT) were detected using image analysing system, ox-LDL and GhbA1C were examined by ELAsA. Results In the 10th week 10th week and IMT in group C were significantly higher than in group A and B (p<0.05), there was not obviously different between group A and B, whereas IMT in group B were marked higher than in group A, this condition continue to the end of the experiments, meanwile we found the level of IMT was significantly correlated with ox-LDL (r=0.85,p<0.05) And ox-LDL was significantly correlated with HbA1C (r=0.87, p<0.05) by multiple regression analyse,whereas IMT was not significantly correlated with HbA1C. Conclusions ox-LDL has a significant role in the aorta disease of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats,It helps the development of macrovascular damage.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on intimal proliferation, expression of suppressor gene P16 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)after vascular injury in rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1(n=24) were given vascular balloon injury, Group 2 (n=24) were given 30 mg/(kg·d) ATRA into stomach from 4 days before injury to 28 days after injury, Group 3 (n=6)served as controls were killed at 14th day after operation. Neointima area were calculated morphologically at day 14, 28 after injury. The expression of P16 and PCNA were measured by means of immunohistochemical technique and imagine analyzer at day 2, 7, 14, and 28 after injury. Results The migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) had not existed at day 2 after balloon injury in control group. The thickening of intima had begun at day 7 after injury,and they were more significant at day 14. The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells decreased at day 28,but extracellular matrix increased and the intimal thickning continued. The positive expression of PCNA were found at day 2 and reached maximum at day 7 and begun decreasing at day 14 after balloon injury, but the expression changes of P16 was inapparent when given ATRA, the neointimal area and the index of PCNA expression reduced at every time point,but the expression of P16 begun increasing at day 2 and reached maximum at day 14 after vascular balloon injury. Conclusion ATRA can effectively repress intimal proliferation after vascular injury, which may be associated with inhibting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through down-regulating the expression of PCNA and upregulating that of P16.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effects of Tongxinluo and simvastatin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rabbit aortic atherosclerotic plaques. Methods The rabbit aortic atherosclerotic model was developed by high cholesterol feeding. The concentrations of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. The levels of VEGF protein in atherosclerotic plaques were studied by means of immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. The expressions of VEGF mRNA were studied by means of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Tongxinluo and simvastatin decreased the levels of VEGF protein in atherosclerotic plaques and the concentrations of ox-LDL and LDH. Conclusion Tongxinluo and simvastatin can decelerate the progression of atherosclerosis and protect the function of endothelial cells.

Abstract:Aim To determine the metabolic changes in rats with heart failure by the application of proteomics, in order to discover possible new therapeutic targets. Methods Myocardial infarction model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. 4 weeks after operation, left ventricular ejection fraction was about 46.4%±10.9%. Then it was used as heart failure model. The rats were killed, left ventricular was cut off and the mitochondrial protein was extracted. Weight-age matched rats acted as control. The mitochondrial protein expression in the two groups was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Results 3 protein spots altered significantly and they were exercised, washed and analyzed by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH-2) was identified using database comparision. Expression of ALDH-2 decreased remarkably in heart failure group compared with control. Furthermore, ALDH-2 mRNA expression of rats was detected at 3, 7, 14 and 28 d after lactate dehydrogenase ligation, which decreased gradually after operation as a result. Conclusions Mitochondrial ALDH has recently been identified as the enzyme that convert nitroglycerin into nitrate. The decreased expression of ALDH-2 in rats with heart failure may provide a clue for nitroglycerin tolerance in patients with heart failure.

Abstract:Aim To assess the character of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with cerebral infarction and the relationship with serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Methods The duplex ultrasonography was performed in the carotid arteries of all the 120 patients with cerebral infarction located in arteriae carotis interna system. 84 patients were included and were divided into soft plaque group, hard plaque group and nonplaque group. Serum MMP-9 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood samples obtained 3 weeks later after hospitalization. Results Carotid plaques were found in 87 (72.5%)patients, the prevalence of severe lumen stenosis was 4.17%. The incidence of soft plaque in the side of cerebral infarction were higher than that of non-infarction. Serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in soft plaque group than those in the hard plaque and non-plaque group (p<0.05). Conclusions Most of the carotid artery lesion are plaques other than severe stenosis, which may be the character of carotid atherosclerosis of Chinese stroke patients. Soft plaque is an important risk factor of stroke in our study. MMP-9 may be a potential clinical marker of unstable plaque.

Abstract:Aim To analyze if the mutation of estrogen receptor (ER) gene has any relationship with macroangiopathy (MA) in men and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods ER genotyping was performed by using PCR-RFLP method in 118 T2DM patients with and without MA and 32 normal controls (NC), which were men and postmenopausal women. The serum E₂ and lipid levels were also determined. Results ER allelic frequencies of X, x and P,p alleles were 0.208, 0.792; 0.432, 0.568 and 0.266, 0.734; 0.50, 0.50 in T2DM group and control group respectively. There was no significant difference in frequencies of allele and genotype in XbaI polymorphism or XbaI with PvuⅡ polymorphisms together between these two groups. The Pp and PP genotypes were significantly more frequent in subjects with IMT>1.0 mm than in those without MA (86.7% vs 58.3%, p<0.05). In subjects of T2DM, serum TC and LDLC levels were significantly higher in subjects with the Xx genotype compared with those with the wild genotypes [(5.33±1.06) mmol/L vs (4.81±0.99) mmol/L p<0.01; (3.43±0.72) mmol/L vs (3.08±0.8) mmol/L p<0.05 respectively]. The serum E₂ level was significantly higher in CVD group than group without MA [(34.59±16.8) ng/L vs (26.46±11.98) ng/L, p<0.05]. The mutation genotypes of XbaI and PvuⅡ were significantly and positively correlated with TC and LDLC levels respectively (r=0.2671 P=0.005 and r=0.2483 P=0.010; r=0.2301 P=0.017 and r=0.2172 P=0.024 respectively). The PvuⅡ polymorphism was the independent risk factor for MA (Or=2.996, 95%CI 1.023～8.767, P=0.041). Conclusion The mutation of ER gene in men and postmenopausal women with T2DM might result in the change of serum lipid levels. The higher E₂ level might have the relationship with the endpoint of CVD. XbaI polymorphism is not related with MA, but PvuⅡ polymorphism might be a risk factor for MA in men and postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Abstract:Aim To explore the influence of acute glucose loading on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in essential hypertension and the protective effect of vitamin C and vitamin E. Methods 39 patients with essential hypertension (EH) and 21 normaltensive controls were randomly divided into three groups. We evaluated the acute effects of oral glucose loading(75 g) alone, with Vitamin C (2 g) and E (0.8 g) or Vitamin C (0.9 g) on endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (EDF) of the brachial artery assessed by high-resolution ultrasound technique on 0,1,2,3 hour after glucose loading respectively. At the same time, we measured the concentrations of plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide anion (O 2 -). Results The basic EDF were diminished in EH. After 75 g glucose loading, EDF were decreased significantly in both patients (9.48%±3.33% vs 13.09%±6.78%, p<0.05) and controls (14.20%±6.48% vs 17.91%±6.87%, p<0.05). The severity of postprandial EDF was more serious in EH than in controls groups (9.48%±3.33% vs 14.20%±6.48%, p<0.05). The impairment was most significant in the first hour and returned to the basic level in the second hour. Different dose of vitamins can improve the impairment in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions EDF impairment was induced by acute hyperglycemia in EH patients which can be reversed by high concentration of vitamin C and vitamin E.

Abstract:Aim To explore the association of fibrinogen gene polymorphism with hypertension ischemic complications. Methods The Fibrinogen β-455G/A gene polymorphism was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 149 hypertensive cases without complication, 124 hypertension cases with coronary heart disease and 148 matched controls by age and sex. Turbidimetric assays were performed to measure the plasma fibrinogen levels of all cases. Results The plasma fibrinogen level in coronary heart disease group was significantly higher than that in the controls (p<0.01) and hypertension patients (p<0.05). The A-allele was associated with elevated plasma fibrinogen levels in both patients and controls. In A-allele carriers with coronary heart disease, the older people had significantly higher plasma fibrinogen levels than the younger (p<0.05). The distribution of β-455G/A gene polymorphism was in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p>0.05). The A-allelic frequency in the coronary heart disease group was 0.238, significantly higher than that in the control group (0.152) and hypertension group (0.171; p<0.01), but there was no significantly difference between the control group and hypertension group (p>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the relative risk to coronary heart disease in the hypertensions carrying A-allele (GA+AA genotype) increases 1.637 times. Conclusions The study demonstrates that fibrinogen is the important risk factor for the cardiovascular diseases. The plasma fibrinogen levels are affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The fibrinogen β-55G/A gene polymorphism may influence the progress of the coronary heart disease by regulating plasma fibrinogen levels. Genetic factor is associated with coronary heart disease.

Abstract:Aim To study whether cease-smoking time takes effect on plasma high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of stable angina pectoris patients. Methods 101 subjects in hospital suffering from stable angina pectoris were investigated. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to their smoking status: smokers, nonsmokers and former smokers who had stopped smoking. The last group were divided again into two subgroups according to different cease-smoking time: long time group and short time group. Levels of plasma MDA were determined by thibabituric acid method, while hsCRP by transmission turbidimetry method. Results Levels of plasma hsCRP and MDA were higher in smokers group than in nonsmokers group (4.82±0.37 mg/L to 1.74±0.31 mg/L,p<0.01; 1.08±0.31 mmol/L to 0.86±0.20 mmol/L,p<0.01); Levels of plasma hsCRP were lower in long time subgroup than in short time subgroup (1.91±0.26 mg/L to 4.66±0.24 mg/L,p<0.05), while levels of plasma MDA have no significant difference in the two subgroups (0.93±0.17 mmol/L to 0.95±0.14 mmol/L ,p>0.05). Conclusion Smoking takes effect on oxidative stress and inflammation to some extent but maybe it takes effect on them for a different time.

Abstract:Aim To probe a simple, convenient, non-invasive and credible method to measure people's carotid artery, and to provide an early way to prevent and cure stroke. Methods High differentiate ultrasonic system was used in our research to measure 53 cases with high risk of stroke and 53 healthy cases. The changes of inner-diameter of carotid artery were measured at relaxation, reactive congest and after taking glonoine. Results The ultrasonic audio image showed that inner membrane incrassated and lumen diminished in high risk of stroke group, in reactive congest test and after taking glonoine, carotid artery dilated notably in healthy group. Conclusion Endothelia dependent diastolic function of carotid artery were adjustive remarkably in healthy people. With the flow of blood stream raised, the endothelia dependent dilatation increased in healthy group; the power of regulating of carotid artery dropped observably in high risk of stroke group. The research also indicated that this measure is simple, convenient and credible.

Abstract:Aim To observe the activity and expression of platelets nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Peripheral venous blood was collected from both normals and ACS patients. Sepharose CL-2B gel colomn were used to isolate platelets. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in platelets was assessed by measuring the conversion of 3 H-L-arginine to 3 H-L-citrulline and determined in the absence or presence of histamine or L-NAME; The levels of endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression were measured by western blotting. Results Platelet NOS activity was significantly decreased in ACS patients compared with normal subjects (p<0.01); it was still lower after histamine stimulation (p<0.01); There were no significant change of eNOS expression between ACS patients and normal subjects. Conclusions Platelets NOS activity of ACS patients reduced. Since platelet aggregation and thrombus formation are implicated in unstable angina and myocardial infarction, impaired platelet NOS activity and thus decreased NO production may contribute to development of ACS.

Abstract:Aim To study the effect of lipid-lowing treatments on prognosis and reducing blood lipid in old people with hyperlipidemia. Methods 95 old people with hyperlipidemia were divided into three groups randomly.All patients received low fat diet. Patients of group 1 were treated with Fluvastatin 20 mg alternation night for two years. Group 2 were treated with Fluvastatin 20 mg every night for three month. No lipid lowing drug was received in group 3(control group). Investigation was followed up for two years. Results Plasma lipids level of the patients in the group 1 (TC 5.7±1.3 mmol/L,LDL 3.2±0.7 mmol/L)and group 2 (TC 5.5±0.9 mmol/L,LDL 3.0±0.7 mmol/L)was significantly lower at the 3rd month than that before treatment (p<0.05,p<0.01). Two years later,the plasma lipid were markedly decreased in group 1(TC 4.9±1.2 mmol/L,LDL 2.7±0.9 mmol/L,p<0.001),however,that of group 2(TC 5.7±1.0 mmol/L、LDL 3.2±0.7 mmol/L)increased again,the difference between these two groups was significant(p<0.05). Plasma lipids level of the patients in the control group (TC 6.5±1.1 mmol/L, LDL3.7±0.8 mmol/L)was the same in two years than that before treatment(p>0.05).Compared with group 2,plasma lipids level of the patients in group 1significantly decreased two years later(p<0.05). The incidence of cardiovascular events of group 1 (9%)was lower than group 3 (56.2%,p<0.01) and group 2 (31.2%,p<0.05). Conclusion It was safe and effective to take low-dose lipid-lowing drug of Fluvastatin for a long time. The incidence of cardiovascular events and coronary heart disease was decreased.

Abstract:Aim To study the association between insertion /deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme gene and coronary heart disease (CHD) in Hunan Han population. Methods By polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 100 patients with CHD and 54 healthy people were detected for their angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes and allele frequencies. Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelins (ET) were also detected in the above people. Results The frequencies of DD genotype and allele of CHD group were marked higher than that in control group (p<0.01), the odds rate (OR) of DD genotype compared with ID+II genotype was 7.27 (χ 2=13.42, 95%CI: 2.38～22.24). The levels of Ang Ⅱ and ET/NO in CHD group are significantly higher than that in control group (p<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion There might be close relationship between DD genotype of ACE gene and CHD in Hunan Han population.

Abstract:Aim To explore and develop a swine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by coronary occlusion with angioplasty balloon. Methods After anesthesia, 20 mm or 25 mm angioplasty balloon was positioned in the mid-distal left anterior descending (LAD). The balloon was inflated and occluded the LAD for 120 min. Electrocardiography and blood pressure were monitored. Ultrasounography, cTnⅠ and coronary angiography were also investigated to confirm AMI. Results Seven out of eleven pigs underwent successful induction of AMI. Four pigs died of ventricular fibrillation. AMI were confirmed by dynamic changes of electrocardiography, cTnⅠ and further pathology. Regional wall motion abnormalities were found by two dimensional echocardiography one hour after AMI and two weeks late in all pigs. Conclusions A closed chest swine model of AMI is feasible and relatively effective. Some technique problems should be noted.