Abstract:Aim To study the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by the expressions of smooth muscle 22α(SM22α) and angiotensin receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) of human brain artery after human cytomegalovirus(HCMV) UL83 inhibited by RNA interference(RNAi).MethodsHCMV AD169 strain infected VSMC in vitro,which were used to build beforehand cell model with HCMV UL83 inhibited by RNAi.The expressions of SM22α and angiotensin receptors in VSMC were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,immunofluorescence and RNAi techniques.ResultsBy comparison with control(RNA),down regulation of expression of UL83 and HCMV pp65 were 18.1% and 10.7% after silencing UL83 by RNAi,respectively.There was significant discrepancy of expression between nontransfection group and control.After interference of HCMV UL83,the expression of SM22α and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 2(AT2R) were upregulated,as compared to control(RNA),but expression of angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 1(AT1R) were downregulated.ConclusionsUtilization of RNAi technique successfully established the cell model of infected VSMC with HCMV after silencing UL83 in vitro.It indicated that transcription of SM22α mRNA and AT2R were inhibited by AT1R which might be excited by HCMV UL83 with HCMV infection.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effects of different doses of atorvastatin on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and primary mechanisms in acute myocardial infarction(AMI).MethodsTwenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly separated into three groups: the control group treated without lipid-lowering drugs,0.5 mg/(kg·d) and 5 mg/(kg·d) atorvastatin groups with 3 days of treatments.Then,the model of AMI was established by coronary-occluded method,and six hours later,cardiomyocyte apoptotic rate and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected.Results⑴Compared with control and 0.5 mg/(kg·d) atorvastatin groups,the apoptotic rate of infracted and border zone in 5 mg/(kg·d) atorvastatin group significantly lowered(16%±5% vs 23%±7% and 22%±5%,p<0.01;15%±5% vs 26%±6% and 25%±6%,p<0.01;respectively).⑵The content of Bax had no changes in every group(61±9 vs 62±77 and 67±7,p<0.05;57±6 vs 59±10 and 60±8,p<0.05),while that of Bcl-2 was evidently increased in 5 mg/(kg·d) atorvastatin group than the control group and 0.5 mg/(kg·d) atorvastatin group in infracted and border zone(60±9 vs 45±7 and 52±12,p<0.01;61±13 vs 48±9 and 52±11,p<0.05).⑶Correlation analysis indicated that there was a negative correlation between the rate of cardiomyocytes apoptosis and Bcl-2 expression(r=-0.672,p<0.01;r=-0.735,p<0.01),while there were no relation between the apoptotic rate and Bax(r=0.133,P=0.559;r=0.177,P=0.409)by Pearson correlation analysis.ConclusionsEarly intensive atorvastatin intervention may decrease cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Atorvastatin may be through pro-expression of Bcl-2 to resist apoptosis.Early intensive atorvastatin treatment may yield more significant benefits in AMI.

Abstract:Aim To compare the roles of hyperlipoidemia and arterial stenosis on atherosclerosis,and explore the potential mechanisms.MethodsEstablished atherosclerosis model of rabbit carotid arteries by putting silastic collars around the carotid arteries and raising New Zealand rabbits with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet.The total cholesterol,triglyceride and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma were measured with kits.The extents of artery stenosis were controlled by digital arteriography.The character of artery morphology was observed with pathology methods.ResultsAfter nine weeks,a lot of foam cells were found in the carotid arteries with the collar,whether in the chow diet or high-fat and high-cholesterol diet group,especially in the latter.The rabbit aortic arches of the high-fat and high-cholesterol diet group showed a little fatty streak,but no changes in the chow diet group.ConclusionThe results suggested that collars around carotid arteries can induce atherosclerotic lesions in a relatively shorter time and specific area of arteries.The formation of atherosclerotic lesions are closely related with hemodynamic changes and hyperlipidemia.Atherosclerotic lesions can be caused by hemodynamic changes with artery stenosis.Lesions of the area distal to the collar,induced by artery stenosis,were more serious than the area proximal.

Abstract:Aim To study the role of a novel rabbits gene named Gnas during the hyperlipidemia.MethodsThe hyperlipidemia.rabbits were obtained after feeding atherogenic diet for 150 d.The differentially expressed gene was identified by fluorescent semi-quantitative PCR.The different nucleic acid expression level of Gnas in HepG2 cell line induced by cholesterol,25-hydryoxycholesterol,and human low density lipoprotein was analyzed by semi-quantitive RT-PCR.ResultsThe hyperlipidemia rabbits model has been successfully prepared.The total cholesterol levels in plasma and liver,triglyceride level in liver of hypercholesterolemia rabbits increased more than 10 folds,triglyceride level in plasma also significantly increased compared with those in control group.mRNA expression enhanced in the liver of hyperlipidemia rabbits.400ug/ml LDL induced Gnas expression increased 2.15 folds in HepG2 cell,though the same induced effects were not observed in cholesterol or 25-hydryoxycholesterol.ConclusionsThese results will contribute to reveal the molecular mechanism of the hyperlipidemia.

Abstract:Aim Detected the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1) in atherosclerotic lesions induced by low shear stress to research the roles of SDF-1 in atherosclerosis formation and development.MethodsWe set up a local stenosis in left carotid artery,then stimulated the local hemodynamics at the down-stream of stenosis with numerical simulation;HE staining was taken to identify the pathology of common carotid artery;Immunochistochemistry staining was used to detect the expression in atherosclerotic lesions.ResultsThere was a low shear stress region(0～0.3 Pa) at distal of ring where there was obvious atherosclerosis lesions formated.The intimal of control group (8±3μm) is obviously lowed than the treated group(4 weeks 38.5±12.7 μm,8 weeks 95.3±19.6 μm).Immunochistochemistry showed that SDF-1 highly expressed in atherosclerotic plaque without expression in control.ConclusionSDF-1 may play important roles in atherosclerosis formation and development induced by low shear stress.

Abstract:Aim To observe the effect of asymmetric dimethylarginine(ADMA) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor(LOX-1) expression,and to investigate the significance of ADMA in atherogenesis.Methods34 Wistar rats were divided into four groups randomly: ①Control group (n=7): Fed by normal diet and water.②High fat diet group (n=9):Fed by high fat diet and normal water.③ADMA group(n=9): Fed by high fat diet,water with ADMA [0.2 mg/(kg·d)].④L-Arg group(n=9): Fed by high fat diet,water with ADMA [0.2 mg/(kg·d)] and L-Arg [12 mg/(kg·d)].18 weeks later,the rats were anesthetized,and aortas were gathered.The expression of LOX-1 mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.Results①The expression of LOX-1 mRNA in ADMA group(1.608±0.114) was higher than that of control group(0.363±0.027) and high fat diet group(0.480±0.065)(p<0.001,either);In L-Arg group(0.902±0.037),LOX-1 mRNA expression decreased compared with ADMA group(p<0.01);② The expression of LOX-1 protein increased in ADMA group(0.662±0.063)compared with control group(0.111±0.022)and high fat diet group(0.251±0.004)(p<0.001,either),Compared with ADMA group,the expression of LOX-1 protein decreased in L-Arg group(0.364±0.117)(p<0.05).ConclusionADMA accelerates the expression of LOX-1 in rats' aortas,this might be related to atherogenesis.

Abstract:Aim To explore the effect of berberine on the angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ) receptor type 1(AT1R) in the prevention of carotid artery atherosclerosis in rabbits.MethodsThirty-two New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups: normal group,carotid artery atherosclerosis(model group) group,normal saline group(control group) and berberine prevention group(berberine group).Except normal group with normal diet,other groups were fed with high cholesterol-diet and airdried on the common carotid,on the basis of that,physiological saline group and berberine group were treated with intramuscular physiological saline injection and berberine respectively.After air-dry for four weeks,all rabbits were sacrificed with anaesthesia.The right carotid arteries were also harvested for HE staining and immunohistochemistry of AT1R after the sacrifice.ResultsThe vasculature structure of the carotid arteries was characterized by foam cells which formed atheromatous plapue in model group,and thickening in intima with few foam cells underneath in berberine group.There were few positive cells in media of the common carotid in normal group and the expression of AT1R was found both in model group and control group,and the former was much lower.The number density of the positive cells in berberine group were decreased compared with that in control group(p<0.05).ConclusionsThe mechanism of preventing development of carotid artery atherosclerosis for berberine may be through inhibiting expression of AT1R.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the possible interaction of cholesteryl ester transfer protein(CETP) level with the lipid transport between the lipoproteins.MethodsTriglyceride levels in lipoproteins were determined by agarosis gel electrophoresis with enzyme colouration.plasma CETP and oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL) levels were both determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The correlations between CETP and lipid levels were also studied.ResultsCETP levels in hypertriglyceridaemia,hypercholesterolaemia,complex hyperlipidaemia and control subjects were 1.89±1.32,2.37±1.30,2.33±1.73 and 1.58±1.00 mg/L,respectively,which didn't change significantly in hypertriglyceridaemia group(p<0.05),while increased in hypertriglyceridaemia(p<0.01) and hypertriglyceridaemia(p<0.05).Compared with the control group,the ratios of cholesterol/triglyceride in high density lipoprotein(HDL) decreased in hyperlipidaemia subjects.The ratios of cholesterol/triglyceride in LDL increased both in hypertriglyceridaemia and complex hyperlipidaemia groups,while showed no difference in hypercholesterolaemia group.The two ratios in hypertriglyceridaemic subjects both exhibited the most significant change,while hypercholesterolaemic subjects the least.CETP level had positive correlation with the ratios above.Morever,oxidized LDL level was also found to have positive correlation with LDL-TG/LDLC ratio.ConclusionsThe high CETP level in hyperlipidaemia subjects promoted the transport of lipids between lipoproteins,which changed the composition of HDL and LDL and was involved in the development of atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Aim To discuss carotid intimal-media thickness in children using B-mode ultrasound and look for the risk factors of pre-clinical atherosclerosis.MethodsCarotid intimal-media thickness was detected in seventy-nine children aged from 5 to 17 years old by using B-mode ultrasound.And cardiac structure and function were measured by color Doppler ultrasound.Total plasma cholesterol,triglyceride,high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol were detected by HITACHI 7600 automatic biochemical analyzer.Atherogenic index was calculated as LDLC/HDLC.Physical examination was carried on.Blood pressure was measured.Body mass index was calculated according to body height and weight.Familial history of hypertension,coronary heart disease,obesity and dyslipidemia were investigated.The relationship between carotid intimal-media thickness and indexes above was analyzed by Logistic regression.ResultsThere was a difference between the measurements of carotid intimal-media thickness on children with positive and negative histories of obesity,dyslipidemia and hypertension(χ2=4.364,p<0.05).The multiple Logistic regression equation indicated that there were quantitative relationship between carotid intimal-media thickness and diastolic blood pressure and atherogenic index.ConclusionsCarotid intimal-media thickness monitoring should be carried on if children had high risk factors of atherosclerosis for better prevention and intervention.

Abstract:Aim To compare the effects of morning versus evening intake of simvastatin on lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) in patients with combined hyperlipidemia.Methods103 patients were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg simvastatin orally each morning(n=52) or evening(n=51).The treatment period lasted 6 months.Lipid profiles,physical and laboratory investigations for adverse effects,and hs-CRP were assessed.ResultsSerum total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC) and triglyceride(TG) levels decreased significantly in both treatment groups,while simvastatin in the morning administration resulted in larger reductions in TG than dose evening administration(38% vs 19%,P=0.035).Moreover,morning administration reduced TC and LDLC by 21% and 31%,respectively.The success rates of TG and all three together(TC,LDLC and TG) were 51% and 36% in the morning administration,which were superior to the drug given in the evening(33% and 29%,respectively).Although serum hs-CRP levels decreased significantly from baseline in both morning and evening administration,similar hs-CRP reductions were observed between the two treatment groups(p<0.05).And the effects were cholesterolindependent.There were no adverse events during the treatment periods,and simvastatin was well tolerated in the morning or evening administration.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that TG lowering effects of simvastatin in the morning administration were superior to that of evening administration.There is no diurnal variation in anti-inflammatory effects of this drug,therefore,morning or evening administration is equally effective in decreasing hs-CRP.

Abstract:Aim To discuss the relation among apolipoprotein A5(ApoA5) and lipid,coronary heart disease(CHD),try to find out the mechanism about ApoA5 regulating lipid levels and its function in coronary heart disease.MethodsThe level of serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDLC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC),apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1),apolipoprotein B₁₀₀(ApoB₁₀₀) and glucose were examined in 67 patients with CHD and 107 healthy control subjects by biochemistry department;serum were extracted and put into speedVac system,and concentrated into 0.1 mL under 0℃,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method was used to determine ApoA5.ResultsCompared with control group,ApoA5 level of CHD groups was lower(p<0.05),TC,TG and LDLC were higher(p<0.01 or p<0.05),the difference of HDLC,ApoA1 and ApoB₁₀₀ were no significant(p<0.05). In the groups of CHD patients with high TG and CHD patients with normal TG, the serum ApoA5 concentrations is obviously lower than that in healthy control group(p<0.01),and in the group of CHD patients with high TG the serum ApoA5 concentrations is lower than that in the group of CHD patients with normal TG(p<0.01). The level of ApoA5 was negatively correlated with plasma TG level(p<0.01).The level of ApoA5 has positive tendency with the plasma HDL cholesterol,ApoA1,and glucose levels and negative tendency with TC,LDLC,ApoB₁₀₀ levels, there were no significance(p<0.05).ConclusionThe decrease of ApoA5 may be a risk fact.The level of ApoA5 was negatively correlated with plasma TG level.ApoA5 may be an important regulating factor in TG metabolism.

Abstract:Aim To observe the effects of medium chain triglyceride(MCT) on obesity and inflammatory reaction in type 2 diabetics mellitus(T2DM).MethodsWith total energy and fat consumption controlled,MCT group's patients took 100% MCT oil,MCT+long chain triglyceride(LCT) group's patients took 50% MCT oil+50% LCT oil and LCT group's patients took 100% LCT oil for 12 weeks.Blood Adiponectin and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1),mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ(PPARγ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cell were detected,body height,body weight,waistline and hipline were measured at 0,6 and 12 week.Then body mass index(BMI) and waist-hip ratio(WHR) were analyzed.ResultsCompared with LCT group,body weight,BMI and waistlines of 6 and 12 week in MCT and MCT+LCT groups were decreased and WHR of 12 week in MCT group was much decreased.Compared with LCT group,plasma adiponectin of 6 week in MCT and MCT+LCT groups were higher,plasma adiponectin of 12 week in MCT+LCT group were higher.Compared with LCT group,plasma MCP-1 of 6 wk in MCT group was lower.ConclusionsWith total energy and fat consumption controlled,the daily diet oil is replaced full or partly by MCT,the body weight and WHR decrease and the inflammatory reaction ameliorate in T2DM patients.So MCT possibly help to reduce atherosclerosis risk.

Abstract:Aim To discuss the correlation of the endothelium-derived molecule and carotid arteriosclerosis through determining the plasma concentration of thrombomodulin(TM),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) and P-selectin and carotid artery intima-media thickness(IMT) in patients with essential hypertension.Methods43 patients with essential hypertension,and 19 healthy subjects were selected.Serum concentrations of TM,ICAM-1 and P-selectin were measured using enzyme immunoassay method.The carotid artery IMT were determined by ultrasonography.Hypertensive patients were divided into two groups according to IMT thickness: IMT<0.9 mm group(not accompanied with arteriosclerosis) and IMT≥0.9 mm group(accompanied with arteriosclerosis).ResultsCarotid IMT,serum levels of TM,ICAM-1and P-selectin of hypertension group were remarkably higher than control group.Serum levels of TM,ICAM-1 and P-selectin of group accompanied with arteriosclerosis were remarkably higher than group not accompanied with arteriosclerosis.Serum levels of TM,ICAM-1 and P-selectin were correlated with IMT positively.ConclusionsHypertension can cause endothelium injury.Ateriosclerosis can promote endothelium injury.

Abstract:Aim To study the prevalence of extracranial carotid artery stenosis with magnetic resonance angiography(MRA) in 105 patients of vertebrobasilar artery ischemic and/or transient ischemic attack.Methods105 patients according to ages were divided into 30～55 years group,56～70 years group and 71～89 years group.Thirty-five asymptomatic patients were regarded as control subjects.All patients were undergone with time of flight of MRA(TOF-MRA) and contrast enhanced MRA(CE-MRA).ResultsTOF-MRA and CE-MRA showed that the most common stenosis location in order was in proximal vertebral artery,the intercranial branch of vertebral artery,whole vertebral artery,vertebral artery tortuous or sclerosis,intercratoid artery and common cratoid artery.And the prevalence of extracranial carotid artery stenosis in order as aboved was 30.77%,25.64%,28.21%,7.69%,7.69%,0% in 30～55 years group;36.59%,19.51%,14.63%,17.07%,9.76%,2.44% in 56～70 years group;27.66%,10.64%,12.76%,23.40%,19.15%,6.38% in 71～89 years group,respectively.ConclusionsThe prevalence of stenosis in proximal vertebral artery of extracranial carotid artery was higher than that of other location.The prevalence of atherosclerosis in vertebral artery and carotid artery increased with the ages.MRA is a useful and valuable tool to show extracarnial carotid artery stenosis.

Abstract:Aim To seek the feasibility of quantity coronary sinus flow for estimation the left coronary stenosis influlence to coronary sinus flow by holdgrip exercise echocardiorgraphy.MethodsCoronary sinus flow velocity recordings before and after holdgrip exercise echocardiography were measured.116 patients accepted coronary angiography,of which 65 had stenosis,51 were normal.The grade of stenosis was estimated by Gensini index.The correlation between the coronary sinus flow and the Gensini index were analyzed.ResultsThe peak systolic flow velocity and peak dilatic flow velocity of coronary stenosis were significantly lower than the normal angiography(51.33±5.60 cm/s vs 71.88±5.64 cm/s,42.37±7.04 cm/s vs 55.18±6.01 cm/s,p<0.05).Coronary sinus index reserve(CSIR) and coronary sinus velocity reserve(CSVR) in coronary stenosis group were lower than those in the normal angiography(1.35±0.12 vs 1.61±0.22,1.49±0.18 vs 1.96±0.44,p<0.05).CSVR had a significant negative correlation with the Gensini index(r=-0.76,p<0.01).ConclusionsCoronary sinus flow measurement by transthoracic echocardiorgraphy can be used for estimating the coronary stenosis.

Abstract:Aim To research the assosiation between E/T(extracellular water to-total body water ratio) and pulse pressure(PP) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD).MethodsClinical stable CAPD patients(n=74,32M/42F) were included.Brachial blood pressure was measured twice in sitting position after patients had rested more than ten minutes.PP was calculated as systolic blood pressure(SBP) minus diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and it was used as an index of large arterial stiffness.Multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to record the values for ECW,intracellular water(ICW),and total-body water.Based on these data,E/T also was calculated.In addition,some biochemical indices were determined with standard methods.ResultsPP was strongly associated with E/T(extracellular water/total body water)(r=0.691,p<0.001),E/I(extracellular water/intracellular water)(r=0.456,p=0.001),SBP(r=0.78,p<0.001),DBP,(r=-0.402,p<0.001),age(r=0.427,p<0.001),serum albumin(r=-0.36,P=0.002),C-reactive protein(CRP)(r=0.367,P=0.008) and diabetes(r=0.25,P=0.031),respectively.Multiple regression analysis showed that PP was independently determined by E/T(β=0.67,p<0.001)and CRP(β=0.253,P=0.016).They accounted for 55.7% of the total variance and E/T alone reprensented 50.4% of the explained variance.The regression equation:Y=-111.81+326.361X1+0.584X2(Y=PP;X1=E/T;X2= CRP).Conclusion E/T was closely associated with PP in peritoneal dialysis patients.E/T,in addition to CRP,was an independent risk factor for elevated PP in CAPD patients,suggesting that increased arterial stiffness might be the link between fluid overload and cardiovascular events and mortality in dialysis patients.

Abstract:Aim To assess the prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension(ISH) and correlative risk factors among rural adult groups in Liaoning province,and provide scientific basis for preventing and intervening measurement of hypertension in the rural area for government.MethodsThrough cluster multistage and random sampling to a resident(≥5 years) group of 30 214 people aged ≥35 years old in seven small towns of Liaoning province,the blood pressure measurement and risk factors investigation were done by trained doctors.ResultsThe prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension for aged ≥35 years in rural of Liaoning was 11.92%,and the standardized prevalence was 12.00%.The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension for male and female were 11.42% and 12.42%,the standardized prevalence were 11.29% and 12.80% respectively,the difference of prevalence in the different sex groups was significant(p<0.01).The variation range of isolated systolic hypertension prevalence was from 7.81% to 15.04% in different small towns.With the age increasing,the prevalence was obviously up.By Logistic regression,risk factors of age,sex,race,body mass index,drinking,salt intake and so on were close to hypertension occurring.ConclusionsThe results indicated that isolated systolic hypertension was highly prevalent in Liaoning province and it was associated with many risk factors.Comprehensive measures should be taken to prevent and control isolated systolic hypertension.