Abstract:Aim To screen the differently expressed genes in ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm(RAAA) using cDNA microarray. Methods 6 RAAA or abdominal aorta aneurysm(AAA) specimen were collected respectively,and total RNA was isolated from the tissues and purified to mRNA by oligotex.Both mRNA from AAA and normal aorta were reversely transcribed to cDNA with the incorporation of fluorescent dUTP to prepare the hybridization probes,then the mix probes were hybridized to cDNA microarray of 4 096 human genes.After washing,the cDNA microarray were scanned for the fluorescent signals and showed differences between 2 tissues. Northern and Western blot were used to identify the differently expression of some genes in RAAA. Results Among 4 096 target genes,124 genes were showed in differential expressed profile with 89 upregulated and 35 downregulated genes,and all 6 AAA samples were 29 genes upregulated and 13 downregulated.The differential expressed genes involved in the functions of matrix metalloproteinases(MMP),inflammation,apoptosis,signal conduct,proto-oncogene and anti-oncogene,which meant that they had potential value in the pathogenesis of AAA.Then,Northern and Western blot were used to identify the different expression of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2) in RAAA. Conclusion The investigation based on cDNA microarray in researching related genes in RAAA afforded a new idea in studying pathogenesis,prevention and therapy of RAAA.

Abstract:Aim To observe the influence of ligustrazine on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),expression by vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells and to investigate the molecular mechanism of ligustrazine against atherosclerosis.Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(hUVEC) and rat thorax aortic smooth muscle cells(SMC) were cultured and stimulated by ox-LDL,ox-VLDL,angiotensin Ⅱ and /or ligustrazine.Then,VCAM-1,MCP-1 and NF-κB expression by cultured cells were examed with immunocytochemistry staining or in situ hybridization.Adhesion test of monocytes was used to valuate the influence of ligustrazine on monocytes adhesion to endothelium. Results Comparing with contrast group(hUVEC:0.365±0.019,SMC: 0.416±0.013),ox-LDL,ox-VLDL and angiotensin Ⅱ could inhance VCAM-1 protein level both in hUVEC(0.552±0.008,0.460±0.006,0.486±0.025) and SMC(0.564±0.007,0.513±0.021,0.524±0.008)(p<0.01).As well,ox-LDL,ox-VLDL and angiotensin Ⅱ could inhance MCP-1 protein level both in hUVEC and SMC(p<0.01).By contrast,ox-LDL,ox-VLDL and angiotensin Ⅱ could inhance VCAM-1 and MCP-1 mRNA exprossionS both in hUVEC and SMC(p<0.01).And ligustrazine markedly reduced ox-LDL,ox-VLDL,angiotensin Ⅱ induced VCAM-1 and MCP-1 exprossion(p<0.01).By contrast,ox-LDL,ox-VLDL and angiotensin Ⅱpromoted NF-κB nuclear translocation both in hUVEC and SMC.Ligustrazine inhibited or blocked ox-LDL,ox-VLDL and angiotensin Ⅱ induced NF-κB nuclear translocation.Comparing with ox-LDL,and ox-VLDL group(2.047±0.011,1.936±0.014),ligustrazine reduced the amount of monocytes adhesion to endothelial cells(1.282±0.020,1.265±0.016)(p<0.01). Conclusion Ligustrazine resists atherosclerosis by inhibition of VCAM-1 and MCP-1 expression of vascular cells.This effect might be mediated by NF-κB pathway.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effects of Stichopus Variegates on tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) that induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC),and to explore the mechanism of anti-atherosclerosis role of Stichopus Variegates. Methods VSMC were isolated from the media of normal rat thoracic aorta,VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression were detected by flow cytometric technique and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively.Adhesion of monocytes to VSMC was measured by cell adherence assay. Results Under basal conditions of cultivation,both mRNA and protein expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in VSMC were very low.Treatment of VSMC with TNF-α(10 μg/L) led to a markedly increase in both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression(p<0.01).Stichopus Variegates(1.5～6.0 g/L) significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced protein and mRNA expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1.Flow cytometry showed mean fluorescence intensity of VCAM-1 decreased from 176.4±3.5 to 80.7±1.9(p<0.01),ICAM-1 decreased from 92.2±2.9 to 58.3±2.1(p<0.01);Relative optical density of VCAM-1 decreased from 0.61±0.03 to 0.41±0.04 analyzed by RT-PCR(p<0.01),ICAM-1 decreased from 0.41±0.01 to 0.30±0.03(p<0.05).Cell adherence assay showed that Stichopus Variegates effectively reduced monocytes adhesion to VSMC,OD value decreased from 0.467±0.062 to 0.256±0.029(p<0.05). Conclusion Stichopus Variegates inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of VCAM-1,ICAM-1 and adherence of monocyte to VSMC,which may play important roles in the prevention of atherosclerosis and inflammatory response in vivo.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone(DHA) on expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL) in vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC). Methods In vitro cultured VSMC from sprague dawley rat induced by ox-LDL(50 mg/L) were effected by DHA(5 μmol/L).The expressions of VCAM-1 protein and mRNA were determined by immunocytochemistry,Western blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results Ox-LDL stimulation significantly induced VCAM-1 expression in VSMC(p<0.05).When DHA was added into the medium simultaneously,ox-LDL inducing VCAM-1 expression was obviously decreased(p<0.05). Conclusions DHA showed inhibiting effects on ox-LDL-induced VCAM-1 expression in VSMC.That may be one of the mechanisms of antiatherosclerotic effect of DHA.

Abstract:Aim To evaluate the possibility and efficiency of stent-based gene delivery system using antibody-tethered adenoviral vector. Methods Stents were formulated with a collagen coating.An anti-adenoviral monoclonal antibodies'(Fab)2' were covalently bound to the collagen surface by reactions with a bi-functional cross linker N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate(SPDP).These antibodies enabled tethering of replication defective adenovirus encoding green fluorescent protein(Ad-GFP).The function of this novel stent based on gene delivery system was evaluated in cell culture and in animal test. Results Gene delivery from stents carrying antibody-tethered Ad-GFP demonstrated efficient,site-specific and highly localized Ad-GFP transduction in cell culture(transduction efficiency was 92.8%±2.5% vs about 10% in control group).In pig coronary artery stent deployment studies,GFP-positive cells were only observed in the site that direct contact with the antibody-tethered Ad-GFP stent.Most of these cells were neointimal smooth muscle cells(transduction efficiency was more than 17% of total cells in neointimal region and the average transduction efficiency was 5.9%±1.1% for the whole section).No distal spread of vector was detectable by polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion Gene delivery system based on antibody immobilized coronary stents provided localized and highly efficient gene delivery for intravascular site-specific gene therapy.

Abstract:Aim To study the effects of aspirin and clopidogrel on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and stability of plaque in aortic artery of atherosclerostic rabbits. Methods Forty-nine rabbits were divided into normal control group,model group,aspirin group,clopidogrel group and combination(aspirin+clopidogrel) group.Atherosclerostic model in aortic artery induced by high lipid diet chow and immunity injury were built in the last four groups.The positive percentage of macrophage cells and smooth muscle cells in the plaque were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.Expression of MMP-1 in aortic artery was measured by Western blot. Results Aspirin and clopidogrel significantly decreased the positive percentage of macrophage cells,and increased the positive percentage of smooth muscle cells in aortic vascular lesions(p<0.05 or 0.01).The localization of the expression of MMP-1 was in concordance with macrophage cells region.Compared with normal controls,the amounts of MMP-1 increased by 562%,217%,211% and 178% in model group,aspirin group,clopidogrel group and their combination,respectively(p<0.05). Conclusions Aspirin and clopidogrel can reduce expression of MMP-1 and change the compounds of plaques.These effects may increase the stability of plaques.

Abstract:Aim To detect the effects of advanced glycation end products(AGE) on prostacyclin and prostaglandin E₂ expressions in culture endothelial cell and its possible mechanism. Methods ECV304 cell were exposed to 50,100,200,400 mg/L AGE or human serum albumin for 24 hours.The levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin F_(1α)(PGF_(1α)) and prostaglandin E₂(PGE₂) in the supernatants were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expressions of cyclooxyenase-2(COX-2) mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistric assay.The effects of receptor for AGE,nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB) single/double gene antisense RNA on the productions of 6-keto-PGF_(1α) and PGE₂ induced by AGE were measured by ELISA. Results The productions of 6-keto-PGF_(1α) and PGE₂ in the supernatants were higher in the cell treated by AGE,with a dose-dependent manner(p<0.01).The levels of COX-2 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in the cell treated by AGE(p<0.01).Receptor for AGE,NF-κB single/double gene antisense RNA could inhibit the productions of 6-keto-PGF_(1α) and PGE₂ treated by AGE(p<0.05 or 0.01).The inhibition of double gene antisense RNA were more effective than single gene antisense RNA(p<0.05). Conclusion AGE,via receptor for AGE,NF-κB signaling,induced upregulation of COX-2,resulting in induced prostacyclin and PGE₂ synthesis.This chain of events might contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory vascular injury.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the survival and differentiation of mesechymal stem cells(MSC) in infarcted myocardium induced by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-aza-CdR) and their effects on infarction-induced heart failure of rats.The chronic development was also studied. Methods MSC of Wistar rat were cultured in vitro and the second passage MSC were incubated together with 5-aza-CdR(0.3 μmol/L) for twice.Then the induced MSC labeled with bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU) were transplanted into the infarcted myocardium of rats in the model of infarction-induced heart failure.The rats receiving serum-free medium injection were used as controls.Before transplantation and 1,2,3 month(s) after transplantation,the parameters of heart function,such as ejection fraction(EF),were examined by echocardiography and the survival and differetiation of transplanted MSC were observed by double-lable immunohistochemistry and electric microscope.Chronic changes were observed for 3 months. Results One month after transplantation,the EF value of MSC transplanted group(83.3%±8.1%,n=13)was higher than that of control group(47.2%±11.8%,n=12)(p<0.01).The heart function of MSC transplanted group was also improved compared with that before transplantation(EF=64.3%±10.4%,p<0.01).The heart function of MSC transplanted group sustained during 3 months' observation.The EF value was 83.1%±14.4%(n=7) and 86.3%±3.7%(n=6) respectively 2 and 3 months after transplantation.While in serum-free medium transplanted group,the EF value was 51.6%±11.2%(n=6) and 49.1%±7.7%(n=6) respectively 2 and 3 months after transplantation.There was significant difference between two groups 2 and 3 months after transplantation(p<0.01).The Transplanted cells were survival in myocardial scar.Double-lable immunohistochemistry showed that BrdU and TroponinT of them were positive.Electric microscope showed that they had some peculiarity of cardiomyocytes 1 month after transplantation.But the nuclear was big and the cytoplasm was little.No sarcomeres and Z-bands could be found.3 months after transplantation,Z-bands could be found in the transplanted cells. Conclusion 5-aza-CdR induced MSC could improve the function in infarction-induced heart failure of rats,and the effect could sustain during 3 months' observation.They could survive in the infarct scar of rats and differentiate into cardiomyocytes gradually.

Abstract:Aim To explore effects of lycopene(LP) on lipidemia,blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in experimental hyperlipidemia rats. Methods Experimental hypertriglyceridemia rats were intragastrically administrated with LP [20 mg/(kg·d)] or 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium [CMC-Na,10 mL/(kg·d)] for 30 days.The levels of plasma triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDLC),prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thrombplastin time(APTT),plasminogen activator inhibitor1(PAI-1) activity and tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA) activity were measured according to the direction of the kits. Results Feeding high carbohydrate and fat diet(HCFD)to rats,plasma TG was 1.95 times of the normal dietary rats.The plasma HDLC of HCFD group was 26% lower than that of the control group.Feeding HCFD and LP to rats,plasma TG was 24% lower and plasma HDLC was 32% higher than that of the HCFD group.The PT and APTT of HCFD group were significantly shorter than that of the control group(p<0.01).The PAI-1 in HCFD group was higher than that of the control group(p<0.01).The PAI-1 and t-PA of LP and HCFD group were higher than those of the control group(p<0.01). The PT and APTT of the LP and HCFD group were significantly longer than those of the HCFD group(p<0.01).The PAI-1 in LP and HCFD group was lower(p<0.05) and the t-PA in LP and HCFD group was higher than that in the HCFD group(p<0.01). Conclusion Lycopene could decrease level of plasma lipids and the activity of blood clotting system and enhance the activity of fibrinolysis system.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the expression and distribution of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)in atherosclerosis(As) plaque of arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO) cases. Methods The protein level and area of bFGF in As plaque and normal artery of human were studied by means of immunohistochemistry. Results The expression of bFGF had a high level in As plaque and was mainly distributed in the area where there were plenty of vascular smooth muscle cells,in constrast the expression of bFGF was very low in normal arterial(0.033 7±0.012 5 vs 0.014 5±0.001 7,p<0.05). Conclusion It suggested that the higher expression of bFGF was related to the pathogenesis of As and ASO.

Abstract:Aim To observe the expression of Toll like receptor 4(TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB) in the model of vascular restenosis established by balloon injury,and the effects of atorvastatin on neoitmal proliferation and expression of TLR4 and NF-κB.To explore a possible role for TLR4/NF-κB pathway in the developing of restenosis. Methods 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: atorvastatin treatment 1 week group,balloon injury 1 week group,atorvastatin treatment 2 weeks group,balloon injury 2 weeks group,and control group.Balloon catheter denudation of the endothelium in the common carotid artery of the rat was routinely used as a model of restenosis.Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blot were used to detect the the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB on rat carotid arteries at different groups. Results The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC) existed on the surface of vascular lumen on 1 week after endothelium denudation.TLR4(15.6%) and NF-κB(9.8%) were stained on SMC of neointimal.The levels of TLR4 mRNA(0.39) and protein(26.18)of carotid arteries were increased compared with those of the control group.After 2 weeks,the neointimal were significantly hyperplasia,the lumen were striking stenosis.Immunostain of TLR4(37.2%) and NF-κB(23.2%)were mostly positive in the neointimal cells.The level of TLR4 mRNA(0.49)and protein((57.12)) of carotid arteries were significantly increased.Treatment of rats with the atorvastatin caused a significant inhibition of the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB as well as neointima form(p<0.05). Conclusion In the model of vascular restenosis by balloon injury,the levels of TLR4 mRNA and protein of carotid arteries were significantly increased and companied with activation of NF-κB.Treatment of rats with the atorvastatin caused a significant inhibition of the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB as well as neointima formation.TLR4 and NF-κB played an important role for TLR4/NF-κB pathway in the developing of restenosis.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between atherosclerosis(As) and inflammation and the effect of azithrumycin on As rabbits. Methods 45 rabbits were divided into control group,high lipid group and azitheromycin group.The latter 2 groups were made as modle by high lipid feeding [cholesterol 1.5 g/(kg·d)] and vascular intimal injury.Azithromycin group were given azithromycin 30 mg/(kg·d) 3 days 4weeks.High sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),Chlamydia pneumoniae immunoglobulin G(CPIgG) were detected at 0,4th,8th,and 12th week.The damaged segments of abdominal artery were harvested for morphometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction evaluated the mRNA expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1). Results High-lipid As rabbit had higher level of hs-CRP(212.8±5.3 g/L),CPIgG(2.03±0.08 g/L) and mRNA expression of VCAM-1(1.102±0.108) than azithromycin group(hs-CRP: 123.9±2.1 g/L,CPIgG: 1.40±0.09 g/L,VCAM-1 mRNA: 0.978±0.135).Azithromycin could reduce the levels of these inflammation indexes. Conclusion As had relationship with inflammation,azithromycin could inhibit inflammation and inhibit As.

Abstract:Aim To observe the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) in rat brain tissue in the border zone of the hematoma and explore the relationship among the expression of VEGF,MMP-9 and sodium aescinate after intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH). Methods 85 heath SD rats were divided randomly for: intracerebral hemorrhage model group(20),sodium aescinate treatment group A(20),sodium aescinate treatment group B(20),sham-operated group(20) and,normal contral group(5).Rat model of ICH was established by injection of physiological saline containing collagenase into the right caudate nucleus.Before and after interefered with sodium aescinate,the immunohistochemical methods were used to examine the expression of VEGF,MMP-9 in rat brain tissue at 6 h,24 h,48 h,and 96 h on ICH respectively. Results The amount of VEGF and MMP-9 were markedly increased at 6 h,respectively 12.67±1.50 and 9.27±1.28 and reached the hightest on 24～96 h in the border zone after ICH(p<0.01).There was a positive correlation with the expression of VEGF and MMP-9 after 6～96 h on ICH,coefficient correlation is 0.479(p<0.01).The expression of VEGF and MMP-9 were inhibited transparently in sodium aescinate treatment group A and sodium aescinate treatment group B,especially in the latter and there was a negative dose-effect relationship,coefficient of determination is 0.107 and 0.083. Conclusions 1.The upregulated expression of VEGF might induce the expression of MMP-9 in the border zone after ICH in rats.2.The antiencephaledema effects of sodium aescinate maybe related to change of the suppression of VEGF and MMP-9.

Abstract:Aim To study the value of detecting plasma lipoprotein(a)(Lp(a)),fibrinogen(Fig)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)in the anticipation and diagnosis of coronary heart disease(CHD). Methods 166 suspected cases of CHD undergone coronary arteriongraphy were classified into CHD group and nonCHD group.All the subjects were drawn 2mL peripheral blood.And the plasma samples were segregated.Lp(a),Fig and hs-CRP were evaluated and analyzed in both of these two groups. Results The concentration of Lp(a),Fig and hs-CRP was significantly higher in CHD patients than that in the nonCHD subjects(p<0.01).The sensitivity of the markers of Lp(a),hs-CRP and Fig were 0.739,0.63 and 0.565 respectively.The specificity of detecting all the three markers(0.919)was higher than that of single marker detecetion of either Lp(a)(0.703)or Fig(0.757)or hs-CRP(0.865). Conclusion Combined detection of three markers of Lp(a),Fig and hs-CRP may help improve the anticipation and diagnosis of CHD.

Abstract:Aim To study how to take advantages of Chinese medicine and western medicine on preventing and cure coronary heart disease;to find an effective way to prevent and cure clinical heart disease with Chinese medicine;Dialectics,entity concept and sythesise adjust and control,traditional Chinese medicine theory combined mordern parmaceutic study and so on are throngh the study. Methods 500 patients after coronary intervention were randomly divided into two groups.One group(n=250) to receive wentongjian which were made from Zhifuzi, shanzha,juemingzi,danshen,shuizhi,huangqi and maimendong.The other group(control group,n=250) to receive routine medical treatment.Changes were observed six months later on total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein(HDL),low density lipoprotein(LDL),body mass index(BMI), electrocardiogram(ECG),after the exercise treadmill test(ETT),clinical sympton and whether there was a coronary restenosis or reblocked. Results The blood pressure,TC and TG had no difference(p<0.05) in two groups.HDL,LDL,BMI,fasting blood glucose(FBG) had difference(p<0.05).13 cases in Wentongjian group didn't persist with the 6 months,treatment,14 cases changed into the treatment of traditional Chinese Medicine and 6 cases died in the control group.In Wentongjian group,11 cases feeled nucomfortable after 5 min during treadmill test,but there no changes on electrocardiogram.In control group,46 cases feeled uncomfortable after 5 min during treadmill test,29 cases's S-T sections were evenly lowered and 12 cases S-T sections lowered like slope,five cases have no changes,there were more than 20% restenosis in 16 cases.These were no restenosis or reblocked cases in Wentongjian group.They are significantly better than those in the control group. Conclusions Wentongjian could prevent coronary restenosis and reblocked after percutaneous coronary implantation,adjust the serum lipids metabolism out of disorder.

Abstract:Aim To observe the lipoprotein regulation effect and the reuction of inflamatory infactors of 40 mg/d and 10 mg/d atorvastatin on patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods 92 patients with ACS after PCI were randomly devided into two groups: control group(atorvastatin 10 mg/d) and trial group(atorvastatin 40 mg/d).Serum concentration of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein(Us-CRP)and matrix metalloproteinases-9(MMP-9)were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) to analyse the difference between two groups. Results Serum total cholesterol(TC) in trial group was lower than that in control group at 12th week(p<0.05),and serum TC and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC) in trial group were lower than those in control group at 24th week(p<0.01).Serum concentration of MMP-9 in trial group was lower than that in control group at 12th week(p<0.01).Moreover,serum concentration of Us-CRP in trial group was also lower than that in control group at 24 th week(p<0.05). The bivariate correlation analysis showed there were linear dependence association between the decline of serum concentration of Us-CRP and MMP-9 vs TC and LDLC.There was no significant difference of the patients' recurrent coronary artery events between the two groups. Conclusion ①Atorvastatin 40 mg/d was safe on Chinese patients.②Atorvastatin 40 mg/d increased the rate of reaching the lipoprotein regulation goal.③There were linear dependence association between the decline of serum concentration of Us-CRP,MMP-9 and the level of TC,LDLC.

Abstract:Aim To explore the relationship between different components of metabolic syndrome and carotid intima-media thickness. Methods 79 elder metabolic syndrome patients(more than 60 years old) were divided into two groups according to the different components of metabolic syndrome;41 patients with diabetes mellitus and 38 patient without diabetes mellitus.Meanwhile,37 patients with diabetes mellitus is younger than 60 years old.Carotid intima-media thickness was measured by Doppler ultrasonography. Results Carotid artery intima-media thickness in elderly patients are significantly thicker than that of younger ones(p<0.001),while intimamedia thickness combining with diabetes mellitus are significantly thicker than that without diabetes mellitus in elderly patients(p<0.05).By correlation analysis,the carotid artery intima-media thickness was positively correlated with age(r=0.300,p<0.001),duration of hypertension(r=0.255,p<0.001).The occurrences of plaque are highest in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus(73.2%),secondly in elderly patients without diabetes mellitus(50%) and lowest in younger patients with diabetes mellitus(21.6%),Statistical analysis is positive(p<0.05 and 0.001). Conclusion Intima-media thickness combining with diabetes mellitus are significantly thicker than that no diabetes mellitus in metabolic syndrome in elderly patients.Elder metabolic syndrome patients have higher carotid intima-media thickness than younger ones.

Abstract:Aim To explore the change of distensibility,strain and stiffness of carotid in the patients with metabolic syndrome(MS). Methods The systolic and diastolic diameters of common carotid and carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) were measured with high-resolution ultrasonography in 33 healthy samples,76 nonMS samples and 83 MS samples,and arterial distensibility,arterial strain and arterial stiffness were calculated. Results The arterial distensibility and arterial strain were significantly decreased(p<0.01) whereas arterial stiffness and mean IMT of common carotid artery were significantly elevated in MS group(p<0.01) compared with control group and non-MS group.The arterial distensibility and arterial strain of right and left common carotid were negatively related to the number of MS components(p<0.01),but the arterial stiffness of right and left common carotid were positively related to the number of MS components (p<0.01). Conclusion Individuals with MS had decreased elasticity of artery, and accelerated arteriosclerosis.Ultrasonography of carotid artery was indicated to be an effective noninvasive method to detect cardiovascular disease in patients with MS.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of Xuezhikang on matrix metalloproteinase-2,9(MMP-2,9)in acute coronary syndromes(ACS) patients. Methods Xuezhikang were administered in thirty ACS patients.MMP-2,9 and pro MMP-2,9 were evaluated before administration,after 7 days and 30 days by SDS-PAGE enzymograph.The normal control group included twenty-five volunteers. Results Serum MMP-2 and pro MMP-2 elevated significantly in ACS group compared with control group(p<0.01).No differences in MMP-2,9 and pro MMP-2,9 existed before administration and after 7 days in patients with ACS.Serum MMP-2 after 30 days in ACS patients elevated significantly than that before administration(p<0.05). Conclusions Serum MMP-2 and pro MMP-2 elevated significantly in ACS patients and Xuezhikang could decrease the levels of serum MMP-2 and pro MMP-2.

Abstract:Aim To study the effect of advanced glycation end products(AGE) and nitric oxide(NO) on type 2 diabetes and chronic complications of diabetes,and the correlation between AGE and NO. Methods The levels of serum AGE and NO were detected by flow injection assay and spectrophotometry. Results The level of serum AGE in all patient groups was significantly higher than that in control group, and the NO level was significantly lower than that in control group(all p<(0.01)). Conclusion The increase of serum AGE played an important role in mediating the formation of diabetes,chronic complications of diabetes,cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,and the reduction of serum NO level was probably one of reasons which resulted in vascular disfunction and atherosclerosis.The increase of serum AGE may not be an independent influential factor for the reduction of serum NO.

Abstract:Aim Analysis on lipoprotein and apolipoprotein measurement changes caused by coronary angiography(CAG),percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty(PTCA),and coronary stent inplantation(PTCA +STENT). Methods We have measured serum lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations against 119 patients(77 males and 42 females)before and after catheterization. Results Significant lipoprotein and apolipoprotein concentration changes were observed before cardiac catheterization vs.after cardiac catheterization.After cardiac catheterization,the average values of TC,TG,LDL-C,and apolipoproteinB decreased by 10.1%,30.7%,13.5%,and 19.1% respectively,and obvious decreases in PTCA and STENT groups when compared to CAG group.However,changes in HDL-C and apolipoprotein A1 were not significant. Conclusions It was observed that heparin has more influence on the apolipoprotein in the blood measurement results;there seems to be a positive correlation between the dosage of heparin and the measurement result.In order to get the actual base data,it is highly recommended that we examine the lipoprotein and apolipoprotein data before conducting any CAG,PTCA,or PTCA +STENT surgeries.