Abstract:Aim To study the injury effect of lipoprotein （a） ［Lp（a）］ on biological function of mouse bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells （EPC）. Methods EPC were divided into control groups and five treatment groups with different concentrations （1, 10, 100, 300 and 600 mg/L） of Lp（a）. EPC were isolated by adherence culture and identified by binding of UEA-1, and uptake of acetylated low density lipoprotein （ac-LDL）. The abilities of survival, migration and adherence were detected by the MTT, Transwell and gelatin adherence assays respectively. The total length of the tube structures in each photograph was measured using Adobe Photoshop software 7.0. Results Lp（a） dose-dependently decreased the surival rate of EPC, 100 mg/L Lp（a） reduced it significantly and the maximum injury concentration was 300 mg/L. A significantly reduced migratory rate of EPC could be seen after treatment with 1 mg/L Lp（a）, the count of the migratory cells was less than 1/6 of the control, so 1/9 for 10 mg/L Lp（a） and 1/14 for 300 mg/L Lp（a）. EPC treated with Lp（a） showed a dose-dependent decrease of adhesion to gelatin. 1 mg/L Lp（a） markedly decreased the number of adhesive cells （145.2±8.4/every field vs 115.2±12.6/ every field, P<0.05, n5）. When EPC were exposed to 10 or 100 mg/L Lp（a）, the capability of adhesion had further descended. When at 300 mg/L, it was remarkably descent to 1/16 of control. Treatment with 10 mg/L Lp（a） impaired the ability of EPC to form tube structures. EPC cultivanted with 100 mg/L had presented decreased tube formation and was less than 1/4 of control （36.34±1.54 mm/field vs 8.76±0.62 mm/field, P<0.001, n5）, and when incubated at 300 mg/L of Lp（a）, the integrity tube structure was severely disrupted. After treated with 100 mg/L of Lp（a）, not only the EPC colony-forming was decreased （10.2±1.3 vs 3.1±0.4, P<0.01, n5） but also the growth of the colony-forming was inhibited. Conclusions Lp（a） inhibited proliferation, migration, adhesion, vasogenesis, colony-forming capacity of EPC in a dose-dependent manner.

Abstract:Aim To study the relationship between the phenotypic differentiation of adventitial fibroblasts and the early atherosclerotic lesion formation. Methods ApoE^-/- mice and wild-type C57BL/6 black mice of 6 weeks were used in this experiment. All animals were fed hyperlipidic diet for 2, 4 or 8 weeks. The ascending aorta was removed for serial sectioning. Some sections were stained with immunohistochemistry to observe the expression of α-smooth muscle-actin（α-SM-actin） and transforming growth factor beta 1 （TGF-β₁ ） in the adventitia at different time points. In addition the arterial adventitial fibroblasts derived from ApoE^-/- mice and C57BL/6 mice after hyperlipidic diet for 2 weeks were cultured. The expression of α-SM-actin was examined by immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot. The ultrastructural changes were observed by transmission electromicroscope. The expression of TGF-β₁ protein was verified by Western Blot. Results In vivo the adventitia exhibited positive expression of α-SM- actin after hyperlipidic diet for 2 and 4 weeks but weakly positive staining for α-SM-actin expression after hyperlipidic diet for 8 weeks. TGF-β₁ expression increased gradually in the adventitia with increasing duration of the hyperlipidic diet. However there was no α-SM-actin and TGF-β₁ expression in the adventitia of C57BL/6 mice all the time. In vitro part cells of ApoE^-/- mice showed positive α-SM-actin and obvious increase of filaments. But that was not found in C57BL/6 mice. The protein levels of α-SM-actin and TGF-β₁ were higher than C57BL/6 mice（P<0.05）. Conclusion The adventitial fibroblasts were differentiated into myofibroblasts at the early stage of atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Aim To study the possibility that yellow wine polyphenolic compounds improves the pathological changes of atherosclerosis in vivo. Methods Six weeks old LDL receptor knock out mice （n40） treated with high-fat diet were randomly allocated to five groups （8 rats in each group）: high fat group, rosuvastain intervention group,yellow wine polyphenolic compounds 10 mg/（kg·d） intervention group, yellow wine polyphenolic compounds 30 mg/（kg·d） intervention group, yellow wine polyphenolic compounds 50 mg/（kg·d） intervention group, they received by sterile water, 10 mg/（kg·d） rosuvastain and yellow wine polyphenolic compounds with dose of 10, 30, 50 mg/（kg·d） dissolved in sterile water, respectively. High fat diet were given to establish the mouse model with atherosclerosis. After 16 weeks, they were sacrificed. The levels of plasma lipids in serum were examined. The morphological changes of aorta artery were observed under microscope. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2）, matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1）, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （TIMP-2） were determined by Western blot. The activation of MMP-2, MMP-9 were determined by Gelatin Zymography. Results Compared to high fat group, the levels of total cholesterol （TC）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLC） and triglyceride （TG） were significantly decreased in rosuvastain intervention group （P<0.01） except for TG, plasma TC and LDLC levels were significantly decreased in yellow wine polyphenolic intervention compounds groups （P<0.01）. The levels of plasma TC, LDLC and TG showed significant difference between yellow wine polyphenolic compounds intervention groups and rosuvastain intervention group （P<0.05）. No significant difference of plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDLC） level among groups were observed （P>0.05）. Compared to high fat group, the atherosclerosis lesion area in rosuvastain intervention group and yellow wine polyphenolic compounds 10, 30, 50 mg/（kg·d） intervention groups decreased by 74.14%, 18.51%, 40.09%, 38.42% （P<0.01）, respectively. Use of yellow wine polyphenolic compounds and rosuvastain significantly reduced the atherosclerosis lesion area （P<0.01）. The yellow wine polyphenolic compounds and rosuvastain could down-regulate MMP-2, MMP-9 expression and activities （P<0.01）, whereas expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 were up-regulated （P<0.01）. Conclusions The yellow wine polyphenolic compounds is similar to the role of rosuvastain, which can improve dyslipidemia, reduce the expression and activities of MMP-2, MMP-9, at the same time promote the expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2, improve the pathologic changes of atherosclerosis, indicating that they have benefic effects on cardiovascular system.

Abstract:Aim To study the effects of homocysteine （Hcy） on methylation of Bcl-2 in human umbilical endothelial cells （HUVEC）. Methods After human umbilical endothelial cells were treated with different concentrations of Hcy for 48 h, MTT was used to measure the reproduction of human umbilical endothelial cells and IC50 concentration of Hcy, the flow cytometry assay was used to detect the rate of cell apoptosis, the expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA level were analyzed by fluorescence quantitative PCR, the methylation of Bcl-2 promoter region methylation level was determined by nest touch-down PCR combined methylation specific PCR （MSP）. Results The proliferation of human umbilical endothelial cells was inhibited by Hcy in a dose-independent manner, the OD value decreased from 0.99±0.05 to 0.28±0.03（P<0.01）. Compared with control group, the rate of apoptosis in human umbilical endothelial cells increased from 2.30%±0.60% to 16.40%±0.73% （P<0.01）, the expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA were significantly depressed （P<0.01）, the Bcl-2 promoter region methylation levels in experimental group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. Conclusions Increasing endothelial cell apoptosis by decreasing Bcl-2 promoter region methylation level and reducing expression of Bcl-2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Hcy induced atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Aim To observe the expression of Cyr61 and the effect of atorvastatin on Cyr61 expression in abdominal artery after balloon injury and explore the mechanism of intimal hyperplasia inhibition in injuried arteries by atorvastatin. Methods Intimal hyperplasia was studied by histological morphology method and the expressions of tissue Cyr61 was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot at different time-points in abdominal artery of rabbits with balloon injury. Results Intimal hyperplasia was present at day 7 after balloon injury, obvious thickening at day 14 and continue thickening after 28 days, neointimal thickness was uneven, significantly different than that in the control group. The expressions of Cyr61 detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot increased significantly after balloon injury at day 7 and at day 14, and these results were significantly different from control group （P<0.01）. The expression of Cyr61 decreased significantly after inhibited by atorvastatin at day 7 and at day 14 were significantly different between atorvastatin group and injury group （P<0.01）. There was no significant difference of the expression of Cyr61 between the balloon injury group and atorvastatin group at day 28 （P>0.05）. Conclusions Cyr61 expressed obviously in injury group, but these expressions were inhibited significantly in atorvastatin group. This outcome indicated that Cyr61 may play an important role in intimal hyperplasia. Atorvastatin can inhibit the expression of Cyr61, which suggested that atorvastatin may inhibit intimal hyperplasia by decreasing the expressions of Cyr61.

Abstract:Aim To explore effect of compound Danshen dripping pill on apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells and apoptosis-related gene expression in rats with acute myocardial infarction. Methods 45 healthy majority SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, acute myocardial infarction group and compound Danshen dripping pill group. Rats in sham operation group underwent thoracotomy without coronary ligation. Rats in acute myocardial infarction group and compound Danshen dripping pill group underwent with coronary ligation of left anterior descending branch to establish AMI rats model. Rats in sham operation group and acute myocardial infarction group were given physiological saline. Rats in compound Danshen dripping pill group were given compound Danshen dripping pill . After 3 days，killing the rats and isolating the cardiac tissue . Fas，Fas-L and p53 mRNA of cardiac tissue in three group were analyzed by real time PCR. Bcl-2 and Bax in three groups were analyzed by western blot. Apoptosis cells index of cardiac cell in three groups were analyzed by TUNEL and Western blot. Results The mRNA of Fas，Fas-L and p53 in acute myocardial infarction group and compound Danshen dripping pill group were significantly higher than that in sham operation group （P<0.05）. The mRNA of Fas， in compound Danshen dripping pill group was significantly lower than that in acute myocardial in farction group （P<0.05）. Bcl-2/Bax ratio in acute myocardial infarction group was significantly lower than that in sham operation group （P<0.05）, but there was no statistical difference between sham operation and compound Danshen dripping pill group （P>0.05）. Apoptosis cells index of cardiac cell in acute myocardial infarction group and compound Danshen dripping pill groups significantly higher than that in sham operation group （P<0.05）. Apoptosis cells index of cardiac cell in compound Danshen dripping pill groups significantly lower than that in acute myocardial infarction group （P<0.05）. Conclusion Compound Danshen dripping pill can reduce apoptosis-related gene expression in rats with acute myocardial infarction and inhibit apoptosis of cardiac cell.

Abstract:Aim To investigate protective effection of Quercetin （Que） on human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC） from oxidative stress injury in rats and its mechanism. Methods Oxidative stress model of HUVEC was established by H₂O₂. Then, MTT assay was used to investigate the cell proliferation ability. The content of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, superoxide dismutase （SOD） were determinated by kits. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. The protein expression of PTEN, Akt, phospho-Akt and Bcl-2 were detected by Western Blot.Results H₂O₂ can decrease HUVEC survival, while 10, 20 μmol/L Que significantly increase cell viability （P<0.05） Que treatment can significantly increase SOD activity, while significantly decrease MDA and LDH levels （P<0.05）, and reduce their rate of apoptosis compared with H₂O₂ treatment group. Finally, Que can effectively increase PTEN and reduce p-Akt, Bcl-2 expression. Conclusion High-dose Que can effectively protect HUVEC cells against H₂O₂ damage this effect may be related to the role of PTEN-Akt pathway by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis.

Abstract:Aim To evaluate the relationship between the level of serum hepcidin-25 and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and carotid artery atherosclerosis in peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods The serum level of hepcidin-25 of 178 maintenance peritoneal dialysis patients was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The bilateral common carotid artery intima-media thickness （IMT） and carotid artery atheromatous plaque was measured by high resolution two-dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Results The serum hepcidin-25 level of the patients with carotid atherosclerosis group was higher than that without carotid atherosclerosis group and healthy controls group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant （both P<0.01）. Linear correlation analysis of serum hepcidin-25 levels and carotid IMT was positive（r＝0.685, P＝0.001）. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that serum hepcidin-25 and TNF-α levels were independent risk factors for carotid IMT. Conclusions The level of serum hepcidin-25 and tumor necrosis factor-α are independent risk factors of the carotid atherosclerosis in the maintenance peritoneal dialysis patients. It suggested that the level of serum hepcidin-25 and tumor necrosis factor-α can be used as a prediction of atherosclerosis risk factors.

Abstract:Aim To observe the change of high-density lipoprotein （HDL） cholesterol efflux capacity in patients with end-stage renal disease（ESRD）, and explore its relationship with the atherosclerosis risk understand effects of a single hemodialysis on HDL cholesterol efflux capacity. Methods Serum concentration of triglyceride（TG）, total cholesterol （TC）, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDLC）, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLC）, apolipoprotein A1 （ApoA1）, ApoB, high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （sVCAM-1） in ESRD group and control group were detected, and the cholesterol efflux capacity of each group were tested by liquid scintillation counter. The above indexs were detected before and after dialysis in hemodialysis group. The intima-media thickness of carotid artery （CIMT） in each group was measured by ultrasound. Results The serum levels of TG, TC, ApoB, hs-CRP and sVCAM-1 in ESRD group was significantly higher than that of control group, and HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in ESRD group was significantly decreased than control group. CIMT in ESRD group was obviously higher than that of control group, and there was an obvious negative correlation between CIMT and cholesterol efflux capacity. After a hemodialysis, the cholesterol efflux rate of ESRD patients was a little higher than predialysis, but the difference was not statistically significant. And there were no statistical significance of TG, TC, HDLC, LDLC, ApoB and hs-CRP levels before and after hemodialysis. Compared with predialysis, the serum levels of ApoA1 and sVCAM-1 were significantly increased. Conclusion HDL mediated cholesterol efflux capacity in ESRD patients was significantly impaired, the function change of HDL mediated cholesterol efflux may be one of the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis in ESRD patients. Single hemodialysis can not improve HDL cholesterol effux capacity in ESRD patients.

Abstract:Aim To discuss the intervention effects of the health related behavior of patients with carotid atherosclerosis plaque by individualized health education. Methods 217 patients with carotid atherosclerosis plaque in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease by the examination of color Doppler ultrasound were collected from April 2011 to July 2011. Then they were divided into experimental and control groups, and were separately given traditional education and individualized health education intervention. Four months later, the health-related behavior changes were compared in the two groups of patients （including complying with the health care plan, seeking to promote healthy behavior, and regular physical exercise, weight control, smoking, alcohol consumption）. Results The analysis outcome indicated that the comparison in the test group before and after the intervention was significant. The adoption rate of behavior for complying with the health care plan, seeking to promote healthy behavior, awareness of the disease, regular physical exercise and the proportion of number of physical exercise ≥4 times/week increased. Compared to the control group, experimental group had better improvement on the above. Meanwhile, the proportion of smoking and alcohol consumption declined significantly in the experimental group, and drinking was lower than in the control one （P<0.001）. Conclusion Individual group was more effective than traditional group on improvement of health related behavior in patients with carotid artery plaque.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index（AASI） and microalbuminuria （MAU） and circadian rhythm in patients with primary hypertension. Methods A total of 120 patients with primary hypertension were enrolled . Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring（ABPM） was performed for AASI. Serum lipids profile , Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were detected. Glomerular filtration rate（GFR） was estimated by simplified MDRD equation. Urinary albumin and creatinine concentrations were determined on a morning spot-urine sample. AASI was defined as one minus the regression slope of diastolic on systolic blood pressure. MAU was defined as urinary albumin-creatinine ratio （ACR） of at least 22 mg/g in males or of 31 mg/g in females. Nocturnal non dip ping referred to a 10% or lesser magnitude reduction in mean artery pressure（MAP）at nighttime compared to daytime MAP average values,the remainder was defined as dipper. The subjects were divided into four groups according to AASI in quartile: AASI≤0.34（n43）, 0.34＜AASI≤0.46（n44）, 0.46＜AASI≤0.56（n40） and AASI＞0.56（n40） group. The differences between the four groups were compared. According to ACR,patients were divided into MAU group（n68） and non-microalbuminuria （NMAU） group（n99）. The subjects were divided into dipper group（n63） and non-dipper group （n104）according to nocturnal MAP fall rate . The association between AASI , MAU and circadian rhythm of blood preasure were analysed. Results ⑴With the AASI increased，the patients had higher urinary ACR and 24hSBP、24hDBP and 24hPP（P<0.05）,and lower GFR level and dipper hypertension ratio（P<0.05）. （2）AASI in hypertension patients with Microalbuminuria（0.58±0.11） was significantly higher than those of the non-microalbuminuria （0.28±0.12）group, （P<0.05）. Significant independent correlations were revealed between AASI and age（β0.369, P<0.001） and logACR（β0.566, P<0.001）according to multivariate regression analysis. （3）AASI in hypertension patients with non-Dipper type（0.54±0.13） was significant higher than those of Dipper type（0.33±0.14） （P<0.05）,Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed AASI,MAU,age,are the independ risk factors for abnormal circadian blood preasure，the odds ratios were 1.491,1.278,1.246 . Conclusion The increase of AASI is associated with MAU and Non-dipper rhythm in patients with primary hypertension.

Abstract:Aim To compare effectiveness of atorvastatin to atorvastatin co-administration ezetimibe on modifying total cholesterol （TC）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLC）, endothelin-1 （ET-1） and nitric oxide （NO） and protecting vascular endothelial function and the security in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. Methods 125 patients with ACS consecutively enrolled from June 2011 to December 2011 were divided randomly into atorvastatin group （20 mg qn） and co-administration group （atorvastatin 20 mg qn＋ezetimibe 10 mg qn） TC, LDLC, ET-1 and NO were measured at admission and 12 weeks after treatment. Results （1）TC, LDLC, ET-1 levels were lower and NO higher significantly in two groups than pre-treatment, however, TC, LDLC, ET-1 levels were more lower and NO more higher 12 weeks later in co-administration group than atorvastatin group （TC: 3.20±0.55 mmol/L vs 4.28±0.59 mmol/L, P<0.01 LDLC: 1.92±0.33 mmol/L vs 2.63±0.53 mmol/L, P<0.01 ET-1: 3.88±1.15 ng/L vs 4.49±0.85 ng/L,P<0.05 NO: 80.39±7.87 μmol/L vs 72.18±12.16 μmol/L, P<0.05）, the lower TC, LDLC, ET-1 levels were 17.5%, 17.4% and 10.4%, respectively, the higher NO level was 14.2%. （2）If LDLC＜2.60 mmol/L was regard as target value, target rate in atorvastatin group was 47.6% and in co-administration group was 81.8%. （3）Few adverse events in two groups occurred and no statistical differences were found between them. Conclusion Atorvastatin combining ezetimibe in ACS patients will bring better effectiveness on modifying lipid and protecting vascular endothelial function and good security.

Abstract:Aim To summarize the clinical manifestation and the characteristic of coronary angiography of patients with the honeycomb-like or lotus root-like coronary thrombotic lesions, and to explore the experiences and technique of percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） for the peculiar coronary lesions. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data from 10 patients with the honeycomb-like or lotus root-like coronary thrombotic lesions. Results 7 of 10 patients with the honeycomb-like or lotus root-like coronary thrombotic lesions suffered from myocardial infarction more than one month（one month～20 years）. The honeycomb-like or lotus root-like coronary thrombotic lesions were found in right coronary arteries in 7 of 10 patients, and in left anterior descending coronary artery in the other 3 patients. Successful PCI was performed in 7 of 8 patients with the evidence of myocardial ischemia. Conclusion The honeycomb-like or lotus root-like coronary lesions resulting from recanalized thrombus after myocardial infarction are common in right coronary artery. The hydrophilic-guide wires are often the preferred choice of PCI for the peculiar coronary thrombotic lesions.

Abstract:Aim To explore the impact of Bailing capsule on the cellular immune function of type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients. Methods 108 patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, and 40 cases of healthy person were classified as healthy group. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional therapy, and patients in the treatment group received Bailing capsule additionally. All of them were treated for 12 weeks. The main biochemical indicators were detected. The levels of T cells （CD3＋, CD3＋CD4＋, CD3＋CD8＋）, B cells （CD3－CD19＋）, NK cells （CD3－CD16＋CD56＋）, and NKT cells （CD3＋CD16＋CD56＋） were detected by flow cytometry. Results After treatment, serum CysC and 24 h urinary protein decreased greatly （P<0.05）, and those of the treatment group decreased more obviously （P<0.05）. As far as the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets distribution was concerned, there were obvious differences between healthy group and type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients. After treatment, the lymphocyte subsets distribution in control group did not change obviously in the treatment group, CD3＋, CD3＋CD4＋, CD3＋CD8＋, CD3－CD16＋CD56＋, CD3＋CD16＋CD56＋ cell percentage increased, CD3－CD19＋ cell percentage and the ratio of CD4＋/CD8＋ decreased （P<0.05）, and there were significant differences between the treatment group and the control group （P<0.05）. Conclusion Bailing capsule can regulate the cellular immune dysfunction of type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Abstract:Aim To study the effect of the systematic movement intervention on cardiac function in patients with uremia combined chronic heart failure（CHF）. Method 86 cases of patients with uremia combined chronic heart failure were randomly divided into conventional treatment group and exercise intervention group, which were given equivalent conditions of hemodialysis and foundation treatment. The patients in conventional treatment group avoid any exercise intervention, while in exercise intervention group, the patients were walking at home （or jogging） combined with a resistance movement of exercise intervention, which were observed for 10 weeks. Results In conventional treatment group, the proportion of Class Ⅱ patients based on NYHA heart function classification decreased from 46.51% before treatment to 44.19%, but there was no significant difference（P>0.05）；After exercise treatment, the proportion of Class Ⅱ patients based on NYHA heart function classification increased from 44.19% before treatment to 69.77%, and there was significant difference（P<0.05）；after treatment, there was significant difference of the proportion of Class Ⅱ patients between the two groups（P<0.05）. The level of left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） increased from 41.2%±6.5% before treatment to 41.3%±7.1% in conventional treatment group；after ET, the level of LVEF increased from 41.9%±7.0% to 42.9%±6.4%, but LVEF before and after treatment showed no significant difference, and the difference between the two groups after treatment, had no statistical significance（P>0.05）. The levels of the brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） increased from 1120.9±310.6 ng/L to 1143.9±282.3 ng/L after routine treatment, but there was no significant difference（P>0.05）；after ET, the levels of the BNP decreased from 1083.3±294.3 ng/L to 928.8±279.3 ng/L, and there was significant difference（P<0.05） The difference of BNP levels after treatment between the two groups was significant （P<0.01）. Conclusion Exercise intervention of merger of CHF patients with maintenance hemodialysis （MHD） is safe Exercise intervention can improve the merger of CHF patients with MHD NYHA heart function classification, the serum BNP level.

Abstract:Aim To explore the changes of adrenomedullin （ADM） and neuropeptide Y （NPY） levels and further analyze the clinical significance in chronic heart failure （CHF） patients with elevated heart rate. Methods According to the result of 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram examination on admission CHF patients between 2011 and 2012,80 patients whose average heart rate was more than 80 bpm were divided into the elevated heart rate group and another 80 patients whose heart rate was low than 80 bmp as control group. Every subject’s plasma ADM, NPY and brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The parameters of left atrial diameter （LAD）, left ventricle end-diameter （LVED）, left ventricle ejection fraction （LVEF）, fraction shortening （FS） were detected by echocardiography. Results The plasma ADM, NPY levels increased with the cardiac functional grading （P<0.01） There is a significant difference between two groups compared by independent t-test. The elevated heart rate group had higher levels of plasma ADM and NPY than control group （P<0.05）. The levels of ADM and NPY were positively correlated with LAD （P<0.001）, and negatively correlated with LVEF and FS （P<0.001）. Conclusion ADM and NPY may be involved in the pathophysiologic processes of CHF with elevated heart rate which are risk factors for developing heart failure.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the level of the prorenin and the association between prorenin and vascular damage in essential hypertension and diabetes patients. Methods The cases were divided into essential hypertension （EH） group （n＝78）, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus （EH＋T2DM） group （n＝41）. Collect the history of hypertension and diabetes. The plasma concentrations of prorenin were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） system, the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity （cfPWV） was tested by the non-invasive vasculare testing device. SPSS 19.0 statistical software was applied to analyse the data. Unpaired independent t-test was used to analyze the comparisons between means. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between prorenin and cfPWV. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent determinants of cfPWV. Results Age, body mass index （BMI）, creatinine, total cholesterol （TC）, high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDLC）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLC）, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were not statistically different between the two groups （P>0.05）, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride （TG） and fasting plasma glucose （FPG） in EH＋T2DM group were higher than in EH group （P<0.05）. Prorenin were not statistically different between the two groups （P>0.05）.cfPWV in EH＋T2DM group were higher than in EH group （P<0.05）. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed the age, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were associated with cfPWV. Multiple regression analysis showed the age and systolic blood pressure were the independent determinants of cfPWV. Conclusions （1）Prorenin were not statistically different between EH＋T2DM group and EH group. （2）Essential hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes increased the vascular damage, but the levels of plasma prorenin had no relationship with the vascular damage.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D （25（OH）D） levels of elderly hypertensive patients. Methods Carotid intima-media thickness（IMT） were detected by ultrasound in the elderly hypertensive patients from Ningbo No.2 hospital from May 2012 to December 2012. According carotid carotid IMT, 180 cases of elderly patients with hypertension were divided into normal carotid artery group （60 cases, control group）, carotid intimal thickening group （60 cases）, carotid plaque group （60 cases）. Serum 25（OH）D levels were measured by ELISA in three groups, and the relationship between carotid IMT and serum 25（OH）D levels was analysed. Results Serum 25（OH）D levels were lower in carotid artery plaque group and carotid intimal thickening group than in normal carotid artery group（P<0.05）, and it was lower in carotid artery plaque group than in carotid intimal thickening group（P<0.05）, and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion Low serum 25（OH）D levels in elderly hypertensive patients increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis, the mesurement of serum 25（OH）D levels help predicting the degree of carotid atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Atherosclerosis is a complex disease caused by both genetic and environmental factors. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression, while the altered gene expression parttrens caused by environment can be passed on to the daughter cells. Rencent studies suggested that DNA methylation played a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. This article provides a review of the relationship of the DNA methylation and atherosclerosis in the recent studies.

Abstract:Macrophages plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque development, progression and destabilization, then reduction of macrophages in plaque promotes the regression of atherosclerotic plaques. Emigration of macrophages from plaques is one approach for reduction of macrophages in plaques, so this paper reviewed activated receptor CCR7, inhibited receptors UNC5b and PlexinD1, oxidative stress in egression of macrophage from plaque.

Abstract:Myocardial stunning is a phenomenon that the recovery of myocardial contraction function delayed after transient ischemia reperfusion. It affects seriously the success rate of arious cardiac surgery. Therefore,reducing the incidence of myocardial stunning became one of new hot spots about the ischemia-reperfusion injury nowdays. In recent years, there are many research reports of prevention and treatment of myocardial stunning，these studies would provide the theoretical and experimental basis for the prevention and cure of myocardial stunning in clinic.