Abstract:Aim The purpose of the study was to observe the expression change of AnnexinⅡ and the correlationship between the expression levels of AnnexinⅡ and the ratio of intracellular total cholesterol (TC) to cholesterol ester(CE) and to explore the significance of AnnexinⅡ in the formation of foam cells induced by ox-LDL. Methods RAW264.7 monocyte cell lines with a 90% confluency were exposed to ox-LDL (50, 100 and 200 mg/L) and native LDL(n-LDL, 200 mg/L) for 24 h, respectively, and the following parameters such as TC, CE, the release of LDH, cell viability and expression levels of AnnexinⅡwere detected by colorimetry,Western blot and RT-PCR etc. Results Our data showed that the release of LDH and cell viability in exposure to ox-LDL (200 mg/L) for 24 h were increased and decreased significantly and there were statistically significant differences (P＜0.01) compared with the n-LDL (200 mg/L) group. However, the release of LDH and cell viability in exposure to 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L of ox-LDL had no remarkable changes (P＞0.05). Moreover, the ratio of CE/TC were 55.0%±6.7%, 61.8%±4.8% and 59.6%±5.2%, respectively exposed to ox-LDL (50, 100 and 200 mg/L) and there were significant differences compared with n-LDL (200 mg/L) (P＜0.05), and peaked at the 100 mg/L of ox-LDL. In addition, further results showed that ox-LDL inhibited the expression of AnnexinⅡmRNA and protein in a concentration-dependence manner and the expression levels of AnnexinⅡ mRNA and protein were negatively correlated with the ratio of CE/TC(r₁=-0.9374, P＜0.05； r₂=-0.9548, P＜0.05). ConclusionOx-LDL inhibited the expression of AnnexinⅡmRNA and protein in a concentration-dependent manner, which suggested that it may affect the intracellular cholesterol self balance and induce the formation of foam cells.

Abstract:Aim To study the effect of Xuefuzhuyu capsule on thrombelastography (TEG) in rats with vascular endothelial injury induced by homocysteine (Hcy). Methods SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group, model group, Tongxinluo capsule 0.21 g/kg group, Xuefuzhuyu capsule 1.6,0.8 and 0.4 g/kg groups. Rat endothelial injury models were established by intragastric gavaged of methionine once per day for continuous 4 weeks. Meanwhile, each treated group was intragastric gavaged of corresponding drug. After 4 weeks, serum levels of Hcy and endothelin-1 (ET-1), plasma level of nitric oxide (NO), platelet (PLT) number and mean platelet volume (MPV), as well as TEG were detected. Results All doses of Xuefuzhuyu capsule could significantly reduce the serum levels of Hcy and ET-1(P＜0.01), increase the plasma level of NO and MPV, and lower the number of PLT number, with statistical significances in 0.8 g/kg group (P＜0.05). All doses of Xuefuzhuyu capsule could significantly reduce MA (P＜0.01), the R of 1.6 and 0.8 g/kg groups were significantly prolonged (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05 ), the Angle of 0.8 g/kg group showed significant decrease (P＜0.01). Conclusion Xuefuzhuyu capsule can relieve the state of platelet hyper function and high coagulation factor, and attenuate high Hcy induced injury in rats.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effects of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) on the proliferation of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). Methods Cultured cells were used in this experiment. Oil red staining was used to observe changes in cell morphology. Effect of MCT on RASMC proliferation was tested by MTT and flow cytometry. Results Oil red staining results showed that the number of lipid-infiltrated cells increased as the concentration of MCT increased, the morphology of the cells changed more obviously at 2000 mg/dL, the cell body became larger, round and irregular. Effect of MCT on the proliferation of RASMC was in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Promoting proliferation was observed on 24～48 h and 62.5～250 mg/dL, the highest proliferation rate was 132.9% (t=4.5529, P=0.0005) at 24 h and 62.5 mg/dL; On 24～48 h and ≥250 mg/dL, 24～144 h and ≥500 mg/dL, the inhibitory effects on proliferation was observed in each test group, the lowest proliferation rate was 1.0% (t=68.8652, P<0.0001) at 120 h and 1000 mg/dL. Flow cycle results showed that G₀/G₁-phase percentage of MCT group reduced (F=5.56, P=0.0039) versus the control group, while percentage of S-phase increased (F=7.28, P=0.0011). In addition to 24 h, the results of cell apoptosis test showed a decreasing in apoptosis percentage of MCT group compared with the control group; On 48～144 h, the apoptosis rate was 2.6% (F=1.86, P=0.1591), 0.9% (F=6.43, P=0.002), 0.9% (F=3.41, P=0.0274), 1.0% (F=5.76, P=0.0033) and 2.1% (F=5.18, P=0.0054), respectively. Conclusion Effect of MCT on the proliferation of RASMC is bidirectional, low concentration with short time showed promoting effect, and the moderate and high concentration showed inhibiting effect.

Abstract:Aim To elucidate the relation between NADPH oxidase Nox4 and the protective effect of fenofribate against cardiac hypertrophy. Methods Abdominal aorta coarctation (AAC)-induced hypertensive rats were constructed to observe the effect of fenofribate on left ventricular hypertrophy. Results Fenofribate could inhibit left ventricular hypertrophy in AAC-induced hypertensive rats. Compared with sham group, the mRNA and protein levels of NADPH oxidase Nox4 were significantly elevated in left ventricular tissue of AAC group; compared with AAC group, fenofribate reduced the mRNA and protein levels of NADPH oxidase Nox4 in left ventricular tissue in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion Reducing NADPH oxidase Nox4 expression could be a crucial mechanism of fenofribate against hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy. It will provide further theoretical and experimental support for fenofribate curing hypertension- induced myocardial hypertrophy.

Abstract:Aim To investigate whether p38MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the protective mechanism of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on endothelial cell damage induced by advanced glycation endproducts (AGE). Methods The experiment was divided into control group, AGE group, GLP-1 group, AGE+GLP-1 group, AGE+SB203580 group, AGE+GLP-1+SB203580 group, AGE+GLP-1+L-NAME group. Expression of p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK, phospho endothelial nitric oxide synthase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS/eNOS) protein were examined by Western blot. Nitric oxide (NO) generation was detected by NO detection kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was examined by fluorescent probe technique. The apoptosis rate was tested by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. Results Compared with AGE group, GLP-1 inhibited the expression of p-p38MAPK protein(P=0.000). Compared with control group, after adding GLP-1 or p38MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), the expression of eNOS protein inhibited and ROS generation induced by AGE was significantly increased(P=0.004)or decreased(P=0.000). After adding GLP-1, the increased apoptosis rate induced by AGE was inhibited significantly(P=0.000). While after adding L-NAME, the anti-apoptosis effect was significantly weakened(P=0.002). After adding GLP-1, NO generation increased significantly(P=0.000) compared with AGE group. While after adding L-NAME, NO generation decreased significantly(P=0.011). Conclusion GLP-1 can inhibit the oxidative damage of vascular endothelial cells by inhibiting the activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway, and increase the expression of eNOS protein to increase NO generation and antagonize apoptosis induced by AGE.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the role of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in myocardial fibrosis of Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats. Methods Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats were treated with high-salt diets or combined with eplerenone (100 mg/kg per day, orally) for 8 weeks. Then measured blood pressure, heart weight/body weight ratios, assessed myocardial fibrosis level by myocardial tissue AZAN staining and quantification of collagen IV mRNA, and also detected the expression of mineralocorticoid receptor protein by Western blot and inflammation related factor in myocardial tissue such as PAI-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA expression by Real Time PCR, then analysied the relationship of the expression of mineralocorticoid receptor and myocardial fibrosis. Results Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed with a high salt diet had increased blood pressure [(168.1±10.8) mmHg vs(124.3±10.2)mmHg]and heart weight/body weight ratio[(0.341±0.006)vs(0.287±0.004)]. The percentage of myocardial fibrosis(11.78%±0.54% vs 3.12%±0.55%)and collagen Ⅳ mRNA(3.23±0.21 vs 1.32±0.06)expression were increased in myocardial tissue. The expression of MR protein and PAI-1,TGF-β1 mRNA were also increased in myocardial tissue, PAI-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA expression were positively related with myocardial fibrosis. Combined with eplerenone in diet, following parameters including blood pressure, heart weight/body weight ratios, myocardial fibrosis level, MR protein, mRNA of collagen, PAI-1 and TGF-β1 were decreased. Conclusion Interaction of MR and corresponding hormone, can induce inflammatory reaction in heart and result in myocardial fibrosis. MR antagonists can relieve myocardial fibrosis induced by hypertension,and improve myocardial remodeling.

Abstract:Aim To explore the effect of different P2Y12 receptor antagonist ticagrelor and clopidogrel on inflammatory factors and myocardial infarct size in ischemia reperfusion rats. Methods 48 healthy male SD rats, weighing 250 ± 306 g, were randomly divided into four groups (n=12):sham operation group :after thoracotomy threading, do not tighten the ligature; control group :tighten the ligature for 45 min, then relax the ligature followed by reperfusion; clopidogrel group :after left anterior descending artery ligation immediately inject clopidogrel 90 mg/kg from the tube per day. Ticagrelor group:after left anterior descending artery ligation, immediately inject ticagrelor 150 mg/kg per day. Observed inflammatory cytokines in the serum and cardiac function after 24 hours and one week, and the left ventricle (LV), ischemic risk zone (AAR) and infarct area (IS) area of four groups, with AAR/LV and IS/AAR indicating the degree of myocardial infarction. Results The concentration of inflammatory factors before surgery of four groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05); Compared with the control group , in the clopidogrel group and ticagrelor group, the concentrations of CRP, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α after 24 hours and seven days significantly decreased, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05);After 24 hours, inflammatory cytokines concentration were different in ticagrelor group and clopidogrel group, but not statistically significant (P>0.05); 7 days later, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the ticagrelor group and clopidogrel group was significantly decreased, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no infarcted area in sham operation group, after 24 hours and after 7 days in clopidogrel group and control group, ischemic risk zone and infarct area was not statistically significant (P>0.05); Compared with control group and clopidogrel group, in the ticagrelor group, after 24 hours and 7 days, the difference of ischemic infarct area and danger zone was statistically significant(P<0.05); Conclusions P2Y12 receptor antagonist ticagrelor and clopidogrel could significantly reduce the concentration of inflammatory factors in ischemia-reperfusion injury rats, ticagrelor instead of clopidogrel can further reduce the risk area and infarct area in ischemia-reperfusion injury rats.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the association between high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses and Omentin-1 concentration in metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods Concentrations of plasma lipids and the apolipoproteins in the MS subjects (n=102) and healthy controls (n=81) were detected by automated biochemical analyzer. The levels of Omentin-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The contents of plasma HDL subclasses were determined by two dimensional gelelectrophoresis-immunodetection. According to the level of plasma Omentin-1, the MS subjects were divided into three layers amount (low Omentin-1 group (Omentin-1≤9.10 μg/L), middle Omentin-1 group (9.10 μg/L100/AⅠ and LDLC/HDLC were significantly increased in MS patients (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Meanwhile, the concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), apolipoprotein AⅠ (apoAⅠ) were significantly decreased in MS patients (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the low Omentin-1 group, preβ₁-HDL and HDL_3b were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the HDL_2a were increased significantly in high Omentin-1 group (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of plasma Omentin-1 were decreased in MS patients, and the particle size of HDL showed a shift toward smaller size.The low plasma Omentin-1 may be related to HDL subclasses distribution abnormality and dyslipidemia.

Abstract:Aim To analyze the correlation between circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function, stromal derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and Gensini score in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods 140 cases were divided into 2 groups:CHD group (n＝80) and control group (n＝60), and CHD group was divided into 3 subgroups according to the result of coronary angiography and the CHD Gensini score. The peripheral blood was isolated and cultured from the study subjects. EPC activity was assayed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. EPC chemotaxis ability was evaluated by chemotaxis test. Serum SDF-1α level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results (1)EPC activity and chemotaxis ability in CHD group were significantly lower than those in control group (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). With the increase of lesion degree, the EPC activity and chemotaxis ability were significantly decreased. (2)Serum SDF-1α level in CHD group was significantly lower than that in control group (P＜0.01). Serum SDF-1α level in severe stenosis group was significantly lower than that in mild stenosis group (P＜0.01). (3)Linear correlation analysis showed that EPC activity, chemotaxis ability and serum SDF-1α level decreased with the increase of Gensini score, and were negatively correlated (r＝－0.224, P＜0.05; r＝－0.39, P＜0.05; r＝－0.31, P＜0.05). Serum SDF-1α level decreased with the decrease of EPC chemotaxis ability, and was positively correlated (r＝0.38, P＜0.05). ConclusionsEPC function and serum SDF-1α level are significantly decreased in patients with CHD, and the more severe the coronary lesion degree, the lower the EPC activity and chemotaxis ability. The decrease of serum SDF-1α level is consistent with the decrease of EPC chemotaxis ability.

Abstract:Aim To study the incidence of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene in She population and investigate the association between polymorphism of ACE gene and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Methods The polymorphism of ACE gene was genotyed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 200 She population and 224 Han population. The sample was characterized for relevant clinical and biochemical parameters. Carotid IMT was measured by quality intima-media thickness (QIMT). Association of genotype and allele frequencies with carotid IMT were analyzed. Results The frequency of ACE gene polymorphism was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg law. ACE II genotype frequency and carotid IMT in She population were 0.365 and 510±113 μm, ID genotype frequency and carotid IMT in She population were 0.465 and 544±129 μm, DD genotype frequency and carotid IMT in She population were 0.17 and 584±181 μm. ACE II genotype frequency and carotid IMT in Han population were 0.540 and 528±139 μm, ID genotype frequency and carotid IMT in Han population were 0.371 and 554±182 μm, DD genotype frequency and carotid IMT in Han population were 0.089 and 591±218 μm. The frequency of ACE gene polymorphism had significant difference between the two races. There were variabilities in the three genotypes of carotid IMT.Conclusion The polymorphism of ACE gene had ethnic differences, and the thickening of carotid IMT was significantly relevant to the three genotypes of ACE.

Abstract:Aim To evaluate the late clinical efficacy and safety of anti-platelet therapy between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in unstable angina pectoris after selective PCI. Methods A total of 135 unstable angina pectoris after selective PCI was collected from Nanfang Hospital during January 2014 to December 2014. All patients were divided into ticagrelor group (n＝55) and clopidogrel group (n＝80) according to different anti-platelet therapeutic regimen. Follow-up period was at least 6 months. The endpoints included recurrence rate of angina pectoris, incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), bleeding events and dyspnea. Results The average follow-up time in the ticagrelor group and the clopidogrel group was 13.0±3.2 months and 13.7±3.0 months. The recurrence rate of angina pectoris in the ticagrelor group [18.2% (10/55)] and clopidogrel group [27.5% (22/80)] showed no significant difference (P＝0.21). The incidence of MACE in the ticagrelor group (3/55) and clopidogrel group (6/80) showed no significant difference (P＝0.9).The incidence of bleeding events in the ticagrelor group (9/55) and clopidogrel group (17/80) showed no significant difference (P＝0.48). But the incidence of dyspnea in the ticagrelor group (9/55) and clopidogrel group (4/80) showed significant difference (P＝0.03). Conclusion The late clinical efficacy of anti-platelet therapy with ticagrelor was significant in unstable angina pectoris after selective PCI, and without increasing the risk of bleeding.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and left atrial diameter (LAD) in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia. Methods This retrospective study included 460 patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia from October 2013 to August 2014. The patients’ RDW and echocardiography results were collected to investigate the relationship between RDW and LAD. Results Patients were divided into three groups by sorting RDW values in an ascending order. RDW value, LAD value had significant difference among these groups (P＜0.05). With increased RDW, the LAD value gradually elevated. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to control other influencing factors, and multiple correlation analysis showed that LAD was positively correlated with RDW (r＝0.297, P＝0.000). With atrial tachyarrhythmia (Kleiger class 1～3＝0, Kleiger class 4～6＝1) as a dependent variable, binary classification Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that RDW (OR＝1.215) and LAD (OR＝1.024) were risk factors for atrial tachyarrhythmia. Conclusion RDW is independently correlated with LAD in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with essential hypertension. Methods 143 patients who had been diagnosed with essential hypertension were divided into two groups, with or without left ventricular diastolic dysfunction group. At the same time 60 patients with normal blood pressure were enrolled into control group. Uric acid (UA), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), homocysteine (Hcy) and high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before treatment. The AASI were detected by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by pulsed Doppler tissue imaging. Subsequently, the relationship was analysed between AASI and left ventricular diastolic function. Results There were no significant differences in sex, age, body mass index (BMI), FBG, TC, HDL among three groups(P＞0.05). The AASI, UA, Hcy, hs-CRP and LDL were significantly higher in left ventricular diastolic dysfunction patients (P＜0.05). The AASI was negatively correlated with E/A (r=－0.697, P＜0.05) and positively correlated with E/Ea(r=0.614, P＜0.05). Conclusion AASI might be a marker of diastolic dysfunction in essential hypertension patients.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) levels, carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods According to the results of ¹⁴C urea breath test, 200 patients with chronic renal failure were divided into two groups:CRF complicated with Hp infection group (CRF-Hp group, n＝119) and CRF not complicated with Hp infection group (CRF-nHp group, n＝81). According to the degree of CAS, CRF-Hp group was divided into 3 subgroups:carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) thickening group, stable plaque group and unstable plaque group. The level of plasma Lp-PLA₂ was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. CIMT and atherosclerotic plaques were measured by high resolution two dimensional ultrasound technique. The relationships between Hp infection and plasma Lp-PLA₂ levels, CIMT and plaque stability were analyzed in CRF patients. Results The plasma Lp-PLA₂ level and CIMT in CRF-Hp group were higher than those in CRF-nHp group (P＜0.01). There was significant difference in the composition of CAS type of CRF-Hp group and CRF-nHp group (χ²＝15.637, P＝0.0004). In the 3 subgroups of the CRF-Hp group, there was significant difference in plasma Lp-PLA₂ level in the unstable plaque group, stable plaque group and CIMT thickening group (P＜0.01). Pearson correlation analysis showed that plasma Lp-PLA₂ level was positively correlated with CIMT in CRF-Hp group (r＝0.649, P＜0.01). Conclusion Hp infection is likely to promote the occurrence and development of CAS through influencing Lp-PLA₂ metabolism and increasing CIMT and instability of CAS plaque in CRF patients.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the correlation between the levels of PCSK9 and Lp(a) and the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD). Methods 114 CHD patients and 78 healthy subjects were randomly selected to detect the severity of coronary artery lesions through coronary arteriography. We further detected the levels of serum TC, TG, HDLC and LDLC by routine method, and detected the levels of serum PCSK9 and Lp(a) via ELISA. Results The levels of serum TC, LDLC, TG, PCSK9 and Lp(a) in CHD groups were increased compared with control group (P＜0.05). The levels of serum PCSK9 and Lp(a) had positive correlation with Gensini score and severity of coronary artery lesions. In addition, the levels of serum PCSK9 showed a positive correlation with Lp(a), LDLC and TC in CHD groups, but had no significant relation with HDLC, TG, BMI and age. Conclusion PCSK9 levels were positively associated with Lp(a) levels in CHD patients. Moreover, PCSK9 and Lp(a) were positively correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesions.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) in the prognosis evaluation of patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI). Methods Sixty-two patients with AMI were selected as case group in the department of cardiology from March 2014 to October 2015, and the elbow venous blood of AMI patients were immediately drawn before discharge, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for determining the concentrations of serum VEGF-B. The increased values (ΔEDV, ΔM) of the left ventricular end diastolic volume(LVEDV), left ventricular mass(LVM) and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events(MACE) of the AMI patients were followed up within sixty days after discharge. The AMI patients were divided into ΔEDV≤0 group and ΔEDV>0 group, ΔM≤0 group and ΔM>0 group respectively according to the ΔEDV level and ΔM level. According to MACE occurrence, the AMI patients were divided into the MACE group and non-MACE group. The predictive value of VEGF-B concentration before discharge was analysed to left ventricular remodeling(LVR) and MACE after discharge. The relationship between MACE and LVR in AMI patients after discharge was also analysed. Results According to the results of the follow-up, the concentration of serum VEGF-B of ΔEDV≤0 group ((110.61±38.29) μg/L, n=34) was significantly higher than that of ΔEDV>0 group ((67.74±24.32) μg/L, n=26), the concentration of serum VEGF-B of ΔM≤0 group ((112.46±39.91) μg/L, n=32) was significantly higher than that of ΔM>0 group ((70.24±23.17) μg/L, n=28), the concentration of serum VEGF-B of the MACE group ((53.73±15.70) μg/L, n=25) was significantly lower than that of non-MACE group ((111.95±33.16) μg/L, n=37), the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The incidence of MACE in LVR group (100%) was higher than that of non-LVR group (5.26%), the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion For AMI patients, the lower concentration of serum VEGF-B before discharge, the more LVR obviously after discharge. Low level of VEGF-B predicts LVR after AMI. For AMI patients, the lower concentration of serum VEGF-B before discharge, the higher incidence of MACE after discharge. The concentration of serum VEGF-B before discharge can be used as a prediction index of MACE occurrence after discharge.

Abstract:Aim To evaluate the correlation between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cfPWV) and the severity of coronary artery lesion(Gensini score) and the predictive value. Methods According to the results of coronary angiography and Gensini score, 232 cases were divided into three groups:control group, low score group and high score group. The basic information, laboratory indexes, ultrasound and imaging data were collected. The differences of general data were compared in each group. Linear regression model was used for multivariate analysis. The predictive value of cfPWV to more than 30 points of Gensini score was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC). Results (1)There were significant differences in age, gender, hypertension history, hyperlipidemia history, total cholesterol, myocardial ischemia, cfPWV, carotid intima-media thickness(IMT), Gensini score between low score group and control group(P＜0.05). There were significant differences in smoking history, diabetes history, body mass index(BMI), systolic blood pressure(SBP), fasting blood glucose(FBG), triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC), homocysteine(Hcy), ankle-brachial index(ABI), plaque index(PI) between high score group and control group(P＜0.05). There were significant differences in age, smoking history, drinking history, diabetes history, BMI, SBP, FBG, LDLC, Hcy, myocardial ischemia, cfPWV, ABI, IMT, PI, Gensini score between high score group and low score group(P＜0.05).(2)Linear regression model showed that cfPWV, IMT, BMI, ABI, Hcy and hypertension history were the independent factors affecting Gensini scores.(3)The area under the ROC curve drawn by cfPWV level was 0.834(95%CI:0.783-0.885, P＜0.001), and the optimal boundary value of cfPWV in predicting more than 30 points of Gensini score was 12.2 m/s(sensitivity was 87.8%, specificity was 72.7%). Conclusion The cfPWV is significantly correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesion, and it has a certain value in predicting the severity of coronary artery disease.

Abstract:Aim To observe Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection situation in patients with different degree of carotid atherosclerotic stenosis, and to examine the level of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9); To analyze the relationship between Hp infection and carotid atherosclerosis, and to explore possible mechanism of carotid atherosclerosis caused by infection. Methods From September 2012 to September 2013 in our hospital, a total of 128 patients with carotid atherosclerosis confirmed by carotid artery ultrasound was analyzed. The carotid artery stenosis patients were divided into three groups:severe stenosis group (stenosis rate≥70% to nearly occlusion; n＝48), moderate stenosis group (stenosis rate 50%～69%; n＝45), mild stenosis group (stenosis rate＜50%; n＝35). Normal carotid artery individuals were as a control group (n＝20). Serum Hp antibody (Hp-IgG), Lp-PLA₂, and MMP-9 levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results (1)Hp-IgG positive rate was significantly higher in patients with carotid atherosclerosis than that in the control group (64.1% vs 30.0%, P<0.05). Hp-IgG positive rate was 75.0% in severe stenosis group, 62.2% in moderate stenosis group, and 51.4% in mild stenosis group, which was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). (2)The serum concentrations of Lp-PLA₂ and MMP-9 in Hp-IgG positive group were significantly higher than those in Hp-IgG negative group (P<0.05). (3)The serum concentrations of Lp-PLA₂ and MMP-9 in severe, moderate and mild stenosis groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusions (1)Hp infection can increase the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. With the aggravation of Hp infection, carotid stenosis has a tendency to increase. (2)Hp infection may enhance the local inflammatory response to promote and aggravate carotid atherosclerotic stenosis through the increase of inflammatory cytokines Lp-PLA₂ and MMP-9.

Abstract:Galectin-3 belongs to a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins, which is characterized by highly conserved sequences in specific carbohydrate-recognition domains. A number of conventional risk factors for atrial fibrillation may be effective to promote the release of galectin-3 from macrophages,which in turn contributes to increasing accumulation of inflammatory cells in cardiac tissue and perpetuates their activation, promotes fibroblast activation and proliferation, thus leading to cardiac fibrosis, cardiac remodeling, myocardiocyte dysfunction and ultimately predisposing to atrial fibrillation.

Abstract:Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of most cardiovascular diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) is significantly elevated in patients with HF. Experimental studies confirm that there is a significant interaction between PTH, angiotensin Ⅱ and aldosterone, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of HF. This article reviews the relationship between PTH and HF and the possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HF, in order to accumulate the data of PTH as a new marker and clinical intervention target of HF.

Abstract:Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and it is also an important biomarker for the diagnosis of lipid metabolism disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study confirms that ox-LDL is widely existed in the serum of the patients with the diseases mentioned above, and actively participates in the occurrence and development of the diseases. Combined with the ox-LDL research status of current domestic and foreign scholars, this article will make a summary of the ox-LDL oxidation derivatives, pathogenicity and detecting methods.

Abstract:Immune response of the allograft artery, especially the immune injury of vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, can cause the occurrence of graft arteriosclerosis. Effects of T cells, cytokines and antibodies on graft artery are to induce the vascular cell injury and phenotype change, and to lead graft vascular intimal thickening and vascular dilation contraction dysfunction. This paper mainly introduces the immunopathological mechanisms of graft arteriosclerosis.

Abstract:Ischemic storke is a kind of intractable disease with high mortality and disability. There is increasing evidence that a moderate autophay can clean damaged organelles, so as to protect cells against damage. However, excessive autophagy can degrade cell components too much to induce cell death and serious injury of tissues and organs. In a number of different animal models with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, autophagy is activated and involves regulating neuronal death in the processes of cerebral ischemic injury. In this paper, we summarize the fucntion of autophay in ischemic brain injury.