Abstract:Aim To explore the effect and significance of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) on the formation of foam cells and the accumulation of cholesterol induced by homocysteine. Methods The macrophage-derived foam cell model of THP-1 monocytic cell line was duplicated and oil red O staining was used to validate whether the model was successfully established in vitro, and foam cells were treated with 100 μmol/L homocysteine. The protein and mRNA expressions of FABP4 in the foam cells were detected by Western blot and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The FABP4 recombinant plasmid was constructed and then transfected to foam cells which had been identified by restriction enzyme digestion and fluorescent microscope respectively. Results Cytoplasm was filled with large quantities of red lipid droplets and the nuclear was stained to blue, and the content of total cholesterol treated with 100 μmol/L Hcy were significantly increased to 2.4-fold. The results of RT-PCR and Western blot exposed an up-expressed FABP4 mRNA and protein in 100 μmol/L Hcy group (P＜0.01). GFP protein expressed at a high level after the FABP4 recombinant plasmid was transfected into foam cells and the expression of FABP4 was also greatly elevated, the content of TC was significantly increased to 1.9-fold, and the difference was significant compared to the control group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusion The up-regulation of FABP4 might be one of the important mechanisms for Hcy which mediated the accumulation of cholesterol in foam cells.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of Alisma Decoction on expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin E, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p27 in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), and to explore the effect and mechanism of Alisma Decoction in VSMC proliferation induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Methods The atherosclerosis cell model of VSMC proliferation was established through induction of VSMC by 50 mg/L ox-LDL in vitro, and was intervened with normal rat serum (blank serum) and 20% Alisma Decoction-containing serum. The effect of Alisma Decoction-containing serum on VSMC proliferation was detected by MTS method. Expressions of proliferation associated proteins such as cyclin D1, cyclin E, PCNA and p27 were determined by Western blot. Results 50 mg/L ox-LDL could obviously promote VSMC proliferation. Compared with the ox-LDL group, Alisma Decoction-containing serum significantly inhibited VSMC proliferation induced by ox-LDL. Investigation demonstrated that Alisma Decoction-containing serum could decrease the expression level of cyclin D1, cyclin E and PCNA, at the same time, increase the expression level of p27. Conclusion Alisma Decoction can inhibit ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation, and its mechanism may be related to increasing p27 expression and inhibiting cyclin D1, cyclin E and PCNA expression.

Abstract:Aim To analyze the relationship between the effect of bile acid reducing the level of apolipoprotein A (ApoA) and the expression of miR-23b-3p, and to find new mechanisms of bile acid reducing the level of ApoA. Methods The target genes of miR-23b-3p and transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4γ (HNF4γ) regulating the LPA gene were analyzed by bioinformatics online tools Targetscan 7.0. Luciferase reporter assay was used to test target gene relationship for miR-23b-3p. Protein expression of ApoA, mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and p-p38MAPK were detected by Western blot in HepG2 cells, and miR-23b-3p expression was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Bioinformatics analysis indicated that HNF4γ could act as a target gene of miR23b-3p. The fluorescent intensity of miR-23b-3p transfection cells was significantly lower than that of control group by using luciferase report assay, and it meant that HNF4γ could act as a target gene of miR23b-3p. Bile acid restrained ApoA expression in HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and 32 mg/L and 24 h were the best action dose and time. Bile acid restraining the ApoA expression was related to the activation of MAPK and the up-regulation of miR-23b-3p. Moreover, it could regulate the expressions of miR-23b-3p, farnesyl X receptor and MAPK. Conclusion Bile acid can significantly down-regulate ApoA expression in HepG2 cells by a dose- and time-dependent manner, its mechanism is related to up-regulating the expression of miR-23b-3p.

Abstract:Aim To observe the effect of butylphthalide (NBP) injection on the expression of the neuronal apoptosis, SIRT1 and PGC-1α in hippocampus CA₁ of rats with focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, then explore the mechanisms of neuroprotection from NBP. Methods 160 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, middle cerebral artery occlusion group (MCAO group), high dose NBP post-treatment group (high dose group), middle dose NBP post-treatment group (middle dose group) and low dose NBP post-treatment group (low dose group). Focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion model was established with the improved Zea Longa method. The later four groups were further divided into 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h point after model. TUNEL staining was used to observe the expression of neuronal apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR were used to observe the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α. Results Compared with MCAO group, the number of apoptotic cells were significantly decreased and the number of SIRT1 and PGC-1α positive cells were significantly increased in NBP post-treatment group at each time point (P＜0.05).Compared with low dose and middle dose group, the number of apoptotic cells were significantly decreased and the number of SIRT1 and PGC-1α positive cells were significantly increased in high dose group (P＜0.05). Compared with low dose group, the number of SIRT1 positive cells were significantly increased except for 6 h and the number of PGC-1α positive cells were significantly increased except for 6 h and 72 h in middle dose group at related point (P＜0.05). Compared with MCAO group, the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α mRNA were significantly increased in high dose group at each time point (P＜0.05). Conclusion The findings demonstrate that NBP can inhibit cell apoptosis and relieve the brain damage of focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats, which may significantly associate with the up-regulating of SIRT1 and PGC-1α.

Abstract:Aim To investigate whether the interaction between necroptosis (Nec) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediates high glucose (HG)-induced injury in H9c2 cardiac cells. Methods The expression level of RIP3 protein (an important index that reflects Nec) was determined by Western blot assay. The cell viability was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was examined by Rhodamine 123(Rh 123)staining followed by photofluorography. The intracellular levels of ROS were detected by 2’, 7’-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining followed by photofluorography. Apoptotic cells were evaluated by the nuclear morphology observed with Hoechst 33258 staining followed by photofluorography. Results After the H9c2 cells were treated with 35 mmol/L glucose (HG) for 0～24 h, respectively, the expression levels of RIP3 protein were significantly increased at 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h and 24 h, reaching the maximum level at 24 h. Cotreatment of the cells with necrostatin-1 (Nec-1, a specific inhibitor of Nec) considerably blocked the up-regulation of RIP3 expression level induced by HG. Moreover, cotreatment with Nec-1 obviously inhibited HG-induced injuries (including cytotoxicity, mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress), leading to an increase in the cell viability, decreases in a loss of MMP and ROS generation. On the other hand, pretreatment of the cells with 1000 μm N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, a scavenger of ROS) for 60 min before HG exposure obviously reduced the HG-induced increase in the expression of RIP3. In addition, pretreatment of the cells with NAC dramatically alleviated the HG-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity. Conclusion The interaction between Nec and ROS mediates HG-induced injury in H9c2 cardiac cells.

Abstract:Aim To observe the protective effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for treatment of cerebral ischemia injury in rats,and investigates the expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) to explore its possible mechanism of nerve repair. Methods 36 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group,and transplantation group. MCAO model was formed by suture occluded method. Rats intransplatation group were given Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Rats in model group were given the same dose of normal saline and nothing were given to blank group. Evaluate their condition by Bederson scoring at 1,3,7,4 days after injured. Area of cerebral infarction was measured through brain tissue TTC staining. Detect the changes of inflammatory factors IL-10 and TGF-β1 in serum and brain tissue of rats by ELISA and Western blot. Results The blank group had low expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 . Compared with the blank group, both the volume of cerebral infarction of rats in the model group and the scores of the nervous function behavior were increased markedly (P<0.01), the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in serum and brain tissue was significantly higher than that in the blank group(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the cerebral infarct volume in the experimental group was decreased , the scores of the nervous function behavior of rats were significantly decreased at 3,7,14 days (P<0.05), the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in serum and brain tissue was significantly higher than that in the model group (P<0.01). With the passage of time, the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 was gradually reduced. Conclusions BMSC transplantation is able to improve the recovery of the cerebral ischemic injury. The mechanism may be related to the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β1.

Abstract:Aim To establish the vascular injury model through balloon dilation and strain abdominal aorta in rabbits; To analyze the relationship between vascular injury and neointima; To investigate the effect of internal elastic membrane injury on restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods The femoral artery puncture was performed in 32 male New Zealand white rabbits, through lead wire feeding balloon. Blood vessel injury model was established by balloon dilatation and strain of abdominal aorta. After 28 days, the rabbits were sacrificed and the injured blood vessels were isolated. The fixation, embedding and staining were performed. Computer image analysis software was used to measure the thickness of the newborn neointima, and to determine the integral of vascular injury. Results The integral of vascular injury was positively correlated with the thickness of newborn neointima. The fitting curve between the integral of vascular injury and the thickness of newborn neointima was the S-shaped cubic curve. Conclusion Internal elastic membrane injury accelerates intimal hyperplasia.

Abstract:Aim To explore the possible association between insulin like growth factor Ⅱ receptor (IGF2R) rs9456497 polymorphism and cardiovascular risks in a long-lived population residing Guangxi Hongshui River basin. Methods IGF2R rs9456497 polymorphism was genotyped by iMLDR technique for 496 Zhuang long-lived individuals (long-living group) and their offspring (offspring group, n=723) and matched healthy controls (control group, n=611) living in Hongshui River basin. Association analysis were then conducted among genotypes and blood pressure, body mass index(BMI) and serum lipid levels. Results Overall, no significant difference was detected among genotypes in each group except that the mutant genotype (GA/GG) tended to reduce the SBP and DBP levels (P=0.016 and 0.033, respectively) in longevity group. However, after sex stratification, in males, the total cholesterol (TC) level of each genotype in offspring was elevated as compared with relevant genotype in longevity group and control group (P＜0.05 for each); the triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and BMI levels of each genotype in longevity group were lower while SBP and DBP levels were higher than that of the relevant genotype in offspring and controls (P＜0.05 for each). In females, longevity group tended to display lower TG, FPG and BMI but higher SBP and DBP levels than offspring and controls as in males; intragroup comparison showed that the FPG level of GG/GA genotype was significantly lower than that of AA genotype (P=0.041) in controls while other parameters did not differ across genotypes in each group (P＞0.05 for all). After stratified by lipid status, the frequency of G allele was markedly increased in the dyslipidemic subgroup in the combined population and controls which might imply that A＞G mutation on rs9456497 tend to increase the rate of dyslipidemia; G genotype (GA/GG) greatly lowered the TC and SBP levels in the logevous normolipidemic subgroup, lowered the DBP level of normolipidemic subgroup and the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) of the dyslipidemic group but increased the TC level of normolipidemic subgroup in controls. Conclusion IGF2R rs9456497 polymorphism may correlate with the cardiovascular risks to some extent, but its effects on the modulation of these risk factors seem limited, which may be influenced by sex and lipid status.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) on serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein AⅠ (ApoAⅠ) in healthy people. Methods A total of 1980 normal healthy people was recruited without hypertension, diabetes and other diseases. According to whether the HHcy, the subjects were divided into two groups:HHcy group and control group. Biochemical parameters such as fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and blood lipid were measured. ApoAⅠ was measured and the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance was calculated. Results The level of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and ApoAⅠ in HHcy group was significantly lower than that in control group (1.16±0.25 mmol/L vs 1.27±0.31 mmol/L, 1.37±0.19 g/L vs 1.46±0.26 g/L, all P＜0.01). Correlation analysis showed that after adjusting for age, body mass index and triglyceride levels, blood homocysteine (Hcy) level was significantly negatively correlated with HDLC and ApoAⅠ (r＝－0.10, r＝－0.11, P＜0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the blood Hcy level was the independent influencing factor of blood ApoAⅠ (β＝－0.067, P＜0.05). Conclusions HHcy is associated with low HDL. HHcy may lead to atherosclerosis in healthy people by decreasing the levels of HDL and ApoAⅠ. Clinically, HHcy should be actively treated.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the changes and its clinical significance of serum IgG antibodies against malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts in patients with different types of coronary heart disease. Methods 87 patients were divided into four groups according to the clinical condition and coronary angiography results:control group (n＝30), stable angina pectoris group (n＝15), unstable angina pectoris group (n＝12), acute myocardial infarction group (n＝30). Serum levels of IgG antibodies against malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts were determined by ELISA. Results The serum levels of IgG antibodies against malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts in the stable angina pectoris group, unstable angina pectoris group and acute myocardial infarction group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05), the serum levels of IgG antibodies against malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts in the acute myocardial infarction group and unstable angina pectoris group were significantly higher than those in the stable angina pectoris group (P＜0.05), there was no significant difference between unstable angina pectoris group and acute myocardial infarction group (P＞0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of IgG antibodies against malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts were related to the development of coronary heart disease, which had a good predictive effect on coronary heart disease, especially in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between serum albumin level and long-term prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure and analyze the risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in patients with heart failure. Methods 1048 consecutive elderly patients with heart failure were enrolled, and divided into two groups according to serum albumin concentration:hypoalbuminemia group (serum albumin ＜35 g/L) and normoalbuminemia group (serum albumin ≥35 g/L). Risk factors associated with hypoalbuminemia were analyzed by binary Logistic regression analysis. The primary end point was all cause long-term mortality. COX proportional-hazards regression modeling was used to evaluate the prognostic value of serum albumin for long-term mortality in elderly patients with heart failure. Results Hypoalbuminemia group had higher age, rate of male, NYHA status, direct bilirubin, creatinine, brain natriuretic peptite and C-reactive protein, lower hemoglobin, total cholesterol and serum sodium on admission. Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher NYHA class, higher age, higher brain natriuretic peptite, lower serum sodium, lower total cholesterol and lower hemoglobin were independent risk factors for hypoalbuminemia. The mean follow-up was 20±18 months in 1048 patients. During the follow-up period, 306 patients died, and the mortality was 29.2%. 116 patients died in hypoalbuminemia group, the mortality was 37.7%. 190 patients died in normoalbuminemia group, the mortality was 25.7%. The multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that when albumin decreased by every 1g/L, the risk of long-term death in elderly patients with heart failure increased 3.8% (HR was 1.8,5%CI was 1.007~1.070, P＝0.015), hypoalbuminemia group was associated with a 0.296-fold greater risk of long-term death than normoalbuminemia group (HR was 1.6,5%CI was 1.019~1.648, P＝0.035). Conclusions Serum albumin was an independent risk factor for long-term mortality in elderly patients with heart failure. Multifactors were significantly associated with hypoalbuminemia.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between stenosis degree of criminal artery and progression in acute ischemic minor stroke. Methods A total of 104 patients with acute ischemic minor stroke, admitted between June 2013 and September 2014,were enrolled. They were divided into progression group (n＝46) and no progression group (n＝58). The ABCD2 scores were recorded and the stenosis degree of criminal artery was evaluated by DSA during the early stage. The clinical data including ABCD2 score and the stenosis degree of criminal artery were analyzed by Logistic regression, Spearman correlation and ROC curve. Results The ABCD2 score, the stenosis degree of criminal artery, degree of artery involvement, age and LDL in progression group were significantly higher than those in no progression group by univariate binary Logistic regression. The stenosis degree of criminal artery (r＝0.4296, P＝0.000) and the ABCD2 score (r＝0.6890, P＝0.000) were significantly correlated with progression of minor stroke. The stenosis degree of criminal artery (OR＝5.8,5% CI was 1.124~ 24.608, P＝0.035) and the ABCD2 score (OR＝8.0,5%CI was 3.093~20.748, P＝0.000) were the independent risk factors of the progression of minor stroke by multivariate binary Logistic regression. The area under the curve (AUC) of stenosis degree of criminal artery was 0.4,5%CI was 0.64324~0.82153, and AUC of ABCD2 score was 0.9,5%CI was 0.83128~0.94046. Conclusion Stenosis degree of criminal artery is the independent risk factor of the progression of minor stroke as the same as ABCD2 score. More attentions are needed in treatment of minor stroke.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to analyze their predictive value for long-term cardiovascular events. Methods A total of 488 patients with CHD diagnosed by selective coronary angiography were included. SUA and MPV were detected and recorded in patients when admitted to hospital. The occurrence of first cardiovascular event in patients was collected and recorded during 5 years of follow-up. Results The median SUA and MPV in patients with CHD were 298.00 μmol/L and 11.05 fL, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that SUA was significantly positively correlated with MPV, fasting blood glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, white blood cell count (r＝0.528, P＜0.001; r＝0.321, P＝0.015; r＝0.412, P＝0.027; r＝0.215, P＜0.001). Multiple stepwise regression analysis was performed to analyze the effect factors of MPV in patients with CHD, and the result showed that SUA and MPV remained independently associated (r＝0.265,P＝0.0137). Cardiovascular events occurred in 169 cases during 5 years of follow-up. COX multivariate regression analysis showed that SUA and MPV were independent predictors of long-term cardiovascular events in patients with CHD (SUA:HR 1.9,5%CI 1.12-2.25, P＝0.033; MPV:HR 1.9,5%CI 1.15-1.23, P＝0.013). Conclusion SUA and MPV are independently positively correlated; both SUA and MPV can accurately predict the future risk of cardiovascular events in patients with CHD.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the correlation of cysteine aspartic acid specific protease 8 (CASP8) gene －652 6N insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms with hyperlipidemia. Methods CASP8 gene －652 6N I/D polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing in 350 controls and 357 patients with hyperlipidemia in Sichuan area. Results The I/I, I/D and D/D genotype frequencies were 54.3%, 41.4%, 4.3% in control group and 55.2%, 36.1%, 8.7% in hyperlipidemia group, respectively.The genotype frequency distribution between the two groups showed significant differences (P＝0.038). However, no significant difference of I and D allelic frequency was found between the two groups. Compared with the CASP8 gene －652 6N I/I or the combined I/I＋I/D genotype, a significant increased risk of hyperlipidemia was found for the D/D genotype people (OR＝1.3,5%CI was 1.043~3.810, P＝0.034 and OR＝2.4,5%CI was 1.125~4.008, P＝0.018, respectively). What's more, the triglyceride in serum of D/D genotype people was strikingly higher than that in I/D and I/I genotype people. Conclusion These findings indicate that CASP8 gene －652 6N I/D polymorphisms are associated with hyperlipidemia in Sichuan area, and D/D genotype could increase the risk of hyperlipidemia.

Abstract:Aim To analyze the correlation between plasma fibrinogen degradation product (FDP), D-dimer and short term prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods 154 patients with ACS were selected and followed up for 3 months. According to major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in the follow-up period, the patients were divided into two groups:MACE group (75 cases) and non-MACE group (79 cases). The levels of FDP, D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and platelet count (PLT) were detected and compared between the two groups. The risk factors of influencing MACE occurrence in patients with ACS were confirmed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. The best predictive values of FDP and D-dimer for MACE occurrence in patients with ACS were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Compared with non-MACE group, plasma levels of FDP and D-dimer were increased in MACE group (P＜0.05), but there were no differences in the levels of PLT, PT and INR between the two groups (P＞0.05). Plasma FDP and D-dimer were the risk factors of MACE occurrence in patients with ACS (P＜0.05). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of FDP and D-dimer predicting MACE occurrence in patients with ACS were 0.682 and 0.796, respectively (P＝0.028, P＝0.014). Taking FDP≥2.54 μg/L and D-dimer≥0.61 mg/L as the cutoff point, AUC was 0.857, the sensitivity was 67.9%, the specificity was 76.5%, and the accuracy was 69.1% for determining MACE occurrence. Conclusion The plasma levels of FDP and D-dimer in ACS patients are strongly correlated with the occurrence of MACE.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between serum ferritin and coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods 256 CHD patients and 256 healthy controls were recruited in our case-control study. Basic information was obtained by using questionnaire and measured for blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference. Venous blood was collected for detecting serum lipid, fasting plasma glucose and ferritin. All data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to assess association of serum ferritin with coronary heart disease. Results There was no significant difference for gender and age between patients and controls (P＞0.05). The patients’ body mass index (BMI), ratio of waist to hip circumference, triglyceride, C-reaction protein, serum ferritin, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher than that of the controls(P＜0.05). Data from univariate analysis showed that BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, smoking ,drinking and serum ferritin were risk factors of CHD. The highest group of serum ferritin had a 12.30-fold risk of CHD (95%CI:7.33～20.64) than the lowest group without adjustment for confounding factors. In multivariate Logistic regression model, after adjustment for traditional CHD risk factors, serum ferritin was still associated with CHD. The highest group of serum ferritin had a 13.75-fold risk of CHD (95%CI:8.02～23.56) in model 1, and 7.09-fold risk of CHD(95%CI:3.68～13.64) compared with the lowest group. Conclusion The study confirmed that high serum ferritin was associated with the increased risk of CHD.

Abstract:Aim To explore the predictive value of red cell distribution width (RDW) for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients of type 2 diabetes with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of 310 ACS patients who received PCI treatment in the hospital from January of 2013 to December of 2015 were retrospectively studied in this project. These patients were divided into 2 groups by serum creatinine before and after surgery:Non-CIN group(n=275); CIN group(n=35), compared to the baseline condition at admission, the patients either had the serum level of creatinine raising up 25% or the serum level of creatinine increasing ≥ 0.5 g/L within 72 hours after PCI. Results The study found that under the same risk factors, compared with Non-CIN group, the RDW in the CIN group had increased, all P<0.05. Logistic analysis revealed RDW was the independent risk factor for CIN. Conclusion Elevated RDW has the predictive value for CIN occurrence in type 2 diabetes with PCI treatment.

Abstract:Aim To evaluate the advantage of 4D cardiac magnetic resonance (4D MR) in measuring the left ventricular function, through the comparison of left ventricular function measured by 4D MR and 3D cardiac magnetic resonance (3D MR) in healthy volunteers. Methods The stroke volumes (SV) of 9 normal volunteers were measured by 4D MR method and 3D MR method. The results were compared with those measured by phase contrast magnetic resonance method. Results There were no significant difference in left ventricular end-systolic volumes, end-diastolic volumes, SVs measured by 4D MR method and 3D MR method. SV got by 4D MR method is characterized with lower time-consumption, being less affected by the operator. Conclusion 4D MR method has the advantages of high accuracy, high repeatability, lower time-consumption, intuition and so on, and can be used as one of the main methods of clinical cardiac function examination.

Abstract:Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the esterification of free cholesterol in plasma lipoproteins, and plays a critical role in high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and the reverse cholesterol transportation. Although the LCAT study has been carried out for half a century, the relationship between LCAT and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is still controversial. In this paper, a review is made on the biochemical characteristics of LCAT, action mechanism of LCAT in lipid metabolism, relationship between LCAT and cardiovascular disease, existence problems in the accurate measurement of LCAT.

Abstract:This review summarized the recent research progress on the effect of air fine particulate matter on atherosclerosis, including human epidemiological and experimental laboratory studies. Through extracting and analysing key indicators, the review can provide a perspective and comprehensive background reference for further research in the field.

Abstract:Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a proteinase containing Zn²⁺ mostly expressed in macrophages, has involved in synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix, as well as regulation of inflammatory mediators, which facilitated the initiation and exacerbation of atherosclerosis and vascular wall remodeling, leading to the occurrence of cardiovascular events. In this review, we focused on the research progress of MMP-9 in atherosclerosis and introduced the predicting value of MMP-9 for acute myocardial infarction and cardiac remodeling of post-myocardial infarction.

Abstract:Vitamin D deficiency is a common phenomenon in the world, and the current research has shown that vitamin D is closely related with a variety of diseases. Vitamin D is used by acting on the vitamin D receptor. A large number of epidemiological studies and clinical trials show that there are closely link between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and cardiovascular adverse events. The relationship between Vitamin D and hypertension involves many aspects, but its specific mechanism is unclear. This article will review the relationship between Vitamin D and hypertension.