Abstract:Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of death, which depends on the enzymatic activation of inflammatory proteases that belong to the family of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease (Caspases). It is characterized by pore formation, plasma membrane rupture, cellular contents and pro-inflammatory mediators entering extracellular space, leading to inflammation and cell death. The inflammasome-activated Caspase-1 plays an important role in the induction of pyroptosis. Recent reports showed that pyroptosis plays an important role in atherosclerosis. This review article describes the pyroptosis and its mechanism, the progresses of study on the pyroptosis of macrophage and endothelial cell, and the relationship between pyroptosis and atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of ezetimibe on hepatic low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) uptake and its mechanism. Methods The hyperlipidemia model mice had intragastric administration of 5 mg/(kg·d) ezetimibe. After four months, the contents of total cholesterol (TC), LDLC and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) were measured in the blood of mice, and liver tissue morphology was observed by HE staining. HepG2 cells were incubated with ezetimibe (30 μmol/L) and low density lipoprotein (25 mg/L) for 24 hours. The distribution of lipid droplets in cells was observed by oil red O staining. Enzymatic method was used to detect the contents of intracellular TC, free cholesterol (FC) and cholesteryl ester (CE). The uptake of LDLC in cells was detected by DiI-LDL. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expressions at mRNA and protein level, respectively. LDLR content in the hepatic cell membrane was detected by flow cytometry. Results Ezetimibe reduced the content of TC and LDLC in the plasma of mice, increased the content of HDLC and reduced the lipid deposition in liver. Ezetimibe enhanced the ability of HepG2 cells to take LDLC, and promoted the transformation of FC into CE. Ezetimibe up-regulated the expressions of SREBP-2 and LDLR in HepG2 cells, and increased the distribution of LDLR on the cell membrane. Conclusion Ezetimibe can promote the uptake of LDLC in liver cells by up-regulation of SREBP-2 and LDLR.

Abstract:Aim To explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of ursolic acid (UA) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in mice. Methods 30 C57 mice were randomly divided into sham group, AMI model group and ursolic acid group. AMI model group and ursolic acid group were ligating left anterior descending artery for 30 min. The myocardial and serum in the three groups were collected after reperfusion for 4 h. NBT and HE were used to evluate the myocardial infarct size and myocardial pathological changes, respectively; automatic biochemical analyzer test was used to detect the expression of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in the serum; thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method was used to examine myocardial malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxide (LPO) and free fatty acid (FFA); enzyme xanthine oxidase method was used to detect the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the heart; the activity of plasma 6-Keto prostaglandin F₁α(6-Keto-PGF₁α) and the content of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) was detected by radiation immunoassay in plasma. Results Compared with sham group, AMI model group had higher myocardial infarct size, more myocardial pathological changes and higher expression of LDH, cTnI, CPK, TC, TG, LDLC, MDA, LPO, TXA2 and the content of FFA in myocardial infarction area and non infarct area with lower activity of CAT, GPx, SOD and the expression of 6-Keto-PGF₁α and HDLC. Compared with AMI model group, ursolic acid group had lower myocardial infarct size, less myocardial pathological changes and lower expression of LDH, cTnI, CPK, TC, TG, LDLC, MDA, LPO, TXA2 and the decreased content of FFA in myocardial infarction area and non infarct area with higher activity of CAT, GPx, SOD and expression of 6-Keto-PGF₁α and HDLC. Conclusion Ursolic acid had an obvious protective effect on acute myocardial infarction, and its mechanism was related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and the improvement of lipid metabolism disorder.

Abstract:Aim To explore whether the hxeroderma pigmentosum D(XPD) could mediate the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) promoted by oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Methods The model of apoptosis of HUVEC was established by ox-LDL. XPD-siRNA was transfected into HUVEC with liposome,followed by treatment with ox-LDL. This experiment was divided into six groups:blank control group; negative control siRNA group; XPD-siRNA group; ox-LDL group; ox-LDL+negative control siRNA group; ox-LDL+XPD-siRNA group. Cell vitality was detected by MTT; Cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were assessed with flow cytometry; The expressions of the XPD, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results The optimal concentration of ox-LDL to establish the model of apoptosis of HUVEC was 100 mg/L. Compared with negative control siRNA group, the cell apoptosis rate of XPD-siRNA group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the survival rate was significantly increased (P<0.01), the cell number in G0/G1 phase decreased (P<0.05), while increased in S phase (P<0.05), the expressions of XPD and Bax were declined (all P<0.05), while the expression of Bcl-2 was elevated (P<0.05); Compared with blank control group, the cell apoptosis rate of ox-LDL group increased significantly (P<0.01), the survival rate was decreased (P<0.05), the cell number in G0/G1 phase increased (P<0.05),while decreased significantly in S phase (P<0.01), the expressions of XPD and Bax were elevated (all P<0.05),while the expression of Bcl-2 was declined (P<0.05). Compared with ox-LDL+negative control siRNA group,the cell apoptosis rate of ox-LDL+XPD-siRNA group was reduced (P<0.05),the survival rate was increased(P<0.01), the cell number in G0/G1 phase decreased (P<0.05),while increased in S phase (P<0.05), the expressions of XPD and Bax were declined (all P<0.05), while the expression of Bcl-2 was elevated (P<0.05). Conclusion XPD can mediate the effect of ox-LDL on promoting the apoptosis of HUVEC.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the binding mechanism of fatty acid translocase FAT/CD36 and long chain fatty acid. Methods ELISA was used to analyze the intensity mechanism of the purity of FAT/CD36 binding with different fatty acid, molecular simulation docking was used to further verify the binding mechanism and analyze its possible binding sites. Results ELISA proved that the recombinant protein FAT/CD36 with different types of long chain fatty acids showed specific binding, binding values for oleic acid＞palmitic acid＞palmitoleic acid＞myristic acid＞stearic acid. Molecular simulation docking further confirmed that FAT/CD36 receptor protein mainly combines with oleic acid, palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid. And the binding site was located in the extracellular structure of the FAT/CD36 receptor protein Arg183-Lys-Gly-Lys-Arg-Asn-Leu-Ser-Tyr238 region consisting of the active pocket. Conclusion FAT/CD36, as the main receptor of long chain fatty acid transport, may transport oleic acid, palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid.

Abstract:Aim To explore the direct mechanism of melatonin (MT) on the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa channel) in its inducing relaxation of mesenteric arteries. Methods Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were selected, the mesenteric arteries were removed. The mesenteric artery tension was measured by microvessel tension test, and the gating characteristics of BKCa channel in vascular smooth muscle cells were examined by single channel patch clamp technique. Results (1) MT had no significant effect on vascular tension, but it caused dose-dependent vascular relaxation in mesenteric arteries which were induced by norepinephrine (NE). The relaxation could be inhibited by luzindole (Luz) and iberiotoxin(IbTX), and the inhibition of IbTX was more intense. (2) The results of cell-attached patch clamp recordings revealed that MT significantly increased the open probability of BKCa channel and the average opening time, significantly reduced the average closing time; Luz significantly inhibited the activation of BKCa channel. (3)The results of inside-out patch clamp recordings showed that MT increased the open probability and the average opening time of BKCa channel and decreased the average closing time significantly. Conclusion MT activates the BKCa channels of smooth muscle cells in mesenteric arterier directly or indirectly through the receptor, which may be one of the important mechanisms underlying the inducing of MT on mesenteric arteries.

Abstract:Aim To study the effect of momordicin 28 (MD28) on the expression of apolipoprotein(a) in HepG2 cells and explore its mechanism. Methods The cell viability of HepG2 cells treated with MD28 was determined by MTT assay. MD28 was purified by centrifugation, ultrafiltration, dialysis, cation exchange chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The mRNA and protein expression levels of apolipoprotein(a), farnesyl ester X receptor (FXR) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot respectively, qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of hsa-miR-23b-3p, and small interfering RNA transfection was used to silence FXR. Results Compared with the control group, the cell viability of HepG2 cells treated with MD28 at 0.1,0.2,0.4,0.8 and 1.6 g/L had no significant difference. Compared with the control group, MD28 inhibited apolipoprotein(a) expression in a dose and time dependent manner, the best inhibitory effect was 1.6 g/L MD28 on 48 h. FXR and hsa-miR-23b-3p expression levels were up-regulated by MD28 while HNF4α was down-regulated in HepG2 cells, and silencing FXR reversed above-mentioned effect of MD28, silencing hsa-miR-23b-3p could also reverse the down-regulation effect of MD28 on HNF4α, but had no effect on FXR expression. Conclusion MD28 inhibits the expression of Apo(a) in HepG2 cells through the FXR/miR-23b-3p/HNF4α pathway, and is expected to be a candidate for the clinical reduction of lipoprotein(a).

Abstract:Background and Aim Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many angiocalcified diseases. Recent studies have shown that lysine methyltransferase SET8 was involved in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to explore whether SET8 can influence calcification by regulating proliferation and apoptosis of VSMC. Methods VSMC were obtained from rat thoracic aorta, and then randomly divided into control group, the empty plasmid group and SET8-shRNA group. Transfection was performed with cationic lipid vectors (LipofectamineTM2000) on VSMC. Calcium deposition was measured by alizarin red staining and calcium content measurement; The proliferation of VSMC in vitro was measured by MTT assay. The expressions of proliferation-related genes survivin and apoptosis-related genes caspase-3 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot assay. Results The expression of SET8 protein in VSMC was effectively inhibited by SET8-shRNA. The calcium content was decreased in cells after SET8-shRNA transfection. Proliferation of VSMC was inhibited after transfected with SET8-shRNA 12 h, 24 h, 36 h and 48 h (P<0.05). The expressions of survivin was decreased in cells, but expressions of caspase-3 was increased after SET8-shRNA transfection (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion Interfering with SET8 can increase the expression of apoptosis gene and inhibit the expression of proliferative genes, and SET8 may be involved in regulating the calcification of rat blood vessels.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect on implementation of standard procedure of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods One hundred and sixty-four AIS patients were enrolled in this study. Thirty-four cases were assigned into the before-implementation group and one hundred and thirty into the after-implementation group. Door-to-needle time (DNT), NIHSS scores and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of the patients in the two groups were analyzed. The durations of every step in the treatment procedure were statistically compared between the two groups. Results The average DNT in the after-implementation group [(81.31±15.13) min] was significantly shorter than that in the before-implementation group [(111.76±24.84) min] (P＜0.001). The discharge NIHSS scores declined remarkably compared with baseline NIHSS scores in both two groups, and the difference had statistical significance (P＜0.01). The discharge NIHSS scores and mRS scores in the after-implementation group was significantly lower than that in the before-implementation group (P＜0.01). The time interval between arrival at emergent department and beginning CT scan in the two groups was not statistically significant. The time interval between arrival at emergent department and starting the procedure by telephone, consulting chief resident physician and signing the informed consents were significantly shorter in the after-implementation group (P＜0.01). Conclusion Implementing MDT model of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis standarding procedure contributes to shortening the DNT and improving the therapeutic effects.

Abstract:Aim To investigate risk factors of intraoperative bradycardia during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with first acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI). Methods Totally 448 first acute STEMI patients who had PPCI in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University were enrolled. All patients were divided into two groups according to intraoperative bradycardia:intraoperative bradycardia group (105 cases, preoperative heart rate was greater than or equal to 60 times/min, intraoperative heart rate was less than 60 times/min persistent or transient) and control group (343 cases). Totally 32 clinical and angiographic items were recorded. Risk factors of intraoperative bradycardia during PPCI for first acute STEMI were analyzed. Results In present study, a frequency of intraoperative bradycardia was 23.43%(105/448). Complete block of culprit vessel, culprit vessel being left anterior descending coronary artery, culprit vessel being right coronary artery, single vessel/multiple vessels lesion, no-reflow, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, and hemoglobin had significant differences in the two groups of patients (P＜0.05) among the 32 involved factors. Multivariate logistic stepwise regression showed that no-reflow (odd ratio＝3.3,5% confidence interval:1.479～6.223) and culprit vessel being right coronary artery(odd ratio＝2.2,5% confidence interval:1.602～4.391)were independent risk factors predicting intraoperative bradycardia during PPCI with first acute STEMI. Conclusion No-reflow and culprit vessel being right coronary artery are independent risk factors predicting intraoperative bradycardia during PPCI in patients with first acute STEMI.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationships between homocysteine (Hcy) and CHD, as well as the associations between Hcy related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and CHD in Han Population of Northeast Sichuan. Methods A case-control study design was adopted, the present study recruited 221 CHD patients and 210 age- and sex-matched healthy controls from Han Population of Northeast Sichuan. The levels of plasma Hcy were detected, 4 SNP on MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, MS A2756G, MTRR A66G genes were genotyped, associations between SNP, the levels of plasma Hcy and CHD were analyzed. Results (1)Plasma Hcy levels of CHD group (15.39±6.89 μmol/L) was obviously higher than that of control group(12.90±6.44 μmol/L), OR of Hcy was 1.060 (95%CI 1.021～1.100, P＜0.05).(2) There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of the MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, MS A2756G and MTRR A66G observed between groups. By MDR between MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, MS A2756G and MTRR A66G didn't have interaction, between MTHFR C677T and smoking, TG didn't have interaction. (3)The plasma Hcy levels of CHD patients with MTHFR C677T CC genotype was 13.99±4.77 μmol/L, the plasma Hcy levels of CHD patients with CT genotypes was 15.44±6.25 μmol/L, the plasma Hcy levels of patients with TT genotypes was 19.72±11.51 μmol/L, the difference of the plasma Hcy levels in CHD patients with TT genotypes and CC genotypes was statistically significant(P＜0.05). Conclusion Hcy may be a risk factor for CHD in Han Population of Northeast Sichuan.MTHFR C677T TT genotypes elevated the plasma Hcy levels in CHD patients, the gene polymorphism of MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, MS A2756G and MTRR A66G were not risk factors for CHD.

Abstract:Aim To analyze the characteristics of carotid artery morphology and hemodynamics before and after atherosclerosis (As) in subjects with different blood pressure levels, and to provide evidence for the early prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in different blood pressure groups. Methods 308 subjects (age range 40～65 years, mean age 52.2±4.7 years) were screened and divided into normal blood pressure group, normal high blood pressure group, gradeⅠhypertension group, exclusion of major cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, etc. The carotid intima-media (IMT), resistance index (RI), pulse index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and internal diameter were measured by GE vivid 7 Color Doppler, blood flow wall shear force (WSS) was calculated and four blood lipids were detected by blood biochemical analyzer. Results Age, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in the three groups did not show significant difference, BMI did not reach the standard of obesity, the basic information in the three groups had no significant difference. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in hypertension group were significantly higher than those in normal high blood pressure group and normal blood pressure group (P＜0.05). In normal high blood pressure group, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher than those in normal blood pressure group (P＜0.05), and the subjects were successfully grouped according to blood pressure level. PSV in normal high blood pressure group and grade I hypertension group was higher than that in normal blood pressure group, PSV in normal high blood pressure group was higher than that in grade I hypertension group, PSV,PI and RI had no signifcant difference in the three groups. WSS in normal high blood pressure group and grade I hypertension group was significantly lower than that in normal blood pressure group (P＜0.05). The diameter of carotid artery in normal high blood pressure group and grade I hypertension group was significantly higher than that in normal blood pressure group (P＜0.05), and IMT had no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion The carotid artery diameter increased and WSS decreased in the two groups of non atherosclerotic middle-aged people with elevated blood pressure. WSS in non atherosclerotic people with different blood pressure is more sensitive than PI and RI.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the efficacy and safety of long-term oral rosuvastatin combined with metformin in patients with hyperlipidemia. Methods 522 patients with hyperlipidemia were randomly divided into combined medication group (262 cases) and control group (260 cases). The combined medication group was given rosuvastatin calcium 10 mg combined with metformin, and the control group was given rosuvastatin calcium 20 mg. Follow-up for 24 months, compared the two groups of blood lipid levels, new diabetes mellitus incidence, impaired glucose tolerance incidence, the incidence of hypoglycemia symptoms, and impact on liver enzymes, muscle enzymes, renal function. Results The serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in the combined medication group was higher than that in control group, and the serum triglyceride (TG) level was lower than that of control group (P<0.05). The incidence of new diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance were lower in combined medication group than that in control group, but gastrointestinal reaction was higher (P<0.01). Other indexes had no significant difference(P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with the large dosage of statin for a long time, the small dosage of statin combined with metformin is more safe and effective.

Abstract:Aim To evaluate the feasibility of using radial artery as a bridging vessel for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after transradial artery intervention. Methods The clinical data of 168 patients with the use of radial artery as a bridging vessel for CABG were reviewed retrospectively. According to whether or not using radial artery as bridging vessel after transradial artery intervention, 168 patients were divided into intervention group (76 cases) and non-intervention group (92 cases). The follow-up results were compared between the two groups. Results There was no statistical difference in the clinical data between the two groups (P＞0.05). Compared with the intervention group, the vascular patency rate of radial artery bridge was significantly increased and the incidence of myocardial ischemia was significantly reduced in the non-intervention group; The differences were statistically significant between the two groups (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of related complications of radial artery acquired in the two groups, such as operative side forearm incision infection, thumb numbness, osteofascial compartment syndrome, and so on (P＞0.05). Conclusion It is possible to improve the patency of bridging vessel and improve the clinical effect of CABG by selecting the radial artery as a bridging vessel without transradial artery intervention.

Abstract:Aim To explore the direct correlation between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25-(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hypertension. Methods From March 2014 to July 5,8 patients inhospitalized in department of cardiology were selected. Based on the presence of hypertension, they were divided into hypertension group (198 cases) and non-hypertension group (170 cases). Demographic information was collected and blood samples were taken to probe levels of PTH and 25-(OH)D. Correlation between 25-(OH)D, PTH and hypertension were tested.Results Serum 25-(OH)D level of patients in hypertension group was lower than that in non-hypertension group (37.67±18.23 nmol/L vs 42.45±20.41 nmol/L,P=0.018). Difference in PTH of the two groups lacked statistical significance (50.08±28.80 ng/L vs 50.45±22.37 ng/L, P=0.892). Pearson correlation analysis showed that 25-(OH)D level was negatively correlated with PTH(r=－0.225,P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that vitamin D deficiency was the independent risk factor of hypertension (OR=1.7,5%CI 1.138～2.996,P=0.013),whereas PTH showed no correlation with hypertension. Conclusion Vitamin D lack or deficiency has independent risk effect on hypertension.

Abstract:Aim This meta-analysis was to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of erythropoietin (EPO) for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Eight online databases were investigated (CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science), then randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing the efficacy of EPO versus non-EPO in patients with AMI after PCI published before January 2017 were included. Data analysis was carried out using RevMan software(V.5.3). Results 14 RCT (enrolling 2044 patients) were included in the review. Literatures with low risk bias showed, in the case of improving left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and infarct size, EPO and non-EPO treatment had no distinction. Literatures with high risk bias showed, EPO could significantly improve LVEF, reduce the LVESV and infarct size, no significant difference of EPO was found on LVEDV. High doses of EPO had no effect on vascular events; low doses can reduce the incidence of vascular events. Conclusion The use of EPO in patients with AMI may not improve left ventricular function (LVEF, LVEDV, LVESV) and infarct size after PCI, and low-dose may improve the incidence of vascular events.

Abstract:Aim To evaluate trend of early aspirin therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in western rural hospitals in China from 2001 to 2011, and to identify independent factors associated with the use of early aspirin. Methods Two stage random sampling design was used to obtain representative samples of AMI patients in western rural hospitals from 1,6 and 2011. The weighted use rate and trend of aspirin in patient-level at the early stage of hospitalization in 3 years were analyzed to represent the overall situation of AMI inpatients in western rural areas. When the use rate of aspirin in hospital-level was analyzed, the hospitals with less than 5 enrolled cases were excluded, so as to reflect the overall level of western rural hospital. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the related factors affecting aspirin use. Results A total of 1006 AMI patients from 32 western rural hospitals were enrolled in this study. The median age of the patients was 66 years old, and the proportion of women was 26.9%. From 2001 to 2011, early weighted use rate of aspirin was significantly improved (69.9% in 1,4.9% in 2006 and 88.8% in 2011, and trend P value＜0.0001). From the hospital-level, the rate of early aspirin medication also showed an increasing trend year by year.However, even in 2011, there were still 2 hospitals (about 10%) with early aspirin use rate of less than 80% (55.6% and 69.2% respectively). Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that patients with chest discomfort at admission (OR 4.6,5%CI 2.7-7.8) and PCI capacity hospitals (OR 3.2,5%CI 1.5-6.7) were more inclined to use aspirin, and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients were less likely to use aspirin (OR 0.5,5%CI 0.3-0.8). Conclusion From 2001 to 2011, the use rate of early aspirin in AMI hospitalized patients in rural areas of western China shows an obvious upward trend, but some hospitals and some characteristic populations still have a lot of room for improvement.

Abstract:The main clinical risk of atherosclerotic (As) lesions is the instability and vulnerability of plaques. Vasa vasorum (VV) inside the As plaque has structural defects, such as fragile and high leakage of vascular wall. These structural defects lead to plaque rupture and hemorrhage, which promotes inflammatory response, provides channel for leukocyte and blood soluble components entering the plaque and promotes As plaque formation. VV inside the As plaque is closely related to plaque rupture and hemorrhage, and clinical cardiovascular events. Intensive study of the VV function and its related signaling pathway in As is expected to fundamentally prevent As plaque development.

Abstract:In the process of atherosclerosis, media vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype transform, migrate and proliferate, enter the vascular intima, and participate in the formation of fibrous caps and neovascularization of atherosclerotic plaques. In this review, the current research progress on the role of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype transformation to atherosclerosis is reviewed.

Abstract:MicroRNA is an important regulatory factor in the process of gene expression, which plays a very important role in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and lipid metabolism. Research on microRNA and lipid metabolism has been a hotspot in recent years. The microRNA-33, microRNA-122, microRNA-370, microRNA-758, microRNA-27, microRNA-30c, microRNA-223 and microRNA-144 were mainly involved in the microRNAs related to lipid metabolism. Among them, microRNA-122 and microRNA-33 play a major role in regulating cholesterol and fatty acid balance in vivo. MicroRNAs are involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and lipid metabolism. They are also regulated by transcription factors, adipoc ytokines and environmental factors. Different microRNAs form a complex regulatory network through the regulation of target gene mRNA. This paper reviews the role and the way of microRNA regulation of lipid metabolism.