Abstract:Drug compatibility is the key guiding ideology of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions, and it is also an important content of the modernization research of traditional Chinese medicine. Danshen and Chuanxiong are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine clinic to prevent and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, stroke and atherosclerosis, etc. Recent studies have found that Danshen-Chuanxiong herbal pair is the most common combination in traditional Chinese medicine for blood-activating and stasis-removing, which can exert pharmacological effects such as anti-atherosclerosis, alleviation of vascular endothelial injury, anti-inflammatory response, anti-ischemia/reperfusion injury, and anti-thrombosis. This paper systematically expounds the research on Danshen-Chuanxiong herbal pair from the aspects of material basis, mechanism of action, and clinical application, and provides a basis for the rational application and effective development of modern Chinese medicine based on the Danshen-Chuanxiong herbal pair.

Abstract:Mitochondria are important organelles in mammalian cells. As the regulatory center of cell energy metabolism and cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction will lead to the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. Mitochondrial function depends on the integrity and homeostasis of mitochondrial proteome. Therefore, mitochondrial protein quality control system is very important to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and body health. When mitochondria and their protein quality control system are abnormal, it will directly damage mitochondria and lead to abnormal mitochondrial protein accumulation, resulting in intracellular environmental disorder and even cell dysfunction, which may affect the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic diseases. This paper reviews the role of mitochondria and its protein quality control system in the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic diseases, and looks forward to the future development prospects and challenges in this field, in order to providing scientific evidence for finding specific mitochondrial protein closely related to atherosclerotic diseases.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of overexpression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) on myocardial fibrosis. Methods METTL3 protein expression was detected in the myocardium of patients with heart failure (HF) and the healthy donors by Western blot assay. A C57BL/6 mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery-induced myocardial fibrosis was established, and METTL3 protein expression was detected in the myocardium of TAC mice and sham mice. A cell model of angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ)-induced myocardial fibrosis in mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CF) was established and used to detect METTL3 expression by Western blot assay. Expression of fibrosis-related genes, including collagen type Ⅰα1 (COL1α1), collagen type Ⅲ α1 (COL3α1) and actin α2 (ACTα2), was detected in mouse CF with adenovirus-mediated overexpression of METTL3. Flow cytometry, EdU and Transwell migration assay were used to detect proliferation and migration activity of mouse CF, respectively. Effects of cardiac specific expression of METTL3 on cardiac function and fibrosis were explored in mice subjected to TAC surgery. Results Protein expression of METTL3 was significantly increased in the myocardium of HF patients (P＜0.05). Consistently, significant up-regulation of METTL3 was observed in the myocardium of TAC mice and AngⅡ-treated mouse CF (P＜0.05, respectively). Overexpression of METTL3 could markedly enhance mouse CF proliferation and migration activities, as well as expression of fibrosis-related genes in mouse CF. Compared with mice in the sham group, significant increase of fibrosis-related gene expression, cardiac fibrosis and cardiac function injury were observed in TAC-induced mice with cardiac specific overexpression of METTL3. Conclusion Overexpression of METTL3 promotes cardiac fibrosis in mice.

Abstract:Aim To explore the effect of proline/serine rich coiled coil protein 1-mediated long non-coding RNA (lncLEPIS) overexpression on blood lipid levels and the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Methods 16 ApoE－/－ mice were randomly divided into control group (NC group) and lncLEPIS overexpression group (lncLEPIS group), and ApoE－/－ mice fed with high-fat diet with liver lncLEPIS overexpression were constructed. Atherosclerotic plaques in mouse aorta were assessed by oil red O staining. Blood lipid levels were detected by enzyme labeling method.The mRNA expression levels of cholesterol metabolism-related genes were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Results The plaque area/aortic area in the NC group and the lncLEPIS group were (18.6%±0.3%) and (28.0%±1.3%), and the plaque area/aortic root cross-sectional area were (7.5%±0.2%) and (17.8%±0.3%), the differences between the two groups was significant (P＜0.05). The plasma triglyceride levels of the mice in the NC group and the lncLEPIS group were (0.65±0.07) mmol/L and (0.96±0.21) mmol/L, the total cholesterol levels were (3.56±0.71) mmol/L and (7.36±0.65) mmol/L, the high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were (1.46±0.05) mmol/L and (1.95±0.38) mmol/L, and the low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were (2.59±0.35) mmol/L and (5.59±0.59) mmol/L, the differences between the two groups were significant (P＜0.05). Compared with the NC group, the expression level of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the liver of mice was down-regulated by 48.4% in the lncLEPIS group, and the expression level of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) was up-regulated by 62.8% (P＜0.05). Conclusion Overexpression of lncLEPIS reduces the expression of LDLR, promotes the expression of PCSK9, increases the level of plasma LDLC, and promotes the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the relationship between small and dense low density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDLC) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods A total of 525 patients admitted to our hospital due to chest pain and chest tightness from September 2019 to June 2020 and suspected CHD underwent coronary angiography were retrospectively collected as the research subjects. According to coronary angiography results, they were divided into CHD group (n＝422) and non-CHD group (n＝103). At the same time, they were divided into three groups according to AIP tertiles:AIP≤－0.056 group (n＝176), －0.056＜AIP＜0.208 group (n＝175), AIP≥0.208 group (n＝174). Each lipid index was measured and AIP was calculated. sdLDLC and AIP levels were compared between CHD group and non-CHD group. Influencing factors for AIP and risk factors for CHD were analyzed. Results The sdLDLC, AIP, low density lipoprotein (LDL) subtype LDL3, LDL4 in CHD group were significantly higher than those in non-CHD group, and the LDL1, high density lipoprotein cholesterol in CHD group were significantly lower than those in non-CHD group (P＜0.05). With the increase of AIP, sdLDLC and LDL4 increased significantly, while LDL1 and LDL2 decreased significantly (P＜0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sdLDLC and history of hypertension were independent influencing factors of AIP (P＜0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that sdLDLC and AIP were independent risk factors for CHD (P＜0.05). Conclusion There is a significant positive correlation between sdLDLC and AIP in CHD patients, and sdLDLC and AIP are independent risk factors for CHD.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the correlation between milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) gene single nucleotide polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) in Han people in northern Guangxi. MethodsA total of 158 CHD patients of Han nationality in northern Guangxi were selected as CHD group, and 183 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects were selected as control group. Serum MFG-E8 levels in CHD group and control group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genotypes of MFG-E8 gene rs1878326 and rs4945 loci were detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction and DNA direct sequencing. At the same time, the relationship between the genotypes of related loci and serum MFG-E8 levels was analyzed in CHD group. Results The serum MFG-E8 level in CHD group was 1.63 (1.1,2.04) μg/L, and that in control group was 3.29 (2.9,3.59) μg/L.The serum MFG-E8 level in CHD group was significantly lower than that in control group (Z＝－15.370, P＜0.001). The frequency of CA genotype at rs4945 C＞A locus of MFG-E8 gene in CHD group was 31.6%, and the frequency of A allele was 15.8%, which were higher than those in control group (18.6%, 9.3%), and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). rs4945 C＞A locus CA genotype had higher risk of CHD than CC genotype (OR＝2.9,5%CI:1.229～3.349), and A allele had higher risk of CHD than C allele (OR＝1.5,5%CI:1.153～2.921). There was no significant difference in serum MFG-E8 levels between different genotypes at rs4945 C＞A locus in CHD group (Z＝－1.580, P＝0.114). There was no correlation between the genotype and allele frequency of rs1878326 C＞A locus and CHD (P＞0.05). Conclusion The serum MFG-E8 level of CHD patients of Han nationality in northern Guangxi is significantly lower than that of normal people, and the rs4945 C＞A polymorphism of MFG-E8 gene is associated with CHD.

Abstract:Aim To explore the relationship between ideal cardiovascular health score (ICHS) and pulse pressure (PP) in rural middle-aged and elderly people in Liaoning Province, and to study the influencing factors of PP, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis. Methods A total of 952 rural residents aged between 50 and 80 in Beizhen City, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province from October 2019 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects for descriptive research. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect the subjects' demographic characteristics, lifestyle, past disease history, medication history and other data. The height, body mass and blood pressure of the subjects were measured, and the biochemical indexes such as total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were detected. All subjects were scored with ICHS. The subjects were divided into normal PP group (n＝521) and elevated PP group (n＝431) according to the level of PP, and the differences of variables between the two groups were statistically analyzed; Then the samples were used by propensity score matching to make the two groups of subjects comparable, and the differences of variables between the two groups and the influencing factors of PP were analyzed. Results Compared with normal PP group, the ICHS was lower and the cardiovascular health level was poor in elevated PP group, the difference was statistically significant (P＝0.005). Blood pressure (P＜0.001) and FBG (P＝0.033) were also closely related to PP. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ICHS was the independent influencing factor of PP, and ideal ICHS was the protective factor of PP (OR＝0.5,5%CI:0.37～0.82, P＝0.003). Higher education level, women and people who didn't drink often had higher ICHS, that was, an ideal cardiovascular health level (all P＜0.05). Conclusions In Liaoning rural middle-aged and elderly population, the ICHS of PP increasing population is significantly lower than that of PP normal population, and the ideal ICHS is the protective factor of PP. Women, people with higher education and people who don't drink often have better cardiovascular health.

Abstract:Aim To describe the status of carotid plaque and the relationship between lipid parameters and carotid plaque in patients with hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2016 and June 7,2 626 subjects with hypertension who were assessed carotid plaque by Color Doppler ultrasonography at Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in the study. Results In total of subjects, 1 215 of 2 626 subjects were examined carotid plaque. The prevalence of carotid plaque was higher in men than that in women, and increased with age (all P＜0.001). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLC) levels, total cholesterol (TC) level, LDLC/HDLC and TC/HDLC were significantly higher in subjects with carotid plaque than those without carotid plaque (all P＜0.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the other two lipid parameters (triglyceride (TG) and HDLC) (all P＞0.05). Carotid plaque was correlated with LDLC, non-HDLC, TC levels and ratios of LDLC/HDLC, TC/HDLC, the odds ratio was 1.373 (95%CI:1.233～1.529), 1.310 (95%CI:1.187～1.447), 1.257 (95%CI:1.147～1.376), 1.202 (95%CI:1.096～1.319) and 1.116 (95%CI:1.039～1.199), respectively after adjustment for sex, age, duration of hypertension, blood pressure control, current smoking, current drinking, lack of leisure time activities, waist circumference, plasma glucose level and homocysteine blood level. The AUC-values for LDLC/HDLC 0.551(95%CI:0.529～0.573, P＜0.001) and TC/HDLC 0.539 (95%CI:0.517～0.561, P＝0.001) didn't show the larger area under the curve than each lipid parameter separately used, for LDLC 0.557 (95%CI:0.535-0.579, P＜0.001), non-HDLC 0.553 (95%CI:0.531～0.575, P＜0.001), and TC 0.540 (95%CI:0.518～0.562, P＜0.001). Conclusions Almost half of patients with hypertension were detected carotid plaque; LDLC and non-HDLC levels were the most specific lipoprotein associated with the presence of carotid plaque, TC/HDLC and LDLC/HDLC ratios didn't show more significant correlation than each lipid parameter separately used.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the safety and efficacy of excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) in the treatment of complex coronary artery diseases. Methods From December 2018 to January 1,5 cases of complex coronary artery lesions treated with ELCA assisted interventional therapy in the Department of Cardiology of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University were included. The success rate of ELCA, PCI and clinical success rate, PCI complications, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during postoperative hospitalization and 6-month follow-up were observed.Results All of 6 lesions were in-stent restenosis, including 3 completely occluded lesions and 1 severely calcified lesion.The proportion of three vessel lesions was 40.0%. The success rate of ELCA, PCI and clinical success rate were 100%, and the complication of PCI was 0. Optical coherence tomography showed local intimal tears (7.00±3.46) after ELCA treatment. After PCI, both minimum lumen diameter (MLD) ((2.56±0.27) mm vs (1.47±0.37) mm, P＝0.006) and minimum lumen area (MLA)((6.48±1.16) mm² vs (2.14±0.62) mm², P＝0.005) increased significantly compared with ELCA treatment. The incidence of MACE during hospitalization was 0. Three cases of MACE occurred within 6 months, including 2 cases of angina pectoris and 1 case of myocardial infarction. Conclusion ELCA is safe and effective as an adjuvant treatment for complex coronary artery lesions during hospitalization follow-up.

Abstract:Aim To explore the relationship between Runx2 methylation level and vascular calcification in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods 58 patients who underwent MHD in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were selected as the research objects. The clinical data of the patients were collected. According to the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, the patients were divided into non-calcification group, mild to moderate calcification group, and severe calcification group. Methprimer was used to design Runx2 methylation primers, methylation-specific PCR was used to detect the level of Runx2 methylation in the whole blood of patients, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore its relationship with vascular calcification. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of Runx2 methylation level for vascular calcification in MHD patients. Results The difference test found that the Runx2 methylation level difference between the three groups was statistically significant.And as the degree of vascular calcification increased, the expression level of Runx2 methylation decreased. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the methylation level of Runx2 was negatively correlated with vascular calcification (r＝－0.51, P＜0.01), age and serum phosphorus were positively correlated with vascular calcification (P＜0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of vascular calcification by Runx2 methylation level was 0.761 (P＜0.001). The AUC and sensitivity of the diagnosis of vascular calcification in combination with Runx2 methylation level, age and blood phosphorus were significantly improved (P＜0.05). Conclusion Runx2 methylation level may be a biomarker for the diagnosis of vascular calcification in patients with MHD, and the AUC and sensitivity are significantly improved when combined with age and blood phosphorus.

Abstract:Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is one of the main causes of high mortality in patients with myocardial infarction after active revascularization. It is of great significance to find effective intervention targets to alleviate MIRI and explore its protective mechanism. Cell pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory programmed cell death in addition to cell necrosis and apoptosis. In recent years, studies have found that pyroptosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of MIRI. This article reviews the pyroptosis and its mechanism of action in MIRI, and discusses the new research progress of small-molecule drugs, natural drugs and commonly used clinical drugs which affect cell pyroptosis and applied in the prevention and treatment of MIRI.

Abstract:Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is extremely complex. Studies have confirmed that microRNA (miRNA) can regulate numerous pathophysiological processes, including inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and death, in AA. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are important members of the MMP family, which also play an important role in the pathological process of AA. In recent years, it has been found that a variety of miRNA can directly or indirectly regulate the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in AA, thus affecting the occurrence and development of AA. This paper mainly summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of miRNA on MMP-2, MMP-9 and their roles in the occurrence and development of AA, so as to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of AA.

Abstract:Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are the major epidemics in the world, which are very similar in risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. Patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with heart failure have severe symptoms, poor prognosis and increased hospitalization rate, research shows that the annual incidence rate of atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients is about 57%, and the annual incidence of heart failure in patients with atrial fibrillation is about 37%. The purpose of treatment of atrial fibrillation with heart failure is to reduce the symptoms and improve the survival rate. With the emergence of new therapeutic drugs and the development of new technologies such as radiofrequency ablation, left atrial appendage occlusion and pacemaker implantation, new opportunities have been brought to patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. This paper reviews the current situation and research progress of treatment of atrial fibrillation with heart failure from the aspects of thrombosis prevention, ventricular rate control and device therapy.

Abstract:Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular disease, which is a serious threat to human health all over the world. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process of vascular wall caused by lipid metabolism disorder. As a member of the lectin family, the asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 is involved in endocytosis and degradation of serum glycoproteins, and plays an important role in various physiological processes. Studies have shown that the asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 mutations are associated with cardiovascular disease risk such as low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, suggesting that asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 may be closely associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This article reviews the role of the asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 in atherosclerosis and its possible mechanisms.

Abstract:Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common arterial dilatation disease, with insidious onset and complicated pathogenesis. Due to the lack of early diagnosis and effective intervention measures, the mortality rate of aneurysm is high once ruptured. Therefore, it is urgent to further explore its pathogenesis and find effective treatment measures. Due to many limitations in human trials, it is necessary to replicate animal models for the study of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This article will classify and introduce some classic and innovative animal models according to different research purposes, as well as their respective characteristics and application values, and provide help for researchers to choose appropriate animal model.