Abstract:The mechanical force caused by elevated blood pressure plays a decisive role in vascular differentiation and development, the maintenance of normal vascular structure and function, and the process of vascular lesions. Abnormal elevation of blood lipid and/or blood glucose synergistically accelerate mechanical force-initiated vascular remodeling and the occurrence and development of diseases. Mechanical forces can nonspecifically activate all transmembrane protein molecules in vascular cells, leading to simultaneous activation of intracellular multi-signal channel molecules (secondary effector molecules). The upstream multi-pathway molecular signals converge on the node molecules of signal network and then diverge to the downstream pathway molecules, and finally start more signaling pathway activation, and amplify the signal cascades. Then, a series of pathophysiological changes such as cell differentiation, migration, inflammation, phenotypic changes, calcification, proliferation, and apoptosis occur. Finally, the structural and functional changes of blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, become the main cause of death and disability caused by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This paper reviews the research progress from this research group and international peers, that is, vascular remodeling is closely related to the effect of mechanical force generated by elevated blood pressure on vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract:Dyslipidemia is a human metabolic disease caused by a variety of complex causes, traditional Chinese medicine crataegi folium, gynostemma pentaphyllum, alismatis rhizoma, polygoni cuspidati rhizoma et radix, and ginkgo folium have therapeutic effects on dyslipidemia. This article reviews the effects of the common traditional Chinese medicine crataegi folium, gynostemma pentaphyllum, alismatis rhizoma, polygoni cuspidati rhizoma et radix, ginkgo folium in the treatment of dyslipidemia, and suggests that these traditional Chinese medicine may have some potential advantages in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia-related diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Aim To explore the pyroptosis of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) induced by Chlamydia pneumoniae (C.pn) infection and its possible mechanisms. Methods Primary rat VSMC were cultured by explant method. After the model of VSMC infected with C.pn was established, the changes in morphology of VSMC were observed under an inverted phase microscope, the lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) content was detected by the kit, and the expression levels of GSDMD and Caspase-1 were determined by Western blot, the changes in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the expression of complex-related proteins were measured by quantitative proteomic analysis by tandem mass tag technology and gene ontology. Results Compared with the control group, bubble-like vesicles were found outside the membrane of VSMC after C.pn infection under an inverted phase microscope. After C.pn infection of VSMC for 36 h and 48 h, LDH content increased by 38.92% and 79.54% (P＜0.001), respectively, and the expression of pyropotosis-related protein GSDMD increased by 1.74 times and 1.67 times (P＜0.001). After C.pn infection of VSMC for 48 h, the expression(pro-Caspase-1) and activity(Caspase-1 p12/p10)of Caspase-1 increased by 2.69 times and 3.47 times (P＜0.001), respectively. The mass spectrometry results showed that there were 20 differentially expressed proteins enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway after C.pn infection, and at the same time, ComplexⅠubiquinone oxidoreductase iron-sulfur protein 4 (NDUFS4) decreased significantly. Further Western blot results showed that the expression level of NDUFS4 decreased by 57.5% and 57% (P＜0.001) after C.pn infection of VSMC for 36 h and 48 h respectively. Conclusion C.pn infection may induce VSMC pyroptosis by affecting mitochondrial function through downregulating NDUFS4 expression.

Abstract:Aim To explore the effects of rapamycin liposomes (RL) on the migration of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMC) induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and its mechanism related to S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4). Methods Vascular smooth muscle cells were transfected with lentivirus knockdown S100A4 gene, and then added puromycin to screen stable strain of S100A4 gene knockdown. Vascular smooth muscle cells were treated with 50 mg/L ox-LDL, and different doses of RL (3,6 and 12 mg/L) were added to observe the effect on cell migration before and after treatment. Cell migration was detected by cell scratch method and Transwell, and the expression of S100A4, phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), typeⅠcollagen protein (COLⅠ), and vimentin were detected by Western blot. Results After 48 h treatment with ox-LDL, compared with the blank control group, the expression of S100A4, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, COLⅠ and vimentin was significantly increased (P＜0.05), and the speed of cell migration was significantly accelerated (P＜0.05). Compared with ox-LDL group, different doses of RL significantly inhibited the expression of S100A4, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, COLⅠ and vimentin and significantly inhibited cell migration after 48 h treatment (P＜0.05), of which 6 mg/L and 12 mg/L of RL had more significant inhibitory effects (P＜0.05). After S100A4 gene knockdown, the cell migration rate was significantly reduced (P＜0.05). Conclusion RL can significantly inhibit the migration of HA-VSMC induced by ox-LDL, which may be related to the down-regulation of S100A4, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, COLⅠ and vimentin expression by RL.

Abstract:Aim To investigate the association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a substitute marker of insulin resistance, and the risk of stroke. Methods The data were obtained from the baseline survey of Tianjin region in the Cohort Study on Chronic Disease of Communities Natural Population in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei in 2017—2018.Data were collected by questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory examination. The case group and control group were matched 1∶1 according to the same gender and age ±2 years. Conditional Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between TyG index and risk of stroke. Results A total of 536 patients were included in the analysis. The TyG index in the case group was higher than that in the control group (P＜0.000 1). Multivariate conditional Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with individuals with TyG index＜8.38, the OR(95%CI) for stroke in the 8.38≤TyG index＜8.7,8.67≤TyG index＜9.10, TyG index≥9.10 were 1.13(0.1,2.10), 1.47(0.8,2.74), 2.24(1.6,4.72). Conclusion TyG index was an independent risk factor for stroke. With the increase of TyG index, the risk of stroke increased gradually.

Abstract:Aim To analyze the 12-lead surface ECG of premature ventricular complex (PVC) originating from the summit to identify some ECG characteristics that may accurately determine the ablation target. Methods Between June 2018 and February 2021, a total of 36 patients with PVC arising from the summit underwent percutaneous radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in the coronary venous circulation or opposite left ventricular endocardial sites. The 12-lead ECG recordings about these patients were analyzed. Results 25 patients successfully ablated from the endocardial approach (endocardial group), 11 patients successfully ablated from the coronary venous circulation (epicardial group). The intrinsicoid deflection (ID) was smaller in the endocardial group than that in the epicardial group, and the difference was statistically significant (P＝0.022). The maximum deflection index (MDI) was smaller in the endocardial group than that in the epicardial group, and the difference was statistically significant (P＝0.020). The duration of the negative pseudodelta wave was shorter in the endocardial group compared to the epicardial group, the difference was statistically significant (P＝0.004). After follow-up 6～36 months, the RFCA success rate was 100% (11/11) in the epicardial group, 1 case in the endocardial group was lost, and the RFCA success rate was 87.5% (21/24) in the remaining 24 patients. Subgroup analysis of the endocardial group showed when the duration of the negative pseudodelta wave ≥25 ms, the RFCA success rate was 62.5% (5/8), and when the duration of the negative pseudodelta wave ＜25 ms, the RFCA success rate was 100% (16/16). The duration of the negative pseudodelta wave ＜25 ms had sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 72%, for the identification of successful ablation in the adjacent endocardium. Conclusion The negative pseudodelta wave of PVC originating from the summit ＜25 ms was closely related to the success rate of RFCA.

Abstract:Aim To explore the association between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to coronary heart disease in Han population in South China, and provide new ideas for early prevention and intervention of coronary heart disease. Methods Polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) technology was used to classify mTOR gene polymorphisms in 804 patients with coronary heart disease and 979 control subjects. The genotypes of rs2295079 and rs1883965 of mTOR gene were detected. The association between each polymorphic site and susceptibility to coronary heart disease was analyzed by unconditional Logistic regression. Results There was no statistical difference in the distribution of alleles and genotype frequencies of rs2295079 and rs1883965 between the coronary heart disease group and the control group (P＞0.05); the distribution frequencies of the haplotype rs2295079C-rs1883965A constructed by these two loci in the coronary heart disease group and the control group were 8.3% and 6.5%, respectively, and the coronary heart disease group was significantly higher than the control group; individuals carrying rs2295079C-rs1883965A haplotype had a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (OR＝1.29, P＝0.047), this haplotype had a more significant risk of developing coronary heart disease in people aged ≤60 years old (OR＝1.73, P＝0.009). Conclusion The haplotype rs2295079C-rs1883965A of the mTOR gene is closely related to the genetic susceptibility to coronary heart disease, and is more obvious in the population aged ≤60 years old, suggesting that this haplotype may be an important rick factor in increasing the risk of coronary heart disease in the Han population in South China.

Abstract:Aim To study the diagnostic value of serum heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in hypertensive patients with carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). Methods A total of 100 hypertensive patients were selected and divided into hypertension group (n＝42) and hypertension CAS group (n＝58); another 50 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the healthy control group.The serum HB-EGF, SAA levels and CIMT in healthy control group, hypertension group and hypertension CAS group were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between serum HB-EGF, SAA levels and CIMT.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of CAS. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of serum HB-EGF and SAA levels for CAS in hypertensive patients. Results Compared with the healthy control group, the serum levels of HB-EGF and SAA in the hypertension group and the hypertension CAS group were significantly increased (P＜0.05), and the CIMT was significantly increased (P＜0.05). Compared with the hypertension group, the serum HB-EGF and SAA levels in the hypertension CAS group were significantly increased (P＜0.05), and the CIMT was significantly increased (P＜0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum HB-EGF and SAA levels were positively correlated with CIMT (r＝0.7,5%CI:0.7257～0.8662, P＜0.001; r＝0.5,5%CI:0.6688～0.8357, P＜0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that high HB-EGF and high SAA were both risk factors for CAS in hypertensive patients (P＜0.05). The ROC curve showed that the optimal cut-off points of serum HB-EGF and SAA levels for diagnosing CAS were 19.84 μg/L and 8.97 mg/L, respectively. The AUC for diagnosing CAS alone and in combination were 0.1,0.810 and 0.875, respectively, the value of combined diagnosis of the two was higher than that of single diagnosis. Conclusion Serum HB-EGF and SAA levels were significantly increased in hypertensive CAS patients, and both were positively correlated with CIMT, which has high diagnostic efficacy for hypertensive CAS.

Abstract:Aim To investigate and compare the immediate effect of intracoronary alprostadil and nitroglycerin injection in the treatment of coronary slow flow. Methods A total of 102 patients without obvious coronary angiography stenosis were selected, including 65 patients with coronary slow flow and 37 patients in the control group. Patients with slow flow were divided into nitroglycerin group (32 cases) and alprostadil group (33 cases) according to intracoronary drug injection. Baseline clinical data, coronary TIMI flow frames (TFC values), and TFC declines between the alprostadil group and nitroglycerin group were compared. Results There was no significant difference in baseline clinical data among the three groups except smoking (P＝0.02). Before injection, TFC values of the left anterior descending branch (LAD), circumflex branch (LCX) and right coronary artery (RCA) were significantly increased in alprostadil group and nitroglycerin group compared with control group (P＜0.05), but there was no significant difference in TFC values of the three coronary arteries between alprostadil group and nitroglycerin group (P＞0.05). After injection, the TFC values of LAD, LCX and RCA were significantly decreased in three coronary arteries in alprostadil group and nitroglycerin group compared with those before injection (P＜0.05). The decreased values of LAD, LCX and RCA in alprostadil group were 5.1,3.51 and 2.78 times of those in nitroglycerin group, respectively (P＜0.01). There was no significant difference in three coronary artery TFC values between the alprostadil group and the control group (P＞0.05). Conclusion Intracoronary injection of alprostadil or nitroglycerin can immediately improve coronary slow flow TFC value, and the effect of alprostadil is better than that of nitroglycerin.

Abstract:Extracellular vesicles(EV) are nano-sized lipid bilayer vesicles, which were released by every cell type. EV can transfer DNA, RNA and protein among cells, which is a key part of signaling transduction among cells. microRNA is a small non-coding RNA molecular, which can bind to 3′UTR sequence of targeted mRNA, and facilitate mRNA degradation or block protein generation. This study focuses on the generation of microRNA and how EV transfer microRNA among cells, as well as the function of EV-miRNA in cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the number one killer worldwide, and the morbidity and mortality significantly increased. Trillions of microorganisms inhabit the human gut and play crucial roles in metabolism, immunity and responses to diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between cardiovascular diseases and gut microbiota. Both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms can affect the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. The specific components and metabolites of gut microorganisms can regulate the differentiation and function of immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes, as well as influence the immune homeostasis through circulatory system. This review discusses the potential immune mechanisms between the gut microbiota and the development of cardiovascular diseases through the interaction of the gut microbiota and its metabolites with the immune system, which provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract:Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease is one of leading cause of death in the world. Therefore, it’s essential to explore pathological processes of atherosclerosis. B cells have been considered as key immunoregulatory cells mediating immune and inflammatory effects in atherosclerosis. B cell activating factor (BAFF) is a cytokines belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family, which plays an important role in proliferation, differentiation and survival of B cells. Recently, growing evidence is emerging that BAFF seems to be involved in pathological processes of atherosclerosis by mediating subtype-specific survival of B cells. There might be a potential therapy of atherosclerosis by targeting or blocking BAFF and its receptors. This article reviewed research progress of BAFF in atherosclerosis.

Abstract:Acute myocardial infarction is one of the more common clinical cardiovascular diseases,which is based on the occurrence and development of coronary atherosclerosis,and is caused by persistent myocardial ischemia and hypoxia due to thrombosis and plaque rupture,resulting in local myocardial necrosis. Inflammatory factors are involved in the formation and progression of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, and are closely related to the occurrence and development of acute myocardial infarction. This article reviews the research progress of related inflammatory factors in acute myocardial infarction.