Changes of von Willebrand factor and vascular-cellular adhesion molecule-1 in patients with unstable angina

AIM: To explore the changes of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and soluble vascular-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1)， and the correlation of vWF, sVCAM-1 with acute myocardial ischemia. METHODS: By means of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)， the changes of vWF and sVCAM-1 were measured in 73 patients with unstable angina (UA) during angina attack and relief period (24 h after attack) as well as in 50 controls. RESULTS: The levels of vWF and sVCAM-1 were significantly higher in UA patients than those in controls (P<0.01). The increase in vWF and sVCAM-1 in angina attack was more obvious than those in relief period (P<0.01). vWF correlated positively with sVCAM-1 (r=0.785， r=0.674，P<0.01). In different types of angina, there were significant difference of vWF，sVCAM-1 between angina attack and relief periods (P<0.01)， and increases in all the indicators in spontaneous angina patients were more obvious than those in exertional and postinfarction angina patients. CONCLUSION: Acute myocardial ischemia might be related to the changes of vWF and sVCAM-1.     

Effects of atorvastatin on nitric oxide,endothelin-1 and myocardial function in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion

AIM: To evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on nitric oxide(NO), endothelin-1(ET-1)and myocardial no-reflow in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion(AMI/R). METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into 3 groups: 8 in AMI/R group, 8 in atorvastatin-treated group(5 mg·kg-1·d-1)and 8 in sham-operated group. Animals in the former two groups were subjected to 60 min of coronary occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Data on haemodynamics were collected. NO in blood sample, and in normal, and in infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardium were evaluated respectively by nitrate reductase method. The levels of ET-1 in blood sample, and in normal, infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardium were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: (1)Compared to the baselines, the heart rate(HR), systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure(DBP), left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP), maximal rate of increase and decline in left ventricular pressure(±dp/dtmax)and cardiac output(CO)in AMI/R and atorvastatin-treated groups were significantly declined, whereas left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP)was increased after 60 min of coronary occlusion and 120 min of reperfusion(P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, in atorvastatin-treated group, LVSP, LVEDP, ±dp/dtmax and CO at the time point of 120 min of reperfusion recovered more significantly than those at the time point of 60 min of coronary occlusion(P<0.01), which was more significant than those in AMI/R group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to AMI/R group, the SBP and DBP were significantly heigher in atorvastatin-treated group(P<0.01).(2)In atorvastatin-treated group, the levels of ET-1 in blood sample were significantly lower than those in AMI/R group(P<0.01), and the levels of NO were significantly higher(P<0.01). Moreover, the levels of NO or ET-1 in infarcted reflow myocardium were significantly lower than that in AMI/R group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(3)Atorvastatin could ameliorate myocardial function. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin is effective in increasing NO and reducing ET-1 in blood plasma and local myocardium, and in protection of endothelial cells. Atorvastatin also has a beneficial effect on improving left ventricular function during acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion in rabbits.     

Effect of tongxinluo capsule on endothelial function in stable angina pectoris patients

AIM:To investigate clinical effect of tongxinluo capsule in treating stable angina pectoris patients,and its influence on endothelial function,superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA).METHODS:One hundred and twenty-four stable angina pectoris patients were divided into three groups,isosorbide treatment group (41 cases),tongxinluo capsule treatment group (40 cases),tongxinluo and isosorbide treatment group (combined treatment group,43 cases).The serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO),endothelin-1 (ET-1),SOD and MDA were determined before and after treatment.The data in traetment groups were compared with that in normal control.RESULTS:The symptoms of 3 groups were significantly improved,and the total effective rate of tongxinluo capsule group and combined treatment groups were better than that in isororbide treatment group (85.00% and 88.37% vs 73.17%,P<0.05).Before treatment,the levels of serum NO and activity of SOD in angina patients were lower than that in control group.The serum MDA and ET-1 levels were higher than those in control.The levels of serum NO and SOD activity were increased remarkably after tongxinluo capsule or tongxinluo combined treatment.However,besides the concentration of NO increased after isosorbide treatment,the levels of serum ET-1 and MDA and SOD activity were not changed.CONCLUSIONS:The results suggest that tongxinluo capsule could effectively improve the symptoms of stable angina pectoris,and it is important for tongxinluo capsule to increase NO level and decrease ET-1 product,scavenge free radical and prevent lipid peroxidation.     

Vascular dilation function is correlated to the level of hs-CRP and ET-1 in patients with coronary artery disease

AIM: To evaluate the correlations among vascular dilation function, high-sensiticity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) and endothelin-1(ET-1) in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin mediated dilation (NMD) were measured by high-frequency ultrasound in 65 patients with coronary artery disease and 33 cases in control group. hs-CRP and ET-1 were detected at the meantime. RESULTS: FMD and NMD were decreased significantly in patients with coronary artery disease compared with the control group, but in contrast, hs-CRP and ET-1 were increased in patients with coronary artery disease as compared with the control group. hs-CRP and ET-1 were negatively correlated with FMD and NMD, respectively (P<0.05), and FMD was positively correlated with NMD (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Vasodilation dysfunction exists in patients with coronary artery disease, which may result from the enhancement of hs-CRP and ET-1.     

Influence of atorvastatin on scavenger receptor of monocytes/macrophages in patients with coronary heart disease

AIM: To observe activity of scavenger receptor of macrophage derived from monocytes, the change of inflammation factor in plasma (including CRP, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) and the influence of atorvastatin on activity of scavenger receptor in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: 75 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), whose plasma lipid levels were normal, were divided into three groups: stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardia infarction. 29 healthy persons were served as control. The level of C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in plasma were determined in all subjects. Monocytes in peripheral blood were dissevered and cultured to transform into macrophage. The influence of atorvastatin on activity of scavenger receptor in macrophage was observed. RESULTS: The level of CRP, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and activity of scavenger receptor of macrophage in acute myocardia infarction group were higher than that in stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris and control. Atorvastatin lowered the activity of scavenger receptor of macrophages derived from monocytes in patients with coronary heart disease. Activity of scavenger receptor of macrophages derived from monocytes in patients with coronary heart disease was correlated positively with CRP, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. CONCLUSION: Activity of scavenger receptor may be taken as index for monitoring the degree of active vulnerable atherosclerosis plaque. Atorvastatin may inhibit activity of scavenger receptor in macrophages derived from monocytes in patients with coronary heart disease.     

Endothelin-1 and eNOS expression in pulmonary aterioles of patients with congenital heart diseases with pulmonary hypertension

AIM: To clarify the role of eNOS and ET-1 in development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with congenital heart diseases. METHODS: 40 patients were randomly divided into three groups: severe or moderate PH group (group A, 12 cases), slight PH group (group B, 14 cases) and normal group (group C, 14 cases). ET-1 and eNOS were examined by using the technique of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: ① Plasma ET-1 concentration was significantly higher in group A and B than that in group C (P<0.01). Serum NO concentration in group A and B was significantly lower than that in group C (P<0.01). ② The proliferation of medial smooth muscle cells and collagenous fibers of pulmonary arteriole in patients with PH were observed by electron microscopy. ③ ET-1 in pulmonary arteriole was significantly higher in group A and group B than that in group C (P<0.01). eNOS in pulmonary arteriole was significantly lower in group A and group B than that in group C (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ET-1 and eNOS may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PH.     

Effects of Qili Qiangxin capsule on serum concentration of adiponectin and heart function in patients with coronary heart disease combined with congestive heart failure

AIM：To investigate the effects of Qili Qiangxin capsule on serum adiponectin (APN), serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and heart function in the patients of coronary heart disease combined with congestive heart failure. METHODS：One hundred and twenty patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, and both groups were given anti-failure routine therapy. The patients in treatment group were treated with Qili Qiangxin capsule and the patients in control group were treated with placebo. The patients in the 2 groups were given a certain dose of the drugs for 6 months. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function classification, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and 6-min walking test (6-MWT) were observed before and after treatment. The levels of APN, NT-proBNP were measured by ELISA before and after treatment. RESULTS：With the increase in the class of NYHA heart function, the serum concentrations of APN and NT-proBNP in the heart failure cases increased significantly. After 6-month treatment, the effective rate in experimental group was 91.7% and that in control group was 75.0%. A significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P<0.01). After treatment, LVEDD and LVESD in both groups were decreased significantly, and LVEF in both groups was increased significantly. The serum concentrations of APN and NT-proBNP decreased significantly (P<0.05). 6-MWT result was improved significantly. Compared with control group, more obvious effect was observed in experimental group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：Treatment with Qili Qiangxin capsule reduces the levels of APN and NT-proBNP in the patients with coronary heart disease combined with congestive heart failure.     

Establishment of miniature swine myocardial infarction model by percutaneous balloon occlusion method

AIM: To study the feasibility of establishing miniature swine myocardial infarction(MI)model by percutaneous balloon occlusion method, and to investigate the effect of autologous mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)transplantation on treatment of acute MI. METHODS: Twenty Tibet miniatrue swine were included in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups. After anaesthesia, 2.5 mm×15.0 mm percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon was positioned in the middle and distal-LAD by percutaneous femoral puncture in the right inguinal in the animals. The LAD flow was occluded for 90 min. The electrocardiogram(ECG), echocardiography(UCG), single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and histopathology were examined. MSCs suspensions were injected to the infarct myocardium through infarct-related coronary artery by OTW balloon in MSCs transplantation group, while the control swine were injected with normal saline. Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), end diastolic volume(EDV), end systolic volume(ESV)and fractional shortening(FS)were observed. RESULTS: The coronary angiography was successfully performed in all 20 swine. Ten swine survived during the process of balloon occlusion, 10 dead and the success rate reached 50%. After MI, LVEF and FS significantly decreased, while EDV and ESV significantly increased as compared to the values of pre-modeling(P<0.05). Eight weeks after transplantation, the parameters observed above improved in MSCs group as compared to those of pre-transplantation(P<0.05,P<0.01). However, no significant difference of the parameters in saline group between pre-transplantation and after-transplantation was observed. Compared to saline group, LVEF and FS significantly increased in MSCs group(P<0.05,P<0.01)with significant decreases in EDV and ESV(P<0.05,P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The miniature swine MI model is successfully established by percutaneous balloon occlusion method. Stem cells transplantation prevents the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation and obviously improves the myocardial functions.     

Effect of Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsule on serum lipids and inflammatory factors in rabbit abdominal aortic restenosis model

AIM: To investigate the effect of Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsule (FTZ) on serum lipids and inflammatory factors in rabbits with abdorminal aortic restenosis after balloon angioplasty.METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits (n=30) were divided into 5 groups. Except blank control group, the rabbits in other groups were used to establish abdominal aortic endothelium exfoliative vascular stenosis model. After 4 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the animals in restenosis model group and drug treatment groups underwent percutaneous balloon dilatation in the stenosis. The angiographic stenosis was analyzed by a two-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography workstation with a digital subtraction X-ray machine. Blood samples were taken during angiography and the profiles of serum lipids and cytokines were measured. The expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the blood vessels was determined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Angiography confirmed that the rates of area stenosis and diameter stenosis were significantly decreased in treatment groups compared with restenosis model group (P<0.01). Compared with restenosis model group, the serum lipid profiles and cytokine concentrations in drug treatment groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed the expression of NF-κB in restenosis model group was significantly higher than that in blank control group and drug treatment groups (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: FTZ significantly reduces the blood lipids and inflammatory factors in abdominal aortic restenosis model, and the anti-inflammatory effect may be related to the regulation of NF-κB pathway to inhibit the production of various inflammatory factors.     

Effects of statin reloading before percutaneous coronary intervention on circulatory endothelial progenitor cells and inflammatory cytokines

AIM:To investigate the effects of atorvastatin reloading in pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) period on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) count and inflammatory cytokine expression in the stable angina pectoris patients who had previously received long-term statin treatment. METHODS:The patients with stable angina pectoris that had received long-term statin therapy and planned to accept PCI were randomized into 3 groups: 80 mg atorvastatin 12 h and 40 mg 2 h before coronary angioplasty (80 mg reloading), pre-operatively with 40 mg/d atorvastatin for 7 d (40 mg reloading), and without atorvastatin reloading (no reloading). CD45-/CD133+/CD34+, CD45-/CD34+/KDR+ and CD45-/CD144+/KDR+ EPCs in 100 μL peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry 1 h prior to PCI and 1 h, 6 h and 24 h after PCI. The serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP) and troponin I (TnI) were analyzed immediately prior to and 24 h after PCI. RESULTS: (1) In 80 mg reloading group, the numbers of circulating CD45-/CD133+/CD34+ and CD45-/CD34+/ KDR+ early differentiation stage EPCs 1 h and 6 h after coronary angioplasty was significantly elevated compared with those before PCI (P<0.05). (2) In control group, the serum concentrations of sICAM-1 and CRP 24 h after PCI were significantly elevated (P<0.05) compared with preoperative values. (3) The rise in serum TnI concentration from pre- to post-operation in 80 mg reloading group was lower than that in control group. CONCLUSION: The method of atorvastatin reload before PCI affects the number of EPCs in peri-operative period. High dose of atorvastatin application before PCI triggers early EPC circulation. The serum levels of post-operative inflammatory cytokine sICAM-1 as well as CRP are reduced by atorvastatin reloading before PCI.     

Significance of soluble CD40 ligand in the vulnerability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque

AIM: To evaluate the significance of serum soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in the vulnerability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, the relationship between the level of sCD40L and the stenosis degree of the coronary artery by the coronary angiography (CAG), and other inflammatory factors. METHODS: According to WHO diagnostic criterior of coronary heart disease (CHD) and the results of CAG, 84 cases of CHD and 20 cases of non-CHD (NCHD) were included in this study. 84 cases of CHD were divided into three groups: 30 cases in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group, 30 cases in unstable angina (UA), 24 cases in stable angina (SA). The sera levels of sCD40L in four groups were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results were expressed with μg/L. CAG were all conducted in four cases and the results were further evaluated by Jenkins score. ESR and CRP were detected at the same time. RESULTS: The sera levels of sCD40L in four groups were significantly different (P<0.01). The level of sCD40L in AMI group (8.48±4.13) μg/L was higher than that in SA group (4.36±2.68) μg/L, P<0.01 and NCHD group (4.12±1.96) μg/L, P<0.01. The level of sCD40L in UA group (8.72±4.26) μg/L was higher than that in SA group and NCHD group (P<0.01). The level of sCD40L in UA group was slightly higher than that in AMI group, but the difference of two group is not significant (P>0.05). The level of sCD40L in SA group was slightly higher than that in NCHD group, but the difference of two group is not significant (P>0.05). The sera levels of sCD40L in CHD were significantly and positively correlated with Jenkins score (r=0.524, P<0.01). The sera level of sCD40L was positively correlated with the levels of CRP and ESR. CONCLUSION: The sera levels of sCD40L in the patients with various types of CHD are significantly different. The level of sCD40L in the patients with AMI and UA are significantly higher than those in SA and NCHD groups, which may reflect the vulnerability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque. The sera levels of sCD40L is increased with the increasing number of diseased coronary branches and Jenkins score, suggesting that sCD40L promotes atherosclerosis and also can be used as a parameter to predict pathological severity of coronary atherosclerosis. The level of sCD40L is obviously correlated with the levels of CRP and ESR.     

Effects of Ca2+on the releases of ET-1, NO and PGI2 from bovine coronary artery endothelial cells during hypoxia

AIM: To explore the mechanism of ET-1, NO and PGI² release from coronary artery endothelial cells(CAEC) induced by acute hypoxia. METHODS: Bovine coronary artery endothelial cells were cultured and [⁴⁵ Ca²⁺] was used to investigate the difference of calcium uptake between normoxia group and hypoxia group(3% O₂). The contents of ET-1, NO and PGI² in media of normoxia group, hypoxia group and hypoxia + verapamil group were measured 24 h after hypoxia. RESULTS: [ ⁴⁵ Ca²⁺] uptake by CAEC in hypoxia group was 1.9 times more than normoxia group(P< 0.01). Hypoxia + verapamil group released more PGI², ET-1 and less NO than hypoxia group(P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes of ET-1, NO and PGI² releases during hypoxia may be caused by the inflow of Ca²⁺ into coronary artery endothelial cells.     

Endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor increase skeletal muscle contractility and mitochondria biosynthesis in 4-week running rats

AIM: To observe the effect of endogenous nitric oxide synthase(NOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine(ADMA) and its signaling pathways on NO levels and skeletal muscle contractility in 4-week running rats. METHODS: The 4 weeks running rat model was established. The twitch tension, tetanic tension and the fatigue test of soleus muscle induced by electrical stimulation ex vivo were detected. The ATP content, mitochondrial DNA levels and the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor(NRF) were measured to reflect the mitochondrial function and biosynthesis in the skeletal muscle. Serum ADMA concentration was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. The endogenous ADMA enzymes PRMT1 and 2 subtypes of ADMA metabolism enzyme DDAH, 3 subtypes of NOS protein expression in the skeletal muscle were determined by Western blot. NOS activity and nitric oxide(NO) content were analyzed by colorimetric method. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, the twitch tension, tetanic tension and the anti-fatigue capability of soleus muscle in running group were significantly enhanced, ATP content, mitochondrial DNA content and the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and NRF were significantly increased(P<0.01). In addition, the protein expression of constitute type NOS(cNOS) and NOS activity were significantly increased(P<0.01), but the increase in NO content was relatively smaller in soleus muscle in exercise group(P<0.05). Moreover, serum ADMA concentration in running group was increased, while the DDAH2 expression in skeletal muscle was decreased.CONCLUSION: Short-term endurance exercise enhances the twitch tension, tetanic tension and fatigue resistance of soleus muscle. The mechanism may be that increased cNOS expression feedbacks to increase ADMA concentration, thus maintaining the increase in NO synthesis at a relatively low level, and resulting in promoting skeletal muscle mitochondria biosynthesis and mitochondrial function.     

Effects of aminophylline used in the early stage of resuscitation on adenosine and vaso-active factors

AIM: To investigate the effects of aminophylline used early in resuscitation on achievement ratio of resuscitation, the concentrations of plasma norepinephrine (NE), adenosine and nitric oxide (NO), and the levels of cardiac tissue endothelin-1 (ET-1) and adenosine in rats with sudden cardiac arrest. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: operated control (group A), epinephrine treatment (group B), and epinephrine plus aminophylline treatment (group C). Each group had 20 rats. The concentrations of plasma NE, adenosine and NO, and the levels of cardiac tissue ET-1 and adenosine were examined in group A and 30 min after survived in group B and group C. RESULTS: The duration of circulation recovered in group C was less than that in group B, significantly (P＜0.05). The rate of return of spontaneous circulation and survival to 30 min was achieved in 75% and 70% in group C, while those were achieved in 60% and 55% in group B, respectively (P>0.05). The concentrations of plasma adenosine and NE, and the levels of cardiac tissue ET-1 and adenosine in group B and group C were higher than those in group A significantly (P<0.05). The concentration of NO in group B was also higher than that in group A (P<0.01). The levels of plasma NO and cardiac tissue ET-1 in group C was lower than those in group B significantly (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION: Aminophylline as adenosine receptor antagonist used early in resuscitation not only increases the achievement ratio of resuscitation, but also decreases the levels of ET-1 and NO, so improves after-resuscitation syndrome.     

Relationship between levels of plasma endothelin-1/serum nitric oxide and hearing impairment in type 2 diabetes

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between endothelin-1 (ET-1)/nitric oxide (NO) and hearing impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).METHODS: Eighty-eight type 2 diabetic patients with no signs of microangiopathy (retinopathy and nephropathy) or peripheral neuropathy, and 53 healthy subjects in the same period were enrolled in this study. Auditory function was evaluated using pure tone audiometry. Totally,type 2 DM group (n=88) and normal control group (NC, n=53) were divided into subgroups based on the presence and absence of hearing impairment. The concentration of plasma ET-1 was detected by radioimmunoassay. The concentration of serum NO was measured by the method of nitric acid reductase.RESULTS: Significantly increased plasma ET-1 and decreased serum NO were observed in diabetic patients with hearing impairment compared with those in diabetic patients without hearing impairment. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hearing impairment in type 2 DM group was significantly associated with elevated level of HbA1c (OR＝4.525, P<0.05), LDL-C (OR=2.381,P<0.05) and plasma ET-1 (OR＝6.207,P<0.01). Besides, elevated serum level of NO (OR＝0.862, P<0.05) was associated with lower risk of hearing impairment in diabetics.CONCLUSION: Hearing impairment may happen earlier than other complications in diabetic patients. In addition to hyperglycemia and hyperlipemia, high level of ET-1 and low levels of NO might contribute to hearing impairment in diabetic patients.     

Studies on the role of ET-1 and CGRP in the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis

AIM: To clarify the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and calcitonin gene related peptide(CGRP) in the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. METHOD: Plasma/synovial fluid ET-1 and CGRP were measured by radioimmunoassay in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy control. RESULTS: ET-1 level in plasma of patients with AS and RA were significantly higher than that of healthy controls (P<0.01). No difference was found in plasma CGRP level between AS or RA and healthy control (P>0.05). CGRP level in synovial fluid was significantly higher than that in plasma (P<0.01), but ET-1 level was significantly lower than in plasma (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ET-1 and CGRP play a pathogenic role in AS and RA.     

Role of fibrinogen activity in the progress of coronary artery disease

AIM:To detect the role of fibrinogen activity (Fa) in the progress of coronary artery disease (CHD).METHODS:Fa was measured with hemorheology methods in patients with CHD stable phase (n=30) and angina pectoris (n=27).RESULTS: (1) Levels of plasmatic fibrinogen and plasmatic viscosity in patients with CHD were higher than that of control group (P＜0.01,P＜0.05).(2)Fa and platelet aggregation activity (Pt max, Pt H, Pt K) in patients with CHD angina pectoris were very much higher than that of control group (P＜0.01, respectively).(3)There was a negative correlation between PT max, Pt H and Fa(r=-0.8379,P＜0.01;r=-0.8784,P＜0.01 respectively) in patients with CHD angina pectoris.CONCLUSION: Fa may play a role in the progress of CHD.     

Correlation analysis between visualization of hemorrheologic changes and platelet function in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention

AIM:To intuitionally observe the characteristics of blood rheology in the patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for 1 year to 3 years by micro-channel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN) combined with other platelet function indexes, and to explore the correlations between the test results of MC-FAN and platelet function. METHODS:This study brought 74 patients with ACS after PCI for 1 year to 3 years into test group, and 21 healthy subjects were enrolled as normal group. The levels of platelet aggregation test (PAgT), platelet adhesiveness test (PAdT), P-selectin, platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were detected. MC-FAN HR300 was used to detect the transiting time (MC-FAN TT) of the blood passing through the model body capillaries. The differences of the test results between the 2 groups were compared, and the correlations between the results of MC-FAN and platelet function in the patients with ACS after PCI were also explored. RESULTS:Compared with normal group, the MC-FAN TT in test group was prolonged (P<0.01), the ability of erythrocyte deformation was weakened, and the leukocyte attaching the vascular wall and platelet adhesion and aggregation relatively increased. The levels of PAgT, PAdT, P-selectin and PDGF-BB in test group were all higher than those in normal group (P<0.01). No difference of vWF between the 2 groups was observed. The intergroup correlation analysis showed that there were correlations between MC-FAN TT and platelet function, in which 10 μL MC-FAN TT and 30 μL MC-FAN TT had the most significant correlation with P-selectin (r=0601, P<0.01; r=0334, P<0.01), 60 μL MC-FAN TT had the most significant correlation with PAgT (r=0527, P<0.01), and 100 μL MC-FAN TT had the most significant correlation with PAdT (r=0. 815, P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The visualization of hemorrheologic changes and platelet function in the patients with ACS after PCI are abnormal.There are correlations between MC-FAN TT and platelet function.The results of MC-FAN can objectively evaluate the blood rheology of the patients, and provide the reference for clinical treatment.     

Changes of serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in elderly patients with heart failure

AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum levels of TNF-α, sTNFRI, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β₁ and cardiac function in elderly patients with heart failure.METHODS: The serum levels of TNF-α, sTNFRI, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β₁ were determined by ELISA in 112 elderly patients with heart failure and 60 elderly normal subjects.The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured by color Doppler ultrasonic instrument.RESULTS: (1) Compared with normal subjects group, the serum levels of TNF-α, sTNFRI, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β₁ in elderly patients with heart failure were significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and increased gradually with upgrade of cardiac function according to cardiac function classification of New York Heart Association (P<0.05 or P<0.01).(2) The ratio of TNFα/sTNFRI and IL-6/IL-10 in patients with heart failure were notably higher than those in control (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased gradually with upgrade of cardiac function classification (P<0.05, P<0.01).(3) In heart failure group, a significantly positive correlation was found between serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and LVEDD.A significantly negative correlation between serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and LVEF was also observed.CONCLUSION: The serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are closely related with cardiac function in elderly patients with heart failure.The balances of TNFα/sTNFRI and IL-6/IL-10 shifted towards inflammatory side.Furthermore, the changes of them reflect the varieties of cardiac function.