ABSTRACT
Objective: Considerable research shows that long non-coding RNAs, those longer than 200 nucleotides, are involved in several human diseases such as various cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Their significant role in regulating the function of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, vascular inflammation, and metabolism indicates the possible effects of lncRNAs on the progression of atherosclerosis which is the most common underlying pathological process responsible for coronary artery disease [CAD]. The aim of present study was to assess whether the expression of the lnc RNA H19 was associated with a susceptibility to CAD by evaluating the expression level of H19 in the peripheral blood
Materials and Methods: A case-control study of 50 CAD patients and 50 age and sex-matched healthy controls was undertaken to investigate whether the H19 lncRNA expression level is associated with a CAD using Taqman Real-Time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]
Results: The subsequent result indicated that the H19 lncRNA was over-expressed in CAD patients in comparison with the controls. However, it was not statistically significant. This overexpression may be involved in coronary artery disease progression
Conclusion: We report here, the up-regulation of H19 lncRNA in the whole blood of CAD patients and suggest a possible role for H19 in the atherosclerosis process and its consideration as novel biomarker for CAD
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Laser pointers are devices that produce a weak laser beam of 630-680 nmwavelength and 1-5 mW power [Class II or III A laser]. These devices generally emit a red beam that is used by lecturers and teachers for presentations. Some children use pointers as toys and sometimes direct the beam to their own or others' eyes
Material and Methods: Following irradiation by a laser pointer beam for 8 seconds the eyes of Chinchilla rabbits were examined by opthalmoscope, and fluorescein angiography was performed 5, 10 and 15 min after the exposure. The rabbits were killed immediately or 24h after exposure, the eyes were enucleated, and the histological features of sections from fundus, retina and choroid were observed by transmission electron microscopy
Results: A fluorescein block was found in the irradiated area immediately after irradiation and it increased in size with increasing time after exposure. The ultrastructural study showed acute oedema shortly after exposure, and thick collagenic bundles after 24h
Conclusion: Laser pointers with labelled power of less than 1mW are capable of producing visible and ultrastructual lesions in pigmented rabbit eyes