Endothelial progenitor cells: the new target of anti-atherosclerosis drugs / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a kind of progenitor cells with high potential of proliferation, which exist in the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood. Under certain conditions, EPCs can differentiate into mature vascular endothelial cells. Many studies have shown that EPCs could delay the onset and development of atherosclerosis by promoting the repair of the endothelium and neovascularization. EPCs have also been considered to be a biological marker for cardiovascular diseases. Recent investigations demonstrate that EPCs can mediate the effect of some anti-atherosclerosis drugs. This paper reviews the role of EPCs in atherosclerosis and the influence of drugs on EPC function. The feasibility and the problem of using EPCs as a treatment strategy are also discussed.

Intensifying the Teaching Reform of Pharmacology / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Under the endeavor of several generations,department of pharmacology,school of pharmaceutical sciences,Central South University,now has become the national key discipline.It is in possession of the right to confer master and doctor degree and is a mobile postdoctoral station.In 2004,department of pharmacology gained the national exquisite course.In recent years,taking the chance of welcoming the teaching evaluation of the ministry of education,a series of teaching reform and investigation has been carried out which can both improve the standards of teaching and accelerate the stable progression of the discipline.

Platelet-derived nitric oxide and cardiovscular diseases / 中国药理学通报

Nitric oxide is an important signalling and effector molecule which plays an indispensable role in modulating the function of platelets.Recent research revealed that a L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway presented in human platelets and nitric oxide derived from this pathway was called platelet-derived nitric oxide.The impaired synthesis and release of platelet-derived nitric oxide is closely related to the onset and development of some cardiovascular diseases,such as hypertension,atherosclerosis and diabetes.Recent progress in the relationship between platelet-derived nitric oxide and some cardiovascular diseases is reviewed in this article.Thorough research in PDNO not only has great clinical significance but also contributes to finding new ideas and new target for drug therapy.