Role of brown adipose tissue in phlegm-dampness metabolic syndrome based on infrared thermal imaging / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the infrared manifestation and role of brown adipose tissue(BAT) in phlegm-dampness me-tabolic syndrome(MS), and to provide objective basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of phlegm-dampness MS. Subjects were selected from the department of endocrinology and ward in the South District of Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from August 2021 to April 2022, including 20 in healthy control group, 40 in non phlegm-dampness MS group and 40 in phlegm-dampness MS group. General information, height and weight of the subjects were collected and body mass index(BMI) was calculated. Waist circumference(WC), systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP) was measured. Triglyceride(TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), leptin(LP), adiponectin(ADP) and fibroblast growth factor-21(FGF-21) were detected. The infrared thermal image of the supraclavicular region(SCR) of the subjects before and after cold stimulation test was collected by infrared thermal imager and the changes of infrared thermal image in the three groups were observed. In addition, the differences in the average body surface temperature of SCR among the three groups were compared, and the changes of BAT in SCR were analyzed. The results showed compared with the conditions in healthy control group, the levels of WC, SBP, DBP, TG and FPG in MS groups were increased(P<0.01), and the HDL-C level was decreased(P<0.01). Compared with non phlegm-dampness MS group, phlegm-dampness MS group had higher conversion score of phlegm dampness physique(P<0.01). According to the infrared heat map, there was no difference in the average body surface temperature of SCR among the three groups before cold stimulation. while after cold stimulation, the average body surface temperature of SCR in MS groups was lower than that in healthy control group(P<0.05). After cold stimulation, the maximum temperature of SCR and its arrival time in the three groups were as follows: healthy control group(3 min)>non phlegm-dampness MS group(4 min)>phlegm-dampness MS group(5 min). The thermal deviation of SCR was increased and the average body surface temperature of left and right sides were higher(P<0.01) in healthy control group and non phlegm-dampness MS group, while the thermal deviation of SCR did not change significantly in the phlegm-dampness MS group. Compared with that in healthy control group, the elevated temperature between left and right sides was lower(P<0.01, P<0.05), and compared with that in non phlegm-dampness MS group, the elevated temperature of left side was lower(P<0.05). The changes of the average body surface temperature of SCR in the three groups were in the order of healthy control group>non phlegm-dampness MS group>phlegm-dampness MS group. Compared with the conditions in healthy control group and non phlegm-dampness MS group, FINS, BMI and FGF-21 levels were increased(P<0.01,P<0.05), while ADP level was decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05) in phlegm-dampness MS group. Moreover, the LP level in phlegm-dampness MS group was higher than that in non phlegm-dampness MS group(P<0.01). It was observed in clinical trials that after cold stimulation, the average body surface temperature of SCR in MS patients was lower than that of the healthy people; the thermal deviation of SCR did not change significantly in the phlegm-dampness MS patients, and the difference in their elevated temperature was lower than that in the other two groups. These characteristics provided objective basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of phlegm-dampness MS. With abnormal BAT related indicators, it was inferred that the content or activity of BAT in SCR of phlegm-dampness MS patients were reduced. There was a high correlation between BAT and phlegm-dampness MS, and thus BAT might become an important potential target for the intervention in phlegm-dampness MS.

Association between the Controlling Nutritional Status score and long-term outcome in patients with acute heart failure / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and its association with the long-term prognosis in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Methods: This prospective monocentric study consecutively enrolled patients admitted to our hospital for AHF from April 2012 to May 2016. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the CONUT score at admission: normal (0-1), mild malnutrition (2-4) and moderate-severe malnutrition (5-12) groups. Baseline information was obtained and recorded within 24 hours after admission. All patients were followed up every 3 months by outpatient visit or telephone call until March 2019. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used to compare all-cause mortality between groups. Variables showing statistical significance in the univariate analysis were incorporated into multivariate Cox regression model to analyze the independent risk factors for all-cause mortality after discharge. Results: A total of 396 patients were enrolled in this study, including 114 patients with normal nutritional status, 200 patients with mild malnutrition and 82 patients with moderate-severe malnutrition. One hundred and fifty-eight patients died during a median follow-up of 34 (18, 46) months. The mortality was 32.4% (37/114), 39% (78/200) and 52.4% (43/82) in normal, mild malnutrition and moderate-severe malnutrition groups, respectively. The mortality was significantly higher in the moderate-severe malnutrition group than in normal nutrition group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in mortality between normal and mild malnutrition group as well as between mild and moderate-severe malnutrition group (both P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that patients with high CONUT score group was at higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with those with low CONUT score (P=0.002). Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that the risk of all-cause mortality of moderate-severe malnutrition group was significantly higher than that of normal nutrition group (HR =1.648, 95%CI 1.021-2.660, P=0.041). Conclusions: The CONUT score of patients with AHF at admission is associated with the long-term prognosis. High CONUT score is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in AHF patients after discharge.

Growth differentiation factor-15 combined with N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide increase 1-year prognosis prediction value for patients with acute heart failure: a prospective cohort study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Clinical assessment and treatment guidance for heart failure depends on a variety of biomarkers. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic predictive value of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in assessing hospitalized patients with acute heart failure (AHF).@*Methods@#In total, 260 patients who were admitted for AHF in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled from April 2012 to May 2016. Medical history and blood samples were collected within 24 h after the admission. The primary endpoint was the all-cause mortality within 1 year. The patients were divided into survival group and death group based on the endpoint. With established mortality risk factors and serum GDF-15 level, receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Cox regression analyses were used to further analyze the combination values of NT-proBNP and GDF-15.@*Results@#Baseline GDF-15 and NT-proBNP were significantly higher amongst deceased than those in survivors (P < 0.001). In ROC analyses, area under curve (AUC) for GDF-15 to predict 1-year mortality was 0.707 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.648–0.762, P < 0.001), and for NT-proBNP was 0.682 (95% CI: 0.622–0.738, P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two markers (P = 0.650). Based on the optimal cut-offs (GDF-15: 4526.0 ng/L; NT-proBNP: 1978.0 ng/L), the combination of GDF-15 and NT-proBNP increased AUC for 1-year mortality prediction (AUC = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.685–0.795, P < 0.001).@*Conclusions@#GDF-15, as a prognostic marker in patients with AHF, is not inferior to NT-proBNP. Combining the two markers could provide an early recognition of high-risk patients and improve the prediction values of AHF long-term prognosis.@*Clinical trial registration@#ChiCTR-ONC-12001944, http://www.chictr.org.cn.

Growth differentiation factor-15 combined with N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide increase 1-year prognosis prediction value for patients with acute heart failure: a prospective cohort study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Clinical assessment and treatment guidance for heart failure depends on a variety of biomarkers. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic predictive value of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in assessing hospitalized patients with acute heart failure (AHF).@*METHODS@#In total, 260 patients who were admitted for AHF in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled from April 2012 to May 2016. Medical history and blood samples were collected within 24 h after the admission. The primary endpoint was the all-cause mortality within 1 year. The patients were divided into survival group and death group based on the endpoint. With established mortality risk factors and serum GDF-15 level, receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Cox regression analyses were used to further analyze the combination values of NT-proBNP and GDF-15.@*RESULTS@#Baseline GDF-15 and NT-proBNP were significantly higher amongst deceased than those in survivors (P < 0.001). In ROC analyses, area under curve (AUC) for GDF-15 to predict 1-year mortality was 0.707 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.648-0.762, P < 0.001), and for NT-proBNP was 0.682 (95% CI: 0.622-0.738, P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two markers (P = 0.650). Based on the optimal cut-offs (GDF-15: 4526.0 ng/L; NT-proBNP: 1978.0 ng/L), the combination of GDF-15 and NT-proBNP increased AUC for 1-year mortality prediction (AUC = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.685-0.795, P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#GDF-15, as a prognostic marker in patients with AHF, is not inferior to NT-proBNP. Combining the two markers could provide an early recognition of high-risk patients and improve the prediction values of AHF long-term prognosis.@*CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION@#ChiCTR-ONC-12001944, http://www.chictr.org.cn.

Infection Status of Human Papilloma Virus,Ureaplasma Urealyticum, Chlamydia Trachomatis,and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To analyze the infection status of human papilloma virus (HPV),Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU),Chlamydia trachomatis (CT),and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in clinical patients.Methods The laboratory specimens including urine,urethral swabs,and cervical swabs from 870 patients from January 1st 2014 to December 31st 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. HPV-DNA was detected by multiplex fluorescent PCR,and the UU-RNA,CT-RNA,and NG-RNA were determined by isothermal nucleic acid amplification. The positive rate of each pathogen and the distribution of positive rate between male and female patients were calculated. The samples were further divided into HPV-positive group and HPV-negative group,and the positive rates of UU-RNA,CT-RNA,and NG-RNA in these two groups were compared.Results The highest positive rate was 53.68%(467/870) for UU-RNA,followed by HPV-DNA [32.41%(282/870) ]and NG-RNA [2.18%(19/870)]. The total positive rate of high-risk (HR)-HPV(subtypes:16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,58,59,and 68) [31.52%(209/663)]and UU in female patients [60.93%(404/663)] was significantly higher than that in male patients [17.39%(36/207),30.34%(63/207)](both P<0.001). The male patients had significantly higher CT positive rate in HR-HPV-positive group than in HR-HPV-negative group [22.58%(7/31) vs. 4.54%(8/176)](P<0.001). The female patients had significantly higher CT positive rate in HR-HPV-positive group than in HR-HPV-negative group [10.5%(21/200) vs. 5.61%(26/463)](P=0.024). The UU-RNA positive rate of females in the low-risk (LR)-HPV (subtypes:6 and 11) positive group was significantly higher than that in LR-HPV negative group [70.83%(34/48) vs.2.11%(13/615)](P<0.001).Conclusions Women are more susceptible to HR-HPV and UU infections. HR-HPV-positive patients are more likely to experience CT infection. In contrast,co-infection with UU is more common in LR-HPV-positive females.

Clinical observation of femtosecond laser capsulorhexis with toric intraocular lens implantation / 眼科新进展

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery with Toric IOL implantation on correcting astigmatism and IOL rotating stability.Methods A prospective,nonrandomized,controlled study was conducted in 68 patients (82 eyes) diagnosed as age-related cataract with more than 1.0 diopter (D) regular astigmatism,including 41 eyes undergoing Toric IOL implantation with femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery,and the other eyes receiving Toric IOL with phacoemulsification.And observation was performed for the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) before operation and 6 months after operation,preoperative corneal astigmatism,anticipated and postoperative residual astigmatism 6 months after operation.Then,comparison was performed for the degree of Toric lens axis rotation,as well as the horizontal and vertical movement of the IOL and the degree of vertical deflection in the capsule at 1,3,and 6 months after operation.Results In the observation group,preoperative UCVA (logMAR),preoperative corneal astigmatism,postoperative BCVA and the residual astigmatism at 6 months after operation was 1.03 ± 0.32,(2.09 ± 0.73) D,0.13 ± 0.11 and (0.33 ± 0.27) D,respectively,while the corresponding data in the control group was 0.92 ± 0.40,(1.69 ± 0.64) D,0.13 ± 0.09,(0.26 ± 0.22) D;the postoperative visual acuity in both groups was significantly improved,and residual astigmatism was significantly decreased at 6 months after operation (all P ＜ 0.001).There was no significant difference in Toric lens axis after femtosecond laser assisted surgery and phacoemulsification at 1 month,3 months,6 months after operation (all P ＞ 0.05),but the differences in the IOL movement in horizontal and vertical direction were statistically significant at the different time-points (all P ＜ 0.05),and there was significant differences in the degree of vertical deflection (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Both femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery and phacoemulsification combined with Toric IOL can achieve a better stability and predictability.

Efficacy observation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to lung and kidney deficiency treated with acupoint-catgut-embedding therapy combined western medication / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint-catgut-embedding therapy combined conventional western medication on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at stable stage due to lung and kidney deficiency.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cases were randomized into observation group and control group, 30 cases in each one. In control group, the conventional western medication was administered. In observation group, on the basis of conventional western medication, the catgut-embedding therapy was applied at Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Feishu (BL 13), Shenshu (BL 23), Fenglong (ST 40) and Zusanli (ST 36). The total attack frequency of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), the attack frequency of AECOPD at moderate or above moderate stage and TCM syndrome score were compared before treatment and 6 months after treatment in two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in observation group and was 90.0% (27/30) in control group, indicating equivalent efficacy between two groups. 6 months after treatment, in two groups, the total attack frequency of AECOPD and the attack frequency of AECOPD at moderate or above moderate stage were reduced remarkably as compared with those before treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The total attack frequency of AECOPD in observation group was reduced remarkably as compared with that in control group (P < 0.05). The scores of cough, expectoration and chest oppression as well as the total score of TCM syndrome were reduced remarkably after treatment in observation group (all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Integrated therapy of acupoint-catgut-embedding and conventional medication has similar efficacy as simple medication. But, the combination of acupoint-catgut-embedding therapy and western medication can reduce the attack frequency of AECOPD and improve in cough, chest oppression and other symptoms in patients with COPD at stable stage effectively.</p>

Design, synthesis, and PPARalpha/gamma agonistic activity of novel tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives / 药学学报

A series of tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives were prepared and their peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha/gamma agonistic activities were evaluated to obtain more potent PPAR agonist. All of them were new compounds, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HR-MS. Three compounds exhibited higher agonistic activities of PPARgamma than that of the comparison, six compounds exhibited higher agonistic activities of PPARalpha than that of the comparison, and compound 8a was discovered as a highly potent PPARalpha/gamma agonist that is much more active than that of WY14643 and rosiglitazone. The development of potent PPAR agonists may offer a new choice for the treatment of diabetes.

Increased stromal-cell-derived factor 1 enhances the homing of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in dilated cardiomyopathy in rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Stem cell transplantation has been shown to have beneficial effects on dilated cardiomyopathy. However, mechanism for stem cell homing to cardiac tissue in dilated cardiomyopathy has not yet been elucidated.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from rat bone marrow, expanded in vitro, and labeled with (99m)Tc. Cardiomyopathy model was induced by doxorubicin in rats. (99m)Tc labeled cells were infused into the left ventricles in cardiomyopathy and control rats. Sixteen hours after injection, animals were sacrificed and different tissues were harvested to measure specific radioactivity. By use of real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, mRNA and protein expressions for stromal-cell-derived factor 1 in cardiac tissue were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Labeling efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells was (70.0 ± 11.2)%. Sixteen hours after mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, the heart-to-muscle radioactivity ratio was increased significantly in cardiomyopathy hearts as compared to control hearts. Both mRNA and protein expressions of stromal-cell-derived factor 1 were up-regulated in cardiomyopathy hearts as compared with control hearts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In dilated cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin up-regulated expression of stromal-cell-derived factor 1 in heart may induce mesenchymal stem cells home to the heart.</p>

The accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging using quantitative analysis for patients with coronary artery disease: a Chinese hospital experience / 中华核医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of automated quantification of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using a method based on a Western normal database for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a group of Chinese patients. Methods Seventy-two Chinese patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and MPI within 3 months were recruited into this study. Eighty selected from 140 Chinese patients with low probability of CAD ( ＜ 5% ) were enrolled into local normal database of 99Tcm-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) MPI using Cedars quantitative perfusion SPECT (QPS) database. Two Western MPI normal databases (CSMC MibiMbiAuto and Mibimibi) were used for processing the Chinese CAD patients recruited in this study, and the results were compared with those using local normal database and visual interpretation. T-test and z-test were used for statistical analysis. Results The extent (EXT)measurement obtained from Mibimibi and local database was ( 10.73 ± 14.54)% and ( 14.22 ± 16.51 )%,respectively ( t = 7.87, P ＜ 0.001 ); the severity (SEV) was 1.07 ± 0.93 and 1.34 ± 1.20, respectively ( t =7.45, P＜0.001). The area under curve(AUC) by using EXT measurement for local database (0.85 ±0.05) was larger than that for CSMC MibiMbiAuto ( AUC = 0.72 ± 0.06, z = 2.50, P ＜ 0.01 ) and Mibimibi ( AUC = 0.77 ± 0.06, z = 2.47, P = 0.014). The AUC of local database showed no significant difference from that of visual interpretation (AUC=0.83 ±0.05, z=0.05, P＞0.05). Conclusion Quantification of MPI of our Chinese patients using Western normal database would decrease the accuracy for the detection of CAD.

Effect of different image reconstruction algorithms on phase analysis of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT studies / 中华核医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of various iterative reconstruction methods on phase analysis of gated myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Methods Thirty consecutive patients scanned by the Philips CardioMD system were recruited into this study. The gated SPECT (GSPECT) data were reconstructed with filtered backprojection (FBP),maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM),three-di-mensional (3D) resolution recovery MLEM (AST),attenuation corrected (AC) MLEM,AC and 3D Monte Carlo scatter corrected (ACSC) MLEM methods. Parameters of left ventricular ( LV ) dyssynchrony ( phase standard deviation and histogram bandwidth) were measured using the software SyncTool. Paired t-test was used to compare the differences of the LV dyssynchrony indices between FBP and MLEM,AC MLEM,ACSC MLEM,AST respectively. Results The phase standard deviations of stress GSPECT MPI for FBP,MLEM,AC MLEM,ACSC MLEM,and AST were 11.6°,10.9°,11.2°,11.6°,11.4° respectively;while the histogram bandwidths were 35.7°,34.3°,35.1°,36.9°,35. 1 ° respectively. The phase standard deviations of rest GSPECT MPI for FBP,MLEM,AC MLEM,ACSC MLEM and AST were 15.2°,14. 5°,15.4° ,15. 4°,14.8° respectively; while the histogram bandwidths were 47.3°,46.4°,46.4° ,47.9°,46.1 ° respectively. No statistical significance was observed between the FBP and various iterative reconstruction methods for both the stress and rest GSPECT MPI study (t:-1. 179 to 1.554,P＞0.05 forall). Conclusion The standard FBP reconstruction method is accurate enough for the measurement of LV dyssynchrony indices using the widely used clinical software SyncTool.

Relationship between serum resistin level and large arterial elasticity in patients with essential hypertension / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between serum resistin concentration and large arterial elasticity in patients with essential hypertension (EH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>271 recruited subjects were divided into the control group (n = 134) and EH group (n = 137). Blood pressure, waist circumference, hip, body mass index (BMI) were measured. Serum resistin concentration was assessed by enzyme immunoassay, fasting serum insulin and TNF-alpha were measured using radioimmunity kits. Insulin resistance was evaluated by insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was tested by the full-automatic arteriosclerosis diagnostic instrument.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The serum resistin concentration, baPWV and TNF-alpha were significantly increased in EH group compared to the control group [(0.65 +/- 0.12) ng/ml vs (0.59 +/- 0.13) ng/ml; (1513.24 +/- 182.30) cm/s vs (1301.69 +/- 151.15) cm/s; (5.69 +/- 1.98) ng/ml vs (3.83 +/- 2.38) ng/ml; all P < 0.01]. (2) Pearson correlation analysis showed that resistin was positively correlated with baPWV, TNF-alpha. and HOMA-IR in EH group (r = 0.219, r = 0.212, r = 0.183, P < 0.05 respectively); partial correlation analysis revealed that resistin was positively correlated with baPWV and TNF-alpha (r = 0.238, P < 0.01; r = 0.207, P < 0.05), but not with HOMA-IR. (3) Multivariate regression analysis showed that SBP, age, TNF-alpha, resistin were risk factors of impaired baPWV in EH group (R(2) = 0.368, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Large arterial elasticity was decreased in proportion to increasing serum resistin level in hypertensive patients.</p>

Relationship between serum resistin level and large arterial elasticity in patients with essential hypertension / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between serum resistin concentration and large arterial elasticity in patients with essential hypertension (EH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>271 recruited subjects were divided into the control group (n = 134) and EH group (n = 137). Blood pressure, waist circumference, hip, body mass index (BMI) were measured. Serum resistin concentration was assessed by enzyme immunoassay, fasting serum insulin and TNF-alpha were measured using radioimmunity kits. Insulin resistance was evaluated by insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was tested by the full-automatic arteriosclerosis diagnostic instrument.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The serum resistin concentration, baPWV and TNF-alpha were significantly increased in EH group compared to the control group [(0.65 +/- 0.12) microg/L vs (0.59 +/- 0.13) microg/L; (1513.24 +/- 182.30) cm/s vs (1301.69 +/- 151.15) cm/s; (5.69 +/- 1.98) microg/L vs (3.83 +/- 2.38) microg/L; all P < 0.01]. (2) Pearson correlation analysis showed that resistin was positively correlated with baPWV, TNF-alpha. and HOMA-IR in EH group (r = 0.219, r = 0.212, r = 0.183, P < 0.05 respectively); partial correlation analysis revealed that resistin was positively correlated with baPWV and TNF-alpha (r = 0.238, P < 0.01; r = 0.207, P < 0.05), but not with HOMA-IR. (3) Multivariate regression analysis showed that SBP, age, TNF-alpha, resistin were risk factors of impaired baPWV in EH group (R(2) = 0.368, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Large arterial elasticity was decreased in proportion to increasing serum resistin level in hypertensive patients.</p>

Decreased small arterial compliance with increased serum vascular endothelial growth factor-A and circulating endothelial progenitor cell in dilated cardiomyopathy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Evidence showed that both myocardium and blood vessels were damaged in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the changes in arterial compliance, serum cytokines and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), and their correlations remain unknown.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-five DCM patients and 49 healthy volunteers were studied. Both large artery compliance (C(1)) and small artery compliance (C(2)) were measured with the CVProfilor DO-2020. Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGF-R(2)). Circulating EPC was assessed by EPC colony-forming assays and flow cytometry (CD133(+)/CD34(+) cells). Phagocytized DiI-acLDL and binded FITC-UEA-I were used to analyze endothelial lineage marker expression by immunofluorescence.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Although C(2) was markedly lower in DCM patients than in control group ((3.8+/-1.8) ml/mmHg x 100 vs (5.0+/-2.2) ml/mmHg x 100, P<0.0001), there was no statistically significant difference in C(1) between the two groups (P>0.05). Levels of VEGF-A, the numbers of colony-forming units (CFU) and the fractions of EPC were obviously higher in DCM patients than in control group ((127.6+/-139.5) pg/ml vs (58.8+/-42.9) pg/ml, P<0.0001; (2.5+/-1.5)% vs (0.5+/-0.3)%, P < 0.05; 23.5+/-12.8 vs 10.8+/-7.4, P<0.01, respectively) and however, there was no significant difference in VEGF-R(2) between two groups (P>0.05). LgVEGF-A was positively correlated with the number of EPC-CFU (r=0.435; P<0.05) and inversely correlated with C(2) (r= -0.543; P<0.001) in DCM patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The reduction of C(2), a sensitive marker reflecting endothelial dysfunction, was observed in DCM patients and closely related to the increase in serum VEGF-A.</p>

Association between serum adiponectin and mean blood pressure / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between serum adiponectin and mean blood pressure (BP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 187 subjects were divided into four groups according to BP levels: optimal blood pressure group (n = 38), high normal blood pressure group (n = 50), treated hypertension group (n = 54) and untreated hypertension group (n = 45). Serum adiponectin and microalbuminuria were detected by radioimmunology assay. Insulin resistant index defined as HOMA-IR and urinary concentration of microalbuminuria/urinary concentration of creatinine defined as albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Serum adiponectin decreased in proportion to BP increase and the serum adiponectin level was significantly higher in treated hypertension group than untreated hypertension group. (2) Correlation analysis showed that adiponectin concentration was negatively correlated with mean blood pressure (P < 0.01). (3) Multivariate regression analysis revealed that mean blood pressure and HOMA-IR were independent predictors of serum adiponectin level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mean blood pressure was the main determinant of serum adiponectin level and negatively correlated to serum adiponectin level.</p>

Microalbuminuria associated with systolic blood pressure and arterial compliance in Chinese metabolic syndrome patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>There is significant evidence showing that microalbuminuria and arterial compliance are sensitive markers for early cardiovascular diseases. However, whether microalbuminuria is associated with reduced arterial compliance in Chinese metabolic syndrome (MS) patients remains unknown.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the definition of MS proposed by ATPIII in 2001, USA, subjects (n = 362) were divided into three groups according to the number of risk factors: group 1 (control), group 2 (medium, < 3 risk factors) and group 3 (MS, = 3 risk factors). Both large artery compliance (C1) and small artery compliance (C2) were measured with the CVProfilor DO-2020 Cardiovascular Profiling System, and microalbuminuria was evaluated with the ratio of albumin to urine creatinine.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) As C1 and C2 levels elasticity decreased, albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) and the prevalence of microalbuminuria increased within those groups with MS risk factors. C1 and C2 were negatively correlated with the ranking of MS risk factors, ACR was positively correlated with the ranking of MS risk factors (all P < 0.05). (2) Subjects were also categorized into a microalbuminuria group and a normal group, C1 and C2 in the microalbuminuria group were lower than in the normal group. (3) Multivariate regression analysis showed that increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and reduced arterial compliance were the main risk factors for microalbuminuria in the MS group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The risk of developing microalbuminuria was higher in the subjects with multiple metabolic abnormalities. Increased systolic blood pressure and reduced arterial compliance may be the main predictors for microalbuminuria in MS.</p>