Effect of folic acid supplementation on the change of plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine level in Chinese hypertensive patients: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

The relationship between folic acid and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is controversial. This study aims to explore the effect of different doses of folic acid supplementation on SAH levels in hypertensive patients and the modification of methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism. A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted. Hypertensive patients aged 45-75 years without a history of stroke and cardiovascular disease were selected, who were randomly assigned to one of 8 dose groups. This trial has been registered with Trial Number: ChiCTR1800016135. In the total population, folic acid supplementation of 0.4-2.0 mg/day had no effect on SAH level (ß = 0.47, 95% CI: -0.86-1.79, p = 0.491), while folic acid supplementation of 2.4 mg/day significantly increased SAH level (ß = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.22-3.64, p = 0.027). Stratified analysis found that MTHFR C677T genotype CC supplemented with 2.4 mg/day folic acid had no effect on SAH level (ß = 0.30, 95% CI: -2.74-3.34, p = 0.847), while CT and TT genotype supplemented with 2.4 mg/day folic acid showed a significant increase in SAH level (CT: ß = 2.98, 95% CI: 0.34-5.62, p = 0.027; TT: ß = 3.00, 95% CI: -0.51-6.51, p = 0.095; CT combined with TT: ß = 2.99, 95% CI: 0.90-5.09, p = 0.005). In conclusion, supplementation of 2.4 mg/day folic acid can lead to increased SAH levels, especially in MTHFR C677T genotype CT and TT.

[Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure].

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients with heart failure. METHODS: From September 2015 to March 2016, 301 patients who were admitted to the cardiac ward of a tertiary hospital for heart failure were consecutively enrolled in this study. They were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADs). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Of the 301 participants, 124 (41.2%) were identified with anxiety and 177 (58.8%) with depression; 98 (32.6%) had both anxiety and depression. Higher prevalence of anxiety was found in female patients and those who resided in rural areas, had poor family support, had a class IV New York heart association (NYHA), and were admitted repeatedly (3 or more) for heart failure over the past year. Higher prevalence of depression was found in the patients with poor family support and those who had primary or lower education, had a class IV NYHA, and were in normal or under-weight range. The severity of the two conditions was positively correlated ( r=0.617, P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression models identified female (OR=2.045), class IV NYHA (OR=1.955), 3 or more repeated admissions for heart failure (OR=2.288) as predictors for anxiety and/or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression is prevalent in hospitalized patients with heart failure. Increased attention needs to be paid to the psychological health of those patients in high risk.

[Inhibitory effect of lentiviral-mediated RNA on the expression of Foxp3 protein in melanoma cells].

AIM: To explore the feasibility of RNA interference in the treatment of melanoma by inhibiting the Foxp3 gene expression in mouse B16 melanoma cells using RNA interference (RNAi) in vitro. METHODS: Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was designed according to Foxp3 gene. A short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus expression vector was constructed and transfected into mouse B16 cells, and RNA interference was induced in vitro. Western blot and real-time RT-PCR were performed to detect the expression of Foxp3 gene. ELISA was applied to detect the changes of TGF-ß(1);, TGF-ß(2);, IL-10 and other cytokines. The B16 cells after interference were co-cultured with CD4(+);CD25(-);T lymphocytes. CCK8 assay was used to monitor the proliferation of CD4(+);CD25(-);T lymphocytes. RESULTS: shRNA could suppress the expression level of Foxp3, down-regulate the inhibitory ability of tumor cells on the proliferation of CD4(+);CD25(-);T lymphocytes, and reduce the secretion of TGF-ß(1);, TGF-ß(2);, IL-10 and other cytokines, in particular the expression of TGF-ß(2);. CONCLUSION: RNA interference can inhibit the expression of target gene Foxp3 in mice melanoma cells and the proliferation of tumor cells. It can also reduce the inhibition on the proliferation of CD4(+);CD25(-);T lymphocytes, and the secretion of inhibitory cytokines.

[Advances in studies on active components and monomes of the traditional Chinese medicine targeted platelet].

These active components and monomes inhibit thrombosis aimed directly at activation, adhesiveness and aggregation of platelet, thus preventing and curing ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Here we summarized the effect of active components and monomes of the traditional Chinese medicine targeted platelet on ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, to provide references for drug investigation and clinical application.