A positive association between the human tissue kallikerin gene A2233C polymorphism and blood pressure response to benazepril.

BACKGROUND: It is generally believed that essential hypertension is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, as well as their interactions. Tissue kallikrein encoded by the tissue kallikrein gene (KLK1) is a key serine proteinase of kallikrein-kinin system, which is capable of generating potent vasactive peptides, kinins, by selective cleavage of the kininogen substrate. It was reported that the A2233 → C polymorphism in KLK1 gene is associated with essential hypertension. The aim of this study was to examine whether the molecular variations of KLK1 play role in determining the therapeutic response to benazepril, an ACE inhibitor. METHODS: A total of 331 hypertensive individuals were recruited and treated with benazepril for 15 days. A variant impact of KLK1 A2233C was revealed. Chi-square analysis showed that the hypertensive subjects with the mutation genotype (AC + CC) had a higher proportion in systolic blood pressure (SBP, 88.1% vs. 79.0%, χ2 = 4.141, p = 0.042) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, 91.1% vs. 79.2%, χ2 = 9.336, p = 0.002), respectively, to benazepril medication in good responders than in poor responders. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the hypertensive subjects with AC + CC genotype were more sensitive to the benazepril therapy in SBP (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.02-3.80, p = 0.044) and DBP (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 2.69-5.16, p = 0.003), as compared with those hypertensive subjects with AA genotype. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the A2233C polymorphism of KLK1 may be a marker of evaluation of hypertensive subjects' responses to angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors benazepril.

Comparison the effects of pressurized salt ice packs with water ice packs on patients following total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of pressurized salt ice packs (PIP) with water ice packs (WIP) which are used to relieve pain and decrease swelling on patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Sixty-nine patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomly divided into two groups (PIP group and WIP group). We used a visual analog scale (VAS) to score knee pain and the score was recorded. The knee bilateral girth, the slipping times of the ice pack, and the times of wound dressing or bed moist were recorded during cryotherapy. The scores of pain between the two groups were significant difference in 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after TKA (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found for the girth measurements of the operative knee on the two levels in 12 h, 24 h and 72 h, respectively. However, there was statistically difference for girth measurements between the two groups in 48 h after TKA (P < 0.05). PIP is a cheap, safe and simple method, which is more effective than WIP on reducing pain and swelling degree of patients. Thus, PIP is recommended in clinical nursing work.