Early onset of endothelial cell proliferation in coronary thrombi of patients with an acute myocardial infarction: implications for plaque healing.

AIMS: Coronary thrombotic occlusion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients is often preceded by episodes of progressive growth of the thrombus mass. Similar to wound healing, the organization of thrombus could depend on ingrowth of microvessels in order to stabilize its structure. We investigated the patterns of neovascularization in different stages of coronary thrombus evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thrombectomy materials obtained from STEMI patients were histologically classified according to thrombus age in three groups: fresh (< 1 day), lytic (1-5 days) or organized (> 5 days) thrombi. Forty thrombi of each group were randomly collected. Neovascularization in the thrombi was evaluated histomorphologically and with immunodouble stains to visualize various differentiation antigens of endothelial cells (ECs) and primitive cells. RESULTS: Morphologically, ECs in the coronary thrombi manifested as: single cells, cell clusters or microvessels. CD31+/CD34+ ECs were present in 98% of all the thrombi. In addition, endothelial clusters were found in 63% of the fresh thrombi (< 1 day). CD105+, Ki67+, or C-kit+ ECs (active, proliferating cells) were observed in all the stages, but significantly more in organized thrombi (> 5 days) compared with fresh and lytic ones (< 5 days), and mainly as cell clusters (P ≤ 0.05 for all). CD133+ primitive cells were found only sporadically in 11% of all the samples. CONCLUSION: EC proliferation is initiated very early, and gradually progresses during the organization process of thrombus after coronary plaque disruption, with only a limited contribution of primitive cells in this process.

[Preparing a drug list for primary care]. / Prescription en médecine de premier recours: l'intérêt d'une liste de médicaments.

To limit drug adverse effects, the use of a limited choice of drugs is desirable. We identified 29 frequent health problems and selected first and second choice medication based on the following criteria: clinical efficacy based on medical evidence or expert consensus, safety profile, and costs. For each substance, adverse effect, contraindication, interaction risk, specific dosing, and safety use during pregnancy and lactation were reviewed. More than seventy substances were identified. This list is available for download at the following address (in French): http://www.hcuge.