CT Characteristics and Clinical Findings of Bronchopneumonia Caused by Pepper Aspiration.

Purpose: To explore the computed tomography (CT) features of bronchopneumonia caused by pepper aspiration to improve the diagnosis. Materials and Methods: 28 adult patients diagnosed with obstructive pneumonia caused by pepper aspiration from January 2016 to September 2022 were enrolled. The CT characteristics of bronchial changes and pulmonary lesions caused by pepper were analyzed and summarized. Results: Among 28 patients, the most common symptom was cough (26, 92.9%), followed by expectoration (23, 82.1%). Bronchoscopy revealed that peppers were mainly found in the bronchus of the right lower lobe (n = 18, 64.3%), followed by the bronchus of the left lower lobe (n = 5, 17.9%). In combination with bronchoscopy results, the pepper in the bronchus manifested as circular or V/U-shaped high-density, localized soft tissue, and flocculent opacification in 8 (28.6%), 16 (57.1%), and 3 (10.7%) cases on CT images, respectively. The bronchial wall around the pepper was thickened with localized occlusion (n = 19, 67.9%) and stenosis (n = 9, 32.1%). Regarding adjacent bronchi without peppers, extensive wall thickening with stenosis and/or occlusion was found in 23 (82.1%) cases. Distal pulmonary lesions frequently involved two or three segments (21, 75.0%) and mainly presented as patchy consolidation or atelectasis (24, 85.7%). Conclusion: In combination to a history of eating peppers and clinical symptoms, bronchopneumonia caused by pepper should be highly suspected if U/V-shaped and annular high-density or localized soft tissue density is detected in the bronchi of the lower lobes, accompanied by extensive bronchial wall thickening, stenosis, or occlusion, and consolidation or atelectasis in multiple distal lung segments.

[Theory and application of pulse diagnosis at Renying and Cunkou regions].

Renying and Cunkou pulse diagnostic method is one of the important parts of the pulse diagnosis in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor) and has been controversial since its proposal. This article takes WANG Shu-he's diagnostic operation as the evidence, and is in reference of the statement, "Cun region (the region ahead of Guan region of Cunkou) determines the human life, that on the left hand refers to Renying, while on the right hand is Qikou". The pulse conditions on the left and right hands represent yin and yang. If Renying pulse on the left is greater, the diseases are in yang meridians, while if Cunkou pulse on the right is bustling, the diseases are in yin meridians. By comparing the pulse condition and strength, as well as the pulse beating (rapid and urgent) between Guan region and region ahead of Guan on the same side, the conditions of three yang and three yin meridians are detected. In treatment, based on the records of Renying and Cunkou pulse diagnosis in Huangdi Neijing, the principles are proposed for reinforcing and reducing methods on hand and foot meridians of yin and yang. Five-shu points and yuan-source points are taken as the main acupoints in acupuncture treatment. During treatment, the changes in pulse conditions should be emphasized specifically and those at Renying and Cunkou regions are the criteria for judging qi arrival and qi regulation.

IL-11 drives the phenotypic transformation of tracheal epithelial cells and fibroblasts to enhance abnormal repair after tracheal injury.

Tracheal stenosis (TS) is a multifactorial and heterogeneous disease that can easily lead to respiratory failure and even death. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) has recently received increased attention as a fibrogenic factor, but its function in TS is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-11 in TS regulation based on clinical samples from patients with TS and a rat model of TS produced by nylon brush scraping. Using lentiviral vectors expressing shRNA (lentivirus-shRNA) targeting the IL-11 receptor (IL-11Rα), we lowered IL-11Rα levels in the rat trachea. Histological and immunostaining methods were used to evaluate the effects of IL-11Rα knockdown on tracheal injury, molecular phenotype, and fibrosis in TS rats. We show that IL-11 was significantly elevated in circulating serum and granulation tissue in patients with TS. In vitro, TGFß1 dose-dependently stimulated IL-11 secretion from human tracheal epithelial cells (Beas-2b) and primary rat tracheal fibroblasts (PRTF). IL-11 transformed the epithelial cell phenotype to the mesenchymal cell phenotype by activating the ß-catenin pathway. Furthermore, IL-11 activated the atypical ERK signaling pathway, stimulated fibroblasts proliferation, and transformed fibroblasts into alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive myofibroblasts. IL-11-neutralizing antibodies (IL-11NAb) or ERK inhibitors (U0126) inhibited IL-11 activity and downregulated fibrotic responses involving TGFß/SMAD signaling. In vivo, IL-11Rα knockdown rats showed unobstructed tracheal lumen, relatively intact epithelial structure, and significantly reduced granulation tissue proliferation and collagen fiber deposition. Our findings confirm that IL-11 may be a target for future drug prevention and treatment of tracheal stenosis.

Successful management of isolated pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 50-year-old man with early diagnosis using transbronchial cryobiopsy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Isolated pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is rare in adults. The gold standard diagnosis requires surgical lung biopsy. However, few cases have been diagnosed with transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) sampling in the early stages of the disease, particularly in China. PRESENTING CONCERNS: A 50-year-old man was referred for dry cough and exertional dyspnea of more than 1 week. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest revealed symmetric nodules and cyst lesions with upper lobe infiltrate. Further history taking indicated that he had smoked 20 cigarettes per day for more than 30 years. Therefore, PLCH was highly suspected. However, he refused surgical lung biopsy, and TBCB was attempted to complete diagnosis. DIAGNOSIS: Emission computed tomography excluded the possibility of extrapulmonary involvements, and pathological findings supported the diagnosis of isolated PLCH. INTERVENTIONS: Smoking cessation and prednisone treatment were used for patient management. OUTCOMES: The symptoms receded with significant improvement of chest HRCT during 2-months of follow-up. LESSONS: Early diagnosis contributes to the prognosis of isolated PLCH in adults, and TBCB may be an alternative to conventional surgical lung biopsy for pathological diagnosis of PLCH.

Clinical Outcomes of Myocardial Bridging versus No Myocardial Bridging in Patients with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical effects of myocardial bridging (MB) in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM). METHODS: Angiograms from 212 AHCM patients were reviewed to identify MB. The patients were classified into 2 groups: AHCM with and AHCM without MB. We reviewed patient records on cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, symptoms, CV events, and CV mortality. RESULTS: In all, 60 patients with MB and 100 without MB were included. Rates of angina (61.7 vs. 40%; p = 0.008), mimicking non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (15 vs. 3%, p = 0.013), and Canadian Cardiovascular Society class III/IV angina (18.3 vs. 4%; p = 0.003) were higher in patients with MB than in those without. Mean follow-up periods (65.5 ± 50.5 vs. 64.4 ± 43.6 months, p = 0.378) and CV mortality (3.3 vs. 1%; p = 0.652) were similar in the 2 groups. Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated that CV event-free survival rates were lower in patients with MB than in those without (71.7 vs. 88%; p = 0.022). MB, late gadolinium enhancement, and female sex were independent risk factors for CV events in a multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for other risk factors. CONCLUSION: More serious symptoms and a higher risk of CV events were observed in AHCM patients with MB than in those without MB. CV mortality was similar in these 2 groups.

Long-term survival after acute myocardial infarction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with poor prognosis. It has been reported that there is no difference in in-hospital mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between patients with and without HCM. However, whether there is a difference in long-term survival after AMI between patients with and without HCM remains unclear. HYPOTHESIS: Long-term survival after AMI is worse in patients with vs without HCM. METHODS: The clinical profiles of 91 consecutive patients with HCM and AMI (HCM group) and 91 sex- and age-matched patients with AMI without HCM (non-HCM group) were analyzed. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a follow-up period of 4.9 ± 3.6 years, all-cause mortality occurred in 25 patients (27.5%) in the HCM group and 13 patients (14.3%) in the non-HCM group. The survival of the HCM group was inferior to that of the non-HCM group (log-rank P = 0.039). During the first year of follow-up, 3 deaths (3.3%) occurred in the HCM group and 7 deaths (7.7%) occurred in the non-HCM group (log-rank P = 0.177). Among patients who survived beyond the first year of follow-up (172 patients), the annual mortality rates were 6.3% (95% confidence interval: 4.0%-9.3%) in the HCM group and 1.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.6%-3.5%) in the non-HCM group (log-rank P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AMI patients with HCM exhibited worse long-term survival than did AMI patients without HCM.

Application of I-gel laryngeal mask airway in EBUS-TBNA performed under intravenous anesthesia / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To seek better anesthesia management methods for clinical applications guidance by retrospectively analyze the clinical effects of I-gel laryngeal mask for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needleaspiration (EBUS-TBNA) performed under local and intravenous anesthesia modes. Methods Review the differences in the operative time, the number of SpO2 <95%, body motion, cough, laryngospasm, nausea, surgical puncture, operator suspension, postoperative throat discomfort, and satisfaction scores among the patient, the operator and the anesthetist between the two kinds of anesthesia of 60 patients for EBUS-TBNA in 3 years from 2013 to 2016. Results From June 2014, patients with I-gel laryngeal mask for EBUS-TBNA under intravenous anesthesia had fewer cough, nausea, physical activity, shorter operative time, and higher anesthesia satisfaction scores. Conclusion The perioperative management method of I-gel laryngeal mask for EBUS-TBNA in intravenous anesthesia is more secure and more feasible, recommended for clinical use.

Effectiveness of Alcohol Septal Ablation Versus Transaortic Extended Myectomy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Midventricular Obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the effectiveness of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and transaortic extended myectomy (TEM) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with midventricular obstruction (MVO). BACKGROUND: MVO is less common than subaortic obstruction. Data on the effectiveness of ASA and TEM in MVO are lacking. METHODS: The clinical profiles of 22 patients undergoing ASA and 37 patients undergoing TEM were compared. No patient had apical aneurysm, abnormal chordae, mitral valve replacement or repair. RESULTS: Baseline midventricular pressure gradient and symptoms were comparable between the ASA and TEM groups. During follow-up, both groups demonstrated substantial reduction in pressure gradient (the ASA group: 79.7 ± 21.2 mm Hg to 43.7 ± 28.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001; the TEM group: 69.0 ± 23.9 mm Hg to 15.0 ± 16.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001). The reduction in pressure gradient was greater (78.9 ± 18.6% vs. 46.4 ± 33.4%, P < 0.001) and the residual pressure gradient was lower after TEM versus ASA (P < 0.001). Patients with New York Heart Association class III/IV dyspnea decreased from 59.1 to 18.2% (P = 0.022) in the ASA group and from 56.8 to 5.6% (P < 0.001) in the TEM group. Patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class III/IV angina decreased from 40.9 to 9.1% (P = 0.016) in the ASA group and from 32.4 to 0% (P < 0.001) in the TEM group. CONCLUSIONS: While ASA and TEM both improve gradients and symptoms, TEM may provide a more reliable reduction in gradients compared to ASA.

Efficacy and safety of cryobiopsy versus forceps biopsy for interstitial lung diseases and lung tumours: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Forceps biopsy (FB) is the most commonly used diagnostic tool for lung pathologies. FB is associated with a high diagnostic failure rate. Cryobiopsy (CB) is a novel technique providing a larger specimen size, few artefacts, more alveolar parts and superior diagnostic yield. CB, however, has drawbacks such as higher bleeding and pneumothorax rate. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the specimen area, diagnostic rate and bleeding severity in CB versus FB in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and lung tumours. A systematic literature search of PUBMED, BIOSIS PREVIEW and OVID databases was conducted using specific search terms. Eligible studies including RCTs and non-RCTs comparing cryobiopsy/cryotransbronchial biopsy (CB/CTBB) and forceps biopsy/forceps transbronchial biopsy (FB/FTBB) for specimen area, diagnostic rate and bleeding rate in ILDs and lung tumours were analysed. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated the quality of the studies. Eight studies involving 916 patients were analysed. Specimen area (mm(2) ) was significantly larger in CB/CTBB than FB/FTBB (standard mean difference = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (0.94, 1.48), P < 0.00001). The diagnostic rate was significantly higher in CB/CTBB than FB/FTBB (Risk ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval (1.16, 1.59), P = 0.0002). Three studies compared the bleeding severity with only one showing significantly more bleeding in CB. Cryobiopsy/cryotransbronchial shows superiority to FB/FTBB for specimen area and diagnostic rate. CB/CTBB has better efficacy over FB/FTBB.

Effectiveness of Alcohol Septal Ablation in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Versus Without Extreme Septal Hypertrophy.

AIMS: Data on the effectiveness of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and extreme septal hypertrophy (ESH) are lacking. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ASA in patients with vs without ESH. METHODS: Clinical profiles of 17 patients with ESH and 256 patients without ESH were compared. RESULTS: Baseline pressure gradient and limiting symptoms were comparable between patients with and without ESH. At median 1.1 years of follow-up after ASA, pressure gradient was 48.5 ± 40.4 mm Hg in the ESH group and 40.9 ± 35.2 mm Hg in the non-ESH (N-ESH) group (P=.33). Patients with New York Heart Association class III/IV represented 5.9% of the ESH group and 16.9% of the N-ESH group (P=.39). Patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class III/IV represented 5.9% of the ESH group and 10.2% of the N-ESH group (P=.87). CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of ASA seems comparable between patients with and without ESH.

Incidence of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≤1 and without anticoagulant therapy.

Data on the risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism (iSSE) events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≤1, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and without anticoagulant therapy are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of iSSE events in these patients. We consecutively screened medical records of patients with HCM and NVAF referred to Fuwai Hospital between January 1994 and March 2014. The primary end point was iSSE events, defined as a composite of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism. Follow-up was carried out to ascertain end point status. Medical records of 522 patients with NVAF and HCM were screened. A total of 108 patients (20.7 %) with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≤1 and without anticoagulant therapy were enrolled and constituted our study population. After a median follow-up of 2.4 years (range 0.6-14.1 years; 376.2 patient-years), ischemic stroke occurred in 2 patients, resulting in death of 1 patient in the first year and paralysis of the other patient in the fourth year. No other iSSE events occurred. The incidence of iSSE was 0.9 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.0-5.0 %] in the first year, and 0.5 % per 100 patient-years (95 % CI 0.1-1.9 %). The risk of iSSE events seems low in patients with NVAF, a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≤1, HCM, and without anticoagulant therapy. Multicenter studies with sizeable study populations are needed to validate the risk of iSSE events in these patients.

Survival after alcohol septal ablation versus conservative therapy in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The impact of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) on the survival of patients with drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains unresolved. The aim of this study was to compare survival after ASA vs. conservative therapy. METHODS: We studied a consecutive cohort of 274 patients with severe drug-refractory obstructive HCM, 229 in ASA group and 45 in conservative group. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and aborted cardiac arrest. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 4.3 years, primary endpoint occurred in 13 (5.7%) patients in the ASA group, and 8 (17.8%) patients in the conservative group. The 5- and 10-year survival free from primary endpoint of the ASA group (94.5% and 93.0%, respectively) was significantly better than that of the conservative group (78.3% and 72.2%, respectively, log-rank p = 0.009). Independent determinants of primary endpoint were ASA therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.60; p = 0.003) and maximal septal thickness (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03-1.27; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe drug-refractory obstructive HCM, survival after ASA is favorable and better than that of conservative therapy. ASA seems to improve survival.

Plasma α1-antitrypsin: a neglected predictor of angiographic severity in patients with stable angina pectoris.

BACKGROUND: As an acute phase protein, α1-antitrypsin (AAT) has been extensively studied in acute coronary syndrome, but it is unclear whether a relationship exists between AAT and stable angina pectoris (SAP). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between AAT plasma levels and SAP. METHODS: Overall, 103 SAP patients diagnosed by coronary angiography and clinical manifestations and 118 control subjects matched for age and gender were enrolled in this case-control study. Plasma levels of AAT, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profiles and other clinical parameters were assayed for all participants. The severity of coronary lesions was evaluated based on the Gensini score (GS) assessed by coronary angiography. RESULTS: Positively correlated with the GS (r = 0.564, P < 0.001), the plasma AAT level in the SAP group was significantly higher than that in the control group (142.08 ± 19.61 mg/dl vs. 125.50 ± 19.67 mg/dl, P < 0.001). The plasma AAT level was an independent predictor for both SAP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.037, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020-1.054, P < 0.001) and a high GS (OR = 1.087, 95% CI: 1.051-1.124, P < 0.001) in a multivariate logistic regression model. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, plasma AAT level was found to have a larger area under the curve (AUC) for predicting a high GS (AUC = 0.858, 95% CI: 0.788-0.929, P < 0.001) than that of hsCRP (AUC = 0.665, 95% CI: 0.557-0.773, P = 0.006; Z = 2.9363, P < 0.001), with an optimal cut-off value of 137.85 mg/dl (sensitivity: 94.3%, specificity: 68.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma AAT levels correlate with both the presence and severity of coronary stenosis in patients with SAP, suggesting that it could be a potential predictive marker of severe stenosis in SAP patients.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of 60 patients with midventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Midventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (MVOHCM) is a rare form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Knowledge regarding the diagnosis, morbidity and cardiovascular mortality is limited. In this study, we aimed to describe the long-term outcomes of patients with MVOHCM followed in a tertiary referral centre.Methods A retrospective study of 60 patients with MVOHCM diagnosed at FuWai Hospital was performed. Clinical features, mortality and cardiovascular morbidity were analysed. RESULTS: The 60 patients with MVOHCM represented 2.9% of all the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cases (n = 2068). At diagnosis, the mean age was 40.2 ±â€Š15.0 years. During 7.1 ±â€Š6.3 years of follow-up after diagnosis, the cardiovascular mortality was 15.0%. The probability of survival at 10 years was 77.0 ±â€Š8.0%. The following two predictors of cardiovascular mortality were identified: severe ventricular septal hypertrophy at least 30  mm (hazard ratio, 3.19; P = 0.031) and unexplained syncope (hazard ratio, 4.59; P = 0.002) at baseline. Thirty patients (50.0%) had one or more morbid events, and the most frequent was nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Apical aneurysm formation was identified in 20% of patients, and the patients with apical aneurysms were more inclined to experience nonsustained ventricular tachycardia than patients without apical aneurysm (58.3 vs. 16.7%; P = 0.003). Peak pressure gradient at least 70  mm Hg (hazard ratio, 3.00; P = 0.01) at baseline was identified as the only predictor of apical aneurysm. CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients, MVOHCM is associated with an unfavourable prognosis of cardiovascular mortality. One-half of these patients experience major cardiovascular events, and 20% develop an apical aneurysm, which significantly increases arrhythmia events. These data warrant measures to ensure the early recognition of MVOHCM followed by appropriate therapeutic interventions.

A pro-atherogenic HDL profile in coronary heart disease patients: an iTRAQ labelling-based proteomic approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the protein composition of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and controls by proteomic methods. BACKGROUND: HDL has been reported to exert pro-atherogenic properties in CHD patients. Accumulating evidence indicates that HDL composition, rather than the HDL-C level, determines its functions. The changes in HDL composition involved in the conversion of anti-atherogenic to pro-atherogenic properties in CHD patients are currently unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: iTRAQ combined with nanoLC-MS/MS was performed to obtain a differential expression profile of the HDL pooled samples of the male age-matched CHD patients and controls (n = 10/group). Of the 196 proteins identified in the examined HDL, 12 were differentially expressed between the CHD patients and the controls, including five up-regulated proteins and seven down-regulated proteins. Using GO analysis, we determined that the up-regulated proteins were mostly involved in inflammatory reactions, displaying a potential pro-atherogenic profile. In contrast, the down-regulated proteins were mostly involved in lipid metabolism processes, displaying anti-atherogenic properties. To confirm the proteomic results, serum amyloid A (SAA) and apoC-I were selected and quantified by ELISA, in the same population as the proteomic analysis, as well as another independent population (n = 120/group). Consistent with the proteomic results, the amount of SAA was significantly increased, and apoC-I was significantly decreased in the HDL particles of CHD patients compared with those of controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the HDL proteome changes to a pro-atherogenic profile in CHD patients, which might compromise the protective effects of HDL. Proteomic analysis of HDL composition may provide more relevant information regarding their functional properties than steady-state HDL-C levels.

Comparison of the prevalence, clinical features, and long-term outcomes of midventricular hypertrophy vs apical phenotype in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the association between the distribution of left ventricle hypertrophy and the clinical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have yielded unclear results. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the prevalence, clinical features, management strategies, and long-term outcomes between patients with midventricular hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (MVHOCM) and patients with apical HCM (ApHCM). METHODS: A retrospective study of 60 patients with MVHOCM and 263 patients with ApHCM identified in a consecutive single-centre cohort consisting of 2068 patients with HCM was performed. The prevalence, clinical features, and natural history of the patients in these 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: Compared with ApHCM patients, patients with MVHOCM tended to be much younger and more symptomatic during their initial evaluation. Over a mean follow-up of 7 years, the probability of cardiovascular mortality and that of morbidity was significantly greater in MVHOCM patients compared with ApHCM patients (log-rank, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, compared with ApHCM, MVHOCM represents an uncommon presentation of the clinical spectrum of HCM that is characterized by progressive clinical deterioration leading to increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Our results also underscore the importance of the timely recognition of MVHOCM for the prediction of prognosis and the early consideration of appropriate management strategies.

The relationship between serum amyloid A and apolipoprotein A-I in high-density lipoprotein isolated from patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Alteration in the protein composition of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed as a mechanism for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). In HDL, an increase in serum amyloid A protein (SAA) accompanying the decrease in apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) has been found during the acute inflammation period. However, whether this phenomenon persists in CHD patients, a disease related to inflammation, is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between SAA and apoA-I in HDL isolated from CHD patients. METHODS: Overall, 98 patients with confirmed stable CHD and 90 control subjects matched for age and gender were enrolled in this case-control study. Potassium bromide (KBr) density gradient ultracentrifugation was used to isolate HDL from plasma. The levels of SAA and apoA-I in the HDL samples were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Pearson's correlation and general linear models were used in the analysis. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients with CHD had a significant decrease in the amount of apoA-I ((14.21 ± 8.44) µg/ml vs. (10.95 ± 5.95) µg/ml, P = 0.003) in HDL and a significant increase in the amount of log SAA (1.21 ± 0.46 vs. 1.51 ± 0.55, P < 0.00001). Differences were independent of age, body mass index (BMI), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and other factors. An independently and statistically significant positive correlation between log SAA and apoA-I in HDL was observed only in the CHD group (ß = 2.0, P = 0.026). In the general linear model, changes in log(SAA), age, age2, gender, BMI and HDL-C could explain a statistically significant 43% of the variance in apoA-I. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides direct evidence for the first time that there was an independent positive correlation between log SAA and apoA-I in the HDL of CHD patients, indicating the alteration of protein composition in HDL. However, the question of whether this alteration in HDL is associated with impairment of HDL functions requires further research.

A multi-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel group study to evaluate the effects of two different doses of losartan on morbidity and mortality in Chinese patients with symptomatic heart failure intolerant of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor treatment.

BACKGROUND: There have been no mortality/morbidity endpoint studies with losartan in Chinese heart failure patients. The objective was to evaluate the effects of high-dose vs. low-dose losartan on clinical outcomes in Chinese subjects with heart failure. METHODS: This study was a post hoc analysis of the Heart failure Endpoint evaluation of Angiotensin II Antagonist losartan (HEAAL) trial (n = 545). Chinese adults with symptomatic heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) II-IV) intolerant of treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were randomized to losartan 150 mg or 50 mg daily. The primary endpoint was the composite event rate of all-cause death or hospitalization for heart failure. Safety and tolerability were assessed. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 4.8 years. Baseline characteristics were generally similar to the overall HEAAL cohort. Overall, 120 (44.1%) subjects in the losartan 150 mg group and 137 (50.2%) subjects in the losartan 50 mg group died (any cause) or were hospitalized for heart failure (hazard ratio (OR) 0.807, 95%CI 0.631 - 1.031). There were no notable differences between treatment groups in the proportion of subjects with adverse experiences. CONCLUSION: The results of this post hoc analysis in Chinese subjects, although not powered to show significance, were generally consistent with the main study results, which demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of all cause death or hospitalization for heart failure with daily losartan 150 mg vs. losartan 50 mg in subjects with symptomatic heart failure and intolerance to ACE inhibitors, supporting the use of the higher dose for optimum clinical benefit.

Efficacy and safety of aranidipine enteric-coated tablets compared with amlodipine in Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled clinical trial.

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled study, conducted in Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. After a 2-week washout period, 236 eligible patients were randomly to receive aranidipine 5-10 mg/d (n = 118) or amlodipine 5-10 mg/d (n = 118) for 10 weeks. The blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated in outpatient clinics, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed in 24 patients in each group. The blood pressure was significantly decreased in both groups. Compared with amlodipine, the patients who received aranidipine had less response in blood pressure (P < 0.01). The trough/peak ratios of diastolic blood pressure in aranidipine and amlodipine groups were 0.57 ± 0.20 and 0.68 ± 0.19, respectively (P = 0.119). Adverse events occurred at 11.86% and 7.63% in the aranidipine and amlodipine groups, respectively (P = 0.348). Headache was observed at an incidence of >3.0% in both groups, and the serum glucose and lipid profile had no significant change in the amlodipine group. In conclusion, once-daily administration of aranidipine (5-10 mg) effectively controlled blood pressure, and the short-term treatment might result in it being less effective than amlodipine. It had a stable action over 24-hour period, and the mechanism of that is not yet clear. Aranidipine had a good safety similar to that of amlodipine.