Advanced Glycation End-Products Downregulate HoxA9EC through Activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa B by Reciprocal Interaction.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been recognized as an important pathophysiological mechanism in endothelial dysfunction during diabetic atherogenesis. Homeobox (Hox) genes have been identified as playing a regulatory role in the adult cardiovascular system. Regulation of HoxA9EC is involved in diabetic endothelial dysfunction, but the mechanism of HoxA9EC regulation has remained undefined. Here, we sought to investigate how HoxA9EC is regulated in AGE-induced endothelial dysfunction and to explore the mechanism involved. We used human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) cocultured with AGEs, and examined endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation, nitric oxide (NO) release, cell migration, and the expression of HoxA9EC and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). AGEs suppressed eNOS activation, NO release, and the migration of HUVECs. Knockout of HoxA9EC also reduced eNOS activation, NO release, and the migration of HUVECs, and the enhancement of HoxA9EC improved the function of HUVECs. Furthermore, AGEs downregulated HoxA9EC expression and activated NF-κB, and the depression of HoxA9EC was significantly attenuated by the NF-κB inhibitor. On the other hand, knockout of HoxA9EC activated NF-κB and the enhancement of HoxA9EC suppressed NF-κB activation. In conclusion, AGEs could induce endothelial dysfunction through NF-κB-dependent HoxA9EC downregulation by reciprocal interaction, and the enhancement of HoxA9EC expression could attenuate the impairment.

A case report of inflammatory pseudotumor of carotid artery with radiologic-pathological-surgical findings.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory pseudotumor is an unusual benign entity that can mimic malignancy in many different organ systems. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a patient with a neck mass, which clinically and radiologically appeared to be a malignant tumor that encircled a segment of the left common carotid artery. The operation was performed and further histopathological evaluation confirmed this mass to be an inflammatory pseudotumor. After 4 years follow up, no recurrence was observed for this patient. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its rarity, IPT is important because it can simulate neoplastic disease. The contrast imaging may be helpful in differential diagnosis, but no findings are characteristic. The diagnosis of the IPT of carotid artery can be challenging for the surgeons. Certain diagnosis depends on either core biopsy or intra- or post-operative pathological examination. The surgical excision may be a curative option.

Relationship between endothelial cell protein C receptor gene 6936A/G polymorphisms and deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) can result in pulmonary embolism, a fatal complication that is due to the dislodgement and movement of a blood clot (thrombus) from a limb into the lungs. Genetic risk factors related to DVT development include mutations in coagulation proteins, especially the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), a component of the anticoagulation protein C (PC) pathway. The objective of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the 6936A/G polymorphism in the EPCR gene and the occurrence of DVT. METHODS: This study involved 65 patients with DVT and 71 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all subjects. Plasma levels of soluble EPCR (sEPCR) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genomic DNA was extracted and EPCR gene product was amplified by a standard PCR reaction. Gene product bands were sequenced to identify EPCR gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: In the control group, the level of sEPCR in subjects with 6936AG genotype was significantly higher than that in subjects with 6936AA genotype ((0.97 ± 0.32) pg/ml vs. (0.61 ± 0.24) pg/ml, P < 0.01). Similarly in the DVT group, the level of sEPCR in subjects with the 6936AG were greater than that in subjects with the 6936AA genotype ((0.87 ± 0.21) pg/ml vs. (0.50 ± 0.18) pg/ml, P < 0.01). The sEPCR level in DVT patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls ((0.68 ± 0.32) pg/ml vs. (0.54 ± 0.22) pg/ml, P < 0.05). The 6936AG genotype frequency in DVT patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P < 0.05). In contrast, the 6936AA genotype frequency in DVT patients was lower than that in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Subjects carrying 6936AG had an increased risk of thrombosis (OR = 2.75, 95%CI: 1.04 - 7.30, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EPCR gene 6936A/G polymorphism is associated with increased plasma levels of sEPCR. Subjects carrying 6936AG likely have an increased risk of thrombosis.

[Relationship between endothelial protein C receptor gene 6936A/G polymorphisms and deep venous thrombosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between endothelial protein C receptor(EPCR) gene 6936A/G polymorphism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: The study group included 65 DVT patients and 71 normal controls. Plasma sEPCR was measured by ELISA. Genomic DNA was extracted by using Genomic Purification Kit. A 315bp EPCR product was amplified by a standard PCR reaction, and the bands were confirmed by direct sequencing after purification. RESULTS: (1) sEPCR levels in healthy controls with 6936AG genotype were significantly higher than that in those with 6936AA genotype \[(0.97 ± 0.32) ng/L vs (0.61 ± 0.24) ng/L, P < 0.01)\], and so did in DVT patients \[(0.87 ± 0.21) ng/L vs (0.50 ± 0.18) ng/L, P < 0.01\]. (2) The sEPCR levels of DVT patients \[(0.68 ± 0.32) ng/L\] were significantly higher than that of healthy controls \[(0.54 ± 0.22) ng/L\](P < 0.05). (3) The distribution of 6936A/G genotype was higher in DVT patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.05). (4) Subjects with 6936A/G had an increased risk of thrombosis (OR = 2.75, 95%CI = 1.04 - 7.30) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EPCR gene 6936A/G polymorphism is associated with increased plasma sEPCR levels. The sEPCR levels in DVT patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls. The subject with 6936AG likely had an increased risk of thrombosis.