BISAP评分对急性胰腺炎严重程度及预后评估的临床价值

目的 通过与传统的急性胰腺炎(AP)病情评分系统比较,了解急性胰腺炎严重程度床边指数(BISAP)评分对AP严重程度及预后评估的临床价值.方法 回顾性分析2005年1月至2010年12月间收治的497例AP患者资料,分别进行BISAP、APACHEⅡ、Ranson及Balthazar CT( CTSI)评分,评估病情严重程度.应用受试者工作曲线下面积(AUC)比较BISAP评分与其他各评分系统对AP严重程度及胰腺坏死、器官功能衰竭、患者病死发生的预测能力.结果 497例患者中重症急性胰腺炎(SAP) 101例,轻症急性胰腺炎(MAP) 396例,MAP组和SAP组患者的年龄、性别、病因分布差异无统计学意义.497例患者的BISAP评分、APACHEⅡ评分、Ranson评分的平均分值分别为(1.08±1.01)、(5.79±4.00)、(1.69±1.59)分,两两相关(r值分别为0.612、0.568、0.577,P值均＜0.001).此外,SAP患者的BISAP评分、APACHEⅡ评分、Ranson评分的分值均显著大于MAP患者(P值均＜0.01).BISAP评分预测SAP的AUC值为0.762( 95％ CI 0.722～0.799),阳性截止(cutoff)值为2分,敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为63.4％、83.1％、48.1％、89.4％;预测胰腺坏死的AUC值为0.711(95％CI0.612～0.797),cutoff值为2分,敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为84.6％、46.7％、35.5％、89.7％;预测器官衰竭的AUC值为0.777(95％ CI0.683 ～0.854),cutoff值为2分,敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为93.1％、51.4％、43.5％、94.9％;预测患者病死的AUC值为0.808(95％ CI 0.718 ～0.880),cutoff值为3分,敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为83.3％、67.4％、25.6％、96.8％.BISAP评分与其他评分系统预测SAP各预后指标的差异均无统计学意义.结论 BISAP评分对AP严重程度及预后的评估价值与其他传统的评分系统相同,但其只有5项指标,且均可在入院24h内采集,可以早期、简便地预测SAP,值得在临床推广应用.     

APACHE Ⅱ、Ranson和CT评分系统对重症急性胰腺炎预后评价的比较

目的 比较APACHE Ⅱ、Ranson和CT 3种临床常用评分系统对重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)预后指标的预测作用.方法 回顾分析1993年1月～ 2004年1月收治的201例SAP患者.记录资料包括24 h APACHE Ⅱ评分、48 h APACHE Ⅱ评分、48 h Ranson评分和72 h CT评分.预后指标包括:胰腺坏死程度、局部并发症、感染、器官衰竭、外科引流、死亡率、禁食天数和住院天数.应用ROC曲线下面积(AUC)检验各评分数据对预后预测的价值.结果 通过比较AUC,在预测器官衰竭和禁食天数方面,APACHE Ⅱ(48 h)具有优越性.在预测局部并发症,禁食天数以及住院天数方面,Ranson评分相对较好.较之其他评分系统,CT评分在预测胰腺坏死和外科引流方面有较大优势.结论 对上述8个预测指标,几种评分系统的评价预测能力不相同.应当联合应用几种评分系统评价SAP患者的预后.     

血清降钙素原诊断危重感染临床分析

目的:探讨降钙素原(PCT)在危重感染患者临床病情评估、预后预测中的价值。方法:选取139例脓毒症患者,根据患者入住ICU 24 h内的病情状况将患者分为脓毒症组47例、严重脓毒症组54例和脓毒症休克组38例,分别比较3组患者的血清PCT水平、急性生理与慢性健康评分(APACHEⅡ)、全身性感染相关器官衰竭评分(SOFA)等指标,并根据患者预后分为存活组和死亡组,进行亚组分析。结果:入住ICU 24 h内,不同病情分组患者的血清PCT、WBC、CRP水平、APACHEⅡ及SOFA评分比较(脓毒症组严重脓毒症组脓毒症休克组),差异均具有统计学意义(均P0.05);脓毒症患者的血清PCT水平与患者WBC、CRP、APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分均呈显著正相关(均P0.05);存活脓毒症患者的血清PCT、WBC、CRP水平、APACHEⅡ及SOFA评分均显著低于死亡组患者(均P0.05);PCT判断患者预后的最佳临界值为19.84 ng/m L,此时的ROC曲线下面积AUC值为0.857,灵敏度为89.27%,特异度为86.34%。结论:血清PCT水平在危重感染患者临床病情评估、预后预测中具有较高的临床价值。     

APACHEⅡ评分及血清C反应蛋白对成人社区获得性肺炎患者的近期预后评估

目的探讨APACHEⅡ评分和血清CRP在成人社区获得性肺炎(CAP)患者近期预后评估中的价值。方法回顾性分析淮南市第一人民医院呼吸内科和ICU 2015年1月至2016年12月收治的125例成人CAP患者的APACHEⅡ评分和血清CRP,根据30天生存情况和PSI评分、CURB-65评分将CAP患者分为生存组、死亡组、低风险组、中风险组和高风险组,观察其在不同预后组和风险组间的差异。结果死亡组CAP患者APACHEⅡ评分、CRP均高于存活组(P0.001)。APACHEⅡ评分和CRP在不同风险组间比较,差异有统计学意义(APACHEⅡ评分,P0.001;CRP,P=0.001),两者均随风险增加而增加。APACHEⅡ评分、CRP与PSI评分、CURB-65评分间存在正相关性(r_s分别为0.885、0.835、0.358、0.345,P0.001)。使用ROC曲线分析APACHEⅡ评分、PSI评分和CURB-65评分预测CAP患者30天病死率的曲线下面积(AUC)均大于CRP,APACHEⅡ评分的AUC大于CURB-65评分(P0.05)。结论 APACHEⅡ评分和血清CRP与成人CAP患者病情严重程度和近期病死率呈正相关,使用APACHEⅡ评分和血清CRP检测对成人CAP患者近期预后评估具有重要的临床价值和指导意义。     

PCT诊断危重感染临床分析

【】 目的 探讨降钙素原(PCT)在危重感染患者临床病情评估、预后预测中的价值。方法 选取本院重症监护病房(ICU)2012年2月～2015年7月收治的139例脓毒症患者作为研究对象,根据患者入住ICU 24h内的基本情况将患者分为脓毒症组47例、严重脓毒症组54例和脓毒症休克组38例,分别对比三组患者的血清PCT水平、急性生理与慢性健康评分(APACHEⅡ)、全身性感染相关气管衰竭评分(SOFA)等指标,并根据患者治疗结局分为存活组和死亡组进行亚组分析。结果 入住ICU 24h内,脓毒症患者的PCT、WBC、CRP、APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分在不同病情分组患者间的水平为脓毒症组<严重脓毒症组<脓毒症休克组患者且差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);入住ICU 24h内,脓毒症患者的PCT水平与患者WBC、CRP、APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分均呈显著的正相关关系(P<0.05);ICU期间,存活脓毒症患者的PCT、WBC、CRP、APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分均呈显著的正低于死亡组患者(P<0.05); PCT判断患者预后的最佳临界值为19.84ng/ml,此时的ROC曲线下面积AUC值为0.857,灵敏度为89.27%,特异度为86.34%。结论 PCT在危重感染患者临床病情评估、预后预测中具有较高的临床价值。     

我国社区获得性肺炎病情评估标准与3种国际标准效能比较研究

目的 比较我国社区获得性肺炎(CAP)病情评估标准(简称我国标准)与国外肺炎严重指数(PSI)、CURB和CURB65评估标准对CAP患者病情评估的效能.方法 选取2000年1月至2007年4月北京大学第三医院呼吸科住院的CAP患者165例作为研究对象,通过回顾性研究,将所有患者分别按PSI、CURB、CURB65评分和我国标准分组,并进一步分成低、中、高危组,比较各组病死率和重症监护病房(ICU)住院率,各评估系统预测死亡和ICU住院的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、ROC曲线下面积(AUC).结果 PSI、CURB评分、CURB65评分3个标准均将较大一部分患者划分为低危组(分别为73.9%、61.2%、69.1%),较小部分患者划为中危组和高危组(分别为20.0%、28.5%、21.8%;6.1%、10.3%、9.1%).低危组和中危组均有死亡病例(病死率分别为1.6%、2.0%、1.8%;9.1%、6.4%、8.3%);而我国标准仅将较小部分患者划为低危组(7.3%),将较大部分患者划为中危组和高危组(44.8%、47.9%),但是低危组和中危组病死率为0,中危组ICU住院率仅为1.4%;我国标准预测死亡及入住ICU的敏感度高(100.0%、95.5%),而特异度较低(55.5%、59.4%),PSI、CURB、CURB65预测死亡及入住ICU的特异度均较高(均>90.0%),而敏感度均较低(预测死亡均为50.0%,预测入住ICU为22.7%～31.8%);根据AUC我国标准对死亡和ICU住院的总体识别力最好(AUC分别为0.777,0.774);各评估标准预测死亡及入住ICU的阳性预测值均较低(预测死亡12.7%～50.0%;预测入住ICU 26.6%～50.0%),阴性预测值均较高(预测死亡96.6%～100.0%;预测入住ICU 89.0%～98.8%).结论 在筛选低风险CAP患者、预测死亡和入住ICU方面,PSI、CURB、CURB65'评分标准和我国标准各有优势与不足,需建立更为有效的CAP评估系统.     

2012年版急性胰腺炎分类标准的临床应用

目的 初步探讨2012年版急性胰腺炎分类标准的临床应用价值.方法 回顾性分析2009年10月至2012年9月广西医科大学第一附属医院诊断为急性胰腺炎患者的临床资料.根据2012年版分类标准将患者分为轻症急性胰腺炎(MAP)、中度重症急性胰腺炎(MSAP)、重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)3组.比较各组患者的好转及治愈例数、住院天数、住院费用、ICU入住率及入住天数、SIRS发生率及持续天数、Ranson评分、APACHEⅡ评分、CTSI评分的差异有无统计学意义.结果 166例患者中MAP 76例,MSAP 65例,SAP 25例;男性119例,女性47例;平均年龄(49±15)岁;平均入院前发病时间为(2.27±1.46)d.3组患者的好转及治愈例数、住院天数、住院费用、入住ICU例数及天数、SIRS发生例数及持续天数、Ranson评分、APACHEⅡ评分、CTSI评分均随着疾病严重程度的增加而升高(P值均＜0.01),其中SAP组患者相应值分别为21例(84.0％)、(23.8±13.6)d、(53900±30260)元、12例(48.0％)及(5.76±13.8)d、24例(96.0％)及(5.00±2.40)d、(3.76±1.30)分、(8.52±4.24)分、(5.44±3.48)分.166例患者中79例发生局部并发症,其中急性胰周液体积聚34例,急性坏死物积聚45例.SAP组急性坏死物积聚发生率高于MSAP组(68.0％比44.6％,P=0.047),而急性胰周液体积聚发生率低于MSAP组(16.0％比46.1％,P=0.016).166例患者中42例发生器官功能衰竭,其中35例发生呼吸功能衰竭,2例发生肾功能衰竭,5例合并发生呼吸功能和肾功能衰竭.SAP组器官功能衰竭发生率为100％,MSAP组为26.2％,两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 2012年版急性胰腺炎分类标准简便易行,能准确反映急性胰腺炎的严重程度,适于临床应用.     

ICU危重患者APACHEⅡ评分变化率和临床预后的关系

目的:分析ICU危重症患者APACHEⅡ评分变化率(简称APACHEⅡ变化率)和临床预后的关系。方法:选取ICU危重症患者94例并跟踪28 d,根据28 d生存情况分为生存组(66例)和死亡组(28例),收集第1天APACHEⅡ评分(APACHEⅡ1)、第2天APACHEⅡ评分(APACHEⅡ2)资料,计算APACHEⅡ变化率;比较2组患者APACHEⅡ1、APACHEⅡ2和APACHEⅡ变化率;采用ROC曲线比较APACHEⅡ1和APACHEⅡ变化率预测临床预后的差异。结果:死亡组患者APACHEⅡ1、APACHEⅡ2高于生存组,而APACHEⅡ变化率低于生存组(P0.05);APACHEⅡ变化率与预后呈负相关性(P0.05);ROC曲线结果显示APACHEⅡ变化率预测总体预后的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.880,高于APACHEⅡ1的曲线下面积0.775(P0.05)。APACHEⅡ变化率的最佳界值为0.21(敏感性60.7%,特异性95.5%)。结论:APACHEⅡ变化率对ICU危重症患者临床预后的评估意义高于单纯APACHEⅡ评分。     

动脉血乳酸/血清白蛋白对ICU脓毒症患者预后的预测价值

目的 探讨动脉血乳酸（LAC）/血清白蛋白（ALB）比值（LAR）对重症医学科（ICU）脓毒症患者预后的预测价值。方法 收集392例入住ICU就诊的脓毒症患者临床资料，根据生存情况将患者分为生存组191例及死亡组201例。比较两组入住ICU后24 h内的白细胞计数、血红蛋白、血小板、降钙素原、ALB、LAC，计算查尔森共病（CCI）指数、序贯器官衰竭评估（SOFA）评分、急性生理学与慢性健康状况量表系统Ⅱ（APACHEⅡ）及LAR。绘制受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线，计算曲线下面积（AUC），分析LAR对ICU脓毒症患者预后的预测效能。根据ROC曲线中LAR的截断值将患者分为低LAR者及高LAR者，Kaplan-Meier生存曲线验证高LAR患者与低LAR患者之间是否存在生存差异。结果 死亡组LAC、LAR及CCI指数、SOFA评分、APACHEⅡ评分均高于生存组（P均<0.05），两组PCT、WBC、Hb、PLT、ALB比较差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。ROC曲线分析结果显示，CCI指数、APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分、LAC、LAR预测ICU脓毒症患者预后的AU...     

血清白细胞介素-18、-10与肿瘤坏死因子-α在老年脓毒血症患者预后中的预测价值

目的探讨血清白细胞介素(IL)-18、IL-10与肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α对老年脓毒血症患者预后的预测价值。方法选取该院2012年1月至2015年1月老年脓毒血症患者89例,根据预后状况将患者分为存活组(48例)与病死组(41例),采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血清IL-18、IL-10、TNF-α水平。采用Pearson相关系数分析血清指标与急性生理学与慢性健康状况评估系统Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)评分、序贯器官衰竭估计(SOFA)评分的关系,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)及曲线下面积(AUC)分析血清指标对老年脓毒血症患者预后的预测价值。结果存活组血清IL-18、IL-10与TNF-α水平明显低于病死组,APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分明显低于病死组(P0.05)。经Pearson相关系数分析显示,IL-18、IL-10、TNF-α与APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分呈明显正相关(P0.05)。ROC分析显示,IL-18、IL-10、TNF-α的AUC分别为0.723、0.916、0.851(P0.05)。结论血清IL-18、IL-10与TNF-α对老年脓毒血症患者预后具有重要的预测价值,其中血清IL-10预测价值最佳。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Variabilité des concentrations plasmatiques de l’angiotensinogène et risque d’hypertension artérielle chez le rat transgénique

Aim

Genetic polymorphisms of the human angiotensinogen gene are frequent and may induce up to 30% increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations with a blood pressure increase of up to 5 mmHg. Their role for the pathogenesis of human arterial hypertension remains unclear. High plasma angiotensinogen levels could increase the sensitivity to other blood pressure stressors.

Methods

Male transgenic rats with a 9-fold increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations and male non-transgenic rats aged 10 weeks were treated or not with NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester for 3 weeks in their drinking water (n = 3/group). Systolic blood pressure and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of the study when left ventricular weight and ventricular expression of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and procollagen Iα1 were determined (polymerase chain reaction).

Results

At baseline, transgenic rats had +18 mmHg higher bood pressure and –8% lower body weight compared to non-transgenic rats (P < 0.05) without significant changes for the vehicle groups throughout the study (P > 0.05). NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester increased blood pressure, left ventricular weight and left ventricular weight indexed for body weight by +41%, +17.6% and +18.6% (P < 0.05) in transgenic and +25%, +5.3% and +6.7% (P > 0.05) in non-transgenic rats compared to untreated animals, respectively. Cardiac gene expression showed no differences between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased plasma angiotensinogen levels may sensitize to additional blood pressure stressors. Our preliminary results point towards an independent role of angiotensinogen in the pathogenesis of human hypertension and associated end-organ damage.