Associations of isoprostanes-related oxidative stress with surrogate subclinical indices and angiographic measures of atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in the world. Oxidative stress has been proved to play a role in atherosclerotic diseases and 8-isoprostane is one of the most valid markers of in-vivo oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the 8-isoprostane levels in relation to surrogate and direct angiographic indexes of atherosclerosis. METHODS: Urinary 8-isoprostane levels were measured and a B-mode carotid ultrasound examination was performed in 100 consecutive patients scheduled for coronary angiography. RESULTS: In patients with angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) urinary 8-isoprostane levels were significantly (P<0.001) higher than in patients without CAD (68.75+/-5.5 vs. 38.27+/-3.7 pg/ml). Moreover, 8-isoprostane levels of patients with increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were higher (P<0.001) than in patients with normal CIMT values (75.12+/-6.4 vs. 38.72+/-2.7 pg/ml). Moreover log(8-isoprostane) levels were significantly correlated with maximum and mean CIMT values (P<0.001) and across univessel and multivessel CAD groups levels of log(8-isoprostane) showed a significantly (P<0.001) increasing trend. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 8-isoprostane levels were an independent predictor for both intima-media thickening and angiographic CAD. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that elevated urinary levels of 8-isoprostane are associated with both subclinical atherosclerosis and manifest CAD. The results therefore support the hypothesis that isoprostanes-related oxidative stress is involved in the whole atherosclerotic process.     

Renal dysfunction is the most important predictor of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic patients tend to have more extensive and diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD) that may contribute to the less favorable outcomes in them. The aim of this study was to elucidate the predictors of the angiographic severity and extent of CAD in patients with diabetes. METHODS: A total of 203 diabetic patients (116 men; mean age, 61.9+/-10.8) who were referred for a first coronary angiogram were included. The extent and severity of CAD was assessed in several ways. The first was a simple classification in one-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel disease scoring system. The total numbers of segments with > or = 20 and > or = 50% stenosis were calculated as CASS 20 and CASS 50 scores, respectively. Hamsten and Gensini scores were also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 203 patients included in the study, 175 (86.2%) had CAD. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that age (Wald 5.741, P=0.017), glomerular filtration rate (Wald 5.032, P=0.025), previous myocardial infarction (Wald 10.955, P=0.001), and family history of CAD (Wald 7.236, P=0.007) were independent predictors of the severity of CAD, as assessed by the clinical zero-vessel to three-vessel disease scoring system. On stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, glomerular filtration rate was an independent predictor of the CASS 20 (r=-0.221, P=0.004), CASS 50 (r=-0.239, P=0.005), Gensini (r=-0.328, P<0.001), and Hamsten (r=-0.320, P<0.001) scores. Previous myocardial infarction was an independent predictor of the CASS 50 (r=0.355, P<0.001), Gensini (r=0.350, P<0.001), and Hamsten (0.256, P<0.001) scores. Age and sex were independent predictors for the CASS 50 (r=0.174, P=0.039; r=0.172, P=0.016, respectively) and Hamsten (r=0.212, P=0.011; r=0.244, P=0.001, respectively) scores. CONCLUSION: Renal function is one of the most important factors associated with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis, whereas classical coronary risk factors and the degree of metabolic control were not associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.     

The association of serum prolidase activity with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES: Prolidase is a cytosolic exopeptidase that cleaves iminodipeptides with carboxy-terminal proline or hydroxyproline and plays major role in collagen turnover. Collagen is the essential content in atherosclerotic plaque playing a key role in the stability/instability of and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Consequently, in this study we sought to determine serum prolidase activity and markers of oxidative stress such as lipid hydroperoxide and total free sulfhydryl in CAD. DESIGN AND METHODS: We have evaluated 199 patients with CAD and 122 control cases with clinical, electrocardiographic, and laboratory investigation. We have measured serum prolidase activity and serum total free sulfhydryl levels spectrophotometrically. Serum lipid hydroperoxide levels were determined with ferrous ion oxidation-xylenol orange method. We assessed the association of serum prolidase activity with the presence and severity of CAD and clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: Serum prolidase activity (52.5+/-5.6 vs. 46.7+/-5.1 U/l, respectively, P<0.001) and serum lipid hydroperoxide levels were significantly increased in patients with CAD compared with control cases whereas, serum total free sulfhydryl levels were significantly decreased in patients with CAD compared with control cases. Serum prolidase activity and total free sulfhydryl levels were independent predictors of the presence of CAD [(chi=75.532, ss=0.212, P=0.003) and (chi=25.969, ss=-30.486, P=0.019), respectively] and Gensini score [(beta=0.276, P<0.001) and (beta=-0.274, P<0.001), respectively]. Independent predictors of serum prolidase activity were serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (beta=-0.138, P=0.023) and urea levels (beta=0.146, P=0.036), and Gensini score (beta=0.317, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings of this study have shown that serum prolidase activity is significantly associated with the presence and severity of CAD, and elevated serum prolidase activity might be an independent predictor of coronary atherosclerosis.     

Impact of plasma adiponectin levels to the presence and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVES: Adiponectin is thought to serve a protective function for the coronary endothelium by inhibiting many of the crucial steps in atherosclerotic process. Previous research has indicated an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The objective of this study was to investigate whether plasma adiponectin concentrations were associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with MetS undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: We measured plasma adiponectin levels in 167 consecutive patients with MetS undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was defined by using Gensini score system. RESULTS: CAD was found in 70.1% of the patients. Patients with significant CAD had lower plasma adiponectin concentrations than those without CAD (4.14+/-3.83 vs. 8.94+/-6.63 microg/ml, P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that plasma adiponectin level was independently associated with CAD (odds ratio: 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.94; P=0.001). Plasma adiponectin levels were inversely related to the Gensini score (rho: -0.480, P<0.001) and predicted the severity of coronary atherosclerosis independent of other risk factors (beta: -0.054; 95% confidence interval: -0.074--0.034; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that hypoadiponectinemia may play a role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis and the observation of adiponectin levels may be indicative of the presence of significant CAD in patients with MetS.     

Oxidative stress and its association with coronary artery disease and different atherogenic risk factors

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that free radicals contribute to endothelial dysfunction and are involved in the pathogenesis and development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to provide evidence for enhanced oxidative stress in coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Plasma levels of 8-isoprostane (8-epiPGF(2alpha)), marker of lipid peroxidation, were measured in 68 subjects (age: 60 +/- 2 years, mean +/- SEM). Subjects included 30 healthy control subjects and 38 patients with angiographically proven CAD. In addition, the total antioxidant power (PAO) was evaluated in a subgroup (40 subjects, 12 healthy and 28 CAD). RESULTS: Levels of 8-epiPGF(2alpha) increased with the number of affected vessels (one- and multi-vessel disease versus control subjects, P < 0.001) and considering different risk determinants for atherosclerosis (i.e. hypertension, gender, hypercholesterolaemia, P < 0.01). In multivariate regression models the number of affected vessels was independently correlated with 8-epiPGF(2alpha) (P < 0.05). PAO values significantly decreased with increased number of affected vessels (P < 0.05) and in hypertensive patients when compared with those without hypertension (P < 0.05). In multivariate regression models the number of affected vessels resulted an independent determinant for PAO (P < 0.05). Concentration of 8-epiPGF(2alpha) and PAO also correlated with the number of cardiovascular risk factors (P < 0.01 and P = 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that elevated levels of plasma 8-epiPGF(2alpha) and reduced antioxidant capacity are associated with the extent and the severity of CAD and with the occurrence and number of different atherogenic risk factors. This observation may assist in providing more information as to how oxidative stress may predispose to atherogenesis and suggest attractive therapeutic strategies in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.     

Evidence for enhanced 8-isoprostane plasma levels,as index of oxidative stress in vivo,in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: It is well known that free radicals contribute to endothelial dysfunction and are involved in ageing and in the pathogenesis and development of many cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Measurement of F(2)-isoprostanes has emerged as probably the most reliable approach to assess oxidative stress status in vivo. In particular, 8-isoprostane (8-epiPGF(2alpha)) has been indicated as a marker of antioxidant deficiency and oxidative stress of potential relevance to assess human vascular diseases. DESIGN: To provide evidence for enhanced oxidative stress in coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Plasma levels of 8-epiPGF(2alpha) (EIA, Cayman Chemicals, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA) were measured in 51 patients (19 females, 32 males, age: 58.7+/-1.6 years, mean+/-SEM). Subjects included 13 healthy control subjects (group I), and 38 patients underwent coronary angiography; 11 patients without coronary artery atherosclerotic lesions (group II), and 27 with angiographically proven CAD (group III). RESULTS: Plasma levels of 8-epiPGF(2alpha) were 123.2+/-9.5, 314.6+/-40 and 389.6+/-36.2 pg/ml in groups I, II and III respectively (P<0.05 and P<0.001 groups II and III versus group I, respectively). In group III, 8-epiPGF(2alpha) levels increased with the number of affected vessels (324.4+/-47.2 and 408.3+/-44.1 pg/ml for one- and multi-vessel disease, P=0.07 and P<0.001 versus control subjects, respectively). A significant difference in 8-epiPGF(2alpha) levels was observed between patients with and without hypertension (394.2+/-42.7 and 232.7+/-25.1 pg/ml, P<0.01, respectively). In addition, patients with dyslipidaemia presented higher 8-epiPGF(2alpha) levels with respect to non-dyslipidaemic patients (359.1+/-35.6 and 240.3+/-34.3 pg/ml, P<0.05, respectively). A positive relationship was found between age and 8-epiPGF(2alpha) levels (r=0.42, P<0.01) in the whole population. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that elevated levels of plasma 8-epiPGF(2alpha) levels are associated with the extent and the severity of coronary artery disease and with the occurrence of different atherogenic risk factors, supporting the hypothesis that the evaluation of oxidative stress may represent an additional prognostic predictor in such events and a potential target of future therapeutic interventions.     

The association of elasticity indexes of ascending aorta and the presence and the severity of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between elasticity indexes of aorta and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable CAD. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with CAD (CAD group) and 40 patients without CAD [non CAD (NCAD group)] were included in the study. Ascending aorta (Ao) diameters (mm) and Ao elastic indexes namely, Ao strain (AS), Ao distensibility (AD) were calculated from the echocardiographically derived Ao diameters and hemodynamic pressure measurements in all patients. Coronary angiography was performed in both CAD and NCAD groups. Severity of CAD was evaluated by using Gensini score index. RESULTS: Mean AD and AS measurements of CAD group were lower than that of NCAD group (P<0.001, for both). In CAD group, both AD and AS were associated with mean arterial blood pressure, presence of hypertension, Gensini score, left ventricle mass index, sex, and triglyceride levels in bivariate analysis (P<0.05, for all). CAD group's both AD (beta = -0.577, P = 0.003) and AS (beta = -0.494, P=0.021) were independently correlated with Gensini score in multiple linear regression analysis. The AD values of > or = 1.24 predict presence of low Gensini score (< or = 26 for this study) with sensitivity of 88.2% and specificity of 84.6% with area under the curve of 0.94; whereas the AS values of > or = 3.36 predict presence of low Gensini score with sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 87.2% with area under the curve of 0.873. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study have shown that AD and AS were independently associated with severity of CAD and that impaired elasticity indexes of the aorta might be independent predictors for the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.     

Discordância entre Colesterol LDL e Não-HDL e Gravidade da Doença Arterial Coronária

Background:A sizeable proportion of patients have discordant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C).Objectives:We assessed the relationship between discordance of LDL-C and non-HDL-C and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the data of 574 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography. Fasting serum lipid profiles were recorded, SYNTAX and Gensini scores were calculated to establish CAD complexity and severity. We determined the medians for LDL-C and non-HDL-C to examine the discordance between LDL-C and non-HDL-C. Discordance was defined as LDL-C greater than or equal to the median and non-HDL-C less than median; or LDL-C less than median and non-HDL-C greater than or equal to median. A p value < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.Results:LDL-C levels were strongly and positively correlated with non-HDL-C levels (r = 0.865, p < 0.001) but 15% of patients had discordance between LDL-C and non-HDL-C. The percentage of patients with a Gensini score of zero or SYNTAX score of zero did not differ between discordant or concordant groups (p = 0.837, p = 0.821, respectively). Mean Gensini and SYNTAX scores, percentage of patients with Gensini score ≥20 and SYNTAX score >22 were not different from group to group (p = 0.635, p = 0.733, p = 0.799, p = 0.891, respectively). Also, there was no statistically significant correlation between LDL-C and Gensini or SYNTAX scores in any of the discordant or concordant groups. Additionally, no correlation was found between non-HDL-C and Gensini or SYNTAX score.Conclusions:While there was discordance between LDL-C and non-HDL-C (15% of patients), there is no difference regarding CAD severity and complexity between discordant and concordant groups.     

Association between paraoxonase 1 activity and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndromes

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate serum paraoxonase/arylesterase activities in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and their correlations with the severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Three groups of patients were investigated: 89 patients with ACS, 54 patients with normal coronary angiograms (no-CAD group), and 27 healthy comparison subjects. ACS patients were divided into three groups according to their clinical presentation: unstable angina pectoris (UAP, Braunwald III-B, n = 31), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (n = 27), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n = 31). Serum paraoxonase/arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Angiographic CAD extent was expressed both by the number of vessels diseased and by the Gensini scoring system. Results showed that serum paraoxonase/ arylesterase activities and the paraoxonase/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were significantly lower in the STEMI, NSTEMI, UAP groups than in no-CAD and control groups. Serum paraoxonase/arylesterase activities and paraoxonase/HDL-C ratio were reduced in patients with 2-vessel disease (VD) and 3-VD compared to the I-VD and no-CAD group (P < 0.001). In patients with ACS, the Gensini score correlated inversely with serum paraoxonase (r = -0.419, P < 0.001), arylesterase (r = -0.492, P < 0.0001), and the paraoxonase/HDL-C ratio (r = -0.377, P < 0.001). Serum arylesterase (r = 0.161, P = 0.03) and paraoxonase (r = 0.135, P = 0.002) activities were positively correlated with HDL-C levels. Serum arylesterase activity (P < 0.0001), gender (P = 0.0037), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.005) and LDL-C levels (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of CAD presence. CONCLUSIONS: Serum paraoxonase/arylesterase activities are reduced in ACS patients and inversely correlated with the severity of CAD.     

Plasma homocysteine levels and the left ventricular systolic function in coronary artery disease patients

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown a relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia, atherothrombosis and cardiovascular mortality. However, an association between hyperhomocysteinemia and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial whereas its relationship with left ventricular systolic function has not been established. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-seven patients with angiographically defined CAD were included. The relationships between hyperhomocysteinemia, severity of CAD and left ventricular systolic function were studied. Left ventricular systolic function was determined primarily by ventriculography. The severity of CAD was determined through coronary angiography using the Gensini score and the number of vessels with > or = 50% stenosis. RESULTS: The mean fasting plasma homocysteine level was 13.4 mumol/l+/-0.5 SE. Elevated levels of homocysteine correlated significantly with increased severity of CAD both by the Gensini scores (r-value = 0.344, P < 0.0005) and the total number of diseased vessels (r-value = 0.387, P < 0.0005). The patients with hyperhomocysteinemia were found to have significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (r-value = -0.382, P < 0.0005). A multivariate regression analysis revealed homocysteine level to be an independent predictor of left ventricular systolic function. In addition, adjusted analysis revealed hyperhomocysteinemia to be associated with global left ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSION: In patients with CAD, homocysteine levels correlate independently with left ventricular systolic function. The mechanism of this association between homocysteine and left ventricular systolic function is unknown but may be due to a direct effect of homocysteine on myocardial function separate from its effects on coronary atherosclerosis.     

Decreased plasma urotensin Ⅱ levels inversely correlate with extent and severity of coronary artery disease

Objective To determine the plasma urolensin Ⅱ(UII) levels in various types of coronary heart disease and to clarify how the plasma UII levels correlate with the clinical presentation, extent and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAD). Methods: One hundred and three aged patients undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography for proven or clinical suspected coronary heart disease were enrolled in this study. The extent and severity of coronary artery disease were evaluated by vessel score and Gensini score, respectively. Plasma UII levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: The plasma UII levels in the patients with modest to severe coronary stenosis (3.03±0.34 pg/ml, 1.83±0.67 pg/ml) were significantly lower than that in subjects with normal coronary artery (4.80±1.11 pg/ml, P<0.001). The plasma UII levels in patients with coronary heart disease were also significantly lower than that in patients with insignificant coronary stenosis (P < 0. 001). Compared to patients with stable angina pectoris, plasma UII levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome were significantly decreased (1.89±0.51 pg/ml vs 2.42±0.77 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Plasma UII levels were found to be negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis (r = -0.488, P<0.001), as well as the vessel score (r = -0.408, P<0.05) in the patients with CAD. Conclusion: Significant inverse correlations exist between the plasma UII levels, and the extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis. These findings suggest that plasma UII contribute to the development and progression of coronary artery stenosis, and may be a novel marker to predict clinical types, as well as the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in the patients.     

冠心病合并脑血管狭窄与血浆氧化三甲胺水平的关系

目的:探讨冠心病合并脑血管狭窄与血浆氧化三甲胺(TMAO)的关系。方法:回顾性分析了2013年10月至2016年6月于首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院心内科就诊的158例住院患者。患者均在住院期间接受了冠状动脉造影及全脑血管造影,并依据检查结果分为:对照组(无冠心病及脑血管狭窄病变,n=20)、冠心病组(n=25)、脑血管狭窄组(n=17)和冠心病合并脑血管狭窄组(n=96)。检测并比较各组空腹血浆TMAO及其前体物质左旋肉碱、胆碱、甜菜碱等水平,分别比较冠心病组、冠心病合并脑血管狭窄组Gensini评分与TMAO的相关性。结果:冠心病组与冠心病合并脑血管狭窄组中位TMAO水平分别为7.15(3.77,16.75)μmol、8.13(4.87,17.38)μmol,均明显高于对照组的3.22(2.19,9.00)μmol,P均<0.001;将各组TAMO水平经自然对数转化为正态分布后比较显示,冠心病组与冠心病合并脑血管狭窄组仍高于对照组(P均<0.01),也高于脑血管狭窄组(P均<0.05),不过冠心病组与冠心病合并脑血管狭窄组差异未见统计学意义(P=0.682);脑血管狭窄组与对照组差异未见统计学意义(P=0.582)。各组间左旋肉碱、胆碱、甜菜碱血浆水平差异未见统计学意义(P>0.05)。在冠心病组,TMAO水平与Gensini评分正相关(r=0.569,P=0.009),左旋肉碱水平与Gensini评分负相关(r=-0.700,P=0.001),胆碱、甜菜碱水平与Gensini评分未见明显相关;在冠心病合并脑血管狭窄组,TMAO、左旋肉碱、胆碱、甜菜碱血浆水平均未见与Gensini评分明显相关。结论:冠心病合并脑血管狭窄与血浆TMAO水平升高无关。     

冠心病患者血脂异常与冠状动脉病变的相关性分析

目的探讨冠心病患者冠状动脉病变范围及狭窄程度与血脂的关系。方法 9847例疑诊冠心病并行诊断性冠状动脉造影的住院患者中,确诊冠心病6419例(65.2%),排除3428例(34.8%),以冠状动脉造影阳性(主要血管直径狭窄≥50%)作为诊断冠心病的标准。冠状动脉造影病变程度采用Gensini积分评价。术前进行甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C)检查,对比分析冠心病组冠状动脉狭窄程度及范围与血脂的关系。结果对6419例冠心病患者进行统计学分析显示TC、LDL-C随着冠状动脉病变支数及病变程度(冠状动脉病变Gensini积分)的增加而升高,并与之成明显的负相关(P<0.001);而高密度脂蛋白则随着病变支数和病变程度(冠状动脉病变Gensini积分)的增加而降低,呈明显的负相关(P<0.001),进一步多元线性回归分析显示HDL-C(β=-0.075,OR值-5.580,95%CI:-7.541～-3.618,P<0.001)与冠状动脉病变程度成独立正相关,低密度脂蛋白(β=0.067,OR值2.712,95%CI:0.943～4.481,P=0.003)与冠状动脉病变程度成独立正相关,而与TG(β=0.002,OR值0.067,95%CI:-0.689～0.822,P=0.863)、TC(β=0.034,OR值1.080,95%CI:-0.392～2.553,P=0.150)无独立相关性。结论 TG、TC、LDL-C可以作为冠心病的危险因素,而HDL-C与冠状动脉病变程度成独立负相关,LDL-C与冠状动脉病变程度成独立正相关。虽然TG和TC在本研究中未体现出与冠状动脉病变程度存在独立相关性,但因本研究为横断面研究,研究结果存在一定的局限性,应结合临床具体分析。所以积极控制血脂对防止冠心病有积极意义。     

可溶性糖蛋白130与稳定型冠心病患者冠状动脉粥样硬化严重程度之间关系

目的: 评估稳定型冠状动脉疾病（stable coronary artery disease, CAD）患者血清白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、可溶性IL-6受体（sIL-6R）和可溶性糖蛋白130（sgp130）浓度及与冠状动脉粥样硬化严重程度间的关系。方法：纳入2017年1月到2019年1月间于惠州市第六人民医院心内科具有动脉造影适应症疑似冠心病患者89例,根据冠状动脉造影结果将患者分成两组：存在冠状动脉粥样斑块CAD组,即粥样斑块组,共64例;不存在冠状动脉粥样斑块CAD组,即非粥样斑块组,共25例。采用ELISA法检测两组患者血清IL-6、sIL-6R和sgp130浓度,Spearman相关分析sgp130浓度与受累冠脉数目及Gensini评分的相关性,多因素logistic回归分析冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块病变的预测因子。结果： 粥样斑块组与非粥样斑块组在年龄、BMI、高血压、糖尿病、血脂参数上无统计学差异（P>0.05）, 粥样斑块组患者男性吸烟者居多（P<0.05）。粥样斑块组血清sgp130浓度显著低于非粥样斑块组（314.97±84.39 VS 399.08±79.99 ng/ml, P<0.001）,粥样斑块组血清IL-6浓度显著高于非粥样斑块组（P<0.05）, 粥样斑块组血清sIL-6R浓度和C-反应蛋白浓度(CRP)与非粥样斑块组比较差异无统计学意义。多因素logistic回归分析示血清sgp130浓度是冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块病变存在的预测因子（P=0.018）。血清sgp130浓度与受累冠状动脉数目间呈负相关（r=-0.310,P=0.007）,Gensini评分指数与血清sgp130浓度呈负相关（r=-0.410, P=0.001）,稳定型CAD患者sgp130浓度是Gensini评分指数独立危险因素。结论：稳定型CAD患者血清sgp130浓度与冠状动脉损伤严重程度呈负相关,血清sgp130水平是冠状动脉粥样硬化严重程度血清标志物。     

Decreased plasma urotensin Ⅱ levels inversely correlate with extent and severity of coronary artery disease

Objective To determine the plasma urolensin Ⅱ(UⅡ) levels in various types of coronary heart disease and to clarify how the plasma UⅡ levels correlate with the clinical presentation, extent and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAD). Methods: One hundred and three aged patients undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography for proven or clinical suspected coronary heart disease were enrolled in this study. The extent and severity of coronary artery disease were evaluated by vessel score and Gensini score, respectively. Plasma UⅡ levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: The plasma UⅡ levels in the patients with modest to severe coronary stenosis (3.03±0.34 pg/ml, 1.83±0.67 pg/ml) were significantly lower than that in subjects with normal coronary artery (4.80±1.11 pg/ml, P＜0.001). The plasma UⅡ levels in patients with coronary heart disease were also significantly lower than that in patients with insignificant coronary stenosis (P ＜ 0.001). Compared to patients with stable angina pectoris, plasma UⅡ levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome were significantly decreased (1.89±0.51 pg/ml vs 2.42±0.77 pg/ml, P＜ 0.001). Plasma UⅡ levels were found to be negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis (r = -0.488, P＜0.001), as well as the vessel score (r = -0.408, P＜0.05) in the patients with CAD. Conclusion: Significant inverse correlations exist between the plasma UⅡ levels, and the extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis. These findings suggest that plasma UⅡ contribute to the development and progression of coronary artery stenosis, and may be a novel marker to predict clinical types, as well as the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in the patients.     

Comparison of presence and extent of coronary narrowing in patients with left bundle branch block without diabetes mellitus to patients with and without left bundle branch block but with diabetes mellitus

We prospectively analyzed the clinical, echocardiographic, and coronary arteriographic data of 51 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with left bundle branch block (LBBB), 51 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without LBBB, and 51 patients with isolated LBBB matched for age and gender. Extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) was classified according to the standard method into 1-, 2-, or 3-vessel disease and was estimated by calculation of the Gensini score. The left ventricular ejection fraction was analyzed by echocardiography. Age, gender, and percentage of patients with a smoking habit or family history of CAD did not differ among the groups. The rates of hypertension and levels of serum creatinine, cholesterol, and triglycerides were statistically higher in group I compared with the other 2 groups. Patients with diabetes and LBBB (group I) had significantly higher scores for the severity (Gensini score) of CAD (p <0.001) and more 3-vessel disease (p <0.001). After adjustment for hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia with covariance analysis, the presence of LBBB was also associated with a higher Gensini score in patients with diabetes compared with those with diabetes but without LBBB and those with isolated LBBB (p <0.001). The present study, for the first time, has shown that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant LBBB have more severe and extensive CAD and advanced left ventricular dysfunction compared with those with diabetes but without LBBB and those with isolated LBBB.     

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori IgG titre and coronary atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES: The role of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the progression of atherosclerosis is controversial. We investigated the relation between HP IgG antibody titres and severity and intensity of coronary atherosclerosis and also clinical presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: The patient group consisted of 353 patients with angiographically proven CAD, which contains 3 different subgroups: 163 patients with myocardial infarction (MI), 106 patients with unstable angina (USAP) and 84 patients with stable angina (SAP). Control group included 163 subjects with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titres were measured by an enzyme immunoassay method in all patients. Gensini and Extent scores were used to evaluate the angiographic severity and extent of atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein levels were measured by Behring nephelometry system kits. RESULTS: Seropositivity rates for HP were similar between groups (82.7% in the patient group and 86.6% in the control group (P > 0.05)). Also HP-IgG levels were similar among the MI, USAP and SAP groups. No significant correlation was observed between CRP levels and HP-LgG level titres. There was no significant correlation between HP-IgG level (r = 0.086, P = 0.2) and Gensini score but a significant poor correlation was observed between HP-IgG level and Extent score (r = + 0.156, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter pylori IgG titres do not play an important role in the presentation of CAD and do not increase systemic inflammatory response. However, Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titres may be correlated with the extent of CAD.     

Value of coronary artery calcium score to predict severity or complexity of coronary artery disease

Background

Prediction of severity or complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is valuable owing to increased risk for cardiovascular events. Although the association between total coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and severity of CAD, Gensini score was not used, it has been previously demonstrated. There is no information about the association between total CAC score and complexity of CAD.

Objectives

To investigate the association between severity or complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by Gensini score and SYNTAX score (SS), respectively, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which is a noninvasive method for CAD evaluation in symptomatic patients with accompanying significant CAD.

Methods

Two-hundred-fourteen patients were enrolled. Total CAC score was obtained before angiography. Severity and complexity of CAD was assessed by Gensini score and SS, respectively. Associations between clinical and angiographic parameters and total CAC score were analyzed.

Results

Median total CAC score was 192 (23.0-729.8), and this was positively correlated with both Gensini score (r: 0.299, p<0.001) and SS (r: 0.577, p<0.001). At multivariate analysis, it was independently associated with age (ß: 0.154, p: 0.027), male gender (ß: 0.126, p: 0.035) and SS (ß: 0.481, p< 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a cut-off value > 809 for SS >32 (high SS tertile).

Conclusion

In symptomatic patients with accompanying significant CAD, total CAC score was independently associated with SS and patients with SS >32 may be detected through high Agatston score.     

外周血CD14~+CD16~+细胞与稳定型心绞痛患者冠状动脉硬化病变程度的相关性研究

目的:单核细胞在整个动脉硬化进程中至关重要,根据细胞表面CD14和CD16的差异表达,单核细胞可分为CD14+CD16-和CD14+CD16+两种亚群,本研究目的是探讨外周血单核细胞亚群与稳定型心绞痛患者冠状动脉硬化病变程度的相关性。方法:入选97例进行冠状动脉造影的稳定型心绞痛患者,根据造影结果分为无冠心病组(non-coronary artery disease,non-CAD)、单支病变组(single-vessel disease,SVD)及多支病变组(multiple-vessel disease,MVD),并对病变的严重程度进行Gensini评分。通过流式细胞术测定外周血两种单核细胞亚群数量。结果:外周血单核细胞CD14+CD16+亚群在MVD组的比例高于SVD组和non-CAD组(MVD:15.2±4.6;SVD:12.5±3.7,P0.001;non-CAD:7.5±2.5,P0.001),且与Gensini评分的相关性分析显示,CD14+CD16+亚群与冠状动脉病变严重程度呈正相关。结论:外周血CD14+CD16+细胞与稳定型心绞痛患者冠状动脉硬化病变程度相关。     

Relationship between aortic valve sclerosis and the extent of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is considered to be a manifestation of coronary atherosclerosis. Recent studies demonstrated an association between AVS and significant coronary artery disease (CAD). AIM: We sought to determine the association between AVS and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis by means of the Gensini score system, which was calculated to yield a measure of the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients referred for coronary angiography. METHODS: A total of 160 consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography were subjected to echocardiography for screening of AVS and coronary risk assessment. Absence (group 1, n = 110) and presence of AVS (Group 2, n = 50) was established. The cardiac risk factors considered in this study were age, gender, family history of CAD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and history of smoking. The body mass index was also measured. Atherosclerotic plaque burden was determined using the Gensini score. Significant CAD was defined as >50% reduction in the internal diameter of at least one coronary artery. Multivessel coronary disease was based on the presence of 2- or 3-vessel disease. RESULTS: The AVS patients had a higher rate of 3-vessel disease (AVS group vs. non AVS: 40 vs. 13.6%; p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between AVS and 1- and 2-vessel disease. Individuals with AVS were found to have a higher Gensini score (40.7 +/- 38.05 vs. 18 +/- 16.4; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified age (p < 0.001), male sex (p = 0.01), triglycerides (p = 0.02), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.001) and Gensini score (p = 0.003) as independent predictors of AVS. CONCLUSION: AVS is strongly interrelated with the coronary angiographic Gensini score. Echocardiographic detection of AVS in patients undergoing coronary angiography can provide a new surrogate marker of the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.