Adiponectin is inversely related to plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in patients with stable exertional angina

Adipose tissue is a secretory organ producing a variety of bioactive substances, such as adiponectin. Adiponectin has antiatherogenic properties while plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is closely involved in the development of atherosclerosis.The relationship between adiponectin and PAI-1 in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been clarified. This study examined plasma levels of adiponectin and PAI-1 in 64 patients with stable exertional angina (SEA) and 65 patients with the chest pain syndrome (CPS). Plasma log-adiponectin levels were significantly lower in patients with SEA (0.62+/-0.08 micro g/dL) compared to those with CPS (0.86+/-0.05 micro g/dL) (p<0.0001). The plasma levels of log-PAI-1 were significantly higher in patients with SEA (1.23+/-0.18 ng/mL) compared to those with CPS (1.15+/-0.22 ng/mL) (p<0.05). Plasma log-adiponectin levels correlated negatively with diabetes mellitus (DM), body mass index (BMI), log-PAI-1 (r=-0.284, p<0.001), triglyceride (TG), and remnant-like particles cholesterol (RLP-C), and positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Plasma levels of log-PAI-1 correlated positively with DM, BMI,TG and RLP-C levels, and negatively with HDL-C levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified sex, angina pectoris, and PAI-1 as independent determinants of hyperadiponectinemia (p<0.05). Adiponectin is inversely related to PAI-1. DM, BMI,TG, HDL-C, and RLP-C are common mediators between adiponectin and PAI-1, and treatment for common mediators may prevent the development of CAD by reducing PAI-1 and increasing adiponectin levels.     

A cross-sectional study for glucose intolerance of myotonic dystrophy

We made a cross-sectional study to analyze glucose intolerance of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) with several examination including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT) and adiponectin. Ninety-five DM1 patients participated in this study. Health examination data from general people were used as controls. In DM1, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was higher than control even in the lowest fasting blood sugar (FBS) stage (<80 mg/dl) and insulin sensitivity assessed by ITT was low regardless of their FBS. Insulinogenic index of DM1 was positively correlated to HOMA-IR. Insulinogenic index and sum of IRI in OGTT were markedly elevated in the lowest FBS stage and declined along with elevation of FBS. Consequently, as many as 13.3% of DM1 patients with 90-110 mg/dl of FBS exhibited DM pattern, while only 1.9% in control. Adiponectin was higher in DM1 than control. Although age correlated with adiponectin in both control and DM1, its impact was stronger in DM1. DM1 predisposes insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia exist even in patients with low FBS. We should pay attention to glucose intolerance of DM1 patients earlier than that of the general population. It seemed that 90 mg/dl of FBS is an important index as an indication of careful managements.     

Decreased plasma concentration of a novel anti-inflammatory protein--adiponectin--in hypertensive men with coronary artery disease

Aims: Recent studies indicate that adiponectin may have anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, suggesting that hypoadiponectinemia can play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Therefore the aim of the study was to assess plasma adiponectin concentration in hypertensive male patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Associations of adiponectinemia with other cardiovascular risk factors were also analysed. Methods and results: The study included 99 consecutive male patients (median age 57 years) with hypertension and CAD who at the same time underwent coronary and renal angiography. The control group consisted of 62 BMI-matched healthy male blood donors (median age 48 years). Plasma adiponectin level was significantly lower in the CAD group as compared to the control group (4.01±0.18 vs. 4.88±0.24 μg/ml; p<0.01). There were no differences in plasma adiponectin concentration between hypertensive CAD patients with and without atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. In the CAD group plasma adiponectin concentration correlated with levels of creatinine (r=0.56; p<0.001), HDL cholesterol (r=0.24; p<0.05), BMI (r=−0.33; p<0.001), glucose (r=−0.22; p<0.05) and triglycerides (r=−0.25; p<0.05). No correlation was found between plasma adiponectin and homocysteine concentrations. In a multivariate stepwise logistic regression model increasing concentrations of adiponectin were independently and significantly associated with a lower risk of CAD (OR 0.58 95% CI 0.42–0.81 p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results showed decreased plasma adiponectin concentration in the studied group of hypertensive men with CAD as compared to normotensive healthy subjects. This may suggest that decreased plasma adiponectin concentration is associated with a higher risk of CAD.     

Vascular,inflammatory, and metabolic factors associated with cognition in aging persons with chronic epilepsy

We examined cognition in aging persons with chronic epilepsy; characterized targeted vascular, inflammatory, and metabolic risk factors associated with abnormal cognitive aging in the general population; and examined associations between cognition and vascular, inflammatory, and metabolic health. Participants included 40 persons with chronic localization‐related epilepsy and 152 controls, aged 54.6 and 55.3, respectively. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessment, clinical examination, and fasting blood evaluation for quantification of vascular status (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, obesity/body mass index [BMI], total and high‐density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol level, and homocysteine), inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP], and interleukin‐6 [IL‐6]), and metabolic status (insulin resistance [Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR)], glucose). Epilepsy participants exhibited impairment across all cognitive factor scores (all p's < 0.0001); abnormalities in BMI (p = 0.049), hs‐CRP (p = 0.046), HOMA‐IR (p = 0.0040), and fasting glucose (p = 0.03), with significant relationships between higher HOMA‐IR with poorer Immediate Memory (p = 0.03) and Visuospatial Ability (0.03); elevated hs‐CRP with poorer Visuospatial (p = 0.035) and Verbal Ability (p = 0.06); elevated BMI with poorer Speed/Flexibility (p = 0.04), Visuospatial (p = 0.001) and Verbal Ability (p = 0.02); and lower HDL with poorer Verbal Learning/Delayed Memory (p = 0.01), Speed/Flexibility (p = 0.043), and Working Memory (p = 0.008). Aging persons with chronic epilepsy exhibit multiple abnormalities in metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular health that are associated with poorer cognitive function.     

Increased pulse-wave velocity in patients with anxiety: implications for autonomic dysfunction

Decreased vagal function is associated with vascular dysfunction. In this study, we compared vascular indices and correlated heart rate and QT variability measures with vascular indices in patients with anxiety disorders and normal controls. We compared age- and sex-matched controls (n=23) and patients with anxiety (n=25) using the Vascular Profiler (VP-1000; Colin Medical Instruments, Japan), approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Using this machine, we obtained ankle and brachial blood pressure (BP) in both arms (brachial), both legs (ankle), and carotid artery, and lead I electrocardiogram (ECG) and phonocardiogram. Using these signals, pulse-wave velocity (PWV), and arterial stiffness index % and preejection period can be calculated. We also obtained ECG sampled at 1000 Hz in lead II configuration in supine posture to obtain beat-to-beat interbeat interval (R-R) and QT interval variability for 256 s. Patients with anxiety had significantly higher carotid mean arterial pressure (MAP) %, brachial-ankle PWV (BAPWV), arterial stiffness index %, MAP, and diastolic BP of the extremities compared to controls. We found significant negative correlations (r values from .4 to .65; P<.05 to .007) between R-R interval high-frequency (0.15-0.5 Hz) power (which is an indicator of cardiac vagal function), and increased BAPWV and systolic BP of the extremities only in patients. We were unable to find such correlations in controls. We also found significant positive correlations between QT variability index (a probable indicator of cardiac sympathetic function) and MAP of the extremities and BAPWV only in the patient group. These findings suggest an important association between decreased vagal and increased sympathetic function, and decreased arterial compliance and possible atherosclerotic changes and increased BP in patients with anxiety.     

Sustained low-grade pro-inflammatory state in unmedicated, remitted women with major depressive disorder as evidenced by elevated serum levels of the acute phase proteins C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) shows increased coronary artery disease (CAD) risk of unknown mechanism(s). MDD is more common in women than men; CAD diagnosis can be difficult in women. Elevations of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) predict increased CAD risk in populations; few data on these markers exist in MDD, particularly in remitted patients. METHODS: We measured fasting am serum CRP (high sensitivity, CRP(hs)) and SAA in 18 unmedicated, remitted women with MDD (mean age 41 +/- (SD)12, body mass index (BMI) 25.2 +/- 4.1 kg/m(2)) and 18 BMI-matched healthy control subjects (age 36 +/- 10, BMI 25.3 +/- 3.8 kg/m(2)) on 2 separate occasions, > or = 6 days apart. RESULTS: Repeat SAA and CRP(hs) measurements strongly correlated across study days (SAA: r = .83, p < .001; CRP(hs): r = .94, p < .001). Both SAA (5.30 +/- 3.39 vs. 2.84 +/- 1.87 mg/L, p < .005) and CRP(hs) (3.23 +/- 3.17 vs. 1.12 +/- 1.45 mg/L; p < .01) were significantly elevated in MDD women versus controls. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated SAA and CRP(hs) in remitted, unmedicated women with MDD indicate a pro-inflammatory state unrelated to current depressive symptoms or pharmacotherapy. These findings suggest that inflammatory mechanisms may in part underlie findings of increased CAD risk in MDD.     

Genetic variations of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene are related to increased levels of C-reactive protein and macrophage-colony stimulating-factor in patients with coronary artery disease

It was the objective of this study to investigate the relation between nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene polymorphisms, vascular inflammation, endothelial function, and atherosclerosis. We examined the effects of a variable nucleotide tandem repeats (VNTR) in intron 4, G894T in exon 7 and T-786C at the promoter region of NOS3 on i) C-reactive protein (CRP) and macrophage-colony stimulating-factor (MCSF), and ii) augmentation index (AI) measured by pulse-wave analysis , flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid and femoral artery using ultrasonography and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in 122 patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent coronary angiography. MCSF and CRP were increased in patients withT-786C (77/122) or VNTR (40/122) allele compared to those without (F = 10.8, p = 0.002 and F = 3.8, p = 0.04 for T-786C and F = 3.65, p = 0.04 and F = 3.2 p = 0.049 forVNTR), even after adjustment for traditional risk factors and medication. Patients with combination of VNTR and T-786C (31/122) had higher MCSF or CRP than patients with one or none of these alleles (p < 0.05). Among patients with T-786C, those with MCSF>262 pg/ml or CRP>3.2 mg/l (n = 33/77) had a higher femoral and carotid IMT and number of plaques in the peripheral arteries than those with lower values of these inflammatory indices (p < 0.05). Patients with MCSF >262 pg/ml had also lower FMD and higher Gensini score than those with lower MCSF (p < 0.05). The intron 4-VNTR and T-786C mutation of NOS3 gene enhance the inflammatory process in patients with chronic CAD.     

Platelet factor 4 localization in carotid atherosclerotic plaques: correlation with clinical parameters

Emerging evidence supports a role for platelets in the progression of atherosclerosis in addition to an involvement in thrombotic vascular occlusion. Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), a chemokine released by activated platelets, stimulates several pro-atherogenic processes. Therefore, we examined the localization of PF4 and the homologous protein, Neutrophil Activating Protein-2 (NAP-2) in lesions representing the evolution of human atherosclerotic plaques. Carotid plaques from 132 patients with critical carotid stenosis and 6 autopsy specimens were studied. Clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical data were analyzed using a chi(2)-test. PF4 was detected in the cytoplasm of luminal and neovascular endothelium, in macrophages and in regions of plaque calcification. The presence of PF4 in macrophages and neovascular endothelium correlated with lesion grade (p = 0.004; p = 0.044). Staining of macrophages for PF4 correlated with the presence of symptomatic atherosclerotic disease (p = 0.028). In early lesions, PF4 was commonly found in macrophages of early lesions (Grade I/II), whereas NAP-2 was rarely present. In conclusion, correlation between PF4 deposition, lesion severity and symptomatic atherosclerosis suggests that persistent platelet activation may contribute to the evolution of atherosclerotic vascular lesions. These studies support the rationale for the chronic use of anti-platelet therapy in patients at risk for developing symptomatic atherosclerosis.     

男性血清抵抗素、脂联素水平与骨密度的关系：232名资料分析

目的：调查分析长沙地区232名健康男性志愿者血清抵抗素、脂联素水平与骨密度的关系。 方法：随机选择长沙地区汉族健康男性志愿者232名，对调查方案均知情同意，排除患有影响骨代谢疾病、服用影响骨代谢药物者。用酶联免疫吸附试验测定受试者血清脂联素、抵抗素水平；用DXA测定总体、腰椎正位、总髋部骨密度，全身扫描测定体脂水平及瘦体质量。分析血清脂联素、抵抗素水平与体脂及各部位骨密度的关系；利用逐步多元线性回归分析各部位骨密度的影响因素。 结果：抵抗素与体脂无相关性。脂联素与体脂呈负相关(r= -0.216，P < 0.05)，校正年龄与体质量指数后，相关性消失(r= -0.006，P > 0.05)。脂联素与总体、腰椎正位、总髋部骨密度呈负相关，校正年龄与体脂后，相关性存在。抵抗素与总体、腰椎正位、总髋部骨密度无相关性。多元线性回归分析显示脂联素是男性各部位骨密度的独立影响因素。 结论：抵抗素与体脂及各部位骨密度均无相关性。脂联素与体脂相关，与各部位骨密度呈负相关，是男性各部位骨密度的独立影响因素。     

Relationship between Periodontal disease,Porphyromonas gingivalis,peripheral vascular resistance markers and Coronary Artery Disease in Asian Indians

Introduction

A close association exists between oral health and cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease induces early vascular changes while oral pathogens have been detected in sub gingival and atheromatous plaques. We examined the interrelationship between Periodontal disease, oral bacteria, surrogate sub-clinical markers and coronary artery disease (CAD) in a representative Asian Indian cohort.

Materials and Methods

532 Gingivitis cases and 282 Periodontitis cases were assessed for early peripheral vascular changes, namely pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial stiffness index (ASI) and ankle brachial index (ABI) using computerized oscillometry method. Relative quantitation (RQ) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) was estimated in saliva samples of 54 Periodontitis, 25 Gingivitis and 51 CAD cases (38 also had oral disease) by Taqman assay by amplifying pathogen-specific gene targets, 16srRNA and IktA, respectively, and 16s universal bacterial rRNA as endogenous control.

Results

PWV and ASI were elevated in Periodontitis compared to Gingivitis cases (p < 0.0001) and in those with diabetes and hypertension. Cases with Periodontitis showed higher mean expression of Pg than Gingivitis (0.37 ± 0.05 versus 0.15 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001), while CAD patients with oral disease (N = 38) showed lower mean Pg expression than those without oral disease (N = 13) (0.712 ± 0.119 versus 1.526 ± 0.257, p = 0.008). Higher Pg expression was recorded in subjects with diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusion

Oral disease induces early changes in the peripheral blood vessels. Further, common presence of Pg in subjects with oral disease, in those with established cardiovascular risk factors and in patients with symptomatic CAD reflects the importance of oral hygiene in the development of Coronary Artery Disease in Asian Indians.     

Adiponectin multimer distribution, not absolute amount of plasma, correlates with depression severity in healthy elderly subjects

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-specific secretory protein that circulates in serum as three oligomeric complexes known as the high, medium and low molecular weight form (HMW, MMW and LMW). HMW adiponectin has been suggested to be a better predictor of metabolic variables, and it was recently reported that the ratio of HMW to total adiponectin or to LMW, not the absolute amount of plasma adiponectin, might be crucial in determining insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance (IR) is considered to be a primary component of vascular risk factors. Although the association of depression with atherosclerotic vascular diseases has been well documented, the contribution of IR to the evolution and progression of depression-associated vascular morbidity and mortality remains unknown. The current preliminary study showed that the ratio of HMW to total adiponectin or to LMW, not the absolute amount of plasma adiponectin, was negatively associated with depression severity in healthy elderly subjects without metabolic syndrome. This pilot study supports a promising role of adiponectin multimer distribution for clarifying the pathophysiological mechanism by which depression is associated with increased risk for IR, leading to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.     

Hyperechoic plaque: an ultrasound marker for osteoporosis in acute stroke patients with carotid disease

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a significant complication of stroke, and hip fracture after a stroke is a frequent problem. Moreover, growing evidence links vascular and bone diseases, in the form of osteoporosis associated with both atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. The aim of our study is to detect bone change in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in patients with carotid disease and to verify the correlation with carotid echogenic plaques. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Out of 245 subjects consecutively admitted to our Stroke Unit for their first ischemic stroke, we selected 49 patients with a first-ever stroke due to carotid atherosclerosis without a previous diagnosis of bone disease. We assessed risk factors for cerebrovascular disease as well as for osteoporosis, the degree of neurological deficit and disability, and bone mineral density that was quantified by bilateral hip dual energy X-ray absorbimetry. Osteoporosis was defined as a T score below -2.5. Carotid ultrasound was used to classify plaques in non-hyperechoic (grade 1) and hyperechoic plaque (grade 2). RESULTS: We found a high prevalence of low bone mass density (BMD) in our patients (18 out of 49=36.7%), without relationship to the side of paresis. According to univariate analysis evidence of osteoporosis was correlated with age (p=0.05), score of Scandinavian Stroke Scale (p=0.01) and grade 2 plaque (p=0.01). According to multivariate analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between grade 2 plaques and osteoporosis (OR=6.58; 95% CI=1.57-27.54; p=0.01), which was stronger in women (OR=18.15; 95% CI=1.80-182.83; p=0.01). The percentage of intraplaque hyperechogenicity was inversely correlated with BMD (r=-0.411, p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in acute atherosclerotic stroke patients. Carotid hyperechoic plaque is an independent marker of osteoporosis.     

Lipoprotein(a) as a strong indicator for cerebrovascular disease

To evaluate the role of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a] in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), lipid parameters were compared with a control group (CO). Additionally, the Lp(a) serum levels were investigated in a coronary artery disease (CAD) group. The CO was made up of 37 healthy persons (age: 54.5 +/- 7.7, 26 males and 11 females), the CVD group included 46 patients with sustained transient ischemic attack (TIA) prolonged reversible ischemic neurologic deficits (PRIND) and cerebral infarction (CI) (age: 53.6 +/- 9.7, 32 males and 14 females), and the CAD group was made up of 28 survivors of myocardial infarctions (age: 52.5 +/- 8.1, 18 males and 10 females). The median values of Lp(a) in CVD were significantly higher than in the CO (p less than 0.01) and did not differ significantly from the CAD. Total TC, HDL-C, TG, LDL-C and the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C did not show any significant difference between the control and cerebrovascular disease group. For quantification of the vascular lesions of the carotid system, a Duplex Doppler score system was used. The score correlated with Lp(a) in patients between 40 to 65 years of age (r = 0.34, p less than 0.01). Thus, we conclude that Lp(a) is not only a risk factor for CAD but also for CVD.     

Association of plasma retinol-binding protein-4, adiponectin, and high molecular weight adiponectin with metabolic adversities in patients with schizophrenia

Objective

Metabolic adversities are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin have been recently found to be associated with metabolic features in non-psychiatric population. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between metabolic features and RBP4, total adiponectin, and HMW adiponectin in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

We recruited 109 patients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine or haloperidol and evaluated their body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, RBP4, total adiponectin, and HMW adiponectin levels.

Results

We found that patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) had higher RBP4 level, and lower total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin levels than those without MS. There were no significant differences in metabolic features and adipocytokine levels between patients treated with clozapine and haloperidol. Most of the metabolic indexes were significantly correlated with the levels of adipocytokines. After adjusting the effects of age, gender, and BMI, marginal significant correlations existed between TG and RBP4 levels; HDL-C and total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin; insulin and HOMA-IR and HMW adiponectin. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that all of the three adipocytokines could differentiate patients with MS from those without MS. Meanwhile, total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin, but not RBP4, had the differentiating power for insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Higher RBP4 and lower total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin levels were observed in schizophrenic patients with MS. Only HMW adiponectin is marginally correlated with insulin sensitivity. The finding that metabolic profiles, but not the antipsychotic types, are associated with adipocytokine levels should be confirmed in longitudinal studies.     

脑梗死患者胰岛素抵抗与CRP,HCY,FIB水平、颈动脉IMT的相关性研究

目的 探讨脑梗死患者胰岛素抵抗(Insulin resistance,IR)与C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、同型半胱氨酸(Homocysteine,HCY)、血浆纤维蛋白原(Fibrinogen,FIB)水平、颈动脉内膜中层厚度(Inteima-media thickness,IMT)的相关性。方法 选择2014年1月-2015年1月入住本院神经内科的脑梗死患者260例纳入观察组,选择同期于本院进行健康体检志愿者260例纳入对照组; 观察组患者入院后24 h内检测空腹血糖(Fasting blood glucose,FBG)、总胆固醇(Total cholesterol,TC)、甘油三酯(Triglyceride,TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(Low density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(High density liptein cholesterol,HDL-C)、空腹胰岛素(Fasting insulin,FINS)及外周血CRP,HCY,FIB水平; 计算胰岛素抵抗指数(Homa-insulin resistance index,HOMA-IR); 对照组同期进行上述指标水平检测; 按照是否发生IR将观察组分为IR组、非IR组,比较各组上述指标水平; 以Pearson相关分析评价HOMA-IR与其他各项指标水平的相关性。结果 观察组血清FBG,TC,TG,LDL-C,FINS及外周血CRP,HCY,FIB水平及IMT,HOMA-IR均高于对照组,血清HDL-C水平低于对照组(P<0.05); IR组血清FBG,TC,TG,LDL-C,FINS及外周血CRP,HCY,FIB水平及IMT,HOMA-IR均高于非IR组,血清HDL-C水平低于非IR组(P<0.05); 经Pearson相关分析显示,HOMA-IR与TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL-C水平无相关性(P>0.05),与FBG,FINS,CRP,HCY,FIB水平、IMT增加呈正相关(0.3<r<0.6,P<0.05)。结论 脑梗死患者胰岛素抵抗与CRP,HCY,FIB水平、颈动脉IMT增加呈正相关。     

脑梗死患者颈动脉斑块稳定性及其相关因素分析

目的探讨脑梗死患者颈动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性及其有关危险因素。方法对139例脑梗死患者行颈部血管超声和血液检查;根据颈部血管超声分为斑块稳定组和不稳定组,比较2组间颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的稳定性及危险因素的差异。结果脑梗死患者颈动脉粥样硬化斑块发生率85.61%,不稳定组血清总胆固醇（CHOL）、甘油三酯（TG）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）、同型半胱氨酸（HCY）、纤维蛋白原（FIB）水平及性别、糖尿病史、吸烟患者比例与稳定组相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论颈动脉粥样硬化斑块与脑梗死密切相关,高水平的CHOL、TG、HCY、FIB,低水平的HDL-C及糖尿病史、吸烟史促使颈动脉粥样硬化斑块演变为不稳定斑块,故积极控制上述危险因素对预防脑梗死发生有重要意义。     

脑梗死患者血清脂联素、瘦素、CRP、IL-6与颈动脉内中膜厚度相关性研究

目的研究脑梗死患者血清脂联素、瘦素、炎性因子(C-反应蛋白,CRP;白介素-6,IL-6)与颈动脉内中膜厚度(IMT)的相关性,探讨血清脂联素、瘦素、CRP、IL-6在脑梗死发生发展过程中的作用。方法以96例脑梗死患者为梗死组,50例健康志愿者为正常对照组。用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)分别测定血清脂联素,瘦素及CRP、IL-6水平;测量IMT值,梗死组分为IMT<1.0 mm和IMT≥1.0 mm两亚组;同时梗死组进一步按脑梗死程度分为轻型、中型、重型亚组,用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)分别测定CRP、IL-6和血清脂联素、瘦素水平;分别测量颈动脉内中膜厚度(IMT)值。结果脑梗死组中,血清脂联素,瘦素及炎性因子含量分别与正常对照组相比较,差异具有统计学意义(p<0.05);脑梗死组中IMT≥1.0 mm者与IMT<1.0 mm者相比较,差异有统计学意义(p<0.05);脑梗死组中,随梗死程度变化,IMT与血清脂联素、瘦素、CRP、IL-6间,异有统计学意义(p<0.05),IMT与血清瘦素、CRP、IL-6呈明显正相关(r=0.52,p<0.01;r=0.48,p<0.01;r=0.50,p<0.01),脑梗死患者IMT与血清脂联素含量呈明显负相关(r=-0.848,p<0.01)。结论脑梗死患者IMT增厚,血清脂联素降低,瘦素、CRP、IL-6升高,脑梗死患者IMT与血清脂联素、瘦素、CRP、IL-6含量具有明显相关性。     

Correlation of metabolic parameters,neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4 serum levels in women with schizophrenia and first-onset depression

Background: Neurotrophin-3 (NTF3) and neurotrophin-4 (NTF4) play a crucial role in the neurodevelopment, differentiation, survival, and protection of neurons in different brain regions. Schizophrenia and depression are highly associated with metabolic abnormalities. Longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons of NTF3 and NTF4 levels, as well as clinical and metabolic parameters, were studied in schizophrenia, first-episode depression, and control groups.

Materials and methods: Serum NTF3 and NTF4 levels, body mass index (BMI), fasting serum glucose and lipid profile: cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were measured at baseline and week 8 in 133 women: 55 patients with schizophrenia (19 with first-episode and 36 chronic), 30 patients with a first-episode depression and 48 healthy controls. The severity of the symptoms was evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory.

Results: Longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons did not detect any differences in the serum levels of NTF3 and NTF4 between studied groups. NTF3 and NTF4 levels were strongly correlated. Correlation of NTF3 and HDL-C levels at baseline was observed. Significant changes in cholesterol and fasting serum glucose levels in first-episode depression patients during 8 weeks of treatment were detected. Significant differences in BMI and LDL-C levels between schizophrenia and first-episode depression patients were discovered.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first research which correlates NTF3 and NTF4 with metabolic parameters. Our study does not support the theory that the peripheral levels of NTF3 and NTF4 are disturbed in schizophrenia or first-episode depression.     

The -11377 C>G promoter variant of the adiponectin gene, prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis, and incidence of vascular events in men

No prospective data demonstrating an association between the -11377 C > G adiponectin gene promoter variant and cardiovascular risk are available. We therefore prospectively evaluated the cardiovascular risk associated with adiponectin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including SNP -11377 in a consecutive series of men undergoing coronary angiography. We recorded vascular events over four years in 402 men undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of coronary artery disease. No significant associations of SNPs +276 G > T and +45 T > G with serum adiponectin, with significant coronary stenoses >50%, or with vascular events were observed. However, for SNP -11377 C > G, serum adiponectin levels significantly decreased (p(trend) = 0.003), and the prevalence of significant coronary stenoses significantly increased from the CC over the GC to the GG genotype (p(trend) = 0.004). Prospectively, the risk of vascular events significantly increased from the CC over the CG to the GG genotype of this SNP (adjusted hazard ratios 1.555 [0.957 - 2.525] and 2.309 [1.067 - 4.998], respectively; p(trend) = 0.014). The -11377 C > G adiponectin gene promoter variant is i) associated with decreased serum adiponectin levels, ii) correlated with the presence of coronary atherosclerosis and iii) significantly predictive of vascular events among men undergoing coronary angiography.     

Complement C3 and C-reactive protein levels in patients with stable coronary artery disease

The aim of this study was to determine whether complement C3 is an indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). We measured plasma C3 and CRP levels in 278 patients undergoing coronary angiography for typical symptoms of CAD and 269 healthy age and sex matched controls. C3 levels were significantly higher in patients compared with controls (1.15 g/l and 0.92 g/l respectively; p<0.001). In the patient group, C3 levels correlated with BMI, fasting glucose, HbA1c, fibrinogen, CRP and HDL in both men and women. CRP levels were also higher in patients compared with controls (1.14 mg/l and 0.86 mg/l respectively; p=0.005) and correlated with markers of the metabolic syndrome. In a logistic regression model including C3, smoking, hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes, C3 was independently associated with CAD with an odds ratio of 3.20 for a 1 SD increase in C3 levels. In contrast, CRP was not independently associated with CAD in a similar regression analysis. In conclusion, both C3 and CRP plasma levels are elevated in patients with symptoms of CAD. However, C3 seems to be a better indicator of CAD than CRP in this study, suggesting that C3 could be an additional marker for risk stratification in atherosclerosis.