基质金属蛋白抑制因子-1 mRNA在饮水砷暴露肝损伤小鼠肝组织中的表达

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)mRNA在饮水砷暴露肝损伤小鼠肝组织中的表达及意义.方法 50只雄性小鼠被随机分成对照组、亚砷酸钠组(iAs3+组,300 mg/L)、砷酸钠组(iAs5+组,300 mg/L).10个月后处死小鼠,肝功能检查血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、球蛋白(GLB);部分肝组织进行HE染色;Trizol-酚-氯仿一步法提取小鼠肝组织总RNA,紫外分光光度法测定总RNA及纯度,实时荧光定量PCR法测定肝组织中TIMP-1 mRNA的表达,以18S基因作为质控.结果 ALT在对照组(36.67±3.51)、iAs3+组(61.46±13.85)和iAs5+组(43.31±4.21)组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=6.559,P＜0.05);iAs3+组与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),iAs5+组与对照组、iAs3+组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);AST在对照组(135.00±20.42)、iAs3+组(510.86±59.01)和iAs5+组(258.93±22.40)组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=83.327,P＜0.05);GLB在对照组(20.86±0.61)、iAs3+组(26.94±3.73)和iAs5+组(24.59±5.27)组间比较差异无统计学意义(F=2.800,P＞0.05).肝组织病理检查显示,肝组织中有明显的肝细胞坏死和再生,TIMP-1 mRNA表达组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=17.337,P＜0.05).结论 TIMP-1基因在水砷暴露肝损伤小鼠肝组织损伤、肝纤维化形成过程中可能起重要作用.     

促炎症因子基因表达与长期水砷暴露小鼠肝损伤的关系

目的 探讨促炎症因子在慢性水砷暴露小鼠肝损伤中的作用.方法 60只雄性小鼠按体质量随机分成对照组、亚砷酸钠组(iAs3+组,300 mg/L)、砷酸钠组(iAs5+组,300 mg/L).10个月后处死小鼠,肝功能检查血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、球蛋白(GLB);部分肝组织做HE染色;Trizol-酚-氯仿一步法提取肝组织总RNA,紫外分光光度法测定总RNA及纯度,实时荧光定量PCR法测定肝组织中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、环氧化酶2(COX-2)mRNA的表达,以18S基因作为质控.结果 ALT、AST、GLB在对照组[(38.0±5.6)U/L、(118.3±9.1)U/L、(20.9±0.6)g/L]、iAs3+组[(61.5±5.5)U/L、(530.9±39.0)U/L、(27.2±4.1)g/L]和iAs5+组[(48.3±2.6)U/L、(243.9±13.6)U/L、(23.2±2.1)g/L]组间比较,差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为45.653、164.326、9.639,P＜0.05);AIJT、AST组问两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05),GLB仅在iAs3+组与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).肝组织病理检查示有明显的炎症细胞浸润和肝细胞坏死,TNF-α、IL-6、COX-2 mRNA的表达在对照组(11.84±3.21、41.08±22.98、26.60±5.84)、iAs3+组(48.59±19.65、218.87±70.05、207.86±155.39)、iAs5+组(35.56±10.84、84.15±28.38、18.88±6.34)组间比较,差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为24.317、49.611、8.499,P＜0.05).结论 长期砷暴露可导致肝脏的炎症反应、慢性肝损伤.TNF-α、IL-6、COX-2在iAs3+所导致的肝脏损伤中均起作用,其中TNF-α、IL-6炎症因子基因在iAs3+组肝组织的表达较iAs5+组更明显.COX-2在iAs5+组所导致的肝脏损伤中可能无明显作用.     

急性肝衰竭TNF-α、Caspase-3及TGF-β1 mRNA的表达及罗格列酮的干预

目的: 观察D-氨基半乳糖(D-Ga lN)联合脂多糖(LPS)诱导的小鼠急性肝衰竭TNF-α、Caspase-3、TGF-β1 mRNA的表达,并探讨罗格列酮的干预作用.方法: ♂昆明小鼠随机分为3组: 正常组、对照组、干预组.对照组和干预组以D-Ga lN/LPS腹腔注射构建小鼠急性肝衰竭模型,正常组则相应予以生理盐水腹腔注射;干预组于造模前2 h予以罗格列酮灌胃,正常组和对照组则相应予以生理盐水灌胃.比较各组小鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)水平,肝组织病变程度及肝组织TNF-α、Caspase-3,TGF-β1 mRNA的表达水平.结果: D-GalN联合LPS腹腔注射成功构建了小鼠急性肝衰竭模型,对照组肝组织中TNF-α、Caspase-3、TGF-β1 mRNA的表达较正常组明显增高( P＜0.001);干预组小鼠血清ALT,AST水平明显低于对照组(403.6±76.1 U/L vs 3664.8±646.1 U/L,464.6±63.0 U/L vs 3514.0±468.9 U/L,均P＜0.001),肝组织中TNF-α、Caspase-3、TGF-β1 mRNA表达水平明显低于对照组(0.270±0.042 vs 0.459±0.072,0.388±0.033 vs 0.553±0.033,0.261±0.031 vs 0.403±0.042,均P＜0.001);与对照组比较,干预组肝组织炎性细胞浸润明显减少,肝细胞以变性为主,未见明显坏死.结论: 罗格列酮可能通过下调T N F - α、Caspase-3、TGF-β1的表达对D-GalN/LPS小鼠急性肝衰竭起保护作用.     

血小板衍生生长因子和Ⅰ型胶原在饮水砷暴露小鼠肝组织中的表达

目的 探讨血小板衍生生长因子(PDGF)和Ⅰ型胶原(Col-Ⅰ)在饮水砷暴露小鼠肝组织中的表达及其意义.方法 50只昆明种雄性小鼠被分成对照组、iAs3+组、iAs5+组.分别饮用自来水,亚砷酸钠溶液(NaAsO2,含砷离子300 mg/L),砷酸钠溶液(Na2HAsO4·7H2O,含砷离子300 mg/L).10个月后处死小鼠,使用全自动生化分析仪检查肝功能,包括血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氧酶(AST)、球蛋白(GLB);Masson染色肝组织,检测单位视场内的纤维面积;免疫组化(SABC)法检测肝组织中PDGF和Col-Ⅰ的表达.结果 ①对照组、iAs3+组、iAs5+组,血清ALT水平分别为(36.67±3.51)、(61.46±13.85)、(43.31±4.21)U/L,组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=6.56,P<0.05),iAs3+组明显高于对照组(P<0.05);血清AST水平分别为(135.00±20.42)、(510.86±59.01)、(258.93±22.40)U/L,组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=83.33,P<0.05),iAs3+、iAs5+组均明显高于对照组(P<0.05),iA3+组明显高于iAs5+组(P<0.05);血清GLB水平分别为(20.86±0.61)、(26.94±3.73)、(24.59±5.27)g/L,组间比较差异无统计学意义(F=2.80,P>0.05).②光镜下染砷组小鼠肝组织出现明显的细胞变性、坏死、再生,汇管区炎细胞浸润,纤维增生.对照组(0.069±0.013)、iAs3+组(0.192±0.108)和iAs5+组(0.143±0.122)单位视场内的纤维面积组间比较,差异有统计学意义(F=1.91,P<0.05),iAs3+组明显高于对照组(P<0.05).③对照组、iAs3+组、iAs5+组PDGF、Col-Ⅰ光密度值分别为202.788±7.462、174.382±7.706、177.644±7.811,200.11±7.46、176.47±10.20、177.38±7.95,组间比较差异均有统计学意义(F值分别为102.91、78.51,P均<0.05),与对照组比较,iAg3+、iAs5+组PDGF、Col-Ⅰ光密度值明显降低(P<0.05).表明肝组织内PDGF、Col-Ⅰ表达明显增多.且PDGF在汇管区、间隔细胞、窦旁细胞内均有表达,而Col-Ⅰ表达广泛分布于血管及胆管周围,并自门管区向肝实质内延伸形成纤维间隔.结论 长期饮水砷暴露,可导致慢性肝脏损伤、肝纤维化形成.PDGF、Col-Ⅰ在砷敛小鼠肝纤维化形成中起重要作用.     

细胞自噬在D-氨基半乳糖/脂多糖诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤模型中的保护作用及机制

目的利用D-氨基半乳糖(D-Gal N)/脂多糖(LPS)诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤模型研究细胞自噬在急性肝损伤中的作用及机制。方法以C57BL/6小鼠为研究对象,腹腔注射D-Gal N/LPS建立小鼠急性肝损伤模型。动物实验分组:对照组、DGal N/LPS组、雷帕霉素+D-Gal N/LPS组、三甲基腺嘌呤(3-MA)+D-Gal N/LPS组、Atg7 siRNA+D-Gal N/LPS组。观察不同分组中小鼠的生存情况,观察肝组织病理变化评价肝损伤情况,全自动生化分析仪检测血清ALT、AST水平,实时荧光定量PCR检测肝组织中TNFα和IL-6基因表达,荧光显微镜观察肝组织中肝细胞凋亡情况。多样本组间比较采用One-way ANOVA分析,进一步两两比较,方差齐时采用LSD-t检验,方差不齐时采用Games-Howell法。结果与D-Gal N/LPS组相比,应用自噬激活剂雷帕霉素干预后,小鼠生存率明显升高(80%vs 40%),肝脏出血、炎症和坏死明显减轻,肝细胞凋亡明显减少,血清ALT、AST水平明显降低[ALT:(427.4±195.5)U/L vs(977.7±247.3)U/L,P=0.002;AST:(378.2±169.7)U/L vs(1100.0±438.0)U/L,P=0.004],肝组织中炎症因子TNFα和IL-6 mRNA表达水平明显降低[TNFαmRNA:0.288±0.010 vs 1.136±0.267,P=0.003;IL-6mRNA:0.272±0.061 vs 0.869±0.317,P=0.010];应用自噬抑制剂3-MA和Atg7 siRNA干预后,小鼠生存率明显降低(0、10%vs 40%),肝脏出血、炎症和坏死明显加重,肝细胞凋亡明显增多,血清ALT、AST水平明显升高[ALT:(1836.0±560.5)、(1654.0±627.6)U/L vs(977.7±247.3)U/L,P值分别为0.006、0.034;AST:(1948.0±645.5)、(1804.0±492.6)U/L vs(1100.0±438.0)U/L,P值分别为0.029、0.033],肝组织中TNFα表达水平明显升高[2.026±0.342、1.994±0.286 vs 1.136±0.267,P值分别为0.006、0.005]。结论在D-Gal N/LPS诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤中,细胞自噬发挥着重要的保护性作用,其调控机制可能与自噬抑制炎症因子和肝细胞凋亡有关。     

硫辛酰胺对db/db小鼠肝损伤的保护作用研究

目的观察硫辛酰胺(ALM)对db/db小鼠肝损伤的保护作用及可能机制。方法db/db小鼠随机分为糖尿病组(DM)和ALM组,C57BL/6J小鼠为正常对照组(NC),每组各6只。ALM组于第9周时予ALM[100 mg/(kg·d)]进行灌胃干预,干预8周后处死小鼠,检测生化指标及肝组织谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性及丙二醇(MDA)表达量,油红O、HE染色观察肝脏病理学改变,Western blot法检测肝组织中核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)、血红素氧合酶1(HO-1)蛋白水平。结果与NC组比较,DM组体重、TG、TC、FBG升高,MDA含量升高[(0.73±0.04)vs(0.92±0.17)nmol/mg,P<0.05],CAT活性降低[(1.08±0.18)vs(0.52±0.14)U/mg,P<0.05],ALT、AST活性升高[(16.85±3.84)vs(22.42±4.56)U/g,(6.07±1.91)vs(8.19±1.51)U/g,P<0.05],Nrf2、HO-1的表达升高[(0.33±0.25)vs(1.81±0.34),(0.29±0.13)vs(1.25±0.19),P<0.05]。与DM组比较,ALM组体重、TG、TC降低,MDA降低[(0.92±0.17)vs(0.56±0.11)nmol/mg,P<0.05],CAT活性升高[(0.52±0.14)vs(0.91±0.20)U/mg,P<0.05],ALT、AST活性降低[(22.42±4.56)vs(17.08±5.08)U/g,(8.19±1.51)vs(5.10±0.46)U/g,P<0.05],Nrf2、HO-1表达降低[(1.81±0.34)vs(1.01±0.30),(1.25±0.19)vs(0.52±0.17),P<0.05]。结论ALM可抑制T2DM小鼠肝损伤的发生发展,其机制可能是通过改善肝组织脂质沉积、抑制氧化应激,调节Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达以实现。     

异甘草酸镁对CCl4诱导小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

目的:研究异甘草酸镁(MI)对CCl4诱导急性肝损伤小鼠的保肝降酶作用与及其对肝组织中核因子-κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)、细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)表达的影响.方法:30只♂昆明小鼠(284±2.2g),随机分为3组,即正常对照组、模型组和异甘草酸镁组.正常对照组ip生理盐水(0.1 mL/10 g),模型组ip 0.1?l4(0.1 mL/10g),异甘草酸镁组于ip 0.1?L4(0.1 mL/10 g)前15 min予MI(15mg/kg体质量)ip,1次/d,共5次.采用生化法测定血清ALT、AST及肝组织MDA和SOD含量.采用HE染色观察肝组织病理损伤.SP免疫组化染色检测NF-κB、ICAM-1表达.结果:肝损伤组ALT、AST及MDA较正常组显著升高(465.10±35.90 kU/L vs 47.40±4.13 kU/L;582.37±25.63 kU/L vs 116.06±12.82 kU/L;4.07±0.38 nmol/mg vs 1.39±0.03nmol/mg;均P＜0.01),SOD明显降低(29.71±2.25U/mg vs 87.02±4.84U/mg,P＜0.01).在正常组织中无NF-κKB、ICAM-1表达,肝损伤模型组中NF-κB有较强表达,ICAM-1在肝坏死区强表达.MI组ALT、AST及MDA(263.51±22.89 kU/L,292.56±26.01 kU/L,2.17±0.03nmol/mg)较肝损伤组显著降低(P＜0.01),SOD(58.04±2.56 U/mg)明显升高(P＜0.05),NF-κB、ICAM-1表达均较肝损伤组减弱,肝组织坏死程度也轻.结论:NF-κB、ICAM-1在CCl4诱导小鼠急性肝损伤中表达明显增强,MI可减少NF-κB及ICAM-1表达并减轻肝损伤程度.     

LncRNA NEAT1缺乏增加对乙酰氨基酚诱导的急性肝损伤的机制研究

目的探讨长链非编码RNA(LncRNA)核富含丰富的转录本1(NEAT1)在对乙酰氨基酚(APAP)诱导小鼠急性肝损伤中的分子机制。方法 8只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为实验组和对照组,每组各四只。通过腹腔注射APAP诱导急性肝损伤,进行谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)检测以及组织学分析来评估APAP诱导的肝损伤的程度。提取小鼠肝组织RNA检测LncRNA NEAT1表达变化。提取小鼠原代肝细胞并培养,用小干扰RNA敲低LncRNA NEAT1,并用APAP刺激小鼠原代肝细胞,通过检测细胞培养上清ALT和AST的表达量来评估肝细胞损伤程度。结果在体实验显示,与对照组相比,APAP处理组小鼠血清中的ALT[(42.75±2.3)U/L比(7565±763.3)U/L,(t=9.854,P0.05)]和AST[(45.05±4.1)U/L比(7718±901.6)U/L,(t=8.510,P0.05)]显著增加;APAP处理组小鼠肝组织LncRNA NEAT1的表达量比对照组表达增高3倍(P0.05)。在体外实验中,原代肝细胞培养基加入APAP刺激24 h后提取RNA,LncRNA NEAT1的表达量显著增加;使用siRNA敲低肝细胞LncRNA NEAT1的表达并加入APAP刺激,与对照组相比,实验组肝细胞上清的ALT、AST显著增加。结论敲低LncRNA NEAT1的表达能够增加APAP诱导的急性肝损伤,提示LncRNA NEAT1可能具有防治APAP诱导的急性肝损伤的作用。     

脂联素在小鼠急性肝损伤中的表达及作用

目的: 观察脂联素在小鼠急性肝损伤的表达及作用.方法: 健康♂BALB/c小鼠随机分为3组. 刀豆蛋白A(concanavalin A, ConA)组8只: ConA 30mg/kg 尾静脉注射. 脂联素组5只: 在静脉注射ConA前12 h和2 h, 分别应用脂联素3 mg/kg腹膜内注射. 对照组8只: 尾静脉注射生理盐水10mL/kg. 注射ConA 8 h后处死小鼠, 检测脂联素及ALT血清水平、肝组织病理变化、肝组织脂联素蛋白及mRNA的表达.结果: 脂联素血清水平在脂联素组与对照组无差异, 2组均高于ConA组(15.4±3.0 mg/L,16.5±2.8 mg/L vs 11.8±2.1 mg/L, P <0.05或0.01);肝组织脂联素蛋白表达在脂联素组强于对照组(5.39%±1.72% vs 1.82%±0.36%,P <0.05), 弱于ConA组(10.63±4.35%, P <0.05);肝组织脂联素mRNA表达在脂联素组和ConA组均强于对照组(0.46±0.17, 0.51±0.21 vs0.23±0.05, P <0.05或0.01);血清ALT水平及肝组织炎症程度脂联素组高于对照组(192.50±45.87 U/L vs 44.71±21.29 U/L;21.5±9.2vs 8.4±4.3, 均P <0.05), 低于ConA组(616.00±171.50 U/L, 48.5±8.6, 均P <0.05).结论: 在ConA诱导的急性肝损伤中, 肝组织脂联素蛋白及其mRNA的表达增强, 但血清脂联素水平降低. 脂联素对急性肝损伤小鼠起着抗炎作用.     

青蒿琥酯上调HO-1对老龄脓毒症小鼠急性肝损伤的作用

目的探讨青蒿琥酯能否上调血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)起到对老龄脓毒症小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用。方法采用盲肠结扎穿孔术(CLP)制备脓毒症小鼠模型,72只雄性昆明小白鼠按随机数字表法分为四组:假手术组(sham组)、脓毒症组(CLP组)、青蒿琥酯干预组(ART组)、HO-1抑制剂组(Zn PP组),各组按术后6 h、12 h、24 h分为3个亚组。分别于上述时间点处死小鼠,分时项检测各组血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST),ELISA法检测血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α),白介素-6(IL-6)水平变化,采用Western印迹法及免疫组化法检测24 h亚组肝组织HO-1表达水平,光学显微镜观察各组小鼠24 h亚组肝组织病理变化情况。结果与sham组相比,CLP组小鼠血清ALT、AST水平升高(P<0.05);血清TNF-α、IL-6水平升高(P<0.05);肝组织中HO-1水平表达升高(P<0.05);肝组织病理损伤明显。与CLP组相比,ART组血清ALT、AST水平显著下降(P<0.05);血清TNF-α、IL-6水平下降(P<0.05);肝组织HO-1水平表达明显升高(P<0.05);肝组织病理损伤程度减轻。Zn PP组与ART组相比,血清ALT、AST水平升高(P<0.05);血清TNF-α、IL-6水平升高(P<0.05);肝组织中HO-1表达水平下降(P<0.05);肝脏病理损伤明显。结论青蒿琥酯可以通过上调HO-1减轻老龄脓毒症小鼠急性肝损伤。     

青少年高血压的研究进展

随着人们生活和行为方式的改变,高血压发病明显呈年轻化趋势。在青少年时期识别高血压病高危人群有助于早期进行有效干预和治疗,降低未来高血压的发生率及其严重性。现试从青少年高血压的诊断、发病因素、特点、治疗策略等方面的研究进展作一综述。     

Morbidity in cardiovascular diseases in immigrants in Sweden

INTRODUCTION: Although immigration to Sweden has increased in the last few decades, the incidence rates of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease in immigrants are unknown. The aim of the present study is to estimate whether place of birth affects the incidence rates of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as a follow-up study on morbidity in cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 1998, including three and a half million persons with age range 35-64 years, of whom 550 000 were born abroad, from the database MigMed consisting of the whole Swedish population. Incidence rates and relative risks were estimated by indirect standardization and a proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The age-adjusted risk of coronary heart disease was higher in most foreign-born groups than in Swedes. For example, in nine of 12 male groups, the relative risks varied between 1.1 and 2.2, and in seven of 12 female groups, the relative risks varied between 1.4 and 2.5. When also adjusting for level of education and employment status, the risks were still high, but on a lower level. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign-born people possess an over-risk of cardiovascular or coronary heart disease(CVD/CHD) compared with Swedish-born persons, also when level of education and employment status are taken into account.     

C·肉毒杀鼠素(冻干剂)应用研究

目的为研究C·肉毒杀鼠索对杀灭达乌尔黄鼠(简称黄鼠)的大面积应用情况和对家畜、家禽的毒害作用,进行了C·肉毒杀鼠素的应用研究.方法大面积投毒采用ES-2药饵撒播机[1],间隔约80m进行条投.羊、鸡采用直接灌胃.结果大面积应用的灭鼠率为83.72%.对羊、鸡最高剂量分别为500万MLD、150万MLD,均未出现中毒现象.结论 C·肉毒杀鼠素是较为理想的草原大面积杀灭黄鼠的理想、首选药物.     

Pulmonary sporotrichosis in Oklahoma in susceptibilities in vitro

Six cases of pulmonary sporotichosis were observed in 2 institutions in Oklahoma City, Okla. Three of the patients were treated with iodides with or without surgery. Although one patient required a second course of iodides, the patients have remained well after at least 34 months of follow-up. Three patients treated with amphotericin B, single course as well as multiple courses, and other antifungal agents (hydroxystilbamidine and miconazole) have all relapsed. These cases and a reviewed of more than 40 cases of pulmonary sporotrichosis susceptibilities of Sporothrix schenckii that we observed in vitro suggest that amphotericin B is not an effective agent for the treatment of pulmonary sporotrichosis. It is our opinion that the treatment of choice for pulmonary sporotrichosis is a supersaturated solution of potassium iodide. If the patient is allergic to the medication or fails to respond, then a combination of amphotericin B plus flucytosine may be tried.     

Differences in outcome in primary angioplasty in women.

BACKGROUND: In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has proved to be the best therapeutic approach. Several factors have been associated with worse outcome in AMI in females. Are there differences in outcome in women undergoing PTCA for AMI? AIM: To evaluate gender influence on clinical outcome and in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI who undergo primary percutaneous interventions. METHODS: We studied 245 consecutive patients (72 women, 29.4 %), who underwent primary PTCA between January 2000 and December 2001. The following parameters were analyzed: risk factors for coronary artery disease including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and family history, previous AMI, PTCA or angina, pain-to-balloon time, extent of coronary disease and outcome. RESULTS: Female patients were older (67.9+/-11.6 vs. 59.6+/-13; p < 0.001) with a higher prevalence of hypertension (65.3 % vs. 47.4 %; p < 0.05) and angina (29.0 % vs. 16.0 %; p < 0.05) and lower prevalence of smoking (27.8 % vs. 54.3 %; p < 0.001). Pain-to-balloon time was longer in women (6.8+/-4.1 vs. 5.4+/-3.7 hours; p < 0.05). Extent of coronary disease was similar in both groups. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in 84.7 % of women and 90.8 % of men. The frequency of hemorrhagic complications (5.6 % vs. 5.2 %) and arrhythmias (15.3 % vs. 10.4%) and in-hospital mortality (9.7 6.4 %) were higher in females, although without statistical significance (p = NS). Hospitalization time was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the growing awareness of a gender bias in therapeutic approaches to AMI, there are still some differences in outcome, with a trend towards higher mortality rates in women. Older age and longer pain-to-balloon time could account for this.