Relationship of metabolic syndrome with quantum of coronary artery disease in Indian patients with chronic stable angina

Background: The current study was aimed to ascertain presence and severity of coronary artery lesions in patients of Type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM) with coronary artery disease (CAD), in our population, by using scoring system analysis of the coronary angiography. Methods: 147 consecutive patients with Type 2 DM of chronic stable angina (CSA) were enrolled in the study with 147 age- and sex-matched patients of CSA who did not have diabetes to serve as control. All of them underwent coronary angiography and were evaluated by using four scores to quantify the coronary artery lesions. The scores analyzed were coronary score, extent score, severity score, and atherosclerosis score. Other major risk factors such as smoking and hypertension lipid profile were also evaluated. Results: Type 2 diabetics with CAD had higher coronary score (0.91 +/- 0.63 in diabetics vs. 0.43 +/- 0.39, p < 0.001), extent score (4.91 +/- 3.1 vs. 2.3 +/- 1.8, p < 0.001), severity score (1.85 +/- 0.41 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.32, p < 0.001), and atherosclerosis score (0.52 +/- 0.31 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.26, p < 0.001) as compared to non-diabetics with CAD. Left main stem involvement, 2-vessel disease, and 3-vessel disease were also more frequent in the diabetics. These diabetes also had higher incidence of obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Conclusions: In our population, diabetics suffer from higher prevalence of diffuse and extensive coronary atherosclerosis. The grades of stenosis in coronary arteries are also higher in diabetic patients when compared with non-diabetics with CAD, as was the prevalence of other components of the metabolic syndrome.     

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.     

Plasma concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and neopterin in the coronary circulation of patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The dynamics of MCP-1 and neopterin and the relation between their concentrations in coronary circulation and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood samples were obtained from the aortic root (Ao) and coronary sinus (CS) of 78 patients who underwent coronary angiography. Plasma MCP-1 and neopterin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and the CS-Ao differences were calculated. The severity of coronary heart disease (CHD) was evaluated in 52 patients who had no history of coronary angioplasty, using 3 coronary scoring systems: the clinical 1- to 3-vessel disease score, the American Heart Association extension score (1-15 segments), and the Gensini score. The plasma MCP-1 and neopterin concentrations increased significantly with age. The CS-Ao differences for neopterin showed weak, but significant, positive correlation with the Gensini score (r=0.347, p=0.013). There were no correlations among the MCP-1 concentrations in the Ao or CS, or in the CS-Ao difference, with the severity of CHD. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that neopterin is a useful marker of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable CAD, acting as an index of the activity of monocytes/macrophages.     

踝臂指数与老年女性冠状动脉粥样硬化程度的相关性研究

目的探讨踝臂指数与老年女性冠状动脉粥样硬化程度的相关性。方法选择232例老年女性,根据冠状动脉造影检查结果分为对照组(38例)、单支病变组(46例)、2支病变组(65例)、3支或左主干病变组(3支病变组,83例),进行踝臂指数的测量、病史采集及血脂检查。结果与对照组和单支病变组比较,2支病变组和3支病变组患者踝臂指数明显降低(P0.01);单支病变组与对照组踝臂指数比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.319);踝臂指数与Gensini评分呈显著负相关(r=-0.487,P=0.001)。结论踝臂指数与老年女性冠状动脉粥样硬化病变程度密切相关,有助于评估冠状动脉狭窄程度。     

Association of plasma eotaxin levels with the presence and extent of angiographic coronary artery disease

Eotaxin (CCL11) is an eosinophil-specific chemoattractant which has been found to be highly expressed at sites of vascular pathology. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association of plasma eotaxin levels with the presence and extent of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD). Three hundred and fifty six consecutive patients attending for elective coronary angiography were investigated. Compared with 111 patients without CAD, 245 with CAD showed higher eotaxin concentrations [median (interquartile range): 76.0 (56.3-103.0)pg/ml versus 116.0 (80.5-162.0)pg/ml, respectively; P<0.001]. Importantly, a significant Spearman correlation was found between eotaxin levels and the extent score of coronary artery stenosis (r=0.449, P<0.001). A stepwise increase in plasma levels of eotaxin was also found depending on the number of >50% coronary stenosis: median value 76.0 pg/ml in CAD(-) subjects, 96.0 pg/ml in 1-vessel disease, 128.0 pg/ml in 2-vessel disease, and 129.0 pg/ml in 3-vessel disease (P<0.001 for trend). After confounding variables were controlled for, multiple stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that plasma eotaxin was an independent predictor of angiographic extent of CAD (beta=0.426, P<0.001). Our data suggest that increased eotaxin levels are associated with the presence of CAD and that circulating levels of this chemokine may reflect the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.     

C-reactive protein in predicting coronary artery disease in subjects with aortic valve sclerosis before diagnostic coronary angiography

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have suggested that aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) shares common histologic features with atherosclerosis and is an indicator of significant coronary artery disease (CAD), many patients with aortic valve disease do not have coexisting coronary atherosclerotic disease and vice versa. It is important to find the subjects with AVS who are most likely to have concomitant CAD and require aggressive evaluation. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the systemic inflammatory marker, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), may be associated with AVS, and may be helpful before coronary angiography in identifying the presence of concomitant CAD in patients with AVS. METHODS: This study included 227 patients with suspected CAD undergoing transthoracic echocardiography and coronary angiography. AVS was defined as a focal area of increased echogenicity and thickening of the aortic valve leaflets without restriction in motion. Data of atherosclerotic risk factors including hs-CRP were collected. RESULTS: Technically satisfactory ultrasound recordings were obtained in 217 subjects (96% of enrolled patients). Patients with AVS were older (65+/-10 vs. 60+/-10 years old; P=0.0004), had higher serum creatinine levels (115.2+/-79.7 vs. 88.6 +/-35.4 micromol/L; P=0.04), and had greater prevalence of obstructive CAD (75% vs. 53%; P=0.001) than those with normal aortic valves. CRP levels were not associated with AVS, and failed to predict concomitant CAD in patients with AVS. Additionally, none of the established risk factors were independent predictors of the presence of CAD in AVS patients. CONCLUSION: Hs-CRP levels appear to not be associated with AVS, and are of little value in terms of predicting the presence of concurrent CAD before coronary procedure.     

Effect of coronary angiography on oxidative DNA damage observed in circulating lymphocytes

Endogenous oxidative DNA damage is caused by multiple endogenous and exogenous factors. It is not completely known whether coronary angiography has an effect on DNA damage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether coronary angiography causes oxidative DNA damage. Fifty-four patients who underwent elective coronary angiography for diagnostic purpose were enrolled to the study. For each subject, the frequency of oxidative DNA damage was analyzed by using the comet assay, which is a sensitive biomarker of DNA damage, before and after diagnostic procedures. A highly significant increase of DNA damage mean score was observed in all patients after the coronary angiography procedure (p < 0.001). No significant associations were found between the change in oxidative DNA damage and dose of contrast media and radiation exposure time. A significant correlation was observed between the change of DNA damage and age, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, Gensini score index, and vitamin B(12) (r = 0.496, p< 0.001 ; r = 0.416, p = 0.002; r = 0.284, p = 0.038; r = 0.275, p = 0.044; r = 0.742, p < 0.001; r = -0.347, p = 0.048, respectively). The change of oxidative DNA damage was higher in patients with 3-vessel disease compared with 2-vessel disease, 1-vessel disease, and normal coronary arteries (99.6 +/-8.4, 62.0 +/-2.0, 43.2 +/-8.4, 21.6 +/-11.6 respectively; ANOVA p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age and Gensini score index were independent predictors of the change of DNA damage (beta = 0.425, p = 0.003, beta = 0.684, p = 0.001 respectively). Our findings demonstrate that increased oxidative DNA damage in undergoing coronary angiography might be dependent on the severity of coronary artery disease and age, rather than on contrast media and radiation exposure time.     

踝臂指数与老老年患者冠状动脉狭窄程度的相关性研究

目的探讨老老年冠心病患者踝臂指数(ABI)与冠状动脉狭窄严重程度的相关性,评价ABI对冠状动脉狭窄严重程度的预测价值。方法连续入选78例冠状动脉造影的老老年患者(年龄≥80岁)进行研究,根据冠状动脉造影结果分为无病变者(8例)、单支病变患者(10例)、2支病变患者(14例)、3支或左主干病变患者(46例)。对所有患者进行ABI测量、病史采集及血液生化检测。结果 ABI与Gensini评分呈负相关;冠状动脉3支或左主干病变患者ABI显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.001),而无病变、单支病变、2支病变患者ABI差异无统计学意义;ABI对3支或左主干病变预测价值的ROC曲线下面积为(0.79±0.04,95% CI:0.69～0.85,P0.001);ABI≤0.9作为截断值预测3支或左主干病变具有较高的特异性(89.5%)和敏感性(53.6%)。结论老老年冠心病患者ABI与冠状动脉狭窄严重程度呈负相关,ARI≤0.9对预测冠状动脉3支和左主干病变具有较高的特异性和敏感性。     

Relationship of carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and ankle brachial index to the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and the ankle brachial index (ABI) are widely used noninvasive modalities for evaluating atherosclerosis. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of carotid IMT, PWV, and ABI with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), expressed as the Gensini score, and the presence of coronary risk factors. METHODS: We examined 205 consecutive patients (mean age 65 +/- 12 years) who were clinically suspected of having CAD and were scheduled to undergo coronary angiography. Carotid intima-media thickness, brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), and ABI were measured in all subjects before they underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 124 patients were diagnosed as having CAD based on the presence of >50% stenosis in a major coronary artery; the remaining 81 patients did not have CAD. A relatively good correlation was obtained between carotid IMT and the Gensini score (R = 0.411, p < 0.0001), whereas baPWV correlated only weakly with the Gensini score (R = 0.203, p = 0.0035), and ABI did not correlate with it. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the Gensini score correlated significantly and independently with age, male gender, and carotid IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Of the three noninvasive methods, carotid IMT may be more useful for determining coronary artery atherosclerosis than baPWV or ABI.     

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells, C-reactive protein and severity of coronary stenosis in Chinese patients with coronary artery disease.

We sought to investigate whether numbers and activity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) correlate with severity of coronary stenosis as well as cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Number of circulating EPCs was analyzed in 104 consecutive patients with proven or clinically suspected CAD. Adhesive and migratory activity was also determined. The number of EPCs was lower in patients with a single diseased coronary artery (Group II, n=35, p<0.05 vs. Group I) or multiple diseased arteries (Group III, n=25, p<0.01 vs. Group I, p<0.05 vs. Group II) compared to those with normal coronary arteries (Group I, n=44). The number of EPCs was also related with angiographic Gensini score (r=-0.355, p=0.006). In addition, concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated in patients with CAD, and positively correlated with Gensini score (r=0.476, p=0.001). As for the risk factors, the number of EPCs was also inversely correlated with age (p=0.001), high sensitivity-CRP (p=0.012), hypertension (p=0.042) and family history of CAD (p=0.043). Most importantly, the migratory capacity of EPCs was compromised in patients with CAD, and inversely correlated with the angiographic Gensini score (r=-0.315, p=0.021). EPCs isolated from patients with CAD also showed an impaired adhesive activity (p<0.05). In conclusion, in patients with stable CAD, reduction in the number and impairment in the function of circulating EPCs were correlated with the severity of coronary stenosis. CRP may play an important role in reducing the number of EPCs and accelerating atherosclerosis. Given the important role of EPCs in neovascularization of ischemic tissue, a decrease in the number and activity of EPCs may contribute to the impaired vascularization in patients with CAD.     

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine: a novel risk factor for coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and has been associated with systemic atherosclerosis; however, the role of ADMA in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been investigated. HYPOTHESIS: The present study was designed to determine whether the plasma ADMA level predicts the presence of CAD independently, and whether the plasma ADMA level correlates with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: In all, 97 consecutive patients with angina and positive exercise stress test were enrolled prospectively for coronary angiography. According to the result of angiography, the subjects were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 46): patients with normal coronary artery or mild CAD (< 50% stenosis of major coronary arteries); Group 2 (n = 51): patients with significant CAD (> or = 50% stenosis of majorcoronary arteries). Plasma levels of ADMA and L-arginine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, we used coronary atherosclerotic score to assess the extent and severity of CAD. RESULTS: The plasma levels of ADMA in Group 2 patients were significantly higher than those in Group 1 patients (0.66 +/- 0.17 microM vs. 0.44 +/- 0.09 microM, p < 0.001); these were accompanied by significantly lower plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratio in patients with significant CAD (Group 1 vs. 2: 194.0 +/- 55.3 vs. 136.7 +/- 50.3, p < 0.001). In a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, both plasma ADMA level and plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratio were identified as independent predictors for CAD. Moreover, there were significant positive and negative correlations between coronary atherosclerotic score and plasma ADMA level as well as plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratio, respectively (plasma ADMA level: r = 0.518, p < 0.001; L-arginine/ADMA ratio: r = -0.430, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both plasma ADMA level and plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratio were useful in predicting the presence of significant CAD and correlated significantly with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Our findings suggest that plasma ADMA level may be a novel marker of CAD.     

Decreased insulin sensitivity is associated with the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with angina

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance has been proposed as an important risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis. AIM: To evaluate the association of insulin resistance and coronary atherosclerosis, we investigated the correlation between insulin sensitivity and the degree of coronary stenosis in patients with angina pectoris. METHODS: The study population consisted of 74 subjects with angina (54 men and 20 women) aged from 31 to 73 years. Coronary angiograms were evaluated by three semiquantitative scoring systems (vessel score, stenosis score and extent score) to estimate the extent of focal and diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD). Insulin sensitivity (K(ITT)) was determined by the insulin tolerance test. RESULTS: There were significant correlations existed between K(ITT) and all three coronary scores. Multivariate analysis revealed significant and independent correlations of all three coronary scores with K(ITT) (vessel score: beta = -0.349, p = 0.004; stenosis score: beta = -0.487, p < 0.001; extent score: beta = -0.481, p < 0.001), even in patients without diabetes mellitus (vessel score: beta = -0.387, p = 0.008; stenosis score: beta = -0.469, p < 0.001; extent score: beta = -0.559, p < 0.001). K(ITT) was significantly lower in patient with diffuse CAD than without diffuse CAD (2.13 +/- 0.66 vs. 2.57 +/- 0.79%/min, p < 0.05). However, K(ITT) was not different between patients with and without focal CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin sensitivity has statistically significant and independent associations with the extent of coronary stenosis. These results suggest that insulin resistance may play a major role in the development of diffuse coronary artery stenosis.     

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。     

Urinary 8-isoprostane levels can indicate the presence, severity and extent of angiographic coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Oxidative stress is one of the key elements in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Isoprostanes are established markers of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of urinary 8-isoprostane levels with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by a validated scoring system. METHOD: Urinary 8-isoprostane levels were measured in 100 consecutive patients scheduled for coronary angiography. Extent and severity of CAD were assessed by modified Gensini scores. RESULTS: In patients with CAD, 8-isoprostane levels were higher (P < 0.001) than in patients without CAD (68.75 +/- 5.5 vs. 38.27 +/- 3.7 pg/ml). The levels of 8-isoprostane correlated with the number of risk factors (P < 0.001) and significantly increased in relation with the number of diseased vessels (P < 0.001). A significant (P < 0.001) correlation was found between 8-isoprostane levels and Gensini scores (r = 0.496), and a stepwise elevation in 8-isoprostane levels was observed across the increasing tertiles of the Gensini scores (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that 8-isoprostane was an independent predictor (odds ratio: 7.19 and P = 0.007) associated with angiographic CAD. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the role of oxidative stress in the atherosclerotic process. Urinary 8-isoprostane levels reflect the extent and severity of CAD and they may provide additional information for risk assessment in patients with suspected CAD.     

代谢综合征对糖尿病和非糖尿病患者冠状动脉血管病变的影响

目的:已有研究显示,代谢综合征(MS)和冠心病(CAD)的关系密切,本研究旨在探讨MS对糖尿病或非糖尿病患者冠状动脉病变狭窄程度的影响。方法:选择2008年3月至2010年9月,在北京安贞医院特需医疗科住院,行冠状动脉造影的634例患者。根据冠状动脉造影结果进行冠状动脉狭窄程度的评估,按冠状动脉病变支数分为单支病变、双支病变和多支病变。根据患者有代谢综合征指标的数目分成4组(0/1,2,3,4/5),比较各组对糖尿病或非糖尿病患者的冠状动脉病变情况的影响。结果:①MS患者(394例)与无MS患者比较(240例),CAD发病率增高(61.9%vs.30.8%,P<0.001),多支病变发病率增高(35.0%vs.15.0%,P<0.001),急性冠状动脉综合征发病率增高(50.0%vs.26.6%,P<0.001)。②非糖尿病组患者冠状动脉积分(冠状动脉病变程度)随着MS指标数目的增加而增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);而在糖尿病组冠状动脉病变程度与MS指标数目差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:在非糖尿病组患者中随着合并MS指标数目增加冠状动脉病变的严重程度、冠心病例数、多支血管病变例数增加。而在糖尿病组患者中这种作用被糖尿病对冠状动脉的影响而掩盖。     

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.     

2型糖尿病与冠状动脉病变程度的相关性分析

目的探讨冠状动脉病变程度与2型糖尿病(type 2 diabetes mellitus,T2DM)的相关性。方法收集9289例行诊断性冠状动脉造影疑诊冠状动脉疾病(coronary artery disease,CAD)的患者进行回顾性分析,以冠状动脉造影阳性(主要血管直径狭窄≥50%)作为诊断CAD的标准,确诊CAD者6119例(65.9%),未确诊CAD患者3170例(34.1%),其中合并T2DM的2150例(23.1%)患者作为观察组,未合并T2DM的7139例(76.9%)患者作为对照组。采用Gensini积分评价冠状动脉造影病变程度,并计数冠状动脉病变的支数。采用单因素方差分析及多因素回归分析评价糖尿病与冠状动脉狭窄程度间的关系。结果 2150例合并T2DM患者中确诊CAD患者1717例,占79.9%;7139例未合并T2DM患者中确诊CAD的患者4402例,占61.7%。糖尿病患者CAD患病率显著高于非糖尿病组(79.9%比61.7%,χ2=4.027,P<0.001),且冠状动脉病变程度更为严重,表现为患者平均病变支数更多(1.63±1.11比1.11±1.10,t=19.20,P<0.001)、Gensini积分更高(35.47±36.80比22.65±31.42,t=15.92,P<0.001);多因素Logistic回归分析显示糖尿病是CAD发生的的最强独立危险因素(OR值2.127,95%CI1.869～2.419,P<0.001)。结论糖尿病患者的CAD发病率明显高于非糖尿病组;糖尿病组患者冠状动脉狭窄程度更为严重;糖尿病与CAD发生的具有明显正相关性。     

Body iron stores and coronary atherosclerosis assessed by coronary angiography

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between higher body iron stores and coronary artery disease (CAD), but recent trials have reported conflicting data on the role of ferritin in CAD. To assess these findings, we examined the association between serum ferritin and the angiographic extent of coronary atherosclerosis in consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 100 consecutive white subjects (41 women and 59 men; mean age 63.7 +/- 11.0 years) who underwent coronary angiography. The data collected at baseline included conventional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), lipid and fasting total homocysteine levels, serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation, and clinical characteristics. Serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation (serum iron concentration divided by total iron-binding capacity) were used as measures of the amount of circulating iron available to tissues. Two experienced cardiologists blinded to the clinical and laboratory data reviewed the angiographic cinefilms, and defined the angiographic severity of CAD on the basis of the sum of three vessel scorring systems. The risk of CAD assessed by coronary angiography was not related to ferritin concentrations or transferrin saturation levels. The estimated relative risk of CAD for the fifth vs the first quintile of serum ferritin was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.63-1.24). Forty of the 100 patients had no or minimal CAD (group A; score 0-3), 33 moderate CAD (group B; score 4-8) and 27 severe CAD (group C; score > 8): the serum ferritin levels in the three groups were respectively 165 +/- 126, 167 +/- 121 and 164 +/- 110 ng/ml, and did not represent an independent risk factor for CAD (p = 0.98). Transferrin saturation in the three groups was 22.9 +/- 10%, 21 +/- 9% and 19.9 +/- 10%, with no significant relationship to the severity of CAD (p = 0.23). The presence of angiographic CAD was associated with patient age (p = 0.048), male gender (p < 0.01), high lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p = 0.02), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p = 0.02), high plasma fibrinogen levels (p < 0.01) and high fasting total homocysteine levels (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In patients referred for coronary angiography, higher ferritin concentrations and transferrin saturation levels were not associated with an increased extent of 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.     

Association between Toll-like receptors and the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with stable angina

OBJECTIVES: Toll-like receptors mediate the innate immune response triggered by pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and atherosclerosis can be considered a state of chronic inflammation whereby immune system cells accumulate within the intima of the arterial wall. The goal of this study was to determine the relation of Toll-like receptors to the extent and severity of coronary artery disease. METHODS: Angiographic vessel score and Gensini score were used to evaluate the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Sixty-two consecutive patients with stable angina were grouped as follows: those with insignificant (<50%) coronary stenosis (group 1), and those with 1 (group 2), 2 (group 3), or 3-vessel disease (group 4). The expression of Toll-like receptor 1, 2, and 4 on circulating CD14+ monocytes was analyzed by flow-cytometry in all patients. RESULTS: Toll-like receptor 2 had a positive correlation with the vessel score and Gensini score (r=0.46, P<0.001; r=0.32, P<0.02, respectively). Toll-like receptor 4 also positively correlated with the vessel score and Gensini score (r=0.47, P<0.001; r=0.29, P<0.05, respectively). No significant correlation existed between the expression of Toll-like receptor 1 and the vessel score or Gensini score. Further, there was no significant correlation between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and the vessel score or Gensini score. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 expression correlates with the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.