冠脉斑块稳定性与肿瘤坏死因子相关研究

目的 探讨肿瘤坏死因子(Tumor necrosis fac-tor-alpha,TNF-α)与冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性的相关性。方法 以血管内超声(Intravascular Ultrasound,IVUS)检出冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块的软硬特性,通过临床是否为急性冠脉综合征患者,将具有软斑块特性,同时急性冠脉综合征者分为不稳定斑块组;而硬斑块特性,且不符合急性冠脉综合征者为稳定斑块组。测定两组间冠状窦及外周血血浆TNF-α浓度,结果与IVUS测定的斑块大小、斑块纤维帽厚度、脂核或无回声带大小、脂核或无回声带/斑块比及面积狭窄率进行相关性分析。结果 不稳定斑块组TNF-α值明显高于稳定斑块组[(o.11o±O.045)ng/mL vs(0.097±0.137)ng/mL,P<0.01和(0.111±0.037)ng/mL vs(0.042±0.022)ng/mL,P<0.05;将测得TNF-α与IVUS所测得纤维帽厚度、脂核或无回声带大小、斑块大小、脂核/斑块、面积狭窄率等进行相关分析,未见明显相关。结论TNF-α与斑块的稳定性有关,同时其在冠状循环与体循环中的量无差异,可望作为冠脉斑块不稳定性的判定指标。     

PAS疗法对颈动脉硬化不稳定斑块的影响

目的研究与分析阿司匹林、普罗布考和阿托伐他汀钙三药联用治疗颈动脉硬化患者的不稳定斑块的作用。方法对我院2010年3月至2012年5月间126例颈动脉硬化患者随机分为PAS组与AS组各63例,AS组患者给予阿司匹林100mg／日和阿托伐他汀钙20mg／日,PAS组在As组基础上加用普罗布考500mg／次,2次／日,在治疗后6个月进行颈动脉超声检测。比较与分析颈动脉斑块的面积和性质的变化。结果治疗后6个月,两组患者不稳定斑块面积均有减小,PAS组不稳定斑块的面积减小程度大于As组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0．05）,PAS组不稳定斑块数目减少程度大于AS组。结论PAS疗法对消除颈动脉粥样硬化斑块具有显著作用,普罗布考在降血脂及抗血小板的基础上可进一步减轻和消退颈动脉不稳定斑块．延缓动脉粥样硬化的形成和发展．此疗法具有显著优势．在临床更具应用价值．     

Comprehensive analysis of intravascular ultrasound and angiographic morphology of culprit lesions between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

Background

Some plaques lead to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), whereas others cause non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). We used angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to investigate the difference of culprit lesion morphologies in ACS.

Methods

Consecutive 158 ACS patients whose culprit lesions were imaged by preintervention IVUS were enrolled (STEMI = 81; NSTEACS = 77). IVUS and angiographic findings of the culprit lesions, and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics except for lower rate of statin use in patients with STEMI (20% vs 44%, p = 0.001). Although angiographic complex culprit morphology (Ambrose classification) and thrombus were more common in STEMI than in NSTEACS (84% vs 62%, p = 0.002; 51% vs 5%, p < 0.0001, respectively), SYNTAX score was lower in STEMI (8.6 ± 5.4 vs 11.5 ± 7.1, p = 0.01). In patients with STEMI, culprit echogenicity was more hypoechoic (64% vs 40%, p = 0.01), and the incidence of plaque rupture, attenuation and “microcalcification” were significantly higher (56% vs 17%, p < 0.0001; 85% vs 69%, p = 0.01; 77% vs 61%, p = 0.04, respectively). Furthermore, the maximum area of ruptured cavity, echolucent zone and arc of microcalcification were significantly greater in STEMI compared with NSTEACS (1.80 ± 0.99 mm² vs 1.13 ± 0.86 mm², p = 0.006; 1.52 ± 0.74 mm² vs 1.21 ± 0.81 mm², p = 0.004; 99.9 ± 54.6° vs 77.4 ± 51.2°, p = 0.01, respectively). Quantitative IVUS analysis showed that vessel and plaque area were significantly larger at minimum lumen area site (16.6 ± 5.4 mm² vs 14.2 ± 5.5 mm², p = 0.003; 13.9 ± 5.1 mm² vs 11.6 ± 5.2 mm², p = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion

Morphological feature (outward vessel remodeling, plaque buildup and IVUS vulnerability of culprit lesions) might relate to clinical presentation in patients with ACS.     

The carotid plaque as paradigmatic case of site-specific acceleration of aging process: The microRNAs and the inflammaging contribution

Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory disease of arteries associated with the aging process. Many risk factors have been identified and they are mainly related to life-styles, gene-environment interactions and socioeconomic status. Carotid and coronary artery diseases are the two major atherosclerotic conditions, being the primary cause of stroke and heart attack, respectively. Nevertheless, carotid plaque assumes particular aspects not only for the specific molecular mechanisms, but also for the types of atheroma which may be associated with a better or a worst prognosis. The identification of circulating blood biomarkers able to distinguish carotid plaque types (stable or vulnerable) is a crucial step for the improvement of adequate therapeutic approaches avoiding or delaying endarterectomy in the oldest old individuals (> 80 years), a population predicted to growth in the next years. The review highlights the most recent knowledge on carotid plaque molecular mechanisms, focusing on microRNAs (miRs), as a site-specific accelerated aging within the conceptual framework of Geroscience for new affordable therapies.     

Effects of heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium BB12 on cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans in vitro

ObjectiveSince some probiotic bacteria are cariogenic themselves, their suitability for caries management is questionable. Inactivated bacteria or their supernatants have been found to exert probiotic effects, whilst having several advantages compared with living bacteria. We hypothesized that viable and heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium animalis BB12 reduces the cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans (SM) in vitro.DesignWe assessed mono- and mixed species biofilms of SM and viable or heat-inactivated BB12. Biofilms were grown in a continuous-culture-system under cariogenic conditions on smooth proximal enamel or cavitated dentine. For each of eight experimental subsets (4 biofilms × 2 hard-tissue conditions), a total of 32 specimens was used. After 10 days, bacterial numbers of 12 biofilms per group were analysed, and all specimens submitted to transversal microradiography.ResultsMineral loss was higher in cavitated dentine than smooth enamel for all biofilms (p < 0.001, t-test). BB12-monospecies biofilms induced significantly less mineral loss than SM in both enamel (p < 0.05) and dentine (p < 0.001). Viable BB12 did not significantly reduce cariogenicity of SM (p > 0.05), whilst heat-inactivated BB12 decreased cariogenicity of SM in dentinal cavities (p < 0.01). Bacterial numbers were higher on dentine than enamel (p < 0.05), but not significantly influenced by biofilm species (p > 0.05).ConclusionsHeat-inactivated BB12 reduced the cariogenicity of SM in dentinal cavities in vitro. Inactivated probiotics might be suitable for caries control.     

Detection,removal and prevention of calculus: Literature Review

Dental plaque is considered to be a major etiological factor in the development of periodontal disease. Accordingly, the elimination of supra- and sub-gingival plaque and calculus is the cornerstone of periodontal therapy. Dental calculus is mineralized plaque; because it is porous, it can absorb various toxic products that can damage the periodontal tissues. Hence, calculus should be accurately detected and thoroughly removed for adequate periodontal therapy. Many techniques have been used to identify and remove calculus deposits present on the root surface. The purpose of this review was to compile the various methods and their advantages for the detection and removal of calculus.     

高血压患者动脉硬度指数与颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度、斑块的关系

目的 进一步了解动脉硬度指数(ASI)定量检测动脉硬化程度的可靠性.方法 用YF-1血管硬度测量仪测量87例高血压病人的ASI,并用高频超声测量其颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度(IMT)和斑块.结果 (1)ASI与IMT呈正相关:r=0.395,P<0.01, ASI正常组(0～70)、轻度升高组(71～120)、中度升高组(121～180)和重度升高组(＞180)的IMT值依次为(0.74±0.13)、(0.88±0.12)、(0.94±0.12)和(0.97±0.15)mm,后3组与正常组的IMT比较,差异均有非常显著意义(P＜0.01).(2)0级斑块组ASI值为(120.1±57.7)、1级斑块组ASI值为(124.1±48.3)、2级斑块组ASI值为(158.6±49.8)和3级斑块组ASI值为(204.7±47.0), 2级斑块组和3级斑块组的ASI高于0级斑块组(P<0.01),3级斑块组的ASI高于1级斑块组(P<0.05).结论 ASI是一个较好的检测动脉硬化的指标.其应用价值尚需较大规模临床人群验证.     

原发性高血压患者颈动脉粥样硬化与中医证型的关系

目的:探讨原发性高血压患者颈动脉粥样硬化程度与中医辨证分型的关系。方法:用高频(11.4 MHz)彩色多普勒超声检测了130例原发性高血压及心脑血管并发症患者的颈动脉,与37例非高血压心脑血管病患者作对照。结果:高血压各组颈动脉内中膜厚度及斑块检出率均高于对照组,以合并脑血管疾病组内中膜厚度高于单纯高血压组。高血压中医证型之间比较,以痰湿壅盛型内中膜厚度明显高于其他证型,斑块检出率以阴虚阳亢和痰湿壅盛型明显高于其他证型。结论:高血压是引起颈动脉内中膜厚度增加的重要因素。颈动脉粥样硬化程度可作为预测心脑血管病存在的参考指标。动脉硬化的病因病机与痰、瘀密切相关。     

高血压患者颈动脉病变与血管活性物质相关性探讨

为探讨高血压患者颈动脉病变与血管活性物质的关系,对105例高血压患者行颈动脉超声检查,根据病变的不同情况分为正常组（30例）,增厚组（30例）,硬斑块组（30例）和软斑块组（15例）,对上述患者测定血清中一氧化氮,内皮素,神经肽－Y,低密度脂蛋白及纤维蛋白原水平,结果发现,颈动脉软斑块组与正常组比较,神经肽－Y,低密度脂蛋白和纤维蛋白原生成增加,一氧化氮生成减少（P＜0．05）,颈动脉硬斑块组与正常组比较上述指标也有差异（P＜0．05）,提示颈动脉斑块的形成与高血压引起的内皮损伤,脂质代谢异常有明显关系。