目的:分析体位性心动过速综合征(postural tachycardia syndrome, POTS)儿童及青少年直立试验过程中血流动力学变化及不同心脏指数(cardiac index, CI)患者血流动力学指标的差异。方法:回顾性分析26例POTS患者与12例健康对照者间直立试...目的:分析体位性心动过速综合征(postural tachycardia syndrome, POTS)儿童及青少年直立试验过程中血流动力学变化及不同心脏指数(cardiac index, CI)患者血流动力学指标的差异。方法:回顾性分析26例POTS患者与12例健康对照者间直立试验过程中总外周血管阻力指数(total peripheral vascular resistance index, TPVRI)、心率和血压的变化,并比较两组间各指标变化趋势。根据每位POTS患者直立试验过程中CI变化趋势将患者分为CI降低组(14例)与CI未降低组(12例),分析两组患者在直立试验过程中CI、TPVRI、心率、血压变化,并比较两组间各指标变化趋势。结果: POTS患者在直立试验过程中CI显著下降( F =6.936, P =0.001),心率明显增快( F = 113.926 , P <0.001),收缩压明显降低( F =6.049, P <0.001),而TPVRI ( F =2.031, P =0.138)和舒张压( F =2.018, P =0.113)无明显变化。健康对照组CI在直立后显著升高( F =3.646, P =0.016),同时心率明显增快( F = 43.970, P <0.001),收缩压( F =4.043, P =0.020)和舒张压( F =8.627, P <0.001)均明显升高,TPVRI ( F = 1.688, P =0.190)无明显变化。POTS患者与健康对照组比较,CI ( F =6.221, P= 0.001)、心率( F =6.203, P < 0.001)和收缩压( F =7.946, P <0.001)随时间变化趋势显著不同,而TPVRI和舒张压在两组间的变化趋势差异无统计学意义( P >0.05)。CI降低组与CI未降低组POTS患者在直立试验中CI变化趋势差异有统计学意义( F = 14.723, P <0.001),前者直立后收缩压明显降低( F =8.010, P <0.001),而后者却无明显变化( F =0.612, P = 0.639 ), TPVRI、心率和舒张压在CI降低组与CI未降低组间随时间变化趋势差异无统计学意义( P >0.05)。年龄是POTS患者直立后CI呈下降趋势的独立影响因素( P =0.013, OR =2.233;95% CI :1.183~4.216)。结论: POTS患者在直立试验过程中存在明显的血流动力学变化,不同患者心输出量变化可能不同,年龄是心输出量下降的独立影响因素。展开更多
Background Abnormal apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） is an important pathophysiological process in the pulmonary artery structural remodeling and pulmonary hypertension. We investigated pos...Background Abnormal apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） is an important pathophysiological process in the pulmonary artery structural remodeling and pulmonary hypertension. We investigated possible effect of endogenous hydrogen sulfide （H2S） on apoptosis of PASMCs during the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by high pulmonary blood flow. Methods Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 4-week control, 4-week shunt, 4-week shunt＋propargylglycine （PPG）, 11-week control, 11-week shunt and 11-week shunt＋sodium hydrosulfide （NariS） groups. Rats in 4-week shunt, 4-week shunt＋PPG, 11-week shunt and 11-week shunt＋NariS groups underwent an abdominal aorta-inferior vena cava shunt. Rats in 4-week shunt＋PPG group were intraperitoneally injected with PPG, an inhibitor of endogenous H2S production, for 4 weeks. Rats in 11-week shunt＋NariS group were intraperitoneally injected with NariS, a H2S donor, for 11 weeks. Lung tissue H2S was evaluated by sulfide-sensitive electrode. Apoptosis of PASMCs were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling （TUNEL）. Expressions of Fas, bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the PASMCs were analyzed with immunochemical staining. Results Four weeks after the shunting operation, the apoptosis of PASMCs and expression of Fas and caspase-3 were significantly decreased （P 〈0.01）, but expression of bcl-2 increased significantly （P 〈0.01）. PPG administration further inhibited the apoptosis of PASMCs, downregulated the expression of Fas and caspase-3 （P 〈0.01）, but increased the expression of bcl-2 （P 〈0.01）. After 11 weeks of shunting operation, the apoptosis of PASMCs and expression of Fas and caspase-3 were significantly decreased （P 〈0.01）, but expression of bcl-2 increased obviously （P 〈0.01）. NariS administration significantly increased the apoptosis of PASMCs, upregulated the expression of Fas and caspase-3, but inhibited the expression of bcl-2. Conclusions H2S induces the apoptosis of PASMCs in the development of high pulmonary blood flow-induced pulmonary hypertension by activating the Fas pathway and inhibiting the bcl-2 pathway.展开更多
Background Hypertension is a common disease of the cardiovascular system. So far, the pathogenesis of primary hypertension remains unclear. The elaboration of its pathogenesis is an important topic in the field which ...Background Hypertension is a common disease of the cardiovascular system. So far, the pathogenesis of primary hypertension remains unclear. The elaboration of its pathogenesis is an important topic in the field which calls for urgent resolution. The aim of this study was to probe into the metabolic imbalance of homocysteine （Hcy） and hydrogen sulfide （H2S） in children with essential hypertension, and its significance in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Methods Twenty-five children with essential hypertension and 30 healthy children with normal blood pressure were enrolled in the study. The medical history was investigated and a physical examination was conducted on the subjects. Plasma Hcy content was examined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay （FPIA）. The plasma H2S level was detected by a modified method with a sulfide electrode. Data were presented as mean＋standard deviation. The t test was applied to the mean values of both groups. Pearson linear correlation analysis was applied to the plasma Hcy and H2S as well as to the systolic pressure against the plasma H2S/Hcy ratio. Results Plasma Hcy, an intermittent metabolite of the endogenous methionine pathway, was markedly increased but plasma H2S, a final product of this pathway was significantly decreased in hypertensive cases when compared with normal subjects （（Hcy： （12.68±9.69） μmol/L vs （6.62±4.79） μmol/L （t=2.996, ,P〈0.01）; H2S： （51.93±6.01） μ/L vs （65.70±5.50） μmol/L） （t=-8.670, ,P〈0.01））. The ratio of plasma H2S/Hcy in children with hypertension was 5.83±2.91, while that of the control group was 11.60 ± 3.30, and the difference is significant with a t=-6.610 and P〈0.01. A negative correlation existed between plasma Hcy and H2S concentrations, r=-0.379, P〈0.05. And a negative correlation was found between systolic blood pressure and the plasma H2S/Hcy ratio, r=-0.687, P〈0.05. Conclusion There was a metabolic imbalance of homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide in essential hypertensive children.展开更多
Pulmonary hypertension is a pathophysiologic process characterized by progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure, which is a common complication of many diseases. Pulmonary hyperten...Pulmonary hypertension is a pathophysiologic process characterized by progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure, which is a common complication of many diseases. Pulmonary hypertension with no apparent causes （unknown etiology） is termed primary pulmonary hypertension or, more recently, idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension （IPAH）. Before the availability of disease-specific （targeted） therapy （through the mid-1980s） the median life expectancy from the time of diagnosis in patients with this disease was 2.8 years. Modem treatment has markedly improved physical function and has extended survival, and the 5-year mortality is 50%. Although there is already more than 100 years of research history, the mechanisms of this disease are still not very clear. Recently, with the development of cell biology and molecular genetics, further research into the mechanisms responsible for pulmonary hypertension have been possible, which has helped in its diagnosis and treatment. It is believed that the mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension can not only be described by pathophysiology but involve multiple factors （pathways） like cellular, humoral and molecular genetics, etc.展开更多
Background Syncope is common in children and adolescents, with 15% estimated to have had at least one syncopal episode by age 18. In recent years, an increasing number of children, especially girls at their school age...Background Syncope is common in children and adolescents, with 15% estimated to have had at least one syncopal episode by age 18. In recent years, an increasing number of children, especially girls at their school age, have developed unexplained syncope. The mechanism of an unexplained syncope exhibited by children is incompletely studied; the association between different hemodynamic patterns and clinical features is also not clear. The aim of the study was to investigate the hemodynamic patterns of children with unexplained syncope and to examine the clinical relevance. Methods Two hundred and eight children [87 boys, 121 girls, aged 3-19 years, mean （11.66±2.72） years] were selectively recruited from May 2000 to April 2006 when they presented syncope as their main complaint at the Multi-center Network for Childhood Syncope in Beijing, Hunan Province, Hubei Province, and Shanghai of China. All of the patients underwent head-up tilt tests; data were analyzed using SPSS version 10.0 for Windows. Continuous variables were expressed as the mean± standard deviation. Dichotomous variables were compared through a X^2 test. A value of P〈0.05 （two sided） was regarded as statistically significant. Results The age distribution of children with syncope was approximately normal. Head-up tilt tests was positive in 155 children, and the incidence of positive response of the baseline head-up tilt test for diagnosing unexplained syncope was 50.48%. The sensitivity value and diagnostic value of sublingual nitroglycerin head-up tilt test were both 74.52%. The hemodynamic pattern was normal in 53 children. The 155 children, who were positive in head-up tilt tests, showed signs of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome （60, 28.8%）, the vasoinhibitory pattern （72, 34.6%）, the cardioinhibitory pattern （5, 2.4%）, and the mixed pattern （18, 8.7%）. The gender distribution between the two age groups （age 〈 12 years vs age ≥ 12 years） was not different （P〉0.05）. The distribution of hemodynamic patterns between the children of the two age groups （age 〈 12 years vs age ≥ 12 years）, and the children with different complaints （dizziness vs syncope） was significantly different （P〈0.05）, while the distribution between the children of different sexes and different lasting time of syncope （≤ 5 minutes vs 〉 5 minutes） was not significantly different （P〉0.05）. Different hemodynamic patterns were differentiated by differing syncope inducements, presymptoms, and complicated symptoms during and after syncope. Conclusion The tested girls were more prone when compared with the boys to have unexplained syncope, and the peak age was around twelve years old. The incidence of positive response of head-up tilt tests was also relatively higher for the girls. The distribution of hemodynamic patterns for different ages was different. For children with unexplained syncope, we should use head-up tilttests to distinguish the hemodynamic patterns in order to adopt rational therapeutic measures.展开更多
Background Skeletal muscle has recently been recognized as an endocrine organ that can express, synthesize and secrete a variety of bioactive molecules which exert significant regulatory effects. Hydrogen sulfide （H2...Background Skeletal muscle has recently been recognized as an endocrine organ that can express, synthesize and secrete a variety of bioactive molecules which exert significant regulatory effects. Hydrogen sulfide （H2S） iS endogenously produced in mammalian tissues and participates in a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes. We aimed to verify whether H2S could be endogenously generated and released by rat skeletal muscle, and determine the biological effects of H2S in rat skeletal muscle. Methods The study was divided into two parts： detection of endogenous H2S generation and release in rat skeletal muscle and determination of antioxidative activity of skeletal muscle-derived H2S. H2S content and production in tissues were ,detected by sensitive sulfur electrode method. The expressions of H2S producing enzymes cystathionine i^-synthase, cystathionine y-lyase and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase were detected by real-time PCR and western blotting and their tissue distributions were observed by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent analysis. Rat skeletal muscular ischemia-reperfusion （I-R） injury model was created and evaluated by histological analysis under microscope. The malondialdehyde （MDA） contents, hydrogen peroxide levels, superoxide anion and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities were detected using spectrophotometer. Results H2S could be endogenously generated and released by skeletal muscle of Sprague-Dawley rats （H2S content： （2.06＋0.43） nmol/mg; H2S production： （0.17＋0.06） nmol.minl.mgl）. Gene and protein expressions of the three H2S producing enzymes ~vere detected in skeletal muscle, as well as the liver and kidney. Endogenous H2S content and production were decreased in skeletal muscles of rats with I-R skeletal muscle injury （P 〈0.05）. Furthermore, H2S significantly protected rat skeletal muscle against I-R injury and resulted in decreased MDA content, reduced hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion levels, but increased SOD activity and protein expression in skeletal muscles （all P 〈0.01）. Conclusion H2S generation pathway exists in rat skeletal muscle and it acts as an antioxidant in skeletal muscle.展开更多
Background Central nervous system leukemia （CNSL） is an important relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia （ALL）. We investigated the possible role of endogenous hydrogen sulfide （H2S） of cerebrospi...Background Central nervous system leukemia （CNSL） is an important relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia （ALL）. We investigated the possible role of endogenous hydrogen sulfide （H2S） of cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） in predicting CNSL. Methods From August 2008 to December 2010, 380 children were enrolled in this study at Shijitan Hospital, China. These children were from 2 to 16 years old, and the median age was 6.5 years. They were divided into a CNSL group （7 cases）, a leukemia group （307 cases）, a non-leukemia group （26 cases） and a healthy group （40 children）. CSF specimens were obtained from conventional lumbar punctured, then centrifuged and supernatants preserved for H2S detection. Leukemic cells precipitates from CSF were found in three cases, the hCSE and hCBS mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, and H2S levels in serum were also measured. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve and area under curve （AUC） were used to assess the predictive diagnosis role of CSF H2S in children with ALL and CNSL. Results The serum H2S contents of the CNSL and leukemia groups were （96.98±15.77） pmol/L and （93.35±17.16） μmol/L respectively, much higher than those of healthy, （44.29±2.15） pmol/L, and non-leukemia, （46.32±6.54） μmol/L, groups （P 〈0.01）. Compared with the leukemia group, CSF H2S content of the CNSL group was significantly high （P 〈0.01）. Meanwhile, in contrast to the non-leukemia group, CSF H2S contents of the CNSL and leukemia groups were both significantly increased （P 〈0.01）. In addition, leukemic cells from CSF precipitations could express CBS and CSE mRNA. Furthermore, the ROC analysis showed the UAC was 0.929 （95% CI： 0.857-1.000）, and the optimum cut-off value of CSF H2S was 12.08μmol/L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 97.2% respectively. Conclusions CSF H2S contents were significantly increased in children with CNSL. After treatment, H2S contents were decreased subsequently. Therefore, we speculated that H2S levels of CSF would predict CNSL in ALL children.展开更多
Background Atherosclerosis is an important cardiovascular disease, becoming a major and increasing health problem in developed countries. However, the possible underlying mechanisms were not completely clear. In 2009,...Background Atherosclerosis is an important cardiovascular disease, becoming a major and increasing health problem in developed countries. However, the possible underlying mechanisms were not completely clear. In 2009, our research group first discovered that hydrogen sulfide （H2S） as a novel gastrotransmitter played an important anti-atherosclerotic role. The study was designed to examine the regulatory effect of hydrogen sulfide （H2S） on endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） in apolipoprotein E knockout （apoE/） mice fed a Western type diet. Methods C57BL/6 mice and homozygous apoE/ mice were fed a Western type diet. C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline （5 ml/kg per day） as control group. The apoE/ mice were treated with the same dose of normal saline as the apoE/ group, injected intraperitoneally with sodium hydrosulfide （NariS, an H2S donor, 56 IJmol/kg per day） as the apoE/＋NaHS group and injected intraperitoneally with DL-propargylglycine （PPG, a cystathionine-y-lyase inhibitor, 50 mg/kg, per day） as the apoE/ ＋PPG group. After 10 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the plasma lipids were detected. Sections of aortic root from these animals were examined for atherosclerotic lesions by HE and oil red O staining. The aortic ultrastructure and microstructure were analyzed with the help of light and electronic microscope. Glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）, caspase-12, copper-andzinc-containing superoxide dismutase （Cu/ZnSOD） and Mn-containing superoxide dismutase （MnSOD） protein expression in aortic tissues were detected with immunohistochemistry. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） were measured by using a commercial assay kit. Results Compared with control mice, apoE/ mice showed increased plasma levels of total cholesterol （TC）, triglyceride （TG） and low density lipoprotein （LDL）, decreased high density lipoprotein （HDL）, increased aortic plaque size, destroyed ultra-structure of aortic tissue, and increased expression of GRP78 and caspase-12 proteins. Compared with apoE/ mice, H2S donor-treated apoE-/- mice showed a decreased plasma LDL level, lessened plaque necrosis and attenuated aortic ultra-structural disorder. H2S donor-treatment induced GRP78 expression but suppressed caspase-12 expression in aortic lesions. However, compared with apoE-/- mice, PPG treated apoE/ mice showed enlarged plaque size, more severe ultrastructural disorder of the aortic tissue and reduced GRP78 staining in aortic lesions. The plasma lipids and the staining of caspase-12 in apoE-/＋ PPG rats did not significantly differ from those in the apoE-/- mice. Consistently, H2S induced SOD expression, accompanied by a reduced level of ROS. Conclusion H2S plays a regulatory role in aortic ERS and reduces atherosclerotic lesions in apoE-/-mice fed with a Western type diet.展开更多
Background The balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction plays a major role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. More and more evidence suggested that there was ...Background The balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction plays a major role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. More and more evidence suggested that there was an interaction in the regulation of vasorelaxation between nitric oxide （NO） and hydrogen sulfide （H2S）. We explored the interaction between and effects of NO and H2S on the relaxation of pulmonary arteries in rats. Methods Seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized with chloral hydrate and the pulmonary arteries of each rat separated for the study of vascular activities. The vasorelaxing activities of pulmonary artery rings in response to different doses of a NO donor, sodium nitroprusside （SNP）, or a H2S donor, sodium hydrogensulfide （NariS）, were measured in vitro. When pulmonary artery rings were treated with a cystathionine-y-lyase inhibitor, DL-propargylglycine, in the presence of SNP or a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, in the presence of NariS, the changes in relaxing activities were analyzed. Results The relaxation of pulmonary artery rings was in a dose dependent manner in response to either SNP or NariS. The relaxation rates of pulmonary artery rings increased from （30.90±4.62） % to （60.50±8.08） % when the concentration of SNP increased from 1 pmol/L to 3 pmol/L and from （26.13±4.12） % to （53.09±14.01） % when the concentration of NariS increased from 25 pmol/L to 100 μmol/L. However, when appropriate inhibitor was added, the relaxation responses to SNP and NariS decreased. Conclusions The results suggested that similarly to NO, H2S acted as a vasorelaxant either independently of, or synergistically with NO in the regulation of vasorelaxation. The interaction between NO and H2S played an important role in regulating relaxing activities of pulmonary arteries.展开更多
Background Endogenous hydrogen sulfide is a new neuromodulator which takes part in the regulation of central nervous system physiology and diseases. Whether endogenous hydrogen sulfide in the central nervous system re...Background Endogenous hydrogen sulfide is a new neuromodulator which takes part in the regulation of central nervous system physiology and diseases. Whether endogenous hydrogen sulfide in the central nervous system regulates cardiovascular activity is not known. In the present study, we observed the hemodynamic changes of hydrogen sulfide or its precursor by intracerebroventricular injection, and investigate the possible roles of endogenous digitalis like factors and sympathetic activity in the regulation. Methods Ninety-four Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a right cerebroventricular puncture, then the hydrogen sulfide saturation buffer or its precursor injected by intrcerebroventricular catheter. A heperin-filled catheter was inserted into the right femoral artery or into the left ventricle, and changes of blood pressure or cardiac function recorded by a Powerlab/4S instrument. Phentolamine or metoprolol were pre-injected to observe the possible role in autonomic nerve activity. After rats were sacrificed, plasma was collected and endogenous digitalis-like factors were measured with a commercial radioimmunoassay kit. The aortic, cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles were isolated and the activity of Na＋-K＋-ATPase was measured as ouabain-sensitive ATP hydrolysis under maximal velocity conditions by measuring the release of inorganic phosphate from ATP. Unpaired Student＇s ttest for two groups or analysis of variances （ANOVA） for multiple groups were used to compare the differences of the changes. Results Intracerebroventricular injection of hydrogen sulfide induced a transient hypotension, then dramatic hypertenive effects in a dose-dependent manner. Bolus injection of L-cysteine or beta-mercaptopyruvate also increased mean arterial pressure （P 〈0.01）, whereas hydroxylamine-a cystathionine beta synthase inhibitor decreased the arterial pressure （P 〈0.01）. Hydrogen sulfide and L-cysteine increased mean arterial pressure, left ventricular develop pressure and left-ventricle maximal rate of systolic and diastolic pressure; these functions were decreased by hydroxylamine （P 〈0.01）. Glibenclamide （a KATP channel blocker） blocked the transient hypotensive effect, phentolamine （an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker） blocked the hypertensive effect, and metoprolol （a selective beta 1 receptor blocker） blocked the positive inoptropic effect of central nervous system hydrogen sulfide. The endogenous digitalis-like factors in plasma were elevated （P 〈0.01） after treatment with L-cysteine, association with decreasing Na＋-K＋-ATPase activity in cardiac or aortic sarcolemmal vesicles （P 〈0.01）. Hydroxylamine injection reduced the endogenous digitalis-like factors level in plasma association with increasing Na＋-K＋-ATPase activity in cardiac and aortic sarcolemmal vesicles. Conclusion Central nervous system endogenous hydrogen sulfide upregulated mean arterial pressure and cardiac systolic function by activation of sympathetic nerves or release of endogenous digitalis-like factors.展开更多
Objective Sulfur dioxide was considered to be toxic and detrimental to human health. However, this review highlights recent advances that suggest sulfur dioxide might be a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule i...Objective Sulfur dioxide was considered to be toxic and detrimental to human health. However, this review highlights recent advances that suggest sulfur dioxide might be a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of cardiovascular functions. Data sources The data used in this review were mainly from the studies reported in Medline and PubMed published from 1986 to 2010. Study selection Original articles and critical reviews selected were relevant to exogenous and endogenous sulfur dioxide. Results The sulfur dioxide/aspartate amino transferase pathway is endogenously generated in the cardiovascular system, and sulfur dioxide shows broad bioactive effects, such as antihypertension, vasodilation, and amelioration of vascular remodeling. A disturbed sulfur dioxide/aspartate amino transferase pathway is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension, athrosclerosis, spontaneous hypertension and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, in experimental studies the prognosis of these cardiovascular diseases can be improved by targeting endogenous sulfur dioxide. Conclusion The findings suggest that sulfur dioxide is a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of cardiovascular functions.展开更多
Background Atherosclerosis as a cardiovascular disease was found to begin even in the fetal period. However, information about risk factors of pre-clinical atherosclerosis in childhood has been limited. Hence, this st...Background Atherosclerosis as a cardiovascular disease was found to begin even in the fetal period. However, information about risk factors of pre-clinical atherosclerosis in childhood has been limited. Hence, this study was aimed to find out the risk factors of atherosclerosis by measuring the carotid artery intima-media thickness in children. High resolution B-mode ultrasound used to examine the carotid artery inUma-media thickness was demonstrated to be useful in finding the early carotid structural changes. Methods The study included 79 children who were divided into two groups according to their ages： group I consisted of 42 children with ages from 5 to 9 years and group II consisted of 37 children with ages from 10 to 18 years, Among them, 23 had a positive family history for risk, such as hypertension, obesity or dyslipidemia. Blood samples were collected and total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein were assayed. The carotid artery intima-media thickness was measured by ultrasound. Comparisons were done between the two groups using Student＇s t tests and Chi-square analysis. Body mass index, blood pressure, levels of lipids, family history and the carotid artery intima-media thickness were calculated by conditional logistic regression analysis. Results Compared with the children without a positive family history, the incidence of the increased carotid artery intima-media thickness was significantly high （X^2=4.364, P〈0.05）. There were no statistically significant differences between left and right carotid arteries in carotid artery intima-media thickness （P〉0.05）. In this study, diastolic blood pressure and the atherosclerosis index were suggested to be the risk factors to the thickened carotid artery intima-media thickness. In group I the diastolic blood pressure＇s odds radio was 1.187 （P=-0.035） and the atheroscterosis index odds radio was 37.165 （P=-0.001）; in group II the diastolic blood pressure＇s odds radio was 1.371 （P=0.009） and the atherosclerosis index odds radio was 30.724 （P=-0.015）. Conclusion The diastolic blood pressure and atherosclerosis index were the risk factors in pre-clinical arthrosclerosis. Regularly monitoring the high-risk children for the development and progression of vascular lesion would be of great value in avoiding and preventing cardiovascular disease.展开更多
Previously,hydrogen sulfide （H2S） was considered to be a toxic gas. However, recently it was discovered that it could be produced in mammals and even in plants, through the production and metabolism of sulfur-contai...Previously,hydrogen sulfide （H2S） was considered to be a toxic gas. However, recently it was discovered that it could be produced in mammals and even in plants, through the production and metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.展开更多
文摘目的:分析体位性心动过速综合征(postural tachycardia syndrome, POTS)儿童及青少年直立试验过程中血流动力学变化及不同心脏指数(cardiac index, CI)患者血流动力学指标的差异。方法:回顾性分析26例POTS患者与12例健康对照者间直立试验过程中总外周血管阻力指数(total peripheral vascular resistance index, TPVRI)、心率和血压的变化,并比较两组间各指标变化趋势。根据每位POTS患者直立试验过程中CI变化趋势将患者分为CI降低组(14例)与CI未降低组(12例),分析两组患者在直立试验过程中CI、TPVRI、心率、血压变化,并比较两组间各指标变化趋势。结果: POTS患者在直立试验过程中CI显著下降( F =6.936, P =0.001),心率明显增快( F = 113.926 , P <0.001),收缩压明显降低( F =6.049, P <0.001),而TPVRI ( F =2.031, P =0.138)和舒张压( F =2.018, P =0.113)无明显变化。健康对照组CI在直立后显著升高( F =3.646, P =0.016),同时心率明显增快( F = 43.970, P <0.001),收缩压( F =4.043, P =0.020)和舒张压( F =8.627, P <0.001)均明显升高,TPVRI ( F = 1.688, P =0.190)无明显变化。POTS患者与健康对照组比较,CI ( F =6.221, P= 0.001)、心率( F =6.203, P < 0.001)和收缩压( F =7.946, P <0.001)随时间变化趋势显著不同,而TPVRI和舒张压在两组间的变化趋势差异无统计学意义( P >0.05)。CI降低组与CI未降低组POTS患者在直立试验中CI变化趋势差异有统计学意义( F = 14.723, P <0.001),前者直立后收缩压明显降低( F =8.010, P <0.001),而后者却无明显变化( F =0.612, P = 0.639 ), TPVRI、心率和舒张压在CI降低组与CI未降低组间随时间变化趋势差异无统计学意义( P >0.05)。年龄是POTS患者直立后CI呈下降趋势的独立影响因素( P =0.013, OR =2.233;95% CI :1.183~4.216)。结论: POTS患者在直立试验过程中存在明显的血流动力学变化,不同患者心输出量变化可能不同,年龄是心输出量下降的独立影响因素。
基金This work was supported by grants from the Foundation of the Ministry of Education, China （No. 20070001702, 20070001770）, the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30630031, 30821001, 30801251）, the Major Basic Research Development Program of China （No. 2006CB503807） and Beijing Natural Science Foundation （No. 7072082）.
文摘Background Abnormal apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） is an important pathophysiological process in the pulmonary artery structural remodeling and pulmonary hypertension. We investigated possible effect of endogenous hydrogen sulfide （H2S） on apoptosis of PASMCs during the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by high pulmonary blood flow. Methods Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 4-week control, 4-week shunt, 4-week shunt＋propargylglycine （PPG）, 11-week control, 11-week shunt and 11-week shunt＋sodium hydrosulfide （NariS） groups. Rats in 4-week shunt, 4-week shunt＋PPG, 11-week shunt and 11-week shunt＋NariS groups underwent an abdominal aorta-inferior vena cava shunt. Rats in 4-week shunt＋PPG group were intraperitoneally injected with PPG, an inhibitor of endogenous H2S production, for 4 weeks. Rats in 11-week shunt＋NariS group were intraperitoneally injected with NariS, a H2S donor, for 11 weeks. Lung tissue H2S was evaluated by sulfide-sensitive electrode. Apoptosis of PASMCs were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling （TUNEL）. Expressions of Fas, bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the PASMCs were analyzed with immunochemical staining. Results Four weeks after the shunting operation, the apoptosis of PASMCs and expression of Fas and caspase-3 were significantly decreased （P 〈0.01）, but expression of bcl-2 increased significantly （P 〈0.01）. PPG administration further inhibited the apoptosis of PASMCs, downregulated the expression of Fas and caspase-3 （P 〈0.01）, but increased the expression of bcl-2 （P 〈0.01）. After 11 weeks of shunting operation, the apoptosis of PASMCs and expression of Fas and caspase-3 were significantly decreased （P 〈0.01）, but expression of bcl-2 increased obviously （P 〈0.01）. NariS administration significantly increased the apoptosis of PASMCs, upregulated the expression of Fas and caspase-3, but inhibited the expression of bcl-2. Conclusions H2S induces the apoptosis of PASMCs in the development of high pulmonary blood flow-induced pulmonary hypertension by activating the Fas pathway and inhibiting the bcl-2 pathway.
基金the Key Science andTechnology Program of Beijing (No. H030930030530 and No. H030930030031)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30425010 and No. 30630031)Major Basic Research Project of China (No. 2006CB503807).
文摘Background Hypertension is a common disease of the cardiovascular system. So far, the pathogenesis of primary hypertension remains unclear. The elaboration of its pathogenesis is an important topic in the field which calls for urgent resolution. The aim of this study was to probe into the metabolic imbalance of homocysteine （Hcy） and hydrogen sulfide （H2S） in children with essential hypertension, and its significance in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Methods Twenty-five children with essential hypertension and 30 healthy children with normal blood pressure were enrolled in the study. The medical history was investigated and a physical examination was conducted on the subjects. Plasma Hcy content was examined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay （FPIA）. The plasma H2S level was detected by a modified method with a sulfide electrode. Data were presented as mean＋standard deviation. The t test was applied to the mean values of both groups. Pearson linear correlation analysis was applied to the plasma Hcy and H2S as well as to the systolic pressure against the plasma H2S/Hcy ratio. Results Plasma Hcy, an intermittent metabolite of the endogenous methionine pathway, was markedly increased but plasma H2S, a final product of this pathway was significantly decreased in hypertensive cases when compared with normal subjects （（Hcy： （12.68±9.69） μmol/L vs （6.62±4.79） μmol/L （t=2.996, ,P〈0.01）; H2S： （51.93±6.01） μ/L vs （65.70±5.50） μmol/L） （t=-8.670, ,P〈0.01））. The ratio of plasma H2S/Hcy in children with hypertension was 5.83±2.91, while that of the control group was 11.60 ± 3.30, and the difference is significant with a t=-6.610 and P〈0.01. A negative correlation existed between plasma Hcy and H2S concentrations, r=-0.379, P〈0.05. And a negative correlation was found between systolic blood pressure and the plasma H2S/Hcy ratio, r=-0.687, P〈0.05. Conclusion There was a metabolic imbalance of homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide in essential hypertensive children.
基金This work was supported by the grants from Changjiang Scholars Program （No. 985-2-087-111）, the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars （No. 30425010）, the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China （No. 2006CB503807）, the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Ministry of Education of China （No. 20070001702 and No. 20070001770） and the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30630031）.
文摘Pulmonary hypertension is a pathophysiologic process characterized by progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure, which is a common complication of many diseases. Pulmonary hypertension with no apparent causes （unknown etiology） is termed primary pulmonary hypertension or, more recently, idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension （IPAH）. Before the availability of disease-specific （targeted） therapy （through the mid-1980s） the median life expectancy from the time of diagnosis in patients with this disease was 2.8 years. Modem treatment has markedly improved physical function and has extended survival, and the 5-year mortality is 50%. Although there is already more than 100 years of research history, the mechanisms of this disease are still not very clear. Recently, with the development of cell biology and molecular genetics, further research into the mechanisms responsible for pulmonary hypertension have been possible, which has helped in its diagnosis and treatment. It is believed that the mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension can not only be described by pathophysiology but involve multiple factors （pathways） like cellular, humoral and molecular genetics, etc.
基金This work was supported by agrant from the National Tenth Five-year Plan Research Project of China(No.2004BA720A10).
文摘Background Syncope is common in children and adolescents, with 15% estimated to have had at least one syncopal episode by age 18. In recent years, an increasing number of children, especially girls at their school age, have developed unexplained syncope. The mechanism of an unexplained syncope exhibited by children is incompletely studied; the association between different hemodynamic patterns and clinical features is also not clear. The aim of the study was to investigate the hemodynamic patterns of children with unexplained syncope and to examine the clinical relevance. Methods Two hundred and eight children [87 boys, 121 girls, aged 3-19 years, mean （11.66±2.72） years] were selectively recruited from May 2000 to April 2006 when they presented syncope as their main complaint at the Multi-center Network for Childhood Syncope in Beijing, Hunan Province, Hubei Province, and Shanghai of China. All of the patients underwent head-up tilt tests; data were analyzed using SPSS version 10.0 for Windows. Continuous variables were expressed as the mean± standard deviation. Dichotomous variables were compared through a X^2 test. A value of P〈0.05 （two sided） was regarded as statistically significant. Results The age distribution of children with syncope was approximately normal. Head-up tilt tests was positive in 155 children, and the incidence of positive response of the baseline head-up tilt test for diagnosing unexplained syncope was 50.48%. The sensitivity value and diagnostic value of sublingual nitroglycerin head-up tilt test were both 74.52%. The hemodynamic pattern was normal in 53 children. The 155 children, who were positive in head-up tilt tests, showed signs of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome （60, 28.8%）, the vasoinhibitory pattern （72, 34.6%）, the cardioinhibitory pattern （5, 2.4%）, and the mixed pattern （18, 8.7%）. The gender distribution between the two age groups （age 〈 12 years vs age ≥ 12 years） was not different （P〉0.05）. The distribution of hemodynamic patterns between the children of the two age groups （age 〈 12 years vs age ≥ 12 years）, and the children with different complaints （dizziness vs syncope） was significantly different （P〈0.05）, while the distribution between the children of different sexes and different lasting time of syncope （≤ 5 minutes vs 〉 5 minutes） was not significantly different （P〉0.05）. Different hemodynamic patterns were differentiated by differing syncope inducements, presymptoms, and complicated symptoms during and after syncope. Conclusion The tested girls were more prone when compared with the boys to have unexplained syncope, and the peak age was around twelve years old. The incidence of positive response of head-up tilt tests was also relatively higher for the girls. The distribution of hemodynamic patterns for different ages was different. For children with unexplained syncope, we should use head-up tilttests to distinguish the hemodynamic patterns in order to adopt rational therapeutic measures.
基金The study was supported by the grants from Major Basic Research Development Program of People＇s Republic of China （No. 2011CB503904 and No. 2013CB933801） and National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 81070212）.
文摘Background Skeletal muscle has recently been recognized as an endocrine organ that can express, synthesize and secrete a variety of bioactive molecules which exert significant regulatory effects. Hydrogen sulfide （H2S） iS endogenously produced in mammalian tissues and participates in a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes. We aimed to verify whether H2S could be endogenously generated and released by rat skeletal muscle, and determine the biological effects of H2S in rat skeletal muscle. Methods The study was divided into two parts： detection of endogenous H2S generation and release in rat skeletal muscle and determination of antioxidative activity of skeletal muscle-derived H2S. H2S content and production in tissues were ,detected by sensitive sulfur electrode method. The expressions of H2S producing enzymes cystathionine i^-synthase, cystathionine y-lyase and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase were detected by real-time PCR and western blotting and their tissue distributions were observed by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent analysis. Rat skeletal muscular ischemia-reperfusion （I-R） injury model was created and evaluated by histological analysis under microscope. The malondialdehyde （MDA） contents, hydrogen peroxide levels, superoxide anion and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities were detected using spectrophotometer. Results H2S could be endogenously generated and released by skeletal muscle of Sprague-Dawley rats （H2S content： （2.06＋0.43） nmol/mg; H2S production： （0.17＋0.06） nmol.minl.mgl）. Gene and protein expressions of the three H2S producing enzymes ~vere detected in skeletal muscle, as well as the liver and kidney. Endogenous H2S content and production were decreased in skeletal muscles of rats with I-R skeletal muscle injury （P 〈0.05）. Furthermore, H2S significantly protected rat skeletal muscle against I-R injury and resulted in decreased MDA content, reduced hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion levels, but increased SOD activity and protein expression in skeletal muscles （all P 〈0.01）. Conclusion H2S generation pathway exists in rat skeletal muscle and it acts as an antioxidant in skeletal muscle.
基金This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30821001, No. 30801251 and No. 81070212） and Beijing Natural Science Foundation （No. 7093136）.
文摘Background Central nervous system leukemia （CNSL） is an important relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia （ALL）. We investigated the possible role of endogenous hydrogen sulfide （H2S） of cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） in predicting CNSL. Methods From August 2008 to December 2010, 380 children were enrolled in this study at Shijitan Hospital, China. These children were from 2 to 16 years old, and the median age was 6.5 years. They were divided into a CNSL group （7 cases）, a leukemia group （307 cases）, a non-leukemia group （26 cases） and a healthy group （40 children）. CSF specimens were obtained from conventional lumbar punctured, then centrifuged and supernatants preserved for H2S detection. Leukemic cells precipitates from CSF were found in three cases, the hCSE and hCBS mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, and H2S levels in serum were also measured. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve and area under curve （AUC） were used to assess the predictive diagnosis role of CSF H2S in children with ALL and CNSL. Results The serum H2S contents of the CNSL and leukemia groups were （96.98±15.77） pmol/L and （93.35±17.16） μmol/L respectively, much higher than those of healthy, （44.29±2.15） pmol/L, and non-leukemia, （46.32±6.54） μmol/L, groups （P 〈0.01）. Compared with the leukemia group, CSF H2S content of the CNSL group was significantly high （P 〈0.01）. Meanwhile, in contrast to the non-leukemia group, CSF H2S contents of the CNSL and leukemia groups were both significantly increased （P 〈0.01）. In addition, leukemic cells from CSF precipitations could express CBS and CSE mRNA. Furthermore, the ROC analysis showed the UAC was 0.929 （95% CI： 0.857-1.000）, and the optimum cut-off value of CSF H2S was 12.08μmol/L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 97.2% respectively. Conclusions CSF H2S contents were significantly increased in children with CNSL. After treatment, H2S contents were decreased subsequently. Therefore, we speculated that H2S levels of CSF would predict CNSL in ALL children.
基金This work was supported by the grants from the Major Basic Research Development Program of China （No. 2011CB503904, No. 2012CB517806） and from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 81070212, No. 30821001 and No. 30801251）.
文摘Background Atherosclerosis is an important cardiovascular disease, becoming a major and increasing health problem in developed countries. However, the possible underlying mechanisms were not completely clear. In 2009, our research group first discovered that hydrogen sulfide （H2S） as a novel gastrotransmitter played an important anti-atherosclerotic role. The study was designed to examine the regulatory effect of hydrogen sulfide （H2S） on endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） in apolipoprotein E knockout （apoE/） mice fed a Western type diet. Methods C57BL/6 mice and homozygous apoE/ mice were fed a Western type diet. C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline （5 ml/kg per day） as control group. The apoE/ mice were treated with the same dose of normal saline as the apoE/ group, injected intraperitoneally with sodium hydrosulfide （NariS, an H2S donor, 56 IJmol/kg per day） as the apoE/＋NaHS group and injected intraperitoneally with DL-propargylglycine （PPG, a cystathionine-y-lyase inhibitor, 50 mg/kg, per day） as the apoE/ ＋PPG group. After 10 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the plasma lipids were detected. Sections of aortic root from these animals were examined for atherosclerotic lesions by HE and oil red O staining. The aortic ultrastructure and microstructure were analyzed with the help of light and electronic microscope. Glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）, caspase-12, copper-andzinc-containing superoxide dismutase （Cu/ZnSOD） and Mn-containing superoxide dismutase （MnSOD） protein expression in aortic tissues were detected with immunohistochemistry. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） were measured by using a commercial assay kit. Results Compared with control mice, apoE/ mice showed increased plasma levels of total cholesterol （TC）, triglyceride （TG） and low density lipoprotein （LDL）, decreased high density lipoprotein （HDL）, increased aortic plaque size, destroyed ultra-structure of aortic tissue, and increased expression of GRP78 and caspase-12 proteins. Compared with apoE/ mice, H2S donor-treated apoE-/- mice showed a decreased plasma LDL level, lessened plaque necrosis and attenuated aortic ultra-structural disorder. H2S donor-treatment induced GRP78 expression but suppressed caspase-12 expression in aortic lesions. However, compared with apoE-/- mice, PPG treated apoE/ mice showed enlarged plaque size, more severe ultrastructural disorder of the aortic tissue and reduced GRP78 staining in aortic lesions. The plasma lipids and the staining of caspase-12 in apoE-/＋ PPG rats did not significantly differ from those in the apoE-/- mice. Consistently, H2S induced SOD expression, accompanied by a reduced level of ROS. Conclusion H2S plays a regulatory role in aortic ERS and reduces atherosclerotic lesions in apoE-/-mice fed with a Western type diet.
基金This work was supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30425010, No. 30571971 ＆ No. 30630031）, the Major Basic Research Program of China （No. 2006CB503807）, the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing （No. 7072082） and the Changjiang Scholars Program.
文摘Background The balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction plays a major role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. More and more evidence suggested that there was an interaction in the regulation of vasorelaxation between nitric oxide （NO） and hydrogen sulfide （H2S）. We explored the interaction between and effects of NO and H2S on the relaxation of pulmonary arteries in rats. Methods Seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized with chloral hydrate and the pulmonary arteries of each rat separated for the study of vascular activities. The vasorelaxing activities of pulmonary artery rings in response to different doses of a NO donor, sodium nitroprusside （SNP）, or a H2S donor, sodium hydrogensulfide （NariS）, were measured in vitro. When pulmonary artery rings were treated with a cystathionine-y-lyase inhibitor, DL-propargylglycine, in the presence of SNP or a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, in the presence of NariS, the changes in relaxing activities were analyzed. Results The relaxation of pulmonary artery rings was in a dose dependent manner in response to either SNP or NariS. The relaxation rates of pulmonary artery rings increased from （30.90±4.62） % to （60.50±8.08） % when the concentration of SNP increased from 1 pmol/L to 3 pmol/L and from （26.13±4.12） % to （53.09±14.01） % when the concentration of NariS increased from 25 pmol/L to 100 μmol/L. However, when appropriate inhibitor was added, the relaxation responses to SNP and NariS decreased. Conclusions The results suggested that similarly to NO, H2S acted as a vasorelaxant either independently of, or synergistically with NO in the regulation of vasorelaxation. The interaction between NO and H2S played an important role in regulating relaxing activities of pulmonary arteries.
基金This work was supported by the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China （No. 30890042） the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30971084 and No. 30821001） and the Educational Bureau of Hubei Province （No. Q20092403 and No. B20082405）.
文摘Background Endogenous hydrogen sulfide is a new neuromodulator which takes part in the regulation of central nervous system physiology and diseases. Whether endogenous hydrogen sulfide in the central nervous system regulates cardiovascular activity is not known. In the present study, we observed the hemodynamic changes of hydrogen sulfide or its precursor by intracerebroventricular injection, and investigate the possible roles of endogenous digitalis like factors and sympathetic activity in the regulation. Methods Ninety-four Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a right cerebroventricular puncture, then the hydrogen sulfide saturation buffer or its precursor injected by intrcerebroventricular catheter. A heperin-filled catheter was inserted into the right femoral artery or into the left ventricle, and changes of blood pressure or cardiac function recorded by a Powerlab/4S instrument. Phentolamine or metoprolol were pre-injected to observe the possible role in autonomic nerve activity. After rats were sacrificed, plasma was collected and endogenous digitalis-like factors were measured with a commercial radioimmunoassay kit. The aortic, cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles were isolated and the activity of Na＋-K＋-ATPase was measured as ouabain-sensitive ATP hydrolysis under maximal velocity conditions by measuring the release of inorganic phosphate from ATP. Unpaired Student＇s ttest for two groups or analysis of variances （ANOVA） for multiple groups were used to compare the differences of the changes. Results Intracerebroventricular injection of hydrogen sulfide induced a transient hypotension, then dramatic hypertenive effects in a dose-dependent manner. Bolus injection of L-cysteine or beta-mercaptopyruvate also increased mean arterial pressure （P 〈0.01）, whereas hydroxylamine-a cystathionine beta synthase inhibitor decreased the arterial pressure （P 〈0.01）. Hydrogen sulfide and L-cysteine increased mean arterial pressure, left ventricular develop pressure and left-ventricle maximal rate of systolic and diastolic pressure; these functions were decreased by hydroxylamine （P 〈0.01）. Glibenclamide （a KATP channel blocker） blocked the transient hypotensive effect, phentolamine （an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker） blocked the hypertensive effect, and metoprolol （a selective beta 1 receptor blocker） blocked the positive inoptropic effect of central nervous system hydrogen sulfide. The endogenous digitalis-like factors in plasma were elevated （P 〈0.01） after treatment with L-cysteine, association with decreasing Na＋-K＋-ATPase activity in cardiac or aortic sarcolemmal vesicles （P 〈0.01）. Hydroxylamine injection reduced the endogenous digitalis-like factors level in plasma association with increasing Na＋-K＋-ATPase activity in cardiac and aortic sarcolemmal vesicles. Conclusion Central nervous system endogenous hydrogen sulfide upregulated mean arterial pressure and cardiac systolic function by activation of sympathetic nerves or release of endogenous digitalis-like factors.
基金This work was supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 81070111, No. 30821001 and No. 30801251）, the Major State Basic Research Development Program （No. 2011CB503904） and the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing （No. 7112130）.
文摘Objective Sulfur dioxide was considered to be toxic and detrimental to human health. However, this review highlights recent advances that suggest sulfur dioxide might be a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of cardiovascular functions. Data sources The data used in this review were mainly from the studies reported in Medline and PubMed published from 1986 to 2010. Study selection Original articles and critical reviews selected were relevant to exogenous and endogenous sulfur dioxide. Results The sulfur dioxide/aspartate amino transferase pathway is endogenously generated in the cardiovascular system, and sulfur dioxide shows broad bioactive effects, such as antihypertension, vasodilation, and amelioration of vascular remodeling. A disturbed sulfur dioxide/aspartate amino transferase pathway is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension, athrosclerosis, spontaneous hypertension and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, in experimental studies the prognosis of these cardiovascular diseases can be improved by targeting endogenous sulfur dioxide. Conclusion The findings suggest that sulfur dioxide is a novel endogenous gaseous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of cardiovascular functions.
基金grants from the Key Science and Technology Program of Beijing(No.H030930030530 and No.H030930030031)Major Basic Research Project of China(No.2006CB503807).
文摘Background Atherosclerosis as a cardiovascular disease was found to begin even in the fetal period. However, information about risk factors of pre-clinical atherosclerosis in childhood has been limited. Hence, this study was aimed to find out the risk factors of atherosclerosis by measuring the carotid artery intima-media thickness in children. High resolution B-mode ultrasound used to examine the carotid artery inUma-media thickness was demonstrated to be useful in finding the early carotid structural changes. Methods The study included 79 children who were divided into two groups according to their ages： group I consisted of 42 children with ages from 5 to 9 years and group II consisted of 37 children with ages from 10 to 18 years, Among them, 23 had a positive family history for risk, such as hypertension, obesity or dyslipidemia. Blood samples were collected and total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein were assayed. The carotid artery intima-media thickness was measured by ultrasound. Comparisons were done between the two groups using Student＇s t tests and Chi-square analysis. Body mass index, blood pressure, levels of lipids, family history and the carotid artery intima-media thickness were calculated by conditional logistic regression analysis. Results Compared with the children without a positive family history, the incidence of the increased carotid artery intima-media thickness was significantly high （X^2=4.364, P〈0.05）. There were no statistically significant differences between left and right carotid arteries in carotid artery intima-media thickness （P〉0.05）. In this study, diastolic blood pressure and the atherosclerosis index were suggested to be the risk factors to the thickened carotid artery intima-media thickness. In group I the diastolic blood pressure＇s odds radio was 1.187 （P=-0.035） and the atheroscterosis index odds radio was 37.165 （P=-0.001）; in group II the diastolic blood pressure＇s odds radio was 1.371 （P=0.009） and the atherosclerosis index odds radio was 30.724 （P=-0.015）. Conclusion The diastolic blood pressure and atherosclerosis index were the risk factors in pre-clinical arthrosclerosis. Regularly monitoring the high-risk children for the development and progression of vascular lesion would be of great value in avoiding and preventing cardiovascular disease.
文摘Previously,hydrogen sulfide （H2S） was considered to be a toxic gas. However, recently it was discovered that it could be produced in mammals and even in plants, through the production and metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.
