Endothelial cells and blood vessels are major targets for COVID-19-induced tissue injury and spreading to various organs

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infected so far over 250 million people and caused the death of over 5 million worldwide.Aging,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases,conditions with preexisting impaired endothelial functions predispose to COVID-19.While respiratory epithelium is the main route of virus entry,the endothelial cells(ECs)lining pulmonary blood vessels are also an integral part of lung injury in COVID-19 patients.COVID-19 not only affects the lungs and respiratory system but also gastrointestinal(GI)tract,liver,pancreas,kidneys,heart,brain,and skin.Blood vessels are likely conduits for the virus dissemination to these distant organs.Importantly,ECs are also critical for vascular regeneration during injury/lesions healing and restoration of vascular network.The World Journal of Gastroenterology has published in last two years over 67 outstanding papers on COVID-19 infection with a focus on the GI tract,liver,pancreas,etc.,however,the role of the endothelial and vascular components as major targets for COVID-19-induced tissue injury,spreading to various organs,and injury healing have not been sufficiently emphasized.In the present article,we focus on these subjects and on current treatments including the most recent oral drugs molnupiravir and paxlovid that show a dramatic,significant efficacy in controlling severe COVID-19 infection.

Tissue engineering of blood vessels with endothelial cells differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells

Endothelial cells (TEC_3 cells) derived from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells were used as seed cells to construct blood vessels. Tissue engineered blood vessels were made by seeding 8 × 10~6 smooth muscle cells (SMCs) obtained from rabbit arteries onto a sheet of nonwoven polyglycolic acid (PGA) fibers, which was used as a biodegradable polymer scaffold. After being cultured in DMEM medium for 7 days in vitro, SMCs grew well on the PGA fibers, and the cell-PGA sheet was then wrapped around a silicon tube, and implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. After 6～8 weeks, the silicon tube was replaced with another silicon tube in smaller diameter, and then the TEC_3 cells (endothelial cells differentiated from mouse ES cells) were injected inside the engineered vessel tube as the test group. In the control group only culture medium was injected. Five days later, the engineered vessels were harvested for gross observation, histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The preliminary results demonstrated that the SMC-PGA construct could form a tubular structure in 6～8 weeks and PGA fibers were completely degraded. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the newly formed tissue revealed a typical blood vessel structure, including a lining of endothelial cells (ECs) on the lumimal surface and the presence of SMC and collagen in the wall. No EC lining was found in the tubes of control group. Therefore, the ECs differentiated from mouse ES cells can serve as seed cells for endothelium lining in tissue engineered blood vessels.

Influence of folic acid and vitamin B12 combined therapy on plasma Hcy, inflammatory factor levels and blood vessels endothelial function in patients with vascular dementia and type H hypertension

Objective:To investigate influence of folic acid and vitamin B12 combined therapy on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level, blood vessels endothelial function and inflammatory factors in patients with vascular dementia and type H hypertension.Methods:100 cases of patients with vascular dementia and type H hypertension accorded with the inclusion criteria were selected as research objects. They were randomly divided as the control group and the therapeutic group, 50 cases each. For control group, Enalapril tablets were administered by mouth for treatment. For therapeutic group, folic acid and vitamin B12 treatment were provided on the basis of treatment for control group. Treatments were continued for 12 weeks. Plasma Hcy levels, inflammatory factors [(interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and hypersensitive C reaction protein (hs-CRP)], blood vessels endothelial function indexes variation in patients before and after treatment were observed and detected.Results:Plasma Hcy, IL-6, IL-8 and hs-CRP levels in two groups of patients after treatment were significantly decreased comparing with the same group before treatment, and the above index levels in therapeutic group after treatment were significantly lower than control group (P<0.05);For comparison of blood vessels endothelial function indexes in the patients, NO levels in two groups after treatment were increased in various degrees, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were decreased. The differences between levels of the two indexes in therapeutic group before and after treatment were significant, and levels after treatment in therapeutic group were significantly better than in control group (P<0.05). While variations of the differences in control group before and after treatment were not significant (P>0.05);After treatment, diastolic pressure and systolic pressure in the two groups of patients were significantly improved comparing with before treatment (P<0.05). However, after treatment, the differences of levels between therapeutic group and control group were not significant (P>0.05). MMSE score in therapeutic group after treatment was significantly higher than before treatment, and significantly higher than in control group (P<0.05).Conclusions: Combined therapy of folic acid and vitamin B12 for treating vascular dementia with type H hypertension could effectively decrease plasma Hcy and inflammatory factor levels, and improve blood vessels endothelial function and dementia degree on patients. It has certain clinical value which deserves to be promoted.

Multifaceted roles of lymphatic and blood endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma:A comprehensive review

The tumor microenvironment is a complex network of cells,extracellular matrix,and signaling molecules that plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis.Lymphatic and blood vessels are major routes for solid tumor metastasis and essential parts of tumor drainage conduits.However,recent studies have shown that lymphatic endothelial cells(LECs)and blood endothelial cells(BECs)also play multifaceted roles in the tumor microenvironment beyond their structural functions,particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).This comprehensive review summarizes the diverse roles played by LECs and BECs in HCC,including their involvement in angiogenesis,immune modulation,lymphangiogenesis,and metastasis.By providing a detailed account of the complex interplay between LECs,BECs,and tumor cells,this review aims to shed light on future research directions regarding the immune regulatory function of LECs and potential therapeutic targets for HCC.

Reduction of photodynamic damage of blood vessels in the protected region by(–)-epigallocatechin gallate

Photodynamic therapy(PDT)has been increasingly used in the clinical treatment of neoplastic,inflammatory and infectious skin diseases.However,the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)may induce undesired side effects in normal tissue surrounding the treatment lesion,which is a big challenge for the clinical application of PDT.To date,(–)-Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)has been widely proposed as an antiangiogenic and antitumor agent for the protection of normal tissue from ROS-mediated oxidative damage.This study evaluates the regulation ability of EGCG for photodynamic damage of blood vessels during hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether(Hemoporfin)-mediated PDT.The quenching rate constants of EGCG for the triplet-state Hemoporfin and photosensitized 1O2 generation are determined to be 6.8×10^(8)M^(−1)S^(−1),respectively.The vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the protected region treated with EGCG hydrogel after PDT is lower than that of the control region treated with pure hydrogel,suggesting an efficiently reduced photodamage of Hemoporfin for blood vessels treated with EGCG.This study indicates that EGCG is an efficient quencher for triplet-state Hemoporfin and 1O2,and EGCG could be potentially used to reduce the undesired photodamage of normal tissue in clinical PDT.

Differentiation of smooth muscle progenitor cells in peripheral blood and its application in tissue engineered blood vessels

Background： A major shortcoming in tissue engineered blood vessels （TEBVs） is the lack of healthy and easily attainable smooth muscle cells （SMCs）. Smooth muscle progenitor cells （SPCs）, especially from peripheral blood, may offer an alternative cell source for tissue engineering involving a less invasive harvesting technique. Methods： SPCs were isolated from 5-ml fresh rat peripheral blood by density-gradient centrifugation and cultured for 3 weeks in endothelial growth medium-2-MV （EGM-2-MV） medium containing platelet-derived growth factoroBB （PDGF BB）. Before seeded on the synthesized scaffold, SPC-derived smooth muscle outgrowth cell （SOC） phenotypes were assessed by immuno-fluorescent staining, Western blot analysis, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The cells were seeded onto the silk fibroin-modified poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate） （SF-PHBHHx） scaflblds by 6× 10^4 cells/cm^2 and cultured under the static condition for 3 weeks. The growth and proliferation of the seeded cells on the scaffold were analyzed by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay, scanning electron microscope （SEM）, and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole （DAPI） staining. Results： SOCs displayed specific ＂hill and valley＂ morphology, expressed the specific markers of the SMC lineage： smooth muscle （SM） a-actin, calponin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain （SM MHC） at protein and messenger ribonucleic acid （mRNA） levels. RT-PCR results demonstrate that SOCs also expressed smooth muscle protein 22a （SM22a, a contractile protein, and extracellular matrix components elastin and matrix Gla protein （MGP）, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）. After seeded on the SF-PHBHHx scaffold, the cells showed excellent metabolic activity and proliferation. Conclusion： SPCs isolated from peripheral blood can be differentiated the SMCs in vitro and have an impressive growth potential in the biodegradable synthesized scaffold. Thus, SPCs may be a promising cell sointo urce for constructing TEBVs.

Weavability of β-Hydroxybutyrate and β-Hydroxyvalerate Copolymers( PHBV ) /PLA Used in Artificial Blood Vessels

The β-hydroxybutyrate and β-hydroxyvalerate copolymers( PHBV) /polylactic acid( PLA) is a new biocompatible material,which is developed through bacterial fermentation in vivo systems.The PHBV / PLA material could be used to make continuous filaments.However,features of artificial blood vessels,especially small diameter vascular grafts made of PHVB / PLA materials are not known.This research are to evaluate and improve weavability of the PHBV / PLA material, and to explore feasibility of using it in artificial blood vessels.Preliminary results showed that weavability of PHBV / PLV was not good,but its weavability could be improved by using methods of weak chemical,such as sizing.In this research,scanning electron microscope( SEM) was adopted to evaluate weavability of PHBV / PLV after sizing and observe surfaces of yarns and fabrics.Also,in order to set proper parameters in heat settings,differential scanning calorimetry( DSC) was used to identify glass transition temperature.

Novel Method Employing Accelerated-Oscillated Wave Saline Solutions to Unblock Blood Vessels—Physics and Fluid Dynamics Perspectives and Simulations

This research assesses the speed of blood flow across blood vessels and more specifically the veins in terms of Reynold’s number (laminar flow vs. turbulence flow) and in terms of overall speed of the blood when being injected with high-speed saline particles. The authors propose a novel technique to generate accelerated-waved particles built from saline solution to enable the unblocking of partially-blocked healthy-walled veins, and to restore normal operations of these veins. The novel technique encompasses a pump that accelerates saline solutions into the blood stream of the vein and these oscillated waves break down the fats or deposits inside the veins in order to help the blood to flow freely without any obstruction. This research simulated the vein with blood stream using characteristics of the vein in terms of vein diameter, blood density, venous blood flow, and the viscosity of the blood at the normal body temperature. The speed of the overall blood flow after the injection of the accelerated saline droplet solution was determined as well as the depth of penetration of the accelerated particles in order to cleanse the inside of the vein. Results are promising in terms of not altering significantly the overall speed of the bloodstream and also in terms of efficacy of the length of the vein which is being cleaned using this accelerated particle method.

Changes in the permeability of blood brain barrier and endothelial cell damage after cerebral ischemia

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of endothelial cells on the permeability of blood brain barrier （BBB） after brain injury and its effect mechanism. DATA SOURCES： We searched for the articles of permeability of BBB and endothelial cell injury after brain is- chemia, which were published between January 1982 and December 2005, with the key words of ＂cerebral ischemia damage,blood brain barrier （ BBB）,permeability,effect of endothelial cell （EC） and its variation mechanism＂in English. STUDY SELECTION： The materials were primarily selected. The articles related to the changes in the permeability of BBB and the effect of endothelial cells as well as the change mechanism after cerebral ischemia damage were chosen. Repetitive studies or review articles were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION： Totally 55 related articles were collected, and 35 were excluded due to repetitive or review articles, finally 20 articles were involved. DATA SYNTHESIS： The content or viewpoints of involved literatures were analyzed. Cerebral ischemia had damage for endothelial cells, such as the inflow of a lot of Ca2^＋, the production of nitrogen monoxide and oxygen free radical, and aggravated destruction of BBB. After acceptors of inflammatory mediators on cerebrovascular endothelial cell membrane, such as histamine, bradykinin , 5-hydroxytryptamine and so on are activated, endothelial cells shrink and the permeability of BBB increases. Its mechanism involves in the inflow of extracellular Ca^＋2and the release of intracellular Ca^2＋ in the cells. Glycocalyx molecule on the surface of endothelial cell, having structural polytropy, is the determinative factor of the permeability of BBB. VEGF, intensively increasing the vasopermeability and mainly effecting on postcapillary vein and veinlet, is the strongest known blood vessel permeation reagent. Its chronic overexpression in the brain can lead the destruction of BBB. CONCLUSION： The injury of endothelial cell participants in the pathological mechanism of BBB destruction after cerebral ischemla.

Correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor to permeability of blood-brain barrier and brain edema during high-altitude exposure

BACKGROUND： Many studies have evaluated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in traumatic brain edema and hemorrhagic brain edema. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of VEGF expression on permeability of the blood-brain barrier （BBB） during high-altitude and hypoxia exposure, and to investigate the correlation between VEGF expression and BBB permeability with regard to Evans blue staining and brain edema during high-altitude exposure. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, animal study was performed at the Tanggula Etape, Central Laboratory of Chengdu Medical College, and Central Laboratory of General Hospital of Chengdu Military Area Command of Chinese PLA, China, from July 2003 to November 2004. MATERIALS： Quantitative RT-PCR kit （Sigma, USA）, VEGF ELISA kit （Biosource, USA）, and Evans blue （Jingchun, China） were acquired for this study. METHODS： A total of 180 Wistar rats were equally and randomly assigned to 15 groups： low-altitude （500 m）, middle-altitude （2 880 m）, high-altitude （4 200 m）, super-high-altitude （5 000 m）, 1,3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21 days of super high-altitude exposure. Wistar rats were exposed to various altitude gradients to establish a hypoxia model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Brain water content was calculated according to the wet-to-dry weight ratio. BBB permeability to Evans blue was determined by colorimetric method. VEGF mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues were detected using RT-PCR and double-antibody sandwich ELISA. RESULTS： Brain water content, BBB permeability to Evans blue, and VEGF mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues increased with increasing altitude and prolonged exposure to altitude. The greatest increase was determined on day 9 upon ascending 5 000 m. Simultaneously, VEGF expression positively correlated to BBB permeability of Evans blue and brain water content （r = 0.975, 0.917, P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Increased VEGF protein and mRNA expression was responsible for increased BBB permeability, which may be an important mechanism underlying brain edema during high-altitude exposure.

In vitro model of the blood-brain barrier established by co-culture of primary cerebral microvascular endothelial and astrocyte cells

Drugs for the treatment and prevention of nervous system diseases must permeate the bloodbrain barrier to take effect.In vitro models of the blood-brain barrier are therefore important in the investigation of drug permeation mechanisms.However,to date,no unified method has been described for establishing a blood-brain barrier model.Here,we modified an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier by seeding brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes from newborn rats on a polyester Transwell cell culture membrane with 0.4-μm pores,and conducted transepithelial electrical resistance measurements,leakage tests and assays for specific bloodbrain barrier enzymes.We show that the permeability of our model is as low as that of the bloodbrain barrier in vivo.Our model will be a valuable tool in the study of the mechanisms of action of neuroprotective drugs.

BLOOD FLOW AND MACROMOLECULAR TRANSPORT IN CURVED BLOOD VESSELS

A numerical analysis of the steady/pulsatile flow and macromolecular （such as LDL and Albumin） transport in curved blood vessels was carried out. The computational results predict that the vortex of the secondary flow is time-dependent in the aortic arch. The concentration of macromolecule concentrates at the region of sharp curve, and the wall concentration at the outer part is higher than that at the inner part. Atherosclerosis and thrombosis are prone to develop in such regions with sharp flow.

Reflection-mode photoacoustic microscopy using a hollow focused ultrasound transducer for in vivo imaging of blood vessels

A reflection-mode photoacoustic microscope using a hollow focused ultrasound transducer is developed for highresolution in vivo imaging.A confocal structure of the laser and the ultrasound is used to improve the system resolution.The axial and lateral resolutions of the system are measured to be ～ 32 μm and ～ 58 μm,respectively.Ex vivo and in vivo modes are tested to validate the imaging capability of the photoacoustic microscope.The adjacent vein and artery can be seen clearly from the reconstructed photoacoustic images.The results demonstrate that the reflectionmode photoacoustic microscope can be used for high-resolution imaging of micro-blood vessels,which would be of great benefit for monitoring the neovascularization in tumor angiogenesis.

Effects of low molecular heparin combined with Roy adaptation model on hypercoagulable state, endothelial function and placental blood perfusion in patients with preeclampsia

Objective: To investigate the effects of low molecular heparin combined with Roy adaptation model on hypercoagulable state, endothelial function and placental blood perfusion in patients with preeclampsia. Methods: A total of 71 patients with preeclampsia who were treated in Zigong Third People's Hospital between December 2014 and February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the control group (n=38) who accepted conventional low molecular heparin therapy and the study group (n=33) who accepted low molecular heparin combined with Roy adaptation model therapy. The differences in hypercoagulable state, endothelial function and placental blood perfusion were compared between the two groups before intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Results: Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the hypercoagulable state, endothelial function and placental blood perfusion between the two groups of patients. After 8 weeks of intervention, peripheral blood coagulation indexes TT and AT-Ⅲ levels of study group were higher than those of control group while D-D level was lower than that of control group;serum endothelial function index NO content was higher than that of control group while ET-1 content was lower than that of control group;ultrasonic placental blood perfusion parameters FI, VI and VFI levels were higher than those of control group. Conclusion: Low molecular heparin combined with Roy adaptation model intervention could further reduce the hypercoagulable state, decrease the vascular endothelial injury, and eventually increase the placental blood perfusion in patients with preeclampsia.

Regulatory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on blood spinal cord barrier in presyrinx state of experimental syringomyelia

BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） is able to regulate blood spinal cord barrier function as well as influence neovascularization and cause edema. OBJECTIVE： Through establishment of a rabbit model of syringomyelia, to explore the correlation between VEGF protein and mRNA expressions and function of blood spinal cord barrier and edema degree of spinal cord in presyrinx state. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized controlled animal study was performed in the Tumor Institute of the Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University from January to June 2007. MATERIALS： Atotal of 0.6 mL Kaolin solution （250 g/L, 37℃） was injected into the cisterna magna of 40 rabbits in the kaolin group to establish syringomyelia models. Goat anti-rabbit VEGF monoclonal antibody was provided by DIACLONE Company, USA; RT-PCR related reagents were provided by Huamei Bioengineering Co., Ltd., Beijing. METHODS： Sixty Chinese white rabbits were divided randomly into two groups： Kaolin group （n = 40） and control group （n = 20）. Physiological saline （0.6 mL at 37℃） was injected in rabbits of control group. On days 1,3, 7, 14 and 21 after kaolin injection, cervical cords samples were harvested after sacrifice of animal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： VEGF protein and mRNA expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after kaolin injection. A quantitative analysis of blood spinal cord barrier function was performed by Evans blue technique. Water content of the spinal cord was measured by dry-wet weight technique. The correlation between the expression of VEGF protein and mRNA and the function of blood spinal cord barrier in the upper cervical cord of the presyrinx state was analyzed by linear correlation analysis. RESULTS： The water content and Evans blue content increased in the kaolin group on days 1 and 3 postoperatively compared with the control group （F = 7.387, 61.35, P 〈 0.05, 0.01）, and reached a peak on day 7 （F = 135.94, 528.35, P 〈 0.01）. They declined slowly to day 21 postoperatively, but both contents were still higher than the control group （F = 11.51, 58.63, P 〈 0.01）. VEGF protein expression increased on day 1, and stronger positive expression was seen on days 3, 7 and 14. It decreased on day 21. VEGF protein expression was higher than the control group at each time point （F = 137.4-468.5, P 〈 0.01 ）. VEGF mRNA expression showed the same pattern in the cervical cord at different time points. By statistical analysis, the expression of VEGF protein and mRNA had a significantly positive correlation with the structural and functional changes of the blood spinal cord barrier in the presyrinx state （r = 0.604-0.979, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： In the presyrinx state of syringomyelia, the expressions of VEGF protein and mRNA can influence the structure and function of the blood spinal cord barrier and play an important role in the formation and development of spinal cord edema and syringomyelia.

Effect of Chinese Herbs for Activating Blood Circulation,Removing Stasis and Supplementing Qi on the Circulating Endothelial Cells in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris

Objective: To observe the effect and clinical significance of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris (CHD-UAP), and to explore the protective effect of Chinese herbs for activating blood circulation, removing stasis and supplementing Qi (CH) on CHD-UAP patient's CEC. Methods: Sixty patients with diagnosis of CHD-UAP confirmed and differentiated to be Qi-deficiency and blood stasis by TCM were randomly divided into two groups and treated, on the basis of Western drug-therapy, with Tongxinluo capsule (通心络胶囊, TXL) and Huoxue Tongmai capsule (活血通脉胶囊, HXTM) respectively by way of oral taking three times a day, 3 capsules every time, with 1 month as one therapeutic course. The number of CEC in patients' blood circulation was counted before and after treatment. Besides, the number of CEC in 30 healthy persons was also counted for control. Results: The number of CEC in CHD-UAP patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy persons (P<0.01). After the patients were treated with CH, either TXL or HXTM, it significantly decreased (P<0.01)with insignificant difference between the two treated groups. Conclusion: CEC in CHD-UAP patients is severely damaged and endothelial function in disorder, Chinese herbs have protective effect on patients' CEC.

Design and Development of PHBV/PLA Artificial Blood Vessels

In the research,a β-hydroxybutyrate and β-hydroxyvalerate copolymer(PHBV)/polylactic acid(PLA)artificial blood vessel was designed and developed,and it was also implanted in vivo for a period of time to observe its biocompatibility and degradation performance.The results showed that the developed PHBV/PLA artificial blood vessel could be used to replace the natural blood vessel,but its degradation rate was too fast and the mechanical supporting force was insufficient.Thus,properties of the PHBV/PLA need to be further improved.

Hard X-ray in-line outline imaging for blood vessels:first generation synchrotron radiation without contrast agents in vitro

Objective: Phase-contrast X-ray imaging which reduces radiation exposure, is a promising technique for observing the inner structures of biological soft tissues without the aid of contrast agents. The present study intends to depict blood vessels of rabbits and human livers with hard X-ray in-line outline imaging without contrast agents using synchrotron radiation. Methods: All samples were fixed with formalin and sliced into 6 mm sections. The imaging experiments were performed with Fuji-IX80 films on the 4W1A light beam of the first generation synchrotron radiation in Beijing, China. The device of the experiment, which supplies a maximum light spot size of 20×10 mm was similar to that of in-line holography. The photon energy was set at 8 KeV and high quality imagines were obtained by altering the distance between the sample and the film. Results: The trees of rabbit-liver blood vessels and the curved vessels of the cirrhotic human liver were revealed on the images, where vessels < 20 μm in diameter were differentiated. Conclusion: These results show that the blood vessels of liver samples can be revealed by using hard X-ray in-line outline imaging with the first generation synchrotron radiation without contrast agents.

Effects of complex salvia miltiorrhiza on blood coagulation, inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial index in patients with acute pancreatitis

Objective: To investigate the effects of complex salvia miltiorrhiza on blood coagulation, inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial index in patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods: A total of 122 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to digestive system department in our hospital from April 2016 to November 2017 were randomly divided into control group (n=61) and observation group (n=61), the control group was treated with ulinastatin and the observation group was treated with complex salvia miltiorrhiza injection on the basis of the control group. The levels of coagulation, inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial markers were compared between the two groups. Results: After treatment, the levels of APTT and PT in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, while the levels of DD were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the levels of APTT and PT [(38.19±7.05) s,(17.60±3.68) s] in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the levels of DD [(0.51±0.10) mg/L] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group;the levels of CRP, PCT and TNF-α in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the levels of CRP, PCT and TNF-α [(29.10±4.76) mg/L, (0.59±0.17) μg/L, (57.28±10.61) ng/L] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group;the levels of SOD in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, but MDA was significantly lower than that before treatment, and the level of SOD [(179.10±4.76) U/mL] in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group after treatment, while the level of MDA [(1.97±0.55) mmol/mL] in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group after treatment;the levels of NO in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, while the levels of ET and vWF were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the levels of NO [(10.56±1.17) U/mL] in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment, while the levels of ET and vWF [(105.83±5.20) pg/mL, (102.47±16.91)%] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment. Conclusions:Complex salvia miltiorrhiza injection can improve the blood coagulation function, alleviate inflammation, enhance antioxidant function and vascular endothelial function in patients with acute pancreatitis, which has clinical value of promotion.

Effect of Yixinkangtai Capsule combined with diltiazem on endothelial function, blood viscosity and lipid metabolism in patients with unstable angina pectoris

Objective: To discuss the effect of Yixinkangtai Capsule combined with diltiazem on endothelial function, blood viscosity and lipid metabolism in patients with unstable angina pectoris. Methods: A total of 150 patients with unstable angina pectoris who were treated in the hospital between February 2014 and February 2017 were divided into the control group (n=75) and the research group (n=75) according to the random number table method. Control group received clinical conventional therapy, research group received Yixinkangtai Capsule combined with diltiazem therapy on the basis of conventional therapy, and both groups received 3 months of treatment. Differences in endothelial function, blood viscosity and lipid metabolism were compared between the two groups of patients before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, the differences in serum levels of endothelial function indexes, blood viscosity indexes and lipid metabolism indexes were not statistically significant between the two groups. After 3 months of treatment, serum NO level of research group was higher than that of control group while ET-1 level was lower than that of control group;serum blood viscosity index TXB2 content of research group was lower than that of control group while PGI2 content was higher than that of control group;serum lipid metabolism indexes TG, TC and LDL-C contents of research group were lower than those of control group while HDL-C content was higher than that of control group. Conclusion: Yixinkangtai Capsule combined with diltiazem therapy can effectively optimize the endothelial function, reduce the blood viscosity and balance the lipid metabolism in patients with unstable angina pectoris.