Plaque characteristics after endovascular treatment in patients with intracranial Plaque characteristics after endovascular treatment in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease

Background:Endovascular treatment(EVT)is an alternative option for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease(ICAD).However,the effect of EVT treatment on ICAD plaques is still unclear.This study describes the ICAD plaque characteristics after EVT treatment and analyzes the effect of different EVT treatments on plaque characteristics.Method:From 2017 January to 2022 January,ICAD patients who underwent endovascular treatment and had follow-up high-resolution magnetic resonance image(HRMRI)were enrolled in the study.Multiple plaque characteristics,including plaque enhancement,plaque burden,were measured based on preoperative,and follow-up HRMRI.Plaque characteristics and postoperative plaque changes were analyzed between different treatment groups.Result:Finally,50 intracranial atherosclerotic plaques in 45 patients were included.Including 28 male patients and 17 female,media age 63.0 years old.Among 50 plaques,41 received percutaneous angioplasty(including 22 plain balloons and 19 drug-coated balloons(DCB))and the other 9 underwent stenting.Stenosis rate,plaque burden and eccentricity index at the lesion site were significantly decreased after EVT compared with preoperative periods(p<0.001).And only the DCB group showed a significant reduction in plaque enhancement at follow-up(p<0.001).No significant preoperative and postoperative changes in other plaque characteristics were found.Conclusion:EVT treatment could compromise the characteristics of intracranial periarterial atherosclerotic plaques,and DCB treatment may result in a reduction in plaque enhancement after treatment.

Novel wine in an old bottle:Preventive and therapeutic potentials of andrographolide in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)frequently results in sudden death and poses a serious threat to public health worldwide.The drugs approved for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD are usually used in combination but are inefficient owing to their side effects and single therapeutic targets.Therefore,the use of natural products in developing drugs for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD has received great scholarly attention.Andrographolide(AG)is a diterpenoid lactone compound extracted from Andrographis paniculata.In addition to its use in conditions such as sore throat,AG can be used to prevent and treat ASCVD.It is different from drugs that are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD and can not only treat obesity,diabetes,hyperlipidaemia and ASCVD but also inhibit the pathological process of atherosclerosis(AS)including lipid accumulation,inflammation,oxidative stress and cellular abnormalities by regulating various targets and pathways.However,the pharmacological mechanisms of AG underlying the prevention and treatment of ASCVD have not been corroborated,which may hinder its clinical development and application.Therefore,this review summarizes the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying the development of ASCVD and the in vivo and in vitro pharmacological effects of AG on the relative risk factors of AS and ASCVD.The findings support the use of the old pharmacological compound(‘old bottle’)as a novel drug(‘novel wine’)for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD.Additionally,this review summarizes studies on the availability as well as pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties of AG,aiming to provide more information regarding the clinical application and further research and development of AG.

The role of periodontal disease in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)includes a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and accounts for major morbidity and premature death worldwide.Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with the gradual destruction of supporting tissues around the teeth,including gingiva,periodontal ligament,alveolar bone,and cementum.Periodontitis has been found to potentially increase the risk of ASCVD.Generally,oral microorganisms and inflammation are the major factors for periodontitis to the incidence of ASCVD.Recently,evidence has shown that the loss of masticatory function is another important factor of periodontitis to the incidence of ASCVD.In this review,we illustrate the recent finding of the relationship between periodontitis and ASCVD,from a microscale perspective-oral microorganisms,inflammation,and tooth loss.With the high prevalence of periodontitis,it is important to add oral therapy as a regular ASCVD prevention strategy.Regular dental visits could be a helpful strategy for ASCVD patients or general medical practitioners.

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and heart disease:Current perspectives

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i)are antidiabetic medications with remarkable cardiovascular(CV)benefits proven by multiple randomised controlled trials and real-world data.These drugs are also useful in the prevention of CV disease(CVD)in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM).Although DM as such is a huge risk factor for CVD,the CV benefits of SGLT-2i are not just because of antidiabetic effects.These molecules have proven beneficial roles in prevention and management of nondiabetic CVD and renal disease as well.There are various molecular mechanisms for the organ protective effects of SGLT-2i which are still being elucidated.Proper understanding of the role of SGLT-2i in prevention and management of CVD is important not only for the cardiologists but also for other specialists caring for various illnesses which can directly or indirectly impact care of heart diseases.This clinical review compiles the current evidence on the rational use of SGLT-2i in clinical practice.

Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease from the Perspective of Liver Controlling Dispersion

The liver is in charge of distributing and regulating the movement of qi throughout the whole body,coordinating the transportation and transformation of the internal organs in the middle part of the body,promoting the biochemical circulation of qi,blood,and body fluids,and regulating emotions.Liver dysfunction can disrupt the transportation and transformation of qi,blood,and body fluids,causing phlegm turbidity,blood stasis,and other unwanted symptoms.Poor regulation of emotion further aggravates the accumulation of pathological substances,resulting in the obstruction of heart vessels,and ultimately coronary heart disease(CHD).Through regulating lipid metabolism,inflammatory reaction,vasoactive substances,platelet function,neuroendocrine,and other factors,liver controlling dispersing qi plays a comprehensive role in the prognosis of atherosclerosis,the primary cause of CHD.Therefore,it is recommended to treat CHD from the perspective of liver-controlling dispersion.

Mediating function of heart failure in the causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and hypertensive renal disease with renal failure:a mediated Mendelian randomization study

Objective:To study the causality relationship between diastolic blood pressure(DBP)and hypertensive renal disease with renal failure(HRDRF)and the mediating role of hear t failure(HF)in the causality relationship by network Mendelian randomization(MR).Methods:Genome-wide analysis of DBP,HRDRF,and HF was downloaded from the public database(Genome-Wide Analysis Study[GWAS])and was used to analyze the results and to conduct mediated MR analysis.Results:Analysis showed that DBP was positively correlated with HRDRF(OR=1.0002,95%CI:1.0001–1.0003,P=1.8076e-05)and DBP was positively correlated with HF(OR=1.0295,95%CI:1.0221–1.0370,P=2.5292e-15).HF and HRDRF had a positive causal effect(OR=1.0001,95%CI:1.0000–1.0001,P=0.0152).Mediation analysis showed that the contribution ratio of HF to the combined effect of DBP and HRDRF was 24.69%.Conclusions:DBP can increase the risk of renal disease with renal failure,and HF may play an impor tant role in mediating this causal relationship.

Decreased expression of Klotho in cardiac atria biopsy samples from patients at higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Background Klotho proteins （α- and β） are membrane-based circulating proteins that regulate cell metabolism, as well as the lifespan modulating activity of Fibroblast Growth Factors （FGFs）. Recent data has shown that higher plasma circulating Klotho levels reduce cardio- vascular risk, suggesting Klotho has a protective role in cardiovascular diseases. However, although so far it has been identified in various organs, it is unknown whether cardiomyocytes express Klotho and FGFs, and whether high cardiovascular risk could affect cardiac expres- sion ofKlotho, FGFs and other molecules. Methods We selected 20 patients with an estimated 10-year high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and 10 age-matched control subjects with an estimated 10-year low risk undergone cardiac surgery for reasons other than coronary artery by-pass. In myocardial biopsies, we evaluated by immuno-histochemistry whether Klotho and FGFs were expressed in cardiomyo- cytes, and whether higher cardiovascular risk influenced the expression of other molecules involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxida- tive stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Results Only cardiomyocytes of patients with a higher cardiovascular risk showed lower expression of Klotho, but higher expressions of FGFs. Furthermore, higher cardiovascular risk was associated with increased expression of oxidative and endoplasmic reticular stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusions This study showed for the first time that Klotho proteins are ex- pressed in human cardiomyocytes and that cardiac expression of Klotho is down-regulated in higher cardiovascular risk patients, while expression of stress-related molecules were significantly increased.

HDL quality features revealed by proteome–lipidome connectivity are associated with atherosclerotic disease

Lipoprotein,especially high-density lipoprotein(HDL),particles are composed of multiple heterogeneous subgroups containing various proteins and lipids.The molecular distribution among these subgroups is closely related to cardiovascular disease(CVD).Here,we established high-resolution proteomics and lipidomics(HiPL)methods to depict the molecular profiles across lipoprotein(Lipo-HiPL)and HDL(HDL-HiPL)subgroups by optimizing the resolution of anion-exchange chromatography and comprehensive quantification of proteins and lipids on the omics level.Furthermore,based on the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis of molecular profiles across high-resolution subgroups,we achieved the relationship of proteome–lipidome connectivity(PLC)for lipoprotein and HDL particles.By application of these methods to high-fat,high-cholesterol diet-fed rabbits and acute coronary syndrome(ACS)patients,we uncovered the delicate dynamics of the molecular profile and reconstruction of lipoprotein and HDL particles.Of note,the PLC features revealed by the HDL-HiPL method discriminated ACS from healthy individuals better than direct proteome and lipidome quantification or PLC features revealed by the Lipo-HiPL method,suggesting their potential in ACS diagnosis.Together,we established HiPL methods to trace the dynamics of the molecular profile and PLC of lipoprotein and even HDL during the development of CVD.

Prediction of 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Adults Aged 40-79 Years in China:a Nationally Representative Survey

Objective To establish the distribution of 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease （ASCVD） risk among Chinese adults. Methods We estimated the 10-year ASCVD risk by applying the 2013 American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association pooled cohort equations （PCEs） to the data obtained from the 2010 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance that involved 61,541 participants （representing 520,158,652 Chinese adults） aged 40-79 years. We also compared the ASCVD risk with the 10-year ischemic cardiovascular disease （ICVD） risk, which was calculated using the simplified scoring tables recommended by the Chinese Guidelines for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases （Chinese model）. Results Based on the PCEs, the average 10-year ASCVD risk among adults without self-reported stroke or myocardial infraction was 12.5%. Approximately 247 million （47.4%） and 107 million （20.6%） adults had 〉 7.5% and 〉 20% 10-year ASCVD risks, respectively. The 10-year ASCVD risk 〉 20% was higher among men, less educated individuals, smokers, drinkers, and physically inactive individuals than among their counterparts. Overall, 29.0% of adults categorized using the Chinese model were overclassified with the PCEs. Conclusion Our results define the distribution of 10-year ASCVD risk among Chinese adults. The 10-year ASCVD risk predicted by the PCEs was higher than the ICVD risk predicted by the Chinese model.

Prediction of presence and severity of coronary artery disease using prediction for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in China scoring system

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease(CAD)is one of the leading causes of death and disease burden in China and worldwide.A practical and reliable prediction scoring system for CAD risk and severity evaluation is urgently needed for primary prevention.AIM To examine whether the prediction for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in China(China-PAR)scoring system could be used for this purpose.METHODS A total of 6813 consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography were enrolled.The China-PAR score was calculated for each patient and CAD severity was assessed by the Gensini score(GS).RESULTS Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between China-PAR and GS(r=0.266,P<0.001).In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,the cut-off values of China-PAR for predicting the presence and the severity of CAD were 7.55%with a sensitivity of 55.8%and specificity of 71.8%[area under the curve(AUC)=0.693,95%confidence interval:0.681 to 0.706,P<0.001],and 7.45%with a sensitivity of 58.8%and specificity of 67.2%(AUC=0.680,95%confidence interval:0.665 to 0.694,P<0.001),respectively.CONCLUSION The China-PAR scoring system may be useful in predicting the presence and severity of CAD.

COMBINED INTRAOPERATIVE ILIAC ARTERY STENTS AND FEMORO- POPLITEAL BYPASS FOR MULTILEVEL ATHEROSCLEROTIC OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

Objective. To review our preliminary experience and evaluate our early results of a combined intraoperative iliac angioplasty and stenting with infrainguinal revascularization in multilevel atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Methods. From July 1999 to April 2000, intraoperative iliac angioplasty and stenting combined with simultaneous femoro- popliteal bypass were performed on 12 lower extremities of 10 patients suffering from multilevel atherosclerotic occlusive disease. There were 8 men and 2 women, average 72 years. The indications for procedures included disabling claudication in 3 and rest pain in 7 patients. Results. Eleven iliac angioplasty and stent procedures combined with simultaneous 9 femoro- popliteal bypass and 3 femoro- femoral- popliteal bypass were performed in 12 limbs of 10 patients. Angioplasty and stent placement was technically successful in all patients. One contralateral femoral- popliteal bypass was failure after femorofemoral- popliteal bypass. There were no additional instances of procedural or postoperative morbidity or mortali- ty. Mean follow- up was 5 months (range 1～ 10 months). During the follow- up period, one femoro- infrapopliteal graft became occluded after 7 months and above- knee amputation was required. The cumulative primary patency rate of stented iliac arteries, femoro- femoral bypass grafts and femoro- popliteal bypass grafts were 100％ (11/11), 100％ (3/3) and 90.9％ (10/11) in the follow- up period, respectively. The amputation rate was 8.3％ (1/12). Conclusions. Intraoperative iliac artery PTA and stent placement can be safely and effectively performed simultaneously with infrainguinal revascularization for multilevel atherosclerotic occlusive disease by skilled vascular surgeon, using a portable C arm fluoroscopy in the operating room. Furthermore, iliac artery PTA and stenting was valuable adjunct to distal bypass either to improve inflow and outflow, or to reduce the extent of traditional surgical intervention, and also, any angioplasty and stenting- related complications can be immediately corrected as well.

Clinical observation of Furongtongmai capsule on the lower extremity Atherosclerotic Occlusive Disease after Intervention Operation

Objective To investigate the effect of Furongtongmai capsule on the in-stent restenosis （ISR） of superficial femoral artery after interventional operation in lower extremity Arteriosclerosis Occlusion （ASO）. Methods： A total of 110 inpatients with ASO who performed Superficial femoral artery stent implantation were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 55 cases in each group.Both groups received Aspirin 100 mg/d and Clopidogrel 75 mg/d. The observation group was given Furongtongmai capsule on the basis of routine treatment. After continuous treatment for 6 months, the clinical efficacy, Ankle Brachial Index （ABI）, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （Hs-CPR） and ISR were compared between the two groups. Results： At 6 months after operation, the plasma levels of Hs-CRP in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. The ABI of treatment group was significantly higher than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. There was a statistically significant difference in ISR incidence between the treatment group and the control group 6 months after surgery （9.09% vs 27.78%, P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： Furongtongmai Capsule can inhibit Hs-CRP in patients with ASO after femoral artery intervention, improve the ankle brachial index and reduce the incidence of ISR.

Should patients with erectile dysfunction be evaluated for cardiovascular disease？

The landmark Massachusetts Male Ageing Study shed new light on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction （ED） and drew attention to ED as a disease of ageing. Over the years, ED has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease （CVD） in some patients. There is clear evidence that ED and CVD share and have a similar risk factor profile. CVD is one of the most recognizable causes of mortality and early detection coupled with prevention of mortality from CVD has been the prime interest of many researchers. Consequently, there has been a multidisciplinary curiosity regarding the proposal to use ED as a marker for future CVD. I n fact, there have been several proposals to use ED as a screening tool for future CVD. We performed a comprehensive Search of two main databases--PubMed and Cochrane Library using a combination of keywords such as acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease （CAD） and ED. Journal articles from January 2000 to June 2011 were reviewed. We included all articles discussing the relationship between ED and CVD in the English language. All the relevant randomized controlled trials, cohort and retrospective studies, and review articles were included in our overall analysis in an attempt to answer the question whether all patients with ED should be clinically evaluated for CVD. The results showed a link between ED and the development of future CVD in some patients, but ED was not shown to be an independent risk predictor that is any better than the traditional Framingham risk factors. Screening for CVD may, however, be rewarding in younger patients with severe ED and in patients with concurrent CVD risk factors.

Proteomics analysis of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease with different Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome types before and after percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the underlying protein molecular mechanisms of "Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome"(QS) and "Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome"(QD), as two subtypes of coronary artery disease(CAD) in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),following percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).METHODS: In this study, a total of 227 CAD patients with QS and 211 CAD patients with QD were enrolled;all participants underwent PCI. Label-free quantification proteomics were employed to analyze the changes in serum in two subtypes of CAD patients before and 6 months after PCI, aiming to elucidate the intervention mechanism of PCI in treating CAD characterized by two different TCM syndromes.RESULTS: Biochemical analysis revealed significant changes in tumor necrosis factor-α, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood stasis clinical symptoms observation, and Gensini levels in both patient groups post-PCI;Proteomic analysis identified 79 and 95 differentially expressed proteins in the QS and QD patient groups, respectively, compared to their control groups.complement C8 alpha chain, complement factor H,apolipoprotein H, apolipoprotein B, plasminogen,carbonic anhydrase 2, and complement factor Ⅰ were altered in both comparison groups. Furthermore,enrichment analysis demonstrated that cell adhesion and connectivity-related processes underwent changes in QS patients post-PCI, whereas lipid metabolism-related pathways, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway and extracellular matrix receptor interaction, underwent changes in the QD group.The protein-protein interaction network analysis further enriched 52 node proteins, including apolipoprotein B,lipoprotein(a), complement C5, apolipoprotein A4,complement C8 alpha chain, complement C8 beta chain,complement C8 gamma chain, apolipoprotein H,apolipoprotein A-Ⅱ, albumin, complement C4-B,apolipoprotein C3, among others. The functional network of these proteins is posited to contribute to the pathophysiology of CAD characterized by TCM syndromes.CONCLUSION: The current quantitative proteomic study has preliminarily identified biomarkers of CAD in different TCM subtypes treated with PCI, potentially laying the groundwork for understanding the protein profiles associated with the treatment of various TCM subtypes of CAD.

Analysis of Blood Lipids, Blood Glucose, Blood Uric Acid, and Blood Routine Test Results in Retired Employees of a Unit in the Civil Aviation System

Objective:To investigate and analyze the annual physical examination results of retired employees from a unit in the civil aviation system,focusing on blood lipids,blood glucose,blood uric acid,and blood routine results.The study aims to provide relevant references for formulating reasonable disease management measures for preventing and controlling hyperlipidemia,hyperuricemia,and other conditions in retired employees.Methods:The examination results of 231 participants were collected and analyzed.The participants were divided into four groups based on age:middle-aged group,young-old group,middle-old group,and old-old group.The blood test results were compared across these groups,and an assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)risk levels was completed in conjunction with medical history.Blood test results were also compared by gender.Results:There were no significant statistical differences in blood test results when grouped by age.However,the prevalence of hyperuricemia was higher in males than in females,while the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was higher in females than in males.The LDL-C target achievement rate was lower in the moderate-and-high-risk group as well as the very high-risk group as defined by ASCVD risk levels.Conclusion:Management of hyperuricemia and hyperlipidemia in retired employees(elderly patients)should be strengthened to reduce the risk of ASCVD events and alleviate the potential medical burden associated with disease progression.

Ursodeoxycholic acid as a means of preventing atherosclerosis,steatosis and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)is the leading cause of mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Weight loss is a key factor for successful NAFLD and CVD therapy.Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA),which is one of the first-line therapeutic agents for treatment of NAFLD,is reported to have a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and ASCVD risk because of antioxidant properties.AIM To evaluate the effects of 6 mo of UDCA treatment on hepatic function tests,lipid profile,hepatic steatosis and fibrosis,atherogenesis,and ASCVD risk in men and women with NAFLD,as well as to assess the impact of>5%weight reduction on these parameters.METHODS An open-label,multicenter,international noncomparative trial was carried out at primary health care settings and included 174 patients with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD who received 15 mg/kg/d UDCA for 6 mo and were prescribed lifestyle modification with diet and exercise.The efficacy criteria were liver enzymes,lipid profile,fatty liver index(FLI),noninvasive liver fibrosis tests(nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and liver fibrosis index),carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT),and ASCVD risk score.To test statistical hypotheses,the Wilcoxon test,paired t-test,Fisher’s exact test,and Pearson's chi-squared test were used.RESULTS The alanine aminotransferase(ALT)level changed by-14.1 U/L(-31.0;-5.3)from baseline to 3 mo and by-6.5 U/L(-14.0;0.1)from 3 to 6 mo.The magnitude of ALT,aspartate transaminase,and glutamyltransferase decrease was greater during the first 3 mo of treatment compared to the subsequent 3 mo(P<0.001,P<0.01,P<0.001,respectively).At 6 mo,in the total sample,we observed a statistically significant decrease in body weight and levels of FLI:84.9±10.4 vs 72.3±17.6,P<0.001,total cholesterol:6.03±1.36 vs 5.76±1.21,Р<0.001,lowdensity lipoprotein:3.86±1.01 vs 3.66±0.91,Р<0.001,and triglyceride:3.18(2.00;4.29)vs 2.04(1.40;3.16),Р<0.001.No effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score or liver fibrosis index was found.The CIMT decreased significantly in the total sample(0.985±0.243 vs 0.968±0.237,P=0.013),whereas the highdensity lipoprotein(Р=0.036)and 10-year ASCVD risk(Р=0.003)improved significantly only in women.Fifty-four patients(31%)achieved>5%weight loss.At the end of the study,the FLI decreased significantly in patients with(88.3±10.2 vs 71.4±19.6,P<0.001)and without>5%weight loss(83.5±10.3 vs 72.8±16.7,P<0.001).The changes in ALT,aspartate transaminase,glutamyltransferase,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein levels were similar between the subgroups.CONCLUSION UDCA normalizes liver enzymes greatly within the first 3 mo of treatment,improves lipid profile and hepatic steatosis independent of weight loss,and has a positive effect on CIMT in the total sample and 10-year ASCVD risk in women after 6 mo of treatment.

Coronary heart disease-related fatigue:risk factors,assessment and treatments

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease is a disease of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia,which often presents as chest pain,dyspnea,cold sweat and fatigue.Fatigue is the subjective experience of patients,which is easy to be ignored,and will lead to the decline of patients’quality of life and physical activity level,etc.,with a high incidence and great harm.The purpose of this paper was to review the concept,risk factors,assessment tools and intervention measures of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease fatigue in order to provide a reference for identifying and improving the fatigue of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.

The Study on the Correlation Between Plasma Adiponectin Level and Coronary Heart Disease

Objectives To investigate the relationship between plasma adiponectin level and coronary heart disease （CHD）, and some established cardiovascular risk factors and to probe its probable pathogenesis which adiponectin results in CHD. Methods The levels of plasma adiponectin, fasting plasma insulin （FINS）, C-reactive protein （CRP） and P-selectin were measured by ELISA, plasma ET-1 was measured by radioimmunoassay （RIA） in 75 male patients with CHD and 30 healthy male people. Body mass index （BMI）, waist / hip ratio （WHR） and insulin resistance index （Homa-IR） were calculated respectively. Results （1）The plasma adiponectin levels in CHD group were lower compared with control group[（5.18±2.57）mg / L vs（8.94±2.59）mg / L, P〈 0.001 ], there was no significant difference of plasma adiponectin levels in CHD sub-groups （P 〉 0.05）.（2） Based on multinominal stepwise logistic regression analysis, adiponectin was one of significant and independent risk factors for CHD. （3） Multivariate liner stepwise regression analysis showed that adiponectin had significant correlation with BMI and TG, BMI and TG were independent factors influencing on plasma adiponectin levels. （4） Pearson correlation analysis indicated plasma adiponectin levels were inversely related to FINS levels , Homa-IR, CRP, P-selectin and ET-1. Conclusions （ 1 ）Plasma adiponectin levels are lower in CHD patients compared the control subjects, there are no significant difference of plasma adiponectin levels in patients with SAP, UAP and AMI. （2） Plasma adiponectin levels are relative with CHD. Hypoadiponectinemia is an independent risk factor for CHD. （3）Established cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI and TG have an obvious influence on adiponectin. （4）The probable pathogenesis by which adiponectin involves in CHD is suggested that adiponectin relates to insulin resistance, inflammatory reaction and dysfunction of vessel endothelium.

Atherosclerotic aortic plaques detected by transesophageal echocardiography

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of atherosclerotic aortic plaques in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods In 50 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, transesophageal echocardiography was performed to examine their thoracic aortas 2 weeks before or after coronary angiography. In the cases of coronary angiography studied, stenosis of the coronary artery ≥50%was considered to be due to coronary artery disease, whereas the thickness of the intima ≥1.3 mm was taken to be the criteria for the presence of an atherosclerotic aortic plaque on the transesophageal echocardiographic test. Results Among the 50 patients, 37 cases were diagnosed as CAD and 13 cases were considered to be normal. The plaques of the thoracic aorta were observed in 34 cases in the CAD group and 3 cases in the normal group. The sensitivity and specificity of aortic plaques for CAD were 91.9%and 76.9%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the aortic plaques for CAD were 91.9%and 76.9%, respectively. The accuracy was 88.0%. 80 percent of the patients with single-vessel disease had thoracic aortic plaques, 92 percent of the patients with two vessel disease and 100 percent of the patients with three vessel disease had thoracic aortic plaques. There was a significant difference in the thickness of aortic intimas between the normal group and the CAD group. Conclusions Detecting atherosclerotic plaques in the thoracic aorta with transesophageal echocardiography may be of great value in predicting the presence and extent of coronary artery disease.

Risk stratification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults

Objective: This study aims to determine the distribution of observed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) incidence in contemporary cohorts in China, and to identify cut-off points for ASCVD risk classification based on traditional criteria and new equations developed by Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR). Methods: The study populations included cohorts in the China-PAR project, with 34,757 participants eligible for the current analysis. Traditional risk stratification was assessed by using Chinese guidelines on prevention of CVD and hypertension, and 5 risk groups were classified based on these guidelines after slight modification for available risk factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to obtain the cumulative incidence of observed ASCVD events for all subjects and sub-groups. The predicted 10-year ASCVD risk was obtained using the China-PAR equations. Results: A total of 1922 ASCVD events were identified during an average follow-up of 14.1 years. According to the group classification based on traditional risk stratification, the observed 10-year risks for ASCVD were 4.61%(95%confidence interval[CI]:4.11-5.10%) in the moderate-risk group and 8.74%(95%CI:7.82-9.66%) in the high-risk group. Based on the China-PAR equations for risk assessment of ASCVD, those with predicted risks of<5%, 5-10%, and≥10%could be classified into categories of low-, moderate-, and high-risk for ASCVD, respectively. Conclusion: The findings enable development of a simple method for classification of individuals into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, based on the China-PAR equations. The method will be useful for self-management and prevention of ASCVD in Chinese adults.