Relationship between vascular endothelium and periodontal disease in atherosclerotic lesions: Review article

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. Recent studies suggest that periodontal infection and the ensuing increase in the levels of inflammatory markers may be associated with myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. The present article aimed at reviewing contemporary data on the pathophysiology of vascular endothelium and its association with periodontitis in the scenario of cardiovascular disease.

The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-related Apoptosis in Vascular Endothelium Pathogenesis

Vascular endothelium refers to a single layer of endothelial cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels,serving as barriers and transducers between the circulating blood in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall.Endothelial cells play essential roles in many aspects of vascular biology,such as barrier functions,thrombosis/fibrinolysis,inflammation,angiogenesis,vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Scutellarin Reduces Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Involving in Vascular Endothelium Protection and PKG Signal

Flavonoid glycoside scutellarin(SCU)has been widely applied in the treatment of cerebral ischemic diseases in China.In this article,we conducted research on the working mechanisms of SCU in hypoxia reoxygenation(HR)injury of isolated cerebral basilar artery(BA)and erebral ischemia reperfusion(CIR)injury in rat models.In isolated rat BA rings,HR causes endothelial dysfunction(ED)and acetylcholine(ACh)induces endothelium-dependent vasodilation.The myography result showed that SCU(100μM)was able to significantly improve the endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by Ach.However,SCU did not affect the ACh-induced relaxation in normal BA.Further studies suggested that SCU(10-1000μM)dose-dependently induced relaxation in isolated BA rings which were significantly blocked by the cGMP dependent protein kinase(PKG)inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cGMPs(PKGI-rp,4μM).Pre-incubation with SCU(500μM)reversed the impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by HR,but the reversing effect was blocked if PKGI-rp(4μM)was added.The brain slice staining test in rats’model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)induced CIR proved that the administration of SCU(45,90 mg/kg,iv)significantly reduced the area of cerebral infarction.The Western blot assay result showed that SCU(45 mg/kg,iv)increased brain PKG activity and PKG protein level after CIR surgery.In conclusion,our findings suggested that SCU possesses the ability of protecting brain cells against CIR injury through vascular endothelium protection and PKG signal.

Effects of PAF and PAF antagonist WEB 2170 on relaxation of vascular endothelium after brief deoxygenation and reoxygenation

By means of the tension determination of rat thoracic aortic ring. it was found that PAF depressed the acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation of the rings, having undergone 20 min of deoxygenation followed by 30 min of reoxygenation, to 36. 1% of norepinephine(NE) precontraction. PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2170 markedly improved the Ach-induced relaxation of the brief deoxygenated and reoxygenated rings to 86. 7 % of NE precontraction. The results indicated that PAF may be one of the mediators involved in the endothelium relaxation dysfunction related to brief deoxygenation and reoxygenation, and that PAF antagonist WEB 2170 has the protective effect on endothelium relaxation function.

Clinical effect of Calcium Dobesilate combinated with Alprostadil in the vascular endothelium of patients with diabetic nephropathy

Objective: To research the effect of calcium dobesilate combinated with alprostadil on the changes of vascular endothelium function in patients with t diabetic nephropathy (DN), and assess the clinical effect and record the untoward effect. Method: A totoal of 120 patients with DN, then they were randomly divided into control group (n=60) and observation group(n=60). Two groups were given hypoglycemic (melbinum)+improving circulatory (calcium dobesilate), and observation group were given alprostadil on the basic, they were treated 30 days. After treatment, we observed the changes of fasting plasma glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPBG), the factot of vasomotion angiokinesis (nitrogen oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), diastolic function of vascular endothelium (flow mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin mediated dilation (NMD)), renal function index (glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin excrete rate (AER), urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), urinary albumin evacuate ratio (UAER)), and record the untoward effect. Results: After treatment, the FBG, 2hPBG were both lower than before treatment in both groups, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05), and the FBG, 2hPBG in the observation group were lower than the control group, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). After treatment, the ET-1, VEGF were both lower than before treatment in both groups, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05), and the ET-1, VEGF in the observation group were lower than the control group, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). After treatment, the NO, FDM, NDM were higher than before treatment in both groups, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05), and the NO, FDM, NDM in the observation group were higher than the control group, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). After treatment, the GFR, Cr, BUN, AER, UACR, and UAER were both lower than before treatment in both groups, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05), and the GFR, Cr, BUN, UACR, and UAER in the observation group were lower than the control group, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: Treatment of the patients with DN before improving the cardiovascular system and hypoglycemic, giving the alprostadil can improve the function of vascular endothelium, rasing the clinical effect and safety.

Effects of α-lipoic acid on oxidative stress, vascular endothelium function and renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Objective:To investigate the effects ofα-lipoic acid on oxidative stress, vascular endothelium function and renal function in diabetic nephropathy patients.Methods: According to random data table method, a total of 80 patients with diabetic nephropathy from September 2016 to August 2017 were divided into observation group and control group (n=40). The patients of control group were treated with routine therapy while the patients of observation group were given intravenous infusion ofα-lipoic acid on the basis of conventional therapy. The levels of oxidative stress, vascular endothelium function and renal function changes were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment.Results:The levels of SOD, MDA, NO, ET-1, RBP and CysC in the two groups before treatment were not statistically significant. Compared with the levels before treatment, the level of SOD in the observation group was significantly increased and the level of MDA was significantly decreased;the level of SOD in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the level of MDA was significantly lower than that of the control group;the above differences were statistically significant. The levels of SOD and MDA had no significant changes in the control group before and after treatment. After treatment, the levels of ET-1, RBP and CysC in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group levels were significantly lower than those in the control group;the levels of NO in the two groups after treatment were significantly higher than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group;the above differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: On the basis of conventional treatment, combining withα-lipoic acid can better reduce the level of oxidative stress, improve vascular endothelial function, renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy, which has an important clinical value.

Effect of Huangqi Xiaoke Recipe combined with alprostadil on qi and yin deficiency type diabetic nephropathy and its effect on vascular endothelium and oxidative stress

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Huangqi Xiaoke Decoction combined with alprostadil on qi and yin deficiency type diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its effect on vascular endothelium and oxidative stress. Methods: A total of 72 patients with qi and yin deficiency type DN who were admitted to the diabetes specialist ward and outpatient department of Baoan District Hospital of Shenzhen from January 2017 to July 2018 were enrolled. The patients were divided into the control group and the observation group according to the random number method. 36 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with conventional treatments such as hypoglycemic, hypotensive, lipid-lowering and anti-platelet aggregation. The control group was treated with alprostadil on the basis of conventional treatment. The observation group was given orally on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated once a day for a total of 4 weeks. Compare the clinical syndrome scores and clinical efficacy of the two groups before and after treatment;fasting blood glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), blood lipids (TC, TG, LDL, HDL), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), von Willebrand factor (vWF);glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide disproportionation The level of enzyme (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA). Results:The total effective rate of TCM syndromes in observation group was 94.44%, which was significantly different from 72.22% in the control group. The scores of TCM syndromes in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group;Compared with the control group, the HDL-C of the observation group did not change much, there was no statistical difference;FBG, HbA1C, SCr, BUN, TC, TG, LDL-C, ET-1, vWF, MDA Significantly decreased, NO, GSH-Px, SOD increased significantly, with significant difference. Conclusion: Huangqi Xiaoke Decoction combined with alprostadil in the treatment of qi and yin deficiency type DN has significant curative effect, which can not only lower blood sugar, regulate blood lipids, improve renal function and clinical symptoms, but also inhibit oxidative stress and protect endothelial function.

Role of endothelium on the abnormal Angiotensin-mediated vascular functions in epileptic rats

Epidemiological studies have found that the risk for cardiovascular disease is increased in patients with epilepsy. The Renin Angiontensin System (RAS), an important player in vascular tone control, is also involved in many neurological disorders, including seizures and epilepsy. Although it has been reported that Angiotensin II (Ang II) release and Angiotensin receptors expression are altered in many cerebral areas in patients/animal models with neurological disorders, there are no data on the vascular function. We evaluated Ang I and Ang II-mediated vascular responses and to correlate their contractile responses to the pres- ence of endothelium and the protein levels of components of the RAS (AT1, AT2, Mas and ACE) in aorta isolated from genetically epileptic rats (WAR strain). The major finding was that the vascular contractile response induced by Ang I and Ang II is endothelium-dependent. Ang II induced contractions in aortas from Wistar rats either with intact endothelium (E+) (1.16 ± 0.04 g, n = 6) and endothelium-denuded (E-) (1.24 ± 0.04 g, n = 6). Maximum contractile response (ME) induced by Ang I was lower in Wistar E+ (0.45 ± 0.03 g, n = 6) compared with Wistar E- (1.13 ± 0.08 g, n = 6). Ang I and Ang II failed to induce contraction in WAR E+, whereas the ME induced by Ang I in WAR E- was lower (0.52 ± 0.04 g, n = 11) than in the Wistar. ME induced by Ang II in aortas from WAR was also lower (0.40 ± 0.03 g, n = 11) compared with Wistar. AT1 receptor expression in both E+ WAR and Wistar was lower than in both E- WAR and Wistar. AT2 and Mas receptor expression was higher in Wistar E- and E+ as compared to WAR E- and E+. ACE expression was higher in both E+ WAR and Wistar, but it was lower in both E- WAR and Wistar. Endothelium impairs the contractile response induced by Angiotensin in WAR, suggesting that endothelial relaxing factors play important role on the aorta contraction.

Expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 on vascular endothelium of gastric mucosa in patients with nodular gastritis

AIM: The interaction of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) with integrin α4β7 mediates lymphocyte recruitment into mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Nodular gastritis is characterized by a unique military pattern on endoscopy representing increased numbers of lymphoid follicles with germinal center, strongly associated with H pylori infection. The purpose of this study was to address the implication of the MAdCAM-1/integrin β7 pathway in NG.METHODS: We studied 17 patients with NG and H pylori infection and 19 H pylori-positive and 14 H pylori-negative controls. A biopsy sample was taken from the antrum and snap-frozen for immunohistochemical analysis of MAdCAM1 and integrin β7. In simultaneous viewing of serial sections,the percentage of MAdCAM-1-positive to von Willebrand factor-positive vessels was calculated. We also performed immunostaining with anti-CD20, CD4, CD8 and CD68 antibodies to determine the lymphocyte subsets coexpressing integrin β7.RESULTS: Vascular endothelial MAdCAM-1 expression was more enhanced in gastric mucosa with than without H pylori infection. Of note, the percentages of MAdCAM-1-positive vessels were significantly higher in the lamina propria of NG patients than in H pylori-positive controls. Strong expression of MAdCAM-1 was identified adjacent to lymphoid follicles and dense lymphoid aggregates. Integrin β7-expressing mononuclear cells, mainly composed of CD20 and CD4 lymphocytes, were associated with vessels lined with MAdCAM-1-expressing endothelium.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the MAdCAM-1/integrin α4β7 homing system may participate in gastric inflammation in response to H pylori-infection and contributes to MALT formation, typically leading to the development of NG.

The effect of aerobic training on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with coronary artery disease who were revascularized and young men

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of training on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after revascularization and healthy young men. Background: Impaired endothelial function has been observed in patients with CAD and those with CAD risk factors. Studies have shown that exercise can enhance endothelial function. Methods: This experimental cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with CAD (3 months after CABG and PCI) and students of medical school in 2011. Endothelium dependent dilation of the brachial artery was determined by using high-resolution vascular ultrasonography through flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) after induction of ischemia, and the data were analyzed using SPSS, dependent t-test and ANCOVA. Findings: The findings showed that at baseline, FMD was reduced in revascularized patients, when compared with healthy young men, after 8 weeks, and exercise training significantly improved FMD in patients underwent training group [from 4.31 ± 1.45 (SD)% to 6.15 ± 0.773 (SD)%, p p ed unchanged, and even after aerobic training, it did not significantly modify the brachial artery diameter in these groups. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that endothelial dysfunction persisting in CAD patients after revascularization and aerobic training can improve endothelial function in different vascular beds in CAD patients and healthy young men. This may contribute to the benefit of regular exercise in preventing and restricting cardiovascular disease.

Study on Effect of Zhixinkang Capsule(脂欣康胶囊)in TreatingUnstable Effort Angina and Hyperlipidemia and Its Function in Vascular Endothelium Protection

Objective:To observe the clinical effect and protection of vascular endothelium of Zhixin-kang Capsule (ZXKC) in middle-aged and old people with unstable effort angina and hyperlipidemia. Methods: Sixty-five patients with unstable effort angina were randomly divided into ZXKC group (34 cases) and control group (31 cases). Conventional western medical therapy was given to both groups, with ZXKC group receiving additional ZXKC treatment. Data of 20 healthy persons were taken as normal group. Forty-eight patients with hyperlipidemia were divided into ZXKC group treated with ZXKC (31 cases) and control group treated with Yixintong (17 cases). The changes of clinical symptoms and laboratory indexes in all the patients were observed before and after treatment. Results: In patients with unstable effort angina, the efficacy of treatment of ZXKC, the withdrawal rate of nitroglycerin, the relieving of symptoms, the improvement of the electrocardiogram, the counts of circulating endothelial cells, the content of platelet P-selectin, the content of plasma endothelin (ET), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the activity of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were all better than those in the control group. In patients with hyperlipidemia, there was no significant difference in lipids reduction between ZXKC group and the control group. In both groups, the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipo-protein-cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] , ET, oxidized low density lipoprotein, MDA, arte-riosclerotic index (AI) all lowered obviously, while the SOD, HDL-C and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were all elevated markedly. In the ZXKC group, the nitric oxide(NO) increased significantly whereas the ET/CGRP and ET/NO decreased markedly. The total effective rate in symptom relieving, the markedly effective rate, the reduction of TC, ET and ET/CGRP, and the elevation of SOD in ZXKC group were all superior to those in the control group. Conclusion: ZXKC could effectively resist myocardial ischemia, relieve angina, reduce blood lipids, protect vascular endothelial cells, inhibit the activation of platelets, and resist lipid peroxidation.

Effects of moxibustion at 46°C on blood lipids and related indicators of thoracic aortic endothelium in a hyperlipidemia rat model

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion at different temperatures(38℃,46℃)on blood lipids,endothelial morphology of the thoracic aorta,serum endothelin-1(ET-1),calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP),nitric oxide(NO),and endothelial NO synthase(eNOS)in hyperlipidemic rats.Methods:Using the random number table method,60 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly and evenly divided into blank,model,38℃-moxibustion,and 46℃-moxibustion groups.Rats in the 3 experimental groups were fed a high-fat feed to model hyperlipidemia in rats.Rats in the 38℃-moxibustion and 46℃-moxibustion groups were moxibustion on the Shenque and bilateral Zusanli acupoints for 10 minutes each,once every other day for 4 weeks,at temperatures of 38±1℃ and 46±1℃.After that,rat blood samples were collected to detect blood lipids and ET-1,CGRP,eNOS and NO.Take the endotheal tissue of the thoracic aorta to do HE staining.Results:(1)The serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of rats in the 46℃-moxibustion group were significantly lower than those in the model and 38℃-moxibustion groups.(2)Revealed by hematoxylin and eosin staining,showed necrosis in the local vascular endothelial cells and mild inflammatory cell infiltration in the tunica adventitia of the hyperlipidemic rats.These endothelial morphologies did not improve significantly after moxibustion at 38℃ but did improve at 46℃.(3)Compared with the blank group,serum ET-1 was significantly higher and serum CGRP,NO,eNOS were significantly lower in the model group.Compared with the model and the 38℃-moxibustion groups,serum ET-1 was significantly lower and serum CGRP,NO,eNOS were significantly higher in 46℃-moxibustion groups.Conclusion:Moxibustion at 46℃ effectively regulated blood lipids,improved the morphology of the vascular endothelium,and protected vascular endothelial function.

Androgen actions on endothelium functions and cardiovascular diseases

当有益、有害的效果被报导了，心血管的生理学和 pathophysiology 上的雄激素的角色是争论的。尽管为这差异的原因是不清楚的，多重因素例如基因并且 epigenetic 变化，性特性，荷尔蒙相互作用，药准备和管理的线路可以作出贡献。尽管机制尚待被阐明，最近，种证据建议雄激素在心血管的功能上展出有益的效果。衬里血容器的内部表面的 Endothelial 房间(EC ) 在整个循环系统被散布，并且在心血管的功能起一个关键作用。Endothelial 祖先房间(EPC ) 为未经触动的 endothelial 层的体质和维护被认为一个不可缺少的元素。Endothelial 机能障碍在动脉粥样硬化和心血管的疾病的开发被认为是开始的步。由通过任何一个 genomic 或 nongenomic 信号小径的雄激素的 endothelial 函数的调整是雄激素对心血管的系统由起作用的一可能的机制。获得卓见进雄激素由影响 EC 和 EPC 功能的机制将允许我们决定雄激素是否在心血管的系统上拥有有益的效果。这可能接着在心血管的疾病的预防和治疗是批评的。这篇文章寻求在心血管的系统在 endothelial 功能，雄激素行动的性特性，和它的临床的应用程序的雄激素规定考察最近的进步。

Vascular contractile response and signal transduction in endothelium-denuded aorta from cirrhotic rats

AIM: The mechanism of decreased vascular reactivity to vasoconstrictors in portal hypertension is still unclear. In addition to nitric oxide, defects in post-receptor signal transduction pathway have been suggested to play a role.However, substantial evidences observed equivocal changes of vascular reactivity following different agonists that challenged the hypothesis of the post-receptor defect. The current study was to evaluate the vascular reactivity to different agonists and the inositol trisphosphate (IP3)changes in signal transduction cascade from cirrhotic rats with portal hypertension.METHODS: The endothelial denuded aortic rings from cirrhotic and sham-operated rats were obtained for ex vivo tension study and measurement of the corresponding [3H] IP3 formation following different receptor and nonreceptor-mediated agonists' stimulation. Additionally,iNOS protein expression was measured in thoracic aorta.The contractile response curves to phenylephrine were performed in endothelial denuded aortic rings with and without preincubation with a specific iNOS inhibitor (L-N (6)-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine, L-NIL).RESULTS: In endothelial denuded aortic rings of cirrhotic rats, the vascular responses were reduced with phenylephrine and arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulation but were normal with U-46619, NaF/AlCl3, and phorbol esterdibutyrate (PdBU) stimulation. Compared to the corresponding control groups, the degree of the increment of [3H] IP3 formation from basal level was also decreased with phenylephrine and AVP stimulation, but was normal with U-46619 and NaF/AlCl3 stimulation. The preincubation with L-NIL did not modify the hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine. Additionally, the iNOS protein expression in thoracic aorta was not different in cirrhotic and shamoperated rats.CONCLUSION: Without the influence of nitric oxide, vascular hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors persisted in cirrhotic rats with portal hypertension. However, the decreased vascular reactivity is an agonist-specific phenomenon. In addition,G-protein and phospholipase C pathway associated with the IP3 productions may be intact in cirrhotic rats with portal hypertension.

Endothelium-derived essential signals involved in pancreas organogenesis

Endothelial cells(ECs) are essential for pancreas differentiation, endocrine specification, and endocrine function. They are also involved in the physiopathology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. During embryogenesis, aortic ECs provide specific factors that maintain the expression of key genes for pancreas development such as pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1. Other unknown factors are also important for pancreatic endocrine specification and formation of insulin-producing beta cells. Endocrine precursors proliferate interspersed with ductal cells and exocrine precursors and, at some point of development, these endocrine precursors migrate to pancreatic mesenchyme and start forming the islets of Langerhans. By the end of the gestation and close to birth, these islets contain immature beta cells with the capacity to express vascular endothelial growth factor and therefore to recruit ECs from the surrounding microenvironment. ECs in turn produce factors that are essential to maintain insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Once assembled, a cross talk between endocrine cells and ECs maintain the integrity of islets toward an adequate function during the whole life of the adult individual. This review will focus in the EC role in the differentiation and maturation of pancreatic beta cells during embryogenesis as well as the current knowledge about the involvement of endothelium to derive pancreatic beta cells in vitro from mouse or human pluripotent stem cells.

Changes in aortic endothelium ultrastructure in male rats following castration, replacement with testosterone and administration of 50α-reductase inhibitor

Aim： To investigate the relationship between low androgen level and ultrastructure of vascular endothelium. Methods： Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups： group A, normal rats with sham castration; group B, castrated rats; group C, castrated rats given testosterone （T） undecanoate; and group D, intact rats treated with 5α-reductase inhibitor. After 10 weeks of treatment or castration, rats in different groups were killed and serum T, free T （FT） and dihydrotestosterone （DHT） were measured. The aortic endothelia were scanned under electron microcopy and the Vascular Endothelium Structure Score （VESS） was computed. Results： Serum T and FT concentrations of rats in group B were significantly lower than those of the other three groups （P 〈 0.01）; DHT concentrations of group D rats were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01 ） when compared with those of groups A and C. Rats in groups B and D rats （with low androgen levels） had obvious damage to their endothelial surfaces, which appeared crimpled, rough, adhesive and ruptured, and had high destruction of VESS. Conclusion： These results suggest that low concentrations of T and DHT are associated with ultrastructural damage of the aortic endothelia in male rats.

Differences in energy and corneal endothelium between femtosecond laser-assisted and conventional cataract surgeries：prospective,intraindividual,randomized controlled trial

AIM： To compare intraoperative phacoemulsification parameters and its effect on the corneal endothelium of eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery（FLACS） versus conventional phacoemulsification（CP） cataract surgery.METHODS： Two hundred eyes from one hundred patients were included in a prospective, non-blinded, randomized, controlled, intraindividual clinical study. One hundred eyes underwent FLACS while their one hundred fellow eyes underwent CP. All surgeries were performed using the Victus？ femtosecond laser platform and Infinity？ Vision System phacoemulsification machine. Primary outcome measure was endothelial cell density 6 mo after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included central corneal thickness（CCT）, average cell area, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and hexagonality before surgery and 6 mo after surgery and endothelial cell density loss during this period were also evaluated. Intraoperative efficiency parameters [cumulative dissipated energy（CDE）, total intraocular surgery time, total ultrasound time, total phacoemulsification time, total torsional energy time, total aspiration time, ultrasound energy, torsional amplitude and fluid required during surgery] were also collated. RESULTS： Data from these patients was not considered for analysis. Data from 92 patients were analysed. Postoperative endothelial cell density（cells/mm2） between groups（2211.88±392.49 CP; 2246.31±403.48 FLACS） was not statistically significant（P=0.869）. Total ultrasound time, torsional energy time, CDE and fluid requirements were significantly lower the FLACS group（P〈0.05）. Other parameters did not show statistically significant difference between FLACS and CP.CONCLUSION： FLACS displays significant improvements in phacoemulsification parameters in comparison to CP. There are no significant differences in corneal endothelium measures between FLACS and CP.

Effect of topical 0.05% cyclosporine A on corneal endothelium in patients with dry eye disease

· AIM: To determine the effect of topical 0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA) on corneal endothelium in patients with dry eye disease. · METHODS: Observational, prospective, case series study. Fifty-five eyes of 29 consecutive patients (9 males and 20 females; median age: 66.8 years, interquartile range: 61 -73.2 years) with moderate -severe dry eye disease were evaluated. All patients were treated with topical 0.05% CsA ophthalmic emulsion twice a day in addition to lubricant eyedrops 5 times a day. The follow- up period was 12 months. Before treatment and at 3 and 12 months post -treatment central corneal specular microscopy was performed. The endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation of cell size (CoV), and percentage of hexagonal cells (Hex %) were analyzed. ·RESULTS: The median ECDs pre-treatment and at 3 and 12 months post-treatment were 2 352.5/mm 2 (inter- quartile range, 2 178 -2548.5), 2 364/mm 2 (interquartile range, 2 174.25 -2 657.5), and 2 366 cells/mm 2 (inter - quartile range, 2 174.75-2 539.75), respectively (P=0.927, one way ANOVA). The median CoVs pre-treatment and at 3 and 12 months post -treatment were 34.5 (interquartile range, 30 -37), 35 (interquartile range, 30 -38), and 34 (interquartile range, 30.75-38.25), respectively (P=0.7193, one way ANOVA). The median Hex % values pre - treatment and at 3 and 12 months post -treatment were 53 (interquartile range, 47 -58), 54 (interquartile range, 45.75 -59), and 50.5 (interquartile range, 45.75 -58), respectively (P=0.824, one way ANOVA). · CONCLUSION: Treatment of patients with dry eye disease for 12 months with topical 0.05% CsA does not seem to cause substantial changes on corneal endothelium.

VEGF Deficit is Involved in Endothelium Dysfunction in Preeclampsia

This study examined the association of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),a promoter of angiogenesis,with endothelium dysfunction in preeclampsia.The level of VEGF protein and mRNA in the placenta and peripheral blood samples of 30 preeclampsia patients and 30 normotensive pregnant women was measured by immunohistochemistry,real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),respectively.VEGF expression in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) was blocked by small interfering RNAs(siRNAs).The monolayer barrier function of HUVECs was determined by measuring the fluorescence intensity of BSA that crossed the HUVEC monolayers.The cell proliferation and cell-secreted nitric oxide(NO) level were detected by MTT method and nitrate reductase assay,respectively.The results showed that VEGF was expressed in the syncytiotrophoblasts and endothelial cells of vessels and capillaries in the placenta tissue.The serum level of VEGF in the preeclampsia patients was significantly decreased as compared with that in normal pregnant subjects,although VEGF mRNA expression in the placenta tissue of preeclampsia patients remained still high.Moreover,VEGF deficit could lead to endothelium cell dysfunction,and the administration of VEGF could protect endothelium cells from injury.It was concluded that lack of VEGF contributes to endothelium dysfunction,which may lead to the occurrence and development of preeclampsia.

A multiscale model for analyzing the synergy of CS and WSS on the endothelium in straight arteries

A multiscale model was proposed to calculate the circumferential stress （CS） and wall shear stress （WSS） and analyze the effects of global and local factors on the CS, WSS and their synergy on the arterial endothelium in large straight arteries. A parameter pair [Zs, SPA] （defined as the ratio of CS amplitude to WSS amplitude and the phase angle between CS and WSS for different harmonic components, respectively） was proposed to characterize the synergy of CS and WSS. The results demonstrated that the CS or WSS in the large straight arteries is determined by the global factors, i.e. the preloads and the afterloads, and the local factors, i.e. the local mechanical properties and the zero-stress states of arterial walls, whereas the Zs and SPA are primarily determined by the local factors and the afterloads. Because the arterial input impedance has been shown to reflect the physiological and pathological states of whole downstream arterial beds, the stress amplitude ratio Zs and the stress phase difference SPA might be appropriate indices to reflect the influences of the states of whole downstream arterial beds on the local blood flow-dependent phenomena such as angiogenesis, vascular remodeling and atherosgenesis.