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.

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 MAdCAM- 1 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 co- expressing 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一1/ integrin a4p7 homing system may participate in gastric inflammation in response to H py/o}i-infection and contributes to MALT formation, typically leading to the development of NG.

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.

Zinc(Ⅱ)metal-organic framework eluting titanium implant as propulsive agent to boost the endothelium regeneration

The advent of antiproliferative drug-eluting vascular stents can dramatically reduce in-stent restenosis via inhibiting the hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.However,the antiproliferative drugs also restrain the repair of the injured endothelial layer,which in turn leads to the very later in-stent restenosis.Evidence points that competent endothelium plays a critical role in guaranteeing the long-term patency via maintaining vascular homeostasis.Boosting the regeneration of endothelium on the implanted vascular stents could be rendered as a promising strategy to reduce stent implantation complications.In this regard,bioactive zinc(II)metal-organic framework modified with endothelial cell-targeting Arg-Glu-Asp-Val peptide was embedded in poly(lactide-co-caprolactone)to serve as a functional coating on the surface of titanium substrate,which can promote the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.The in vitro cell experiments revealed that the zinc(II)metal-organic framework embedded in the polymer coating was able to modulate the behaviors of endothelial cells owing to the bioactive effects of zinc ion and peptide.Our results confirmed that zinc(II)metal-organic framework eluting coating represented a new possibility for promoting the repair of the damaged endothelium with potential clinical implications in vascular-related biomaterials and tissue engineering applications.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Promotes Vascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation via VEGF/VEGF Receptor

Aim To study the proliferative effeet of hydroxysaftlor yellow A （HSYA） on cultured canine aortic endothelial cell （VEC） in normoxic （21% O2 ） or hypoxic （10% O2 ） culture and the underlying mechanism. Methods The endothelial cells were scratched from trypsined canine aorta endothelium. HSYA was added to the cells at final concentrations of 1 × 10^-3, 1 × 10^-4 and 1 × 10^-5 mol· L^-1, respectively. VEGF （2.6 × 10^-7 mol· L^-1 ）-treated cells were used as the positive control. The proliferative effect of HSYA on VEC was determined at 48, 72, 96, and 120 h in normoxic culture by MTI＂ assay. Similarly, the proliferation of VEC was determined at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h in hypoxic culture by MTF assay. The effects of HSYA on VEC proliferation and VEGF secretion were investigated by MTr and ELISA assays at the presence of the antibodies to VEGF and VEGF receptors. Results Pretreatment with HSYA at concentrations of 1 × 10^-3 and 1 × 10^-4 mol· L^-1 enhanced VEC proliferation in normoxic culture. The most significant enhancing effect of HSYA on VEC proliferation was achieved at 24, 48, and 72 h in hypoxic culture in concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. HSYA at 1 × 10^-3 mol·L^-1 showed a potency similar to VEGF at 2.6 × 10^-7 mol·L^-1 . Pretreatment with the antibodies of Flt-1, KDR or VEGF blocked the proliferative effect of HSYA with similar potencies. Antibodies of Fit-1 or VEGF antagonized the promoting effect of HSYA on VEGF secretion. Conclusion HSYA promotes VEC proliferation either in normoxic or hypoxic culture, especially in the latter condition. This effect of HSYA is at least partly mediated by VEGF and VEGF receptor.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its role in oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma

AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) in human gastric cancer tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining. VEGF levels were manipulated in human gastric cancer cell using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete VEGF(165) complimentary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. The biological changes of the cells were observed in which VEGF was up-regulated or down-regulated. RESULTS: VEGF-positive rate was 50%, and VEGF was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells, while KDR was mainly located in the membrane of vascular endothelial cells in gastric cancer tissues and peri-cancerous tissue. In 2 cases of 50 specimens, the gastric cancer cells expressed KDR, localized in both the cytoplasm and membrane. Introduction of VEGF(165) antisense into human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901, immunofluorescence intensity, 31.6%)) resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface VEGF protein (immunofluorescence intensity, 8.9%) (P【0.05). Conversely, stable integration of VEGF(165) in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface VEGF (immunofluorescence intensity, 75.4%) (P【0.05). Lowered VEGF levels were associated with a marked decrease in the growth of nude mouse xenografted tumor (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 345.40 +/- 136.31 mm3)(P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group: 1534.40 +/- 362.88 mm3), whereas up-regulation of VEGF resulted in increased xenografted tumor size (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 2350.50 +/- 637.70 mm3) (P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group). CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence that VEGF plays an important role in the oncogenesis of human gastric cancer.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor is a potential biomarker of metastatic recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in China. To date, surgery is still the best solution to it. However, metastatic recurrences after curative hepatic resections are very common. Tang et al have reported that recurrence rate within 5 years of curative hepatic resection is 61.5% [1]. As curative hepatic resection has a high tendency for metastatic recurrence, therapeutic interventions such as transarterial embolization and antiangiogenesis have been tried to further improve prognosis of HCC patients. Therefore, establishing a dependable, sensitive, easy, and economical method to predict metastatic recurrence following curative hepatic resection is of clinical urgency.

Reduction of tumorigenicity of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells by vascular endothelial growth factor antisense gene therapy

AIM: To test the hypothesis to block VEGF expression of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells may inhibit tumor growth using the rat hepatoma model. METHODS: Amplify the 200 VEGF cDNA fragment and insert it into human U6 gene cassette in the reverse orientation transcribing small antisense RNA which could specifically interact with VEGF165, and VEGF121 mRNA. Construct the retroviral vector containing this antisense VEGF U6 cassette and package the replication-deficient recombinant retrovirus. SMMC-7721 cells were transduced with these virus and positive clones were selected with G418. PCR and Southern blot analysis were performed to determine if U6 cassette integrated into the genomic DNA of positive clone. Transfected tumor cells were evaluated for RNA expression by ribonuclease protection assays. The VEGF protein in the supernatant of parental tumor cells and genetically modified tumor cells was determined with ELISA. In vitro and in vivo growth properties of antisense VEGF cell clone in nude mice were analyzed. RESULTS: Restriction enzyme digestion and PCR sequencing verified that the antisense VEGF RNA retroviral vector was successfully constructed.After G418 selection, resistant SMMC-7721 cell clone was picked up. PCR and Southern blot analysis suggested that U6 cassette was integrated into the cell genomic DNA. Stable SMMC-7721 cell clone transduced with U6 antisense RNA cassette could express 200 bp small antisense VEGF RNA and secrete reduced levels of VEGF in culture condition. Production of VEGF by antisense transgene-expressing cells was 65+/-10 ng/L per 10(6) cells, 42045 ng/L per 10(6) cells in sense group and 485+/-30 ng/L per 10(6) cells in the negative control group, (P【 0.05). The antisense-VEGF cell clone appeared phenotypically indistinguishable from SMMC-7721 cells and SMMC-7721 cells transfected sense VEGF. The growth rate of the antisense-VEGF cell clone was the same as the control cells. When S.C. was implanted into nude mice, growth of antisense-VEGF cell lines was greatly inhibited compared with control cells. CONCLUSION: Expression of antisense VEGF RNA in SMMC-7721 cells could decrease the tumorigenicity, and antisense-VEGF gene therapy may be an adjuvant treatment for hepatoma.

Molecular signal transduction in vascular cell apoptosis

Apoptosis is a form of genetically programmed cell death, which plays a key role in regulation of cellularity in a variety of tissue and cell types including the cardiovascular tissues. Under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, various biophysiological and biochemical factors, including mechanical forces, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cytokines, growth factors, oxidized lipoproteins, etc., may influence apoptosis of vascular cells. The Fas/Fas ligand/caspase death-signaling pathway, Bcl-2 protein family/mitochondria, the tumor suppressive gene p53, and the proto-oncogene c-myc may be activated in atherosclerotic lesions, and mediates vascular apoptosis during the development of atherosclerosis. Abnormal expression and dysfunction of these apoptosis-regulating genes may attenuate or accelerate vascular cell apoptosis and affect the integrity and stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Clarification of the molecular mechanism that regulates apoptosis may help design a new strategy for treatment of atherosclerosis and its major complication, the acute vascular syndromes.

Beneficial effect of berberine on atherosclerosis based on attenuating vascular inflammation and calcification

OBJECTIVE To investigate the beneficial effect of berberine(BBR)on atherosclerosisin Apo^(-/-) E mice and explore the underlying mechanisms based on attenuating vascular inflammation and modulating calcification in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) and smooth muscle cells(SMCs).METHODS 48 Apo-/-E mice,at 6-8 weeks old,were randomly allocated into 4 groups:normal,model,bbr and atorvastatin(positive control) groups with 12 mice in each group.They were fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks except those in Normal group and then treated with indicated drugs orsolvent for another 4 weeks.The morphology and inflammation infiltration of aortic were examined with HE staining.The expression of BMP-2 in aortic was examined by immumohistochemical staining.Blood lipid levels were examined by automatic biochemical analyzer.The expression of IL-6,TNF-α and BMP-2 in serum and tissues was detected by ELISA method.The expression of ALP and the content of calcium were detected by commercially-available kits.HUVEC cells were stimulated with TNF-α and incubated with various concentrations of BBR for 24 h.The contents of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM-1),matrix metalloprotein-9(MMP-9) in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA method.Calcification was induced with β-glycerophosphatein SMC cells and the effect of BBR on the content of calcium was examined.RESULTS 4-week berberine treatment markedly lowered serum TC and LDL-c levels and improved the plaque stability in Apo-/-E mice fed with a high-fat diet(P<0.05 or P<0.01) which was comparable with the effect of atorvastatin.Berberineal so significantly decreased the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in mice serum and aortic tissues(P<0.05 or P<0.001).Berberine tended to decrease ALP,BMP-2 levels and the content of calcium in mice serum and aortic tissues(P<0.05,P<0.01 or P<0.001) which were not observed in atorvastatin group.Berberine significantly lowered the levels of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,and MMP-9 in TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs.It can also lowered the content of calcium in SMCs.CONCLUSION BBR can profitably regulate the levels of blood lipid in mice fed with a high-fat diet,decrease the injury caused by inflammation,and attenuate vascular calcification.It may improve atherosclerosis and play a role in cardiovascular protection.

Diabetes pathogenesis and management:the endothelium comes of age

Endothelium,acting as a barrier,protects tissues against factors that provoke insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes and itself responds to the insult of insulin resistance inducers with altered function.Endothelial insulin resistance and vascular dysfunction occur early in the evolution of insulin resistance-related disease,can co-exist with and even contribute to the development of metabolic insulin resistance,and promote vascular complications in those affected.The impact of endothelial insulin resistance and vascular dysfunction varies depending on the blood vessel size and location,resulting in decreased arterial plasticity,increased atherosclerosis and vascular resistance,and decreased tissue perfusion.Women with insulin resistance and diabetes are disproportionately impacted by cardiovascular disease,likely related to differential sex-hormone endothelium effects.Thus,reducing endothelial insulin resistance and improving endothelial function in the conduit arteries may reduce atherosclerotic complications,in the resistance arteries lead to better blood pressure control,and in the microvasculature lead to less microvascular complications and more effective tissue perfusion.Multiple diabetes therapeutic modalities,including medications and exercise training,improve endothelial insulin action and vascular function.This action may delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and/or its complications,making the vascular endothelium an attractive therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes and potentially type 1 diabetes.

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced preconditioning on attenuated endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation induced by lysophosphatidylcholine

目的：研究降钙素基因相关肽（ＣＧＲＰ）诱导预适应对溶血磷脂酰胆碱（Ｌｙｓ）抑制内皮依赖性舒张的作用．方法：用苯福林收缩兔与大鼠离体胸主动脉环，观察Ｌｙｓ对乙酰胆碱（ＡＣｈ）所致内皮依赖性舒张的影响．结果：ＣＧＲＰ预处理兔和大鼠离体胸主动脉环显著减轻Ｌｙｓ对ＡＣｈ舒血管效应的抑制，其作用可被蛋白激酶Ｃ（ＰＫＣ）抑制剂Ｈ７所取消．结论：ＣＧＲＰ诱导预适应对所致内皮细胞损伤具有拮抗作用，此作用与激活ＰＫＣ有关．

Migraine attack restores the response of vascular smooth muscle cells to nitric oxide but not to norepinephrine

AIM:To clarify whether the vasoconstrictory response is impaired and to study vascular function in patients with migraine during the headache attack.METHODS:We studied vascular reactivity in the resistance arteries by using the forearm perfusion technique associated with plethysmography.We measuredforearm blood flow by strain-gauge plethysmography during intra-brachial infusion of acetylcholine,sodium nitroprusside or norepinephrine in 11 controls and 13patients with migraine,11 of them(M) in the interval between the migraine attacks and 4 during a headache attack(MH).Written informed consent was obtained from patients and healthy controls,and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Federico Ⅱ.RESULTS:Compared to healthy control subjects,in patients with migraine studied during the interictal period,the vasodilating effect of acetylcholine,that acts through the stimulation of endothelial cells and the release of nitric oxide,was markedly reduced,but became normal during the headache attack(P<0.05by analysis of variance).The response to nitroprusside,which directly relaxes vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),was depressed in patients with migraine studied during the interictal period,but normal during the headache attack(P<0.005).During norepinephrine infusion,forearm blood flow decreased in control subjects(-40% ± 5%,P<0.001).In contrast,in patients with migraine,either when studied during or free of the headache attack forearm blood flow did not change compared to the baseline value(-3%±13% and-10.4%±15%,P>0.05).CONCLUSION:In migrainers,the impaired relaxation of VSMCs is restored during the headache attack.The vasoconstrictory response is impaired and remains unchanged during the migraine attack.

Effect of Yiqi Huoxue (益气活血) Herbs on Vascular Endothelial Cells and Platelets in Patients with Chronic Cor Pulmonale

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of Yiqi Huoxue (益气活血, YQHX) herbs in treating the patients with chronic cor pulmonale and to explore its mechanism by determining the relationship of oxida-tion/antioxidation system and how such herbs change on the function of endothelial cells and platelets. Methods: Fifty-eight patients were divided into two groups: conventional therapy group (control group, 28 patients) and convention plus YQHX herbs group (treated group, 30 patients). The control group received conventional management. The treated group were treated with YQHX 150 ml, twice a day, plus the conventional treatment, and the clinical efficacy was recorded. The lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ot-granule membrane protein (GMP140), partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide in artery (PaCO2) and circulating endothelial cells (CEC) were measured respectively before and after treatment, and the relationship between various parameters were analyzed. The results were compared with those of 10 healthy subjects got at the same period. Results: (1) The effective rate and PaO2 of the treated group was higher than that of the control group and there were no difference in PaCO2 between the two groups. (2) The levels of LPO, GMP140, CEC in all the patients before therapy were significantly higher than those of the healthy group, and there were marked decrease in the levels of those after treatment (all P<0. 01). On the contrary, the levels of SOD in all the patients before therapy were markedly lower than those in the healthy subjects and increased after treatment, P<0. 01. (3) The increase of SOD in the treated group was significantly more obvious than that of the control group. In the treated group, the decrease of LPO, GMP140, CEC were markedly more obvious than those in the control group (all P<0. 01). (4) The number of CEC, as well as GMP140, was negatively correlated to PaO2(P<0.01) and SOD (P< 0. 01), which was positively correlated to LPO (P<0. 01). There was a positive correlation between CEC and GMP140 (P<0.05). Conclusion: YQHX herbs in treating chronic cor pulmonale proved to be effective by balancing the oxidation and antioxidation, protecting the pulmonary endothelial cells and activated platelets and helpful in treating respiratory failure.

EFFECT OF QUERCETIN ON CULTURED HUMAN VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Objective To study the effects of quercetin (Que) on the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and prostacylin(PGI2) by normal human vascuiar endothelial cell (VEC). Methods Radioimmunoassay(RIA) was used to assess the amount of ET-1 and PGI2 produced by VEC. VEC prollferation was assessed by tetrazolium(MTT) assay. Results Que increased the normal VEC prollferation at the concentration or 5, 2o, 4o, 8o, 1oompol/L and increased the production of PG12 and inhibits the release of ET by the normal VEC at the concentratiou or 5, 2o and 8ompol/L. Que at the concentration of 5, 2o and 8omol/L had no direct effect on morphology of the normal VEC. ConcIusion Que can stimulate the proliferation of VEC and inhibit tbe reIease of ET-1 and increase the formation of PGI2. The data suggest that Que might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of vascular endothelial injury-related cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosls and thromboembolism diseases.