Value of N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide,High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein,and Homocysteine Levels in Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Heart Failure Patients After Discharge

Objective:To investigate the value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and homocysteine(Hcy)levels in predicting cardiovascular events(CV)in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 63 patients with CHF admitted to our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021 were selected.Their NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels were detected at discharge,and a 12-month follow-up was done after their discharge to collect clinical data.The collected data were inclusive of data from 21 CHF patients with cardiovascular disease and 42 CHF patients without cardiovascular disease.The effect of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels on the occurrence of CV was analyzed.Results:The levels of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy in the group with cardiovascular disease were significantly higher than those in the group without cardiovascular disease(P<0.05);the levels of serum NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy at discharge had certain value in predicting short-term CV in CHF patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels can be used to predict CV in CHF patients,thus having clinical application value.

Distribution of High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein Status in an Urban Population in China

Objectives To evaluate the distribution by age and sex of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP)in an urban Chinese population and to provide a profile prediction for the risk of bacterial infection,inflammatory diseases,or tissue damages in the body.Methods Serum hsCRP was determined using the Roche Tina-quant immuno-turbidimetric assay on a Hitachi 7600–010 automatic biochemical analyzer(Roche Diagnostics)in 1,572 males and 1,800 females,including 78 pregnant women,who were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Survey in2010–2012.Results The average hsCRP concentration in urban China was 0.68 mg/L for males and 0.65 mg/L for females.Significant differences in hsCRP were found among different age groups(P<0.05).Monitoring results showed no significant differences among the 6–11,45–59,and≥60-year-old groups in the comparison of hsCRP between males and females in large cities.However,hsCRP concentration was significantly higher in men aged 12–17 and 18–44 years than in women.Conclusion The distribution of the hsCRP status of residents in large cities in China was influenced by age and gender,and the hsCRP levels of both sexes increased gradually with age.In addition,hsCRP concentration was higher in healthy pregnant women than in non-pregnant women.Basing on our results,we recommend that this parameter be included in future national and international screening for early detection of various illnesses.

Responses of serum inflammatory factor high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in elderly males with cerebral infarction Non-randomized concurrent control

BACKGROUND： Cerebral infarction is poorly treated due to neuronal necrosis and secondary pathophysiological changes; for example, free radical production and inflammatory reactions. OBJECTIVE： To detect the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, and tumor necrosis factor- a （TNF- α ） in elderly males with cerebral infarction. DESIGN： Non-randomized current control study. SETTING： Cadre Medical Department, Guizhou Provincial People＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： Forty elderly males （65-89 years old） with cerebral infarction were selected from Cadre Medical Department, Guizhou Provincial People＇s Hospital from February 2004 to December 2006. All patients met the diagnostic criteria of cerebral infarction modified at the 4th National Cerebrovascular Disease Academic Meeting, and were diagnosed on the basis of CT or MRI tests. Furthermore, 35 elderly male inpatients （65-87 years old） without cerebral infarction were selected as the control group. Included subjects provided confirmed consent and did not have heart disease, diabetes mellitus, lipid disorder, acute trauma, infection, rheumatism, or other inflammatory diseases. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. There were no significant differences in age, blood pressure, and lipid levels between the cerebral infarction group and the control group （P 〉 0.05）, and this suggested that the baseline data of both groups were comparable. METHODS： Fasting venous blood was drawn from cerebral infarction patients 24 hours after cerebral infarction attack and from control subjects 24 hours after hospitalization. A latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF- α in the serum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The levels of hs-CRP, 1L-6, and TNF- α in the serum in both groups. RESULTS： Forty cerebral infarction patients and thirty-five control subjects were included in the final analysis without any loss. Levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the cerebral infarction group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Levels of serum inflammatory reactive factors are increased in elderly males with cerebral infarction.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide but not high-sensitivity C-reactive protein is related to severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective Biochemical indicators such as N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide（NT pro-BNP）and high-sensitivity Creactive protein（hsCRP）predict mortality in acute coronary syndrome（ACS）.However,little is known about the relationship of these factors with severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with.Methods Three hundred and thirty-one subjects including 246 unstable angina pectoris patients and 85 myocardial infarction patients were recruited and classified into two groups：single-vessel disease group（1-vessel disease,n=93）and multiple-vessel disease group（≥2-vessels disease,n=238）according to selective coronary angiography.Plasma levels of NT pro-BNP and hsCRP were measured and severity of coronary stenosis was determined by Gensini score.Results NT pro-BNP but not hsCRP level was higher in patients with myocardial infarction than in patients with unstable angina pectoris.The patients with multiple-vessel disease had significantly higher NT pro-BNP level but not hsCRP compared with those with single-vessel disease.NT pro-BNP levels increased significantly as left ventricle（LV）function decreased,and only NT proBNP but not hsCRP level was related to Gensini score of severity of coronary stenosis in ACS.Conclusion NT proBNP but not hsCRP level is related to severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients in ACS.

High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Associated with Different Health Predictors in Middle-Aged and oldest old Chinese

Objective To describe the distribution of plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hsCRP） and explore the relationship between hsCRP and metabolic risk factors among residents living in longevity areas of China. Methods 268 individuals aged between 40 and 59 years and 506 individuals aged over 90 years were selected from 5 longevity areas of China to participate in a cross section longitudinal cohort study. The participants were interviewed with general health related questionnaire to collect their demographic, behavioral and lifestyle data, as well as their chronic conditions, and meanwhile their physical and biomedical parameters including waist circumference （WC）, blood pressure （BP）, hsCRP, plasma lipids, and fasting blood glucose （FBG） were measured. Results The median of hsCRP was 0.99 mg/L in the middle-aged group and 2.76 mg/L in the oldest old group. No significant gender difference was observed between the above two groups. Among the oldest old individuals, 36.56% had an hsCRP level 〉3.0 mg/L. The prevalence of high hsCRP was 26.79% in the middle-aged group. The results of stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that HDL-C was independently associated with In （hsCRP） concentration in the middle-aged group, whereas In （TG）, HDL-C and FBG were correlated after adjustment for gender, study site, smoking, drinking, education and BMI in the oldest old group. Conclusion HDL-C is a stronger predictor of elevated hsCRP than other metabolic factors in the middle-aged population. For the oldest old persons, high TG, low HDL-C, and FBG predict elevated plasma hsCRP.

Associations of plasma homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels with arterial stiffness in Chinese population： a community-based study

Background Arterial stiffness increases with age and is also associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Little is known about the relations of homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） to arterial stiffness in the Chinese community. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of plasma homocysteine and hs-CRP levels with arterial stiffness in a community-based cohort. Methods We related levels of homocysteine and hs-CRP to four measures of arterial stiffness （carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity （PWV）, carotid-radial PWV, carotid-ankle PWV and heart rate corrected augmentation index） in 1680 participants from two communities of Beijing, China. Arterial stiffness was measured within two days of the time of biomarker measurement. Results In univariate analysis, homocysteine was positively associated with the carotid-femoral PWV （r=0.211, P 〈0.0001）, carotid-radial PWV （r=0.120, P 〈0.0001） and carotid-ankle PWV （r=0.148, P 〈0.0001）, whereas it was inversely related to the augmentation index （r= -0.052, P=0.016）. Hs-CRP was positively associated with the carotid-femoral PWV （r=0.074, P=0.001） and carotid-ankle PWV （r=0.050, P=0.02）. In multiple-adjusted models （R2=0.57）, homocysteine levels remained a significant determinant of the carotid-femoral PWV （standardized 13=0.065, P=0.007）, whereas the association of hs-CRP with measurements of arterial stiffness was not present. Conclusions In the Chinese population, plasma homocysteine levels are associated with alterations of aortic stiffness, whereas plasma levels of hs-CRP are not independently related to artery stiffening.

二甲双胍对2型糖尿病患者血浆ET-1和血清hs-CRP、TNF2水平的影响

目的探讨了二甲双胍对DM2T2DM患者血浆ET-1和血清HS-CRP、TNF2水平的影响。方法应用放射免疫分析法和免疫比浊法对33例T2DM患者进行了血浆ET-1和血清HS-CRP、TNF2水平检测,并与35名正常健康人做比较。结果 T2DM患者在治疗前血浆ET-1和血清HS-CRP.TNF2水平均非常显著地高于正常人组(P<0.01)经二甲双胍治疗了3个月后,血浆ET-1和血清HS-CRP、TNF2水平与正常人比较无显著性差异(P>0.05)且ET-1水平与HS-CRP、TNF2水平成正相关(R=0.618 4、0.594 8 P<0.01)。结论二甲双胍具有改善血管内皮功能的作用。

Negative Association of Circulating MicroRNA-126 with High-sensitive C-reactive Protein and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background： Percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） causes endothelial damage, resulting in an inflammatory response with elevation of markers such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1（VCAM-1）, which are associated with restenosis after PCI. Evidence suggests that microRNA-126 （miR-126） plays an important role in vascular inflammation, but its correlation with PCl-mediated inflammation has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the effect of PCI on circulating miR-126 and inflammation markers such as hs-CRP and VCAM-1. Methods： We enrolled 130 patients with coronary artery disease （CAD） in the Second Hospital of Jilin University from October 2015 to December 2015. Among them, 82 patients with CAD, defined as at least one major epicardial vessel with 〉70% stenosis who planned to undergo PCI, were divided into acute coronary syndrome （ACS） group （46 patients） and stable angina （SA） group （36 patients）. Forty-eight patients confirmed by coronary angiography without PCI were used as controls. The plasmas of all patients were collected prior to PCI and at 30 min, 24 h, and 72 h after PCI. The plasma VCAM-1 and hs-CRP were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the miR-126 was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results： Plasma concentrations of hs-CRP and VCAM-I in patients with either ACS （n = 46） or SA （n = 36） were significantly higher than in controls （n = 48） （P 〈 0.01） prior to PCI, and increased further at 24 h and 72 h after PCI, compared with prior PCI. Moreover, VCAM-1 was positively correlated with balloon time and pressure. In contrast, the plasma concentration of miR-126 was significantly lower in patients with CAD than in controls, and further decreased with time post-PCl. A negative correlation was observed between miR-126 and hs-CRP and VCAM-1 at 72 h after PCI. Conclusion： There was a negative correlation of miR-126 with the PCI-induced markers of inflammation such as hs-CRP and VCAM-1.

Relationships of High-sensitive C-reactive Protein ant P-wave Dispersion in Lone Atrial Fibrillation

Background： Current evidence links atrial fibrillation （AF） to the inflammation. Inflammatory indexes such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） have been related to the development and persistence of AF. However, the role of inflammation in the atrial electrophysiological remodeling indexed by P-wave dispersion （Pa） remains unclear. Methods： The study consisted of 71 patients with lone paroxysmal AF （AF group） and 71 age- and gender-matched controls of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia without history of AF （control group）. Electrocardiography, P hs-CRP, and other clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups. Results： There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, gender, hyperlipidemia, etc. Compared to controls, left atrial diameter （44 ± 7 vs 39 ± 7 mm）, Pd （49 ± 13 vs 26 ± 8 ms）, and hs-CRP （2.17 [1.46-2.89] vs 1.12 [0.74-1.41] rag/L） were increased （P 〈 0.05）, respectively. Linear regression identified hs-CRP as an independent correlation ofPd level both in the total population and the AF group （r = 0.464 and 0.313; P 〈 0.001, respectively）. Multiple logistic regression revealed hs-C RP as an independent determinant of AF （odds ratio [OR] =l 5.430, 95% confidence interval： 6.031-39.476： P 〈0.001）. Further adjusted tbr Pd, both Pd and hs-CRP were independent predictors for AF, but the OR for hs-CRP in predicting AF has been attenuated from 15.430 to 6.246. Conclusions： In lone AF, P and plasma hs-CRP concentration are inter-associated and related to AF. The interaction between hs-CRP and AF may be mediated by Pe, suggesting an important role of inflammation in the atrial electrophysiological remodeling predisposing to AF.

The diagnostic value of tumor abnormal protein and high sensitivity C reactive protein in screening for endometrial cancer with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm

Objective This study aimed to combine tumor abnormal protein(TAP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) level detection to diagnose endometrial cancer in patients with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm, and to provide a reference for clinical screening and diagnosis. Methods Clinical data from 19 cases of endometrial cancer, diagnosed on the basis of pathological findings, were collected from September 2014 to December 2015. The inclusion criteria were as follows: the patients were first diagnosed with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm and were all in menopause. Perimenopausal patients(n = 26) with uterine fibroids seen during the same period were selected as a control group. Serum TAP and hs-CRP levels of the patients in the two groups were simultaneously determined on admission. Results We found that both TAP and hs-CRP levels in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group [(182.95 ± 72.14) μm^2 vs.(133.19 ± 55.18) μm^2, P = 0.019;(7.52 ± 19.03) mg/L vs.(1.66 ± 2.31) mg/L, P = 0.136]. The sensitivity of TAP for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer was 73.68%, the specificity was 69.23%, and the Youden index was 0.4291. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of hs-CRP was 15.79% and 100%, respectively, and the Youden index was 0.1579. After plotting the receiver operating characteristics curves, the optimal cut-off value for TAP in diagnosing endometrial cancer was found to be 160.662 μm^2 and that for hs-CRP was 1.07 mg/L. Conclusion For patients suspected of having endometrial cancer with endometrial thickness less than 8 mm, combined detection of TAP and hs-CRP levels can be used as a screening tool and can provide new ideas regarding clinical diagnosis and treatment.

The changes of Hs-CRP and WBC count after percutaneous coronary intervention in different types of coronary heart diseases

Objective： To investigate the regulation of High sensitive C-reactive protein（Hs-CRP） and WBC count in patients with coronary heart disease（CHD） by percutaneous transluminal intervention（PCI） and to discuss the mechanism of inflammatory reaction after coronary stenting. Methods：127 patients who received successful percutaneous transluminal coronary stenting, were divided into groups of stable angina（SAP）, unstable angina（UAP）, and acute myocardial infarction（AMI） according to their clinical types. Another 41 stable angina patients with more than 70% of coronary artery tenosis who did not receive PCI served as control. Serum Hs-CRP levels and WBC count were determined before intervention, 3 days and 7 days post PCI and the data were analyzed statistically by t-test. Results： There showed no difference in clinical baseline characteristics between groups. The serum Hs-CRP level and WBC count was gradually raised in the UAP and AMI group（how about SAP group, andhad no difference in CAG group and SAP group）. After PCI serum HsCRP levels and WBC counts were significantly higher in the SAP group than in the coronary angiography group（CAG） at 3 days and had no difference at 7 days. In the UAP and AMI group, the serum Hs-CRP level at 3 days and 7 days declined obviously, however serum WBC count did not decrease apparently. Conclusion： The serum Hs-CRP level and WBC count elevate transiently after PCI. There are different inflammatory reactions in different types of coronary heart diseases after coronary stenting procedure.

Testosterone replacement therapy improves insulin sensitivity and decreases high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal young male patients

Background Many clinical studies suggest the inverse relationship between testosterone levels and insulin sensitivity in men, however the causative relationship of these two events is still not determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy （TRT） on insulin sensitivity, body composition, serum lipid profiles and high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hsCRP） in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal （HH） puberty undeveloped male patients. Methods In this prospectively designed study, we compared homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance （HOMA-IR）, insulin areas under the curves （AUC） of 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） and other metabolic parameters between 26 HH patients and 26 healthy men. The patients＇ HOMA-IR, insulin AUC, body composition, lipid profiles, hsCRP and other parameters were compared before and after nine-month TRT. Results The average levels of total testosterone （TT） in HH and healthy group were （0.9±0.6） nmol/L and （18.8±3.4） nmol/L, respectively. HOMA-IR in HH group was significantly higher than the healthy group （5.14±5.16 vs 2.00±1.38, P 〈0.005）. Insulin AUC in 3-hour OGTT in HH group was significantly higher than the healthy group （698.6±414.7 vs 414.2±267.5, P 〈0.01）. Fasting glucose level in H H group was significantly higher than control group （（5.1±0.6） mmol/L vs （4.7±0.3） mmol/l, P 〈0.005）. Height, weight and grasp strength of the patients were significantly increased after 9-month TRT. Significant reductions in HOMA-IR （from 5.14±5.16 to 2.97±2.16, P 〈0.01）, insulin AUC （from 698.6±414.7 to 511.7±253.9, P 〈0.01） and hsCRP （from （1.49±1.18） mg/L to （0.70±0.56） mg/L, P 〈0.05） were found after TRT. Serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride were all decreased, albeit with no significant difference compared to the level prior to TRT. Conclusions HOMA-IR, insulin AUC and fasting glucose level in HH young male patients were significantly higher than those of the control group, which suggests that low level of testosterone in male adolescents might be a risk factor for insulin resistance. TRT can significantly improve patients＇ insulin sensitivity and suppress serum hsCRP, which in return suggests that TRT may prevent the HH patients from developing diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases （CVD） in future.

Elevated high sensitive C-reactive protein and apelin levels after percutaneous coronary intervention and drug-eluting stent implantation

Objective:Percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) triggers an acute inflammatory response,while sirolimus is known to have anti-inflammatory properties;the inflammatory system response to PCI after sirolimus-eluting stent placement remains unclear.The purpose of this study is to determine the changes in high sensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) and apelin after PCI procedure and drug-eluting stent implantation in patients with and without reduced left ventricular systolic function.Methods:Forty-eight consecutive patients undergoing PCI at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between July and September 2006 were recruited.Sirolimus-eluting stents were employed in all patients.Blood samples were drawn immediately before and 24 h after the procedure.Plasma hs-CRP and apelin levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay.Results:Paired t-test revealed a significant increase in both hs-CRP and apelin post-procedure(P=0.006 and P<0.0001,respectively).Patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) had significantly lower baseline apelin levels compared to those with normal ventricular function [(46.8±10.8) vs.(72.0±8.4) pg/ml,P<0.001].However,apelin increased to a level similar to the level of those with normal left ventricular systolic function 24 h after the PCI procedure [(86.7±11.6) vs.(85.1±6.1) pg/ml,P=0.72].Conclusions:hs-CRP and apelin levels increased after PCI and sirolimus-eluting stent implantation.Patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function had significantly lower baseline apelin levels,which increased significantly after PCI.

Elevated IL-37 levels in the plasma of patients with severe coronary arterycalcification

Background Coronary artery calcification （CAC） is a predictor of cardiovascular events and plaque burden and is closely associatedwith chronic inflammation. Intedeukin （IL）-37 is a newly discovered member of the IL-1 family and is considered an anti-inflammatorycytokine. Our recent study on mice indicated that IL-37 could attenuate atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, which suggests that IL-37could be associated with the development of atherosclerosis and related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if IL-37 plays arole in the progression of CAC in patients. Methods Two hundred participants with suspected cardiovascular disease were recruited. Thelevels of plasma IL-37, osteoprotegerin （OPG）, hypersensitive C-reactive protein （hsCRP） together with other biochemical parameters weremeasured, and a coronary calcium assessment was carried out by multi-detector row CT. A score of 〈 10 AU （Agatston units） denotes anabsence of CAC, a score of 11-100 AU denotes mild CAC, 101-400 denotes moderate CAC, and 〉 400 AU denotes severe CAC. ResultsOur initial data showed that there were no apparent differences in plasma IL-37 levels among patients with or without mild or moderate CAC.However, IL-37 levels were significantly increased in patients with severe CAC （P 〈 0.001）. Similar results were observed for plasma OPGand hsCRP levels. When IL-37 levels in patients with severe calcification were compared with that in all of the other non-severe CAC groups,it became apparent that there was a significant positive correlation between IL-37 level and severe CAC （r = 0.360, P 〈 0.001; OR = 1.033）using Spearrnan＇s correlation and binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory cy-tokine IL-37 is associated with high coronary calcium levels, suggesting that IL-37 expression may be caused by the activation ofinf/amma-tion and that IL-37 might become a predictor of severe CAC in the future, which requires further investigation.

Protective effect of LIF-huM SCs on the retina of diabetic model rats

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUCMSCs)modified by the LIF gene on the retinal function of diabetic model rats and preliminarily explore the possible mechanism.METHODS:A stably transfected cell line of hUCMSCs overexpressing leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)was constructed.Overexpression was verified by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Forty-eight adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control group(group A),streptozotocin-induced diabetic control group(group B),diabetic rats at 3mo injected with empty vector-transfected hUCMSCs(group C)or injected with LIF-hUCMSCs(group D).Four weeks after the intravitreal injection,analyses in all groups included retinal function using flash electroretinogram(F-ERG),retinal blood vessel examination of retinal flat mounts perfused with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran(FITCdextran),and retinal structure examination of sections using hematoxylin and eosin staining.Expression levels of adiponectin(APN),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP),and neurotrophin-4(NT-4)in each group was detected using immunohistochemistry,PCR,Western blotting,and ELISA,respectively.RESULTS:A stable transgenic cell line of LIF-hUCMSCs was constructed.F-ERG and FITC-dextran examinations revealed no abnormalities of retinal structure and function in group A,severe damage of the retinal blood vessels and function in group B,and improved retinal structure and function in group C and especially group D.qPCR,ELISA,and Western blot analyses revealed progressively higher APN and NT-4 expression levels in groups B,C,and D than in group A.hs-CRP expression was significantly higher in group B than in groups A,C,and D,and was significantly higher in group C than in group D(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:LIF-hUCMSCs protect the retina of diabetic rats by upregulating APN and NT-4 expression and downregulating hs-CRP expression in the retina.

Associations of oxidative stress and inflammation and their role in the regulation of membrane fluidity of red blood cells in hypertensive and normotensive men: An electron spin resonance investigation

There is evidence showing that increased levels of oxidative stress and C-reactive protein (CRP) might be associated with obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. This study was undertaken to investigate possible relationships among plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PG F2α: an index of oxidative stress), high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP and membrane fluidity (a reciprocal value of microviscosity) in hypertensive and normotensive men using an electron spin resonance (ESR)-method. The order parameter (S) for the spin-label agents (5-nitroxide stearate) of red blood cell (RBC) membranes in the ESR spectra was significantly higher in hypertensive men than in normotensive men, indicating that membrane fluidity was decreased in hypertensive men. Both plasma 8-iso-PG F2α and hs-CRP levels were significantly increased in hypertensive men compared with normotensive men. In addition, plasma plasma 8-iso-PG F2α levels were correlated with plasma hs-CRP levels. In contrast, plasma nitric oxide (NO)-metabolites were lower in hypertensive men than in normotensive men, and inversely correlated with plasma 8-iso-PG F2α and hs-CRP. The order parameter(S) of RBCs was correlated with plasma 8-iso-PG F2α and plasma hs-CRP, and inversely correlated with plasma NO-metabolites, suggesting that reduced membrane fluidity of RBCs might be associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Multivariate regression analysis also showed that, after adjusting for general risk factors, both plasma 8-iso-PG F2α and hs-CRP were significant determinants of membrane fluidity of RBCs. The ESR suggests that associations of oxidative stress and inflammation might have a close correlation with impaired rheologic behavior of RBCs and microcirculatory dysfunction in hypertensive men.

Predicted pro-inflammatory hs-CRP score and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a major contributor to liver diseases globally,yet there are limited studies investigating the impact of diet and lifestyle factors on its development.This study aimed to examine the association between the prevalence of NAFLD and predicted pro-inflammatory high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)score.Methods:We included 1,076 Korean adults who underwent a medical examination at the Seoul National University Hospital Gangnam Healthcare Center in Korea between May and December 2011 and updated in 2021.The predicted pro-inflammatory hs-CRP score was derived from pro-inflammatory demographic,lifestyle,dietary,and anthropometric factors,and NAFLD was diagnosed using liver ultrasound.Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios(ORs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)of NAFLD odds according to predicted pro-inflammatory hs-CRP score were estimated using logistic regression at a two-sided P<0.05.Results:Among the 1,076 participants,320 had NAFLD.The multivariable-adjusted ORs and 95%CIs for NAFLD by tertiles of predicted pro-inflammatory hs-CRP score were 1.00,3.30(2.06,5.30),18.25(10.47,31.81;P<0.0001)in men and women combined,1.00,1.77(1.10,2.84),and 3.26(2.02,5.28;P<0.0001)among men only,and 1.00,3.03(1.39,6.62),and 16.71(7.05,39.63;P<0.0001)among women only.Conclusions:Predicted pro-inflammatory hs-CRP score was associated with higher odds of NAFLD.Adopting dietary and lifestyle changes related to lower inflammation might be a valuable strategy for preventing NAFLD.

Influence of Simvastatin for In-stent Restenosis Rate and Blood Lipid Level and Inflammation Actor after Coronary Artery Stent Implantation

Objectives To investigate the effect of simvastatin on the probability of restenosis after stent implantation and serum level of lipids as well as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods 118 patients with CHD after stenting therapy were divided into treatment group (n=62) and control group (n=56) randomly. All patients were treated with aspirin (100 mg/d) and clopidogrel (75 mg/d) while treatment group patients took simvastatin (40 mg qn) additionally. All patients underwent coronary angiography (CAG) to compare the difference of restenosis and the serum level of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglyceride (TG) as well as hs-CRP after the drug treatment for 6 months. Results The probability of restenosis was significantly lower in the treatment group than that of control group (P<0.01) and the results were similar between the patients with bare metal stent (P<0.01) and those with sirolimus-eluting stent (P<0.01). The serum levels of TC (P<0.01), LDL-c (P<0.01), TG (P<0.05) and hs-CRP (P<0.01) were obviously lower while the HDL-c (P<0.05) level was higher in the treatment group than those of control group. There was no death case. Conclusions Simvastatin could decrease the probability of restenosis significantly after coronary stent implantation with dose of 40 mg/d. It also has good performance on lipids control and lightening inflammatory reactions with its undoubtedly safety.

Study on Related Factors of Aspirin Resistance in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective:To study the related factors of aspirin resistance(AR)in acute ischemic stroke.Methods:A total of 138 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated in hospital affiliated to Xuzhou medical university from August 2016 to August 2018 were the study subjects,examine his medical data from the past.They were divided into the AR group(40 cases)and the non-AR group(98 cases)according to whether AR appears.Gender,disease history,biochemical indicators and etc.were compared between the two groups.The independent risk factors of AR were investigated using univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis.Results:40 cases of AR occurred in 138 patients,with an incidence rate of 28.99%.Diabetes,platelet count(PLT),microRNA-19a(m iR-19a)expression,smoking,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),fibrinogen(FIB)and age difference between the AR group and non-AR group was statistically significant(P<0.05).Gender,hypertension,uric acid(UA),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),triglycerides(TG),homocysteine(Hcy),total cholesterol(TC),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between the two groups were not significantly different(P>0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for AR in acute ischemic stroke were diabetes(OR=2.773,95%CI:1.102~5.065,P=0.025),miR-19a(OR=3.021,95%CI:1.322~6.545,P=0.021),hs-CRP(OR=2.719,95%CI:1.301~5.022,P=0.028)and smoking(OR=1.983,95%CI:1.114~3.887,P=0.040).Conclusion:The incidence of AR is higher in acute ischemic stroke.Risk factors include diabetes,miR-19a expression,hs-CRP,smoking,etc.Clinical intervention measures can be taken to reduce the risk of AR and improve acute ischemic stroke prognosis.

Expression of Serum hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 in Arrhythmia Patients and its Significance

Objective:The purpose of this study is to examine the expression ofserum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)in patients with arrhythmia and its significance.Methods:We selected 136 arrhythmia patients(observation group)who were treated at our hospital from February 2016 to March 2018.Among these patients,50 had premature ventricular contractions,42 had atrial fibrillation,24 had atrial flutter,and 20 had ventricular tachycardia.Simultaneously,we selected 120 healthy volunteers as the control group.We measured serum levels of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 in these subjects.Results:The levels of Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP of the observation group were 210.06±30.46 pg/mL and 13.54±3.16,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP of patients with atrial flutter were 260.87±32.24 and 19.84±5.10 pg/mL,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of patients with premature ventricular contractions,atrial fibrillation,and ventricular tachycardia(P<0.05).Serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP were posi-tively correlated(r=0.413,P<0.05).Conclusion:Serum levels of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2 in arrhythmia patients were significantly elevated and showed some association with the type of arrhythmia.