Influence of atherosclerosis on the molecular expression of the TRPC1/BK signal complex in the aortic smooth muscles of mice.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one a disease that seriously endangers human health. Previous studies have demonstrated that transient receptor potential channel-1 (TRPC1)/large conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channel (BK) signal complex is widely distributed in arteries. Therefore, it was hypothesized that TRPC1-BK signal complex may be a new target for the treatment of AS-related diseases. Apolipoprotein E-/- (ApoE-/-) mice were used to establish an atherosclerotic animal model in the present study, and the association between AS and the TRPC1-BK signal complex was examined. The present study aimed to compare the differences in the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins of the TRPC1-BK signal complex expressed in the aortic vascular smooth muscle tissue, between mice with AS and control mice. There were 10 mice in each group. Reverse transcription PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the differences in the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPC1, BKα (the α subunit of BK) and BKß1 (the ß1 subunit of BK). The mRNA expression level of TRPC1 in AS model mice was significantly higher compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). However, the mRNA expression levels of BKα and BKß1 were lower compared with those in the controls (both P<0.01). The mice in the ApoE-/- group successfully developed AS. In this group, the protein expression level of TRPC1 was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of BKα and BKß1 were lower compared with those in the control group (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Collectively, it was identified that the protein and mRNA expression levels of the TRPC1/BK signal complex in the aortic vascular smooth muscle tissue could be influenced by the development of AS in mice. Hence, the TRPC1/BK signal complex may be a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of AS-related complications in the future.

Effects of spironolactone towards rabbit atrial remodeling with rapid pacing.

This study aimed to observe the effects of spironolactone towards the rabbit atrial remodeling with rapid atrial pacing (RAP). 30 rabbits were randomly divided into control group, RAP group and spironolactone group, with 10 rabbits in each group. RAP was performed at the speed of 800 beats/min for 8 h, atrial effective refractory period (AERP) was determined before and at the 1(st), 2(nd), 4(th), 6(th) and 8(th) of the pacing, the expressions of atrial muscular calcium channel α1C subunit and ß1 subunit mRNA were performed the RT-PCR detection, and ultrastructural changes of atrial myocytes were observed. AERP of RAP group shortened, with poor frequency adaptability; the expressions of calcium channel α1C subunit and ß1 subunit mRNA decreased 22% and 26%, respectively, when compared with the control group; ultrastructure of atrial myocytes changed significantly. AERP of spironotlactone group shortened less that RAP group, and the frequency adaptability was maintained, the decreased expressions of calcium channel α1C subunit and ß1 subunit mRNA significantly reduced. RAP could cause atrial remodeling, while spironolactone could inhibit RAP-induced atrial remodeling.

Clinical Evaluation of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis Using Dual-Source Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in the evaluation of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) by comparing the results of DSCT and selective coronary angiography (CAG). METHODS: In-stent restenosis examination results from DSCT were compared with those obtained using CAG. RESULTS: Among 173 stents studied, 156 yielded good quality images when evaluated with DSCT. CAG identified 38 ISR cases, while DSCT found 40. Among the 112 stents in the study with an inner diameter ≥3.0 mm, CAG identified 29 as having ISR, while DSCT reported the same finding in 30; among the 44 stents with inner diameter <3.0 mm, CAG identified ISR in 9, while DSCT found ISR in 10. CONCLUSIONS: Stent inner diameter is a key factor influencing the imaging of the stent lumen. DSCT demonstrated a higher negative predictive value in ISR assessment, suggesting that it could replace CAG for assessing the patency of stents with a larger inner diameter (≥3 mm).