Pulse pressure correlates with coronary artery calcification and risk for coronary heart disease: a study of elderly individuals in the rural region of Southwest China.

AIM: This study aimed to define the relationship between pulse pressure (PP) and coronary artery calcification (CAC), a proven surrogate marker for coronary heart disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 170 participants 50-70 years of age from 11 villages of Yunnan Province of China were enrolled randomly into this study. They were examined routinely for diastolic and systolic blood pressure, PP, and CAC. RESULTS: The average PP in the CAC-positive group was significantly higher than that in the CAC-negative group. In the positive CAC group, there were significantly positive correlations between PP and CAC score, volume, mass, as well as density. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that PP performed well in predicting CAC. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, among the rural people of southwest of China, PP correlates positively with the coronary calcium Agatston score, volume, mass, and density. PP predicted CAC as well as Framingham Risk Score. The measurement of PP widening may serve as an alternative and convenient method for assessing CAC risk in rural populations with poor accessibility and economic disadvantage over coronary computed tomography scanning.

Impact of proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on expression of NF-κB, IL-1ß and histological remodeling after myocardial infarction.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of carbobenzoxy-Leu-Leu-leucinal (MG-132) on myocardial remodeling in rats with myocardial infarction (MI) and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms. The rat model of MI was established, followed by administration of MG-132 (MG group), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamic acid (PDTC group) or normal saline (MI group) for 28 days. The expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), as well as the total volume of collagen and the ratio of type I/III collagen were then detected. Total collagen, including type I and III collagen, and the ratio of type I/III collagen were significantly increased in MI rats compared with those in the sham group (P<0.01), while it was significantly decreased in the PDTC and MG groups compared with that in the MI group (P<0.01). A similar trend was identified for the expression of NF-κB, IL-1ß and MMP-2, which was significantly increased in the MI group compared with that in the sham group (P<0.01), while it was significantly decreased in the MG and PDTC groups compared with that in the MI group (P<0.01). In conclusion, MG-132 was demonstrated to improve post-MI tissue remodeling, and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of NF-κB activation and the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1ß.