Using artificial intelligence to document the hidden RNA virosphere.

Current metagenomic tools can fail to identify highly divergent RNA viruses. We developed a deep learning algorithm, termed LucaProt, to discover highly divergent RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) sequences in 10,487 metatranscriptomes generated from diverse global ecosystems. LucaProt integrates both sequence and predicted structural information, enabling the accurate detection of RdRP sequences. Using this approach, we identified 161,979 potential RNA virus species and 180 RNA virus supergroups, including many previously poorly studied groups, as well as RNA virus genomes of exceptional length (up to 47,250 nucleotides) and genomic complexity. A subset of these novel RNA viruses was confirmed by RT-PCR and RNA/DNA sequencing. Newly discovered RNA viruses were present in diverse environments, including air, hot springs, and hydrothermal vents, with virus diversity and abundance varying substantially among ecosystems. This study advances virus discovery, highlights the scale of the virosphere, and provides computational tools to better document the global RNA virome.

Rare case of simultaneous occurrence of chronic neutrophil leukemia and T lymphoblastic lymphoma: case report and literature review.

Chronic neutrophil leukemia (CNL) is a rare and life-threatening disease. Cases of CNL combined with lymphoma are rare. Here, we report a case of CNL with T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) in a 28-year-old male. After a regimen of ruxolitinib, VICLP (Vincristine, Idarubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Prednisone, Peg-asparaginase) regimen, high-dose cytarabine, and methotrexate regimens, the patient's bone marrow condition partially resolved. However, when the disease relapsed four months later, despite attempts with selinexor, venetoclax, and CAG(aclarubicin hydrochloride, Algocytidine, Granulocyte Stimulating Factor) chemotherapy, the leukocytes and peripheral blood primitive cells reduced, but the bone marrow did not achieve remission. This pathogenesis may be related to microenvironmental immune escape under prolonged inflammatory stimulation and gene disruption affecting protein function due to colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor gene (CSF3R) mutations. For this type of disease, early intervention may delay disease progression.

Associations between 24-h movement behaviours and BMI in Chinese primary- and middle- school students.

Purposes: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations between the 24-h movement behaviours and body mass index (BMI) of students from China by using compositional data analysis. Methods: A total of 389 students aged 6-16 years participated in this study. Accelerometers were used to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), sedentary behaviour (SED), and sleep. Weight and height were objectively measured. The association between 24-h movement and BMI was analyzed by using compositional data analysis. Results: Time reallocation using minutes and proportions created major differences to the results. Reallocating 10 min from other movement behaviours to MVPA was associated with decreased BMI z-score of 1.372 to 0.158 among primary-school students. Reallocating 10 min from sleep and SED to MVPA, and from sleep and SED to LPA were associated with decreased BMI z-score of 0.505 to 0.017 among middle-school students. Reallocating 10% of time from all other components to SED and sleep were associated with a higher BMI z-score by 0.148 (95%CI: 0.020; 0.276) and 0.125 (95%CI: 0.046; 0.204), while reallocating time to MVPA was associated with a decrease in BMI z-scores of 0.132 (95%CI: -0.193; -0.070) among primary-school students. Reallocating 10% of time from all other components to SED was associated with a higher BMI z-score of 0.254 (95%CI: 0.165; 0.345), whereas reallocating time to MVPA and LPA was associated with a decrease in BMI z-scores of 0.039 (95%CI: -0.073; -0.005) and 0.093 (95%CI: -0.153; -0.033) among middle-school students. Conclusion: Research results of 10-min one-to-one reallocation may be treated cautiously due to uneven distribution of time in 24-h movement behaviours. Based on the results of 10% one-to-remaining reallocation, replacing SED with MVPA may be an appropriate target for adiposity intervention in primary-school students, while increasing MVPA or LPA at the expense of SED may be effective in controlling adiposity of middle-school students in China.

Association between ADAMTS7 TagSNPs and the risk of myocardialinfarction.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Genome-wide association studies have revealed an association of ADAMTS7 polymorphisms with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the role of ADAMTS7 polymorphisms on myocardial infarction (MI) risk remains poorly understood. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of ADAMTS7 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on individual susceptibility to MI. STUDY DESIGN: Genotyping of the four tagSNPs (rs1994016, rs3825807, rs4380028 and rs7173743) was performed in 232 MI cases and 661 control subjects using PCR-ligase detection reaction (LDR) method. The association of these four tagSNPs with MI risk was performed with SPSS software. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ADAMTS7 tagSNP rs3825807 exhibited a significant effect on MI risk. Compared with the TT homozygotes, the CT genotype (OR1.93, 95% CI1.30to 2.85, Pc=0.004) and the combined CC/CT genotypes (OR1.70, 95% CI1.16 to 2.50, Pc=0.028) were statistically significantly associated with the increased risk for MI. Further stratified analysis revealed a more significant association with MI risk among older subjects, hypertensives, non-diabetics and patients with hyperlipidaemia. Consistently, the haplotype rs1994016T-rs3825807C containing rs3825807 C allele exhibited increased MI risk (OR1.52, 95% CI1.10 to 2.10, p=0.010). However, we did not detect any association of the other three tagSNPs with MI risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding suggest that ADAMTS7 tagSNP rs3825807 contributes to MI susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. Further studies are necessary to confirm the general validity of our findings and to clarify the underlying mechanism for this association.

[Efficacy and Safety of Etoposide Combined with Cyclophosphamide for Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of etoposide combined with cyclophosphamide (EC) regimen for mobilization of autologous peripheral blood stem cells (APBSCs) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: The clinical data of 48 MM patients who received APBSC transplantation (APBSCT) in Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2015 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The mobilization success rate and mobilization optimal rate of EC regimen were counted, and its effect on transplant efficacy, adverse reactions, hematopoietic reconstitution after transplantation, and survival time of MM patients were analyzed. RESULTS: APBSCs were collected on day 14 (10-19) after EC administration. The median of collected CD34+ cells was 6.82 (1.27-22.57)×106/kg, and the median number of apheresis session was 2 (1-4). The mobilization success rate (collecting CD34+ cells≥2×106 cells/kg after completion of apheresis) was 98% (47/48), and mobilization optimal rate (collecting CD34+ cells≥5×106 cells/kg after completion of apheresis) was 71% (34/48). The depth of remission were improved after APBSCT, and the complete remission (CR) rate increased from 45.8% before transplantation to 87.5% after transplantation (P <0.01). There was no transplant-related death, no blood transfusion during mobilization, and no mucositis occurred in the patients. The most common complication was neutropenia, with an incidence of 75.0% (36/48). After transplantation, all the patients successfully achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 10 (9-26) days, and median time to platelet engraftment was 10 (8-33) days. By the end of follow-up, both the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time were not reached. The 5-year estimated PFS rate and OS rate was 53.8% and 82.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The EC regimen for mobilization of APBSC has a high acquisition success rate and controllable adverse reactions, which can be an effective and safe mobilization regimen in MM patients.

[Research Progress of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Sell Trans-plantation in the Treatment of Adult Hemophagocytic Lympho-histiocytosis --Review].

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory clinical syndrome of uncontrolled immune response which results in hypercytokinemia due to underlying primary or secondary immune defect. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the only cure therapy for primary HLH and recurrent/refractory hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Compared with children HLH, adult HLH is a much more heterogeneous syndrome requiring a more individualized protocol depending on the underlying trigger, disease severity and genetic background. At present, there remain controversies in various aspects including indications of haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), conditioning regimen, efficacy and prognosis. This article will review the recent advances of allo-HSCT in the treatment of adult HLH based on the above issues.

Chidamide, Decitabine, Cytarabine, Aclarubicin, and Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor Therapy for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Retrospective Study from a Single-Center.

OBJECTIVE: Preclinical evidence and clinical trials have suggested synergistic effects of epigenetic modifiers in combination with cytotoxic agents for the treatment of leukemia. However, their efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) remains unclear. METHODS: Clinical data of R/R AML patients who received a CDCAG regimen (chidamide, decitabine, cytarabine, aclarubicin, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) from July 1, 2018 to October 31, 2021 at our center were retrospectively assessed, and the safety and efficacy of the CDCAG regimen were evaluated. Patients were followed up until November 30, 2021, with a median follow-up of 21.6 months (95% CI: 10.0-33.2 months). RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were enrolled. Two patients died within 3 weeks after the initiation, and therefore only 65 patients underwent the assement for clinical response and survival. It was found that 56.9% patients achieved complete remission with a median overall survival (OS) of 9.6 months. The median OS of responders was 25.9 months, while that of non-responders was 5.0 months (P<0.0001). Patients with gene mutations had a superior overall response rate (ORR) (80.4% vs. 45.5%, P=0.043) compared to those without gene mutations. The presence of DNA methyltransferase 3 A (DNMT3A), ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET2), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) mutations did not affect the response rate (88.2% vs. 68.9%, P=0.220) and reflected a better OS (not attained vs. 9.0 months, P=0.05). The most common non-hematologic adverse events were pulmonary infection (73.1%), followed by febrile neutropenia (23.9%) and sepsis (19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The CDCAG regimen was effective and well-tolerated in R/R AML patients, increasing the potential for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, patients with DNMT3A, TET2, and IDH1/2 mutations might benefit from this regimen.

[Establishment and Clinical Significance of Prognostic Nomogram Model for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Based on Immunohistochemistry Markers and International Prognostic Index Scores].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze clinical characteristics and survival time of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), detect prognosis-related markers, and establish a nomogram prognostic model of clinical factors combined with biomarkers. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients with DLBCL were included in this study from January 2014 to March 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. The expression of GCET1, LMO2, BCL-6, BCL-2 and MYC protein were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), then the influences of these proteins on the survival and prognosis of the patients were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to gradually screen the prognostic factors in nomogram model. Finally, nomogram model was established according to the result of multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The positive expression of GCET1 protein was more common in patients with Ann Arbor staging I/II (P =0.011). Compared with negative patients, patients with positive expression of LMO2 protein did not often show B symptoms (P =0.042), and could achieve better short-term curative effect (P =0.005). The overall survival (OS) time of patients with positive expression of LMO2 protein was significantly longer than those with negative expression of LMO2 protein (P =0.018), though the expression of LMO2 protein did not correlate with progression-free survival (PFS) (P >0.05). However, the expression of GCET1 protein had no significant correlation with OS and PFS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that nomogram model consisted of 5 prognostic factors, including international prognostic index (IPI), LMO2 protein, BCL-2 protein, MYC protein and rituximab. The C-index applied to the nomogram model for predicting 4-year OS rate was 0.847. Moreover, the calibrated curve of 4-year OS showed that nomogram prediction had good agreement with actual prognosis. CONCLUSION: The nomogram model incorporating clinical characteristics and IHC biomarkers has good discrimination and calibration, which provides a useful tool for the risk stratification of DLBCL.

[Efficacy and Survival of Venetoclax Based Regimen in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and survival of venetoclax based (VEN-based) regimen in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia（AML）. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in patients who received VEN-based regimen and completed at least 1 course of efficacy evaluation at the The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from July 2019 to July 2022. The incidence of complete remission （CR）/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery （CRi） rate, objective remission rate（ORR） and survival of patients with different risk strati- fication and gene subtypes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were enrolled, including 43 patients with newly diagnosed unfit AML （unfit AML） and 36 relapsed/refractory AML (R/R AML). The median age of the patients was 62(14-83) years old. 36 out of 79 patients achieved CR/CRi and the ORR of the whole cohort was 64.6%. The CR/CRi rate of unfit AML patients was significantly higher than that of R/R AML patients (60.5% vs 27.8%, P=0.004). In unfit AML cohort, the patients with NPM1 and IDH1/2 mutations were benefited, 8 out of 9 patients ahcieved CR/CRi, 7/8 and 5/8 patients achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, respectively. Six out of 9 patients with TET2 mutation achieved CR/CRi, 3/6 patients achieved MRD negativity. In R/R AML cohort, 2 out of 3 patients with RUNX1 mutation achieved CR/CRi, without MRD negative, while the CR/CRi rate of patients with other gene mutations was lower than 40%. The median follow-up time was 10.1(95%CI: 8.6-11.6) months. In whole cohort, the median overall survival (mOS) time was 9.1 months and the relapse free survival (RFS) time was not reached. The mOS and RFS of unfit AML patients were significantly longer than those of R/R AML patients (14.1 vs 6.8 months, P=0.013; not reached vs 3.3 months, P=0.000). In unfit AML cohort, the mOS of patients with NPM1 or IDH1/2 mutations was not reached, while that of patients without NPM1 or IDH1/2 mutations was 8.0 months (P=0.009; P=0.022). Furthermore, the mOS of patients with TP53 mutaion was significantly shorter than that of patients without TP53 mutation (5.2 vs 14.1 months， P=0.049). In R/R AML cohort, there was no significant difference in mOS between patients with mutation in each gene subtype and those without gene mutation (P>0.05). All patients had hematology adverse reactions, 91.1% patients had AE grade≥3. The most common non-hematology adverse reactions was infection, with an incidence of 91.1%. VEN-based regimen was tolerable for AML patients. CONCLUSION: VEN-based regimen can achieve a high response rate, especially in unfit AML with acceptable safety, and some patients can achieve MRD negative. It is also effective in NPM1-, IDH1/2-positive patients with long survival time.

A circular intronic RNA ciPVT1 delays endothelial cell senescence by regulating the miR-24-3p/CDK4/pRb axis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been established to be involved in numerous processes in the human genome, but their function in vascular aging remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterize and analyze the function of a circular intronic RNA, ciPVT1, in endothelial cell senescence. We observed significant downregulation of ciPVT1 in senescent endothelial cells. In proliferating endothelial cells, ciPVT1 knockdown induced a premature senescence-like phenotype, inhibited proliferation, and led to an impairment in angiogenesis. An in vivo angiogenic plug assay revealed that ciPVT1 silencing significantly inhibited endothelial tube formation and decreased hemoglobin content. Conversely, overexpression of ciPVT1 in old endothelial cells delayed senescence, promoted proliferation, and increased angiogenic activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that ciPVT1 can sponge miR-24-3p to upregulate the expression of CDK4, resulting in enhanced Rb phosphorylation. Moreover, enforced expression of ciPVT1 reversed the senescence induction effect of miR-24-3p in endothelial cells. In summary, the present study reveals a pivotal role for ciPVT1 in regulating endothelial cell senescence and may have important implications in the search of strategies to counteract the development of age-associated vascular pathologies.

[Association between platelet-derived growth factor-C single nucleotide polymorphisms and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Western Chinese population].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely, rs4691383 and rs7667857, in the platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) gene, the genotypes, environmental exposure factors, and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in Western Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 268 case-parent trios were selected, and two SNPs (rs4691383 andrs7667857) were genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphic method and direct sequencing method. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, linkage disequilibrium test, transmission disequilibrium test, and haplotype analysis were conducted to analyze the data. Meanwhile, the questionnaires on the epidemiology of cleft lip and palate filled by the included samples were collected, and the interaction between the genotypes of the two SNPs and environmental exposure factors was assessed by conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The A allele at rs4691383 and the G allele at rs7667857 of PDGF-C gene were over-transmitted for NSCL/P (P<0.05). No interaction effect was observed between the three environmental exposure factors (history of smoking/passive smoking, folic acid supplementation, and long-term inhalation of harmful environmental gases) and the PDGF-C genotypes among NSCL/P (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The rs4691383 and rs7667857 at PDGF-C gene are closely related to the occurrence of NSCL/P in Western Chinese population. However, the interaction between environmental exposure factors and PDGF-C genotypes is not obvious in the occurrence of NSCL/P.

[Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of 59 Adult Patients with Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and the prognostic risk factors of adult patients with Epestein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-HLH) so as to enhance the understanding of EBV-HLH and diagnosis and treatment level. METHODS: The clinical manifestation and survival data of 59 adult patients with EBV-HLH admitted in our hospital from January 2013 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The most common clinical manifestations of 59 patients were high fever (100%), liver dysfunction (91.5%), however the skin rashes (1.7%), and neurologic abnormality (3.4%) were rare. 96.6% of the patients showed the elevation of serum ferritin and LDH level, and hypoproteinemia and sCD25≥2 400 U/ml were found in 93.2% and 92.3% of the patients, respectively. The median survival time of 59 patients was 2.5±0.7 months; overall survival rate of 1, 3, 6 and 12-month was 69.5%±6.0%, 44.7%±6.6%, 23.9%±5.8%, 19.7%±5.5%, respectively. Univariate survival analysis showed that the patients with EBV-DNA copies≥5×105/ml (P＜0.05), LDH level≥600 U/L (P＜0.05) and Plt count＜20×109/L (P＜0.05) had poor prognosis, and there was statistically difference in the overall survival rate (P＜0.01) between HLH-94/2004 group and the group treated without etoposide (not HLH-94/2004). Multivariate analysis revealed that LDH level≥600 U/L (P＜0.05), Plt count＜20×109/L (P＜0.05) and treatment protocol (not HLH-94/2004) (P＜0.01) were independent prognostic risk factors in 59 patients with EBV-HLH. CONCLUSIONS: EBV-HLH assocites with severe clinical features, high mortality rate and poor prognosis of patients. EBV-DNA copies≥5×105/ml (P＜0.05), LDH level≥600 U/L (P＜0.05) and Plt count＜20×109/L (P＜0.05) are the poor prognostic factors, and the treatment with HLH-94/2004 protocol can effectively improve the survival of EBV-HLH patients, should be applied as early as possible.

CircFOXO3 rs12196996, a polymorphism at the gene flanking intron, is associated with circFOXO3 levels and the risk of coronary artery disease.

CircFOXO3 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at circRNA flanking introns may change its back-splicing and influence circRNA formation. Here, we aimed to investigate the influence of the polymorphisms at the circFOXO3 flanking introns on individual susceptibility to CAD. A total of 1185 individuals were included in the case-control study. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, we determined that the rs12196996 G variant was significantly associated with increased CAD risk (OR = 1.36, P = 0.014). A similar trend of the association was observed in the recessive model (OR = 2.57, P = 0.003). Stratified analysis revealed a more significant association with CAD risk among younger subjects and non-smokers. Consistent with these results, the haplotype rs12196996G-rs9398171C containing rs12196996G allele was also associated with increased CAD risk (OR = 1.31, P = 0.013). Further investigation revealed that the rs12196996 GG genotype was associated with decreased circFOXO3 expression, but not linear FOXO3 levels. Taken together, our data provide the first evidence that the rs12196996 polymorphism at the circFOXO3 gene flanking intron is associated with CAD risk in the Chinese Han population, which is probably due to influence circFOXO3 levels.

[Prognostic Impact of 1q21 Amplification in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Receiving Bortezomib-Based First-Line Treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the amplification rate, clinical correlation and prognostic significance of 1q21 amplification in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: I-FISH was performed on purified 138+ plasma cells from 72 newly diagnosed MM patients from February 2013 to February 2016 receiving bortezomib-based chemotherapy by using probe covered 1q21 region. Cut off value is 20%. Amplification rate, clinical relevance and prognostic significance were analysed in MM patients. RESULTS: Among 72 patients, male 52, femail 20, the median age was 58(33-80).The amplification rate of 1q21 was 45.8%, the 1q21 amplification was positivly correlated with 13q14 deletion(P=0.041)and ISS III stage (P=0.002). With a median follow-up time of 17.0(3.0-40.0)months, the estimated median progression-free survival(PFS) time and overall survival(OS) time for patients with 1q21 amplification were 17.0 and 22.0 months, however, they did not reach in patients without 1q21 amplification(P=0.000, P=0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that del(17p13), 1q21 amplification and LDH≥220 U/L remained as independent risk factors for PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: 1q21 amplification is an important genetics prognosis indicator in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib-based first-line treatment. Bortezomib-based treatment can not improve the poor survival in patients with 1q21 amplification.

[Transgenic mouse models of the truncated platelet integrin ß3 cytoplasmic tail established by stem cell transplantation].

This study was purpose to establish the transgenic mouse models of the truncated platelet integrin ß3 by retrovirus-infected hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transplantation and to provide the basis for further study of the role of integrin ß3 cytoplasmic domain in platelet bi-directional signaling pathways. Wild-type ß3, ß3-Δ759 (R(760) GT(762) truncated ß3) and ß3-Δ754 (T(755) NITYRGT(762) truncated ß3) cDNAs were subcloned into MSCV MigR1 retroviral vector bearing a GFP gene and packaged into infective retrovirus with BOSC23 cell strain. The bone marrow HSCs of the ß3 deficient mice were infected by the retroviruses, and transplanted into lethally-irradiated wild type C57BL/6 mice. GFP positive rate and surface ß3 expression of the recipients' platelets at 6 to 8 weeks after transplantation were detected by flow cytometry to evaluate the transgenic efficiency. The results showed that four kinds of transgenic mouse models including vector, wild-type ß3, ß3-Δ759 and ß3-Δ754 were established successfully. GFP positive rates of transgenic mouse platelets ranged from 18% to 66% and the ß3 expression of transgenic mouse reached heterozygote (ß3(+/-) level of mouse). It is concluded that establishment of transgenic mouse models mediated by retrovirus-infected HSCs transplantation is a feasible, fast, and high throughput transgenic approach and laid a solid foundation for further research on the role of integrin ß3 cytoplasmic domain for bi-directional signaling of platelets in vivo, and for the gene therapy of platelet disorders.

[Correlation between myocardial ischemia and carotid atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between myocardial ischemia and carotid atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients. METHODS: The clinical data were collected from 85 hospitalized hypertensive patients admitted between May 2005 and September 2008 without the complication of coronary artery disease as confirmed by cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA). According to the results of treadmill exercise test, the patients were divided myocardial ischemia group and ischemia-free group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen the risk factors of myocardial ischemia. The correlations were analyzed between myocardial ischemia, common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), Crouse score of the carotid plaque, thickness of the intraventricular septum and left artrium. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of IMT and Crouse score in predicting the presence of myocardial ischemia in hypertensive patients. RESULTS: Carotid plaque formation was identified as the major risk factor of myocardial ischemia in hypertensive patients (OR=4.982, P=0.004). The incidence of myocardial ischemia in the hypertensive patients with carotid plaques was significantly higher than that in the patients without the plaque (Chi2=9.317, P=0.002). Myocardial ischemia in hypertensive patients was positively correlated to the thickness of the intraventricular septum (r=0.362, P=0.001) and left artrium (r=0.298, P=0.009), and the IMT of the common carotid artery was positively correlated to the thickness of the intraventricular septum (r=0.231, P=0.045). The area under cure (AUC) of the ROC curve of Crouse score was 0.726-/+0.061 in predicting the presence of myocardial ischemia in the hypertensive patients (P=0.001), and that of IMT was 0.682-/+0.061 (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Carotid plaque formation is the major risk factor of myocardial ischemia in hypertensive patients and shows a positive correlation to the onset of myocardial ischemia, but both the common carotid artery IMT and the Crouse score of the carotid plaque are not accurate markers for predicting myocardial ischemia in patients with hypertension.