Structural evolution and electronic properties of neutral and anionic TiASil (A = Sc, Ti; l ≤ 12): relatively stable TiASi4 as a structural unit.

Simulated photoelectron spectroscopy was conducted to investigate the structural evolution and electronic properties of TiASil (A = Sc, Ti; l ≤ 12) clusters and their anions via the Perdew-Burke-Enzerhof scheme and extensive cluster search using the ABCluster software. The results revealed that the ground-state structures of the TiASil (A = Sc, Ti) clusters generally exhibited similar configurations except for the Ti2Si3, ScTiSi3, and TiScSi10 clusters. Furthermore, the TiASil clusters exhibited an adsorptive evolution pattern, and the TiASi4 unit was considered the basic constituent framework of the structure, excluding several distortions and minor changes. With the increase in the cluster size, the lowest-energy structures varied from the exohedral to the cage structures of the single-metal atom at the center. Regarding the second energy difference data, the neutral TiASi4 clusters exhibited better stability among the neutral and anionic TiASil (A = Sc, Ti; l ≤ 12) clusters. Furthermore, the chemical bonding in the TiASi4 clusters was analyzed by molecular orbitals (MOs), highest occupied MO-lowest unoccupied MO gaps, and adaptive natural density partitioning analyses for the best Ti2Si4 cluster especially, and the results were combined with the natural population analysis data. The hybridization of the spd orbital of the metal atoms, eight localized bonds, and four delocalized bonds may primarily account for the relative stabilities of the neutral, square bipyramidal structure of Ti2Si4. Thus, the TiASi4 clusters may be assembled as the basic units of silicon-based semiconductor clusters of large-size neutral and anionic TiASil.

Protein deglycase DJ-1 deficiency induces phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells and exacerbates atherosclerotic plaque instability.

Protein deglycase DJ-1 (DJ-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes. However, it is unclear whether DJ-1 influences atherosclerosis development and plaque stability. Accordingly, we evaluated the influence of DJ-1 deletion on the progression of atherosclerosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We examine the expression of DJ-1 in atherosclerotic plaques of human and mouse models which showed that DJ-1 expression was significantly decreased in human plaques compared with that in healthy vessels. Consistent with this, the DJ-1 levels were persistently reduced in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-/- mice with the increasing time fed by western diet. Furthermore, exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxidized low-density lipoprotein down-regulated DJ-1 in vitro. The canonical markers of plaque stability and VSMC phenotypes were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. DJ-1 deficiency in Apoe-/- mice promoted the progression of atherosclerosis and exaggerated plaque instability. Moreover, isolated VSMCs from Apoe-/- DJ-1-/- mice showed lower expression of contractile markers (α-smooth muscle actin and calponin) and higher expression of synthetic indicators (osteopontin, vimentin and tropoelastin) and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) by comparison with Apoe-/- DJ-1+/+ mice. Furthermore, genetic inhibition of KLF4 counteracted the adverse effects of DJ-1 deletion. Therefore, our results showed that DJ-1 deletion caused phenotype switching of VSMCs and exacerbated atherosclerotic plaque instability in a KLF4-dependent manner.

Quantum chemistry calculations of the growth patterns, simulated photoelectron spectra, and electronic properties of LaASil (A = Sc, Y, La; l ≤ 10) compounds and their anions.

The growth patterns, simulated photoelectron spectra, and electronic properties of LaASil (A = Sc, Y, and La; l ≤ 10) compounds and their anions were studied via quantum chemistry calculations using the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) method and unprejudiced structural searching software ABCluster. The results revealed that the growth patterns of the most stable structures of neutral and anionic LaASil showed an adsorptive mode. The lowest-energy structures (LESs) of the LaASil (l ≤ 7) clusters were similar, except for those of anionic LaYSi4- and LaYSi5- and neutral LaScSi7. Additionally, we investigated and calculated the photoelectron spectra, vertical detachment energies, adiabatic electron affinities, relative stability, charge transfer, magnetic moment, and chemical bond analysis of the LaASil ground-state structures. The La2Sil clusters exhibited higher stability than the LaYSil and LaScSil systems owing to their higher dissociation energies (DEs). The DEs of the LESs in the LaASi3 molecule are higher than those of other clusters. Thus, the LaASi3 cluster shows potential as a building framework for Si-based cluster materials with good stability. The natural population analysis data and chemical bond analysis results showed that the spd hybridization of the orbitals of the metal atoms in the LaASil system occurred. Except for the LaScSi9 and LaScSi10 clusters, the neutral LaASil compounds transform into the corresponding anions when an extra electron is accepted by the Si clusters.

Increased Rho kinase activity in patients with heart ischemia/reperfusion.

BACKGROUND/AIM:\: Rho kinase is a downstream effector of Rho GTPase that is known to regulate various pathological processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regulation of Rho kinase activity in leukocytes in patients with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated 38 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 26 patients with atherosclerosis (AS) and 22 normal subjects. All patients underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and all STEMI patients received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) within 12 h after chest pain on-set. Blood samples for leukocyte Rho kinase activity were obtained before CAG and 3 and 24 hours after CAG/PCI. RESULTS: Rho kinase activity increased in the I/R and AS groups. Compared with the AS group, Rho kinase activity was significantly higher in peripheral blood leukocytes in STEMI/PPCI. Furthermore, there was no correlation between changes in Rho kinase activity and changes in high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP). There was a negative correlation between Rho kinase activity and IL-6. CONCLUSION: Rho kinase is involved in the pathogenesis of heart I/R injury in patients. Inhibition of Rho kinase may be an additional therapeutic intervention for the treatment of I/R.

Irisin inhibits high glucose-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and exerts a dose-dependent bidirectional effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Emerging evidence indicates that irisin provides beneficial effects in diabetes. However, whether irisin influences the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the potential role and mechanism of action of irisin in diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction in mice. Type 1 diabetes was induced in mice by injecting streptozotocin, and the diabetic mice were administered recombinant r-irisin (low or high dose: 0.5 or 1.5 µg/g body weight/day, I.P.) or PBS for 16 weeks. Irisin treatment did not alter blood glucose levels in the diabetic mice. However, the results of echocardiographical and histopathological assays indicated that low-dose irisin treatment alleviated cardiac fibrosis and left ventricular function in the diabetic mice, whereas high-dose irisin failed to mitigate the ventricular function impairment and increased collagen deposition. The potential mechanism underlying the effect of low-dose irisin involved irisin-mediated inhibition of high glucose-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT); conversely, high-dose irisin treatment enhanced high glucose-induced MMP expression by stimulating MAPK (p38 and ERK) signalling and cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration. Low-dose irisin alleviated DCM development by inhibiting high glucose-induced EndMT. By contrast, high-dose irisin disrupted normal MMP expression and induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration, which results in excess collagen deposition. Thus, irisin can inhibit high glucose-induced EndMT and exert a dose-dependent bidirectional effect on DCM.

Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1 inhibition protects against age-dependent endothelial dysfunction.

Age-related endothelial dysfunction is closely associated with the local production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within and in the vicinity of the vascular endothelium. Oxidant-induced DNA damage can activate the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), leading to endothelial dysfunction in various pathophysiological conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the role of PARP-1 in age-dependent changes in endothelial cell function and its underlying mechanism. Wild-type (WT) and PARP-1(-/-) mice were divided into young (2 months) and old (12 months) groups. Isolated aortic rings were suspended to record isometric tension to assess endothelial function. Nitric oxide (NO) production and content in plasma were detected by spectrophotometry. Superoxide (O2(-) production was detected by dihydroethidium. Expression of PARP-1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and arginase-2 (Arg2) was assessed by western blot analysis. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine was lost in old WT, but not PARP-1(-/-), mice. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was not impaired in aging mice. Production of O2(-) was greater in aging WT mice than young or aging PARP-1(-/-) mice. eNOS expression was not affected by aging in WT or PARP-1(-/-) mice, but p-eNOS expression decreased and iNOS and Arg2 levels were upregulated only in aging WT mice. In conclusion, PARP-1 inhibition may protect against age-dependent endothelial dysfunction, potentially by regulating NO bioavailability via iNOS. Inhibition of PARP-1 may help in vascular aging prevention.

Therapeutic effects of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor AUDA on atherosclerotic diseases.

In this study, we aimed to detect the effects of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) on atherosclerotic diseases and to explore its mechanism. The atherosclerosis animal model was constructed by ApoE-/- mice. To determine the optimal therapeutic concentration of AUDA, different concentrations of AUDA were infused into ApoE-/- mice, with controls receiving infusions of normal saline alone. Mouse body weight and serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL levels were measured. The western blotting (WB) method was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and NFKB in the aortic wall of the AUDA-treated and control mice. After the animals were sacrificed, we performed Oil Red O staining of the aortic sinus atherosclerotic plaque area followed by quantitative analysis of the aortic atherosclerotic plaque size and the percentage of lumen area in the two groups of mice. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and chemokines in the AUDA group were significantly decreased compared to the saline-treatment group (P < 0.05). The optimal AUDA concentration was found to be 0.35 ml/mg. AUDA significantly inhibited the expression of TLR4 and NFκB in ApoE-/- mouse aortas and reduced the aortic sinus plaque area of the ApoE-/- mouse group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, AUDA can regulate blood lipid balance, which may be one of the mechanisms for its protective effects on the cardiovascular system.

HMGB1 mediates hyperglycaemia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via ERK/Ets-1 signalling pathway.

Apoptosis is a key event involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. The expression of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is up-regulated in diabetic mice. However, the molecular mechanism of high glucose (HG)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains obscure. We aimed to determine the role of HMGB1 in HG-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Treating neonatal primary cardiomyocytes with HG increased cell apoptosis, which was accompanied by elevated levels of HMGB1. Inhibition of HMGB1 by short-hairpin RNA significantly decreased HG-induced cell apoptosis by reducing caspase-3 activation and ratio of Bcl2-associated X protein to B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (bax/bcl-2). Furthermore, HG activated E26 transformation-specific sequence-1 (Ets-1), and HMGB1 inhibition attenuated HG-induced activation of Ets-1 via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signalling. In addition, inhibition of Ets-1 significantly decreased HG-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Similar results were observed in streptozotocin-treated diabetic mice. Inhibition of HMGB1 by short-hairpin RNA markedly decreased myocardial cell apoptosis and activation of ERK and Ets-1 in diabetic mice. In conclusion, inhibition of HMGB1 may protect against hyperglycaemia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by down-regulating ERK-dependent activation of Ets-1.

The role of cystatin C in vascular remodeling of balloon-injured abdominal aorta of rabbits.

This study aimed to evaluate the role of cystatin C (CysC) in the vascular remodeling of balloon-injured abdominal aorta of rabbits. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: the balloon-injured injury group (n = 16), the CysC monoclonal antibody group (n = 16), and the sham-operative group (n = 16). Serum CysC levels were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in adventitial area, adventitial thickness, lumen area (LA), neointimal area (IA), internal elastic lamina area (IELA), external elastic lamina area (EELA), vascular remodeling index (VRI) and residual stenosis (RS) were measured by the Leica image analysis system. Immunohistochemical analysis of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were performed. Serum CysC levels of rabbits in the balloon-injured injury group were significantly higher than those in the CysC monoclonal antibody group and the sham-operative group (both P < 0.05). At 6 weeks after balloon injury, the adventitial area and thickness, LA, IA, IELA and EELA in the balloon-injured injury group were also higher than those in the CysC monoclonal antibody and sham-operative groups (all P < 0.05). In addition, the balloon-injured injury group showed higher VRI and RS than those of the CysC monoclonal antibody group (both P < 0.05). The positive expression of α-SMA in the vascular adventitia and media in the balloon-injured group were higher than that of the CysC monoclonal antibody and sham-operative groups. The balloon-injured group also showed a stronger expression of α-SMA in the neointima than that of the CysC monoclonal antibody group. There was a strong positive expression of PCNA in the vascular adventitia and neointima in the balloon-injured and CysC monoclonal antibody groups. However, the number of PCNA-positive cells in the balloon-injured group was higher than that of the CysC monoclonal antibody group (25.45 ± 4.21 vs. 6.75 ± 1.11, P = 0.003). Our findings provide empirical evidence that serum CysC levels may play an important role in the vascular remodeling of balloon-injured abdominal aorta of rabbits.

Correlations of SELE genetic polymorphisms with risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis of case-control studies was conducted to determine whether SELE genetic polymorphisms contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). The PubMed, CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases were searched for relevant articles published before November 1st, 2013 without any language restrictions. Meta-analysis was conducted using the STATA 12.0 software. Twenty case-control studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 2,292 CHD patients, 901 MI patients and 3,233 healthy controls. Six common polymorphisms in the SELE gene were evaluated, including 554L/F, 98G/T, 128S/R, 2692G/A, 1901C/T, and 1856A/G. The results of our meta-analysis suggest that SELE genetic polymorphisms might be strongly correlated with an increased risk of CHD (allele model: OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.67-2.58, P<0.001; dominant model: OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.68-2.68, P<0.001; respectively), especially the SELE 554L/F, 98G/T and 128S/R polymorphisms. Furthermore, our findings indicated that SELE genetic polymorphisms were closely linked to the risk of CHD in Asians but not Caucasians. However, our findings reveal no positive correlations between SELE genetic polymorphisms and MI risk (allele model: OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00-1.94, P=0.054; dominant model: OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.96-2.04, P=0.081; respectively). The current meta-analysis suggests that SELE genetic polymorphisms may contribute to an increased risk of CHD, especially the SELE 554L/F, 98G/T and 128S/R polymorphisms in Asians. However, SELE genetic polymorphisms may not be important determinants of susceptibility to MI.

XRCC1 Arg399Gln, Arg194Trp, and Arg280His polymorphisms in esophageal cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The X-ray repair cross-complementation group 1 (XRCC1) protein plays an important role in base excision repair. AIM: To elucidate the role of XRCC1 Arg399Gln, Arg194Trp and Arg280His genotypes in esophageal cancer risk, all available studies were considered in the present meta-analysis. METHODS: Eligible studies were identified by searching several electronic databases for relevant reports published before June 2012. RESULTS: According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, a total of 21 eligible studies were included in the pooled analyses. Among the 21 studies, 18 focused on Arg399Gln polymorphism, 11 described the Arg194Trp, and 4 articles investigated on Arg280His. Our analysis suggested that there was no evidence of significant association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and esophageal cancer risk in any genetic model. In the stratified analysis by ethnicity for Arg399Gln polymorphism and esophageal cancer, the results showed that Arg399Gln polymorphism was not associated with esophageal cancer risk. Only 4 studies analyzed the relationship between XRCC1 Arg280His polymorphism and the risk of esophageal cancer. The Arg/His and His/His genotypes were not significantly associated with increased risk of EC. A similar negative association was maintained in dominant and recessive models. However, for XRCC1 Arg194Trp polymorphism, our study showed individuals carrying the variant genotype Trp/Trp had a significant increased risk of esophageal cancer (OR = 1.295, 95 % CI 1.053-1.591, P = 0.014). In addition, increased associations were found in recessive model (OR = 1.332, 95 % CI 1.093-1.624, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggested that Arg194Trp Trp allele might act as a risk allele in its association with esophageal cancer.

Circulating levels of ß2-microglobulin and cystatin C are associated with left atrial size: additional link between the kidney and the heart.

OBJECTIVE: More attention is being paid to the relationship between kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular events Characteristic features include renal dysfunction, left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) enlargement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between circulating levels of ß2-microglobulin (ß2-m) and cystatin C and left atrial size in patients with coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 300 patients who presented with chest tightness or chest pain and subsequently underwent coronary angiography. Of these, 202 patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 98 patients without CAD (non-CAD). Laboratory measurements included liver, kidney function (urea nitrogen, creatinine, ß2-m and cystatin C), fasting glucose, and lipid analysis. CrCl were calculated according to Cockroft-Gault formula. Echocardiology was used to evaluate the cardiac structure and function. RESULTS: Significant differences of ß2-m and cystatin C exist and no difference of creatinine and CrCl existed between the two groups. LA diameters were positively related to circulating levels of ß2-m in the CAD group (r = 0.452, p < 0.001) and non-CAD group (r = 0.360, p < 0.001), and the similar relationships between LAD and circulating levels of cystatin C in the CAD group (r = 0.302, p < 0.001) and non-CAD group (r = 0.243, p = 0.016). LA diameters were negatively related to CrCl in both groups. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the data indicated that the independent cardiovascular risk factors of LA enlargement for the patients with CAD were age, BMI, systolic blood pressure, LV mass, LVEDD, E/A, Em/Am, CrCl, and circulating levels of ß2-m (OR = 1.630, 95% CI: 1.115 - 2.384, p = 0.012), cystatin C (OR = 4.504, 95% CI: 1.478 - 13.726, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: A linear correlation exists between circulating levels of ß2-m or cystatin C and LA diameters. Higher circulating levels of ß2-m or cystatin C are independent cardiovascular risk factors of LA enlargement in patients with CAD, and could be a link between the kidney and the heart.

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of monkeypox in children: an experts' consensus statement.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease. Since the first human monkeypox case was detected in 1970, it has been prevalent in some countries in central and western Africa. Since May 2022, monkeypox cases have been reported in more than 96 non-endemic countries and regions worldwide. As of September 14, 2022, there have been more than 58,200 human monkeypox cases, and there is community transmission. The cessation of smallpox vaccination in 1980, which had some cross-protection with monkeypox, resulted in a general lack of immunity to monkeypox, which caused global concern and vigilance. As of September 14, 2022, there are four monkeypox cases in China, including three in Taiwan province and one in Hong Kong city. Previous foreign studies have shown that children are vulnerable to monkeypox and are also at high risk for severe disease or complications. In order to improve pediatricians' understanding of monkeypox and achieve early detection, early diagnosis, early treatment,  and early disposal, we have organized national authoritative experts in pediatric infection, respiratory, dermatology, critical care medicine, infectious diseases, and public health and others to formulate this expert consensus, on the basis of the latest "Clinical management and infection prevention and control for monkeypox" released by The World Health Organization, the "guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of monkeypox (version 2022)" issued by National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China and other relevant documents. During the development of this consensus, multidisciplinary experts have repeatedly demonstrated the etiology, epidemiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, discharge criteria, prevention, disposal process, and key points of prevention and control of suspected and confirmed cases.

Plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in patients with metabolic syndrome and carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a recently identified and potentially useful plasma biomarker for cardiovascular and atherosclerotic diseases. However, the correlation between the Lp-PLA2 activity and carotid atherosclerosis remains poorly investigated in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to evaluate the potential role of Lp-PLA2 as a comprehensive marker of metabolic syndrome in individuals with and without carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: We documented 118 consecutive patients with MetS and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects served as controls. The patients were further divided into two groups: 39 with carotid plaques and 79 without carotid plaques to elucidate the influence of Lp-PLA2 on carotid atherosclerosis. The plasma Lp-PLA2 activity was measured by using ELISA method and carotid intimal-media thickness (IMT) was performed by ultrasound in all participants. RESULTS: Lp-PLA2 activity was significantly increased in MetS subgroups when compared with controls, and was higher in patients with carotid plaques than those without plaques (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that significant difference in Lp-PLA2 was obtained between patients with three and four disorders of metabolic syndrome (P < 0.01). Age (ß = 0.183, P = 0.029), LDL-cholesterol (ß = 0.401, P = 0.000) and waist-hip ratio (ß = 0.410, P = 0.000) emerged as significant and independent determinants of Lp-PLA2 activity. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that LDL-cholesterol (ß = 0.309, P = 0.000), systolic blood pressure (ß = 0.322, P = 0.002) and age (ß = 0.235, P = 0.007) significantly correlated with max IMT, and Lp-PLA2 was not an independent predictor for carotid IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Lp-PLA2 may be a modulating factor for carotid IMT via age and LDL-cholesterol, not independent predictor in the pathophysiological process of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with MetS.

[Effects of GPR81 agonist on insulin resistance in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

Objective: To investigate the effects of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway on insulin resistance and the intervention of lactic acid receptor G protein-coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) agonist in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats. Methods: Thirty SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, NAFLD group and GPR81 agonist group, with 10 rats in each group. Nonalcoholic fatty liver rat model was established by high fat diet. The rats in GPR81 agonist group were injected intraperitoneally with GPR81 specific agonist lactate (50 nmol/L) on the basis of nonalcoholic fatty liver model once a week, and the other two groups were injected with the same amount of normal saline for 12 weeks. The levels of liver biochemical indexes, fasting blood glucose, insulin and inflammatory factors in liver homogenate were measured, and the histopathological morphology of liver in each group was observed. The protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), Tyr465-IRS-1, Ser636-IRS-1, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in liver tissue were detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IRS-1 and GLUT4 in liver tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. Results: Compared with the control group, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransfease (ALT), aspartate aminotransfease (AST), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of NAFLD group were increased significantly (P＜ 0.05). The results of liver histopathology showed that in NAFLD group, there were obvious fatty changes in liver tissue, fat droplets in hepatocytes and inflammatory cell infiltration. And the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and the protein expression of Ser636-IRS-1 in NAFLD group were increased significantly, and the contents of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) in liver and serum were increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of IRS-1 and GLUT4 and Tyr465-IRS-1 were decreased significantly (P＜0.05). Compared with NAFLD group, the above indexes of GPR81 agonist group were all significantly improved. Conclusion: The activation of NLRP3 signaling pathway mediates the production of inflammatory factors and promotes the development of NAFLD. GPR81 agonist may be a potential treatment for NAFLD.

3-Year Outcomes of the ULTIMATE Trial Comparing Intravascular Ultrasound Versus Angiography-Guided Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the difference in target vessel failure (TVF) 3 years after intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance versus angiographic guidance among all comers undergoing second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. BACKGROUND: The multicenter randomized ULTIMATE (Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Drug Eluting Stents Implantation in "All-Comers" Coronary Lesions) trial showed a lower incidence of 1-year TVF after IVUS-guided DES implantation among all comers compared with angiographic guidance. However, the 3-year clinical outcomes of the ULTIMATE trial remain unknown. METHODS: A total of 1,448 all comers undergoing DES implantation who were randomly assigned to either IVUS guidance or angiographic guidance in the ULTIMATE trial were followed for 3 years. The primary endpoint was the risk for TVF at 3 years. The safety endpoint was definite or probable stent thrombosis (ST). RESULTS: At 3 years, TVF occurred in 47 patients (6.6%) in the IVUS-guided group and in 76 patients (10.7%) in the angiography-guided group (p = 0.01), driven mainly by the decrease in clinically driven target vessel revascularization (4.5% vs. 6.9%; p = 0.05). The rate of definite or probable ST was 0.1% in the IVUS-guided group and 1.1% in the angiography-guided group (p = 0.02). Notably, the IVUS-defined optimal procedure was associated with a significant reduction in 3-year TVF relative to that with the suboptimal procedure. CONCLUSIONS: IVUS-guided DES implantation was associated with significantly lower rates of TVF and ST during 3-year follow-up among all comers, particularly those who underwent the IVUS-defined optimal procedure compared with those with angiographic guidance. (Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Drug Eluting Stents Implantation in "All-Comers" Coronary Lesions; NCT02215915).

Inhibition of Rho-kinase is involved in the therapeutic effects of atorvastatin in heart ischemia/reperfusion.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of atorvastatin against heart ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its potential underlying mechanism. Rats were allocated into the following groups: Sham, I/R, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg daily), fasudil (10 mg/kg daily) and atorvastatin + fasudil in combination. Drugs were administered for 2 weeks prior to I/R injury. I/R was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch (LAD) for 30 min and releasing the ligature for 180 min. The I/R group was found to have increased myocardial infarct size, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, levels of plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and Rho-kinase activity compared with the other treatment groups (P<0.05). Moreover, pretreatment with atorvastatin significantly attenuated Rho-kinase activity, myocardial infarct size, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, levels of plasma IL-6 and TNF-α, SOD activity and MDA levels, and upregulated nitric oxide production. It was also indicated that the specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, fasudil, had the same effects as atorvastatin in I/R. Therefore, the present results suggested atorvastatin may lead to cardiovascular protection, which may be mediated by Rho-kinase inhibition in heart I/R injury.

Correction: Loss of PARP-1 attenuates diabetic arteriosclerotic calcification via Stat1/Runx2 axis.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Loss of PARP-1 attenuates diabetic arteriosclerotic calcification via Stat1/Runx2 axis.

Accelerated atherosclerotic calcification is responsible for plaque burden, especially in diabetes. The regulatory mechanism for atherosclerotic calcification in diabetes is poorly characterized. Here we show that deletion of PARP-1, a main enzyme in diverse metabolic complications, attenuates diabetic atherosclerotic calcification and decreases vessel stiffening in mice through Runx2 suppression. Specifically, PARP-1 deficiency reduces diabetic arteriosclerotic calcification by regulating Stat1-mediated synthetic phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophage polarization. Meanwhile, both vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages manifested osteogenic differentiation in osteogenic media, which was attenuated by PARP-1/Stat1 inhibition. Notably, Stat1 acts as a positive transcription factor by directly binding to the promoter of Runx2 and promoting atherosclerotic calcification in diabetes. Our results identify a new function of PARP-1, in which metabolism disturbance-related stimuli activate the Runx2 expression mediated by Stat1 transcription to facilitate diabetic arteriosclerotic calcification. PARP-1 inhibition may therefore represent a useful therapy for this challenging complication.

[The correlation of human serum Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP and stability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and high sensitive C-reactive protein in vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS: Patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) were examined for CAD with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). According to the findings of CAG and IVUS, all the patients were divided into three groups: a control group without plaque, stable plaque group and vulnerable plaque group. The total serum Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP were measured before angiography and they were valued with T test and Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: (1) Lp-PLA2 level in stable plaque group and vulnerable plaque group was higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). (2) Lp-PLA2 level in the vulnerable plaque group was higher than that in stable plaque group (P < 0.05). (3) hs-CRP level in the vulnerable plaque group is higher than that in the stable plaque group and control group (P < 0.05) and there was significant difference between them. (4) To discriminate vulnerable plaque, the specificity of serum Lp-PLA2 was stronger than that of hs-CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Serum Lp-PLA2 level has higher sensitivity in predicting the vulnerability of the coronary atherosclerotic plaque than hs-CRP. In combination with hs-CRP, we can use Lp-PLA2 as a new biomarker to predict the presence of vulnerable plaque.