Association of Lipoprotein(a) with Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification: Retrospective Longitudinal Study.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major health concern, and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent risk factor. However, there is limited evidence regarding Lp(a) and the risk of ASCVD in Asian populations. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of changes in coronary artery calcification (CAC) for ASCVD risk associated with Lp(a) level. Methods: Participants (n=2,750) were grouped according to their Lp(a) levels, and the association between Lp(a) and CAC progression was examined. CAC progression was defined as the occurrence of incident CAC or a difference ≥2.5 between the square root (√) of baseline and follow-up coronary artery calcium scores (CACSs) (Δ√transformed CACS). To adjust for differences in follow-up periods, Δ√transformed CACS was divided by the follow- up period (in years). Results: Over an average follow-up of 3.07 years, 18.98% of participants experienced CAC progression. Those with disease progression had notably higher Lp(a) levels. Higher Lp(a) tertiles correlated with increased baseline and follow-up CACS, CAC progression (%), and Δ√transformed CACS. Even after adjustment, higher Lp(a) levels were associated with CAC progression. However, annualized Δ√transformed CACS analysis yielded no significant results. Conclusion: This study demonstrated an association between elevated Lp(a) levels and CAC progression in a general population without ASCVD. However, longer-term follow-up studies are needed to obtain meaningful results regarding CAC progression. Further research is necessary to utilize Lp(a) level as a predictor of cardiovascular disease and to establish clinically relevant thresholds specific to the Korean population.

Three-dimensional heterostructure of metallic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes as potential nanofiller.

The effect of the dimensionality of metallic nanoparticle-and carbon nanotube-based fillers on the mechanical properties of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer matrix was examined. ABS composite films, reinforced with low dimensional metallic nanoparticles (MNPs, 0-D) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs, 1-D) as nanofillers, were fabricated by a combination of wet phase inversion and hot pressing. The tensile strength and elongation of the ABS composite were increased by 39% and 6%, respectively, by adding a mixture of MNPs and CNTs with a total concentration of 2 wt%. However, the tensile strength and elongation of the ABS composite were found to be significantly increased by 62% and 55%, respectively, upon addition of 3-D heterostructures with a total concentration of 2 wt%. The 3-D heterostructures were composed of multiple CNTs grown radially on the surface of MNP cores, resembling a sea urchin. The mechanical properties of the ABS/3-D heterostructured nanofiller composite films were much improved compared to those of an ABS/mixture of 0-D and 1-D nanofillers composite films at various filler concentrations. This suggests that the 3-D heterostructure of the MNPs and CNTs plays a key role as a strong reinforcing agent in supporting the polymer matrix and simultaneously serves as a discrete force-transfer medium to transfer the loaded tension throughout the polymer matrix.

Discovery of (2-fluoro-benzyl)-(2-methyl-2-phenethyl-2H-chromen-6-yl)-amine (KRH-102140) as an orally active 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor with activity in murine inflammation models.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: We investigated anti-inflammatory properties of a novel 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor, KRH-102140, in vitro and in vivo. 5-LO enzyme activity was assayed using insect cell lysates overexpressing rat 5-LO. The leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) level was assayed in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-1) cell line. ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were used for in vivo assays. Mouse ear edema was induced by topical application of arachidonic acid. An air pouch was induced by subcutaneous injection of sterile air into mice, followed by zymosan treatment. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for pharmacokinetic studies. RESULTS: KRH-102140 inhibited 5-LO activity with an IC(50) value of 160 ± 23 nmol/l in parallel with LTB(4) inhibition in RBL-1 cells. Oral administration of KRH-102140 (10-100 mg/kg) reduced ear edema, myeloperoxidase activity and LTB(4) production in murine inflammation models. Oral bioavailability as determined in rats was 66%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that KRH-102140, a new 5-LO inhibitor, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activities in vitro as well as in vivo.