Serum Leukocyte Cell-Derived Chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) Level Is Associated with Osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine serum leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) levels in osteoporosis subjects to confirm its association with osteoporosis. METHODS: A total of 204 adult subjects were recruited. Bone mineral densities (BMD) were assessed and blood samples were collected for measurements of biomedical parameters and the bone turnover markers. Serum LECT2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships between serum LECT2 levels and other parameters were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Serum LECT2 levels were significantly increased in osteoporosis subjects over controls. We found a significantly negative correlation of serum LECT2 with BMD, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, and creatinine and a significantly positive correlation with C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and total cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Serum LECT2 levels were significantly upregulated in osteoporosis subjects and correlated with the severity of bone loss. Serum LECT2 could be a potential biomarker to assess the risk of bone loss.

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 inhibits development of atherosclerosis in mice.

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), a multifunctional hepatokine, is involved in many pathological conditions. However, its role in atherosclerosis remains undefined. In this study, we administered vehicle or LECT2 to male Apoe-/- mice fed a Western diet for 15 weeks. Atherosclerotic lesions were visualized and quantified with Oil-red O and hematoxylin staining. The mRNA expression levels of MCP-1, MMP-1, IL-8, IL-1ß, and TNF-α were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-8, MCP-1, and MMP-1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD68, CD31, and α-SMA, markers of macrophages, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, respectively, were detected by immunostaining. Results showed that LECT2 reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations in serum and inhibited the development of atherosclerotic lesions, accompanied by reductions in inflammatory cytokines and lower MCP-1, MMP-1, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1ß mRNA abundance. Furthermore, LECT2 decreased CD68, but increased α-SMA in atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting an increase in smooth muscle cells and reduction in macrophages. In summary, LECT2 inhibited the development of atherosclerosis in mice, accompanied by reduced serum total cholesterol concentration and lower inflammatory responses.

Safety and efficacy of a novel technique in the use of fractional flow reserve in complex coronary artery lesions.

BACKGROUND: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has become an increasingly important index when making decisions with respect to revascularization of coronary artery stenosis. However, the pressure guidewire used in obtaining FFR measurements is difficult to control and manipulate in certain complex coronary artery lesions, resulting in increased fluoroscopy time and contrast dye usage. This study examined a novel (NOV) technique for obtaining FFR measurements in hope of easing the difficulties associated with evaluating and treating complex coronary artery lesions. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with complex coronary artery lesions were assigned to a conventional (CON) FFR technique group or a NOV FFR technique group. The NOV technique involved the use of a balloon and wire exchange within the coronary artery. The fluoroscopy time, contrast dye usage, and FFR-related complications were assessed after completing the FFR measurement procedure for each patient. RESULTS: The median time required for fluoroscopy in the NOV technique group was significantly less than that in the CON technique group; additionally, lesser amounts of contrast dye were used in the NOV technique group (both P < 0.05). The NOV technique was successfully performed in thirty patients, without any FFR-related complications. However, the CON technique failed in three patients, including two who experienced coronary artery spasms (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the CON technique used for measuring FFR, the new technique reduced the fluoroscopy time and amount of contrast dye used when evaluating complex coronary artery lesions. The new technique did not increase the risk of operation or decrease the success rate.