A new coumarin and a new flavonoid from Ochrocarpus longifolius.

A new coumarin (1) and a new flavonoid (2) were isolated from the air-dried flower buds of Ochrocarpus longifolius, together with ten known compounds (3-12). The structures of two new compounds were established by 1D and 2D NMR and MS data. In addition, the new compound 2 showed significant proliferation inhibitory activity on Eca-109 and MGC-803 cells. The results of this study may enrich the diversity of compounds from O. longifolius and provide a basis for further research on its natural products and pharmacological activities.

Efficient modulation of cellular phosphorus components in response to phosphorus deficiency in the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi.

IMPORTANCE: Dinoflagellates are the most common phytoplankton group and account for more than 75% of harmful algal blooms in coastal waters. In recent decades, dinoflagellates seem to prevail in phosphate-depleted waters. However, the underlying acclimation mechanisms and competitive strategies of dinoflagellates in response to phosphorus deficiency are poorly understood, especially in terms of intracellular phosphorus modulation and recycling. Here, we focused on the response of intracellular phosphorus metabolism to phosphorus deficiency in the model dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi. Our work reveals the strong capability of K. mikimotoi to efficiently regulate intracellular phosphorus resources, particularly through membrane phospholipid remodeling and miRNA regulation of energy metabolism. Our research improved the understanding of intracellular phosphorus metabolism in marine phytoplankton and underscored the advantageous strategies of dinoflagellates in the efficient modulation of internal phosphorus resources to maintain active physiological activity and growth under unsuitable phosphorus conditions, which help them outcompete other species in coastal phosphate-depleted environments.

Transcriptome analysis reveals gene expression changes of the basidiomycetous yeast Apiotrichum mycotoxinivorans in response to ochratoxin A exposure.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most common and deleterious mycotoxins found in food and feedstuffs worldwide; however, Apiotrichum mycotoxinivorans can detoxify OTA. Our results show that A. mycotoxinivorans GUM1709 efficiently degraded OTA, but it caused the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The main aim of this study was to identify potential OTA-detoxifying enzymes and to explore the effects of OTA on A. mycotoxinivorans GMU1709. RNA-seq data revealed that 1643 and 1980 genes were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, after OTA exposure. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that OTA exposure enhanced defense capability, protein transport, endocytosis, and energy metabolism; caused ribosomal stress; suppressed DNA replication and transcription; inhibited cell growth and division; and promoted cell death. The integration of secretome, gene expression, and molecular docking analyses revealed that two carboxypeptidase homologues (members of the metallocarboxypeptidase family) were most likely responsible for the detoxification of both extracellular and intracellular OTA. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were the main genes activated in response to oxidative stress. In addition, analysis of key genes associated with cell division and apoptosis showed that OTA exposure inhibited mitosis and promoted cell death. This study revealed the possible OTA response and detoxification mechanisms in A. mycotoxinivorans.

Nutritional Assessment Tools for Patients with Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Cancer patients are at high risk of malnutrition, which can lead to adverse health outcomes such as prolonged hospitalization, increased complications, and increased mortality. Accurate and timely nutritional assessment plays a critical role in effectively managing malnutrition in these patients. However, while many tools exist to assess malnutrition, there is no universally accepted standard. Although different tools have their own strengths and limitations, there is a lack of narrative reviews on nutritional assessment tools for cancer patients. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a non-systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from their inception until May 2023. A total of 90 studies met our selection criteria and were included in our narrative review. We evaluated the applications, strengths, and limitations of 4 commonly used nutritional assessment tools for cancer patients: the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). Our findings revealed that malnutrition was associated with adverse health outcomes. Each of these 4 tools has its applications, strengths, and limitations. Our findings provide medical staff with a foundation for choosing the optimal tool to rapidly and accurately assess malnutrition in cancer patients. It is essential for medical staff to be familiar with these common tools to ensure effective nutritional management of cancer patients.

[Ultrasonic monitoring foam sclerotherapy for serious varicosis of lower extremity].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of foam sclerotherapy for lower extremity varicosis in C4 to C6 patients. METHODS: A total of 32 patients (32 limbs) with serious lower extremity varicosis classified as C4 to C6 were enrolled. Ultrasonic monitoring of foam sclerotherapy was performed after subfascial endoscopic perforator suture and saphenous vein ligation. They were followed up monthly at outpatient department. Duplex Doppler scan was performed during each interview. RESULTS: All patients were treated successfully. An average of 3.2 perforators were ligated per leg (1-5 perforators). The average volume of foam sclerosing agent was 27.5 ml per leg. Mild chest tightness was observed in one patient but computed tomography (CT) scan excluded pulmonary embolism. Obvious local inflammatory reaction was observed in 4 patients. Residual vein mass without blood signal was seen in 3 patients. No such serious complication as cerebral ischemia was observed. The average follow-up period was 4.8 (1-10) months. Obvious varicose veins and clinical symptoms disappeared at 1 month. And venous ulcers in patients classified as C5 healed within 3 months. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic monitoring of foam sclerotherapy, incorporation with saphenous vein ligation and subfascial endoscopic perforator suture, is both safe and effective in the treatment of serious lower extremity varicosis classified as C4 to C6.

MicroRNA-21 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell function via targeting tropomyosin 1 in arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremities.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the expression signature and the potential role of microRNAs in human arteries with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression profiles of microRNAs in human arteries with ASO and in normal control arteries were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction array. Among the 617 detected microRNAs, multiple microRNAs were aberrantly expressed in arteries with ASO. Some of these dysregulated microRNAs were further verified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Among them, microRNA-21 (miR-21) was mainly located in arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and was increased by more than 7-fold in ASO that was related to hypoxia inducible factor 1-α. In cultured human ASMCs, cell proliferation and migration were significantly decreased by inhibition of miR-21. 3'-Untranslated region luciferase assay confirmed that tropomyosin 1 was a target of miR-21 that was involved in miR-21-mediated cellular effects, such as cell shape modulation. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that miR-21 is able to regulate ASMC function by targeting tropomyosin 1. The hypoxia inducible factor-1 α/miR-21/tropomyosin 1 pathway may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ASO. These findings might provide a new therapeutic target for human ASO.

[Ultrasound-guided compression repair for iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate relative factors affecting the efficiency of ultrasound-guided compression repair in iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. METHODS: Ultrasound-guided manual compression was performed in 42 patients of iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm from June 2004 to June 2010. There were 28 male and 14 female patients, with a mean age of (52 ± 5) years. These patients were presented with femoral artery pseudoaneurysm after catheterisation procedure by percutaneous femoral artery puncture and confirmed by color doppler flow image. Ultrasound-guided manual persistent compression with probe was performed at the puncture site between femoral artery and pseudoaneurysm, until completely thrombosis of pseudoaneurysm, whereas the pseudoaneurysm failed to complete closure required surgical repair. RESULTS: Out of 42 patients, 34 patients (81.0%) were successfully treated by compression resulted in completely thrombosis. There were 8 (19.0%) failures conversion to surgery. Factors associated with success were size of pseudoaneurysm (< 25 mm, 25 - 40 mm, > 40 mm; χ(2) = 13.956, P = 0.001), anti-coagulation status (χ(2) = 5.578, P = 0.010), depth of artery break (< 50 mm, 50 - 80 mm, > 80 mm; χ(2) = 14.055, P = 0.001), pseudoaneurysm communicated with common femoral artery, superficial femoral artery and profunda femoral artery (χ(2) = 8.968, P = 0.011), as well as days to presented with pseudoaneurysm (< 3 d, ≥ 3 d; χ(2) = 5.733, P = 0.012). In multivariate Logistic regression analysis, success by compression was associated with size of pseudoaneurysm (WALD = 5.34, P = 0.021) and with depth of artery break (WALD = 4.84, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The ultrasound-guided compression repair of iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is safe, convenient, inexpensive and reliable treatment.

Tolerable hemodynamic changes after femoral artery ligation for the treatment of infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the hemodynamic changes induced by femoral artery ligation with concomitant thrombectomy in intravenous drug abusers with infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (IFAP) and their clinical significance. METHODS: Between January 2000 and November 2007, a total of 55 patients presented to our clinic with IFAP. Among these patients, 54 were treated by femoral artery ligation with concomitant thrombectomy. Open collateral circulations were assessed by intraoperative angiography, including detection of mean artery pressure (MAP) of back-flow from the profunda femoris artery and the superficial femoral artery after operation. Patients were followed up for 3-72 months (mean 35). The data were then subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Preoperative death occurred in one patient due to acute onset of drug addiction in the ward. Preoperatively, massive necrosis developed in the left limb of the only patient with bilateral IFAPs. All 54 patients underwent femoral artery ligation with concomitant thrombectomy, including nine cases of ligation of the external iliac artery and one case of above-knee limb amputation. All wounds were completely healed within 3 months. Six late deaths (11.1%), resulting solely from refractory drug addiction, were observed during the follow-up period, of which two occurred 2 years, one 4 years, and three 5 years postoperatively. No toe amputations were noted during the follow-up period. Fourteen patients (25.9%) developed intermittent claudication. One postoperative limb was lost. Of all 54 patients, 38 were subjected to collateral circulation assessment by intraoperative angiography. Collateral circulations were found well open in a baseline path with four stations down to the distal lower limbs of all assessed patients. Four preferred types of iliac-femoral collaterals were defined. Postoperatively, compared to the external iliac artery, the MAP levels of back-flow from the profunda femoris artery and the superficial femoral artery significantly dropped to 43.89+/-2.75 and 18.08+/-2.76 mm Hg, respectively. CONCLUSION: As a result of femoral artery ligation without reconstruction, well open collateral circulations and acceptable distal arterial runoff blood are seen, which suggests that this procedure is a reliable alternative to the emergent treatment of IFAPs in drug addicts. However, arterial reconstruction may be used as a backup approach if necessary during observation.

[A random, comparative study on endovenous laser therapy and saphenous veins stripping for the treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and saphenous veins stripping in the treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence. METHODS: Eighty cases (80 limbs) with great incompetent saphenous vein were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: EVLT group and stripping group. The patients in the EVLT group underwent EVLT and those in the stripping group underwent upper ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein. The duration of operation, blood losing, complications, pain grade, and hospitalization time were compared. All cases were followed up for 6 months and 12 months using Doppler sonography and air Plethysmography. RESULTS: The blood losing (P < 0.01), hospitalization time (P < 0.05) and pain grade (P < 0.05) in the EVLT group were all significantly less than those in the stripping group, while the operation duration and complication were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). All patients in both groups got improvements of venous volume (P < 0.05), Venous Filling Index (P < 0.01), and residual Venous Fraction (P < 0.01), yet there were no statistical differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser therapy is a safe, effective, minimal invasive procedure for the patients with great saphenous vein incompetence. Its short-time efficiency is similar to that of the traditional upper ligation and laceration of greater saphenous vein.

[Study on culture, identification and differentiation of CD133+ endothelial progenitor cells from human umbilical cord blood].

OBJECTIVE: To study the isolation, culture and identification of CD133+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from human umbilical cord blood in vitro. METHODS: EPC separation was performed with density gradient centrifugation and MACS separation. Purity of EPCs was determined by flow cytometry. EPC was cultured with EBM-2 to study the cultivate features of EPC. Uptake test of Dil-LDL and FITC-Lectin and immunohistochemistry were performed. RESULTS: According to flow cytometry, (1.13 +/- 0.10)% of mono-nuclear cells were CD133+ and the purities of CD133+ EPCs were (91.45 +/- 1.04)% on average. CD133+ EPCs became adherent, spindle-shaped and formed cluster during culture. Uptake test of Dil-LDL and FITC-Lectin were positive. (95.83 +/- 1.72)% of CD133+ cells were found positive in both uptake tests. The positive rates of immunostaining of cell markers CD34 and factor VIII were (95.83 +/- 2.23)% and (95.92 +/- 1.43)% after cultured for one week, which showed no significant differences between CD133+ EPCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Capillary structures were formed by CD133+ EPCs after cultured for 4 and 7 d in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: High purity of CD133+ EPCs can be obtained by MACS separation. CD133+ EPCs can differentiate into mature endothelial cells with the effects of stimulating factors.

[Selection of the initial surgery extent for differentiated thyroid cancer without metastasis].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the selection of the initial surgery extent for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) without metastasis. METHODS: The clinical data of 504 cases with DTC, who accepted the surgical treatment from Jan 1995 to Dec 2004, were analyzed and studied. There were 329 cases without metastasis. The operative extents less than total thyroidectomy were performed on 93 cases (92.1%) with stage T(1), 166 cases (88.3%) with stage T(2), 22 cases (91.7%) with stage T(3) and 12 cases (75.0%) with stage T(4). The recurrence situation after the initial surgery was compared between different T-stage groups and between different surgical extents, total and less than total thyroidectomy. RESULTS: The recurrence of DTC was found in 37 cases of the follow-up cases (8.9%), including 29 cases without metastasis in the initial surgery. There was no significant difference in the recurrent rate between T(1) and T(2) groups (P>0.05). The significant difference was found in recurrent rate between T(1) and T(3) or T(4) groups, T(2) and T(3) or T(4) groups (P<0.05). No significant difference in the ratio of the initial surgical extent less than total thyroidectomy was found between stage T(1) and T(2) cases without metastasis (P>0.05). The rate of the recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was 1.2%. The transient hypoparathyroidism happened in 2% of the cases, without the permanent hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical extent less than total thyroidectomy, especially subtotal thyroidectomy, is rational and available to stage T(1) and T(2) cases of DTC without metastasis. It can effectively remove the tumor and avoid postoperative complications. Total thyroidectomy should be performed on stage T(3) and T(4) cases of DTC.

Functional Connectivity Differences in the Insular Sub-regions in Migraine without Aura: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate resting-state functional connectivity (FC) differences in insular sub-regions during the interictal phase in patients with migraine without aura (MWoA). Methods: Forty-nine MWoA patients (MWoA group) and 48 healthy individuals (healthy control group) were recruited for this study. All of the subjects underwent neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI data were processed using Brat 1.0 software to obtain a whole-brain FC diagram and using Rest 1.8 software to obtain the FC z-score of the sub-regions of both insulas (six sub-regions on each side). Therefore, there were a total of 12 regions of interest (ROIs) that were used as seed points for the statistical analysis. Results: There was abnormal FC between the insular sub-regions and multiple brain regions in the MWoA patients compared with the healthy control group, and a clear laterality was also observed. In addition, the FC z-score of certain sub-regions was negatively correlated with the disease duration. Conclusion: Different insular sub-regions are functionally associated with different regions of the brain and therefore have different functions. In MWoA, the FC between the insular sub-regions and other brain regions was mostly reduced, while a small amount was increased; additionally, the FC may be ipsilateral with a right-side advantage. Variations in the FC of insular sub-regions can be observed as an important indicator of MWoA.

[Static pressure induces vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and apoptosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of static pressure on proliferation and apoptosis of the vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS: Vascular smooth muscle cell line A10 were cultured at normal atmosphere, 80 mmHg, 100 mmHg, 200 mmHg static pressure respectively. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, cell cycle and apoptosis rate were analyzed by flow cytometer. RESULTS: After exposure to lower static pressure (100 mmHg) for 48 hour, cell viability and proliferation index (PI) of A10 cell significantly increased, the percentage of A10 cell in G(0)/G(1) phase decreased significantly and the apoptosis rate showed no difference as compared with those exposed to atmospheric pressures. However after exposure of A10 cell to higher static pressure (200 mmHg) for 48 hours, cell viability and proliferation index (PI) significantly decreased, the percentage of A10 cell in G(0)/G(1) phase increased significantly, apoptosis rate significantly increased, as compared with cells exposed to atmospheric pressure. CONCLUSION: Lower static pressure can facilitate vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation, while higher pressure can induce cell apoptosis.

[Effect of external vavuloplasty of deep vein in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency of lower extremity].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the role and effect of external vavuloplasty in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of lower extremity. METHODS: Thirty patients with CVI of bilateral lower extremities were enrolled to accept surgical management of vein systems. Both limbs of each patient were randomized into two groups respectively according to the operating style. One limb was given external vavuloplasty of the superficial femoral vein and surgery of superficial venous system (group A), the another limb was only given the surgery of superficial venous system (group B). The effect comparison between both limbs of each patient and two groups by color duplex scanning, color doppler velocity profile (CDVP), air plethysmography and CEAP score system one month and 3 years after operation. RESULTS: All 60 limbs of 30 cases were CEAP C(2)-C(4) with degree III reflux (Kistner's method) in the deep veins confirmed by color duplex scanning and venography. In 1 month and 3 years after surgery, all the indexes of the limb in the group A were dramatically improved compared with those of the limbs in the group B. The average value of venous reflux degree, reflux volume, and venous filling index (VFI) had significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). In 3 years after surgery, there was significant difference between the two groups on ejective fraction (EF)and residual volume fraction (RVF) (P < 0.05) and CEAP clinical score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: External vavuloplasty of deep vein may reduce the reflux volume of the affected deep vein and improve the valve function, and can result in better outcomes when combined with surgery of the superficial venous system.

Quantitative assessment of the degree of deep venous reflux of the lower extremities.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to quantitatively evaluate the degree of deep venous reflux of the lower extremities using colour Doppler velocity profile (CDVP) technology. METHODS: Deep venous reflux volume was examined using CDVP in 79 limbs of 66 patients who were admitted to our hospital between July 1999 and July 2000 with primary, deep venous, valvular incompetence. Reflux data were statistically described and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 79 limbs, 20 had grade I reflux, with a mean reflux volume of 29.79 +/- 5.89 mL/min; 19 had grade II reflux, mean reflux volume, 43.87 +/- 4.86 mL/min; 23 had grade III reflux, mean reflux volume, 70.67 +/- 5.77 mL/min; and 17 had grade IV reflux, mean reflux volume, 105.07 +/- 14.8 mL/min. There were significant differences among grades I, II, III and IV (p < 0.05), except between grades I and II (p > 0.05) for analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls analysis, although the 95% confidence interval (CI) of grade I was different from grade II. Every degree of reflux volume showed close correlation with the reflux index. Other indices were less sensitive. CONCLUSIONS: Venous reflux volume is a more accurate non-invasive quantitative assessment of the degree of deep venous reflux in the lower extremities than current methods.

Cryopreservation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) embryogenic cultures.

Three techniques were compared for cryopreserving embryogenic masses (EMs) sampled from mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Zihua embryogenic cultures: (i) encapsulation/dehydration; (ii) pregrowth/dehydration; and (iii) vitrification. In all experiments, EMs were sampled from embryogenic cultures during their exponential growth phase and pretreated for 24 h on solid medium containing 0.5 M sucrose before freezing. No recovery was achieved after cryopreservation using the encapsulation/dehydration technique, whatever the moisture content (fresh weight basis) of EMs, which ranged from 78.3% without dehydration to 40.8% after 6 h dehydration. With the pregrowth plus dehydration technique, limited recovery (8.3%) was achieved after desiccation of EMs for 1 h, to 58.5% MC. Using the vitrification technique, recovery ranged from 94.3% after treatment of EMs with the PVS3 vitrification solution for 20 min (EM moisture content of 34.7%) to 10.9% after a 120 min treatment with the vitrification solution (EM moisture content of 26.0%).

[Default of KIAA0353 gene in varicose great saphenous vein accompanying primary deep vein valve insufficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To screen and identify the genes related to the occurrence and development of varicose great saphenous vein in the patients with primary deep vein valve insufficiency (PDVI). METHODS: mRNA fluorescent differential display (FDD) technique was used to compare the different cDNA fragments originated from differentially expressed mRNAs from the venous tissues of 10 patients with varicose great saphenous vein complicated with PDVI. Ten specimens of normal venous tissue from 10 patients dying from other diseases were used as controls. The differently expressed cDNA fragments were then re-amplified and labeled with DIG to prepare probes for later Northern blotting. Positive fragments confirmed by Northern blotting were cloned into pGEM-T easy vector and sequenced using Sanger's method. Then the sequences were compared with the data in GeneBank by BLASTN software to search for their genetic origin. RESULTS: Altogether 37 differentially expressed cDNA fragments were discovered from the 2 groups, among which 30 were confirmed by Northern blotting. There was a notable 540 bp-long cDNA fragment, which was only presented in the control group, sharing 99% homology with part of the mRNA sequence of human KIAA0353 gene. CONCLUSION: The varicose great saphenous vein of PDVI patients is a process with the involvement of multiple genes and the default of KIAA0353 gene may play a role in the occurrence and development of varicose great saphenous vein in PDVI patients.

[Surgical treatment for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of surgical treatment for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). METHODS: The studies were analyzed for 55 patients with pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy in our hospital from 1985 to 2002. RESULTS: Eight patients were asymptomatic. The skeletal manifestations were found in 24 cases, urinary stones in 10 cases, and both skeletal manifestations and urinary stones in 13 cases. Pathological bone fractures occurred in 16 cases. Hypercalcemia was discovered in all patients with the average value of (3.1 +/- 0.4) mmol/L, ranging from 2.7 to 3.9 mmol/L and. Fifty patients showed elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) with the average value of (489.2 +/- 69.2) pg/ml, ranging from 102 to 2,000 pg/ml. Preoperatively all patients underwent sonography, CT and/or scintigraphy. The overall preoperative image-directed localization rate was 90.9%. Follow-up was done from 6 months to 2 years after surgery. The symptoms and signs of all patients relieved postoperatively with the improving of osteoporosis and healing of bone fracture. Of all cases, 39 presented with temporary hypocalcemia, 37 showed circumoral paresthesia in whom 10 showed tetany, 15 showed eucalcemia and one had mild hypercalcemia after operation. The serum calcium was normal in all cases with hypocalcemia by Rocaltrol and calcium supplementation for 1 - 3 weeks. PTH level decreased to normal fro 2 weeks to 2 months in 47 cases and was still mildly higher than normal in 3 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy is an effective approach to patients with pHPT. With preoperative image-directed localization techniques, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is a valid surgical strategy.

Differentially expressed microRNAs at different stages of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, carotid artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease. However, it is hard to obtain human arterial tissue at different stages of atherosclerosis for a systematic study. The ApoE-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice predictably develop spontaneous atherosclerotic plaques with numerous features similar to the human lesions and contain nearly the entire spectrum of lesions observed during atherogenesis in humans. MicroRNA expression profiles at different stages of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice were screened to find out the differentially expressed microRNAs. METHODS: ApoE-deficient mice were euthanized at 4, 8, and 20 weeks of age and divided into three groups according to the three time points, including groups A4 (fed a Western-type diet for 0 week), A8 (fed a Western-type diet for 4 weeks), and A20 (fed a Western-type diet for 16 weeks). Atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed. Fifteen aortas were collected and combined into three pools (five aortas in one pool) in each group. MicroRNA microarray analysis was replicated thrice in each group. The threshold of fold change ≥ 2.0 was used to screen up or down-regulated microRNAs. Differentially expressed microRNAs were subsequently verified with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Those increasingly up or down-regulated microRNAs during the progression of atherosclerosis were selected. RESULTS: Atherosclerotic lesions first appeared in the aortic arch in group A8. Severe atherosclerotic lesions were observed in group A20. In group A8, seven MicroRNAs were up-regulated while two were down-regulated. In group A20, 15 microRNAs were up-regulated while two were down-regulated. miR-34a-5p and miR-497-5p were increasingly up-regulated, while miR-434-3p was progressively down-regulated when atherosclerosis progressed. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we described that microRNAs are differentially expressed at different stages of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. Those increasingly up or down-regulated microRNAs during the progression of atherosclerosis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and provide us opportunities for investigating atherosclerosis from early to advanced stages.