Abstract: The amniotic fluidderived stem cells (AFSC) possess considerable advantageous characteristics including high proliferation potential, easy availability, low immunogenicity and oncogenicity，and accordance with medical ethnics. Moreover, they do not require the sacrifice of human embryos for their isolation and the cells can differentiate into all three kinds of germs. Accordingly，they initiate a new and very promising field in stem cell research and they will be a potential source of stem cells for therapies related to regeneration medicine of cardiovascular diseases. The research about the AFSC utilization in cardiovascular diseases is just started. Though there were some exciting breakthroughs, there still remain many challenges. In the article，we will discuss AFSC characteristics, influence of amniotic fluid harvesting time on stem cells, isolation and purification, emphasizing mainly on the potential of AFSC differentiation into cardiovascular cells, current situation and problems in this field.
Objective To observe and analysis the features of images of fundus fluorescein angriography (FFA) in low-perfused retinopathy caused by cephalo-cervical peripheral vascular stenosis or occlusion. Methods The results of FFA of 27 patients diagnosed with carotid artery stenosis or occlusion by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and examination of Doppler and vascular-pulsation were retrospectively analyzed. Result All of the patients had a delayed arm-retinal circulation duration from 20.0 to 81.08 seconds with the mean of 32.1 seconds; a delayed retinal arteriovenous filling duration from 6 to 64.0 seconds with the mean of 24.2 seconds. Delayed arm-retinal circulation duration and retinal a rteriovenous filling duration in 10 cases (37.0%); microangioma, vascular wall staining, nonperfused capillary area in 11 (40.7%); and anterior ischemic syndrome in 6 (22.2%) were found. In the 6 patients with anterior ischemic syndrome, 4 cases had narrow retinal artery, segmental changes of blood stream, vascular atresia, and abnormal arterio-venous anastomosis, and 2 cases had bold vascular loops. Conclusions The main manifestations of FFA in patients with low-perfused retinopathy are malperfusion and retinal ischemia, whose degrees relate to the extend of carotid artery stenosis or atresia, and the process of the disease.Serious retinal ischemia may combined with anterior ischemic syndrome. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：84-86)
Objective To systematically evaluate anti-platelet effect of clopidogrel influenced by CYP2C192,3 polymorphism in patients with cardiovascular diseases, in order to provide references for its safe medication. Methods Literature was retrieved in electronic databases covering EMbase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CBM and CNKI from establishment dates to November, 2011. Observational studies and clinical trials were included, cross-checked, assessed and pooled for meta-analysis. meta-analysis was performed using the software RevMan 5.1. Results A total of 13 articles including 14 trials (n=36 855) were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: a) there was no significant difference in the incidences of cardiovascular events between CYP2C192,3 carriers and CYP2C191 carriers; b) the risk of stent thrombosis in CYP2C192,3 carriers was significantly higher than that in CYP2C191 carriers (Plt;0.000 1), and the relative risk of CYP2C192,3 carriers increased 92% within one month (Plt;0.000 1); c) as for bleeding events, there were no significant differences between CYP2C192,3 carriers and CYP2C191 carriers. Conclusion Compared with CYP2C191 carriers, CYP2C192,3 carriers have a higher risk of stent thrombosis in clopidogrel-treated patients, but there are few differences in cardiovascular and bleeding events between the two carriers. Therefore, CYP2C192,3 carriers with cardiovascular diseases and ready to receive PCT are suggested to pay more attention to stent thrombosis when using clopidogrel. We propose that patients with cardiovascular diseases and ready to receive PCT should have CYP2C19 tests to determine the use of antiplatelet drug (clopidogrel) to avoid thrombus.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs (fish oil) for prevention of cardiovascular events. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched from the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2009), CBM, and CNKI. Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently. Disagreement was resolved through discussion. All data were analyzed by using Review Manager 4.2 software. Results Five studies involving 37 689 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis results showed that: 1) Compared with placebo, the incidence rates of the cardiovascular death (RR=0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.98), cardiovascular events (RR=0.95, 95%CI 0.91 to 0.98), angina (RR=0.79, 95%CI 0.64 to 0.96), and myocardial infarction (RR=0.79, 95%CI 0.65 to 0.96) could be reduced by n-3 PUFAs (fish oil). 2) There were no significant differences in death from any cause, the hospitalization rates of cardiovascular disease, sudden death, and heart failure (RR=0.95, 95%CI 0.90 to 1.00; RR=0.97, 95%CI 0.93 to 1.02; RR=0.90, 95%CI 0.79 to 1.01; RR=0.98, 95%CI 0.91 to 1.06). 3) Compared with placebo, the incidence rates of the arrhythmia and stroke could be increased, but there were no significant differences (RR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.80 to 1.62; RR=1.12, 95%CI 0.97 to 1.30). Conclusion Compared with placebo, n-3 PUFAs (fish oil) has good effects on reducing the incidence rates of total cardiovascular events, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris, and it has the same efficacy in death from all cause, sudden death, heart failure, and the hospitalization rates of cardiovascular disease. There are no significant differences in the increased rates of arrhythmia and stroke.
Objective To evaluate the rationality of drug treatment for cardiovascular diseases in aged people and the effects of evidence-based practice. Methods Descriptive study was conducted to compare the therapies for the patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases before and after evidence-based practice by investigating drug use during 1998-1999 (211 cases) and 2002-2003 (211 cases). Results Among antihypertensive drugs, the ACEIs and diuretics played a more important role than before. CCBs and ACEIs were still the most frequently used drugs, and drug combination was more common, comparing to that before evidence-based practice. Lipid lowering drugs and ACEIs were used more common in coronary heart disease. Quality of life of patients was more emphasized and combination use of anti-anxiety drugs was adopted. When treating heart failure, β-receptor blockers, aldadinc and ACEIs were more frequently used. Conclusions After evidence-based practice, drug use is much more based on evidence instead of experience and textbook. As a result, the rate of reaching ideal blood pressure is higher than before. The rate of rational drug use before and after evidence-based practice has increased from 42% to 78%, respectively.
Objective To measure the level of circulating endothelial progenitor cells ( EPCs) in peripheral blood of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( AECOPD) , and to explore the relationship between EPCs and severity markers of the disease and cardiovascular adverse outcome predictors.Methods Forty patients with COPD were recruited, including 27 at acute exacerbation phase and 13 with stable COPD from December 2010 to December 2011. Sixteen healthy nonsmokers were included as controls. Circulating EPCs were isolated by Ficoll density-gradient centrifugation and purified by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting system. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hsCRP) was estimated by using a latex immunoturbidimetric assay kit, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 ( MMP-9) was measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) . Arterial blood gas analysis and echocardiograph were performed in the AECOPD patients. The correlations between circulating EPCs, lung function, and cardiovascular markers were investigated. Results Circulating EPCs were significantly lower in AECOPD and stable COPD patients compared with the healthy controls [ ( 5.1 ±2.6) ×103 /mL and ( 6.0 ±3.2) ×103 /mL vs. ( 9.0 ±4.3) × 103 /mL, Plt;0. 05] . EPCs had a weak correlation with hsCRP ( P = 0. 033) , but not with MMP-9. In the AECOPD patients, EPC counts were significantly inversely correlated with PASP ( pulmonary artery systolic pressure) and NT-proBNP ( amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) levels, and positively with left ventricular ejection fraction. No correlations were found between EPCs and lung function, blood gas, hospital stays or smoking index. Conclusions Circulating EPCs were significantly lower in AECOPD patients compared with healthy controls, in which systemic inflammation might be involved. Decreased EPCs were correlated with cardiac dysfunction in patients with AECOPD, which may account for the increased cardiovascular risk in this population.
ObjectiveTo investigate the community residents' awareness of knowledge on cardiovascular disease prevention and control and their access methods to relevant information. MethodsBetween June and August, 2013, the residents aged above 45 who came to community health center for diagnosis or treatment were investigated by questionnaires including the acknowledge of prevention for cardiovascular diseases and the access methods to relevant information. ResultsA total of 1 000 residents were involved in this study, including 394 (39.40%) males and 606 (60.60%) females aged from 45 to 98 with an average of 68.3±10.4. The highest rate of awareness of cardiovascular prevention knowledge was regular physical exercise (89.20%), followed by low salt diet (67.20%) and fried food (6.30%). The highest rate of access to the information was information provided verbally by doctors or nurses (77.50%), followed by television and radio (56.00%). ConclusionCommunity center should strengthen the health education of cardiovascular disease prevention and control. Health education should be practiced in an easy way for the residents.
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of hypertension and to find the cardiovascular risk factors in the urban residents of Chengdu city. MethodsBy cluster sampling, a population of 994 inhabitants were selected from 14 urban communities in Chengdu city between February and October 2010. They were 35-70 years old and had resided in the area for over 2 years. Hypertension questionnaire was used and physical examinations were taken to investigate. The definition of hypertension was determined by the Guidelines of Hypertension Prevention and Control made by National Revision Committee in 2010. Logistic regression model was used to define the risk factors for hypertension. ResultsThe prevalence rate of hypertension was 44.87%, and the standardized prevalence rate was 39.21% (male:41.07%, female:38.20%). The difference of prevalence rate between males and females was not significant (P>0.05). The prevalence rate of hypertension increased significantly with age. By multi-factor logistic regression analysis, age (OR=1.103, P<0.001), serum uric acid (OR=1.003, P=0.001), heart rate (OR=1.014, P=0.027), and waist circumference (OR=1.624, P<0.001) were the risk factors for hypertension. ConclusionThe prevalence rate of hypertension is high in urban communities of Chengdu city, and age, serum uric acid, heart rate, and waist circumference are the risk factors for hypertension.
ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between lipid accumulation product (LAP) and risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease (ICVD). MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed among community residents from an urban community in Chengdu area between September 2011 and June 2012. Questionnaire survey was carried out. Each individual underwent biochemistry analysis and physical examination. In addition, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) and augmentation index (AI) were detected. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between LAP and each cardiovascular risk factor. Liner regression model was used to analyze the relationship between LAP and ICVD. ResultsA total of 780 individuals with complete data were included in the analysis. LAP was correlated with blood pressure, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and BaPWV (P＜0.05). LAP was associated with the risk of ICVD (r=0.253, P＜0.001). After being adjusted with sex, age and other cardiovascular risk factors, LAP was also correlated with the risk of ICVD (r=0.050, P＜0.001). ConclusionsHigh LAP is associated with elevated cardiovascular risks and subclinical vascular damage. In addition, LAP is correlated with ICVD risk, thus it may be used to predict the incidence of ICVD to some extent. However, as the correlation is weak, our study does not support the direct use of this indicator to predict ICVD. Large-sample studies based on different races and ages are needed.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effectiveness and safety of bupropion for smoking cessation in smokers with cardiovascular disease. MethodsDatabases including The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched from inception to February 23rd, 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on bupropion versus placebo for smoking cessation in smokers with cardiovascular disease were included. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.1 software. ResultsIn total, 4 studies involving 1 415 patients were finally included. The results of metaanalyses indicated that, compared with placebo, bupropion significantly increased the point prevalence abstinence rate at 3 months (RR=1.79, 95%CI 1.14 to 2.83, P=0.01). However, the point prevalence abstinence rates at 6 months (RR=1.81, 95%CI 0.77 to 4.24, P=0.18) and 12 months (RR=1.46, 95%CI 0.94 to 2.27, P=0.10), and the continuous abstinence rates at 3 months (RR=1.48, 95%CI 0.89 to 2.47, P=0.13), 6 months (RR=1.41, 95%CI 0.79 to 2.51, P=0.25), and 12 months (RR=1.43, 95%CI 0.93 to 2.17, P=0.10) were similar in the two groups. The use of bupropion did not increase all-cause mortality (RR=1.13, 95%CI 0.49 to 2.56, P=0.78) and the incidence of cardiovascular events (RR=1.25, 95%CI 0.95 to 1.64, P=0.11). ConclusionBupropion is safe to use in smokers with cardiovascular disease. Although bupropion could increase the point prevalence abstinence rate at 3 months, it is not effective for long-term smoking cessation. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more large-scale high-quality RCTs are required to verify the aforementioned conclusion.