Objective To investigate the expression of transcription factors including nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and activator protein-1 （AP-1） in vascular endothelial cells （ECs） in different flow fields， and provide experimental evidence for mechanical signal effects on gene regulation pattern of ECs. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein ECs were loaded into steady flow chambers of laminar flow or turbulent flow and observed at 6 time points （0.5 h， 1 h， 2 h， 3 h， 4 h and 5 h） based on different load time. Spacial and temporal characteristics of NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs in different flow chambers were detected at a protein level by laser confocal microscope. Results In laminar flow， NF-κB expression rose to peak at 1 hour （26.49±1.63， P＜0.05）and then declined. In turbulent flow， NF-κB expression rose to peak at 3 hours （34.41±6.43， P＜0.05）. In laminar flow， c-Jun/AP-1 expression was transiently elevated， reached its peak at 0.5 hour （18.95±5.38，P＜0.05）and then fell to its baseline level. In turbulent flow， c-Jun/AP-1 expression rose slowly but steady to peak（P＜0.05） . Conclusion The effects of turbulent flow on NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs are different from those of laminar flow. Up-regulation and activation of NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs induced by turbulent flow may cause pathological changes in morphological structure and functional behavior of ECs.
Objective To compare and evaluate the short-term outcomes of 3 different tricuspid valve plasty for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with rheumatic heart disease. Methods Between October 2010 and June 2011, 148 patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing left heart valve replacement and tricuspid valve plasty for functional TR were enrolled in the study. There were 32 males and 116 females with an average age of 47.5 years (range, 15-66 years). The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on tricuspid valve plasty: Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty ring group (annuloplasty ring group, 58 cases), Kay annuloplasty group (Kay group, 61 cases), and DeVega annuloplasty group (DeVaga group, 29 cases). There was no significant difference in general data among groups (P gt; 0.05), except more severe TR degree, higher atrial fibrillation, and higher radiofrequency ablation in annuloplasty ring group (P lt; 0.05). Perioperative data were recorded. The heart function was evaluated according to the standard of New York Heart Association (NYHA). Echocardiography (ECG) was used to record the TR class during perioperative period and follow-up. Results After operation, 1 case in Kay group and 1 case in annuloplasty ring group were dead because of low cardiac output syndrome. Pneumonia happened in 2 cases of Kay group and in 1 case of annuloplasty ring group; re-operation was performed in 1 case of annuloplasty ring group because of sternal dehiscence. There was no significant difference in perioperative complication among 3 groups (P=0.840). The TR degree was significantly improved at discharge when compared with preoperative degree in 3 groups (P lt; 0.001). A total of 146 patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 7.3 months). The NYHA grade of 3 groups at last follow-up was improved when compared with preoperative grade (P lt; 0.001), but no significant difference among 3 groups (χ2=0.120, P=0.942). The TR degree at last follow-up was all improved in 3 groups when compared with preoperative degree (P lt; 0.001); the improved efficiency showed significant difference among 3 groups (χ2=26.827, P=0.000), it was significantly better in annuloplasty ring group than in the other 2 groups (P lt; 0.001), but no significant difference between DeVega group and Kay group (Z=1.467, P=0.142). Conclusion The early improved efficiency of TR after Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty is superior to that of Kay annuloplasty and DeVega annuloplasty.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of unsupported reduction ascending aortoplasty for dilatation of the ascending aorta. Methods Between September 2005 and May 2011, 53 patients with aortic valve disease and dilatation of the ascending aorta underwent aortic valve replacement with unsupported reduction ascending aortoplasty. There were 41males and 12 females, aged 22-75 years (mean, 52 years). The disease duration was 1 month to 14 years. The color Doppler echocardiography showed that the diameter of the ascending aorta before surgery was (45.9 ± 3.3) mm; bicuspid aortic valve and tri-aortic valve were observed in 13 and 40 cases respectively. The heart functions were graded as II level in 19 cases, III level in 33 cases, and IV level in 1 case according to the standard of New York Heart Disease Academy (NYHA). Results After operation, mediastinum errhysis occurred in 1 case, pneumonia in 3 cases, and III degree atrioventricular block in 1 case. There was no related complication of the aortoplasty. All the patients were followed up 3-68 months (mean, 15 months), and had no obvious chest tightness and palpitation. At last follow-up, the NYHA heart functions were graded as I level in 22 cases, II level in 31 cases; the diameter of the ascending aorta was (35.2 ± 4.0) mm, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative one (P=0.000), but no significant difference when compared with the one at discharge (34.0 ± 2.5) mm (P=0.245). There was significant difference in the diameter of the ascending aorta between last follow-up and preoperation, at discharge in the patients who were followed up more than 60 months (P lt; 0.05); significant difference was found between last followup and preoperation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference between last follow-up and preoperation (P gt; 0.05) in patients whose diameter of the ascending aorta was more than 50 mm before operation. Conclusion Unsupported reduction ascending aortoplasty has good short- and mid-term results in treating aortic valve disease with mild to moderate dilatation (diameter range, 40-50 mm) of the ascending aorta. Inclusion criteria of the aortoplasty should be strict. Long-term results need further follow-up.