ObjectiveTo explore the value of simvastatin in improving endothelial function in the patients with acute coronary syndromes in shorter time.Methods60 patients with acute coronary syndrome(acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction) were randomized to be treated with placebo(n=30) or simvastatin 20 mg daily(n=30) for 3～5 d.At the admission and endpoint,Brachial ultrasound was used to measure endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation(FMD) and response to endothelium-independent nitroglycerin. ResultsFMD was unchanged with placebo,but increased with simvasatin,from(2.65±2.95)% to(4.19±2.59)%(P=0.027).Responses to nitroglycerin were similar during the time course of the study in the 2 groups.The improvement of FMD was not correlated with the level of TC(R2=0.081,P=0.37),LDL-C(R2=0.056,P=0.46) or HDL-C(R2=0.073,P=0.40).ConclusionSimvastatin initiated early after acute coronary syndromes rapidly improves endothelial function in short course.No correlation has been detected between the pharmacological effects of simvastatin with the fall in TC and LDL-C.

Thirty-eight individuals with normal glucose regulation and thirty-nine newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were observed by continuous glucose monitoring system(CGMS)for three days.The mean blood glucose,mean amplitude of glycemic excursions(MAGE),and absolute means of daily differences(MODD)were calculated in each subject.The results suggested that the amplitude of glyeemic excursions revealed by CGMS could be used to evaluate the quality of glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

Objective To learn the present status of defluoridation water improvement project in Shanxi province in order to provide scientific basis for speeding up the prevention and control of endemic fluorosis.Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control" from 2005 to 2009, the investigation points were selected in the counties that implemented the measures of water improvement and defluoridation,the status of drinking water defluoridation Project was investigated, and the water fluoride levels were determined by fluoride selective ion electrode. Results The primary status was surveyed in 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects in 51 counties. The resource of drinking water for water improvement and defluoridation projects was mostly ground water[accounting for 93.12% (1544/1658)]. Among 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects 1405 projects worked well(accounting for 84.74%) and 190 projects intermittently worked (accounting for 11.46%). Sixty three projects abandoned (accounting for 3.80%), in Datong basin the abandoned projects accounted for 36.36% (12/33). Water fluoride content of 1595 water improvement and defluoridation projects had been determined, among them water fluoride content of 874 projects were above 1.0 mg/L (accounting for 54.80%). The situations of exceeded national standard in the five basins was different(H = 33.22,P ＜ 0.01). The rate of over national standard of fluoride levels in drinking water was 88.37%(38/43) in Datong basin. Therefore, in Datong basin water improvement should be strengthened. Conclusions In Shanxi province the water improvement and defluoridation projects are basically running normally. However, the qualified rate is lower for the water improvement and defluoridation projects. The water improvement status varies dramatically among areas.The situation is still grim in Shanxi province. Water improvement and defluoridation needs to be strengthened to improve the effect of prevention and control of the disease.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of elevated glucose level on epicardial/microvascular flow and survival in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODSA total of 308 patients with STEMI underwent primary PCI were divided into 3 groups according to the glucose level on admission: group 1, < 7.8 mmol/L; group 2, 7.8-11.0 mmol/L, and group 3, > or = 11.0 mmol/L.

RESULTSCompared with group 1, patients in the group 2 and 3 were older, had higher triglycerides levels and more 2-vessel or 3-vessel diseases. Although TIMI flow after PCI were similar among groups (89.7%, 86.0% and 86.3%, P = > 0.05), corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) in group 2 and group 3 were higher than that in group 1. Moreover, TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) 0-1 grade rate post PCI was higher in group 2 and 3 (30.3% and 29.0%) than that of group 1 (17.3%, P < 0.05). There was less frequently complete ST-segment resolution (56.7%) and early T wave inversion (58.3%) in group 3 than that of group 1 after PCI (72.0% and 73.4% respectively, P < 0.05). Mortality rate at 30 days post PCI was significantly higher in the group 3 (10.4%) than that in the group 1 (2.6%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONElevated glucose level on admission in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary PCI is associated with reduced myocardial microvascular flow. Abnormal myocardial microvascular flow might contribute to the poor outcomes observed in patients with hyperglycemia on admission.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Blood Glucose ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; therapy ; Myocardial Reperfusion ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDPatients with elevated admission glucose levels may be at increased risk of death after myocardial infarction, independent of other baseline risk factors and more severe coronary artery disease. However, data regarding admission glucose and epicardial and microvascular flow after primary angioplasty is limited.

METHODSAngioplasty was performed in 308 ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups on the basis of admission glucose level: group 1, < 7.8 mmol/L; group 2, (7.8 - 11.0) mmol/L; and group 3, >or= 11.0 mmol/L.

RESULTSCompared with group 1, patients in group 2 and group 3 were more often female and older. Triglycerides (TG) in group 3 were significantly higher than group 1. At angiography, they more frequently had 2-vessel or 3-vessel disease. In the infarct-related artery, there was no relationship between hyperglycemia and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (89.7%, 86.0% and 86.3%, P = NS). However, corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) in group 2 and group 3 were more than group 1. TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) 0 - 1 grade among patients with hyperglycemia after PCI were more frequent (30.9% and 29.0% vs 17.3%, P < 0.05). There was less frequent complete ST - segment resolution (STR) and early T wave inversion among patients with hyperglycemia after PCI.

CONCLUSIONElevated admission glucose levels in ST - segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary PCI are independently associated with impaired microvascular flow. Abnormal microvascular flow may contribute at least in part to the poor outcomes observed in patients with elevated admission glucose.

Adult ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Circulation ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Glucose Intolerance ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; physiopathology ; Male ; Microcirculation ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; mortality ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pericardium ; physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; blood ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVESerum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is increased in acute coronary syndrome patients and related to prognosis. We investigated the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on PAPP-A mRNA expression in monocytes.

METHODSMonocytes were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation from blood of healthy volunteers. The PAPP-A expressions at mRNA level post CRP or rhTNF-alpha stimulation were measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTSPAPP-A mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes increased 2 hours (0.2128 +/- 0.0136) and peaked 24 hours (0.6837 +/- 0.1360) after CRP (20 mg/L) stimulation compared with control group (0.1842 +/- 0.0101). PAPP-A mRNA expression increased rapidly, peaked 2 hours (1.2546 +/- 0.0866) and remained elevated up to 24 hours (0.8203 +/- 0.0413) after rhTNF-alpha (100 ng/ml) stimulation. The effects of CRP and TNF-alpha were dose-dependent. PAPP-A mRNA expression of monocytes were 0.2544 +/- 0.0611, 0.4177 +/- 0.1200, 0.5828 +/- 0.0152, 0.6837 +/- 0.1360 after stimulated with CRP (1, 5, 10, 20 mg/L), and 0.2424 +/- 0.1378, 0.3335 +/- 0.0196, 0.5742 +/- 0.0131, 0.6913 +/- 0.0219 and 0.8203 +/- 0.0413 after stimulated with rhTNF-alpha (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml). Actinomycin D, the DNA-directed RNA polymerase inhibitor, completely blocked CRP and TNF-alpha induced PAPP-A expression.

CONCLUSIONSPAPP-A mRNA expression could be stimulated by CRP and TNF-alpha in human peripheral blood monocytes which might be responsible for the increased serum PAPP-A level in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

C-Reactive Protein ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Monocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of glycated albumin(GA),a parameter in reflection of recent glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods Four hundred and forty-five patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were hospitalized in our hospital from May to November 2006 were enrolled into the study.The fasting plasma glucose(FPG),postprandial 2-hour blood glucose(P2hBG) and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c) were measured,the enzymatic measurement of GA was conducted and the CGMS was performed.The correlation between GA and the other parameters monitored was analysed. Results The correlation analysis indicated that GA was well correlated with HbA1c(r=0.818,P0.05),respectively for those with HbA1c more than 7.5%,between 6.5% and 7.5%,and less than 6.5%. Conclusion GA is well correlated with HbA1c,especially in those with poor glycemic control for a long time.The correlation between GA and long-term glycemic control is stronger than that between GA and instant plasma glucose or MBG in three days.

Objective To explore the long-term effect of endemic arsenism on oxidative stress and immune function, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of the disease in the areas. Methods In 2009, Using cluster sampling and typical investigation, the cross-sectional study was completed. The patient groups and the internal control group were selected in the arsenism areas after 5 years quality improvement of drinking water(Silizhuang village, Daying village and Gucheng village in Shanyin county, Gucheng city, Shanxi province) and they were divided into mild, moderate, severe case and internal control groups, respectively. The external control group was selected in a non-arsenism area(Yangzhuang village in Heshengbu city). The Oxidative stress indicators were determined and analyzed [serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined with xanthine oxidase method, glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity was determined with 2-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid method, and mmuuity malondisldohyde(MDA) levels was determined with thiobarbituric acid method]. The immune function was determined and analyzed [immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined with radioimmunoassay method, and serum lysozyme was determined with turbidimetric method]. Results A total of 252 people were surveyed, in which the external control group, the internal control group, mild, moderate and severe patient groups were 56, 57, 49,44 and 46, respectively. Serum SOD activities were (72.19 ± 11.75), (66.96 ± 12.02), (49.79±11.07), (48.54 ±10.56) and (47.68 ± 10.68)kU/L, respectively. The difference of serum SOD activities between the groups was statistically significant(F = 52.42, P ＜ 0.01 ). Serum SOD activities in the external control group were significantly higher than other groups (all P ＜ 0.05). The value in the internal control group was significantly higher than the 3patient groups (all P ＜ 0.05). There were no significant differences between the case groups (P ＞ 0.05). Serum GSH-Px activities of the five groups were (197.41 ± 38.54), (195.02 ± 31.93), (187.26 ± 28.22), (187.24 ± 25.40),(186.88 ± 21.84)U/mg, respectively, and the difference between the groups was not significant(H = 4.21, P ＞0.05). Serum MDA levels of the five groups were (4.51 ± 2.14), (5.88 ± 2.00), (6.44 ± 2.83), (5.89 ± 2.57),(5.88 ± 2.40)μ mol/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(F = 3.36,P ＜ 0.05). The external control group was significantly lower than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum IgG levels were(11.16 ± 2.08), (8.15 ± 1.44), (8.77 ±2.54), (9.19 ± 1.97), (8.44 ± 2.52)g/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(H = 52.92, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum lysozyme levels were (13.57 ± 5.16), (10.05 ± 3.96), (8.78 ± 3.35), (8.72 ± 3.76), (9.38 ± 4.26)mg/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (H = 35.00, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions The effect of arsenic on the body's oxidative stress response and immune function persists after 5 years of drinking low arsenic water. In addition to intensify arsenic removal from drinking water, it should also strengthen the monitoring of population's health in the diseased areas.

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to investigate the relationship between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level at admission and myocardial perfusion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

METHODSThe study population consisted of 197 patients (154 men, mean age 60.94 +/- 11.62 years) who were admitted to our hospital with first acute myocardial infarction and underwent primary PCI in the infarct-related artery. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). Patients were divided into two groups according to TMPG after PCI. Group 1 consisted of 39 patients with TMPG 0 - 1 and group 2 consisted of 158 patients with TMPG 2 - 3. Serum hs-CRP levels at admission were measured.

RESULTShs-CRP level at admission was significantly higher in group 1 than that in group 2 (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONSHigher hs-CRP level at admission in patients with acute myocardial infarction is related to poorer myocardial perfusion post primary PCI.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; therapy ; Myocardial Reperfusion

OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors and the values of early invasive intervention in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without ST-segment elevation.

METHODSFive hundred and forty-five patients of ACS without ST-segment elevation were randomly assigned to an early conservative strategy or early invasive strategy who had been admitted to hospitals consecutively from Oct. 2001 to Oct. 2003. The combined cardiovascular events (a combination of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal heart failure and re-hospital admission due to recurrent ischemia angina) within 30 days and 6 months were analyzed and the primary high risk factors for combined cardiovascular events were evaluated by means of multivariate logistic regression analysis among baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory data, meanwhile, the effects of an early conservative strategy or early invasive strategy on outcomes were also investigated.

RESULTSThe incidences of combined cardiovascular events within 30 days and 6 months among 513 cases were 14.0% and 25.7% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis implied ST-segment depression, elevation of troponin I level, increased C-reactive protein, lower ejection fraction of left ventricular and higher TIMI risk scores were all associated with an increases in cardiovascular events within 6 months, and they were respectively independent predictive factor for the increases of cardiovascular events. Early invasive strategy was associated with a lower rate of re-hospital admission due to recurrent ischemia angina within 30 days and a decreased incidences of combined cardiovascular events within 30 days and 6 months compared with early conservative strategy (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSST-segment depression, elevation of troponin I level, increased C-reactive protein, lower ejection fraction of left ventricular and higher TIMI risk scores are high risk factors for patients with ACS without ST-segment elevation, and early invasive strategy can have a substantial impact in reducing combined cardiovascular events.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Aged ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors