BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is characterized by increased inflammatory processes and endothelial activation. We investigated the association between ACS and inflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading enzymes. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 55 consecutive patients with ACS: 25 with unstable angina (UA) and 30 with non-ST elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). For comparison, 25 age- and sex-matched subjects with no significant coronary artery stenosis were included as the control group. Peripheral serum levels of interleukin (IL)-33, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP-1, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured on admission, and at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the initial evaluation. RESULTS: Compared to serum levels in the control group, serum levels of IL-33 decreased in the NSTEMI group (p < 0.05), and levels of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 increased in the UA group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively) and NSTEMI group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). IL-33 levels were significantly lower on admission than at 12 hours after the initial evaluation (p < 0.05). IL-33 levels were negatively correlated with MMP-9 levels (r = -0.461, p < 0.05) and CRP levels (r = -0.441, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and decreased levels of IL-33 play a role in the development and progression of ACS.
Adult ; Angina, Unstable/blood/*enzymology/*immunology ; Biological Markers/blood ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation Mediators/*blood ; Interleukins/*blood ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/*blood ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/blood/*enzymology/*immunology ; Time Factors ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/*blood

In the article, there were two spelling errors in the title and author affiliation.

AIMErectile dysfunction may be observed in up to 80% of patients with Peyronie's disease. An objective evaluation of the erectile function is attempted to work out in patients with Peyronie's disease.

METHODSPenile deformity, sexual function and penile vascular status were analyzed in 123 patients with Peyronie's disease, who had not received any pertinent treatment.

RESULTSPenile deformity, palpable plaque and pain on erection were seen in 112 (91%), 97 (78.8%) and 27 (21.9%) of the 123 patients, respectively. Of the 76 patients evaluated by color Doppler ultrasounography, veno-occlusive dysfunction as the vascular component for erectile dysfunction was found in 17 (22.3%), arterial insufficiency in 10 (13.1%) and a mixed picture in 23 (30.2%).

CONCLUSIONThe documentation of penile erectile function and the determination of the vascular status using color Doppler ultrasonography can guide the appropriate therapeutic choice.

Adult ; Aged ; Antioxidants ; therapeutic use ; Colchicine ; therapeutic use ; Erectile Dysfunction ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Gout Suppressants ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Induration ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Penis ; blood supply ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; Vitamin E ; therapeutic use