Inflammation, Atherosclerosis, and Stroke

Immune Markers Are Associated With Asymptomatic Intracranial Large Artery Stenosis and Future Vascular Events in NOMAS

BACKGROUND

Inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis but is incompletely characterized in intracranial large artery stenosis (ICAS). We hypothesized that immune markers would be associated with ICAS and modify the risk ICAS confers on future vascular events.

METHODS

This study included a subsample of stroke-free participants in the prospective NOMAS (Northern Manhattan Study), who had blood samples analyzed with a 60-plex immunoassay (collected from 1993 to 2001) and ICAS assessment with time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (obtained from 2003 to 2008). We dichotomized ICAS as either ≥50% stenosis or not (including no ICAS). We ascertained post-magnetic resonance imaging vascular events. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator procedures to select immune markers independently associated with ICAS. Then, we grouped selected immune markers into a derived composite Z score. Using proportional odds regression, we quantified the association of the composite immune marker Z score, ICAS, and risk of vascular events.

RESULTS

Among 1211 participants (mean age, 71±9 years; 59% women; 65% Hispanic participants), 8% had ≥50% ICAS. Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, we identified CXCL9 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9), HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), resistin, SCF (stem cell factor), and VEGF-A(vascular endothelial growth factor A) to have the strongest positive relationships with ≥50% ICAS in fully adjusted models. Selected markers were used to derive a composite immune marker Z score. Over an average follow-up of 12 years, we found that each unit increase in immune marker Z scores was associated with an 8% (95% CI, 1.05-1.11), 11% (95% CI, 1.06-1.16), and 5% (95% CI, 1.01-1.09) increased hazard of death, vascular death, and any vascular event, respectively, in adjusted models. We did not find a significant interaction between immune marker Z scores and ICAS in their relationship with any longitudinal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Among a diverse stroke-free population, selected serum immune markers were associated with ICAS and future vascular events. Further study is needed to better understand their role in the pathogenesis of ICAS and as a potential therapeutic target in stroke prevention.

Machine learning approaches for biomarker discovery to predict large-artery atherosclerosis

Large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) is a leading cause of cerebrovascular disease. However, LAA diagnosis is costly and needs professional identification. Many metabolites have been identified as biomarkers of specific traits. However, there are inconsistent findings regarding suitable biomarkers for the prediction of LAA. In this study, we propose a new method integrates multiple machine learning algorithms and feature selection method to handle multidimensional data. Among the six machine learning models, logistic regression (LR) model exhibited the best prediction performance. The value of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.92 when 62 features were incorporated in the external validation set for the LR model. In this model, LAA could be well predicted by clinical risk factors including body mass index, smoking, and medications for controlling diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia as well as metabolites involved in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and lipid metabolism. In addition, we found that 27 features were present among the five adopted models that could provide good results. If these 27 features were used in the LR model, an AUC value of 0.93 could be achieved. Our study has demonstrated the effectiveness of combining machine learning algorithms with recursive feature elimination and cross-validation methods for biomarker identification. Moreover, we have shown that using shared features can yield more reliable correlations than either model, which can be valuable for future identification of LAA.

Stimuli-Responsive Nanotherapeutics for Treatment and Diagnosis of Stroke

Stroke is the second most common medical emergency and constitutes a significant cause of global morbidity. The conventional stroke treatment strategies, including thrombolysis, antiplatelet therapy, endovascular thrombectomy, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, reducing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, hemostatic treatment, do not provide efficient relief to the patients due to lack of appropriate delivery systems, large doses, systemic toxicity. In this context, guiding the nanoparticles toward the ischemic tissues by making them stimuli-responsive can be a turning point in managing stroke. Hence, in this review, we first outline the basics of stroke, including its pathophysiology, factors affecting its development, current treatment therapies, and their limitations. Further, we have discussed stimuli-responsive nanotherapeutics used for diagnosing and treating stroke with challenges ahead for the safe use of nanotherapeutics.

Influence of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation on Nutritional Status and Neural Plasticity: New Perspectives on Post-Stroke Neurorehabilitative Outcome

Beyond brain deficits caused by strokes, the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation is strongly influenced by the baseline clinical features of stroke patients, including a patient's current nutritional status. Malnutrition, either as a pre-stroke existing condition or occurring because of ischemic injury, predisposes patients to poor rehabilitation outcomes. On the other hand, a proper nutritional status compliant with the specific needs required by the process of brain recovery plays a key role in post-stroke rehabilitative outcome favoring neuroplasticity mechanisms. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a role in stroke-associated malnutrition, as well as in the cascade of ischemic events in the brain area, where ischemic damage leads to neuronal death and brain infarction, and, via cell-to-cell signaling, the alteration of neuroplasticity processes underlying functional recovery induced by multidisciplinary rehabilitative treatment. Nutrition strategies based on food components with oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties may help to reverse or stop malnutrition and may be a prerequisite for supporting the ability of neuronal plasticity to result in satisfactory rehabilitative outcome in stroke patients. To expand nutritional recommendations for functional rehabilitation recovery, studies considering the evolution of nutritional status changes in post-stroke patients over time are required. The assessment of nutritional status must be included as a routine tool in rehabilitation settings for the integrated care of stroke-patients.

Association Between Atherosclerosis-Related Cardiovascular Disease and Uveitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Uveitis is not only an intraocular inflammatory disease, but also an indicator of systemic inflammation. It is unclear whether uveitis can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the atherosclerotic pathway.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched until 5 September, 2022. Original studies investigating uveitis and cardiovascular events were selected. The random-effects model was used to calculate the difference of groups in pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A total of six observational studies that included mainly ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients were included. Of these, three studies reported data on carotid plaques and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and the other three studies provided data on atherosclerosis-related CVD. No significant difference was found in cIMT between uveitis and controls (MD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.03-0.04, p = 0.66), consistent with the findings of carotid plaque incidence (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.71-2.41, p = 0.39). However, uveitis was associated with a 1.49-fold increase in atherosclerosis-related CVD (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.20-1.84, p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Uveitis is a predictor of atherosclerosis-related CVD in AS patients. For autoimmune disease patients with uveitis, earlier screening of cardiovascular risk factors and the implementation of corresponding prevention strategies may be associated with a better prognosis.

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Candidate Loci Associated with Opioid Analgesic Requirements in the Treatment of Cancer Pain

Considerable individual differences have been widely observed in the sensitivity to opioids. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in patients with cancer pain to identify potential candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that contribute to individual differences in opioid analgesic requirements in pain treatment by utilizing whole-genome genotyping arrays with more than 650,000 markers. The subjects in the GWAS were 428 patients who provided written informed consent and underwent treatment for pain with opioid analgesics in a palliative care unit at Higashi-Sapporo Hospital. The GWAS showed two intronic SNPs, rs1283671 and rs1283720, in the ANGPT1 gene that encodes a secreted glycoprotein that belongs to the angiopoietin family. These two SNPs were strongly associated with average daily opioid requirements for the treatment of pain in both the additive and recessive models (p < 5.0000 × 10−8). Several other SNPs were also significantly associated with the phenotype. In the gene-based analysis, the association was significant for the SLC2A14 gene in the additive model. These results indicate that these SNPs could serve as markers that predict the efficacy of opioid analgesics in cancer pain treatment. Our findings may provide valuable information for achieving satisfactory pain control and open new avenues for personalized pain treatment.

Fine-tuning of microglia polarization prevents diabetes-associated cerebral atherosclerosis

Diabetes increases the occurrence and severity of atherosclerosis. When plaques form in brain vessels, cerebral atherosclerosis causes thickness, rigidity, and unstableness of cerebral artery walls, leading to severe complications like stroke and contributing to cognitive impairment. So far, the molecular mechanism underlying cerebral atherosclerosis is not determined. Moreover, effective intervention strategies are lacking. In this study, we showed that polarization of microglia, the resident macrophage in the central nervous system, appeared to play a critical role in the pathological progression of cerebral atherosclerosis. Microglia likely underwent an M2c-like polarization in an environment long exposed to high glucose. Experimental suppression of microglia M2c polarization was achieved through transduction of microglia with an adeno-associated virus (serotype AAV-PHP.B) carrying siRNA for interleukin-10 (IL-10) under the control of a microglia-specific TMEM119 promoter, which significantly attenuated diabetes-associated cerebral atherosclerosis in a mouse model. Thus, our study suggests a novel translational strategy to prevent diabetes-associated cerebral atherosclerosis through in vivo control of microglia polarization.

Non-Communicable Neurological Disorders and Neuroinflammation

Traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa, as in the rest of the world. Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries specifically represent a leading cause of disability in the younger population. Stroke and neurodegenerative disorders predominantly target the elderly and are a major concern in Africa, since their rate of increase among the ageing is the fastest in the world. Neuroimmunology is usually not associated with non-communicable neurological disorders, as the role of neuroinflammation is not often considered when evaluating their cause and pathogenesis. However, substantial evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is extremely relevant in determining the consequences of non-communicable neurological disorders, both for its protective abilities as well as for its destructive capacity. We review here current knowledge on the contribution of neuroinflammation and neuroimmunology to the pathogenesis of traumatic injuries, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on problems that are already a major issue in Africa, like traumatic brain injury, and on emerging disorders such as dementias.

Review on Laser Technology in Intravascular Imaging and Treatment

Blood vessels are one of the most essential organs, which nourish all tissues in our body. Once there are intravascular plaques or vascular occlusion, other organs and circulatory systems will not work properly. Therefore, it is necessary to detect abnormal blood vessels by intravascular imaging technologies for subsequent vascular treatment. The emergence of lasers and fiber optics promotes the development of intravascular imaging and treatment. Laser imaging techniques can obtain deep vascular images owing to light scattering and absorption properties. Moreover, photothermal and photomechanical effects of laser make it possible to treat vascular diseases accurately. In this review, we present the research progress and applications of laser techniques in intravascular imaging and treatment. Firstly, we introduce intravascular optical coherent tomography and intravascular photoacoustic imaging, which can obtain various information of plaques. Multimodal intravascular imaging techniques provide more information about intravascular plaques, which have an essential influence on intravascular imaging. Secondly, two laser techniques including laser angioplasty and endovenous laser ablation are discussed for the treatment of arterial and venous diseases, respectively. Finally, the outlook of laser techniques in blood vessels, as well as the integration of laser imaging and treatment are prospected in the section of discussions.

Salivary Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Stroke Patients: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice

Cerebral stroke is a serious worldwide health problem, as can be seen by the global epidemic of the disease. In this disorder, when the blood flow is compromised by ruptures or blocked arteries, sudden death of neurons is observed as a result of a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Numerous severe problems and frequent complications also exist in stroke patients; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic methods for the disease. At present, the diagnosis of stroke is based on a neurological examination, medical history, and neuroimaging, due to the fact that rapid and noninvasive diagnostic tests are unavailable. Nevertheless, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered key factors in stroke pathogenesis. Oxygen free radicals are responsible for oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA/RNA, which in turn contributes to oxidative damage of the brain. Toxic products of the oxidation reactions act cytostatically on the cell by damaging cell membranes and leading to neuronal death by apoptosis or necrosis. Thus, it seems that redox/inflammatory biomarkers might be used in the diagnosis of the disease. Nowadays, saliva is of increasing interest in clinical laboratory medicine. Redox biomarkers could be obtained easily, noninvasively, cheaply, and stress-free from saliva. This minireview is aimed at presenting the current knowledge concerning the use of salivary biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in the diagnosis and prognosis of stroke.

Using Ultrasound and Inflammation to Improve Prediction of Ischemic Stroke: A Secondary Analysis of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Current ischemic stroke risk prediction is primarily based on clinical factors, rather than imaging or laboratory markers. We examined the relationship between baseline ultrasound and inflammation measurements and subsequent primary ischemic stroke risk.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), the primary outcome is the incident ischemic stroke during follow-up. The predictor variables are 9 carotid ultrasound-derived measurements and 6 serum inflammation measurements from the baseline study visit. We fit Cox regression models to the outcome of ischemic stroke. The baseline model included patient age, hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol, smoking, and systolic blood pressure. Goodness-of-fit statistics were assessed to compare the baseline model to a model with ultrasound and inflammation predictor variables that remained significant when added to the baseline model.

RESULTS

We included 5,918 participants. The primary outcome of ischemic stroke was seen in 105 patients with a mean follow-up time of 7.7 years. In the Cox models, we found that carotid distensibility (CD), carotid stenosis (CS), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) were associated with incident stroke. Adding tertiles of CD, IL-6, and categories of CS to a baseline model that included traditional clinical vascular risk factors resulted in a better model fit than traditional risk factors alone as indicated by goodness-of-fit statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

In a multiethnic cohort of patients without cerebrovascular disease at baseline, we found that CD, CS, and IL-6 helped predict the occurrence of primary ischemic stroke. Future research could evaluate if these basic ultrasound and serum measurements have implications for primary prevention efforts or clinical trial inclusion criteria.

Impact of aging and comorbidities on ischemic stroke outcomes in preclinical animal models: A translational perspective

Ischemic stroke is a highly complex and devastating neurological disease. The sudden loss of blood flow to a brain region due to an ischemic insult leads to severe damage to that area resulting in the formation of an infarcted tissue, also known as the ischemic core. This is surrounded by the peri-infarct region or penumbra that denotes the functionally impaired but potentially salvageable tissue. Thus, the penumbral tissue is the main target for the development of neuroprotective strategies to minimize the extent of ischemic brain damage by timely therapeutic intervention. Given the limitations of reperfusion therapies with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator or mechanical thrombectomy, there is high enthusiasm to combine reperfusion therapy with neuroprotective strategies to further reduce the progression of ischemic brain injury. Till date, a large number of candidate neuroprotective drugs have been identified as potential therapies based on highly promising results from studies in rodent ischemic stroke models. However, none of these interventions have shown therapeutic benefits in stroke patients in clinical trials. In this review article, we discussed the urgent need to utilize preclinical models of ischemic stroke that more accurately mimic the clinical conditions in stroke patients by incorporating aged animals and animal stroke models with comorbidities. We also outlined the recent findings that highlight the significant differences in stroke outcome between young and aged animals, and how major comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia dramatically increase the vulnerability of the brain to ischemic damage that eventually results in worse functional outcomes. It is evident from these earlier studies that including animal models of aging and comorbidities during the early stages of drug development could facilitate the identification of neuroprotective strategies with high likelihood of success in stroke clinical trials.

Advances in Cardiovascular Biomarker Discovery

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Among them, hypertension and its pathological complications pose a major risk for the development of other cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and stroke. Identifying novel and early stage biomarkers of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases is of paramount importance in predicting and preventing the major morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. Biomarkers of such diseases or predisposition to their development are identified by changes in a specific indicator’s expression between healthy individuals and patients. These include changes in protein and microRNA (miRNA) levels. Protein profiling using mass spectrometry and miRNA screening utilizing microarray and sequencing have facilitated the discovery of proteins and miRNA as biomarker candidates. In this review, we summarized some of the different, promising early stage protein and miRNA biomarker candidates as well as the currently used biomarkers for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Although a number of promising markers have been identified, it is unlikely that a single biomarker will unambiguously aid in the classification of these diseases. A multi-marker panel-strategy appears useful and promising for classifying and refining risk stratification among patients with cardiovascular disease.

hUCMSCs Mitigate LPS-Induced Trained Immunity in Ischemic Stroke

Innate immune memory is a part of the innate immune system that facilitates the elimination of pathogens. However, it may exacerbate neuropathology. In this study, we found that innate immune memory is detrimental in stroke, because it promotes the acute immune response and exacerbates ischemic infarcts. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has been widely studied for its therapeutic potential in various diseases including stroke, but whether it diminishes innate immune memory has not been studied. Here, our study demonstrates that, after the activation of innate immune memory by lipopolysaccharide, mesenchymal stem cell therapy can diminish innate immune memory though down-regulation of H3 methylation and subsequently protect against stroke. Our results demonstrate that innate immune memory is detrimental in stroke, and we describe a novel potential therapeutic target involving the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat stroke patients.

Microarray analysis of long non-coding RNA expression profiles in low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol disease

Background

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) disease with unknown etiology has a high prevalence in the Xinjiang Kazak population. In this study, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that might play a role in low HDL-C disease were identified.

Methods

Plasma samples from 10 eligible individuals with low HDL disease and 10 individuals with normal HDL-C levels were collected. The lncRNA profiles for 20 Xinjiang Kazak individuals were measured using microarray analysis.

Results

Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs with fold-change values not less than 1.5 and FDR-adjusted P-values less than 0.05 were screened. Bioinformatic analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and network analyses, were used to determine relevant signaling pathways and predict potential target genes. In total, 381 lncRNAs and 370 mRNAs were differentially expressed based on microarray analysis. Compared with those in healthy individuals, several lncRNAs were upregulated or downregulated in patients with low HDL-C disease, among which TCONS_00006679 was most significantly upregulated and TCONS_00011823 was most significantly downregulated. GO and KEGG pathway analyses as well as co-expression networks of lncRNAs and mRNAs revealed that the platelet activation pathway and cardiovascular disease were associated with low HDL-C disease.

Conclusions

Potential target genes integrin beta-3 (ITGB3) and thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) were regulated by the lncRNAs AP001033.3–201 and AC068234.2–202, respectively. Both genes were associated with cardiovascular disease and were involved in the platelet activation pathway. AP001033.3–201 and AC068234.2–202 were associated with low HDL-C disease and could play a role in platelet activation in cardiovascular disease. These results reveal the potential etiology of dyslipidemia in the Xinjiang Kazakh population and lay the foundation for further validation using large sample sizes.

MiRNA: a potential target for gene diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic stroke

Stroke is one of the major diseases that endanger the physical health life of middle-aged and old people. It has the characteristics of high incidence, mortality and disability rate. Atherosclerosis is the main intervention target for stroke prevention and treatment. MiRNAs are highly expressed in the cerebral vasculature and play an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of neuronal damage and ischemic stroke. This article reviews the mechanism of action between miRNAs and atherosclerosis, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, collateral circulation and circRNA molecular networks, providing theoretical support for miRNA in gene diagnosis and drug therapy of atherosclerotic stroke.

Effects of Royal jelly on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders in the world. This systematic review was conducted with focus on the current knowledge on the effect of royal jelly on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception until June 2018. All clinical trials and animal studies that evaluated the effects of royal jelly on diabetes mellitus, and were published in English-language journals were eligible. Studies that provided insufficient outcomes were excluded. Out of 522 articles found in the search, only twelve articles were eligible for analysis. Seven studies showed a significant reduction in FBS, and one reported HbA1c decrease following royal jelly supplementation. Although royal jelly supplementation resulted in significant reductions in HOM A-I R in three studies, the findings on insulin levels were controversial. In addition, royal jelly substantially improved serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL and Apo-A1 in diabetes mellitus. In addition, royal jelly resulted in a decrease oxidative stress indicators and increase antioxidant enzymes levels. In conclusion, royal jelly could improve glycemic status, lipid profiles and oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. However, exploring the underlying mechanisms warrants further studies.

Autonomic Nervous System and Stress to Predict Secondary Ischemic Events after Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke: Possible Implications of Heart Rate Variability

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke have high risks of recurrence and deterioration into severe ischemic strokes. Risk stratification of TIA and minor stroke is essential for early effective treatment. Traditional tools have only moderate predictive value, likely due to their inclusion of the limited number of stroke risk factors. Our review follows Hans Selye’s fundamental work on stress theory and the progressive shift of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) from adaptation to disease when stress becomes chronic. We will first show that traditional risk factors and acute triggers of ischemic stroke are chronic and acute stress factors or “stressors,” respectively. Our first review shows solid evidence of the relationship between chronic stress and stroke occurrence. The stress response is tightly regulated by the ANS whose function can be assessed with heart rate variability (HRV). Our second review demonstrates that stress-related risk factors of ischemic stroke are correlated with ANS dysfunction and impaired HRV. Our conclusions support the idea that HRV parameters may represent the combined effects of all body stressors that are risk factors for ischemic stroke and, thus, may be of important predictive value for the risk of subsequent ischemic events after TIA or minor stroke.

Relationship between serum vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers in acute stroke patients

Introduction

Low serum vitamin D levels are associated with the development of poststroke depression (PSD). Inflammatory markers play an important role in pathophysiology of PSD. The relationship between vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers has been discussed in nonstroke individuals. The purposes of this study were to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers in acute stroke patients and examine the effect of vitamin D and inflammatory markers on PSD.

Methods

A total of 152 acute stroke patients were recruited. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and inflammatory markers were measured by standardized laboratory methods. Depression symptoms were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17). Patients with the HAMD-17 scores ≥7 were identified to have depression symptoms.

Results

Serum vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with serum levels of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (r = -.244, p = .002; r = -.231, p = .004). Multiple regression analysis showed that interleukin-6 and hsCRP levels were associated with vitamin D levels (B = -0.355, p = .003; B = -2.085, p = .006), whereas age, height, weight, leukocyte count, neutrophil ratio, and lymphocyte rate could be omitted without changing the results. In multivariate analyses, the serum levels of vitamin D and interleukin-6 were associated with the development of PSD after adjusted possible variables (OR = 0.976, 95% CI: 0.958-0.994, p = .009; OR = 1.029, 95% CI: 1.003-1.055, p = .027).

Conclusions

Serum vitamin D levels are inversely associated with the levels of interleukin-6 and hsCRP, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory role for vitamin D in stroke individuals.

The Relationship between C-Reactive Protein Level and Discharge Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Previous studies showed that C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, was associated with stroke severity and long-term outcome. However, the relationship between the acute-phase CRP level and discharge outcome has received little attention. We prospectively studied 301 patients with acute ischemic stroke (over a period of two weeks) from two hospital stroke wards and one rehabilitation department in Henan, China. Patients’ demographic and clinical data were collected and evaluated at admission. Poor discharge outcome was assessed in patients at discharge using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS > 2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of poor discharge outcome after adjusting for potential confounders. Poor discharge outcome was observed in 78 patients (25.9%). Univariate analyses showed that factors significantly influencing poor discharge outcome were age, residence, recurrent acute ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, non-lacunar stroke, time from onset of stroke to admission, CRP, TBIL (total bilirubin), direct bilirubin (DBIL), ALB (albumin), FIB (fibrinogen) and D-dimer (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, residence, recurrent ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, NIHSS score at admission, lacunar stroke, time from onset of stroke to admission, CRP, TBIL, DBIL, ALB, FIB and D-dimer, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that poor outcome at discharge was associated with recurrent acute ischemic stroke (OR, 2.115; 95% CI, 1.094–4.087), non-lacunar stroke (OR, 2.943; 95% CI, 1.436–6.032), DBIL (OR, 1.795; 95% CI, 1.311–2.458), and CRP (OR, 4.890; 95% CI, 3.063–7.808). In conclusion, the CRP level measured at admission was found to be an independent predictor of poor outcome at discharge. Recurrent acute ischemic stroke, non-lacunar stroke and DBIL were also significantly associated with discharge outcome in acute ischemic stroke.

Statins as Pleiotropic Modifiers of Vascular Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world and in the future is expected to be the number one killer worldwide. The main cause underlying CVD is atherosclerosis. A key event in atherosclerosis initiation and progression is oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxygen species as well as endothelial dysfunction. Several pro- inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and proteins are involved in this process, complemented by activation of adhesion molecules that promote leukocyte rolling, tethering and infiltration into the sub-endothelial space. Statins represent the agent of choice since numerous clinical trials have verified that their pharmacological action extends beyond lipid lowering. Statins demonstrate direct anti-oxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and stimulating anti-oxidant enzymes while acting as regulators for cytokine, protein and adhesion molecule expression, all of which are involved in the atherosclerotic process. Statin use is considered one of the most efficient currently used interventions in managing CVD with the likely hood of remaining so in the near future.

Direct penetrating and indirect neck trauma as a cause of internal carotid artery thrombosis and secondary ischemic stroke

The following manuscript presents two cases of ischemic stroke secondary to traumatic internal carotid artery thrombosis with concomitant middle cerebral artery thrombosis occurring very rarely in the medico-legal practice. Penetrating neck trauma due to an occupational accident and multiple head and neck trauma secondary to battery were described. The autopsy and histopathological examination as well as the analysis of available medical records, including radiological examinations, and records of investigation indicated the sustained trauma to be the cause of the thrombosis.

Edaravone protects rats against oxidative stress and apoptosis in experimentally induced myocardial infarction: Biochemical and ultrastructural evidence

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of edaravone on oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and ultrastructure findings in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

METHODS

Rats were pretreated with edaravone (1, 3, 10 mg/kg body weight-1 day-1) intraperitoneally. MI was induced by subcutaneous administration of ISO (85 mg/kg body weight-1) at two doses with 24h interval.

RESULTS

ISO treated rats showed significant increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and decreased levels of reduced glutathione, glutathione perdoxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S- transferase in the cardiac tissues. Moreover, significant increase in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), C--reactive protein and caspase-3 activity was observed in ISO treated group. Pretreatment of ISO intoxicated rats with edaravone showed significant decrease in the level of TBARS, increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and significantly decreased levels of LDH and CK-MB. Moreover, results also showed decreased C-reactive protein level, caspase-3 activity and maintained ultrastructure of the myocardial cells.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that edaravone possess strong cardioprotective potential. Edaravone may have exhibited cardioprotective effects by restoring antioxidant defense mechanism, maintaining integrity of myocardial cell membrane, reducing apoptosis and inflammation against ISO induced MI and associated oxidative stress.

Arterial stiffening contributes to impairment of cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease without carotid stenosis

Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), an important risk factor for future stroke, is affected by a presence carotid stenosis. However, in some cases CVR can be impaired in the absence of carotid stenosis due to several poorly characterized mechanisms. We hypothesized that arterial stiffening as observed in coronary heart disease (CHD) could be associated with alteration in CVR in CHD patients without carotid stenosis. The study population consisted of patients referred for coronary angiography without significant carotid stenosis (<50 %). CVR was evaluated by breath holding index (BHI) measured with transcranial color code duplex ultrasound. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) measured by the oscillometric method. The extent of coronary atherosclerosis was quantified by Gensini score (GS). Out of 186 subjects, sixty-two patients fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. BHI decreased with increasing PWV (r = -0.47, p<0.001). Decrease in BHI was significantly inversely associated with GS (r = -0.61, p<0.001). GS was associated with PWV (p<0.001). In conclusion, impaired CVR was associated with increased arterial stiffening in CHD patients in the absence of significant carotid stenosis. Thus, we speculate that increased arterial stiffness may at least partially contribute to the pathophysiology of CVR alteration in coronary artery disease.

The many roles of statins in ischemic stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of human death. Endothelial dysfunction, thrombogenesis, inflammatory and oxidative stress damage, and angiogenesis play an important role in cerebral ischemic pathogenesis and represent a target for prevention and treatment. Statins have been found to improve endothelial function, modulate thrombogenesis, attenuate inflammatory and oxidative stress damage, and facilitate angiogenesis far beyond lowering cholesterol levels. Statins have also been proved to significantly decrease cardiovascular risk and to improve clinical outcome. Could statins be the new candidate agent for the prevention and therapy in ischemic stroke? In recent years, a vast expansion in the understanding of the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and the pleiotropic effects of statins has occurred and clinical trials involving statins for the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke have begun. These facts force us to revisit ischemic stroke and consider new strategies for prevention and treatment. Here, we survey the important developments in the non-lipid dependent pleiotropic effects and clinical effects of statins in ischemic stroke.

Polymorphism in Integrin ITGA2 is Associated with Ischemic Stroke and Altered Serum Cholesterol in Chinese Individuals

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have reported contrasting results regarding the association of polymorphisms in two integrin genes, ITGA2 and ITGB3, with ischemic stroke.

AIMS

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between the ITGA2 C807T and ITGB3 T176C polymorphic loci with ischemic stroke, as well as plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels.

STUDY DESIGN

Case control study.

METHODS

Human venous blood samples were collected from patients admitted for ischemic stroke (n=350, 'patients') and healthy individuals (n=300, 'controls'). Blood was genotyped at these loci by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured by routine enzymatic, masking, and turbidimetry methods.

RESULTS

As expected, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were all significantly higher in patients than in controls (p<0.05). Genotype and allele frequencies of ITGA2 C807T were significantly different between patients and controls (p<0.05), but no difference was detected in genotype or allele frequencies for ITGA3 T176C. For ITGA-2, the T allele conferred a 1.226 times higher relative risk of ischemic stroke than the C allele (odds ratio=1.226, 95% confidence interval=1.053-1.428). Similarly, total cholesterol was higher in T allele carriers than in non-carriers (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

ITGA2 C807T polymorphism is associated with ischemic stroke, with the T allele acting as a susceptibility allele that appears to confer increased cholesterol levels.

Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene rs4073259 polymorphism not associated with ischemic stroke in the northeastern Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVE

Although recent evidence has implicated that 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene is associated with ischemic stroke (IS) risk, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be defined. This study aimed to investigate the role of ALOX5AP rs4073259 in ischemic stroke in a Northeastern Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A total of 501 IS patients and 497 healthy controls were enrolled for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligase detection reaction (LDR) analysis of ALOX5AP rs4073259 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in ALOX5AP rs4073259 allele and genotype frequencies between IS or subtypes of IS and controls. There was no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of atherosclerosis degree between ischemic subjects with carotid artery plaque or absence. However, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in women patients were significantly higher than those in men (p=0.015, 0.000, and 0.008, respectively). Total homocysteine (tHcy) was higher in men patients than that in women (p=0.021).

CONCLUSION

There was no statistically significant association of ALOX5AP rs4073259 SNP with ischemic stroke in this northeastern Chinese Han population living in Heilongjiang province, China.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts poor prognosis in ischemic cerebrovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerosis. Although previous data demonstrated an association between inflammatory biomarkers and stroke, there is no publication reporting the relation of neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio with ischemic stroke. We aimed to analyze the predictive ability of N/L ratio in acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

A total of 190 patients including 70 patients with first-ever atherothrombotic acute ischemic stroke (AAIS), 50 patients with transient ischemic attack, and 70 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the values of white blood cell (WBC), N/L ratio, C-reactive protein (CRP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), homocysteine (HCY), mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with ischemic group and compared those with control individuals.

RESULTS

WBC, CRP, HCY, N/L ratio were found to increase significantly in AAIS patients than the controls (P < 0.001). With respect to mortality, there were no significant differences between the values of CRP, GGT, HCY, and MPV in patients with AAIS. However, WBC and N/L ratio values were found to increase significantly in dead patients (P = 0.024 and P = 0.029, respectively). A comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves among WBC, CRP, GGT, HCY, MPV, and N/L ratio variables was made. No significant differences were obtained between area under curve values (P > 0.05). A cut-off value of 4.1 for N/L ratio was detected in predicting mortality with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 74.1% (κ = 0.299, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the role of N/L ratio as a simple inexpensive and readily available marker of prognosis in acute ischemic stroke.

Cardiovascular disease in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is increasingly offered as a curative option for many patients with hematologic malignancies. Improvements in HCT strategies and supportive care have resulted in a growing number of long-term survivors. However, these survivors are at an increased risk of developing long-term debilitating chronic health conditions, including premature cardiovascular disease. These complications are more common than in the general population, and there are well-described associations between therapeutic exposures, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk. The authors present herein an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding pathogenesis and risk factors for some of the more commonly occurring cardiovascular complications after HCT, highlighting existing surveillance recommendations and future directions for research to minimize cardiovascular morbidity in these survivors.

Homocysteine and C-reactive protein associated with progression and prognosis of intracranial branch atheromatous disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation and a sensitive predictor of stroke, and high homocysteine (Hcy) is also associated with stroke. However, the roles of CRP and Hcy in the pathogenesis, progression and prognosis of branch atheromatous disease (BAD) and lipohyalinotic degeneration (LD) are largely unknown. We sought to determine the relation between them in Chinese patients.

METHODS

According to the lesion presences shown by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), we retrospectively recruited a cohort of 308 patients with a diagnosis of BAD and LD from a total of 1458 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. Progression was defined as worsening by > or  = 1-point in the NIHSS for motor function within the first 5 days. Good outcome was deemed as Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 and poor outcome was mRS > 2 recorded at one month after onset.

RESULTS

This study comprised a total of 179 patients with BAD and 129 patients with LD. Subjects in patients with LD significantly had an elevated Hcy (p = 0.030), a lower NIHSS score on admission (p<0.001) and mRS score at one month after ictus (p<0.001) than those in patients with BAD. Elevated Hcy (P = 0.004) and increased CRP (P = 0.025) were associated with progression in patients with BAD, and CRP (p = 0.006) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.011) were found to be associated with poor outcome in patients with BAD. However, no association was observed in patients with LD on progression and prognosis. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, elevated Hcy (p = 0.002) remained the only independent predictor for the progression, and increased CRP (p = 0.027) and smoking (p = 0.012) became the independent predictors for the poor outcome in patients with BAD.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with BAD, elevated Hcy and increased CRP may independently predict progression and prognosis, respectively.

The efficacy of edaravone (radicut), a free radical scavenger, for cardiovascular disease

Edaravone was originally developed as a potent free radical scavenger, and has been widely used to treat acute ischemic stroke in Japan since 2001. Free radicals play an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Therefore, free radicals may be targets for therapeutic intervention in these diseases. Edaravone shows protective effects on ischemic insults and inflammation in the heart, vessel, and brain in experimental studies. As well as scavenging free radicals, edaravone has anti-apoptotic, anti-necrotic, and anti-cytokine effects in cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Edaravone has preventive effects on myocardial injury following ischemia and reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Edaravone may represent a new therapeutic intervention for endothelial dysfunction in the setting of atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes, or hypertension, because these diseases result from oxidative stress and/or cytokine-induced apoptosis. This review evaluates the potential of edaravone for treatment of cardiovascular disease, and covers clinical and experimental studies conducted between 1984 and 2013. We propose that edaravone, which scavenges free radicals, may offer a novel option for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, additional clinical studies are necessary to verify the efficacy of edaravone.

Subfornical organ mediates sympathetic and hemodynamic responses to blood-borne proinflammatory cytokines

Proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in regulating autonomic and cardiovascular function in hypertension and heart failure. Peripherally administered proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), act on the brain to increase blood pressure, heart rate, and sympathetic nerve activity. These molecules are too large to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and so the mechanisms by which they elicit these responses remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the subfornical organ (SFO), a forebrain circumventricular organ that lacks a blood-brain barrier, plays a major role in mediating the sympathetic and hemodynamic responses to circulating proinflammatory cytokines. Intracarotid artery injection of TNF-α (200 ng) or IL-1β (200 ng) dramatically increased mean blood pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats with sham lesions of the SFO (SFO-s). These excitatory responses to intracarotid artery TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly attenuated in SFO-lesioned (SFO-x) rats. Similarly, the increases in mean blood pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity in response to intravenous injections of TNF-α (500 ng) or IL-1β (500 ng) in SFO-s rats were significantly reduced in the SFO-x rats. Immunofluorescent staining revealed a dense distribution of the p55 TNF-α receptor and the IL-1 receptor accessory protein, a subunit of the IL-1 receptor, in the SFO. These data suggest that SFO is a predominant site in the brain at which circulating proinflammatory cytokines act to elicit cardiovascular and sympathetic responses.

Treatment with Evasin-3 reduces atherosclerotic vulnerability for ischemic stroke, but not brain injury in mice

Neutrophilic inflammation might have a pathophysiological role in both carotid plaque rupture and ischemic stroke injury. Here, we investigated the potential benefits of the CXC chemokine-binding protein Evasin-3, which potently inhibits chemokine bioactivity and related neutrophilic inflammation in two mouse models of carotid atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke, respectively. In the first model, the chronic treatment with Evasin-3 as compared with Vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)) was investigated in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice implanted of a 'cast' carotid device. In the second model, acute Evasin-3 treatment (5 minutes after cerebral ischemia onset) was assessed in mice subjected to transient left middle cerebral artery occlusion. Although CXCL1 and CXCL2 were upregulated in both atherosclerotic plaques and infarcted brain, only CXCL1 was detectable in serum. In carotid atherosclerosis, treatment with Evasin-3 was associated with reduction in intraplaque neutrophil and matrix metalloproteinase-9 content and weak increase in collagen as compared with Vehicle. In ischemic stroke, treatment with Evasin-3 was associated with reduction in ischemic brain neutrophil infiltration and protective oxidants. No other effects in clinical and histological outcomes were observed. We concluded that Evasin-3 treatment was associated with reduction in neutrophilic inflammation in both mouse models. However, Evasin-3 administration after cerebral ischemia onset failed to improve poststroke outcomes.

Oxidative Stress and C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Cerebrovascular Accident (Ischaemic Stroke): The role of Ginkgo biloba extract

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation in ischaemic stroke patients by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), and highly-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the early post-ischaemic period, and to determine the role of Ginkgo biloba therapy in correcting the markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

METHODS

This study was conducted at Ibn Seena Hospital, Mosul City, Iraq and included 31 cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients and 30 healthy controls. Ischaemic stroke patients were divided into two groups: group I (n = 15) received conventional therapy; group II (n = 16) received conventional therapy with G. biloba (1500 mg/day) for 30 days. Blood samples were obtained from patients and controls before treatment and assays done of serum levels of MDA, TAS, and hsCRP. For CVA patients, a post-treatment blood sample was taken and the same parameters reassessed.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, patients' serum levels of MDA, and hsCRP were significantly higher (P ≤0.001) and TAS significantly lower. Group I and II patients reported a significant reduction in serum levels of MDA and hsCRP and a significant increase in serum levels of TAS, in comparison with pre-treatment levels. There was no significant difference (P = 0.19) in serum MDA levels between groups I and II, whereas, serum TAS levels were significantly higher (P ≤0.01) and hsCRP significantly lower (P ≤0.01) in group II.

CONCLUSION

Acute stroke is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the early period. G. biloba plays a potential role in reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory response.

The -308G/A of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and 825C/T of Guanidine Nucleotide Binding Protein 3 (GNB3) are associated with the onset of acute myocardial infarction and obesity in Taiwan

Acute myocardial infarction is a highly prevalent cardiovascular disease in Taiwan. Among several etiological risk factors, obesity and inflammation are strongly associated with the frequency of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and myocardial infarction. To discriminate obesity- and inflammation-related genes and the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a case-control study was conducted to investigate the association of the -308G/A polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and the C825T polymorphism of guanidine nucleotide binding protein 3 (GNB3) with the onset of AMI among Taiwanese cohorts. A total of 103 AMI patients and 163 matched normal control samples were enrolled in the present study. The genomic DNA was extracted and subjected into polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. An association between the A homozygosity of the TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and the onset of AMI was observed among the male subjects (p = 0.026; Spearman index = 0.200, p = 0.008). An association between the T homozygosity of GNB3 C825T polymorphism and obesity was also observed (Fisher’s exact, p = 0.009). The TT genotype has a protective effect against acquiring AMI among the obese female population in Taiwan (Fisher’s exact, p = 0.032). In conclusion, TNF-α-308G/A and the GNB3 C825T polymorphisms are associated with obesity and AMI in the Taiwanese population.

The association of L-selectin polymorphisms with L-selectin serum levels and risk of ischemic stroke

L-selectin is a member of the selectin family of cell adhesion molecules which are important in the transient attachment of leukocytes to endothelial cells, which plays a role in inflammation processes and is one of the earliest events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. No studies have examined the association of this polymorphism with ischemic stroke. Therefore, we investigated that L-selectin gene polymorphism and its soluble level are associated with ischemic stroke in Chinese population. We analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms of L-selectin gene Pro213Ser (P213S) in 265 patients with ischemic stroke and 280 age and sex matched controls, using PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing method, while soluble L-selectin levels were measured by ELISA. There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of L-selectin gene P213S polymorphism between the group of patients with ischemic stroke and the control group (P < 0.05). Soluble L-selectin levels were increased in patients with ischemic stroke compared with controls (P < 0.01). Moreover, The P213S polymorphism of L-selectin was significantly associated with sL-selectin levels, the serum levels of L-selectin PP genotype carriers was significantly higher than no carriers in patients with ischemic stroke (P < 0.05). The P213S polymorphism of L-selectin and its sL-selectin levels are associated with ischemic stroke in Chinese population. Our data suggests that L-selectin gene may play a role in the development of ischemic stroke.

Obstructive sleep apnea, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is gaining recognition as a cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factor. Sleep apnea is now implicated in the etiopathogenesis of stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

REVIEW SUMMARY

OSA exerts its negative cardiovascular consequences through its unique pattern of intermittent hypoxia and arousals. The putative mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in OSA include fibrinolytic imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study discusses the known cellular and molecular processes that promote atherogenesis and vascular dysfunction in patients with OSA, and their implications for cardiovascular disease and prevention in that patient population.

CONCLUSION

Neurologists should familiarize themselves with the symptoms and signs of OSA and the pathophysiology of the association between untreated OSA and cardiovascular disease, including stroke. OSA should be ruled out in patients with cardiovascular disease and be regarded as an important modifiable risk factor. Knowledge of this association is of prime public health importance and can result in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. This study will also help neurologists in providing patient education and treatment.

Oxidative stress as a mediator of cardiovascular disease

During physiological processes molecules undergo chemical changes involving reducing and oxidizing reactions. A molecule with an unpaired electron can combine with a molecule capable of donating an electron. The donation of an electron is termed as oxidation whereas the gaining of an electron is called reduction. Reduction and oxidation can render the reduced molecule unstable and make it free to react with other molecules to cause damage to cellular and sub-cellular components such as membranes, proteins and DNA. In this paper, we have discussed the formation of reactive oxidant species originating from a variety of sources such as nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS), xanthine oxidases (XO), the cyclooxygenases, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H) oxidase isoforms and metal-catalysed reactions. In addition, we present a treatise on the physiological defences such as specialized enzymes and antioxidants that maintain reduction-oxidation (redox) balance. We have also given an account of how enzymes and antioxidants can be exhausted by the excessive production of reactive oxidant species (ROS) resulting in oxidative stress/nitrosative stress, a process that is an important mediator of cell damage. Important aspects of redox imbalance that triggers the activity of a number of signalling pathways including transcription factors activity, a process that is ubiquitous in cardiovascular disease related to ischemia/reperfusion injury have also been presented.

Association between platelet endothelial cellular adhesion molecule-1 polymorphisms and atherosclerosis: results of a study on patients from northern Italy

Adhesion of circulating cells to the arterial surface is among the first detectable events in atherogenesis. Cellular adhesion molecules, expressed by the vascular endothelium and by circulating leukocytes, mediate cell recruitment and their transendothelial migration. Platelet endothelial cellular adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), involved in this migration, has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Studies have investigated an association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in functionally important domains of the PECAM-1 gene with inconsistent results. Thus, we have analyzed the distribution of V125L, N563S, and G670R SNPs in patients and controls from northern Italy, and also analyzed another functional variant identified in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the PECAM-1 gene (53 G-->A). The polymorphisms of PECAM-1 were genotyped by PCR amplification with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) in 119 controls and 431 CAD patients. Our results demonstrate that genotype and allele frequencies for the 53 G/A polymorphism are significantly different in patients affected by CAD compared to healthy controls, whereas, as regards the V125L and N563S polymorphisms, only the allelic frequency is significantly different. We have shown that there were a significant differences for the 53 G/A and V125L and N563S polymorphisms of PECAM-1 in patients affected by CAD compared to controls. This demonstrates a possible involvement of this gene in contributing to the development of CAD. Therefore, an understanding of the role of the PECAM-1 molecule in this complex mechanism is of pivotal significance in further development of innovative and suitable medical therapies in the future.

Platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 gene polymorphism and its soluble level are associated with ischemic stroke

Inflammation, characterized by the recruitment and adhesion of circulating leukocytes by cellular adhesion molecules, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Genetic analyses of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), a key adhesion molecule in the progression of atherosclerosis, have provided conflicting results regarding the role of variation within the PECAM-1 gene and risk for coronary heart disease. No studies have examined the association of this polymorphism with ischemic stroke. Therefore, we investigated that PECAM-1 gene polymorphism and its soluble level are associated with ischemic stroke in Chinese population. We analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms of PECAM-1 gene Leu125Val, Asn563Ser, and Gly670Arg in 265 patients with ischemic stroke and 280 age- and sex-matched controls, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing method, while soluble PECAM-1 (sPECAM-1) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of PECAM-1 gene Leu125Val polymorphism between the group of patients with ischemic stroke and the control group (p < 0.05). sPECAM-1 levels were increased in patients with ischemic stroke compared with controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, genotypes carrying the PECAM-1 125Val variant allele were associated with increased PECAM-1 levels compared to the homozygous wild-type genotype in patients with ischemic stroke. The Leu125Val polymorphism of PECAM-1 and its sPECAM-1 levels are associated with ischemic stroke in Chinese population. Our data suggest that the PECAM-1 gene may play a role in the development of ischemic stroke.

Policosanols as nutraceuticals: fact or fiction

Policosanols (PC) are very long chain aliphatic alcohols derived from the wax constituent of plants. In the early 1990s, researchers at Dalmer Laboratories in La Habana Cuba isolated and produced the first PC supplement from sugarcane wax. The original PC supplement has been approved as a cholesterol-lowering drug in over 25 countries throughout the Caribbean and South America. Cuban studies claim that 1 to 20 mg/day of the original PC supplement are effective at producing significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). These studies also show that PC supplements are potent antioxidants, promote proper arterial endothelial cell function, inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis, and serve as effective treatments for intermittent claudication. However, for the most part, those studies reporting therapeutic efficacy of PC were carried out by one research group situated in Cuba. Conversely, research groups outside of Cuba have failed to validate the cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant efficacy of PC. Cuban researchers, however, continue to claim that the efficacy is attributed to the unique purity and composition of the original PC preparation, a mixture not found in PC products used by external research groups. The absence of independent and external studies confirming the therapeutic benefits of PC in disease prevention and treatment raises questions regarding their true efficacy.

A functional variant in the 3'-UTR of angiopoietin-1 might reduce stroke risk by interfering with the binding efficiency of microRNA 211

Angiopoietin-1 is a vascular strengthening factor during vascular development and a protective factor for pathological vascular inflammation and leakage. Brain vascular leaking and inflammation are two important pathological processes of stroke; therefore, we hypothesized that variants of the microRNA-binding site in angiopoietin-1 would affect its expression and confer a risk of stroke. To test our hypothesis, a predicted microRNA-binding site was found in the 3'-UTR of angiopoietin-1 using bioinformatics; variant rs2507800 was identified to be located in the miR-211-binding site of angiopoietin-1. Secondly, the effects of the identified variant on angiopoietin-1 translation were assessed using a luciferase reporter assay and ELISA. We found that the A allele of rs2507800 suppressed angiopoietin-1 translation by facilitating miR-211 binding, but not the T allele. Subjects carrying the TT genotype had higher plasma angiopoietin-1 levels than those with the A allele. Finally, the association of the variant with stroke was tested in 438 stroke patients and 890 controls, and replicated in an independent population of 1791 stroke patients and 1843 controls. The TT genotype resulted in a significant reduction in overall stroke risk {OR, 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.36-0.74], P = 0.0003}, ischemic stroke [OR, 0.56 (95% CI, 0.36-0.85), P = 0.007] and hemorrhagic stroke [OR, 0.46 (95% CI, 0.26-0.80), P = 0.007]. These results were confirmed in an independent study. Our results provide evidence that the TT genotype (rs2507800) in the 3'-UTR of angiopoietin-1 might reduce the risk of stroke by interfering with miR-211 binding.

Predictors of late cardiovascular complications in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Long-term survival after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is now an expected outcome. The growing population of survivors is at risk of developing treatment-related complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). A nested case-controlled design was used to identify clinical and treatment-related risk factors for development of late (1+ years after HCT) CVD. Cases were identified from a cohort of 1+-year survivors who underwent transplantation at City of Hope between 1977 and 2006. Controls (HCT survivors without CVD) were matched on age, year of HCT, type of HCT, and duration of follow-up. Sixty-three patients with late CVD were identified, 44 (69.8%) with a coronary artery event and 19 (30.2%) with a cerebrovascular event. Median age at HCT was 49.0 years. Median age at onset of late CVD was 54.0 years; 66.7% of the affected patients had undergone autologous HCT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors (2 or more of the following: obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes) after HCT was associated with a 5.2-fold increased risk of late CVD (P < .01), and that pre-HCT chest radiation exposure was associated with a 9.5-fold greater risk of coronary artery disease (P = .03). Pre-HCT exposure to chest radiation and the presence of comorbidities were primarily responsible for the risk associated with late CVD after HCT. These data form the basis for developing predictive models for identifying high-risk individuals for targeted surveillance and aggressive management of comorbidities.

Lipid oxidation and peroxidation in CNS health and disease: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced at low levels in mammalian cells by various metabolic processes, such as oxidative phosphorylation by the mitochondrial respiratory chain, NAD(P)H oxidases, and arachidonic acid oxidative metabolism. To maintain physiological redox balance, cells have endogenous antioxidant defenses regulated at the transcriptional level by Nrf2/ARE. Oxidative stress results when ROS production exceeds the cell's ability to detoxify ROS. Overproduction of ROS damages cellular components, including lipids, leading to decline in physiological function and cell death. Reaction of ROS with lipids produces oxidized phospholipids, which give rise to 4-hydroxynonenal, 4-oxo-2-nonenal, and acrolein. The brain is susceptible to oxidative damage due to its high lipid content and oxygen consumption. Neurodegenerative diseases (AD, ALS, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, Friedreich's ataxia, HD, MS, NBIA, NPC, PD, peroxisomal disorders, schizophrenia, Wallerian degeneration, Zellweger syndrome) and CNS traumas (stroke, TBI, SCI) are problems of vast clinical importance. Free iron can react with H(2)O(2) via the Fenton reaction, a primary cause of lipid peroxidation, and may be of particular importance for these CNS injuries and disorders. Cholesterol is an important regulator of lipid organization and the precursor for neurosteroid biosynthesis. Atherosclerosis, the major risk factor for ischemic stroke, involves accumulation of oxidized LDL in the arteries, leading to foam cell formation and plaque development. This review will discuss the role of lipid oxidation/peroxidation in various CNS injuries/disorders.