Cyclophilin A and matrix metalloproteinase-9: Their relationship, association with, and diagnostic relevance in stable coronary artery disease

Estrogen Facilitates the Healing of Diabetic Wounds via Ameliorating the Function of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

We inted to elucidate the impacts of estrogen on the bone marrow-originated endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPC) and mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) as well as on diabetic wound healing. The skin injury models were established using the diabetic mice (db+/db+) and non-diabetic vector mice and then treated with estrogen-based or placebo-based cream. On the 5th day following injury, BM cells were collected for quantification of EPCs and MSCs and colony-forming units along with analysis of wound healing rate and densities of blood vessels and scars following whole-body perfusion. EPCs were identified through staining of VEGFR1 and CD34 by immunohistochemistrical analyses. In contrast to placebo, treatment with estrogen significantly intensified the colony formation of EPC and MSC, and further promoted the viability and proliferation potential of cells. Meanwhile, estrogen-treated mice exhibited increased recruitment of EPC to the diabetic wounds along with increased vascular density. Additionally, on day 6 after injury, estrogen significantly accelerated wound healing, which was mediated by the enhanced collagen deposition through boosting MSC activation and differentiation, resulting in elevated scar density. In conclusion, estrogen prompts wound healing of diabetic mice via ameliorating the function of BM-derived EPC and MSC, so as to accelerate the neovascularization at the sites of wounds in diabetic mice.

Outcomes of uncomplicated Type B intramural hematoma patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to summarize the clinical presentations, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes of Type B intramural hematoma (IMHB) patients with and without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Patients with uncomplicated IMHBs were included between January 2016 and January 2018 and divided into two groups according to whether or not they had DM. We also assessed the potential diagnostic value of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level and the association of it with the disease progression of uncomplicated IMHB patients with and without DM.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients were included (DM group [n = 60] and non-DM group [n = 89]). Patients in the non-DM group underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair treatment more frequently (12% vs 2%, p = .028) and had a higher reintervention rate during the follow-up (9 in 81 patients, 11% vs. 2%, p = .043). There were significant differences between the two groups regarding the aorta-related mortality rate during the acute phase (9% vs. 0%, p = .042) and the all-cause mortality rate (22% vs. 7%, p = .011). Ulcer-like projection (ULP) development (during the acute phase; hazard ratio [HR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.79, p = .005), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.91-3.91, p = .003), and MMP-9 levels (HR, 15.77; 95% CI, 6.48-21.62, p < .001) were associated with an elevated risk for aorta-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

IMHBs with DM have a considerably better prognosis and serum MMP-9 level appear to be a potential biomarker to predict the disease progression. ULP development (during the acute phase) and CRP levels are also associated with an elevated risk for aorta-related mortality.

Vitamin D Deficiency Induces Elevated Oxidative and Biomechanical Damage in Coronary Arterioles in Male Rats

Background: Several reports prove interconnection between vitamin D (VD) deficiency and increased cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to investigate the effects of VD status on biomechanical and oxidative–nitrative (O–N) stress parameters of coronary arterioles in rats. Methods: 4-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (11 animals) with optimal VD supply (300 IU/kgbw/day) and a VD-deficient group (11 animals, <5 IU/kg/day). After 8 weeks, coronary arteriole segments were prepared. Geometrical, elastic, and biomechanical characteristics were measured by in vitro arteriography. O–N stress markers were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results: Inner radius decreased; wall thickness and wall-thickness/lumen diameter ratio increased; tangential wall stress and elastic modulus were reduced in VD-deficient group. No difference could be found in wall-cross-sectional area, intima-media area %. While the elastic elements of the vessel wall decreased, the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunostaining intensity showed no changes. Significant elevation was found in the lipid peroxidation marker of 4-hidroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), while other O–N stress markers staining intensity (poly(ADP)ribose, 3-nitrotyrosine) did not change. Conclusions: Inward eutrophic remodeling has developed. The potential background of these impairments may involve the initial change in oxidative damage markers (HNE). These mechanisms can contribute to the increased incidence of the cardiovascular diseases in VD deficiency.