Cause Of Heart Attack Research Articles

Coronary artery calcium testing: A call for universal coverage.

Heart attacks kill more Americans than all cancers combined. Fatal heart attack victims have no symptoms until minutes before they die, hence early detection of high-risk asymptomatic individuals is needed. Even though heart attacks kill and cost more than cancers, as a nation we spend over 20 times more on screening for asymptomatic cancer than for asymptomatic atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the underlying cause of heart attacks. Currently, payers only cover screening for risk factors of ASCVD such as blood pressure and blood cholesterol. This approach tends to miss high-risk and over-treat low-risk individuals. Although treadmill stress testing with ECG is not indicated for ASCVD detection in asymptomatic individuals, it is done often, and frequently leads to misleading conclusions or unnecessary downstream diagnostic procedures. For example, former President Clinton had passed his treadmill stress tests for several years during his presidential annual checkup but had a heart attack shortly after his presidency. This common practice is a waste of our limited resources. Instead, a more accurate risk assessment using coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing is available; and has just been adopted by ACC/AHA guidelines, however payers do not cover it. CAC is measured non-invasively with a 5-minute CT-scan of the heart, and costs less than $200, whereas cancer screening with colonoscopy and mammography costs over $3000. There is an opportunity to save lives and dollars if CAC testing is covered for appropriately selected individuals. Texas has already passed HB1290 to mandate CAC coverage. Other states must step up and take actions.

Long-term biocompatibility of fluorescent diamonds-(NV)-Z~800 nm in rats: survival, morbidity, histopathology, particle distribution and excretion studies (part IV).

BackgroundThromboembolic events are a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. However, diagnosis of the location of high risk vascular clots is hampered by lack of proper technologies for their detection. We recently reported on bio-engineered fluorescent diamond-(NV)-Z~800nm (FNDP-(NV)) conjugated with bitistatin (Bit) and proven its ability to identify iatrogenic blood clots in the rat carotid artery in vivo by Near Infra-Red (NIR) monitored by In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS).PurposeThe objective of the present research was to assess the in vivo biocompatibility of FNDP-(NV)-Z~800nm infused intravenously to rats. Multiple biological variables were assessed along this 12 week study commissioned in anticipation of regulatory requirements for a long-term safety assessment.MethodsRats were infused under anesthesia with aforementioned dose of the FNDP-(NV), while equal number of animals served as control (vehicle treated). Over the 12 week observation period rats were tested for thriving, motor, sensory and cognitive functions. At the termination of study, blood samples were obtained under anesthesia for comprehensive hematology and biochemical assays. Furthermore, 6 whole organs (liver, spleen, brain, heart, lung and kidney) were collected and examined ex vivo for FNDP-NV) via NIR monitored by IVIS and histochemical inspection.ResultsAll animals survived, thrived (no change in body and organ growth). Neuro-behavioral functions remain intact. Hematology and biochemistry (including liver and kidney functions) were normal. Preferential FNDP-(NV) distribution identified the liver as the main long-term repository. Certified pathology reports indicated no outstanding of finding in all organs.ConclusionThe present study suggests outstanding biocompatibility of FNDP-(NV)-Z~800nm after long-term exposure in the rat.

Fatty Acid Binding Protein-4 Silencing Attenuates Atherosclerosis Progression by Affecting Macrophage Apoptosis and Autophagy

Background: Atherosclerosis, which is the principal cause of heart attacks and strokes, is the leading cause of death in the United States. Various biological processes such as apoptosis and autophagy are involved in almost every stage of atherosclerosis, which could lead to plaque instability causing stroke and death. Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) is an adipokine released by macrophages and is involved in multiple disease conditions including stroke. However, the association of FABP4 with macrophage apoptosis and autophagy in atherosclerosis has not been elucidated. We hypothesize that silencing FABP4 protein could be a novel therapeutic approach to attenuate macrophage apoptosis and autophagy thereby minimizing plaque instability in atherosclerosis. Methods: RAW264 mouse macrophage cells were transfected with siRNA control liposome quantum dots (QD), siFABP4 liposome QD at the concentration of 150 μg/ml total lipids, or TNF-α at 100 ng/ml. Western blot and reverse phase protein array (RPPA) analysis were completed. Results: Inhibiting the translation of FABP4 blocked the apoptotic pathway as evidenced from the increased expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-xL and BCL-2 along with reduced expression of BAX and activated Caspase 3 levels. Beclin-1 and LC3-II levels were also reduced with knocking down FABP4 indicating the attenuation of autophagy. Conclusion: Targeting FABP4 protects against macrophage processes associated with the progression of atherosclerosis.

Scanning Acoustic Microscopy and Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Characterization of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Atherosclerotic plaques constitute the primary cause of heart attack and stroke. However, we still lack a clear identification of the plaques. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) in atherosclerotic plaque characterization. We perform dual-modality microscopic imaging of the human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. We first show that the acoustic impedance values are statistically higher in calcified regions compared with the collagen-rich areas. We then use CdTe/CdS quantum dots for imaging the atherosclerotic plaques by TRFS and show that fluorescence lifetime values of the quantum dots in collagen-rich areas are notably different from the ones in calcified areas. In summary, both modalities are successful in differentiating the calcified regions from the collagen-rich areas within the plaques indicating that these techniques are confirmatory and may be combined to characterize atherosclerotic plaques in the future.

Effects of Nanoprobe Morphology on Cellular Binding and Inflammatory Responses: Hyaluronan-Conjugated Magnetic Nanoworms for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of arterial walls and the rupturing of atherosclerotic plaques is a major cause of heart attack and stroke. Imaging techniques that can enable the detection of atherosclerotic plaques before clinical manifestation are urgently needed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful technique to image the morphology of atherosclerotic plaques. In order to better analyze molecular processes in plaques, contrast agents that can selectively bind to plaque receptors will prove invaluable. CD44 is a cell surface protein overexpressed in plaque tissues, the level of which can be correlated with the risks of plaque rupture. Thus, targeting CD44 is an attractive strategy for detection of atherosclerotic plaques. Herein, we report the synthesis of hyaluronan-conjugated iron oxide nanoworms (HA-NWs). A new purification and gel electrophoresis protocol was developed to ensure the complete removal of free HA from HA-NWs. Compared to the more traditional spherical HA-bearing nanoparticles, HA-NWs had an elongated shape, which interacted much stronger with CD44-expressing cells in CD44- and HA-dependent manners. Furthermore, the HA-NWs did not induce much inflammatory response compared to the spherical HA nanoparticles. When assessed in vivo, HA-NWs enabled successful imaging of atherosclerotic plaques in a clinically relevant model of ApoE knockout transgenic mice for noninvasive plaque detection by MRI. Thus, nanoprobe shape engineering can be a useful strategy to significantly enhance their desired biological properties.

Skin Grafting in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Soft Tissue Defects.

Background: According to the World Health Organization, cases of diabetes have risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, with a more rapid rising in middle- and low-income countries. Diabetes causes yearly approximately 1.6 million deaths, and is a major cause of heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and lower limb amputation. This article provides information on the treatment of a frequent complication related to diabetes, namely toe/ partial foot amputation. Broad, deep operative defects of the diabetic foot represent a reconstructive challenge. The aim of the study is to analyse the efficiency of healing methods using splitted skin graft corroborated with negative pressure therapy for wounds resulted after diabetic foot surgery. Second of all, the study intends to highlight the role of a sequence of the multidisciplinary approach, in this case general surgeon-plastic surgeon, in assuring the functionality of the pelvic limb. Methods: 63 diabetic patients were retrospectively analysed, patients that were admitted in Dr.I.Cantacuzino and Bagdasar-Arseni Clinical Hospitals, with different types of wounds resulted after diabetic foot surgery, between January 2016 and December 2017. Results: The reconstructions were successful in 56 patients, and, during the follow-up period, there were no complications. From the 7 patients with complications (skin graft necrosis, skin graft infection), one had an auto avulsion of the skin graft. Conclusion: Direct closure is feasible for small-sized wounds. Skin grafts provide effective coverage for large wounds, although they may often produce concave, caved-in, non-aesthetic closures. NPWT (negative pressure wound therapy) is also a very helpful procedure. Flap reconstruction often provides superior functional and aesthetic appearance. Adjacent tissue transfers may be used to close many wounds, but dermal restraint may hinder motion and lead to closure tension. Alternative solution of repair remains the reconstruction with free flaps, which also poses problems, due to arteriopathy.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors amongst teaching staff of IIMSR medical college, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally. The cause of heart attacks and strokes are due to combination of risk factors- tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol use, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing these behavioural risk factors. The objectives were to study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among teaching staff and to know the association of age and gender with cardiovascular risk factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst teaching staff of IIMSR Medical College, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra during the period of August to October 2016. All teaching staff of IIMSR Medical College was included in this study by purposive sampling method. Total number of staff who was more than 30 years of age was 80. The study was performed on 71 teaching staff as 9 denied participating (71 out of 80). Clinical parameters including weight, height, blood pressure and waist circumference was recorded. Blood sample was also collected. Statistical analysis was done by using appropriate statistical test like mean, percentage, standard deviation, student’s t test and chi square test. Results: Majority participants were male 50 (70.42%). The mean age of male was 42.6±13.4 yrs and female was 37.05±9.64 yrs. The mean weight (76.2±12.9), mean waist circumference (92.0±12.1) and mean BMI (27.02±4.44) were above the normal range amongst male participants. The mean height, mean weight, mean waist circumference, mean SBP, mean DBP, mean RBS, mean creatinine and mean BMI values were higher in males as compared to females. The difference was statistically significant. Hypertension was more common in older age with raised diastolic blood pressure which signifies that age is one of the most important risk factor. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and signifies the importance of health awareness among the staff members regarding the various cardiovascular risk factors.

Use of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Heart Attack Survivors - 20 States and the District of Columbia, 2013 and Four States, 2015.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (1). Each year, approximately 790,000 adults have a myocardial infarction (heart attack), including 210,000 that are recurrent heart attacks (2). Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) includes exercise counseling and training, education for heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress. Cardiac rehab provides patients with education regarding the causes of heart attacks and tools to initiate positive behavior change, and extends patients' medical management after a heart attack to prevent future negative sequelae (3). A systematic review has shown that after a heart attack, patients using cardiac rehab were 53% (95% confidence interval [CI]=41%-62%) less likely to die from any cause and 57% (95% CI=21%-77%) less likely to experience cardiac-related mortality than were those who did not use cardiac rehab (3). However, even with long-standing national recommendations encouraging use of cardiac rehab (4), the intervention has been underutilized. An analysis of 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data found that only 34.7% of adults who reported a history of a heart attack also reported subsequent use of cardiac rehab (5). To update these estimates, CDC used the most recent BRFSS data from 2013 and 2015 to assess the use of cardiac rehab among adults following a heart attack. Overall use of cardiac rehab was 33.7% in 20 states and the District of Columbia (DC) in 2013 and 35.5% in four states in 2015. Cardiac rehab use was underutilized overall and differences were evident by sex, age, race/ethnicity, level of education, cardiovascular risk status, and by state. Increasing use of cardiac rehab after a heart attack should be encouraged by health systems and supported by the public health community.

Effect of aromatherapy on anxiety in patients with acute coronary syndrome hospitalized in cardiac care unit

Anxiety is one of the main causes of heart attacks in patients hospitalized for heart disease. There are different ways to reduced anxiety. Aromatherapy is one of the methods used to reduce anxiety. This study determines the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety of patients with ACS hospitalized in a cardiac care unit. This clinical trial was conducted in 2016 on 60 patients diagnosed with ACS and hospitalized in CCU of 22 Bahman Hospital, Gonabad. Patients were recruited by convenient sampling and assigned randomly to control and experiment groups. The experiment group received aromatherapy with a combination of essential oils of lavender, Matricaria recutita, and neroli (6:2:0.5) three consecutive nights; the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed by using SPSS20, independent t-tests, chi-square test, and exact Fisher test (p 0.05). There was a significant difference in the mean score of anxiety post- (p < 0.04) and pre-intervention (p < 0.001). The post- and pre-intervention scores were significant between the two groups (p < 0.001). The mean score of anxiety increased in the control group and decreased in the experiment group. Thus, it was concluded that aromatherapy is a cost-effective and uncomplicated method that can reduce anxiety of patients with ACS hospitalized in the CCU.

Ghrelin suppresses inflammation in HUVECs by inhibiting ubiquitin-mediated uncoupling protein2 degradation.

Atherosclerosis is considered the major cause of heart attack, stroke and gangrene of the extremities, which is responsible for 50% of all mortality in Western countries. The pathogenesis and causes of atherosclerosis remain elusive. Recent studies highlight inflammation as a contributing factor for atherosclerosis in all stages of the disease process. In this study, we demonstrate that the treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with ghrelin inhibits the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced inflammatory response, In addition, treatment with ghrelin led to the accumulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in the cells, thus decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of UCP2 expression suggested that the inhibitory effects of ghrelin on the inflammatory response relied on its ability to induce the accumulation of cellular UCP2 levels. Further analysis indicated that the accumulation of UCP2 in the ghrelin-treated cells was due to the ability of ghrelin to inhibit the ubiquitination of UCP2 and prevent UCP2 degradation, resulting in the extended protein half-life of UCP2. On the whole, our data indicate that ghrelin inhibits the oxLDL-induced inflammatory response in HUVECs, and may thus have potential for use as an anti-atherosclerotic agent. Our data may also provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Impact of Fiber Structure on the Material Stability and Rupture Mechanisms of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques

The rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary circulation remains the main cause of heart attack. As a fiber-oriented structure, the fiber structure, in particular in the fibrous cap (FC), may affect both loading and material strength in the plaque. However, the role of fiber orientation and dispersion in plaque rupture is unclear. Local orientation and dispersion of fibers were calculated for the shoulder regions, mid FC, and regions with intimal thickening (IT) from histological images of 16 human coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Finite element analysis was performed to assess the effect of these properties on mechanical conditions. Fibers in shoulder regions had markedly reduced alignment (Median [interquartile range] 12.9° [6.6, 18.0], p < 0.05) compared with those in mid FC (6.1° [5.5, 9.0]) and IT regions (6.7° [5.1, 8.6]). Fiber dispersion was highest in shoulders (0.150 [0.121, 0.192]), intermediate in IT (0.119 [0.103, 0.144]), and lowest in mid FC regions (0.093 [0.081, 0.105], p < 0.05). When anisotropic properties were considered, stresses were significantly higher for the mid FC (p = 0.030) and IT regions (p = 0.002) and no difference was found for the shoulder or global regions. Shear (sliding) stress between fibers in each region and their proportion of maximum principal stress were: shoulder (25.8 kPa [17.1, 41.2], 12.4%), mid FC (13.9 kPa [5.8, 29.6], 13.8%), and IT (36.5 kPa [25.9, 47.3], 15.5%). Fiber structure within the FC has a marked effect on principal stresses, resulting in considerable shear stress between fibers. Fiber structure including orientation and dispersion may determine mechanical strength and thus rupture of atherosclerotic plaques.

67: FABRICATION OF SMART SELF-EXPANDING BIOCOMPATIBLE STENTS IN BODY TEMPERATURE

Stent implantation has attracted significant attention since the urgent need of coronary angioplasty as the most common cause of heart attacks. Shape memory materials are able to have two shapes...

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NICORANDIL FLOATING PULSATILE PELLETS FOR CHRONOTHERAPEUTIC DRUG DELIVERY

The objective of the work was to develop nicorandil floating pulsatile pellets by pan coating technique where drug loaded pellets were coated with pH dependent polymer Eudragit S100 for chronotherapy of angina pectoris, an underlying cause of heart attack. These pellets were evaluated for micromeritics properties, particle size, percent entrapment efficiency, percent friability, in vitro floating ability, drug release and kinetics of pellets. The optimized batch exhibited good entrapment efficiency and flow properties, optimum friability and good floating property and released the drug at right time when symptoms are at peak level in early hours by maintaining required lag phase during floating in acidic medium for 5 hours, followed by burst release in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4 phosphate buffer). It followed first order kinetics. Scanning Electronic Microscopy analysis of optimized batch revealed that the pellets were spherical in shape with smooth surface.

Milk-derived bioactive peptides and their health promoting effects: a potential role in atherosclerosis.

Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are food components that, in addition to their nutritional value, retain many biological properties and have therapeutic effects in several health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Amongst these, atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of heart attack and strokes. It is a progressive dyslipidaemic and inflammatory disease where accumulation of oxidized lipids and inflammatory cells leads to the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque in the vessel wall. Milk-derived bioactive peptides can be released during gastrointestinal digestion, food processing or by enzymatic and bacterial fermentation and are considered to promote diverse beneficial effects such as lipid lowering, antihypertensive, immnomodulating, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects. In this review, an overview of the diverse biological effects of these compounds is given, particularly focusing on their beneficial properties on cardiovascular disease and proposing novel mechanisms of action responsible for their bioactivity. Attempts to prevent cardiovascular diseases target modifications of several risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high blood concentrations of lipids or insulin resistance. Milk-derived bioactive peptides are a source of health-enhancing components and the potential health benefit of these compounds has a growing commercial potential. Consequently, they have been incorporated as ingredients in functional foods, as dietary supplements and as pharmaceuticals to promote health and reduce risk of chronic diseases.

Evaluation of the Effect of Terminalia arjuna on total Platelet Count and Clinical Parameters in Patients of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD; also atherosclerotic heart disease) is the most common type of heart disease and cause of heart attacks. The disease is caused by plaque building up along the inner walls of the arteries of the heart, which narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart. Aim of present study was to see the effect of Terminalia arjuna on total platelet count and clinical parameter in patients of coronary artery disease. The selected patient were divided randomly into two groups each were comprising of 50 patients. GROUP1.- These patients were taken conventional treatment with placebo and served as the control group. GROUP2.-These patients besides conventional treatment were given Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna Chhal) powder and served as the study group. The systolic blood pressure had shown decrease in study group after Arjuna Chhal therapy. The diastolic blood pressure had shown decrease in study group after Arjuna Chhal therapy. The Pulse had shown decrease in study group after Arjuna Chhal therapy. The total platelet count had decrease in study group after Arjuna Chhal therapy. Arjuna chhal mainly used in Ayurvedic Practice is Beneficial for overall health, it is suitable for congestive heart failure, it helps to lower blood pressure and it inhibits platelet aggregation. So it should be advised as continued therapy in patients of coronary artery disease.

TRAF3IP2 mediates atherosclerotic plaque development and vulnerability in ApoE−/− mice

Background and aimsAtherosclerosis is a major cause of heart attack and stroke. Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. Since the cytoplasmic adaptor molecule TRAF3IP2 (TRAF3-Interacting Protein 2) plays a causal role in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, we hypothesized that TRAF3IP2 mediates atherosclerotic plaque development. MethodsTRAF3IP2/ApoE double knockout (DKO) mice were generated by crossing TRAF3IP2−/− and ApoE−/− mice. ApoE−/− mice served as controls. Both DKO and control mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Plasma lipids were measured by ELISA, atherosclerosis by en face analysis of aorta and plaque cross-section measurements at the aortic valve region, plaque necrotic core area, collagen and smooth muscle cell (SMC) content by histomorphometry, and aortic gene expression by RT-qPCR. ResultsThe plasma lipoprotein profile was not altered by TRAF3IP2 gene deletion in ApoE−/− mice. While total aortic plaque area was decreased in DKO female, but not male mice, the plaque necrotic area was significantly decreased in DKO mice of both genders. Plaque collagen and SMC contents were increased significantly in both female and male DKO mice compared to respective controls. Aortic expression of proinflammatory cytokine (Tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα), chemokine (Chemokine (C-X-C motif) Ligand 1, CXCL1) and adhesion molecule (Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, VCAM1; and Intercellular adhesion molecule 1, ICAM1) gene expression were decreased in both male and female DKO mice. In addition, the male DKO mice expressed markedly reduced levels of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, including TIMP1 (Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1), RECK (Reversion-Inducing-Cysteine-Rich Protein with Kazal Motifs) and ADAM17 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17). ConclusionsTRAF3IP2 plays a causal role in atherosclerotic plaque development and vulnerability, possibly by inducing the expression of multiple proinflammatory mediators. TRAF3IP2 could be a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerotic vascular diseases.

Atheroprotective effects of conjugated linoleic acid.

Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of heart attack and strokes, is a progressive dyslipidaemic and inflammatory disease where monocyte-derived macrophage cells play a pivotal role. Although most of the mechanisms that contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis have been identified, there is limited information on those governing regression. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a generic term denoting a group of naturally occurring isomers of linoleic acid (18:2, n6) that differ in the position or geometry (i.e. cis or trans) of their double bonds. The most predominant isomers in ruminant fats are cis-9, trans-11 CLA (c9,t11-CLA), which accounts for more than 80% of CLA isomers in dairy products and trans-10, cis-12 CLA (t10,c12-CLA). Dietary administration of a blend of the two most abundant isomers of CLA has been shown to inhibit the progression and induce the regression of pre-established atherosclerosis. Studies investigating the mechanisms involved in CLA-induced atheroprotective effects are continually emerging. The purpose of this review is to discuss comprehensively the effects of CLA on monocyte/macrophage function in atherosclerosis and to identify possible mechanisms through which CLA mediates its atheroprotective effects.

In Silico Investigation of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Potential Lead Compounds as SPG7 Inhibitors against Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart attack and the leading cause of mortality in the world. It is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased level of reactive oxygen species production. According to the Ottawa Heart Genomics Study genome-wide association study, a recent research identified that Q688 spastic paraplegia 7 (SPG7) variant is associated with CAD as it bypasses the regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of AFG3L2 and enhances the processing and maturation of SPG7 protein. This study aims to identify potential compounds isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) as potential lead compounds for paraplegin (SPG7) inhibitors. For the crystallographic structure of paraplegin, the disordered disposition of key amino acids in the binding site was predicted using the PONDR-Fit protocol before virtual screening. The TCM compounds saussureamine C and 3-(2-carboxyphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone, have potential binding affinities with stable H-bonds and hydrophobic contacts with key residues of paraplegin. A molecular dynamics simulation was performed to validate the stability of the interactions between each candidate and paraplegin under dynamic conditions. Hence, we propose these compounds as potential candidates as lead drug from the compounds isolated from TCM for further study in drug development process with paraplegin protein for coronary artery disease.

Higher triglyceride serum level increases atherosclerotic index in subjects 50-70 years of age

Background&lt;br /&gt;Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of heart attack, stroke and peripheral disease, is a main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are independent factors in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The atherosclerotic index (AI) is a strong indicator of cardiovascular heart disease. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between lipid serum level and AI in subjects 50-70 years of age. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Methods &lt;br /&gt;A study of cross-sectional design was conducted among male and female subjects 50-70 years of age. The inclusion criteria were: healthy, and capable of active communication. The exclusion criteria were: subjects not completing the study, currently consuming antihyperlipidemic drugs. Lipid profile comprising total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and malondialdehyde (MDA), was analyzed using commercial kits. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index was measured in all subjects. Atherogenic index was calculated from (total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol) / HDL cholesterol. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Results &lt;br /&gt;Mean age of the subjects was 60.6 ± 3.30 years and there was a significant relationship of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides with AI (b=0.009; p=0.000 and b=0.008; p=0.000, respectively). Triglyceride level was the most influencing factor for AI (b=0.008; Beta=0.616; p=0.000)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Conclusions&lt;br /&gt;Higher triglyceride levels increase AI in subjects 50-70 years of age. Subjects with high serum triglyceride level but without symptoms of cardiovascular disease should be examined for the development of coronary artery blockage.

Lifetime Cancer Risk of Gamma Radioactivity Results from Smoking

Smoking is one of the causes of heart attack, lung cancer and cancers of mouth and larynx. The latter could be arises from exposure of those sensitive organs to a combination of both chemical carcinogenic and radiological exposure results from naturally occurring radionuclides in tobacco leaves. Coal is also used in smoking some types of tobacco products that could be carcinogenic due to presence of a high percentage of an organic matter with inorganic matter such as minerals and trace elements. Varieties of commonly available tobacco products as well as coal samples were examined for their radioactivity content using gamma ray spectroscopy and calculate associated radiological hazards. Results shows that the average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in tobacco samples vary from 2.6±0.2 to 8.9±0.7 (average 5.4), 1.9±0.1 to 9.5±0.8 (average 4.5), and 517.4±15.5 to 2401.2±72 (average 1360.4) Bqkg-1. Measured activity concentration for coal samples ranged from 10.8±1.1 to 64.4±2.1 (average 40.2), 3.5±0.1 to 28.3±0.3 (average 15.7), and 49.2±0.4 to 301.2±9.5 (average 215) Bqkg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K respectively. 137Cs activity concentrations in cigarettes and coal samples were ranged from 0.1±0.01 to 1.3±0.02 (average 0.5) and 2±0.01 to 5.8±0.8 (average 3.1) Bqkg-1 respectively. Radium equivalent, total annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated. ELCR was higher than world's average of 1.45x10-3 for tobacco and coal samples. In Egypt no special and clear regulations for monitoring radioactivity content in imported coal and tobacco leafs or its products, which appear to be necessary.