Search

Objective: To investigate the incidence of coronary artery tortuosity and its correlation with poor prognosis in patients with septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with septal HCM who were hospitalized in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital and Zhengzhou University People's Hospital between December 1, 2017 and June 10, 2021 were selected. Non-HCM patients were matched by gender, age, and hypertension as control group. Septal HCM was divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of coronary artery tortuosity. Clinical baseline data and coronary angiography findings were compared using a multifactorial logistic analysis of the risk factors for coronary artery tortuosity. Patients were followed up until July 1, 2022, with the primary outcome being the composite endpoint of malignant arrhythmia, ischemic stroke and all-cause death. Incidence densities were compared between the coronary artery tortuosity and non-coronary artery tortuosity groups of septal HCM patients. The Cox risk-ratio model was used to analyze risk factors for primary outcomes in septal HCM patients. Results: There were 156 patients in the septal HCM group and 156 patients in the control group, both aged (57.0±11.4) years, and 75 (48.1%) were female. The incidence of coronary artery tortuosity was significantly higher in the septal HCM group than in the control group (63.5% vs. 36.5%, P <0.01), and the coronary artery tortuosity score was also higher in the septal HCM group than in the control group ( P <0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that septal HCM was a risk factor for coronary artery tortuosity ( OR =3.27, 95% CI : 2.02-5.29, P <0.01). In the septal HCM patients, after (2.5±1.2) years of follow-up, the incidence density of primary outcome was significantly higher in the coronary artery tortuosity group than in the non-coronary artery tortuosity group ( P =0.02), while each on-point in coronary artery tortuosity score increased the risk of primary outcome by 53% for septal HCM patients ( HR =1.53, 95% CI : 1.26-1.86, P <0.01). Conclusions: Patients with septal HCM are more prone to suffer coronary artery tortuosity and suffer from it to a greater extent. Coronary artery tortuosity is an important risk factor for adverse events in patients with septal HCM.

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of sacubitril/valsartan on left ventricular remodeling and cardiac function in rats with heart failure. Methods: A total of 46 SPF-grade male Wistar rats weighed 300-350 g were acclimatized to the laboratory for 7 days. Rats were then divided into 4 groups: the heart failure group ( n =12, intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin hydrochloride 2.5 mg/kg once a week for 6 consecutive weeks, establishing a model of heart failure); heart failure+sacubitril/valsartan group (treatment group, n =12, intragastric administration with sacubitril/valsartan 1 week before the first injection of adriamycin, at a dose of 60 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 for 7 weeks); heart failure+sacubitril/valsartan+APJ antagonist F13A group (F13A group, n =12, adriamycin and sacubitril/valsartan, intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg·kg -1 ·d -1 APJ antagonist F13A for 7 weeks) and control group ( n =10, intraperitoneal injection of equal volume of normal saline). One week after the last injection of adriamycin or saline, transthoracic echocardiography was performed to detect the cardiac structure and function, and then the rats were executed, blood and left ventricular specimens were obtained for further analysis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining were performed to analyze the left ventricular pathological change and myocardial fibrosis. TUNEL staining was performed to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis. mRNA expression of left ventricular myocardial apelin and APJ was detected by RT-qRCR. ELISA was performed to detect plasma apelin-12 concentration. The protein expression of left ventricular myocardial apelin and APJ was detected by Western blot. Results: Seven rats survived in the heart failure group, 10 in the treatment group, and 8 in the F13A group. Echocardiography showed that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and the left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) were higher (both P <0.05), while the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were lower in the heart failure group than in the control group (both P <0.05). Compared with the heart failure group, rats in the treatment group were featured with lower LVEDD and LVESD (both P <0.05), higher LVEF and LVFS (both P <0.05), these beneficial effects were reversed in rats assigned to F13A group (all P <0.05 vs. treatment group). The results of HE staining showed that the cardiomyocytes of rats in the control group were arranged neatly and densely structured, the cardiomyocytes in the heart failure group were arranged in disorder, distorted and the gap between cells was increased, the cardiomyocytes in the treatment group were slightly neat and dense, and cardiomyocytes in the F13A group were featured similarly as the heart failure group. Masson staining showed that there were small amount of collagen fibers in the left ventricular myocardial interstitium of the control group, while left ventricular myocardial fibrosis was significantly increased, and collagen volume fraction (CVF) was significantly higher in the heart failure group than that of the control group ( P <0.05). Compared with the heart failure group, the left ventricular myocardial fibrosis and the CVF were reduced in the treatment group (both P <0.05), these effects were reversed in the F13A group (all P <0.05 vs. treatment group). TUNEL staining showed that the apoptosis index (AI) of cardiomyocytes in rats was higher in the heart failure group compared with the control group ( P <0.05), which was reduced in the treatment group ( P <0.05 vs. heart failure group), this effect again was reversed in the F13A group ( P <0.05 vs. treatment group). The results of RT-qPCR and Western blot showed that the mRNA and protein levels of apelin and APJ in left ventricular myocardial tissue of rats were downregulated in heart failure group (all P <0.05) compared with the control group. Compared with the heart failure group, the mRNA and protein levels of apelin and APJ were upregulated in the treatment group (all P <0.05), these effects were reversed in the F13A group (all P <0.05 vs. treatment group). ELISA test showed that the plasma apelin concentration of rats was lower in the heart failure group compared with the control group ( P <0.05); compared with the heart failure group, the plasma apelin concentration of rats was higher in the treatment group ( P <0.05), this effect was reversed in the F13A group ( P <0.05 vs. treatment group). Conclusion: Sacubitril/valsartan can partially reverse left ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function in rats with heart failure through modulating Apelin/APJ pathways.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous closure of ventricular septal rupture (VSR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the risk factors of all-cause mortality at 30 days after operation. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. A total of 69 patients with post-AMI VSR, underwent percutaneous closure of VSR from October 2013 to May 2020 in Department of Cardiology of Henan Provincial People's Hospital and Department of Cardiology of Central China Fuwai Hospital, were included. Patients were divided into survival group (53 cases) and non-survival group (16 cases) according to the status at 30 days after operation. Clinical data were collected and analyzed during hospitalization. Telephone follow-up was performed 30 days after operation. The primary safety endpoint was occlusion failure and all-cause mortality at 30 days post operation. The secondary safety endpoint was the operation related or non-operation related complications. Efficacy endpoint included NYHA classification of cardiac function, index measured by right heart catheterization and echocardiography. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the risk factors of all-cause mortality at 30 days after operation. Results: A total of 69 patients, aged 67 (64, 71) years, including 42 women (60.9%), were enrolled in this study. All-cause death occurred in 16 patients (23.2%), including 13 in-hospital death and 3 death during follow-up. There were 4 cases of closure failure (5.8%). Among the 65 patients with successful closure, 12 (18.5%) experienced operation-related complications, among which 8 (12.3%) experienced valve injury. The mortality was significantly higher in patients with operation-related complications than that in patients without operation-related complications (41.7% (5/12) vs. 13.2% (7/53), P = 0.022). One case received percutaneous closure of VSR and PCI, this patient experienced new-onset AMI immediately post procedure and died thereafter (1.5%). One case (1.5%) developed multiple organ failure and 2 cases (3.1%) developed gastrointestinal bleeding post operation. All of the 65 patients with successful occlusion completed postoperative echocardiography, 56 patients completed cardiac function assessment at discharge, and 53 patients who survived up to 30 days post discharge completed clinical follow up by telephone. The NYHA cardiac function at discharge and 30 days after operation were significantly improved as compared to that before operation ( P <0.001), the ratio of NYHA Ⅰ and Ⅱ patients was significantly higher post operation at these two time points as compared to baseline level (76.8% (43/56) vs. 23.1% (15/65), P <0.001, 77.4% (41/53) vs. 23.1% (15/65), P <0.001). The pulmonary circulation/systemic circulation blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) were decreased, aortic systolic pressure (ASP) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were increased post operation ( P <0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that WBC>9.8×10 9 /L ( OR =20.94, 95% CI 1.21-362.93, P =0.037) and NT-ProBNP>6 000 ng/L ( OR =869.11, 95% CI 2.93-258 058.34, P =0.020) were the independent risk factors of mortality at 30 days. Conclusions: Percutaneous closure in VSR after AMI is safe and effective. The increase of WBC and NT-ProBNP are the independent risk factors of all-cause mortality at 30 days after operation.

Diabetes can lead to a variety of complications, such as chronic wound (diabetic foot), which is one of the important causes of death for patients with diabetes. Unfavorable factors such as high blood glucose, high level of oxidative stress and inflammation, and susceptibility to infection lead to difficult healing and even worsening of diabetic chronic wounds. Due to the advantages of high water content, good biocompatibility, and tunable physicochemical properties, the hydrogels have become hot-spot materials in wound dressing research. Compared with the traditional dressings such as gauze, the hydrogel dressings can provide a moist environment that is beneficial for wound healing. By loading of bioactive components and modulation of compositions and structures of hydrogels, the hydrogel dressings can be endowed with excellent tissue adhesion, antibacterial ability, anti-oxidation, and inflammation regulation effect, etc., and thus show great prospects in wound dressing applications. Based on the characteristics of hydrogel materials and microenvironment of diabetic chronic wound, this review summarized the research advances on new multifunctional hydrogel dressings for the treatment of diabetic chronic wounds in recent years, and discussed the drawbacks of current hydrogel dressings with prospects proposed.

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the occurrence and treatment of perioperative complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: A total of 65 patients who underwent TAVI via femoral artery in the Heart Center of Henan People's Hospital from October 2017 to May 2021 were enrolled. Perioperative data of patients were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether complete atrioventricular block was occurred during TAVI: complete atrioventricular block group (Group CAVB) and non-complete atrioventricular block group (Group NCAVB). Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of complete atrioventricular block during transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The incidence of perioperative complications were recorded. Results: The patients age was (69.1±7.3) years old. and there were 35 males and 30 femals. There were 15 patients in group CAVB with complete atrioventricular block and 50 patients in group NCAVB. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative right bundle branch block [ OR (95% CI ) vs 3.325 (2.132-13.061), P =0.005] and severe aortic valve calcification [ OR (95% CI ) vs 1.271 (1.052-3.326), P =0.030] were independent correlative factors for CAVB during TAVI perioperative period. The implantation rate of permanent pacemaker in group CAVB was 73.3% (11 cases), which was higher than 6.0% (3 cases) in group NCAVB ( P <0.001). Conclusions: It indicated that preoperative right bundle branch block and severe aortic valve calcification are correlative factors for complete atrioventricular block for TAVI. The implantation rate of permanent pacemaker in complete atrioventricular block group increased significantly.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of pro-urokinase and reteplase in the treatment of patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: STEMI patients, who received intravenous thrombolytic therapy in Henan STEMI registry between September 2016 and August 2018, were eligible for this study. A total of 5479 patients from 66 hospitals were screened and patients were divided into pro-urokinase group ( n =638) and reteplase group ( n =702) according to thrombolytic drugs. Data including patient demographics, risk factors, medical histories, patient information at admission, in-hospital treatment, time delays, and clinical events were collected. The clinical recanalization rate, in-hospital mortality, in-hospital death or treatment withdrawal, in-hospital main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, death or treatment withdrawal, congestive heart failure, reinfarction and ischemic stroke) and post-thrombolysis bleeding were compared between the two groups. Bleeding events were evaluated with Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. Results: The median age [61.8 (53.2, 69.0) vs. 62.6 (52.1, 69.8), P =0.833] or the proportion of women [23.0% (147/638) vs. 25.1% (176/702), P =0.385] were similar between the pro-urokinase and reteplase groups. Clinical recanalization rates were similar between the pro-urokinase and reteplase groups [82.1% (524/638) vs. 84.9% (596/702), P =0.172], and there was no difference in the median time from onset to thrombolysis [194.5 (135.0,290.0) min vs. 190 (126.0,292.0) min, P =0.431] and the median recanalization time [95 (67.5,120.0) min vs. 95 (71.0,119.0) min, P =0.561] between the two groups. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality [5.5% (35/638) vs. 5.1% (36/702), P =0.770], in-hospital all-cause mortality, treatment withdrawal [8.9% (57/638) vs.7.7% (54/702), P =0.410], and in-hospital MACCE [13.0% (83/638) vs. 10.4% (73/702), P =0.137] between pro-urokinase and reteplase groups. However, the incidence of post-thrombolysis bleeding was significantly higher in reteplase group than in pro-urokinase group [7.8% (55/702) vs. 3.8% (24/638), P =0.002]. Further analysis found that the incidence of oral bleeding and the BARC grades 1-2 bleeding were significantly higher in reteplase group than in pro-urokinase group, whereas the incidence of cerebral hemorrhage was similar between the two groups [0.6% (4/638) vs. 0.4% (3/702), P =0.715]. The comparison of efficacy and safety outcomes between the two groups after adjusting for baseline characteristics using general linear mixed models was consistent with those before the adjustment. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality, in-hospital death or treatment withdrawal, in-hospital MACCE after adjusting for baseline characteristics and post-thrombolysis bleeding between the two groups. Conclusions: Pro-urokinase and reteplase have similar clinical efficacy in the treatment of STEMI. In terms of safety, the incidence of cerebral hemorrhage is similar, while the incidence of BARC grades 1-2 bleeding and oral bleeding is higher in reteplase group than in pro-urokinase group, which has no impact on in-hospital outcomes.

Objective: To explore the association between healthy lifestyle and risk of rehospitalization in male or female patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: Discharged patients with CHF of Henan Provincial People's Hospital Collaboration Hospital were recruited in our study from January 1,2017 to December 31, 2018. The basic information of patients were collected through the electronic medical record system,the questionnaires were used to collect the related influencing factors. Healthy lifestyle includes 4 items, namely non-smoking, moderate exercise, healthy body mass index (BMI) and reasonable diet.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between healthy lifestyle and the risk of rehospitalization of CHF patients of different genders. Results: A total of 2 697 patients with CHF were enrolled in this study, including 1 308 male patients(621 rehospitalizations,687 controls)and 1 389 female patients(684 rehospitalizations,705 controls).Among male patients, there was no significant difference in age, residence, marital status, education level, average monthly income, and medical insurance between the rehospitalization group and the control group (all P >0.05). Among female patients, there was no significant difference in age, residence, marital status, education level, average monthly income, and medical insurance between the rehospitalization group and the control group (all P >0.05). Whether in male or female patients with CHF, we found that patients with 4 healthy lifestyles were associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization: male patients OR =0.34, 95% CI 0.11-0.99, P =0.002,female patients OR =0.27, 95% CI 0.13-0.79, P =0.012. A combination of non-smoking and any other 2 healthy lifestyles was associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization: male patients with no smoking, moderate exercise, healthy BMI, OR =0.32, 95% CI 0.11-0.99, P =0.043; female patients OR =0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.93, P =0.032;male patients with no smoking, moderate exercise, reasonable diet OR =0.42, 95% CI 0.24-0.98, P =0.044,female patients OR =0.40, 95% CI 0.12-0.94, P =0.031;male patients with no smoking, healthy BMI, reasonable diet OR =0.31, 95% CI 0.21-0.92, P =0.039,female patients OR =0.27,95% CI 0.11-0.87, P =0.014. In female patients with CHF, the combination of non-smoking and moderate sports was associated with reduced risk of hospitalization ( OR =0.23, 95% CI 0.19-0.97, P =0.038), while no similar results were seen in male patients ( OR =0.65, 95% CI 0.33-1.84, P =0.315). Conclusion: Healthy lifestyle is associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization in patients with CHF, and the related healthy lifestyle and its combination may differ between male and female patients.

The safety of prophylactic vaccine is one of the key points both in clinical trials and evaluation. Based on the review practice of vaccine registration clinical trials in recent years, we summarized the common problems in safety analysis and report and accordingly puts forward a series of thoughts and suggestions, including discussing the role of statistics in safety analysis, putting forward the framework of safety analysis and report involved analysis content, analysis index and analysis dimension, in which attention is paid to the severity analysis; emphasizing the initiative analysis on risk signal and encouraging the evidence-based initiative safety evaluation. At the same time, this paper discusses the basic principles of the presentation of safety data in the package inserts, as well as the comprehensive consideration of the safety data of each phase of the trial and different subjects. It can be used for reference by sponsor to promote vaccine clinical research and evaluation in China.

The safety of prophylactic vaccine is one of the key points both in clinical trials and evaluation. Based on the review practice of vaccine registration clinical trials in recent years, we puts forward a series of thoughts and suggestions on the common problems of safety study on vaccine, including the hypothesis of safety study, the consideration of inclusion/exclusion criteria and suspension/termination criteria for study; the routine requirements of safety study and some special issue such as medical laboratory test index, vaccine virus shedding and safety of adjuvant, and further clarifies the requirements of safety observation on sequential enrollment; also emphasized the scientific judgment of causality and the quality of safety monitoring. It can be used for reference by vaccine researchers and to explore appropriate solutions to promote vaccine research & development and risk control in China.

Objective: To investigate the blood lipid levels and prevalence of dyslipidemia in people with hypertension and diabetes in Henan province. Methods: From April 2016 to April 2017, multi-stage cluster sampling was adopted to investigate 71 285 local residents aged between 35 and 75 from 6 districts and counties in Henan province including Zhongmu county of Zhengzhou city, Huojia county of Xinxiang city, Hualong district of Puyang city, Qi county of Hebi city, Xigong district of Luoyang city, and Wugang city of Pingdingshan city. Blood samples were collected. According to the diagnostic criteria of hypertension and diabetes, the study population was divided into control group ( n= 29 427), hypertension group ( n= 21 965), diabetes group ( n= 8 009) and hypertension-diabetes group ( n= 11 884). Comparisons on blood lipid levels and dyslipidemia between 4 groups were performed. Results: The total cholesterol (TC) level of all subjects was 4.37 (3.78, 5.05) mmol/L. The triglyceride (TG) level was 1.27 (0.97, 1.80) mmol/L, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was 2.34 (1.88, 2.88) mmol/L and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was 1.31 (1.08, 1.59) mmol/L. Except for the TC level in women aged 65-75 years and LDL-C levels in women aged 55-64 and 65-75 years, there were significant differences in TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C levels between subjects of control group, hypertension group, diabetes group, and hypertension-diabetes group in different age ranges (including 35-44, 45-54, 55-64,and 65-75 years) and genders(all P< 0.01).Except for the LDL-C and HDL-C in men aged 35-44 years and LDL-C in women aged 65-75 years, there were significant differences in the dyslipidemia rates of TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C between subjects of control group, hypertension group, diabetes group and hypertension-diabetes group in different age ranges and genders( P< 0.01 o r < 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, snoring, region, and body mass index, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension ( OR= 1.221, 95 %CI 1.113-1.339, P< 0.01), diabetes ( OR= 1.636, 95 %CI 1.461-1.833, P< 0.01) and hypertension-diabetes ( OR= 1.832, 95 %CI 1.658-2.023, P< 0.01) were independent risk factors for TC abnormality. Hypertension ( OR= 1.566, 95 %CI 1.478-1.659, P< 0.01), diabetes ( OR= 2.182, 95 %CI 2.031-2.342, P< 0.01) and hypertension-diabetes ( OR= 2.655, 95 %CI 2.492-2.829, P< 0.01) were also independent risk factors for TG abnormality. Diabetes ( OR= 1.510, 95 %CI 1.309-1.742, P< 0.01) and hypertension-diabetes ( OR= 1.461, 95 %CI 1.285-1.661, P< 0.01) were independent risk factors for LDL-C abnormality. Diabetes ( OR= 1.261, 95 %CI 1.180-1.346, P< 0.01) and hypertension-diabetes ( OR= 1.195, 95 %CI 1.126-1.268, P< 0.01) were independent risk factors for HDL-C abnormality. Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with hypertension and diabetes is high in Henan province, so adequate blood lipid education and control should be applied to people with risk factors as soon as possible.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between Lipoprotein (LP) (a) level and the characteristics of tissue components of left main coronary artery (LMCA) plaque. Methods: A total of 102 patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the People's Hospital of Henan Province from June 2010 to October 2016 were included. We performed intravascular ultrasound-virtual histology (IVUS-VH) to their LMCAs and evaluated the tissue characteristics, and the blood level of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoB, ApoA1, LP(a) were measured. According to the value of their LP(a) level they were divided into 2 groups (high LP(a) group (>300 mg/L) ( n =35) and low LP(a) group (≤300 mg/L) ( n =67)), then the relationship between the above lipid values and the tissue characteristics of the LMCA plaque in the patients were evaluated. Results: Patients with a high LP(a) had a larger percentage of fibrolipid volume and a smaller percentage fibrous volume compared to patients with a normal LP(a) (25%±5% vs 13%±6%, P <0.01 and 50%±8% vs 61%±9%, P <0.01). Using multivariate linear regression analysis after adjustment for the above-mentioned confounding factors, LP(a) had a significantly positive correlation with fibrolipid volume percentage ( r =0.645, β =0.29, P <0.01), and had a negative correlation with fibrous volume percentage ( r =-0.467, β =-0.32, P <0.01), suggesting that the LP(a) was associated with the vulnerability of the LMCA plaque. Conclusion: For the patients with stable angina pectoris, the LP(a) has a significantly positive correlation with the percentage of fibrolipid volume and a negative correlation with the percentage of fibrous volume, suggesting that the LP(a) could predict the vulnerability of the LMCA plaque.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the level of microRNA-29b in circulation and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. Methods: A total of 240 subjects from Henan Province People's Hospital from June 2015 to June 2018 were included in the present study. Among them, 160 were hospitalized patients, and were divided into two groups. Patients with simple hypertension and had no left ventricular hypertrophy (80 cases) were in the simple hypertension group (HBP-NLVH), and patients with hypertension combined with left ventricular hypertrophy (80 cases) were in the high blood pressure with left ventricular hypertrophy group (HBP-LVH). Normal control subjects (80 cases) were those with no hypertension and randomly selected from the medical center of Henan Province People's Hospital. Serum microRNA-29b expressions were detected by real time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The thickness of interventricular septum (IVSD) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWD) were measured by echocardiography. Results: Compared with the normal control group (1.95±0.79), the relative expression of microRNA-29b in the patients both in the HBP-NLVH group (2.67±0.92) and the HBP-LVH group (5.12±1.23) was up-regulated, and the difference between normal control and patients was statistically significant ( P< 0.05). In patients, the microRNA-29b level in the HBP-LVH group was significantly higher than that in the HBP-NLVH group ( P< 0.05). The expression level of microRNA-29b was positively correlated with IVSD ( r= 0.71, P< 0.05) and LVPWD ( r= 0.74, P< 0.05), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of serum microRNA-29b levels in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension patients were 96.8% and 91.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum microRNA-29b level is elevated in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, and is positively correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy. The circulation microRNA-29b might be a useful biomarker with prognostic value in left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension patients.

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to address the relationship between the volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery calcification(CAC) in the community residents. Methods: Individuals were recruited from the Jidong Community (Tangshan City, Northern China) which mainly comprised employees of the Jidong Co. Ltd. and their family members. From July 2013 to August 2014, 2 647 participants aged ≥40 years were included in this study. The volume of EAT and coronary artery calcification score (CAC score) were determined by a 64-slice CT. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured by a trained sonographer using a high-resolution B-mode topographic ultrasound system. Venous blood samples were analyzed by automated analyzers in the central laboratory. A validated questionnaire specifically designed for this study was used to collect demographic data from all participants by trained doctors. Characteristics of study cohort were compared according to quartiles of EAT volume ( n= 660, 663, 662, 662, repectively). Results: (1) The mean age of participants was (55.31±7.76) years and 49.94% ( n= 1 322) were men. The median EAT volume (interquartile) was 129.42 (95.66, 176.51)cm(3). (2) Age, BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, LDL-C, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose were significantly higher, while HDL-C level was significantly lower in participants with higher EAT volume than participants with lower EAT volume (all P <0.05). Carotid intima-media thicken (CIMT) and higher CAC score were also significantly higher in participants with higher volume of EAT. Furthermore, percentage of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia increased in proportion with increasing EAT volume ( P <0.05). (3) In the linear regression, significant positive relations were found for age (β=0.019 3, 95% CI 0.017-0.021, P <0.001), waist circumference (β=0.012 7, 95% CI 0.009-0.016, P <0.001), BMI (β=0.022 4, 95% CI 0.013-0.032, P <0.001), LDL-C (β=0.048 4, 95% CI 0.021-0.076, P <0.001), and HDL-C (β=-0.098 1, 95% CI -0.164--0.032, P <0.001) was inversely related to the EAT volume. (4) Logistic regression analysis indicated that EAT volume was an independent risk factor for CAC score>0 ( OR= 1.233, 95% CI 1.205-1.262, P <0.001) . Conclusions: Our findings indicate that EAT volume is strongly correlated to cardiovascular risk factors and coronary calcification and is an independent risk factor of increased coronary calcification in community residents.

Objective: To determine whether thyroid hormone (TH) level could also be an independent and incremental predictor of adverse events in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: A total of 982 consecutive patients with HCM at the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (China) from October 2009 to December 2013 were included in the present study, and followed up till the end of December 2016. The patients were divided into three groups according to the levels of free triiodothyronine (FT 3 ): the group 1 (FT 3 ≤4.28 pmol/L, n= 335), the group 2 (FT 3 >4.28-<4.79 pmol/L, n= 310), and the group 3 (FT 3 4.79-6.30 pmol/L, n= 337). Results: After a follow-up period of (53.8±14.1) months, 39 patients (4.0%) either suffered death with all causes or received a cardiac transplantation (7.8%, 2.9% and 1.2% of the patients in the group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively). A multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that FT 3 ≤4.28 pmol/L was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation ( HR 8.83, 95% CI 1.115- 69.905, P= 0.039) in HCM patients. Conclusions: Low levels of FT 3 is a risk factor of adverse events for patients with HCM, indicting a role of FT 3 as a marker for assessing the risk of long-term adverse events in these patients.

Objective: To determine the value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on predicting the long-term outcome of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) . Methods: NT-proBNP was measured in 831 consecutive patients with HCM at Fuwai Hospital from October 2009 to December 2013 and patients were followed up clinically for (53.3±15.4) months. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to NT-proBNP values: NT-proBNP<860 pmol/L ( n= 276) , 860 pmol/L≤NT-proBNP≤1 905 pmol/L ( n= 278) , NT-proBNP > 1 905 pmol/L ( n= 277) . The related baseline data, laboratory examination and echocardiographic results were compared among groups. The primary endpoints of this study were all-cause mortality and cardiac transplantation. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratio ( HR ) . Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the survival status of patients among the 3 groups. Results: During a median follow-up of (53.3±15.4) months, all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation occurred in 37 patients (4.5%) , event rate was 1.4% (4/276) , 4.0% (11/278) and 7.9% (22/277) in patients with NT-proBNP < 860 pmol/L, 860 pmol/L≤NT-proBNP≤1 905 pmol/L and NT-proBNP > 1 905 pmol/L, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified that age ( HR 1.066, 95% CI 1.027-1.107) and NT-proBNP ( HR 1.026, 95% CI 1.010-1.042) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality or cardiac transplantation. Among the 3 groups, the survival rate of the NT-proBNP < 860 pmol/L group was the highest,and that of the NT-proBNP > 1 905 pmol/L group was the lowest ( P< 0.01) . Conclusions: The level of NT-proBNP provides clinically relevant information for long-term adverse events risk stratification in patients with HCM.

Objective: To explore the effect of miR-19b on the function of P19CL6 cells and its molecular mechanism. Methods: Overexpression of miR-19b was carried out by transfecting miR-19b plasmid into the P19CL6 cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to determine cell growth and apoptosis, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression level of Sox6 in P19CL6 cells. ELISA assay was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (Bax, Bcl-2) in P19CL6 cells at late-stage cardiac differentiation. Further online software TargetScan was used to predict the target genes of miR-19b and verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. Results: Our data showed that overexpression of miR-19b in P19CL6 cells significantly increased the cell growth rates and the apoptosis inhibition rates. The ratio of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax/Bcl-2) was significantly reduced. Results from the TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter showed that Sox6 is the direct target of miR-19b. Conclusions: We conclude that miR-19b might promote cell proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis during the late-stage of cardiac differentiation by targeting Sox6 expression.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ApoB/A1 ratio and the characteristics of tissue components of their left main coronary artery(LMCA)plaque. Methods: A total of 98 patients with stable angina pectoris who received chronic statin treatment underwentpercutaneous coronary intervention in the People's Hospital of Henan Province from June 2010 to June 2016 were included.We prospectively performed intravascular ultrasound virtualhistology (IVUS-VH) to their LMCA and evaluated the tissue characteristics, and the blood level of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), triglyceride(TG), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, ApoB, ApoA1, ApoB/A1 ratio were measured, then the association of the tissue characteristics with the aboved lipids values were analyzed. Results: According to the median value of their ApoB/A1ratios (0.80), they were divided into 2 groups [high ApoB/A1 ratio (>0.80) ( n =49) and low ApoB/A1 ratio (≤0.80) ( n =49)]. The patients with a high ApoB/A1 ratio had alarger fibrolipid volume and a smaller fibrous volume compared to patients with a low ApoB/A1 ratio ( 17.5%±1.2% vs 9.0%±1.0%, P =0.03 and 55.1%±2.1% vs 63.9%±1.8%, P <0.01). Using multivariate linear regression analysis after adjustment for the above-mentioned confounding factors, the ApoB/A1 ratio had a significantly positive correlation with fibrolipid volume ( r =0.445, β =0.29, P =0.010)and had a negative correlation with fibrous volume ( r =-0.567, β =-0.32, P =0.011), suggesting that the ApoB/A1 ratio was associated with the vulnerability of the LMCA plaque. Conclusion: For the patients with stable angina pectoris and chronic treatment of statins, a high ApoB/A1 ratio is associated with a high percentage of fibrolipid volume and a low percentage of fibrous volume in LMCA lesions, suggesting that the ApoB/A1 ratios could predict the vulnerability of the LMCA plaque.

Objective: To investigate the current status of warfarin therapy and the related factors in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF) based on data from a single center. Methods: We analyzed clinical data including baseline clinical characteristics, complications, concomitant medications and anti-thrombotic treatment in patients who were admitted to our hospital with NVAF from January 2014 to June 2014. The data were analyzed by t test, Chi-square test, fisher exact test and binary logistic regression analysis for the above indexes with warfarin utilization. Results: A total of 600 patients enrolled in this study, 560(93.3%) patients had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score≥1, 162(28.9%) patients received warfarin (alone or in combination with antiplatelet agents), 244(43.6%) patients were treated with aspirin, 137(24.5%) patients did not receive anti-thrombotic treatment. Of the 600 patients, 172(28.7%) patients were treated in line with the current guideline recommendation, 266(44.3%) patients were treated improperly, 23(3.8%) patients were over-treated, 139(23.2%) patients received no anti-thrombotic treatment. Factors associated with anti-thrombotic treatment were persistent atrial fibrillation ( OR =3.92, 95% CI 1.43-10.78, P =0.008), radiofrequency ablation ( OR =26.82, 95% CI 7.03-102.38, P <0.001), the use of statins ( OR =3.35, 95% CI 1.30-8.63, P =0.012), anti-arrhythmic therapy ( OR =3.42, 95% CI 1.29-9.07, P =0.014), and aspirin ( OR =0.02, 95% CI 0-0.07, P <0.001). Conclusions: In this study, 428 (71.3%) NVAF patients were either un-treated, over-treated or inadequately treated. Intensive efforts are necessary to improve anti-thrombotic therapy status in NVAF population in China.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolytic therapy using reteplase in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Method: A total of 73 hospitals from Henan province took part in this clinical trials during October 2012 to October 2014, 1 226 cases (1 014 male (82.7%), mean age 59.0 (51.0, 66.0) years) with acute STEMI received reteplase as thrombolytic agent.Reperfusion rate was judged according to the clinical symptoms, electrocardiogram, myocardial enzymes and heart rhythm, and the rate of cardiovascular events and bleeding events during hospitalization was also observed.Bleeding events were evaluated with global utilization of streptokinase and tissues plasminogen activator for occluded coronary arteries (GUSTO) criteria.Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the effects of various thrombolysis timing (time from onset to thrombolysis≤6 h or 6-12 h) on reperfusion rate, cardiovascular events and bleeding events rate. Results: The reperfusion rate was 89.3% (1 089/1 219) at 120 minutes after the thrombolysis, average recanalization time was (59.96±26.86) minutes.The reperfusion rate of ≤6 h thrombolysis group was significantly higher than in 6-12 hours group (90.3% (988/1094) vs. 80.8% (101/125), P =0.001), while in-hospital mortality (2.6%(28/1 094) and 0.8% (1/125), P =0.352) and rate of bleeding (5.9%(64/1 094) and 5.6%(7/125), P =0.910) were similar between the two groups. The total in-hospital mortality after thrombolysis was 2.4% (29/1219), which was significantly higher in failed recanalization group than in recanalization group (10.8%(14/130) vs. 1.4%(15/1089), P < 0.001). The total rate of bleeding after thrombolysis was 5.8% (71/1219), there were 3 severe bleeding cases according to GUSTO classification (0.2%), all of them were cerebral hemorrhage, and 2 out of 3 cases died. Conclusions: Reteplase use is related to high recanalization rate and low cardiovascular events and bleeding rate and our results thus show that reteplase is a safe and effective thrombolytic agent for STEMI patients.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of retrograde transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) under trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE)., Methods: Twelve patients with VSD, with 4 residual shunt, treated by transcatheter VSD closure under solely guidance of TEE were summarized. Mean age, body weight and average diameter of VSD in 12 cases were (11.58±6.57) years, (31.85±13.28) kg, (5.50±2.20) mm, respectively. All patients were treated by retrograde transcatheter closure under solely guidance of TEE. The post-operative efficiency was estimated by TEE immediately. Patients were followed up by echocardiography, X-ray examination and electrocardiogram at 24 hours, 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedures., Results: All 12 patients were treated successfully under solely guidance of TEE. The diameter of devices were 5-14 mm. There were 1 case with trivial residual shunt after the procedures immediately. No patients suffered from residual shunt, occluder malposition, peripheral vascular injury and pericardial effusion during the follow-up., Conclusion: Percutaneous transcatheter closure of VSD completely guided by TEE is safe and effective. This method could avoid the radiation and contrast media reaction, and also could simplify the procedure.

Objective: To evaluate the effects and clinical prognosis of out-patient department-based smoking cessation services for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients., Methods: A total of 140 smoking patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease in our cardiovascular department were randomly divided into the intensive smoking cessation clinic follow-up group (intervention group, patients were informed on the importance and methods to quit smoking at the first visit and reminded for that at months interval for 6 months, n = 70) and the conventional treatment group (control group, n = 70). After 6 months, the smoking status, cardiovascular event rates, drug usage, out-patient medical costs and quality of life were compared between the two groups., Results: Age, gender, concomitant diseases, drug usage were similar between the two groups at baseline (all P > 0.05). After 6 months, smoking quit rate [34.2% (24/70) vs. 5.7% (4/70), P < 0.01], drug use rates: lipid-lowering drugs [95.3% (67/70) vs. 80.4% (56/70)], β blockers [82.4% (57/70) vs. 41.3% (28/70)], and ACEI/ARB [61.4% (43/70) vs. 34.4% (24/70)] were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group, while total cardiovascular event rates [21.4% (15/70) vs. 47.1% (33/70), P < 0.01] and out-patient medical costs (3789.3 RMB vs. 4984.2 RMB, P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. The quality of life scores derived from MYO health survey questionnaire was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The top three reasons responsible for continuous smoking for all patients failed to quit smoking were: (1) others smoked more than me and still alive and healthy [90.3% (56/62)]; (2) smoking helped me to keep relaxed and reduce trouble in daily work and life [70.9% (44/62)]; (3) smoking was essential while chatting and drinking with friends [66.1% (41/62)]. The overall satisfactory rate to this smoking cessation program was 42.8% and the satisfactory rate was up to 50.0% by patients., Conclusions: Intensive outpatient smoking cessation follow-up program can significantly improve the smoking cessation rates, the guideline drug use rate and the quality of life while reduce medical costs for coronary heart disease patients.

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux combined with tirofiban in patients with high risk unstable angina (UA) undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ., Methods: A total of 389 patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups receiving either fondaparinux with tirofiban or enoxaparin with tirofiban. Bleeding, thrombosis and main adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were compared between the two groups during hospitalization, at week 2 and week 4 after discharge., Results: No severe bleeding was observed during hospitalization in the both groups, while lower rate of mild and minor bleeding was shown in the fondaparinux group (0 vs 1.5% and 18.2% vs 34.5%, P = 0.04 and P < 0.001 respectively). No difference was found between the two groups in the rate of MACE during hospitalization, at week 2 and week 4 weeks after discharge. The rates of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, refractory myocardial ischemia and target vessel revascularization were 0.5% vs 1.0%, 0.5% vs 1.0%, 1.6% vs 1.0% and 2.1% vs 1.5% during hospitalization; 0 vs 0, 1.0% vs 0.5%, 1.0% vs 1.5%, 0.5% vs 1.0% at week 2 after discharge; 0.5% vs 0.5%, 0.5% vs 0.5%, 2.6% vs 2.0%, 0 vs 0.5% at week 4 after discharge (all P values>0.05)., Conclusion: The combination therapy of fondaparinux and tirofiban is of good safety and efficacy in high risk UA patients undergoing complex PCI.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirofiban use immediately after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with moderate to high risk non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS)., Methods: NSTE-ACS patients undergoing successful PCI (n = 246) were randomized by the envelope method to tirofiban group (n = 122, 10 µg/kg bolus within 3 min followed by 0.10-0.15 µg×kg(-1)×min(-1) for 36 h i.v.) or control group (n = 124, saline i.v. for 36 h). The primary efficacy composite end point was death, myocardial infarction, target vascular revascularization or ischemic stroke at 30 days. The second end point was the occurrence of composite end point at 7 days or 6 months. Key safety end points were bleeding and thrombocytopenia 3 days after PCI., Results: Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the two groups (P > 0.05). The primary end point occurred in 0.9% (1/117) patients in the tirofiban group and 3.3% (4/123) patients of those in the control group (P = 0.40). There was no significant difference in the composite end point at 7 days [0.8% (1/122) vs. 3.2% (4/124), P = 0.38] between the groups, however, there was a trend towards lower composite efficacy end points at 6 months in tirofiban group compared to control group [0.9% (1/117) vs. 5.9% (7/118), P = 0.07]. The probability of survival free of composite end point was significantly higher in the tirofiban group than that in the control group (99.2% vs. 94.2%, log-rank test, P = 0.03). There was no GUSTO severe or moderate bleeding or severe thrombocytopenia within 3 days post-PCI. There was no significant difference in mild bleeding [13.1% (16/122) vs. 7.3% (9/124), P = 0.13] or mild thrombocytopenia [0.8% (1/122) vs. 0.8% (1/124), P = 1.00] between the groups., Conclusion: Tirofiban use after successful PCI can improve 6-month event-free survival without increasing the risk of bleeding for patients with moderate to high risk NSTE-ACS.

Objective: To quantitatively assess the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with advanced congestive heart failure by real-time 3-dimensional(3D) echocardiography (RT-3DE)., Methods: Eighteen patients with advanced congestive heart failure underwent CRT with New York Heart association(NYHA) class III and IV and wide QRS complex (>120 ms) were included (17 dilated cardiomyopathy and 1 ischemic cardiomyopathy). Before CRT and 8 months after CRT, the clinical and RT-3DE parameters and outcome were analyzed., Results: The biventricular pacemaker was successfully implanted in 17 patients (94.4%). Compared with before CRT, NYHA class of patients decreased by 1.5 class (P < 0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 25% (P < 0.01), left ventricular end systolic volume decreased by 38% (P < 0.01), left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) improved significantly (14.2% before CRT vs. 9.8% after CRT, P < 0.01 ) post CRT. Change in SDI and change in LVEF was positively correlated (r = 0.62, P < 0.01) . The procedure complications and outcome during and after CRT included coronary sinus dissection (n = 1), left ventricular lead dislodgement (n = 1), phrenic nerve stimulation (n = 1), sudden cardiac death (n = 1). Three non-response patients were complicated with atrial fibrillation, nonspecific intraventricular block and dilated cardiomyopathy with postero-lateral scar tissue., Conclusions: CRT could improve the cardiac function, correct the mechanical desynchronization and reverse left ventricular remodeling in patients with congestive heart failure, and SDI quantification by RT-3DE could predict increase of LVEF after CRT, however, there were complications related to the implantation procedure and possibilities of non-response.

Objective: The types and risk factors of arrhythmia were analyzed on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients under the age of 44 years who were hospitalized in Henan province between September 2009 to June 2012., Methods: Medical records of eligible patients were obtained from the information system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University teleconsultation information center. Middle aged and elderly ACS patients who were hospitalized at the same period served as controls. Data on arrhythmia types, blood pressure, thyroid disease, respiratory sleep apnea syndrome, smoking history, history of alcohol consumption, eating habits, family history of early-onset arrhythmia, laboratory tests were analyzed., Results: (1) Arrhythmia was detected in 110 out of young ACS patients (55%), which was significantly lower than that in the elderly ACS patients (71.05%, P < 0.01). (2) The top three arrhythmias in young ACS patients were: sinus tachycardia (30.50%), the premature ventricular contractions (19.00%), atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation (16.50%). Incidence of sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation were significantly higher while incidence of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in middle-aged ACS patients (all P < 0.05). The incidence of sinus tachycardia was higher while incidence of ventricular premature accelerated ventricular spontaneous cardiac rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, non-paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, nodal escape, atrioventricular block were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in elderly ACS patients (all P < 0.05). (3) Body mass index, incidence of smoking, coronary three-vessel disease, drinking, eating salty foods, thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea were significantly higher in youth ACS patients with arrhythmia than in young ACS patients without arrhythmia (all P < 0. 05). (4) Logistic regression analysis found that number of diseased coronary vessels (OR = 24.293), smoking (OR = 1.112) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.039) were independent risk factor for developing arrhythmia in young ACS patients from Henan province., Conclusions: The main types of arrhythmia are sinus tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation and the major risk factors related to the arrhythmia are number of diseased coronary vessels, smoking and alcohol consumption in young ACS patients from Henan province.

Objective: To investigate the basic characteristics of passive smoking population, and the impact of passive smoking on heart rate variability, heart rate and blood pressure., Methods: Eighty-six passive smokers [mean age: (52.4 ± 7.6) years] were recruited from patients and their relatives who visited cardiovascular outpatient department and excluded structural heart disease between June 2010 and June 2012, 80 normal subjects who were not exposed to smoking served as controls. Questionnaire survey, 24 hours ambulatory electrocardiogram examination and blood pressure measurement were performed in all recruited subjects., Results: (1) Non-marriage rate [18.60% (16/86) vs. 3.75% (3/80), P < 0.01] was significantly higher while education level were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in control group. Passive smokers were more likely service industry workers [29.07% (25/86) vs. 15.00% (12/80), P < 0.05] and had longer daily working time [(7.56 ± 1.24) h vs. (6.02 ± 0.96) h, P < 0.01], and were less likely to be professional technology industry employers [20.93% (18/86) vs. 36.25% (29/80), P < 0.05] and managers [13.95% (12/86) vs. 38.75% (31/80), P < 0.01] compared to controls. The main place of passive smoking was workplace (67.44%, 58/86), entertainment venues (63.95%,55/86), restaurants (48.84%, 42/86). (2) Standard of the normal sinus RR intervals (SDNN), the normal consecutive sinus RR interval difference between the root-mean-square (rMSSD) and adjacent the difference between the RR interval>50 ms the number of share the percentage (PNN50) were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Every 5 min average of the standard deviation of sinus RR cycle (SDNN index) and 24 h every 5 min sinus RR interval mean standard deviation (SDANN) were similar between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). Ultra-low-frequency power (VLF), low frequency power (LF), high frequency power (HF) and LF/HF were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in the control group (all P < 0.01). (3) Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in passive smoking group than in control group (all P < 0.05) while systolic blood pressure was similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Marriage status, education level, profession and daily working time are independent determinants for passive smoking. Passive smoking mainly occurred in the workplace, entertainment venues and restaurants. Passive smoking is linked with reduced heart rate variability, increased 24 h average heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.

Objective: To explore the potential effects of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) in prefrontal lobe and thalamus in patients with schizophrenia by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS)., Methods: From November 2010 to June 2011, a total of 31 schizophrenics fulfilling the third edition of the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD-III) were recruited. And prefrontal lobe and thalamus were evaluated by multi-voxel (1)H-MRS before and after 8 sessions of MECT. The subjects were evaluated by the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). And the N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho) and creatine compounds (Cr) were measured and the ratios of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr determined., Results: (1) In left prefrontal lobe and bilateral thalamus, the NAA/Cr ratio at post-treatment demonstrated higher than that at pre-treatment (1.50 ± 0.31 vs 1.35 ± 0.30, t = 2.07, P < 0.05; 1.53 ± 0.31 vs 1.38 ± 0.27, t = 2.03, P < 0.05; 1.51 ± 0.29 vs 1.36 ± 0.26, t = 2.14, P < 0.05). (2) The major influencing factors of the changes of NAA/Cr in left prefrontal lobe were age of onset, decrease rate of PANSS, baseline PANSS total score and duration of illness. And the major influencing factors for left thalamus were age of onset and duration of illness while a major influencing factor for right thalamus was baseline PANSS total score., Conclusion: MECT may modify brain metabolism as measured by (1)H-MRS. The pattern of changes suggests possible neuroprotective effects in schizophrenics. And these effects are correlated with age of onset, duration and severity of illness.

Objective: To compare the effects of intracoronary infusion of mononuclear stem cells (MNCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)., Methods: DCM patients with left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) < 40% were randomized to intracoronary infusion of MNCs [(5.1 ± 2.0) × 10(8), n = 16] or MSCs [(4.9 ± 1.7) × 10(8), n = 17] or equal volume normal saline (n = 20) through the guiding catheter. Changes of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), LVEF and myocardium perfusion defects were assessed before and at (30 ± 3) days and (90 ± 7) days after the procedure. Malignant cardiovascular events were also recorded., Results: (1) One month after the procedure, LVEF in transplantation groups significantly increased compared to before procedure (all P < 0.05), and significant increase of LVEF was observed only in MSCs transplantation group compared to control group (P < 0.05). However, absolute changes of LVEDd and perfusion defects of myocardium were similar among and within groups (P > 0.05). (2) Comparing with before procedure and control group, LVEF in transplantation groups increased significantly in three months after the procedure (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between transplantation groups (P > 0.05). LVEDd and myocardium perfusion defects in transplantation groups improved significantly compared with that of before procedure (P < 0.05), while significant decrease of myocardium perfusion defects was only observed in patients treated with MSCs compared with control group at three months after procedure (P < 0.05). (3) There were no significant differences in major cardiovascular events between transplantation group and control during follow-up (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Intracoronary bone marrow stem cells transplantation is safe and effective for DCM patients while the efficacy of MSCs and MNCs transplantation is comparable.

Objective: The prognostic value of corrected QT interval (QTc), corrected Tp-e interval (Tp-ec) and Tp-e/QT ratio on occurrence of malignant arrhythmia events (MAE) in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients underwent successful thrombolysis was explored and the potential association of these indices with MAE was analyzed., Methods: Fifty-seven STEMI patients underwent successful thrombolytic therapy within 6 hours after admission and conservative medical treatment were included. QTc, Tp-ec, Tp-e/QT ratio were obtained and calculated in infarct-related electrocardiograph leads and non-infarct-related leads before thrombolysis, (7±1) days and (30±3) days after thrombolysis respectively, and incidence of MAE up to 30 days after thrombolysis was analyzed. Sixty age and gender matched normal subjects served as control group., Results: (1) QTc, Tp-ec, Tp-e/QT in infarct-related and non-infarct-related leads in STEMI group before thrombolysis were significantly higher than those in control group (all P<0.05), and values from the infarct-related leads were significantly higher than those from non-infarct-related leads in STEMI group (all P<0.05). QTc, Tp-ec and Tp-e/QT all significantly and continuously reduced from 7 days and at 30 days post thrombolysis compared the before thrombolysis (P<0.05 vs. before thrombolysis). (2) Tp-ec≥100 ms and Tp-e/QT ratio≥0.25 before thrombolysis in infarct-related leads were linked with higher incidence of MAE within 30 days post thrombolysis in this patient cohort [28.1% (9/32) vs. 40% (1/25), 27.8% (10/36) vs.0, respectively, all P<0.05]., Conclusion: QTc, Tp-ec and Tp-e/QT values decreased post successful thrombolysis in STEMI patients and higher Tp-ec and Tp-e/QT values before thrombolysis in STEMI patients were related with higher MAE incidence up to 30 days post successful thrombolysis in this patient cohort.

Objective: To explore the effect of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and daunorubicin (DNR) on phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and related procoagulant activity of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells., Methods: Mononuclear cell and neutrophil isolated from whole blood of 12 healthy volunteers were used as control group while APL cells obtained from 12 newly diagnosed APL patients at First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University from March 2007 to February 2009 were used as experimental group. APL cells were treated with 1 µmol/L ATO and 1 µmol/L DNR for 24 h. PS exposure of APL cells were measured by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. And the related procoagulant activity was detected by the assays of coagulation time and coagulation factor formation. Lactadherin was used as a probe for PS exposure and anticoagulant on the cells of 12 APL patients., Results: ATO induced a decrease of PS exposure on APL cells by flow cytometry and no staining with lactadherin was observed under confocal microscopy. However, DNR induced the significantly elevated PS exposure and staining green with a rim pattern on membrane of APL cells was obtained. Coagulation time was (180 ± 25) s and (220 ± 41) s before and after treatment with ATO, respectively (P < 0.05). The formation of coagulation factors decreased after treatment with ATO (P < 0.05). While coagulation time was (180 ± 25) s and (80 ± 20) s before and after treatment with DNR, respectively (P < 0.05). The formation of coagulation factors increased after treatment with DNR (all P < 0.05). Lactadherin inhibited the procoagulant activities of DNR-treated APL cells (all P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Procoagulant activity is positively correlated with the exposed PS of APL cells. ATO and DNR inhibited and enhanced procoagulant activity with decreased and increased PS exposure, respectively.

Objective: To determine the role of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in intimal hyperplasia induced by low shear stress (LSS)., Methods: TLR4(-/-) mice and control mice C57BL/6J were used. Polyethylene cuff was placed on murine carotid to establishing a LSS model. Cultured vascular endothelial cells under LSS condition were used as an in vitro LSS cell model. Intimal hyperplasia was evaluated pathologically. TLR4 was tested by Western blot and the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA were detected using RT-PCR. Cell proliferation was determined by detecting DNA synthesis., Results: LSS elicited significant carotid intimal hyperplasia in normal mice but a slight neointima formation in TLR4(-/-) mice (42.67 ± 16.46 vs 7.03 ± 2.95, P < 0.05). LSS upregulated the expression of TLR4 (2.30 ± 0.66 vs 0.16 ± 0.10, P < 0.05), as well as the mRNA of IL-1β (6.52 ± 3.15 vs 1.65 ± 0.45, P < 0.01), IL-6 (16.17 ± 7.49 vs 6.50 ± 1.84, P < 0.01) and TNF-α(9.98 ± 3.77 vs 2.72 ± 1.03, P < 0.01) in normal mice. However, only moderate increases in IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA were observed in TLR4(-/-) mice. LSS induced the proliferation in cultured endothelial cells. And it was further enhanced by TLR4 overexpression (177 ± 33 vs 83 ± 15, P < 0.05) but attenuated by TLR4 silencing (40 ± 8 vs 83 ± 15, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: TLR4 plays an important role in LSS-induced intimal hyperplasia. It is likely that LSS induces the proliferation of endothelial cells through TLR4-mediated inflammatory reaction and ultimately promotes intimal hyperplasia.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Angiotensin(1-7) [Ang(1-7)] on left ventricular dysfunction and myocardial apoptosis on rat model of adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (ADR-DCM)., Methods: Weight-matched adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) the ADR-DCM group (n = 25), in which 2.5 mg/kg of ADR was weekly intravenously injected for 10 weeks. (2) Ang(1-7) group (n = 25), in which ADR rats were simultaneously treated with angiotensin-(1-7) (24 µg×kg(-1)×h(-1), ip.) for 12 weeks. (3) normal control group (n = 10). Hemodynamics and echocardiography examination were performed at 12 weeks. The malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by TBA methods. The plasma concentration of AngII was determined by immunoradiometric assay. The pathological change was analyzed by histological hematoxylin-eosin staining. Myocardial apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL method. The protein expression of pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3, Bax and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xl in cardiomyocytes were detected by Western blot., Results: Mortality was significantly lower in Ang(1-7) group than in ADR-DCM group (16% vs. 40%, P < 0.01). Compared to the control group, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were significantly increased in ADR-DCM group (all P < 0.01) while fractional shorting (FS), +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax were significantly reduced in ADR-DCM group (all P < 0.01). LVEDD, LVESD and LVEDP were significantly reduced while FS, +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax were significantly higher in Ang(1-7) group compared to the ADR-DCM group, but still higher than the control group (all P < 0.01). The concentrations of AngII and MDA were higher in the ADR-DCM group than in the control group (P < 0.01), which were significantly reduced by Ang(1-7) treatment (P < 0.01). The TUNEL-positive cells and apoptosis index, the expression of pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 and Bax were significantly higher while the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xl was significantly lower in the ADR-DCM group than in the control group (all P < 0.01) which could all be partially reversed by Ang(1-7) treatment (all P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Ang(1-7) could significantly attenuate left ventricular dysfunction and myocardial apoptosis in this model by downregulating pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 and Bax and upregulating anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xl expression.

Objective: To explore the characteristics of different subtypes of schizophrenics on prefrontal lobe and thalamus by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) and its relationship., Methods: From August 2007 to April 2010 at our center, a total of 159 schizophrenics fulfilling the third edition criteria of Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD-III) were recruited. And prefrontal lobe and thalamus were evaluated by multi-voxel (1)H-MRS. There were 88 males and 71 females. There were first-episode (n = 54) and not-first-episode (n = 105), negative subtype (n = 125) and positive subtype (n = 34), medicated (n = 96) and non-medicated (n = 63) by different criteria. The levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho) and creatine compounds (Cr) were measured and the ratios of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr determined. Positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) were also assessed. Only 45 normal controls received (1)H-MRS., Results: On left prefrontal lobe and left thalamus, the NAA/Cr ratios in different subtypes of patients were lower than those in normal controls (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The NAA/Cr ratios in patients of non-first-episode (1.48 ± 0.34), negative subtype (1.40 ± 0.35) and medicated (1.47 ± 0.36) on right thalamus were also lower than those in normal controls (1.62 ± 0.37, t = 2.25, 3.56, 2.28, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Compared with positive subtype schizophrenics, the NAA/Cr ratios in those of negative subtype on right thalamus were lower (1.40 ± 0.35 vs 1.60 ± 0.37, t = 2.92, P < 0.01). On right thalamus of non-medicated schizophrenics, there was a negative correlation between the duration of illness and the ratio of NAA/Cr (r = -0.38, P < 0.05) and a positive correlation between the duration of illness and the ratio of Cho/Cr (r = 0.43, P < 0.01). On right thalamus of negative subtype schizophrenics, the ratios of NAA/Cr were negatively correlated with the total score of PANSS and the score of negative factor respectively (r = -0.36, -0.40, P < 0.05). On left prefrontal lobe of different subtypes, the ratios of NAA/Cr were negatively correlated with the total score of PANSS, the score of negative factor, responses errors and persistent errors (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with completed categories and conceptual level responses (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Abnormalities in neuronal function and/or integrity are present on left prefrontal lobe and left thalamus in schizophrenics. And right thalamus is probably involved in non-first-episode subtype, negative subtype and non-medicated subtype. Different subtypes of schizophrenics may have different characteristics of (1)H-MRS due to the duration of illness and their clinical symptoms.

Objective: To investigate the carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS)-induced hemodynamic depression (HD) and its impact on postprocedural complications so as to identify its risk factors., Methods: The incidence, onset time, duration and severity of HD were observed in 196 CAS patients. The influences of clinical baseline and vascular angiographic characteristics on HD were recorded and the relationship between HD and postprocedural complications was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors of HD., Results: The incidence of HD was 53.1%. Most cases of HD (67.3%) developed within 1 - 16 hours postprocedural. And 55.8% HD lasted for over 24 hours and became relieved within 3 - 16 days post-operation. And 78.9% HD patients required medications for the controls of blood pressure and heart rate. Diabetes, hypertension, smoking, plaque involving carotid bulb, ulcerated plaque and calcified plaque were shown to be associated with HD. Further analysis of logistic regression suggested that diabetes and smoking were two protective factors for HD while plaque involving carotid bulb and calcified plaque two independent risk factors for HD. The HD patients were at an increased risk of neurological and cardiopulmonary complications., Conclusion: With a high post-CAS incidence after CAS, HD is associated with postprocedural complications. Lesions involving carotid bulb and calcified plaque are two independent risk factors for HD.

Objective: To assess the association between smoking status at follow-up and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Methods: The smoking status at follow-up was investigated in 592 patients undergoing successful PCI between Jan. 2003 and Nov. 2006. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of their smoking status at follow-up: non-smokers (n = 272), quitters (n = 215) and current smokers (n = 105). Major adverse cardiac events were recorded., Results: The average follow-up time was 19.0 months. At follow-up, current smokers were significantly younger (P < 0.01), more likely to be male (P < 0.01) than non-smokers and had more favorable clinical and angiographic characteristics: lower prevalence of hypertension (P < 0.05) and diabetes (P < 0.05), fewer diseased vessels (P < 0.05) and fewer implanted coronary stents (P < 0.01), larger target vessel diameter (P < 0.01). However, the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in quitters (1.40%) was significantly higher than in nonsmokers (0.37%, P < 0.05), the incidence of nonfatal MI in current smokers (4.76%) was significantly higher than quitters (1.40%, P < 0.05) and nonsmokers (0.37%, P < 0.01). After adjustments for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, target vessel diameter, the number of diseased vessels, the kind and number of implanted stents, and the follow-up time, multi-variables logistic regression analysis showed that current smoking was a independent predictive factor for non-fatal MI (beta = 1.28, wald chi2 = 6.91, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Smokers, especially current smokers, were at increased risk for non-fatal MI post successful PCI. Therefore, all patients underwent PCI should be encouraged to stop smoking.

Objective: To observe the effects of telmisartan on Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 potassium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes., Methods: Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 potassium channel currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes were recorded and observed in the absence and presence of telmisartan using standard two-microelectrode voltage clamp techniques., Results: Telmisartan resulted in a concentration- and voltage-dependent inhibition effect on Kv1.3 channel current (IC(50) 2.05 micromol/L)and on Kv1.5 channel current (IC(50) 2.37 micromol/L)., Conclusions: Telmisartan blocks open-state Kv1.3 channel which could be one of the mechanisms related to its immunomodulatory and anti-atherosclerosis effect. Telmisartan also blocks open-state Kv1.5 channel which might partly account for its effect on reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intracoronary autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) transplantation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)., Methods: On top of standard therapy, DCM patients received BM-MNCs transplantation (n = 71) or saline injection (n = 187). The baseline clinical characteristics of two groups were comparable. Data on echocardiography, Holter, six-minute-walk test, cardiac SPECT and annual hospital days were obtained in all patients at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after transplantation., Results: Six-minute-walk distance was significantly longer at one month [(345 +/- 76) m vs. (286 +/- 104) m, P < 0.05] and thereafter (all P < 0.05) in BM-MNCs group compared with saline group. Left ventri ocular ejection fraction (LVEF) at one month in BM-MNCs group was significantly higher compared with saline group [(41.5 +/- 9.4)% vs. (37.3 +/- 6.6)%, P < 0.05] and with pre-transplantation value [(41.5 +/- 9.4)% vs. (32.4 +/- 8.5)%, P < 0.05] while LVEF was similar at 24 months after transplantation between the two groups [(43.6 +/- 6.3)% vs. (43.2 +/- 6.0)%, P > 0.05]. Three months after transplantation, the number of ischemic segments of BM-MNCs group was significantly reduced compared with that of saline group (2.0 +/- 1.0 vs. 3.1 +/- 1.4, P < 0.05) and with baseline (2.0 +/- 1.0 vs. 3.1 +/- 1.2, P < 0.05) while the number of necrotic segments were similar in both groups during the follow-up. There were no significant difference in survival between two groups during 2 years follow-up (95.4% vs. 94.9%, P > 0.05) but the annual hospitalization days of BM-MNCs group was significantly lower than that of saline group [(23.6 +/- 13.4) d vs. (33.0 +/- 14.0) d, P > 0.05]., Conclusions: Intracoronary transplantation of autologous BM-MNCs was safe and could increase LVEF and the six-minute-walk distance and reduce hospitalization days for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objective: To observe the psychological stress status in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable angina pectoris (SA)., Methods: The intensity of social psychological stress and the serum levels of IL-6, CRP and ICAM-1 were determined in patients with ACS (n = 67) and SA (n = 33)., Results: (1) The percentage of patients with psychological stress was significantly higher in ACS than that in SA group (78.8% vs. 21.2%, P < 0.01). (2) The serum levels of CRP [(14.82 +/- 5.07) g/L vs. (8.78 +/- 4.34) g/L], IL-6 [(101.7 +/- 22.2) ng/L vs. (71.1 +/- 23.5) ng/L] and sICAM-1 [(1.41 +/- 0.47) mg/L vs. (0.82 +/- 0.37) mg/L] were significantly higher in psychological stress group than those in non-psychological stress group (all P < 0.05). Serum CRP [(18.91 +/- 3.12) g/L vs. (6.20 +/- 2.46) g/L], IL-6 [(114.6 +/- 15.2) ng/L vs. (56.4 +/- 15.8) ng/L] and sICAM-1 [(1.67 +/- 0.39) mg/L vs. (0.63 +/- 0.28) mg/L] levels in ACS group were significantly higher than those in SA group (all P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Higher psychological stress was associated with higher risk of ACS and increased serum inflammatory cytokines.

Objective: To investigate the effects of risperidone on the polysomnography (PSG) in the patients with first-episode schizophrenia., Methods: Twenty-five patients with first-episode schizophrenia, 13 males and 12 females, aged 29 +/- 8, underwent polysomnographic recording for 4 consecutive nights, the first night being used for acclimatization, and on the 3 rd and 4 th nights risperidone in the dose of 1.2 mg was administered before going to bed. Forty-four healthy persons, 23 males and 21 females, aged 28 +/- 8, underwent polysomnographic recording for 2 consecutive nights, the first night being used for acclimatization., Results: The baseline PSG recording showed that in comparison with the normal control group the total sleep time of the schizophrenia patients was shorter (378 min +/- 30 min vs 462 min +/- 21 min), sleep latency was longer (30 min +/- 14 min vs 18 min +/- 8 min), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency was shorter (59 min +/- 20 min vs 88 min +/- 10 min), REM sleep time was shorter (61 min +/- 17 min vs 84 min +/- 12 min), awakening time was longer (34 min +/- 17 min vs 15 min +/- 5 min), stage 1 (S1) time was longer (22% +/- 10% vs 9.0% +/- 1.7%), S3 time and S4 time were shorter, and the sleep efficacy was lower (86% +/- 10%) (P < 0.05 approximately P < 0.01); however, there was no significant difference in the S2 time between these 2 groups (54% +/- 16% vs 56% +/- 4%, P > 0.05). In the schizophrenia group, in comparison with the baseline levels in the third and fourth nights the total sleep times were significantly increased (406 min +/- 34 min and 428 min +/- 31 min respectively), the awakening times were significantly decreased (23 min +/- 15 min and 19 min +/- 8 min respectively), and S1 times were significantly decreased (14 min +/- 9 min and 10 min +/- 9 min respectively), with such changes time-dependently; and in the 4 th night the REM sleep time was significantly increased (87 min +/- 20 min) and the sleep efficacy was significantly improved (93% +/- 12%) (P < 0.05 approximately P < 0.01), however, there were no significant differences in the sleep latency and slow wave sleep (both P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Risperidone significantly improves the quality of sleep.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of sensory gating P50 of patients with first-episode schizophrenia., Methods: The auditory evoked potentials P50 were recorded in 66 patients (Group Sch) with first-episode schizophrenia and 92 normal controls (Group NC) by using conditioning/testing paradigm presented with auditory double click stimuli., Results: The value of S1-P50 of Group Sch was 3 microV +/- 2 microV, significantly lower than that of Group NC (6 microV +/- 3 microV, P <0.01). The value of S2-P50 of Group Sch was 4 microV +/- 2 microV, significantly higher than that of Group NC (2 microV +/- 1 microV, P < 0.01). The S2/S1 ratio of Group Sc was 81% +/- 40%, significantly higher than that of Group NC (42% +/- 21%, P < 0.01). The value of S2 - S1 of Group Sch was 2 microV +/- 1 mciroV, significantly lower than that of Group Sch (3 mciroV +/- 2 microV). The value of 100 (1-S2/S1) of Group Sch was 19% +/- 17%, significantly lower than that of Group NC (58% +/- 21% , P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Sensory gating deficit exists in the patients with first-episode schizophrenia, manifested in deficiency of inhibition that can be quantitatively observed by measuring auditory evoked potential P50.

Objective: To found a new interface of human hepatocyte/micropore polypropylene ultrafiltration membrane (MPP) with good cytocompatibility so as to construct bioartificial bioreactor with polypropylene hollow fibers in future., Methods: MPP ultrafiltration membrane underwent chemical grafting modification through ultraviolet irradiation and Fe(2+) reduction. The contact angles of MPP and the modified MPP membranes were measured. Human hepatic cells L-02 were cultured. MPP and modified MPP membranes were spread on the wells of culture plate and human hepatic cells and cytodex 3 were inoculated on them. Different kinds of microscopy were used to observe the morphology of these cells., Results: The water contact angle of MPP and the modified MPP membranes decreased from 78 degrees +/- 5 degrees to 27 degrees +/- 4 degrees (P < 0.05), which indicated that the hydrophilicity of the membrane was improved obviously after the grafting modification. Human hepatocyte L-02 did not adhere to and spread on the modified MPP membrane surface, and only grew on the microcarrier cytodex 3 with higher density and higher proliferation ratio measured by MTT., Conclusion: Grafting modification of acrylamide on MPP membrane is a good method to improve the human hepatocyte cytocompatibility with MPP ultrafiltration membrane.