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Background Fibrinogen is a coagulation/inflammatory biomarker strongly associated with atherogenesis. Data have reported that the genetic variability on fibrinogen chains may affect the atherosclerotic process and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We examined the combined effects of the G455A and the G58A fibrinogen genetic polymorphisms on prothrombotic profile, endothelial function and the risk of CAD in a Caucasian population. Methods We recruited 422 patients with angiographically documented CAD and 277 controls matched for age and gender. The two polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease digestion. Fibrinogen and D-Dimers levels, as well as factors' (f) V, X activity were measured by standard coagulometry techniques. Endothelial function was assessed by the flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Results The two polymorphisms had no significant effect on the risk for CAD. Although the 58AA subjects had not significantly different levels of fibrinogen compared with the 58GG + GA in both groups (p = NS), we importantly found that the 455AA homozygosity was associated with increased fibrinogen levels not only in the control group (p = 0.035), but also in the CAD group (p < 0.001) compared to the G allele carriers. Moreover, both the 58AA (p = 0.016) and 455AA homozygotes (p = 0.022) presented with higher levels of D-Dimers in the CAD group. Interestingly, the 455AA homozygotes had increased fV activity in the CAD group (p = 0.048). However, no significant effects were observed on fX activity and FMD. Conclusions Both fibrinogen polymorphisms are capable to modify the atherosclerotic process via their effects on the coagulation cascade. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Since the discovery of the first noncoding RNA decades ago, the transcriptomics evolution has made a great leap reaching to the detection and recognition of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the early 1990s. Thereafter, numerous miRNAs were reported in different species, with a great body of literature focusing on their role in human health and in pathophysiological processes. miRNAs play a significant role in the cardiovascular system, not only in physiology and normal development but also in disease processes and evolution. Further studies on miRNAs have highlighted their participation in several expressions of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, acute and chronic syndromes of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. To date, the challenge remains to understand the underlying mechanisms of miRNAs that drive their expression profile so as to use them as innovative diagnostic tools or therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality in Western Societies and several developing countries. Recent evidence suggests that most detrimental clinical manifestations of CAD, such as acute coronary syndromes (ACS), are the outcome of inflammatory processes that lead to plaque formation and rupture and eventually to ischemia and potentially myocardial necrosis. Neither of the traditionally used biomarkers is thought to be the gold standard in detection of myocardial ischemia or necrosis. A biomarker that could detect quite early the ischemic myocardium as well as define the risk of a future event with high sensitivity and specificity is still lacking. Several biomarkers, implicated in the pathogenesis and clinical evolution of atherosclerosis, have emerged as potent biomarkers for early detection of myocardial ischemia. In the current review, we summarize recent evidence of the most promising biomarkers and discuss their potential role in clinical practice in patients suffering from ACSs.

It is well established that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to the degradation of the extracellular matrix of coronary plaque and contribute to the thinning of the fibrous cap. As a result, the atheromatous plaque becomes unstable and prone to rupture with consequent clinical manifestations including acute coronary syndromes. Moreover, genetic polymorphisms of MMPs have been found to be associated with the concentration of circulating MMPs, and over the past decade, considerable efforts have been devoted to explore the relationships between MMPs polymorphisms and myocardial infarction risk among various populations. However, existing studies have yielded inconsistent results. Some observations have suggested that genetic variation that affects the expression of MMPs may contribute to the occurrence of myocardial infarction, whereas others reported no support for an association of MMPs polymorphisms with myocardial infarction susceptibility. Furthermore, the interpretation of these studies has been complicated by the use of different populations or different control sources. Therefore, further studies are required to evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases and especially the associated genetic polymorphisms in cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), are implicated in atherogenesis. In addition, several types of oil as part of different types of diet are associated with the initiation of atherosclerosis and consequently with the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the exact role of oil consumption on vascular inflammation remains unknown. In this parallel study, we assessed the acute effects of extra virgin olive oil, soy oil, corn oil and cod liver oil on circulating soluble(s) forms of adhesion molecules and TNF-α. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In all, 67 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive 50 ml of oil. Soluble forms of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and at 3 h post oil consumption. RESULTS: All types of oil had no significant effect on soluble VCAM-1 levels (P=nonsignificant (NS) for all). On the contrary, all oil types decreased ICAM-1 levels (P

Consumption of different types of oil may have different effects on cardiovascular risk. The exact role of maize oil, cod liver oil, soya oil and extra virgin olive oil on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammation is unknown. We evaluated the effect of acute consumption of these types of oil on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy adults. Thirty-seven healthy volunteers were randomised to receive an oral amount of each type of oil or water. Endothelial function was evaluated by gauge-strain plethysmography at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 h after consumption. Oxidative stress status was determined by total lipid peroxides (PEROX), while inflammatory process was estimated by measuring the soluble form of vascular adhesion molecule 1. Serum levels of the two previous markers were measured at baseline and 3 h after oil consumption. Reactive hyperaemia (RH) was significantly decreased after maize oil consumption compared with controls (P P

Extended sun exposure may lead to serious health problems, and evidence of this is in the increase in skin cancer and malignant melanoma worldwide. Extended sun exposure during childhood or adolescence increases the probability of skin cancer in adulthood. The aim of the study was to identify and examine the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and beliefs of Greek adolescents (high school students) related to sun exposure and its adverse effects on health. The majority of participants (89.7%) were of Greek nationality.The study took place in 5 schools in the prefecture of Korinthos, and 816 of the total 925 students aged 15-18 years participated. The questionnaire was pilot tested and assessed for validity and reliability, both of which were adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70 and r(s) = 0.78); SPSS 13.0 software was used for analysis.Only 37.9% of participants knew that melanoma was a type of skin cancer; 50% said they did not know what melanoma was. Regarding behavior, 35.5% reported that during the last summer they went to the beach on 20 to 50 occasions, and only 50% reported that they wore a sunhat or stayed in the shade. The frequency of sunscreen use was alarmingly low, with the majority of the adolescents unfamiliar with its proper use, and 50% not using a sunscreen with sufficient sun protection factor. Television was an important source of information about protection from sun exposure, while the family was the most important provider of advice.Participants' knowledge of sun exposure was insufficient and they reported risky behaviours in the summer months. Despite health promotion and community education programs focusing on sun smart strategies, these young people still associated suntans with beauty. Health promotion and education programs need to challenge such beliefs. However, as a sole approach to health promotion, teaching protective measures and appropriate ways for youth to protect themselves against the harmful effects of sunbathing may be insufficient to reduce the epidemic of skin cancer.

The role of inflammation as crucial underlying process contributing to the initiation and the progression of atherosclerosis as well as its clinical manifestations is well established. Recent data have demonstrated also a strong association between essential hypertension and inflammatory process. In addition, several studies have shown that tissue expression and plasma concentrations of several inflammatory biomarkers/mediators are related to increased risk of hypertension. The determination of markers such as acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein), adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and chemokines is crucial in determining therapeutic responses and clinical outcomes of hypertensive patients. In addition, several therapeutic approaches targeting blood pressure may have also beneficial effects in terms of inflammation and thus further clinical benefits. Although the available data are encouraging, further large scale studies are required to evaluate the reported anti-inflammatory effects in management and treatment of arterial hypertension.