Apolipoprotein E polymorphism is associated with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis: color-flow Doppler ultrasound evaluation.

Introduction: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a member of apolipoprotein family, and its gene polymorphisms seem to have some impact among patients with cardiovascular disease. However, its role in the lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential association between APOE gene polymorphisms and LEDVT.

[Status of endothelial progenitor cell in murine model of Kawasaki disease].

Objective: To assess whether the occurrence of coronary artery lesion was correlated with the changes of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number and function in murine model of Kawasaki disease (KD).

Methods: Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE) was prepared and then C57BL/6 mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of LCWE for inducing KD. Twenty-four mice were categorized randomly into 3 groups: KD model group at Day 14 post-injection, KD model group at Day 56 post-injection and control group with an intraperitoneal injection of phosphate buffered solution (n = 8 each).

Endothelial progenitor cell transplantation ameliorates elastin breakdown in a Kawasaki disease mouse model.

Background: Coronary artery damage from Kawasaki disease (KD) is closely linked to the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EPCs transplantation in KD model.

Methods: Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced KD model in C57BL/6 mice was established.

Endothelial progenitor cell down-regulation in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease.

Background: Cardiovascular complications of Kawasaki disease (KD) are a common cause of heart disease in pediatric populations. Previous studies have suggested a role for endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in coronary artery lesions associated with KD. However, long-term observations of EPCs during the natural progression of this disorder are lacking.