Effect of aliskiren on circulating endothelial progenitor cells and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes and essential hypertension.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aliskiren on vascular function and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with type 2 diabetes and essential hypertension.

Methods: The study enrolled type 2 diabetic patients aged >50 years under stable glycemic control and first diagnosed mild essential hypertension. In phase A (n = 20), patients received aliskiren 150-300 mg daily for 3 months.

Implication of lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 activity in oxLDL uptake by macrophages.

Recognition and uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) by scavenger receptors of macrophages and foam cell formation are mediated by the oxidatively modified apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and lipid moiety of oxLDL. A great amount of oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPC) of oxLDL is hydrolyzed at the sn-2 position by lipoprotein associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) to lysophosphatidylcholine and small oxidation products. This study examines the involvement of Lp-PLA(2) in the uptake of oxLDL by mouse peritoneal macrophages.