Platelet GP IIIA polymorphism HPA-1 (PLA1/2) is associated with hypertension as the primary cause for end-stage renal disease in hemodialysis patients from Greece.

Human platelets carry membrane glycoproteins that control platelet aggregation and activation. A number of clinical studies have suggested that certain polymorphisms of genes encoding these proteins increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. The frequency of gene polymorphisms for the four most common platelet glycoproteins (HPA 1, 2, 3 and 5) was examined and correlated with the primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Greek patients on HD.

Incidence and risk factors of coronary heart disease in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Aim: To determine the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients (pts) over 65 years (y) and its relation to common risk factors.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 128 hemodialysis (HD) pts (80 M and 48 F), mean age 73+/-6.5 years, mean time on HD 44.

Targeted gene delivery to vascular tissue in vivo by tropism-modified adeno-associated virus vectors.

Background: Gene therapy offers an unprecedented opportunity to treat diverse pathologies. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising gene delivery vector for cardiovascular disease. However, AAV transduces the liver after systemic administration, reducing its usefulness for therapies targeted at other sites.