Circulating endothelial cells in coronary artery disease.

Background: endothelial damage and dysfunction play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). The quantification of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in the peripheral blood is a novel method for assessing endothelial damage.

Aim: to evaluate the possible diagnostic use of single quantification of CEC in peripheral blood by flow cytometry in patients with CAD.

[The concentrations of homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 in alcohol dependent male patients].

Unlabelled: Metabolism of homocysteine (sulphur-containing amino acid) is accomplished in the remethylation cycle where vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential coenzymes. Markedly elevated homocysteine concentrations have been observed in patients with nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate. Hyperhomocysteinemia in alcohol abusers may result from malnutrition and disorder of intestine absorption.