S-Nitrosylation of Akt by organic nitrate delays revascularization and the recovery of cardiac function in mice following myocardial infarction.

The effects of long-term nitrate therapy are compromised due to protein S-Nitrosylation, which is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). This study is to determine the role of Akt S-Nitrosylation in the recovery of heart functions after ischaemia. In recombinant Akt protein and in HEK293 cells, NO donor decreased Akt activity and induced Akt S-Nitrosylation, but was abolished if Akt protein was mutated by replacing cysteine 296/344 with alanine (Akt-C296/344A).

Role of C5a-C5aR axis in the development of atherosclerosis.

Complement component 5a (C5a) is a 74 amino acid glycoprotein and an important proinflammatory mediator that is cleaved enzymatically from its precursor, C5, on activation of the complement cascade. C5a is quickly metabolised by carboxypeptidases, forming the less-potent C5a desArg. C5a and C5a desArg interact with their receptors (C5aR and C5L2), which results in a number of effects which are essential to the immune response.

Glycyrrhizin protects rat heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury through blockade of HMGB1-dependent phospho-JNK/Bax pathway.

Aim: Glycyrrhizin (GL) has been found to inhibit extracellular HMGB1 cytokine's activity, and protect spinal cord, liver and brain against I/R-induced injury in experimental animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of GL in rat myocardial I/R-induced injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a 30-min left coronary artery occlusion followed by a 24-h reperfusion.

[Roles of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, RANTES and Fractalkine on promoting vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques].

Objective: To elucidate the roles of monocyte chemotactic factors (MCP-1, RANTES and Fractalkine) on the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with stable (SAP) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP).

Methods: Patients with SAP (n = 50) and UAP (n = 50) underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) were included in the study. Monocyte chemotaxis was assayed by the transwell chamber.

[Two novel mutations of GLA gene in Chinese patients with Fabry disease].

Objective: To observe the disease-causing GLA gene mutations in Chinese patients with Fabry disease and the correlation between the genotype and phenotype.

Methods: DNA from 2 Chinese patients with Fabry disease and their relatives were collected. The seven exons and nonjunctional regions of GLA gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction and the products were sequenced.

[A novel missense mutation, K124N, in the troponin T gene of Chinese populations with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

Objective: To study the cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) gene mutation in Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and to analyze the correlation between the genotype and phenotype.

Methods: Specimens of peripheral blood were collected from 71 unrelated Chinese probands with HCM, aged 40 +/- 18. The genome DNA was extracted.