Serum retinol-binding protein 4 as a predictor of cardiovascular events in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

Aims: RBP4 is an adipokine with adverse effects on cardiovascular system. Increased circulating retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been linked to chronic heart failure (CHF). However, whether elevated RBP4 is correlated with a poor prognosis in elderly patients with CHF remains unclear.

Serum Metrnl is associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

Meteorin-like (Metrnl) is a novel adipokine that is highly expressed in white adipose tissue. Metrnl stimulates energy expenditure and improves glucose tolerance in rodents. However, whether Metrnl plays a role in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains to be elucidated.

The angiotensinogen gene polymorphism is associated with heart failure among Asians.

The angiotensinogen (AGT) gene M235T polymorphism has been suggested to be linked to risk of heart failure (HF). However, association studies on the M235T polymorphism and HF risk have shown conflicting results. PubMed and China Biology Medicine (CBM) databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies.

[The clinical research of nystatin in prevention of invasive fungal infections in patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit].

Objective: To observe the effect of nystatin on incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) and the prognosis of mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted. Critical ill patients admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital from May 1st, 2012 to April 30th, 2013 needing mechanical ventilation were enrolled.

Plasma levels of lipometabolism-related miR-122 and miR-370 are increased in patients with hyperlipidemia and associated with coronary artery disease.

Background: Hyperlipidemia plays a crucial role in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent studies have identified that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of lipid metabolism, but little is known about the circulating levels of lipometabolism-related miRNAs and their relationship with the presence of CAD in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Methods: In the present study, we enrolled a total of 255 hyperlipidemia patients with or without CAD and 100 controls with normal blood lipids.