[Helicobacter pylori and atherosclerosis. A review of the literature].

Several studies have investigated potential role of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Postulated mechanisms are various, even though results are still controversial. Here we propose an overview of actual knowledge about this topic, comparing studies in favour with those against the relationship between Hp and atherosclerosis.

Association between cardiac autonomic dysfunction and inflammation in type 1 diabetic patients: effect of beta-blockade.

Aims: To assess the relationship between cardiac autonomic dysfunction and inflammation in patients with type 1 diabetes and whether beta-blocker therapy might improve both abnormalities in these patients.

Methods And Results: We studied 49 patients with type 1 diabetes (age 50.5 +/- 11 years, 33 men).

Increased platelet reactivity in unstable angina patients is not related to C-reactive protein levels.

Platelets are a major component of thrombi, and coronary thrombosis plays a key role in the pathogenesis of unstable angina (UA). Whether platelet aggregability is increased in UA patients however, is not known. Furthermore, no study has investigated the relationship between platelet reactivity and inflammation in UA patients In this study, venous blood samples were collected at admission in coronary care unit in 37 patients with unstable angina (Braunwald class IIIB) and in 37 sex- and age-matched patients with chronic stable angina (CSA).