Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Opium on the Expression of CD9, CD36, and CD68 at mRNA and Protein Levels in Human Macrophage Cell Line THP-1.

Cigarette smoking and opium use are risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). It has been known that scavenger receptors such as CD36 and CD68 play critical roles in the pathogenesis of CAD. CD9, as a member of the tetraspanin, has been shown to interact with scavenger receptors.

Transcriptional activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with coronary slow flow.

Background: Coronary slow flow (CSF), an angiographic phenomenon that is characterized by a delayed coronary blood flow in the absence of obstructive coronary artery stenosis, is known as a disorder of the coronary microcirculation. Inflammation has an important role in the vascular hemostasis and endothelial dysfunction especially regarding monocyte adhesion and infiltration. Pro-inflammatory cytokines released by inflammatory cells result in endothelial cell dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.

Transcriptional Activity of Gene Encoding Subunits R1 and R2 of Interferon Gamma Receptor in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Slow Coronary Flow.

Background: Slow coronary flow (SCF) is a coronary artery disorder characterized with delayed opacification of epicardial coronary arteries without obstructive coronary disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of SCF remain unclear. One of the possible mechanisms that may participate in the pathology of SCF is endothelial dysfunction related to the inflammatory process.