Analysis of Straw Degradation and Whole Genome of Acrophialophora multiforma.

Lignin is one of the main components in plants, which can transform value-added bioenergy and chemicals. At the same time, due to the close combination of lignin and hemicellulose in the structure, it becomes a barrier for cellulose utilization. Therefore, the effective degradation of lignin is of great significance for the utilization of these resources.

Role of PERK/eIF2α/CHOP Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Mediated Induction of Endothelial Apoptosis.

Objective: PERK/eIF2α/CHOP is a major signaling pathway mediating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress related with atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) also induces endothelial apoptosis and plays a vital role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The present study was conducted to explore the regulatory effect of ox-LDL on PERK/eIF2α/CHOP signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells.

Elevated platelet activating factor level in ischemia-related arrhythmia and its electrophysiological effect on myocardium.

Objective: The mechanism through which platelet activating factor (PAF) induces cardiac electrical activity and arrhythmia is not well understood and previous studies have suggested a potential involvement of ion channels in its action. The present study was aimed to clarify the role of PAF in fatal arrhythmias following acute myocardia infarction (AMI) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: (1) Blood PAF levels were measured among 72 AMI patients at the time of diagnosis with AMI and 48 h later, and their electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded continuously.

Association between plasma pregnancy-associated plasma protein a and restenosis after percutaneous coronary angioplasty.

Background: Restenosis after percutaneous coronary angioplasty remains an important limitation of this procedure. This study evaluates the association between plasma pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels and restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

Methods And Results: Blood samples were collected from all patients at baseline, and their levels of PAPP-A, inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)) and platelet activation (soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L)) were determined.

Xuezhikang, an extract of cholestin, protects endothelial function through antiinflammatory and lipid-lowering mechanisms in patients with coronary heart disease.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is associated with inflammation and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. Xuezhikang, an extract of Cholestin, a dietary supplement, has lipid-modulating and antiinflammatory effects. We explored the effects of xuezhikang on endothelial function and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Downregulation of PPARgamma expression in peripheral blood monocytes correlated with adhesion molecules in acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) is a nuclear hormone receptor and may regulate the metabolism of lipids, inhibit monocytes/macrophages function and reduce the production of cell adhesion molecules and some inflammatory factors. Thus, it may affect the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods: Forty-three patients with acute coronary syndrome and 34 control subjects were studied for PPARgamma expression in peripheral blood monocytes by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and adhesion molecules were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).