选择性胰岛素抵抗在血管内皮功能紊乱中的作用

众所周知,胰岛素抵抗与血管内皮功能紊乱之间有着密切的联系。在血管内皮中,一氧化氮依赖性血管舒张作用与内皮素-1依赖性血管收缩的作用之间的平衡分别受到磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶与丝裂素活化蛋白激酶依赖性胰岛素信号通路的调控。在胰岛素抵抗的状态下,其对血管内皮细胞功能的影响,并不表现出全部胰岛素功能的受损,而只是部分功能的受损,即选择性胰岛素抵抗。磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶依赖性信号通路的特异性损伤导致一氧化氮合成与内皮素1分泌的不平衡,最后产生血管内皮功能的紊乱。目前的研究已经表明胰岛素增敏剂可以靶向胰岛素信号通路中的选择性损伤从而改善血管内皮功能的紊乱。本文系统论述了选择性胰岛素抵抗在血管内皮功能紊乱中的作用,旨在为进一步研究胰岛素增敏剂提供重要的理论依据与参考资料。     

外周动脉疾病治疗进展

外周动脉疾病(PAD)与心血管疾病(CV)的发病率和死亡率有着密切的联系。ACCF/AHA指南建议无症状和症状性PAD患者戒烟并应用抗血小板/抗凝药物。对于存在严重肢体缺血(CLI)的PAD患者应考虑接受腔内与开放保肢手术治疗。即便存在CLI的PAD患者接受如上治疗,有时仍无法为患肢提供足够的血流灌注以消除症状。为建立有效血供,许多研究已经深入细胞治疗层面。内皮干细胞、单核细胞和骨髓间充质干细胞在临床应用中得到了很好的研究。血管内皮生长因子、成纤维细胞生长因子和肝细胞生长因子(HGF)也被应用于PAD患者,以诱导血管生成。其中,HGF最有优势,因为它可诱导血管生成却不伴有反应性血管炎及血管通透性增高。同时,血管腔内治疗器械及技术,如药物涂层球囊等也获得较快发展。本文将PAD治疗进展综述如下。     

氯吡格雷抵抗及其相关因素

氯吡格雷在临床上被公认为最广泛的抗血小板药物,但最近研究发现,有些患者存在氯吡格雷抵抗,即接受氯吡格雷抗血小板药物治疗后而不能提供充分抗血小板作用的一种现象.氯吡格雷抵抗者血小板聚集高,容易发生不良心血管事件.在这里我们就氯吡格雷抵抗及其相关因素作一综述.     

转移性结直肠癌抗血管生成靶向治疗的研究进展

近年来,由于各种新的化疗药物及分子靶向药物的使用,转移性结直肠癌(metastatic colorectal cancer,m CRC)的个体化治疗逐步取得了重要的成果。研究表明,抗血管生成靶向药物与化疗药物的联合使用作为转移性结直肠癌的一线治疗方案,可明显改善治疗效果,延长患者的生存时间。血管内皮生长因子(vascularendothelial growth factor,VEGF)是肿瘤血管生成过程中最主要的因子。贝伐单抗是通过基因工程技术得到的针对血管内皮生长因子-A(VEGF-A)的单克隆抗体,作为抗血管生成靶向药物用于转移性结直肠癌的临床治疗。本文对近年来转移性结直肠癌的抗血管生成靶向治疗,尤其是贝伐单抗治疗的相关研究进展进行综述并展望未来抗血管生成靶向治疗的发展前景。     

脂联素的研究进展及与多种疾病的关系

超重和肥胖对心血管疾病,糖尿病及其它疾病的发生发展及预后有着重要的意义。脂联素是脂肪细胞介导的分泌蛋白,在体内和体外的大量实验中,都被证实具有多种功能:抗炎、改善胰岛素抵抗、抗动脉粥样硬化、降血糖、降血脂、抗氧化等。作为生物标记物,脂联素在临床研究中受到广泛关注。根据最新的研究结果,本文简要的介绍了脂联素的主要结构特征,作用机制,参与胰岛μ细胞的功能和存活、胰岛素抵抗的作用,以及与多种疾病之间的关系。作为唯一一个在肥胖患者体内水平下调的脂肪因子,脂联素对肥胖症、糖尿病、心血管疾病、肾脏疾病的保护作用及其分子机制的研究具有深远的意义,为相关疾病的预防和治疗提供新的思路。同时相关研究也为药物治疗提供可靠的下游靶点。     

松弛素在心血管疾病中的研究进展

松弛素是一类新近发现可作用于心血管的肽类激素,参与心血管系统的生理和病理过程。大量实验研究显示松弛素有扩血管、改善心血管重塑及调节炎症反应的心血管保护作用,也有利于改善高凝状态和胰岛素抵抗。松弛素作用广泛,可与松弛素受体或糖皮质激素受体结合,但其受体后的确切机制以及不同生理和病理状态对松弛素的调控还需进一步基础研究阐明。在从实验室到临床应用转化的初期临床试验中可观察到,人重组松弛素治疗急慢性心力衰竭安全性好,可改善症状、血流动力学指标及近期预后,为Ⅲ期临床试验奠定了基础,其临床应用前景令人期待。     

胫前动脉血管内皮功能及血流动力学参数评价 2 型糖尿病下肢动脉病变

目的:探讨胫前动脉血管内皮舒张功能及血流动力学参数与2型糖尿病下肢疾病的相关性,为2型糖尿病下肢动脉病变的超声诊断提供更多的理论依据。方法:本研究设计经伦理审查委员会批准,所有研究对象在检查前均已签署知情同意书。将159例2型糖尿病患者分为下肢动脉病变(Peripheral Arterial Disease,PAD)症状组(具有间歇性跛行和(或)静息性腿痛)和无PAD症状组,使用高频超声二维时分别测量静息状态下及反应性充血后胫前动脉内径(D0,D1),内-中膜厚度(Intima Media Thickness,IMT),彩色流速流量定量技术测量胫前动脉收缩期峰值血流速度(Peak systolic Velocity,PSV),搏动指数(Pulse Index,PI),血管内压力(Pression,P)及压差(Friqunent,FRQ),比较两组胫前动脉血管内皮舒张功能((D1-D0)/D0),IMT及血流参数的差异,应用多元回归分析血管内皮舒张功能及以上血流动力学参数与下肢PAD症状的相关性。结果:(1)与非PAD症状组相比,PAD症状组血管内皮舒张功能,PSV、PI、P均减低,IMT增加;(2)PAD症状与年龄、病程、糖化血红蛋白、PSV、PI、Sten%、血管内皮舒张功能等有相关性,而与IMT等无相关性。结论:(1)袖带加压法测定血管内皮依赖性舒张功能方法简便且有潜在临床适用性;(2)血管内皮舒张功能作为一项新指标可以和经典的PSV一样反映下肢动脉病变的情况,从而为下肢动脉病变的诊断提供依据。     

CYP2C19基因型检测指导P2Y12受体阻滞剂应用的研究进展

急性冠脉综合征(Acute coronary syndrome,ACS)是全球范围内引发猝死的主要原因,其发生是由于血小板聚集引起冠脉急性闭塞所致。阿司匹林和氯吡格雷已经成为ACS及经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(Percutaneous coronary intervention,PCI)术后患者抗栓治疗的基石,防止PCI术后发生主要不良心血管事件(Major adverse cardiovascular events,MACE)。然而,尽管接受阿司匹林及氯吡格雷双联抗血小板治疗,部分患者仍可再发缺血性心血管事件,考虑存在抗血小板药物抵抗。研究表明,亚洲人群中氯吡格雷抵抗(Clopidogrel resistance,CR)发生率较高,且受多种因素影响,其中基因多态性起着至关重要作用。全面了解不同基因型对氯吡格雷反应的差异,结合血小板聚集率检测,合理选择P2Y12受体阻滞剂,可以显著改善ACS患者预后。     

脂联素在炎症性疾病中的研究进展

脂肪组织不仅是一个被动的能量储存的器官,它还是一个调节机体内分泌、能量代谢及炎症的内分泌器官.脂联素是由Scherer等于1995年在小鼠3T3-L1前脂肪细胞系的分化过程中分离克隆发现的主要由脂肪细胞分泌的一种内源性生物活性蛋白质.目前的研究表明脂联素具有抑制动脉粥样硬化、保护心血管系统、改善胰岛素抵抗、调节脂质代谢及抗炎等多种功能.现就脂联素的结构、基因表达调控以及它在动脉粥样硬化、心脏疾病、脂质代谢等肥胖引起的慢性炎症性疾病和自身免疫性疾病(如类风湿性关节炎,系统性红斑狼疮,克罗恩病)及急性肝炎等急性炎症性疾病中的作用作一综述.系统地介绍脂联素在各种炎症性疾病中发挥效用的机制,更好地认识脂联素的作用机理,为以后介入脂联素作用的调节过程、开发研究新药物等后续研究打下良好的基础.     

网膜素:一个新的脂肪因子

脂肪因子(adipokines)是由脂肪组织分泌的细胞因子家族,广泛参与调节和维持糖、脂代谢平衡及血管内皮功能。网膜素是新发现的一类由网膜脂肪组织分泌的脂肪因子,参与调控机体的内分泌、能量代谢及炎症的发生发展。研究发现,网膜素可以促进脂肪细胞对胰岛素介导的葡萄糖的摄取作用,并促进胰岛素受体后信号通路中的Akt磷酸化;其次,网膜素具有抗炎作用,尤其在血管内皮细胞炎症过程中的抗炎机理已被首次证实;另外,网膜素对血管还有舒张作用,尤其在冠状动脉粥样硬化中发挥保护性作用。因此,网膜素可能是联系炎症和动脉粥样硬化间的重要分子,可能成为潜在的标志性分子或药物作用靶点。本文拟就网膜素的新近研究进展予以综述。     

Nitrite and nitric oxide metabolism in peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a burgeoning form of cardiovascular disease associated with significant clinical morbidity and increased 5 year cardiovascular disease mortality. It is characterized by impaired blood flow to the lower extremities, claudication pain and severe exercise intolerance. Pathophysiological factors contributing to PAD include atherosclerosis, endothelial cell dysfunction, and defective nitric oxide metabolite physiology and biochemistry that collectively lead to intermittent or chronic tissue ischemia. Recent work from our laboratories is revealing that nitrite/nitrate anion and nitric oxide metabolism plays an important role in modulating functional and pathophysiological responses during this disease. In this review, we discuss experimental and clinical findings demonstrating that nitrite anion acts to ameliorate numerous pathophysiological events associated with PAD and chronic tissue ischemia. We also highlight future directions for this promising line of therapy.     

Impact of insulin resistance on enhanced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and atherosclerogenesis independent of LDL cholesterol level

Epidemiological studies suggest that insulin resistance is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, there is little information on the role of insulin resistance in atherosclerogenesis independent of LDL cholesterol level. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of systemic insulin resistance on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and atherosclerotic lesions independent of LDL cholesterol level. KKAy mice are obese mice with spontaneous diabetes and insulin resistance, and normal levels of LDL cholesterol. In parallel with systemic insulin resistance, decreased insulin signal, and the increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were noted in macrophages isolated from KKAy mice. These mice showed enhanced monocyte adhesion to the endothelial cells of the thoracic artery. Furthermore, these mice showed expanded atherosclerotic lesions when fed high cholesterol diet. Our data indicate that insulin resistance promotes the atherosclerogenesis independent of LDL cholesterol level. Decreased insulin signaling in macrophages associated with systemic insulin resistance could be involved, at least in part, in this pathological process.     

Clinical aspects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

Endothelial dysfunction in the setting of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic smoking, as well as in the setting of heart failure, has been shown to be at least partly dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species in endothelial and/or smooth muscle cells and the adventitia, and the subsequent decrease in vascular bioavailability of NO. Superoxide-producing enzymes involved in increased oxidative stress within vascular tissue include NAD(P)H-oxidase, xanthine oxidase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in an uncoupled state. Recent studies indicate that endothelial dysfunction of peripheral and coronary resistance and conductance vessels represents a strong and independent risk factor for future cardiovascular events. Ways to reduce endothelial dysfunction include risk-factor modification and treatment with substances that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and, simultaneously, to stimulate endothelial NO production, such as inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme or the statins. In contrast, in conditions where increased production of reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide, in vascular tissue is established, treatment with NO, e.g. via administration of nitroglycerin, results in a rapid development of endothelial dysfunction, which may worsen the prognosis in patients with established coronary artery disease.     

Diabetes: A Cardiac Condition Manifesting as Hyperglycemia

ObjectiveTo investigate the reasons for the increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsFrom January 1990 to March 2008, literature relevant to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, acute hyperglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, microalbuminuria, diabetic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, function inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic nervous system, statins, and antiplatelet therapy as related to cardiac events and mortality in type 2 diabetic patients was reviewed.ResultsIncreased numbers of cardiac events and mortality in type 2 diabetes are associated with low HDL and high LDL cholesterol, high hemoglobin A1c, and high systolic blood pressure. Acute hyperglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, and possibly use of traditional sulfonylureas also increase incidence of cardiac events and mortality. The presence of microalbuminuria signifies endothelial dysfunction and an increased risk of cardiac events. Hypertension should be treated to goals that are lower in the diabetic patient with multiple therapies, which include suppressors of the renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems. Decreased improvement in outcomes for the diabetic patient with cardiovascular disease may be accounted for by the failure to treat insulin resistance and ventricular dysfunction. The high incidence of heart failure in the diabetic patient is due to the toxic triad of diabetic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, and extensive coronary artery disease.ConclusionHigh risk of cardiovascular events, heart failure, and mortality in type 2 diabetes can be lowered with risk factor reduction and therapies that prevent or improve ventricular function. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:924-932)     

Insulin resistance, low-fat diets, and low-carbohydrate diets: time to test new menus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Insulin resistance increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and the risk of cardiovascular disease increases further once diabetes has developed. As insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes, it is critically important to identify cost-effective means, such as dietary changes, by which to reduce insulin resistance. The purpose of this review is to evaluate recent findings concerning dietary composition and insulin resistance, with particular focus on low-fat diets compared with the currently popular low-carbohydrate diets. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings indicate little support for the value of low-carbohydrate diets as therapies for insulin resistance. In contrast, the limited data available suggest that the higher fat content of typical low-carbohydrate diets may exacerbate insulin resistance in the long term. Preliminary data indicate that proteins from different sources may have differing effects on insulin resistance. Preliminary data also suggest the potential value of whole grains, fruits and vegetables in therapeutic diets to reduce insulin resistance. SUMMARY: Current evidence supports the inclusion of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean sources of animal proteins including low-fat dairy products in dietary therapies for insulin resistance. Those who wish to follow a low-carbohydrate diet should be encouraged to follow a new menu low in fat, and with most of the protein derived from plant sources.     

Trans fatty acids: effects on cardiometabolic health and implications for policy

In both developed and developing countries, trans fatty acids (TFA) are largely consumed from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. This article focuses on TFA as a modifiable dietary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, reviewing the evidence for lipid and non-lipid effects; the relations of trans fat intake with clinical endpoints; and current policy and legislative issues. In both observational cohort studies and randomized clinical trials, TFA adversely affect lipid profiles (including raising LDL and triglyceride levels, and reducing HDL levels), systemic inflammation, and endothelial function. More limited but growing evidence suggests that TFA also exacerbate visceral adiposity and insulin resistance. These potent effects of TFA on a multitude of cardiovascular risk factors are consistent with the strong associations seen in prospective cohort studies between TFA consumption and risk of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease (CHD) death. The documented harmful effects of TFA along with the feasibility of substituting partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with healthy alternatives indicate little reason for continued presence of industrially produced TFA in food preparation and manufacturing or in home cooking fats/oils. A comprehensive strategy to eliminate the use of industrial TFA in both developed and developing countries, including education, food labeling, and policy and legislative initiatives, would likely prevent tens of thousands of CHD events worldwide each year.     

Outcomes of testosterone therapy in men with testosterone deficiency (TD): Part II

Testosterone (T) deficiency (TD) is a common clinical condition, which contributes to co-morbidities including loss of muscle mass, increased fat mass, increased inflammation, insulin resistance, risk of vascular disease, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, depressed mood and reduced quality of life. T therapy attenuates inflammation, increases insulin sensitivity, muscle mass and reduces fat mass and adiposity. T therapy improves lipid profiles and endothelial function and reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, T therapy may reduce risk of vascular disease and mortality. T therapy improves bone mineral density and increases energy and vitality and improves mood and sexual function and overall quality of life. T therapy appears to be safe if treatment and monitoring are appropriately executed. The evidence available to date does not support alleged concerns regarding risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. Indeed, T therapy remains controversial. The data in the contemporary literature suggest that T therapy reduces cardiovascular risk and fears promoted by some recent studies should be re-evaluated. The cardiovascular risk and mortality with T therapy must await large prospective controlled clinical trials, which depend on many complex factors. Such studies may be prohibitive in the current environment due to logistical challenges, such as recruiting large number of men to be treated for long-durations with appropriate follow-up, requiring astronomical cost.     

Role of adipokines in the obesity-inflammation relationship: the effect of fat removal

During the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity in the United States and other developed nations. Recent studies indicate that adipose tissue is an endocrine organ producing numerous proteins, collectively referred to as adipokines, with broad biological activity, that play an important autocrine role in obesity-associated complications. Adipose tissue in general and visceral fat in particular are thought to be key regulators of inflammation. Inflammation is heavily involved in the onset and development of atherothrombotic disease. Moreover, chronic inflammation may also represent a triggering factor in the origin of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to a hypothesis, stimuli such as overnutrition, physical inactivity, and aging would result in cytokine hypersecretion and eventually lead to insulin resistance and diabetes in genetically or metabolically predisposed individuals. This article discusses the current understanding of important adipokines thought to be involved in the metabolic and cardiovascular risk associated with obesity. Available evidence linking fat removal by liposuction to modification of cardiovascular risk and vascular inflammatory markers in the obese patient is also presented. Most studies have shown that liposuction produces beneficial effects on insulin resistance and vascular inflammation in the obese patient, reducing its cardiovascular risk. Besides having a significant role in body contouring of the obese patient at the end of the lengthy process of bariatric surgery and massive weight loss, plastic surgery should be incorporated into a multifaceted program of lifestyle changes that allows the obese patient to obtain weight loss and, more importantly, to maintain the reduced weight in the long term.     

The interplay of inflammation and cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have up to a 50-fold increased risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recent advances in the etiology of vascular damage in this disease stress the interplay of lupus-specific inflammatory factors with traditional cardiac risk factors, leading to increased endothelial damage. This review analyzes the putative role that immune dysregulation and lupus-specific factors may play in the pathogenesis of premature vascular damage in this disease. The potential role of various cytokines, in particular type I interferons, in the development of accelerated atherosclerosis is examined. Potential therapeutic targets are discussed.