Arya Atherosclerosis
Volume:2 Issue: 3, Autumn 2006

Peroxidation of blood lipoproteins is regarded as a key event in the development of atherosclerosis. Evidence suggests that oxidative modification of amino acids in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles leads to its convert into an atherogenic form, which is taken up by macrophages. Therefore the reduction of oxidative modification of lipoproteins by increasing plasma antioxidant capacity may prevent cardiovascular disease. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-fatty streak effects of L-serine were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups which were fed high-cholesterol diet (hypercholesterolemic control group), high-cholesterol + L-serine diet (treatment group), and normal diet (control) for twelve weeks and then blood samples were obtained to measure plasma cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), antioxidant capacity (AC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and conjugated dienes (CDS). Right and left coronary arteries were also obtained for histological evaluation. No significant difference was observed in plasma cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL and CDS levels between treatment and hypercholesterolemic control groups (P>0.05). The levels of plasma MDA and AC were 0.29 µM and 56%, respectively in the treatment group which showed a significant change in comparison with hypercholesterolemic control groups (P<0.05). The mean size of produced fatty streak also showed significant reduction in the treatment group compared to the hypercholesterolemic group (P<0.05). The results showed that L-serine has antioxidant and anti-fatty streak effects without any influence on plasma lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and the identification and diagnosis of its risk factors can help prevent its complications. Among the recently introduced risk factors is infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae. Atherosclerosis is initially characterized by increased intima-media-thickness (IMT), which can be measured by duplex ultrasonography. This study was designed to assess the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in increasing IMT Extracranial carotid duplex ultrasound was done in 83 individuals and IMT was measured 1 centimeter proximal to bifurcation of the common carotid arteries. IMT more than 0.9 mm was considered as increased. Forty-four individuals had increased IMT and were included in the case group; 39 individuals with normal IMT were considered as the control group. These two groups were matched for age, sex, smoking, and underlying diseases. Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG (Cp.IgG) and Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA (Cp.IgA) were measured in these 2 groups by using the ELISA method and titers more than 1.10 ISR (Immune Status Ratio) were defined as positive, 0.9-1.09 ISR as borderline, and less than 0.9 ISR as negative. We compared the prevalence of Cp.IgG and Cp.IgA seropositivity and the means of antibody titers in these 2 groups.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Cp.IgG and Cp.IgA seropositivity and in the mean titers of these antibodies between the case and control groups.Cp.IgG and Cp.IgA do are not valuable predictors of increased IMT.

It has been suggested that the risk of coronary heart disease increases with increase of body iron stores. Free iron catalyzes the generation of free radicals and free radicals promote the oxidation of lipids. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association of plasma iron and factors that could affect its levels (antioxidant enzymes), with the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation.In this study, 160 women aged 20-45 years were randomly selected. A medical history was obtained for each subject prior to enrolment. We assessed lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes by measuring the concentration of plasma MDA and the activities of erythrocyte copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX).Our results show that those in the highest tertile of plasma iron were at least twice as likely to have higher plasma MDA levels. Among the factors affecting plasma iron levels, we found that the upper tertile of erythrocyte CuZn-SOD was inversely associated with higher plasma iron. No associations were found between the highest TIBC and MDA levels. There was no significant association between GPX and plasma iron.These findings support the concept that iron, as an important transition metal, might contribute to atherogenesis, along with the classic risk factors. A longitudinal study should confirm whether or not these MDA levels are connected to vascular disease and mortality.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in developing countries. Because the major classic risk factors fail to explain the disease''''s epidemiologic diversity, other risk factors such as inflammation and systemic infections are being investigated, although no cause and effect relation between these infections and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has yet been decisively proven. In view of the possible role of local and systemic infections in the occurrence of ACS, as well as leukocyturia and hematuria without urinary symptoms observed in a significant number of patients admitted for ACS, the present study was designed and carried out. This was a prospective case-control study of all patients diagnosed as having ACS and hospitalized at the CCU of Fatemiyeh Hospital in Semnan. Urine analysis and culture were performed in all patients and the control group in the early stage of admission to the CCU. After collecting data, we examined the associations and the differences between the two groups by using t-test and chi-square test.The case and control groups did not show any significant difference based on age and sex (age 60.03 ± 19.32 years in cases and 59.9 ± 17.2 years in controls, female prevalence was 40.5% in both groups). Hematuria was seen in 18.5% of cases and 5% of controls (P<0.0001). Leukocyturia was seen in 28.5% of cases and 12% of controls (P<0.0001). Albuminuria was seen in 6% of cases and 7% of controls (P>0.05).The results of the study showed that leukocyturia and hematuria as evidence of mild urinary infection was more frequent in ACS patients than in the control group. These findings indicated the presence of sub-clinical underlying infection process due to uncommon pathogens or leukocyturia and hematuria in a systemic inflammatory process that can predispose to ACS by systemic inflammation

Many people do not have sufficient knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors in Iran. We used a school-based educational intervention program to promote the health knowledge in all participating families. A total of 1100 fifth-grade school children and their parents were invited; 603 families were included in the study. The children attended a single session and were supplied with family information packages. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were completed by these families before and after the session.There was a significant increase in the overall cardiovascular risk factor knowledge of families (P value <0.001). The parents of boys achieved a greater level of health knowledge in comparison to the parents of girls (P value <0.005). This school-based educational intervention was effective in improving cardiovascular risk factor knowledge of families. Similar programs with more comprehensive methodology could be more effective in promoting healthy behaviors.

Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. In patients with a history of MI, the risk of second myocardial infarction increases five-fold. This study aimed to investigate lifestyle habits, modifiable risk factors and medications in patients with coronary artery disease, as part of the first phase of Healthy Lifestyle for Cardiac Patients (HLCP) Project. In a cross-sectional study, patients with a definitive diagnosis of coronary artery disease during the past 6-12 months were studied. A questionnaire was filled to collect demographic details, past medical history, and all current medications. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, blood glucose and lipid profile were measured. Data was entered in SPSS 11 and analyzed via Student''''s t-test, chi square test and prevalence study. P values less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Of 427 patients, 41.5% were women. Mean blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and body mass index were higher in women, while total cholesterol, height and weight were higher in men. Mean 6-to 12­month cardiology visits were 6.34 and 6.88 for men and women, respectively. Despite these visits, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and high LDL-C was 19.1%, 18.4% and 88.6%, respectively. In addition to the considerable prevalence of modifiable risk factors, consumption of medications for secondary prevention and control of these factors were not sufficient; ACE-inhibitors and anti-platelet medications were used more frequently in men, while the use of other cardiac medications was higher in women (P<0.05). Neither men nor women had optimal control of modifiable risk factors, and medications were not taken in adequate amounts by either men or women. We recommend that patients be given proper education to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, reduce risk factors and improve medication after discharge and in visits.