MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. It seems that microRNA-21 (miR-21) and Visfatin, a novel adipocytokine, play roles in inflammation and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of miR-21 with Visfatin, inflammation, atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Based on coronary angiography and electrocardiogram (ECG), 53 patients with ACS and 52 patients with stable CAD were enrolled in this study. We assayed serum miR-21, Visfatin, and routine chemistries using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and automated analyzer, respectively. We used a regression analysis to describe the relationship between the variables. Serum miR-21 level in 2 value was significantly higher in ACS patients (10.52 ± 1.01-fold) than the stable CAD patients (4.4 ± 0.79-fold) (F = 4.59, p < 0.001). In addition, serum Visfatin was significantly higher in ACS patients (17.5 ± 0.61 ng/ml) than the stable CAD patients (12.7 ± 0.49 ng/ml) (F = 2.62, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the serum miR-21 level correlated positively with serum Visfatin level (r = 0.26, p = 0.008), hs-CRP (r = 0.29, p = 0.003), age (r = 0.21, p = 0.034) and negatively with HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.28, p = 0.004). We concluded that the increased serum miR-21 and Visfatin may be involved in the pathogenesis of ACS through promoting inflammation or may result from inflammatory responses to ACS. Furthermore, the potential role of miR-21 and Visfatin in plaque instability and inflammation warrants further investigations.

Increasing dietary and urinary Na/K ratios and UNa were associated with elevated BP and prehypertension occurrence. These findings support the necessity of developing a salt reduction programme in our country.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular death. It seems that microRNA-21 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circulating miR-21 and MMP-9 as biomarkers for ACS. Based on coronary angiography and electrocardiography results, 50 patients with ACS and 50 patients with stable coronary artery disease (stable CAD) were enrolled in this study. Samples were collected from patients and stored at -80 °C. Serum miR-21 gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR method. Serum total MMP-9 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Also, the activity of MMP-9 was measured by gelatin zymography. Patients with ACS had a significantly higher miR-21 level compared to the stable CAD ([Formula: see text] = 0.88 ± 0.06 and 0.31 ± 0.08 respectively, P < 0.001). At the same time, the serum levels and activity of MMP-9 were significantly higher in ACS patients compared to those with stable CAD (324.01 ± 17.57 and 204.6 ± 12.39 ng/mL, P < 0.001, and 2524.5 ± 131.3 and 1280.8 ± 19.6 units, P < 0.001, respectively). miR-21 expression levels were correlated positively with MMP-9, hs-CRP, and age and negatively with HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.33, P < 0.001, r = 0.22, P < 0.031, r = 0.26, P < 0.008, r = -0.32, P < 0.001, respectively). We concluded that increased serum expression of miR-21 and higher serum activity of MMP-9 may be useful indicators for ACS. However, we suggest further studies to be performed.

Background:The objective of the present study was to assess the major immediate outcomes of eptifibatide therapy during intracoronary stent implantation.Materials and Methods:In an interventional study, patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomized into either the eptifibatide (n = 100) or the control (n = 107) group. In each group, demographic and clinical characteristics such as cardiac death, stent thrombosis (ST), myocardial infarction (MI), rates of target lesion and vessel revascularization, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), and emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were recorded.Results:The overall rates of major adverse events such as mortality, Stent thrombosis (ST), Myocardial Infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), CVA, and emergency CABG within 24 h after stent implantation were low and comparable between the two groups; P > 0.05 considered significant for all comparisons.Conclusion:There were no statistical differences between the clinical outcomes of groups administered with single-dose intracoronary eptifibatide and control groups among patients undergoing PCI during stent implantation.

Background and Aims. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of lipid metabolism which leads to premature cardiovascular diseases. In patients with FH, blood inflammatory markers may be disrupted; however, its extent is unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), PLR (platelet count to lymphocyte count ratio), MPV (mean platelet volume), RPR (red blood cell distribution width to platelet count ratio), WBC (white blood cell), and PDW (platelet distribution width and platelet count). Methods. The patients were selected from laboratories due to high cholesterol level and who had history of premature cardiovascular disease. The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria are used for the detection of FH. Controls had a history of hyperlipidemia, and both groups could be on pharmacotherapy or not. All the biochemical markers were evaluated using appreciate methods. Statistical analysis was done using STATA 14. Results. The study group consisted of 1074 patients with FH and 473 control cases. Of the CBC inflammatory markers, only PLR was significantly ( p   value = 0.003 ) higher in FH patients ( 7.96 ± 10.08 ) compared to non-FH ( 6.45 ± 2.44 ). In FH patients, the PLR was significantly higher in probable/definite FH group ( 9.70 ± 14.06 ) compared to possible FH ( 7.36 ± 8.23 ) ( p   value < 0.001 ). Linear regression analysis showed that only RLR was independently associated with total cholesterol ( b = 0.000 , p = 0.13 ). Conclusions. Our results may show the importance of high cholesterol on platelet activity and highlight the use of lipid lowering drugs in patients with hyperlipidemia.