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Biomedical subjects

X L Wang

Publications and source records attributed to X L Wang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Spin distribution and hydrogen-bond effect in ferromagnetic alpha-phase crystal of 2-(2',5'-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazolyl-1-oxy-3-oxide.

The ferromagnetic phenyl nitronyl nitroxide derivate alpha-phase 2-(2('),5(')-dihydroxyphenyl)- 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazolyl-1-oxy-3-oxide has been studied by the electronic structure calculation based on the density functional theory. The result shows that the spin delocalization due to hyperconjugation effect plays an important role in the spin distribution and ferromagnetic coupling of the crystal.

Journal Article↗

L-arginine regulates asymmetric dimethylarginine metabolism by inhibiting dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase activity in hepatic (HepG2) cells.

An increase in circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and a decreased L-arginine/ADMA ratio are associated with reduced endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production and increased risk of vascular disease. We explored relations between ADMA, L-arginine and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) in liver (HepG2) cells. DDAH is the principle enzyme for the metabolism of ADMA. HepG2 cells metabolised 44.8 nmol/h of ADMA per 3.6 x 10(6) cells in the absence of L-arginine. The metabolism of ADMA at physiological (1mu mol/l, p < 0.01) and at pathological (100mumol/l, p < 0.01) levels was inhibited dose-dependently by L-arginine (0-400mumol/l) in cultured HepG2 cells and increased intracellular ADMA (p = 0.039). L-arginine competitively inhibited DDAH enzyme activity to 5.6 +/- 2.0% of the untreated level (p < 0.01). We conclude that L-arginine regulates ADMA metabolism dose-dependently by competing for DDAH thus maintaining the metabolic balance of L-arginine and ADMA, and endothelial NO homeostasis.

Amidohydrolases↗

Localization-dependent photoluminescence spectrum of biexcitons in semiconductor quantum wires.

We study exciton and biexciton spectra in disordered semiconductor quantum wires by means of nanophotoluminescence spectroscopy. We demonstrate a close link between the exciton localization length along the wire and the occurrence of a biexciton spectral line. The biexciton signature appears only if the corresponding exciton state extends over more than a few tens of nanometers. We also measure a nonmonotonous variation of the biexciton binding energy with decreasing exciton localization length. This behavior is quantitatively well reproduced by the solution of the single-band Schrödinger equation of the four-particle problem in a one-dimensional confining potential.

Journal Article↗

Photoassisted charge behavior of hydrogen storage alloy-TiO2/Pt electrodes.

The photoassisted charge behavior of hydrogen storage alloy modified with TiO2/Pt nanocomposites (HSA-TiO2/Pt electrode) was investigated. The HSA-TiO2/Pt electrode can be photocharged under current. The mechanism of photoassisted behavior of the HSA-TiO2/Pt electrode was explained through the results of cyclic voltammogram and impedance measurements of the HSA-TiO2/Pt electrode. Upon illumination, the photogenerated electrons can charge the electrode, but the photogenerated holes may oxidize the hydrogen storage alloy to form a layer of metal oxide. Because the current could keep the electrode active, the H atoms produced by photogenerated electrons diffused to the hydrogen storage alloy and a metal hydride formed. The electrode delivered a higher discharge capacity due to the assistance of photocharge.

Journal Article↗

Effect of water-soluble fraction of cigarette smoke on human aortic endothelial cells--a proteomic approach.

Proteomic analysis is an important investigative tool used to systematically explore cellular proteins that are responsive to adverse environmental challenges. Tobacco smoking is the second major cause of death in the world. In this study, we utilized two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) technologies to explore protein changes in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) in response to cigarette smoke extracts (CSE). Among 389 individual proteins resolved using 2-DE, 43 had a 2- to 3-fold change in levels as measured by spot intensity and 32 had more than a 3-fold change. Sixteen of the 32 spots with sufficient amount of proteins were excised for identification by performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MS analysis. Using a peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) to search the nrNCBI database, we identified all these 16 proteins, which were either increased (n = 9) or decreased (n = 7) after CSE treatment. All these proteins have known functions, however, none have been reported to be altered after CSE treatment. The findings from our study suggest that utilizing a systemic investigative tool, such as the proteomic approach using 2-DE, may play an important role in discovering novel molecular mechanisms for cigarette smoking-induced pathological changes. Further investigation following the systemic discoveries must be further examined as they may potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches to smoking-induced diseases - a health issue affecting everyone in the world.

Aorta↗

Effects of early feed restriction and cold temperature on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites morbidity in broilers under normal and cold temperature.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of early feed restriction on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites incidence in broilers under normal and low ambient temperature. In experiment 1, the restricted birds were fed 8h per day either from 7 to 14 d or from 7 to 21 d, while the controlled birds were fed ad libitum. In experiment 2, the restricted birds were fed 80 or 60% of the previous 24-h feed consumption of full-fed controls for 7 d from 7 to 14 d. On d 14, half of the birds in each treatment both in experiment 1 and experiment 2 were exposed to low ambient temperature to induce ascites. Body weight and feed conversion ratio were measured weekly. The incidences of ascites and other disease were recorded to determine ascites morbidity and total mortality. Blood samples were taken on d 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 to measure the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). On d 42, samples were taken to determine the right/total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV), vessel wall area/vessel total area ratio (WA/TA) and mean media thickness in pulmonary arterioles (mMTPA). Low-temperature treatment increased plasma MDA concentration. When broilers were exposed to a cool environment for 3 weeks, plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity were decreased compared with normal-temperature chicks. RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA on d 42 were increased in birds exposed to cold, consistent with the increased pulmonary hypertension and ascites morbidity. Early feed restriction markedly decreased plasma MDA concentration. The plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity of feed-restricted birds were markedly higher than those fed ad libitum on d 35 and d 42. All early feed restriction treatments reduced ascites morbidity and total mortality. On d 42, the RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA of feed-restricted broilers were lower than that of the ad libitum-fed broilers. The results suggested that early feed restriction alleviated the lipid peroxidation, promoted the activity of enzymatic antioxidant and inhibited pulmonary vascular remodelling. These changes might be associated with reduced ascites incidence.

Animals↗

Homocysteine, renal disease and cardiovascular disease in a remote Australian Aboriginal community.

BACKGROUND: Rates of renal and cardiovascular disease are high among Aboriginal Australians living in remote communities. Nutritional problems, in particular low folate levels, are also common. This suggests that increased homocysteine concentrations might be widespread, and a possible contributor to the high rates of cardiovascular disease. AIMS: To examine homocysteine concentrations, and their relationships to folate levels, and to markers of renal disease and cardiovascular disease in a remote Aboriginal Australian community METHODS: As part of a cross-sectional survey among adults in one community, homocysteine concentrations, concentrations of the crucial determinants (red blood cell (RBC) folate, vitamin B(12) and the C677T methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism) and cardiovascular risk factors were examined. RESULTS: Among 221 people, geometric mean homocysteine concentration was 11.8 micromol/L (range: 11.1-12.5 micromol/L), with 57/221 (26%) values > or =15.0 micromol/L. Higher concentrations were associated with older age, male gender, lower RBC folate and lower vitamin B(12) concentrations and homozygosity for C677T. Homocysteine concentrations were not related to the presence of albuminuria, other than over the overt albuminuria range. Homocysteine concentrations were inversely correlated with calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Carotid intima-media thickness, however, was not related to homocysteine concentration. In multivariate analyses, age, male gender, lower RBC folate concentrations, lower vitamin B(12) concentrations, lower calculated GFR and the C677T polymorphism were all associated with homocysteine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Homocysteine concentrations were consistent with previous limited reports in Aboriginal communities. Although superficially they are similar to reports from non-Aboriginal settings, the younger age of this cohort and the association of homocysteine concentrations with age suggest that age-specific concentrations are higher among Aboriginal Australians. In addition to dietary determinants, the high prevalence of apparently reduced renal function renal disease appears to be an important determinant of homocysteine concentrations in remote Aboriginal communities. The role of homocysteine concentrations as a potential mediator of the high rates of cardiovascular disease remains to be determined.

Adult↗

A comparison of urinary albumin excretion rate and microalbuminuria in various glucose tolerance subjects.

AIMS: To investigate the difference of urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and microalbuminuria (MAU) in various glucose tolerance subjects, especially between isolated-impaired glucose tolerance subjects and isolated-impaired fasting glycaemia subjects. METHODS: A total of 2934 subjects were divided into five groups with various glucose tolerances, based on a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Microalbuminuria was defined when urinary albumin excretion rate was between 20 and 200 microg/min. RESULTS: (i) The UAER in the newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus group, impaired glucose tolerance/impaired fasting glycaemia group and isolated-impaired glucose tolerance group were all higher than that in the isolated-impaired fasting glycaemia group and normal glucose tolerance group, but it was comparable between isolated-impaired fasting glycemia group and normal glucose tolerance group. The prevalence of MAU and the odds ratio for MAU with adjustment for age and sex in various glucose tolerance groups showed the same trend as the UAER. (ii) After adjusting for age and sex, there is a significant association between logUAER and independent risk factors (partial correlation coefficients: r = 0.26 for 2-h post-challenge blood glucose, r = 0.26 for systolic blood pressure, r = 0.27 for diastolic blood pressure, r = 0.27 for body mass index and r = -0.13 for high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, all P < 0.001). The risks for MAU were 2-h post-challenge blood glucose, body mass index and diastolic blood pressure, while high density lipoprotein-cholesterol was protective. CONCLUSIONS: The urinary albumin excretion rate and prevalence of microalbuminuria were higher in isolated-impaired glucose tolerance subjects than those in isolated-impaired fasting glycaemia subjects. At early abnormal glucose tolerance stage, the increasing post-challenge glycaemia might be a more important risk factor for urinary albumin excretion rate and microalbuminuria than increasing fasting glycaemia.

Adult↗

Does the location of a vascular loop in the cerebellopontine angle explain pulsatile and non-pulsatile tinnitus?

The purpose was to investigate patients with unexplained pulsatile and non-pulsatile tinnitus by means of MR imaging of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and to correlate the clinical subtype of tinnitus with the location of a blood vessel (in the internal auditory canal or at the cisternal part of the VIIIth cranial nerve). Clinical presentation of tinnitus and perceptive hearing loss were correlated. In 47 patients with unexplained tinnitus, an MR examination of the CPA was performed. Virtual endoscopy reconstructions were obtained using a 3D axial thin-section high-resolution heavily T2-weighted gradient echo constructive interference in steady state (CISS) data-set. High-resolution T2-weighted CISS images showed a significantly higher number of vascular loops in the internal auditory canal in patients with arterial pulsatile tinnitus compared to patients with non-pulsatile tinnitus (P<0.00001). Virtual endoscopy images were used to investigate vascular contacts at the cisternal part of the VIIIth cranial nerve in patients with low pitch and high pitch non-pulsatile tinnitus. A significantly different distribution of the vascular contacts (P=0.0320) was found. Furthermore, a correlation between the clinical presentation of non-pulsatile tinnitus (high pitch and low pitch) and the perceptive hearing loss was found (P=0.0235). High-resolution heavily T2-weighted CISS images and virtual endoscopy of the CPA can be used to evaluate whether a vascular contact is present in the internal auditory canal or at the cisternal part of the VIIIth cranial nerve and whether the location of the vascular contact correlates with the clinical subtype of tinnitus. Our findings suggest that there is a tonotopical structure of the cisternal part of the VIIIth cranial nerve. A correlation between the clinical presentation of tinnitus and hearing loss was found.

Adolescent↗

Soft tissue aneurysmal bone cyst.

A soft tissue aneurysmal bone cyst located in the right gluteus medius of a 21-year-old man is reported. On conventional radiography, the lesion demonstrated a spherically trabeculated mass with a calcific rim. On CT scan, it showed a well-organized peripheral calcification resembling a myositis ossificans. On MRI, it presented as a multilocular, cystic lesion with fluid-fluid levels. The lesion had no solid components except for intralesional septa. Although findings on imaging and histology were identical to those described in classical aneurysmal bone cyst, diagnosis was delayed because of lack of knowledge of this entity and its resemblance to the more familiar post-traumatic heterotopic ossification (myositis ossificans).

Adult↗

Human cytomegalovirus causes endothelial injury through the ataxia telangiectasia mutant and p53 DNA damage signaling pathways.

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the United States, and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the herpes virus family, may play a role in the development of the disease. We previously showed that HCMV regulated endothelial apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the induction of apoptosis and signal transduction pathways regulating this process in HCMV-infected endothelial cells. As observed previously, HCMV induced a typical cytopathic effect in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), ie, the formation of single nucleated or multinucleated giant cells. Although infected HAECs were resistant to apoptosis at earlier stages of infection, they became apoptotic with prolonged infection as demonstrated by positive staining using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). This apoptotic process was mediated by the caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as indicated by increased expression and cleavage of caspases 3 and 9 as well as increased expressions of pro-apoptotic molecules Bax and Bak. Blocking caspases 3 or 9 significantly inhibited the HCMV-induced apoptosis. Further exploration of the upstream pathway demonstrated upregulation of the tumor suppressor p53 gene and activation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutant (ATM) pathway in the infected cells. Blocking p53 inhibited HCMV-stimulated Bax and Bak expression as well as caspase-3 activation and blocking the ATM pathway inhibited HCMV-stimulated p53 activation. Although early infection may render cells antiapoptotic, prolonged infection, however, induced endothelial apoptosis through ATM and p53-dependent activation of the mitochondrial death pathway. This proapoptotic effect may be relevant to endothelial dysfunction and HCMV-associated vascular diseases.

Apoptosis↗

Uncertainty analysis of parameters for modeling the transfer and fate of benzo(a)pyrene in Tianjin wastewater irrigated areas.

A Monte Carlo simulation for uncertainty analysis of three key parameters (local coal consumption rate Q(1L), dry deposition velocity of aerosol particulate Kp and biodegradation rate of benzo(a)pyrene in soil and sediment K(R3)) was conducted in this study. Results of the simulation indicate that the three parameters were influenced by uncertainty and that all equilibrium concentrations in the four bulk compartments and various sub-compartments were log-normally distributed. However, the results also indicated that among the six primary transfer fluxes, erosion associated with solids in soil and deposition associated with solids in water, along with output from sewers were also log-normally distributed, while deposition from air to soil and biodegradation in soil and sediment followed normal distributions. The effect of uncertainty on the model results of the three key parameters was derived using a comparison of upper and lower of confidence interval boundaries at the 95% level of confidence. The results reveal that uncertainty in the key parameters had a more significant influence on equilibrium concentrations of the chemical in the bulk compartments of soil and sediment than on concentrations in the other two bulk compartments, various sub-compartments and the six predominant transfer fluxes.

Benzo(a)pyrene↗

Effect of betamethasone administration to the pregnant baboon at 0.75 gestation on placental eNOS distribution and activity.

Betamethasone is frequently administered to pregnant women at risk of premature labor to accelerate fetal lung maturation. Maternally administered betamethasone produces pronounced changes in the fetal peripheral vasculature, raises fetal blood pressure and produces fetal growth restriction. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in regulating vascular tone. We hypothesized that effects of betamethasone on the fetal vasculature include decreased eNOS activity. We determined a significant depression of total placental eNOS protein measured by ELISA (betamethasone treated vs control, 0.48 +/- 0.28 vs 1.57 +/- 0.45, p < 0.05) and immunohistochemistry in both syncytiotrophoblast and vascular endothelium. Following betamethasone exposure, eNOS mRNA and enzyme activity showed decreasing trends which were not statistically significant. eNOS protein was higher in the placentas of both control and betamethasone treated baboons in the presence of a female fetus compared with a male fetus. The same effect of the sex of the fetus was observed in the betamethasone group for eNOS mRNA. In conclusion, maternally administered betamethasone produces a consistent decrease in several indices of placental eNOS function that may play a role in the altered cardiovascular dynamics and fetal growth retardation produced by betamethasone administration in late pregnancy.

Animals↗

Sodium chloride-induced acute and chronic pulmonary hypertension syndrome in broiler chickens.

Two hundred forty 1-d-old Arbor Acres commercial broiler chicks were divided into control and experimental (T1 and T2) groups that, between 8 and 42 d of age, were provided drinking water containing 0, 600, or 1,200 mg/L sodium from sodium chloride, respectively. The pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) incidence and the right to total ventricle weight ratio (RV/ TV) were calculated weekly, and blood samples and lung tissues were collected weekly from 10 birds per group to evaluate the structural and hemodynamic characteristics of pulmonary vessels. Saline drinking water significantly increased the incidence of PHS and RV/TV ratios. In the T2 group the PHS mortality exhibited 2 peaks, including an acute peak from 14 to 21 d of age and a chronic peak from 35 to 42 d of age. During the acute peak of PHS mortality the blood volume (BV), filtration index (FI), and packed cell volume (PCV) increased in groups T1 and T2 when compared with the control group. During the acute peak there were no differences among groups in the ratio of wall to total area (WA/TA), medial thickness of pulmonary arteriole walls (mMTPA), the percentage of thick-walled peripheral lung vessels (%TWPV), the percentage of muscular arterioles (%MA), or the percentage of nonmuscular arterioles (%NMA) in pulmonary arterioles. During the chronic peak of PHS mortality, group T2 exhibited the highest values for %TWPV, %MA, WA/TA, and mMTPA and the lowest values for %NMA when compared with the T1 and control groups. Also during the chronic peak the groups did not differ in BV or FI, whereas PCV remained elevated above control values in groups T1 and T2. These observations indicate that hemodynamic changes related to viscous resistance to blood flow (BV, FI, PCV) predominated throughout the acute peak of PHS mortality, whereas, during the chronic stages of PHS mortality, increased vascular resistance to blood flow also was imposed by remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature.

Aging↗

Topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy for the treatment of urethral condylomata acuminata.

BACKGROUND: Electrocoagulation and laser evaporation for urethral condylomata acuminata have high recurrence rates and can be associated with urethral malformations. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) on urethral condylomata acuminata and to examine the histological changes in lesions of condylomata acuminata after ALA-PDT. METHODS: Patients with urethral condylomata (n = 164) were given topical ALA followed by intraurethral PDT through a cylindrical fibre. Patients included 11 individuals with 16 penile or vulval condylomatous lesions which were biopsied before or after treatment; the histological changes were then evaluated by light microscopy and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The complete response rate was 95% and the recurrence rate was 5% after 6-24 months of follow-up. Light microscopy revealed keratinocytes in the middle and upper layers of the epidermis showing marked vacuolation and some necrocytosis 1 and 3 h after PDT. Necrosis in all layers of the epidermis was noted 5 h after PDT. Electron microscopy of keratinocytes revealed distinct ultrastructural abnormalities of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, and membrane damage. Apoptotic bodies were detected 3 h after PDT and a large number of keratinocytes exhibited necrosis 5 h after PDT. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, compared with conventional therapies, topical ALA-PDT is a simple, effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment for urethral condylomata acuminata that is associated with a low recurrence rate. The mechanism might be the triggering of both apoptosis and necrosis by ALA-PDT in human papillomavirus-infected keratinocytes.

Adult↗

Effects of diabetes on plasma nitrotyrosine levels.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays a major role in disease processes such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Peroxynitrite is a reaction product of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide and a potent oxidant. The peroxynitrite-mediated tyrosine nitration, which forms nitrotyrosine (NT), is associated with several pathological conditions. METHODS: We measured plasma NT levels using the HPLC method in 40 Mexican Americans with diabetes, but not taking medications, and 40 age- and sex-matched euglycaemic controls. RESULTS: Plasma-free NT levels were not different between subjects with diabetes (11.0 +/- 1.7 nmol/l, n = 40) and with non-diabetes (10.4 +/- 1.5 nmol/l, n = 40). There was also no association with levels of fasting glucose (r = -0.049, P = 0.663) or 2-h glucose (r = -0.099, P = 0.390). However, females had significantly lower free NT level (7.6 +/- 1.4 nmol/l, n = 40) than males (13.8 +/- 1.7 nmol/l, n = 40, P = 0.005), which were not affected by age, smoking status, BMI and glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to some earlier reports, our study shows that diabetes has no effect on plasma NT levels in Mexican Americans. We have also demonstrated lower free NT levels in females than males, which may partly explain the lower risk profile to vascular disease in women.

Blood Glucose↗

Association study of neuregulin 1 gene with schizophrenia.

A number of studies have indicated that 8p22-p12 is likely to harbor schizophrenia susceptibility loci. In this region, the candidate gene of interest, neuregulin 1 (NRG1), may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Then in the present study, we performed the linkage disequilibrium to determine the association between three genetic variants (SNPs: rs3924999, rs2954041, SNP8NRG221533) on NRG1 gene and schizophrenia in 246 Chinese Han schizophrenic family trios using PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism method and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. The transmission disequilibrium test analysis for each variant showed a significant difference between two transmitted alleles even after Bonferroni correction (rs3924999, P=0.007752; rs2954041, P=0.0009309; SNP8NRG221533, P=0.012606). The global chi(2) test for haplotype transmission also revealed a strong association (chi(2)=46.068, df=7, P&<0.000001). Our results suggest that the NRG1 gene may play a role in conferring susceptibility to the disease.

Adult↗

Discordance of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the arterial wall and its circulating products in baboons: interactions with redox metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Although peripheral arteries and circulating factors have been frequently used to assess systemic or central arterial, such as coronary artery, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) functions, there is no direct evidence to support that they are related. DESIGN: We explored relationships in eNOS levels among coronary, aortic, carotid and brachial arteries, and interactions with redox metabolisms in 40 necropsied baboons (Papio hamadryas). RESULTS: We found no correlations in eNOS or NOx levels among all four arteries (R: 0.02-0.19, P > 0.05). While eNOS levels were high in both coronary (133.78 +/- 10.9 pg mg-1 protein) and aortic arteries (168.53 +/- 16.32 pg mg-1 protein), they were low in brachial (82.88 +/- 5.5 pg mg-1 protein) and carotid (89.83 +/- 7.15 pg mg-1 protein) arteries. Arterial eNOS were not correlated with plasma NOx either. However, coronary and aortic eNOS were positively correlated with the corresponding arterial total antioxidant status (TAS) (r = 0.638, P= 0.001, and r = 0.615, P= 0.0001). Coronary eNOS was also negatively associated with coronary advanced glycation end products (AGE) (r = -0.454, P= 0.003). Furthermore, there were significant associations in TAS levels between plasma and arterial wall extracts (R: 0.344-0.369, P < 0.05) and among arteries of different anatomic sites (R: 0.637-0.877, P < 0.001). While arterial TAS was negatively correlated with corresponding arterial AGE, TAS in the arterial wall and plasma were positively associated with plasma AGE. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that eNOS is differentially expressed in different anatomic sites and is not associated with plasma NOx, suggesting that brachial eNOS may not be used to assess coronary eNOS. The positive or negative associations between eNOS and TAS or AGE, especially in the coronary artery, indicate an important role of eNOS in arterial wall redox balance.

Animals↗