PubMed · 15129365
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M D Puchalski, L Minich. Abnormal aortic arch.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-003-9009-5
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AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Increased oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) is an important regulator of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We hypothesised that UCP-2 functions as an inhibitor of the atherosclerotic process in VSMCs. METHODS: Overexpression of human UCP-2 was performed in primary cultured human VSMCs (HVSMCs) via adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. Its effects on ROS production, AP-1 activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) gene expression, and cellular proliferation and migration were measured in response to high glucose and angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations, two major factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Mitochondrial membrane potential and NAD(P)H oxidase activity were also measured. RESULTS: High glucose and Ang II caused transient mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarisation. They also significantly stimulated ROS production, NAD(P)H oxidase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, AP-1 activity, PAI-1 mRNA expression, and proliferation and migration of HVSMCs. Adenovirus-mediated transfer of the UCP-2 gene reversed all of these effects. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The present study demonstrates that UCP-2 can modify atherosclerotic processes in HVSMCs in response to high glucose and Ang II. Our data suggest that agents increasing UCP-2 expression in vascular cells may help prevent the development and progression of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes and hypertension.
BACKGROUND: The introduction of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in 1998 has led to a considerable boost of CT angiography. Four-row MSCT has been employed in the diagnostic assessment of vascular rings. Sixteen-row MSCT is expected to further increase the diagnostic power of MSCT. We report three cases of double aortic arch diagnosed by a 16-row MSCT, and discuss the possible advantages of this diagnostic tool. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1, 2003, to September 1, 2003, three patients underwent 16-row MSCT at our institution to evaluate the possible presence of a vascular ring. All patients presented with stridor and feeding difficulties. MSCT was performed under bland sedation (chloral hydrate 60 mg/kg). ECG gating and breath hold were not employed. Three-dimensional reconstructions were employed to assess the presence of airway compromise as well as of vascular anomalies. RESULTS: Scanning time averaged 4 s (3.8-4.5 s). Motion artefacts were not relevant. The CT scan showed the existence of a vascular anomaly as well as of a significant tracheal compression in all cases, and was considered conclusively diagnostic by the cardiac surgeons. All three patients underwent uncomplicated corrective surgery without further investigations. CONCLUSION: Sixteen-row MSCT with 3D reconstruction allows a precise evaluation of the airway compromise and a detailed assessment of the anatomy of vascular anomalies. The very short scanning time allows to avoid deep sedation and anaesthesia, and to obtain higher image quality and spatial resolution, with a concomitant reduction of the radiation dose.