OX40 ligand (OX40L) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) play important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS; n = 90) or stable angina (SA; n = 40) and healthy control subjects (n = 50) were evaluated to assess plasma OX40L and serum hs-CRP levels in local coronary plaque and the femoral artery. OX40L and hs-CRP levels in the femoral artery were significantly higher in patients with ACS compared with controls. OX40L and hsCRP levels in local coronary plaque (OX40L(c) and hs-CRP(c), respectively) were significantly higher in ACS than in SA patients. OX40L and hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with each other and were also correlated with fibrinogen levels. The number of complex lesions was correlated with OX40L(c) and hs-CRP(c) levels. It is concluded that the OX40L(c) level was highly sensitive for evaluating the inflammatory response in ACS and elevated levels of OX40L(c) may be a valuable predictive marker for increased risk of atherosclerotic progression in ACS patients.
Both trandolapril and verapamil are effective and widely used antihypertensive agents. The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy and tolerability of trandolapril/ verapamil (Tr/Ve) combination for blood pressure control and renoprotection. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. A meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the criteria was performed. Twelve RCTs were ultimately included out of 62 studies. (3) Incidence of all-cause adverse events (AEs) was comparable between combination and monotherapy. The present meta-analysis indicates that Tr/Ve combination provides a superior blood pressure control and a favourable renoprotective effect without an increase of overall AEs than verapamil monotherapy. The combination also shows a slight advantage over trandolapril monotherapy by reducing DBP and albuminuria to a greater extent.
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