ABSTRACT. Previous studies suggested that genetic polymorphisms of serum amyloid A (SAA) were associated with carotid atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of SAA and myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. In the present study, we analyzed a polymorphism (rs12218) in the SAA1 gene in 840 MI patients and 840 healthy subjects by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. We found that the rs12218 CC+CT genotype was more frequent among MI patients than among healthy controls (61.1% vs 41.9%; P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that after adjustment for gender, age, smoking, drinking, hypertension, and diabetes, the difference remained significant (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 3.332, 95% confidence interval = 1.781-9.231). Therefore, we concluded that genetic polymorphisms of SAA1 may be a genetic marker of MI in the Chinese population.

Aims/IntroductionThe present study was designed to investigate the correlations between the serum testosterone level and insulin sensitivity in elderly male type 2 diabetes patients with osteoporosis.Materials and MethodsA total of 35 elderly male patients with type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes group), 30 elderly male type 2 diabetes patients combined with osteoporosis (DO group) and 30 healthy elderly men (normal control group) participated in the present study. The fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured. The insulin sensitivity index (ISI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and E2/T were calculated. Then, the correlations of serum testosterone level with ISI and HOMA-IR were analyzed by statistical methods.ResultsThe HOMA-IR, E2 and E2/T of the type 2 diabetes group and DO group were significantly increased, whereas the bone mineral density, ISI, T and sex hormone binding globulin were decreased compared with those of the normal control group. Serum testosterone levels of the type 2 diabetes group and DO group were negatively correlated to the HOMA-IR (r = −0.496, −0.506; P < 0.05), whereas they were positively correlated to the fasting insulin (r = 0.281, 0.292; P < 0.05) and ISI (r = 0.364, 0.403; P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe reduced level of serum testosterone in elderly male type 2 diabetes patients with osteoporosis might promote insulin resistance.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of mecobalamin on the early-functional outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke and H-type hypertension. METHODS From October of 2014 to October of 2016, 224 cases of ischemic stroke and H-type hypertension were selected. The patients were randomly divided into treatment control groups, with 112 patients in each group. The control group was treated with the conventional therapy. The observation group was treated with 500 µg of mecobalamin three times a day in addition to the conventional therapy. We compared serum homocysteine (Hcy), hs-CRP levels, carotid plaques, and NIHSS scores between the two groups on the 2nd day and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS After 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, the difference of serum Hcy level between the two groups was statistically significant (t = 4.049, 3.896, 6.052, 6.159, respectively. All P <0.05). After the treatment, at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, the levels of hs-CRP in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (t = 37.249, 28.376, 26.454, 20.522, respectively. All P <0.01). After 3 months and 6 months, the carotid artery plaques were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared to those in the control group (t = 2.309 and 2.434. All P <0.05). After 3 months and 6 months, the NIHSS score was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to those in the control group (t = 2.455 and 2.193. All P <0.05). CONCLUSION Mecobalamin can reduce the level of plasma homocysteine, then lead to reductions of levels of plasma inflammatory factors and volume of carotid artery plaques, resulting in more significant functional recovery.

The genetic polymorphism of the GP IIIa gene was associated with AR in a very elderly Chinese population.