Atherosclerosis properties

Resin based on diglycidyl ester of hexahydrophthalic acid. Has anti-atherosclerosis properties, insect attractant activity Synonyms Araldit CY 184 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid bis(2,3-epoxypropyl) ester 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid bis(oxir-anylmethyl) ester 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid diglycidyl ester cycloaliphatic glycidyl ester bis(oxiranylmethyl)-i,2-cyclohex-anedicarboxylic acid... 

Thus, it is apparent that soya, some soya products and linseed oil influence blood lipid levels, particularly cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. While the extent of the reduction appears to largely depend on an individual s initial serum cholesterol level, the maximum reductions observed are of the order of 10-15%. For hyperlipidemic individuals this may not be a marked reduction, but such an effect on the general population may well have a beneficial effect on the overall incidence of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The possibility that non-phytoestrogenic dietary components may contribute to the hypocholes-terolemic properties cannot, however, be discounted. Indeed, certain types of dietary fibre have been shown to have a hypolipidemic effect via their ability to increase faecal excretion rates. 

Cholesterol is a principal component of animal cell plasma membranes, and much smaller amounts of cholesterol are found in the membranes of intracellular organelles. The relatively rigid fused ring system of cholesterol and the weakly polar alcohol group at the C-3 position have important consequences for the properties of plasma membranes. Cholesterol is also a component of lipoprotein complexes in the blood, and it is one of the constituents oiplaques that form on arterial walls in atherosclerosis. 

In addition to the effects on blood lipids, it has been suggested that soy consumption has a beneficial action on arterial function and improves antioxidant status (Lichtenstein, 1998 and refs therein). Genistein and daidzein were shown to have antioxidant properties in vitro (Kerry and Abbey, 1998), to enhance endothelium-dependent vasodilation and to reduce the development of atherosclerosis in monkeys (Honore et al, 1997 Wagner et al, 1997). 

Although atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are distinct disease states, both disorders are chronic inflammatory conditions and may have common mechanisms of disease perpetuation. At sites of inflammation, such as the arterial intima undergoing atherogen-esis or the rheumatoid joint, oxygen radicals, in the presence of transition-metal ions, may initiate the peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to produce oxidatively modified LDL (ox-LDL). Ox-LDL has several pro-inflammatory properties and may contribute to the formation of arterial lesions (Steinberg et /., 1989). Increased levels of lipid peroxidation products have been detected in inflammatory synovial fluid (Rowley et /., 1984 Winyard et al., 1987a Merry et al., 1991 Selley et al., 1992 detailed below), but the potential pro-inflammatory role of ox-LDL in the rheumatoid joint has not been considered. We hypothesize that the oxidation of LDL within the inflamed rheumatoid joint plays a pro-inflammatory role just as ox-LDL has the identical capacity within the arterial intima in atherosclerosis. 

The basic biology of chemokines and their receptors is well covered in Chapters 2 and 3 of this book, and we will focus hereafter upon the roles of individual chemokines and receptors in atherosclerosis. The largest amount of data on the roles of chemokines in cardiovascular disease (C VD) has been obtained from in vitro studies and murine models, which will be discussed in detail. In man, genetic polymorphisms in chemokine and chemokine-receptor genes have pointed to an important role for specific chemokines in various atherosclerotic diseases including coronary artery disease and carotid artery occlusive disease. For properties see Table 1. 

Properties of Selected Molecules in Atherosclerosis That Affect Atherogenesis and Plaque Formation/Rupture... 

Finally, a major question in SERM development is whether the new compounds will behave like estrogens with respect to cardiovascular events, which would be a worthless property given the results of the WHI trial (Writing Group for the Women s Health Initiative Investigators 2002 Women s Health Initiative Steering Committee 2004). This is a complex issue that will depend on the unique profile of action of the new SERM on the different components of the atherosclerosis process and the patient population and study design and conduct that is implemented. 

In relation to cancer, there is some evidence that highly oxidized and heated fats may have carcinogenic characteristics. HNE (4-hydroxy-2-frans-nonenal), a secondary lipid peroxidation product derived from linoleic acid oxidation, has assumed particular interest because it has shown cytotoxic and mutagenic properties. Its toxicity, as well other secondary lipid peroxidation products (HHE 4-hydroxy-2-frans-hexenal and HOE 4-h yd roxy-2-trans-oc ten al), is explained through the high reactivity with proteins, nucleic acids, DNA, and RNA. Research links them to different diseases such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer s, and liver diseases (Seppanen and Csallany, 2006). Research is rapidly progressing, but results are still not conclusive. 

The answer is B. Saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids are structurally similar their hydrocarbon tails are relatively linear. This allows them to pack tightly together in semi-crystalline arrays such as the membrane bilayer. Such arrays have similar biochemical properties in terms of melting temperature (fluidity). Although some of the other properties listed are also shared by saturated and trans fats, they are not thought to account for the tendency of these fats to contribute to atherosclerosis. 

The role of the antioxidant properties of vitamins C, E, and p-carotene in the prevention of cardiovascular disease has been the focus of several recent studies. Antioxidants reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, which may play a role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. However, an inverse relationship between the intake or plasma levels of these vitamins and the incidence of coronary heart disease has been found in only a few epidemiological studies. One study showed that antioxidants lowered the level of high-density lipoprotein 2 and interfered with the effects of lipid-altering therapies given at the same time. While many groups recommend a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables for the prevention of coronary artery disease, empirical data do not exist to recommend antioxidant supplementation for the prevention of coronary disease. 

Relevant heparin-binding enzymes not involved in the coagulation cascade are, for example, elastase, cathepsin G, superoxide dismutase, lipoprotein lipase and other lipases. The plasma clearing properties of heparin are associated with its binding to lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase when the enzymes are released from the surface of endothelial cells [11] and have been studied in view of a potential impact on the regulation of atherosclerosis. 

Recent evidence suggests that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process. The recruitment of mononuclear leukocytes and formation of intimal macrophage-rich lesions at specific sites of the arterial tree are key events in atherogenesis. Alterations of chemotactic and adhesive properties of the endothelium play an important role in this process [82]. Quercetin has been reported to inhibit the expression in glomerular cells of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) [83] a potent chemoattractant for circulating monocytes. Red wine reduced MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression in abdominal aorta of cholesterol fed rabbits after balloon injury and this effect was associated with a reduced neointimal hyperplasia [84]. The antioxidant-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor k B (NFkB) and the subsequent non selective reduction of cytokine transcription have been suggested to be responsible for these effects [83]. Additionally, quercetin downregulated both phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNFa)-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in human endothelial cells [86]. 

Skullcap is known to have anticonvulsant and sedative properties. Traditionally, it has been used for epilepsy, chorea, hysteria, nervous tension states, and specifically for grand mal. In Chinese herbal medicine, the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi have been used traditionally as a remedy for inflammation, suppurative dermatitis, allergic diseases, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. 

---