Atherosclerosis Iv

The presence of monotypism in thick atherosclerotic lesions of black females with G-6-PD mosaicism first reported by the Benditts (1973) has been confirmed in two other laboratories. However, we believe that it is premature to conclude that the finding of monotypism necessarily indicates monoclonal origin of athero sclerotic lesions. We have suggested two alternative explanations for the obser vation of monotypism which we believe must be shown to be invalid before accept ing monoclonal origin as the only plausible way to account for the observed G-6-PD monotypism. One of these two alternatives relates to clonal heterogeneity of cell growth potential, i. e. , during the course of progressive growth of a le sion, progeny of one cell may overgrow all others in a portion of the lesion. The other alternative is that one of the G-6-PD alleles may be linked to genes that afford a preferential survival characteristic in the abnormal environment present in atheroscerotic lesions. Thus, cells with one allele may be able to grow better than cells with the other allele, and this characteristic may be unrelated to "A-ness" or "B-ness". We have studied initiation of lesions in He diet-fed swine and demonstrated that all active lesions that were studied were of multiple cell origin (not monoclo nal). We have studied cell growth patterns in developing atherosclerotic lesions in He diet-fed swine and found evidence consistent with clonal heterogeneity in growth potential of lesion cells.

The latest basic research on lipid metabolism, vascular biology, cytokines, fibrinolysis, and atherosclerosis is collected in this volume. The most recent treatments for this disorder, including treatment of restenosis by gene therapy, are discussed.

Stroke is a major cause of death and the major cause of adult neurological disability in most of the world. Despite its importance on a population basis, research into the genetics of stroke has lagged behind that of many other disorders. However, the situation is now changing. Anincreasing number of single gene disorders causing stroke are being described, and there is growing evidence that polygenic factors are important in the risk of apparently "sporadic" stroke.Stroke Genetics provides an up-to-date review of the area, suitable for clinicians treating stroke patients, and both clinical and non-clinical researchers in the field of cerebrovascular disease. The full range of monogenic stroke disorders causing cerebrovascular disease, including ischaemicstroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, are covered. For each, clinical features, diagnosis, and genetics are described. Increasing evidence suggest that genetic factors are also important for the much more common multifactorial stroke; this evidence isreviewed along with the results of genetic studies in this area. Optimal and novel strategies for investigating multifactorial stroke, including the use of intermediate phenotypes such as intima-media thickness and MRI detected small vessel disease are reviewed. The book concludes by describing apractical approach to investigating patients with stroke for underlying genetic disorders. Also included is a list of useful websites.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a screening tool called the Listing of Impairments to identify claimants who are so severely impaired that they cannot work at all and thus immediately qualify for benefits. In this report, the IOM makes several recommendations for improving SSA's capacity to determine disability benefits more quickly and efficiently using the Listings.

With atherosclerosis being the number one cause of death in the western world, this handbook and ready reference provides a comprehensive account of the different stages and factors in the development of the atherosclerotic plaque. Each chapter is written by experts in the field and highlights the role of specific mediators of atherosclerotic plaque development, as well as potential therapeutic targets. A large amount of this up-to-date information is conveyed by way of tables and schematic figures, in a readily comprehensible manner. A must-have for master and PhD students, researchers, MDs and lecturers in vascular biology and cardiology, as well as for academics and scientists in the pharmaceutical industry.