Objective To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) used alone v.s. used in combination on the reversion of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in Chinese essential hypertension (EH) patients. Methods The following databases were searched, including, Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2011), PubMed (1980 to 2011), EMbase (1990 to 2011), CBM (1978 to 2011), CNKI (1994 to 2011), VIP (1989 to 2011), and WanFang Data (1998 to 2011). The studies were screened, and the quality was evaluated according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of 10 studies involving 859 patients were included. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the CCBs plus ACEIs group (the combination group) was superior to the CCBs group in improving EH patients’ systolic pressure (SBP) (MD= –6.49, 95%CI –10.55 to –2.43), diastolic pressure (DBP) (MD= –4.48, 95%CI –6.76 to –2.21), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (MD= –5.31, 95%CI –8.43 to –2.19), interventricular septal thickness (IVST) (MD= –1.33, 95%CI –2.00 to –0.66) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) (MD= –0.87, 95%CI –1.41 to –0.33). In addition, compared with the ACEIs group, the combination group was greatly superior in decreasing LVMI (MD= –11.54, 95%CI –15.06 to –8.01), IVST (MD= –0.76, 95%CI –1.25 to –0.27) and LVPWT (MD= –0.80, 95%CI –1.01 to –0.59). But clinical effectiveness was similar between the combination group and the CCBs group or the ACEIs group in aspects of the left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), fraction shortening (FS) and ejection fractions (EF) (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion The combination therapy of CCBs with ACEIs is superior to either the CCBs or the ACEIsmonothrepy in regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. Because of the low methodological quality and small sample, this conclusion needs to be proved by more high-quality, large-scale and multicenter randomized controlled trials in the future.
ObjectiveTo review the recent research progress of the regulatory mechanisms of osteoclast (OC) formation and functions.
MethodsThe related literature on OC formation, activation, and functions was reviewed, analyzed, and summarized.
ResultsMacrophage colony stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand are essential cytokines which regulate all aspects of OC formation and functions. In additional to mediating bone resorption, OCs also partici pate in regulation of osteoblast formation and immune responses.
ConclusionThe researches on the regulation of OC formation and functions have further revealed the destruction mechanisms of various kinds of bone diseases, which will facil itate to find more suitable biological targets for cl inical therapy.
