Background: Thyroid function is increasingly recognized as an important modifiable factor for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, it is unclear if the changes in thyroid hormones, even within the normal range, are associated with AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Methods: Consecutive paroxysmal AF patients who underwent catheter ablation were enrolled. Patients with abnormal thyroid hormones or previous thyroid illnesses were excluded. Patients were followed for 12 months or until they presented with the first episode of atrial tachyarrhythmia after a blanking period. Results: The study included 448 patients with a mean age of 61 (14) years, and 46% were women. After a 1-year follow-up, 104 (23.2%) patients experienced atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences after an ablation procedure. Recurrence was significantly different among quartile groups of thyroid function, with highest FT4 and FT3 levels associated with the greatest risk of recurrence (p < 0.001 and p = 0.024, respectively). FT4 and FT3 levels were independent predictors of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio 1.07 per 1 pmol/L increase in FT4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.15, p = 0.036 and 1.31 per 1 pmol/L increase in FT3, 95% CI 1.01–1.71, p = 0.032). Conclusions: High-normal FT3 and FT4 levels are associated with AF recurrence after catheter ablation in this Chinese population. Attention to thyroid hormones could be valuable to assist in the management of AF.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is an important target for interventions to improve ablation outcome in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. No studies to date have determined the blood pressure level at which AF is less likely to recur in patients without hypertension. METHODS: A total of 503 AF patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) (mean age, 59..6 +/- 9.6 years; 319 males [63.4%]) were identified for the study cohort and analysis. Patients received a pocket diary to record their home blood pressure (HBP) before RFCA and routine 48-hour Holter-ECGs to evaluate AF recurrence after RFCA. RESULTS: A total of 38.3 (76.1%) patients were free of AF recurrence one year after RFCA. Blood pressure (BP), including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP), had different effects on AF recurrence one year after RFCA. A chi(2) test showed that when SBP was <110 mmHg, it was associated with a lower AF recurrence in patients with hypertension (P=0.029). AF recurrence decreased (P=0.002) when SBP increased from <110 mmHg to >130 mmHg in patients without hypertension. Regression analysis indicated a significant linear correlation between BP and LAD in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: SBP should be strictly maintained at 110 mmHg after RFCA to minimize AF recurrence in patients with hypertension. Low SBP might be a risk factor for AF recurrence among patients without hypertension.

Background: The larger the left atrium anteroposterior dimension (LAD) and left atrium volume (LAV), the stronger the association with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Patients with a smaller left atrium (LA) size, however, also have increased AF recurrence. Methods and Results: In 521 patients, routine 48-h Holter electrocardiogram and echocardiography were obtained at each outpatient visit every 3 months for 12 months. On multivariate analysis, AF type, LAD, and LAV calculated using the ellipsoid model/body surface area (LAVe/BSA) were independent predictors of AF recurrence. Patients were divided into 7 groups at 0.4-cm increments of LAD: <= 3 cm, LAD <= 3 cm, 3.05.0 cm. Compared with the 3.4-3.8-cm group, the adjusted HR were 3.88 (95% CI: 2.02-7.46, P<0.001), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.50-2.12, P=0.939), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.52-1.77, P=0.901), 1.36 (95% CI: 0.72-2.57, P=0.347), 3.04 (95% CI: 1.67-5.53, P<0.001), and 4.07 (95% CI: 1.93-8.60, P<0.001), respectively. Similarly, we divided LAVe/BSA into 8 groups and also observed a U-shaped curve for AF recurrence. Conclusions: Both larger and smaller LAD and LAVe/BSA were associated with a higher risk of AF recurrence 1 year after RFCA. The association of LA size and AF recurrence after RFCA is represented by a U-shaped curve.

Background: Thyroid function is increasingly recognized as an important modifiable factor for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, it is unclear if the changes in thyroid hormones, even within the normal range, are associated with AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Thus, we investigated the relationship between thyroid hormones and AF recurrence.Methods: A total of 388 consecutive AF patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 59*9 [9*7] years; 240 males [61.9%]) who underwent catheter ablation were enrolled and had thyroid functions measured before the procedure. Patients were followed for 12 months or until they presented with the first AF episode after a blanking period.Findings: After a 1-year follow-up, 104 (26*8%) patients experienced AF recurrences after an ablation procedure. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with high-normal free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) or free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels had a lower recurrence-free survival compared to the low-normal groups (P = 0*037 and P = 0*035, respectively), and those trends were more prominent in younger patients (P = 0*028 and P = 0*031, respectively). Although higher tetraiodothyronine (T4) levels were not associated with higher AF recurrence rates in the general population, there was a significant difference in AF recurrences between higher and lower T4 levels in younger and male populations (P = 0*004 and P = 0*003, respectively). After multivariate adjustment, patients in both the high-normal FT4 and FT3 groups had an increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 1*70; 95% confidence interval, 1*14-2*53, P < 0*01).Interpretation: Both high-normal FT3 and FT4 levels are associated with AF recurrence, especially in younger populations, which suggests a low daily intake of iodine, especially in some iodine-abundant areas.Trial Registration: This study was registered at chictr.org.cn (identifier ChiCTR1800017465).Funding Statement: National Key R&D Program of China (Grant no.2016YFC1301003), the National Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 81873484), National Key R&D Program of China (Grant no. 2016YFC1301003), the National Science Foundation of China (Grant nos. 30900612, 81800231 and 81873484), the Clinical Research Fund of Zhejiang Provincial Medical Association (Grant nos.2015ZYC-A16 and 2018ZYC-A11), the Nature Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (Grant no. LZ16H020001), Medical Science Research Foundation of Zhejiang Province (Grant no. 2018ZD017), the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation (Grant no. LY15H020002 and Y17H020020), the Department of Science and Technology, Zhejiang Province (Grant no. LGF19H020011), People's Republic of China.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by our hospital Institutional Review Board and all of the patients gave informed consent.

BACKGROUND:Patients with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Combination lipid-lowering therapy is often needed in patients with metabolic syndrome and mixed dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of statin combined with a new hypolipidemic agent, coenzyme A (CoA) with moderate-dose statin monotherapy in subjects with metabolic syndrome and mixed dyslipidemia by evaluating data from a subgroup of patients with metabolic syndrome and mixed dyslipidemia from a previously conducted randomized study.METHODS:In the present post hoc analysis, 212 patients were included, receiving statin monotherapy (n = 94) or statin combined with CoA 400 U/day (n = 118) for 8 weeks. The lipoprotein profile was determined at baseline and week 8 visits. Attainment of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) < 100 mg/dL, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) < 130 mg/dL, and the combined goal of these two parameters was also evaluated.RESULTS:The mean percent change was more prominent with CoA plus statin compared with placebo plus statin in triglyceride (TG) (-32.5% vs. -8.7%, respectively; P = 0.0002), total cholesterol (-9.6% vs. -3.6%, P = 0.013), LDL-C (-7.5% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.033), and non-HDL-C (-14.3% vs. -6.4%, P = 0.011). Treatment with CoA plus statin resulted in larger percentages of participants attaining lipid goals for LDL-C (70.3% vs. 56.4%, P = 0.044), non-HDL-C (60.2% vs. 45.7%, P = 0.039), and the combined goal of LDL-C and non-HDL-C (57.6% vs. 42.6%, P = 0.038) than statin monotherapy.CONCLUSION:These results demonstrate that CoA plus statin therapy was more effective in improving lipoprotein parameters than statin alone in patients with metabolic syndrome and mixed hyperlipidemia.

BackgroundCoronary artery calcification (CAC) is a pandemic condition in elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated with a worse prognosis. Although available data have shown an association between testosterone levels in men and CAD, the association between testosterone and CAC in elderly male patients with CAD remains unknown.MethodsA total of 211 consecutive male patients (age65 years) who underwent first multidetector computed tomography and following angiography were enrolled from our institution between March 2009 and September 2014. CAD was angiographically documented as significant stenoses (reduction50% of the lumen diameter) on any major coronary vessel. The standard Agatston calcium score was calculated. The relationship of serum testosterone level with the CAC score measured by multidetector computed tomography in elderly male patients with stable CAD was evaluated. For data analyses, the CAC score was divided into four categories: 10, 11-99, 100-399, and 400, corresponding to minimal, moderate, increased, and extensive calcification.ResultsPatients with higher CAC scores had significantly lower testosterone levels than patients with lower CAC scores (P=0.048). In logistic regression analysis, testosterone level remained an independent predictor of extensive CAC (odds ratio 0.997, 95% confidence interval 0.994-0.999, P=0.043).ConclusionOur findings indicate an inverse association between testosterone level and the susceptibility to extensive CAC in elderly men with stable CAD.

Background: Conventional methods of preparing magnetoliposomes are complicated and inefficient. A novel approach for magnetoliposomes preparation was investigated in the study reported here.Methods: FeCl3/FeCl2 solutions were hydrated with lipid films to obtain liposome-encapsulated iron ions by ultrasonic dispersion. Non-encapsulated iron ions were removed by dialysis. NH3 center dot H2O was added to the system to adjust the pH to a critical value. Four different systems were prepared. Each was incubated at a different temperature for a different length of time to facilitate the permeation of NH3 center dot H2O into the inner phase of the liposomes and the in situ formation of magnetic iron-oxide cores in the liposomes. Single-factor analysis and orthogonal-design experiments were applied to determinate the effects of alkalization pH, temperature, duration, and initial Fe concentration on encapsulation efficiency and drug loading.Results: The magnetoliposomes prepared by in situ precipitation had an average particle size of 168+/-14 nm, zeta potential of -26.2+/-1.9 mV and polydispersity index of 0.23+/-0.06. The iron-oxide cores were confirmed as Fe3O4 by X-ray diffraction and demonstrated a superparamagnetic response. Encapsulation efficiency ranged from 3% to 22%, while drug loading ranged from 0.2 to 1.58 mol Fe/mol lipid. The optimal conditions for in situ precipitation were found to be an alkalization pH of 12, temperature of 60 degrees C, time of 60 minutes, and initial Fe concentration of 100 mM Fe3+ + 50 mM Fe2+.Conclusion: In situ precipitation could be a simple and efficient approach for the preparation of iron-oxide magnetoliposomes.

Background Patients with mixed hyperlipidemia usually are in need of combination therapy to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) target values for reduction of cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of adding a new hypolipidemic agent, coenzyme A (CoA) to stable statin therapy in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. Methods In this multi-center, 8-week, double-blind study, adults who had received ≥8 weeks of stable statin therapy and had hypertriglyceridemia (TG level at 2.3-6.5 mmol/L) were randomized to receive CoA 400 U/d or placebo plus stable dosage of statin. Efficacy was assessed by the changes in the levels and patterns of lipoproteins. Tolerability was assessed by the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs). Results A total of 304 patients with mixed hyperlipidemia were randomized to receive CoA 400 U/d plus statin or placebo plus statin (n = 152, each group). After treatment for 8 weeks, the mean percent change in TG was significantly greater with CoA plus statin compared with placebo plus statin (-25.9% vs -4.9%, respectively; p = 0.0003). CoA plus statin was associated with significant reductions in TC (-9.1% vs -3.1%; p = 0.0033), LDL-C (-9.9% vs 0.1%; p = 0.003), and non- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-13.5% vs -5.7%; p = 0.0039). There was no significant difference in the frequency of AEs between groups. No serious AEs were considered treatment related. Conclusions In these adult patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, CoA plus statin therapy improved TG and other lipoprotein parameters to a greater extent than statin alone and has no obviously adverse effect. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01928342 .

Retraction notice for The Effect of Coenzyme A Capsule on Serum Triglyceride Concentration in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial by Tianming Xuan, Bifeng Wu, Yunpeng Shang, Jiangtao Lai, Xiaosheng Hu, Zhong Liu, and Junzhu Chen The article has been retracted due to its earlier publication in substantially similar form as follows: Effect and Safety of coenzyme A on Hyperlipidemia by Zhao Shu-ping, Chen Ya-qin, Chen Jun-zhu, Lai Jiang-tao, published in the Chinese Journal of New Drugs and Clinical Remedies; 2012:242-245. The Effects of Coenzyme A on Serum Lipids in Patients With Hyperlipidemia: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial by Ya-qin Chen, Shui-ping Zhao, Jun-zhu Chen and Jiangtao Lai, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on January 4, 2013 jc.2012-2702. DOI:10.1210/jc.2012-2702.

AIM To compare the effects of coenzyme A(CoA) and pantethine on plasma lipid levels in Chinese patients with moderate hyperlipidemia.METHODS In the prospective,randomized,double-blind, multi-centre,phaseⅢclinical trial,223 patients with hyperlipidemia(triglyceride(TG) 2.3 - 6.5 mmol·L~(-1)) were randomly received CoA 400 U·d~(-1)(po,n = 118) and pantethine 600 mg·d~(-1)(po,n =118) for 8 weeks. After 4 weeks and 8 weeks,blood routine,urine routine,hepatic function,renal function,blood glucose, blood lipid and creatine kinase were measured.The primary end point was the percentage change in TG from baseline to 4 weeks and 8 weeks,and the secondary efficacy parameters were variation rates of plasma total cholesterol(TC),low - density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL - C) and high - density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).Adverse events were compared in two groups after the treatment.RESULTS After the treatment for 4 weeks,TG levels of the CoA group and the pantethine group were reduced 26.0%and 17.4%respectively, with 33.3%and 16.5%after 8 weeks treatment.The difference between two groups was significant(P0.01). Compared with the pantethine group,the reduction rate of TC in the CoA group was higher(P0.05).After the treatment,there was no significant difference of LDL-C and HDL-C between two groups(P0.05).There was also no significant difference of drug - related adverse event rates between two groups(P0.05). CONCLUSIONS CoA 400 U·d~(-1) and pantethine 600 mg·d~(-1) had the effect on lowing TG with good safety and tolerance in the moderate hyperlipidemia patients,and CoA was better than pantethine.

Retraction notice for “The Effect of Coenzyme A Capsule on Serum Triglyceride Concentration in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial” by Tianming Xuan, Bifeng Wu, Yunpeng Shang, Jiangtao Lai, Xiaosheng Hu, Zhong Liu, and Junzhu Chen The article has been retracted due to its earlier publication in substantially similar form as follows: Effect and Safety of coenzyme A on Hyperlipidemia by Zhao Shu-ping, Chen Ya-qin, Chen Jun-zhu, Lai Jiang-tao, published in the Chinese Journal of New Drugs and Clinical Remedies; 2012:242-245. The Effects of Coenzyme A on Serum Lipids in Patients With Hyperlipidemia: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial by Ya-qin Chen, Shui-ping Zhao, Jun-zhu Chen and Jiangtao Lai, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on January 4, 2013 jc.2012-2702. DOI:10.1210/jc.2012-2702.

BackgroundSustained use of nitrates is associated with adverse effects on vascular function by increasing oxidative stress. It remains unclear whether oxidative stress impairs endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during long-term oral use of nitrates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) treatment on oxidative stress and endothelial function in patients with CAD. Materials and methodsIn this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-center study, 60 patients were assigned to treatment with ISMN 20 mg retarded release orally twice per day (ISMN group, n=30) or placebo (control group, n=30) for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the change in brachial artery endothelium-dependent dilation [flow-mediated dilation (FMD)] from baseline to follow-up. Furthermore, serum superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels were also measured at baseline and follow-up. ResultsThe FMD decreased significantly (from 5.97±2.88 to 5.33±2.56%) in the ISMN group, whereas it increased from 6.27±3.23 to 6.96±2.84% in the control group after treatment for 1 year. There was a significant difference in the changes in FMD when the two groups were compared (−0.64±1.83 vs. 0.69±1.77%, P=0.006). There were no significant changes in serum superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels in the two groups. ConclusionLong-term ISMN treatment may impair endothelial function in patients with CAD.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the lipid-lowering effects and clinical safety of a natural hypolipidemic compound, coenzyme A (CoA) capsule, in Chinese patients with moderate dyslipidemia. METHODS A total of 244 subjects (170 males and 74 females; aged 18-75 y) having moderate dyslipidemia (triglyceride [TG], 2.3-6.5 mmol · L(-1)) were randomly divided into 3 groups, to which placebo (group A, n = 81), CoA 200 U/d (group B, n = 79), and CoA 400 U/d (group C, n = 84) were administered, respectively. Blood lipoproteins, liver and renal functions, blood glucose, and complete blood count were measured at the baseline and after 4 or 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS After treatment for 4 weeks, TG was reduced by 5.1, 15.7, and 14.4% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. After treatment for 8 weeks, TG decreased .9, 21.7, and 36.1%, respectively. Compared with group A, the primary efficacy outcome TG in groups B and C significantly decreased (P < .01), and the difference between groups B and C was also significant (P < .01). Plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not significantly different. Furthermore, there was no difference in blood glucose, hepatic and renal function test parameters, incidence of myopathy, or gastrointestinal tract symptoms among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION CoA can effectively reduce plasma TG levels in subjects with moderate dyslipidemia and has no obvious adverse effect.

AIM To evaluate the dose-dependent efficacy and safety of coenzyme A(CoA)capsule in Chinese patients with hyperlipidemia.METHODS In the randomized,placebo-controlled,double-blind,multi-centre,phase Ⅱclinical trial,244 hyperlipidemia patients(triglyceride(TG)2.3-6.5 mmol·L-1)were randomly received placebo(po,n = 81),CoA 200 U·d-1(po,n = 84)or CoA 400 U·d-1 group(po,n = 79)for 8 weeks.Blood routine,urine routine,hepatic function,renal function,blood glucose and blood lipid were measured at 4 weeks and 8 weeks.The primary end point was the percentage change in TG from baseline to week 4 and week 8.Variation rates of plasma total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were the secondary end points.Adverse events were compared after the treatment.RESULTS After the treatment for 4 weeks,TG levels of the placebo group,the CoA 200 U·d-1group and the CoA 400 U·d-1group were reduced 5.1%,15.7% and 14.4% respectively,and 0.9%,21.7% and 36.1% after 8 weeks treatment.Compared with the placebo group and the baseline level,TG levels in the CoA 200 U·d-1 group and the CoA 400 U·d-1 group significantly decreased(P < 0.01),and there was significant difference between the CoA 200 U·d-1 group and 400 U·d-1 group(P < 0.01).There were no significant differences of TC,LDL-C and HDL-C(P > 0.05)and drug-related adverse event rates(P = 0.11)among the three groups after the treatment.CONCLUSION It was shown that CoA reduced serum TG level effectively and with good safety and tolerance in the hyperlipidemia patients.

Background: Sex hormones play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Testosterone and estradiol have been reported to be down-regulated in subjects with coronary artery disease and heart failure, but has not been studied in atrial fibrillation (AF).Hypothesis: Levels of sex hormones may be associated with susceptibility to lone AF in men.Methods: Fifty-eight male subjects who had electrocardiographic evidence of paroxysmal or chronic AF and a structurally normal heart on echocardiography were enrolled. Subjects were excluded if they had been taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), or statins within 3 MO or had a history of coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, significant valvular disease, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension, Fifty-eight controls were recruited from a healthy outpatient population. Serum total testosterone and estradiol levels were determined using a commercially available radioimmunoassay.Results: Mean levels of testosterone were significantly lower in subjects with tone AF when compared with controls (476 ng/dl versus 514 ng/dl, p = 0,005). No significant differences were found in the estradiol levels between the 2 groups (31.9 pg/ml versus 32.4 pg/ml, p = 0.789).Conclusion: Reduced testosterone levels may be associated with susceptibility to lone AF in men.

目的 探讨活动平板运动心电图ST段压低、QRS积分和ST/HR指数3种标准诊断冠心病的价值.方法 选取可疑冠心病患者共177例,以冠状动脉造影结果为金标准,评价平板运动心电图3种标准诊断冠心病的敏感性和特异性.结果 ST段压低、QRS积分和ST/HR指数诊断冠心病的敏感性和特异性均依次增高,ST/HR指数与ST段压低相比敏感性和特异性差异均有显著性意义(P<0.05),而QRS积分与ST段压低相比仅特异性差异有显著性意义(P<0.05).另外,ST/HR指数随着冠状动脉病变数目的 增多而增高,QRS积分随着病变数目的 增多而减少.结论 ①ST/HR指数可提高对冠心病的诊断价值;②当存在干扰性ST段压低时,采用QRS积分是较好的选择;③ST/HR指数、QRS积分可预计冠状动脉病变情况.

Chronic inflammatory process acted an important role in atherothrombosis. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is one of the key modulators of the inflammatory response, and its activity is critically regulated by its receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Recently, several interleukin-1 cluster gene polymorphisms may associated with acute coronary syndrome have been reported, although with contrasting results. The associations of a variable number tandem repeat (86bp) polymorphism in intron 2 of IL-1ra and of the -511C/T polymorphism of IL-1β with the risk of the ischemic stroke were studied. 112 ischemic stroke patients of Chinese ancestry studied within ten days after presentation were compared with 95 ethnically matched healthy volunteers. 56 among these 112 stroke patients were followed for six months to have prognosis evaluated through measuring Modified Rankin Scale (RS) and Barthel Index (BI). 60 stroke patients had measured the plasma IL-1ra and C-reative protein (CRP) values. The frequency of the IL-1RN 1/1 genotype in the 112 stroke patients was significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (93.7% vs 82.1%, p<0.05). The frequency of the IL-1RN allele 1 in the 112 stroke patients was significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (96.4% vs 90.5%, p<0.01, OR=3.23, 95% CI 1.32–7.91). No significant association was seen for the IL-1β-511 C/T polymorphism. In the six months followed group, IL-1RN1/2 genotype carriers had higher BI scores compared with IL-1RN1/1 genotype carriers (98.00 vs 84.80, p<0.01), and patients with lower plasma IL-1ra value (below the median value 186.55pg/ml) had higher BI scores (95.00 vs 77.19, p<0.05), but no significant influence of CRP values and IL-1ra on prognosis or showed no significantly association on plasma IL-1ra and CRP values with IL-1β-511 C/T or IL-1RN genotpye studied in stroke patients. Our results implicate the IL-1ra gene in the susceptibility to ischemic stroke, which may be a useful clue for pharmacological intervention in IL-1 production.