Michael Addis | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Improving endothelial healing with novel chimeric mitogens.

BACKGROUND: Chimeric proteins may be used to direct cell-specific activity. Heparin-binding growth-associated molecule (HBGAM) binds to cell receptors that are relatively more robust on endothelial cells, and it may confer endothelial cell selectivity to potent angiogens such as fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1). METHODS: By ligating fibroblast growth factor or its potent mutant, S130K, to HBGAM, we tested their effect on re-endothelialization after angioplasty injury by using a canine model. RESULTS: Both HBGAM/S130K- and HBGAM/FGF-1-treated arteries had increased neointimal mitotic index and re-endothelialization rates at 30 days compared with control arteries without inducing a significant increase in the neointimal thickness or the ratio of neointimal to medial thickness between treatment and control groups. CONCLUSION: HBGAM/S130K and HBGAM/FGF-1 facilitates endothelial healing without myointimal thickening after canine carotid artery balloon angioplasty injury. Application of these growth factors in fibrin glue may improve endothelialization clinically after angioplasty or endarterectomy.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Isolated traumatic brain injury: age is an independent predictor of mortality and early outcome.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric trauma patients have a worse outcome than the young with comparable injuries. The contribution of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to this increased mortality is unknown and has been confounded by the presence of other injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of age in the mortality and early outcome from isolated TBI. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all adult patients with isolated TBI (Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 3) admitted during a 5-year period to two Level I trauma centers. Mortality, Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge, therapy, and complications were compared for elderly (age > or = 65 years) and younger patients. RESULTS: Of 694 patients, 22% were defined as elderly. The mortality for the elderly group was twice that of their younger counterparts (30% vs. 14%, p < 0.001), even for those with mild to moderate TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 9-15). Thirteen percent of elderly survivors had a poor functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 2 or 3) at hospital discharge versus 5% in the young group (p < 0.01). Independent factors associated with a high mortality were age and Glasgow Coma Scale score. CONCLUSION: The mortality from TBI is higher in the geriatric population at all levels of head injury. In addition, functional outcome at hospital discharge is worse. Although some of this increased mortality may be explained by complications or type of head injury, age itself is an independent predictor for mortality in TBI.

Adult↗