European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Nov 2001
CommentHeterogeneity of smooth muscle cells in advanced human atherosclerotic plaques: intimal smooth muscle cells expressing a fibroblast surface protein are highly activated by platelet-released products.
In vascular disease, smooth muscle cells (SMC) undergo phenotypic modulation and may acquire properties resembling those of fibroblasts in tissue wound healing. ⋯ Our results suggest that the expression of FSP in SMC could indicate an activated phenotype, and the presence of highly positive FSP cells in the atherosclerotic lesions might be indicative of an increased SMC responsiveness to processes that locally generate thrombin and activate platelets.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Nov 2001
Postnatal increase of procalcitonin in premature newborns is enhanced by chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis.
To determine the influence of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis on procalcitonin (PCT) levels in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants within the first week of life. ⋯ In the group of VLBW infants the PCT level within 72 h of delivery was markedly increased in patients with chorioamnionitis. Compared with I : T and CRP, PCT appears to be a more sensitive marker of neonatal sepsis.