الفهرس 
The structure of normal arteryOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 226 |  |  |
| | | from | 226 | | |
Abstract
ardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. In Egypt, as in many other parts of the world, atherosclerosis and heart diseases are spread between the populations.
Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise and genetic factors are the leading causes of heart diseases in Egypt. Early plaque formation is one of the key risk factors for patients, which is often linked with genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Cutting the bad habits, introducing new healthy habits can help minimize the risk of heart diseases.
The objective of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of some biochemical parameters such as plasma FGF-23, klotho protein, IL-17, rennin, serum NO, calcium, phosphorus, lipid parameters including TAG, TC and HDL-c in VDD and VDI patient groups.
To fulfill the target of the present study, a total of 40 male patients with coronary artery disease of age range (40-60 years) were included. The patients were selected by the physician from the Cardiology Department El-Demerdash hospital, Ain- Shams University. Also 15 normal controls age matched were selected.Subjects in the present study were classified into three groups according to the level of vitamin D:
group I: Includes 20 atherosclerotic, deficient vitamin D patients (VDD) (vitamin D concentration 10-20 ng/ml).
group II: Includes 20 atherosclerotic, insufficient vitamin D patients (VDI) (vitamin D concentration 21-29 ng/ml).
group III: Include 15 normal subjects, with normal vitamin D level.
The results of the present study showed that:
●Plasma FGF-23 level was highly significant increase in the patient groups, compared to the control group.
●Highly significant decrease in plasma klotho level in both patient groups in comparison to the control group
●Plasma IL-17 concentration was highly significant elevated in VDD and VDI groups, compared to the control group
●Highly significant increase in plasma rennin level in both patient groups when compared with the control group.
●Serum NO concentration was highly significant reduced in both patient groups in comparison to the control group.●Highly significant elevation of serum Ca level in the patient groups when compared with the control group.
●Serum Pi concentration was highly significant decrease in VDD and VDI patient groups, compared to the control group.
●Highly significant increase in levels of TAG, TC and LDL-c while there was a significant decrease in HDL-c in all studied groups, compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
from the aforementioned results, it can be concluded that:
▪ Vitamin D deficiency and also insufficiency cause defect in many functions of the body including the effect on the immune system leading to the inflammation reactions that is the main cause of atherosclerosis.
▪ Plasma FGF-23 is the highly sensitive and specific marker used for diagnosis of atherosclerosis.
▪ Furthermore, investigations in the area of atherosclerosis and more parameters for the early detection of atherosclerosis are needed. Also, study on much larger population is beneficial.