Do inflammatory mediators influence the expression of nociceptin and its receptor in human whole blood cultures?
LPS as well as cytokines suppress mainly NOP and, in part, PNoc mRNA expression in human whole blood cultures. This may represent a negative feedback loop to the previously described upregulation of cytokines by PNoc.
As expected, the risk factor profile of post-PCI patients was high. However, their knowledge levels and awareness were unrelated to risk factor profile and poor in comparison with studies in other cardiac patients. This, in addition to the short stay in hospital and the low attendance of this cohort at cardiac rehabilitation, identifies this group of patients as a priority for further targeted education. Innovations are needed to increase knowledge and begin behavioral change predischarge after PCI. This should include target and goal setting for lifestyle change to avail of this critical education opportunity.