Atherosclerosis (AS), as the primary pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, is closely associated with chemokines in its occurrence and progression. CXCL16 establishes a new link between chemokines and AS. We briefly introduced the structural characteristics of CXCL16 and its specific receptor CXCR6, as well as related signaling pathways. Furthermore, the significant role of CXCL16 in the progression of AS was elaborated from the perspective of pathological mechanisms and signal pathways. Meanwhile, we objectively evaluated the potential arterial protective effects of CXCL16. Finally, we discussed various novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate AS by targeting the inhibition of CXCL16 and its regulatory pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multifaceted roles of CXCL16 in AS, providing theoretical foundations and research insights for the precise prevention and treatment of AS.

Background and objective: Carotid plaque Crouse score and serum homocysteine (Hcy) are closely associated with white matter hyperintensities (WMH). In recent years, it had been found that the pathological mechanism of periventricular WMH (PVWMH) and deep subcortical WMH (DSWMH) was different. In this study, we aimed to further determine the respective effects of Carotid plaque Crouse score and serum Hcy on the location of WMH.Methods: We recruited 284 patients with lacunar infarction admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and conducted a retrospective cohort study. The level of serum Hcy was determined by ELISA. Carotid plaque Crouse score was evaluated by cervical vascular ultrasound. The severity of PVWMH and DSWMH was graded using a manual rating scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between Crouse score, serum Hcy and PVWMH and/or DSWMH. The critical point which Crouse score and serum Hcy played a role was determined by Quartile method.Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, Logistic regression showed that PVWMH was associated with age, hypertension, Hcy and Crouse score; DSWMH was associated with age, hypertension, and Crouse score but not with Hcy. Quartile analysis indicated that Crouse score > 0.39 was associated with the occurrence of PVWMH and DSWMH, while Hcy > 12.48 was only associated with the occurrence of PVWMH.Conclusion: Crouse score is associated with both PVWMH and DSWMH. High levels of Hcy is associated with the occurrence of PVWMH, but not DSWMH.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital heart condition with a prevalence of 20%–35% in the general population. It is associated with various paroxysmal neurological seizures. We report four patients who presented to our hospital with transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). They were diagnosed with PFO after a comprehensive examination. In this article, we discuss the mechanism related to PFO and TLOC, which provides a new clinical perspective for the diagnosis of TLOC.