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Hypoxia and non alcoholic fatty liver diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of fatty liver diseases associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The spectrum of fatty liver diseases, comprises simple steatosis, steatosis with inflammation (i.e. non alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), fatty liver disease with inflammation and fibrosis (severe NASH) and cirrhosis. The molecular mechanisms contributing to NASH are the subject of considerable investigation, as a better understanding of the pathogenesis of NASH will lead to novel therapies for a condition that hitherto remains difficult to treat. In this ed...
Source: Clinical Science - November 10, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: C D Byrne Source Type: journals

Effects of auricular electrical stimulation on vagal activity in healthy men: Evidence from a three-armed randomized trialEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The activity of the vagus nerve is negatively associated with risk factors such as stress and smoking, morbidity, and mortality. In contrast it is also a target of therapeutic intervention. Vagus nerve stimulation is used in depression and epilepsy. Due to its high invasivity and exclusive application to therapy-resistant patients, there is interest in less invasive methods affecting the vagus nerve. Several studies examining acupuncture report beneficial effects on vagal activity. However, findings are inconsistent and applied methods are heterogeneous resulting in difficulties in interpretation. The purpose of the presen...
Source: Clinical Science - November 9, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: R La Marca, M Nedeljkovic, L Yuan, A Maercker, U Ehlert Source Type: journals

Clopidogrel application: beyond coronary artery diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, a P2Y12 antagonist, is a cornerstone for treatment of patients with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and acute coronary artery disease followed with or without percutaneous coronary intervention. Giachini and colleagues found that clopidogrel could normalize the increased phenylephrine-induced vascular contraction and impaired acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation in mesenteric arteries from angiotensin II-infused Sprague-Dawley rats. This might develop a new area for clopidogrel application. However, whether clopidogrel can improve the arterial function in patient...
Source: Clinical Science - November 4, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: C Zeng Source Type: journals

Early life nutrition influences thymic growth in male mice that may be related to the regulation of longevityEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Nutrition and growth rate during early life can influence later health and lifespan. We previously demonstrated that low birth weight resulting from maternal protein restriction during pregnancy followed by catch-up growth in rodents was associated with shortened lifespan whereas protein restriction and slow growth during lactation increased lifespan. The underlying mechanisms by which these differences arise are unknown. Here we report that maternal protein restriction in mice influences thymic growth in early adult life. Offspring of dams fed a low protein diet during lactation (PLP offspring) showed significant thymic g...
Source: Clinical Science - October 29, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J Chen, J L. Tarry-Adkins, C A. A. Heppolette, D B. Palmer, S E. Ozanne Source Type: journals

The development of hepatic fibrosis occurs normally in AMPK deficient miceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Inhibition or blockade of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main matrix producing cells involved in would healing response, represents an attractive strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In vitro studies have shown that activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key player in the regulation of cellular energy homeostasis, inhibits proliferation of myofibroblasts derived from HSC. If AMPK is a true regulator of fibrogenesis then defective AMPK activity would enhance fibrogenesis and hepatic fibrosis. To test this, in vitro studies were performed on mouse primary HSCs treated or not with AMPK activator...
Source: Clinical Science - October 26, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: A da Silva Morais, J Abarca-Quinones, B Guigas, B Viollet, P Stärkel, Y Horsmans, I A. Leclercq Source Type: journals

Central and cerebrovascular effects of leg crossing in humans with sympathetic failureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, leg crossing improves cerebral perfusion and oxygenation both in patients with sympathetic failure and in healthy subjects. However, in healthy subjects cerebral perfusion and oxygenation improve by a rise in CO without significant changes in TPR or MAP, whereas in patients with sympathetic failure cerebral perfusion and oxygenation improve through a rise in MAP due to increments in both CO and TPR. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - October 15, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: M PM Harms, W Wieling, W NMJ Colier, J WM Lenders, N H Secher, J J van Lieshout Source Type: journals

Hypoxia aggravates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice lacking hepatocellular PTENEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion. The findings demonstrate that hypoxia alone aggravates and accelerates the progression of NASH by upregulating the expression of lipogenic genes, by down-regulating genes involved in lipid metabolism and by decreasing insulin sensitivity. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - October 14, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: A Piguet, D Stroka, A Zimmermann, J Dufour Source Type: journals

Prognostic value of admission blood glucose concentration and diabetes diagnosis on survival after acute myocardial infarction; Results from 4702 index cases in routine practiceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The diagnosis of diabetes and admission blood glucose concentration are associated with adverse outcome after acute coronary syndromes. We compared the relative association with survival after ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction of admission blood glucose concentration and of diabetes diagnosis. We carried out a retrospective cohort study in 4702 consecutive patients with ST elevation AMI (STEMI) occurring April 1st 1993 - December 31st 2005, assessed for mortality at 30 days and 1 year. Patients were classified according to antecedent diabetes, and by blood glucose concentration at admission (quartile 1, <7mmol/...
Source: Clinical Science - October 12, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: I B. Squire, C P. Nelson, L L. Ng, D R. Jones, K L. Woods, P C. Lambert Source Type: journals

Clopidogrel, independent of vascular P2Y12 receptor, improves the arterial function in small mesenteric arteries from Ang II-hypertensive ratsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The P2Y12 receptor antagonist clopidogrel blocks platelet aggregation, improves systemic endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Since P2Y12 receptors have been identified in the vasculature, we hypothesized that clopidogrel ameliorates angiotensin II (Ang II) -induced vascular functional changes by blockade of P2Y12 receptors in the vasculature. Male Sprague Dawley rats were infused with Ang II (60 ng.min-1) or vehicle for 14 days. The animals were treated with clopidogrel (10mg•kg-1•day-1) or vehicle. Vascular reactivity was evaluated in second-order mesenteric arteries....
Source: Clinical Science - October 6, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: F RC Giachini, D A Osmond, S Zhang, F S Carneiro, V V Lima, E W Inscho, R Webb, R C Tostes Source Type: journals

DNA damage and repair in a model of rat vascular injuryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Restenosis rate following vascular interventions still limits their long-term success. Oxidative stress plays a relevant role in this pathophysiological phenomenon, but less attention has been devoted to its effects on DNA damage and to the subsequent mechanisms of repair. We analysed in a model of arteriotomy-induced stenosis in rat carotids the time-dependent expression of DNA damage markers and of DNA repair genes, together with the assessment of proliferation and apoptosis indexes. The expression of the oxidative DNA damage marker 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine was increased at 3 and 7 days after arterio...
Source: Clinical Science - October 4, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: A Forte, M Finicelli, M Grossi, M Vicchio, N Alessio, P Santè, M De Feo, M Cotrufo, L Berrino, F Rossi, U Galderisi, M Cipollaro Source Type: journals

Activation of a novel natriuretic endocrine system in humans with heart failure.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: Plasma proguanylin and prouroguanylin are elevated in patients with heart failure. Elevated plasma proguanylin and prouroguanylin levels are associated with hypertension, renal impairment and increasing severity of heart failure. This novel endocrine system may contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - September 22, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: H Narayan, N Mohammed, P A Quinn, I B Squire, J E Davies, L L Ng Source Type: journals

Protein metabolism in leg muscle following an endotoxin injection in healthy volunteersEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The human endotoxin model has been used to study the early phase of sepsis. The aim of the present study was to assess leg muscle protein kinetics after an endotoxin challenge given to healthy human volunteers. Six healthy male subjects were studied in the post-absorptive state before and during 4 hours following an intravenous endotoxin bolus (4 ng / kg body weight). Primed continuous infusion of [2H5]phenylalanine and [2H3]3-methylhistidine in combination with sampling from artery, femoral vein and muscle tissue were used to assess leg muscle protein kinetics. Both 2 and 3-compartment models were used to calculate pr...
Source: Clinical Science - September 13, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: R F. Vesali, N Cibicek, T Jakobsson, M Klaude, J Wernerman, O Rooyackers Source Type: journals

Statins have beneficial effects on platelet free radical activity and intracellular distribution of GTPases in hyperlipidaemiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: This study shows altered nitric oxide/superoxide production following statin therapy. A potential mechanism for this is the change in distribution of intracellular GTPases which was felt to be secondary to decreases in isoprenoid intermediates, suggesting that activity of the former had been affected by atorvastatin. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - September 8, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: P K Hamilton, S MT Hughes, R D Plumb, A Devine, W Leahey, K S Lyons, D Johnston, G E McVeigh Source Type: journals

Obesity is the major contributor to vascular dysfunction and inflammation in high fat diet hypertensive ratsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Obesity and hypertension are the two major risk factors that contribute to the progression of end-stage renal disease. To examine whether hypertension further exacerbates oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction and inflammation in obese rats, four groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were fed either normal (7% fat) or high fat (36% fat) diet for 6 weeks and osmotic pumps were implanted to deliver angiotensin II (ANG) or vehicle for four additional weeks. High fat diet treatment did not alter ANG-induced hypertension compared to normal diet (174±6 vs. 170±5 mmHg, respectively). High fat diet treatment increase...
Source: Clinical Science - September 2, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: A A. Elmarakby, J D Imig Source Type: journals

Relation of circulating progenitor cells to vascular function and oxidative stress with long term training and short term detraining in older menEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Exercise may contribute to the maintenance of vascular function via enhanced liberation and action of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells. Activity-related changes in oxidative stress may also influence the number and function of these cells. We sought to determine whether adaptations in reactive hyperemic forearm blood flow (FBF) response associated with long-term endurance exercise and short-term detraining were related to resting putative progenitor cell number and function and to determine whether oxidative stress affected these factors. Participants included men with greater than 30 years of moderate- to high-intensi...
Source: Clinical Science - August 31, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: S Witkowski, M M Lockard, N T Jenkins, T O Obisesan, E E Spangenburg, J M Hagberg Source Type: journals

Reduction in renal ACE2 expression in subtotal nephrectomy is ameliorated with ACE inhibitionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Alterations within the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are pivotal for the development of renal disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is expressed in the kidney, and converts the vasoconstrictor angiotensin (Ang) II to Ang 1-7, a peptide with vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic actions. Whilst the expression of ACE2 in the diabetic kidney has been well studied, little is known about its expression in non-diabetic renal disease. We assessed ACE2 in rats with acute kidney injury induced by subtotal nephrectomy (STNx). STNx and Control rats received vehicle or ramipril (1 mg/kg/d), and measured renal ACE, ACE2 and mas rece...
Source: Clinical Science - August 20, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: E Velkoska, R G Dean, L J Burchill, V Levidiotis, L M Burrell Source Type: journals

Enhanced circulating retinol and nonesterified fatty acids in pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restrictionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, the increased circulating retinol and NEFA in maternal plasma are negatively associated with birth and placental weights, which may reflect an impaired placental transfer in IUGR pregnancies. Since retinoids have been involved in the control of gene transcription, it is proposed that a decreased placental transfer of retinol could underlie the metabolic dysfunction of IUGR pregnancies. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - August 5, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: H Ortega-Senovilla, G Alvino, E Taricco, I Cetin, E Herrera Source Type: journals

Exercise training reduces circulating adiponectin levels in patients with chronic heart failureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: Circulating adiponectin concentrations are higher in CHF patients compared to healthy subjects and increase with disease severity. Four months exercise training lowers circulating adiponectin levels. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - August 5, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: A M. Van Berendoncks, P Beckers, V Y. Hoymans, N Possemiers, F L. Wuyts, C J. Vrints, V M. Conraads Source Type: journals

Regulation of resistin by cyclic mechanical stretch in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cellEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, cyclic mechanical stretch increases the resistin expression in cultured rat VSMCs. The stretch-induced resistin is mediated through ROS, p38 MAP kinase and STAT3 pathway. The resistin induced by cyclic stretch may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis under hemodynamic overload. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - July 16, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: B Wang, H Chang, K Shyu Source Type: journals

Homocysteine and stroke: another brick in the wallEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
After a long debate, due to conflicting data from clinical studies, homocysteine is now largely accepted as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including stroke. To date, the role of elevated homocysteine values in stroke recurrences has not been evaluated and consequently we acknowledge the paper by Zhang et al. that proves that patients with high homocysteine values have an increased risk for stroke recurrence and for all-cause mortality with respect to patients with lower values. Remarkably, in their study high homocysteine values were associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence and of all-cause mortali...
Source: Clinical Science - July 13, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: S Sacco, A Carolei Source Type: journals

Central sympathetic outflow to skeletal muscle: the major link between non-esterified fatty acids and elevated blood pressure?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Sympathetic nervous system activation is a hallmark of several conditions associated with an adverse prognosis including hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. Proposed mediators of increased sympathetic drive include hyperinsulinemia, leptin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), proinflammatory cytokines, baroreflex impairment, and others. The role of NEFAs appears to be of particular importance given the increased levels observed in human obesity and the experimental data linking the NEFA induced pressor response to sympathetic activation. Data from human studies yielded conflicting results with regards to a sympathetica...
Source: Clinical Science - July 12, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: M Schlaich Source Type: journals

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 predicts mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions This is the first single centre study that identifies MMP2 as an independent predictor of all cause mortality post ACS however, NT proBNP and the GRACE Score are superior for risk stratification in this cohort. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - July 7, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: O S Dhillon, S Q Khan, H K Narayan, K H Ng, N Mohammed, P A Quinn, I B Squire, J E Davies, L L Ng Source Type: journals

Evaluation of the relation between hyperinsulinaemia and myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model of depressionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, FSL rats had larger infarct sizes and were found to be hyperinsulinaemic compared to SD rats but seemed to have a maintained cardioprotective mechanism against ischaemia-reperfusion injury as IPC reduced infarct size in these rats. This animal model may be useful in future studies when examining the mechanisms that contribute to the cardiovascular complications associated with depression. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - July 5, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: L Solskov, B Løfgren, R Pold, S B Kristiansen, T T Nielsen, D H Overstreet, O Schmitz, H Bøtker, S Lund, G Wegener Source Type: journals

Chronic fatigue syndrome: comments on deconditioning, blood volume, and resulting cardiac functionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunction have been suggested to underly the symptoms accompanying CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). In the present issue of Clinical Science, Hurwitz and colleagues have investigated whether deficits were present in cardiac output and blood volume in a cohort of patients with CFS and whether these were linked to illness severity and sedentary lifestyle. The results clearly demonstrated reduced cardiac stroke volume and cardiac output in more severely afflicted patients with CFS, which is primarily attributable to a measurable reduction in blood volume. Similar findings are observed in microgra...
Source: Clinical Science - June 17, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J M Stewart Source Type: journals

Prevention of myocardial fibrosis by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in diabetic ratsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a physiological tetrapeptide hydrolized by angiotensin converting enzyme. In experimental model of hypertension, Ac-SDKP has antifibrotic effects in the heart. The role of Ac-SDKP in diabetic cardiomyopathy is presently unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Ac-SDKP on cardiac systolic and diastolic function, interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in the heart of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in 55 Sprague Dawley rats by streptozotocin injection. Control rats (n=18) underwent only buffer injection. Out of 55 diabetic rats, 19 were chronically ...
Source: Clinical Science - June 11, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: G Castoldi, C RT di Gioia, C Bombardi, C Perego, L Perego, M Mancini, M Leopizzi, B Corradi, S Perlini, G Zerbini, A Stella Source Type: journals

Skeletal muscle metabolic recovery following submaximal exercise in chronic heart failure is limited more by O2 delivery than O2 utilizationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, prolonged metabolic recovery in CHF patients is associated with an even slower muscle tissue re-oxygenation, indicating a lower O2 delivery relative to metabolic demands. Therefore, we postulate that the impaired ability to perform repetitive daily activities in these patients depends more on a reduced muscle blood flow than on limitations in O2 utilization. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - June 11, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: H M.C. Kemps, J J Prompers, B Wessels, W R. de Vries, M L. Zonderland, E J.M. Thijssen, K Nicolay, G Schep, P A.F.M. Doevendans Source Type: journals

Transient decrease in circulating dendritic cell precursors after acute stroke {-} potential recruitment into the brainEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, acute stroke leads to a decrease in circulating DCP. Potentially, circulating DCP are recruited from the blood into the infarcted brain, and probably trigger cerebral immune reactions there. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - June 9, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: A Yilmaz, T Fuchs, B Dietel, R Altendorf, I Cicha, C Stumpf, P Schellinger, I Blümcke, S Schwab, W G. Daniel, C D. Garlichs, R Kollmar Source Type: journals

High plasma homocysteine levels contribute to the risk of stroke recurrence and all-cause mortality in a large prospective stroke populationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Plasma homocysteine concentration has been associated with the risk of stroke, but its relevance to secondary vascular events and mortality after stroke remains unclear because of inconsistent results from clinical trials. We aimed to investigate whether plasma homocysteine levels and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variant C677T contributed to the risk of stroke recurrence and all-cause mortality in a large prospective cohort of stroke patients in Chinese population. A total of 1,823 stroke patients (35-74 years) were recruited during 2000-2001 and prospectively followed up for a median of 4.5 years. During th...
Source: Clinical Science - June 9, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: W Zhang, K Sun, J Chen, Y Liao, Q Qin, A Ma, D Wang, Z Zhu, Y Wang, R Hui Source Type: journals

Reliability of heart rate variability measurements in patients with a history of myocardial infarctionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study we assessed the reliability of short-term HRV indexes in post myocardial infarction (MI) patients. We studied 61 MI patients (50 males, mean age±SD: 59±8 yrs, LVEF: 46±6 %), who underwent a 5+5min ECG recording during spontaneous and paced breathing, on two consecutive days. Standard time- (SDNN, RMSSD) and frequency-domain (LF and HF power and LF/HF) indices of HRV were computed. Absolute and relative reliability were assessed respectively by the 95% limits of random variation and by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The agreement between the two measurements in classi...
Source: Clinical Science - June 9, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: R Maestri, G Raczak, L Danilowicz-Szymanowicz, A Toruński, A Sukiennik, J Kubica, M La Rovere, G Pinna Source Type: journals

The haplotype of growth-differentiation factor-15 gene is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in human essential hypertensionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a novel antihypertrophic factor which is induced in the heart in response to pressure overload and plays an important regulatory role in the process of hypertrophy. We sought to access the relationship between GDF-15 gene variants and left ventricular hypertrophy in human essential hypertension. A community-based hypertensive population sample of 1527 individuals (506 men and 1,021 women) was genotyped for three GDF-15 genetic variants, including one tag-variant -3148C>G (rs4808793) and two exonic variant +157A>T (rs1059369) and +2438C>G (rs1058587). The e...
Source: Clinical Science - June 8, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: X Wang, X Yang, K Sun, J Chen, X Song, H Wang, Z Liu, C Wang, C Zhang, R Hui Source Type: journals

Chronic fatigue syndrome: illness severity, sedentary lifestyle, blood volume and evidence of diminished cardiac functionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study examined whether deficits in cardiac output and blood volume in a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) cohort were present and linked to illness severity and sedentary lifestyle. Follow-up analyses assessed whether differences between CFS and control groups in cardiac output levels were corrected by controlling for cardiac contractility and total blood volume (TBV). The 146 participants were subdivided into two CFS groups based on symptom severity data, severe (n=30) vs. non-severe (n=26), and two healthy non-CFS control groups based on physical activity, sedentary (n=58) vs. non-sedentary (n=32). Controls were matche...
Source: Clinical Science - May 26, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: B E. Hurwitz, V T Coryell, M Parker, P Martin, A LaPerriere, N G Klimas, G N Sfakianakis, M S Bilsker Source Type: journals

Effect of weight loss on HDL-apoA-II kinetics in the metabolic syndromeEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, in obese men with MetS, short-term weight loss with a low-fat, low-caloric diet lowers plasma apoA-II concentration by decreasing both production and catabolism of HDL-apoA-II. The cardiometabolic significance of this effect on HDL metabolism remains to be further investigated. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - May 21, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: T W K Ng, D C Chan, P R Barrett, G F Watts Source Type: journals

C type natruiretic peptide production by the human kidney is blunted in chronic heart failureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a vasodilatory peptide produced by vascular endothelium and human heart with a short half-life. CNP has been identified within the human kidney. Few data are available on whether the human kidney is a systemic source of CNP. The aim of the current study was to establish whether CNP is secreted by human kidney and whether synthesis is blunted in chronic heart failure (CHF). 20 male subjects (age 57±2 years, mean±SEM) undergoing CHF assessment (n=13) or investigation of paroxysmal supraventricular arrhythmia (n=7, normal left ventricular function, in sinus rhythm during proc...
Source: Clinical Science - May 18, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: P R Kalra, J R Clague, A J Coats, S D Anker, P A Poole-Wilson, A D Struthers Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Delivery by Caesarean section, rather than vaginal delivery, promotes hepatic steatosis in pigletsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
There has been a marked increase in the number of babies born by elective caesarean section (CS). Following CS, the lack of normal stimuli that occur at birth alters the thermogeneic response but any effects on hepatic metabolism had not been identified. We compared the effect of delivery on hepatic metabolism in piglets, born either by CS or vaginal delivery (VD) and fed by total parenteral nutrition, by measuring lipid metabolism and enzyme activity coupled with metabolomic and genomic approaches. Hepatic lipid in the CS piglets 7 days post-partum was in excess of 5mg/g of liver consistent with hepatic steatosis whereas ...
Source: Clinical Science - May 15, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: M J. Hyde, J L. Griffin, E Herrera, C D. Byrne, L Clarke, P R. Kemp Tags: CS Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition Source Type: journals

Non-esterified fatty acids increase arterial pressure via central sympathetic activation in humansEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Previous studies have shown that acute increases in plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) raise systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and blood pressure (BP). However, these studies fail to distinguish between central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms that raise sympathetic activity and paracrine mechanisms that increase SVR directly independent of CNS involvement. The purpose of the study was to directly determine whether the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the pressor response to NEFAs. On 2 days separated by at least 2 wks 17 lean, healthy volunteers (10M/7F; 22±1 yrs; BMI: 23±1; mean±SEM) ...
Source: Clinical Science - May 8, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J P. Florian, J A Pawelczyk Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Limb-specific and cross-transfer effects of arm-crank exercise training in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Arm-cranking is a useful alternative exercise modality for improving walking performance in patients with intermittent claudication. However, the mechanisms of such an improvement are poorly understood. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of arm-crank exercise training on lower-limb oxygen delivery in patients with intermittent claudication. Fifty-seven claudicants (age 70 ± 8 y; mean ± SD) were randomised to an arm-crank exercise group or a non-exercise control group. The exercise group trained twice weekly for 12 weeks. At baseline and 12 weeks, patients completed incremental tests to ...
Source: Clinical Science - April 23, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: G Tew, S Nawaz, I Zwierska, J Saxton Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Effects of androgens on endothelial progenitor cells in vitro and in vivoEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Beneficial or detrimental effects of androgens on the cardiovascular system are debated. Endothelial progenitor cells are bone marrow-derived cells involved in endothelial healing and angiogenesis, which promote cardiovascular health. Estrogens are potent stimulators of endothelial progenitor cells, and previous data indicated that androgens may improve biology of these cells, as well. Herein, we show that testosterone and its active metabolite dihydrodrotestosterone exert no effects on expansion and function of late endothelial progenitors isolated from peripheral blood of healthy human adult males, while they positively ...
Source: Clinical Science - April 17, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: G Fadini, M Albiero, A Cignarella, C Bolego, C Pinna, E Boscaro, E Pagnin, R de Toni, S de Kreutzenberg, C Agostini, A Avogaro Tags: CS Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition Source Type: journals

Long QT syndrome and associated gene mutation carriers in Japanese children: Results from ECG screening examinationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that, in a random sample of healthy Japanese children, the prevalence of a high probability of LQTS is 0.038% (3/7961), and that LQTS mutation carriers can be identified in at least 0.038% (1/2653). Further, large-scale genetic studies will be needed to clarify the real prevalence of LQTS by gene carrier status, since the present study may have underestimated it. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - April 16, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: K Hayashi, N Fujino, K Uchiyama, H Ino, K Sakata, T Konno, E Masuta, A Funada, Y Sakamoto, T Tsubokawa, K Nakashima, L Liu, H HIgashida, Y Hiramaru, M Shimizu, M Yamagishi Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Angiotensin 1-7, an alternative metabolite of the renin-angiotensin system, is upregulated in human liver disease and has antifibrotic activity in the bile duct ligated ratEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang-(1-7)) a peptide product of the recently described angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) homologue, ACE2, opposes the harmful actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) in cardiovascular tissues, but its role in liver disease is unknown. Our objective was to assess plasma levels of Ang-(1-7) in human liver disease and determine its effects in experimental liver fibrosis. Angiotensin peptide levels were measured in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C. The effects of Ang-(1-7) on experimental fibrosis were determined using the rat bile duct ligation (BDL) model. Liver histology, hydroxyproline qu...
Source: Clinical Science - April 16, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J S Lubel, C B Herath, J Tchongue, J Grace, Z Jia, K Spencer, D Casley, P Crowley, W Sievert, L M Burrell, P W Angus Tags: CS Gastrointestinal Tract and Liver Source Type: journals

New statistical methods for evaluation of cardiovascular risk markers: what the clinician should knowEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Calculation of odds ratios or hazard ratios by multivariate logistic regression or Cox regression analyses have traditionally been used to show that candidate risk markers provide prognostic information independently of conventional risk markers, but it has become increasingly clear that a statistical significant increase in risk in multivariate models may not represent a clinically meaningful improvement in overall prediction. This observation has prompted the development of more clinically relevant statistical methods, including tests of the ability to provide incremental discrimination compared to traditional risk marke...
Source: Clinical Science - April 7, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: H Røsjø, T Omland Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Overexpression of the malate-aspartate NADH shuttle member Aralar1 in the clonal beta cell line BRIN BD11 enhances amino acid stimulated insulin secretion and cell metabolismEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We have investigated the effects of transduction with recombinant adenovirus AdCA-Aralar1 (aspartate/glutamate carrier 1) on the metabolism, function and secretory properties of the glucose and amino acid responsive clonal insulin secreting cell line BRIN BD11. Aralar1 overexpression increased long-term (24hr) and acute (20min) glucose and amino acid stimulated insulin secretion, cellular glucose metabolism, L-alanine and L-glutamine consumption, cellular ATP and glutamate concentrations and stimulated glutamate release. However, cellular triacylglycerol and glycogen contents were decreased as was lactate production. These...
Source: Clinical Science - April 3, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: K Bender, P Maechler, N H McClenaghan, P R Flatt, P Newsholme Tags: CS Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition Source Type: journals

Angiopoietin-2 promotor haplotypes confer increased risk of stroke in Han ChineseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Angiopoietin-2 is an important mediator of angiogenesis. We hypothesized that genetic variants of angiopoietin-2 would result in abnormal angiogenesis and contribute to stroke susceptibility. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the association of variants in the promoter of the angiopoietin-2 gene with stroke in a multi-center case-control study. We found that allele C of rs3739390 conferred a 1.42 fold risk for lacunar infarction (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.42 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.08-1.87]; P = 0.012) and a 2.10-fold higher transcriptional activity than did the corresponding G allele, rs3739390G. The hapl...
Source: Clinical Science - April 2, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J Chen, H Yu, W Song, K Sun, Y Song, K Lou, T Yang, Y Zhang, R Hui Tags: CS Cerebrovascular System Source Type: journals

Short chain fatty acids stimulate migration of neutrophils to inflammatory siteEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, the effect of the SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyrate) on neutrophil chemotaxis and migration was investigated. Experiments were carried out in rats and in vitro. The following parameters were measured: rolling, adherence, expression of adhesion molecules in neutrophils (L-selectin and β2-integrin), transmigration, air pouch influx of neutrophils and production of cytokines (CINC-2αβ, IL-1β, MIP-1α and TNF-α). SCFAs induced in vivo neutrophil migration and increased the release of CINC-2αβ into air pouch. These fatty acids increased the number of ro...
Source: Clinical Science - April 1, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: M Ramirez Vinolo, H G. Rodrigues, E Hatanaka, C B Hebeda, S H Farsky, R Curi Tags: CS Immunity, Inflammation and Oncology Source Type: journals

Incremental prognostic value of combining left ventricular lead position and systolic dyssynchrony in predicting long-term survival after cardiac resynchronization therapyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, the placement of LV lead at a PL position provides additional value to baseline dyssynchrony in predicting a lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality during long-term follow up after CRT. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - April 1, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Q Zhang, G Yip, J Chan, J Fung, W Chan, Y Lam, C Yu Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Long-term portal hypertension increases the vasodilator response to acetylcholine in rat aorta. Role of prostaglandin I2Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, the increased vasodilation to acetylcholine is maintained in long-term portal hypertension. While the participation of endothelial NO remained unmodified, the COX-2 derivate PGI2 does participate through an increased vasodilator response. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - March 30, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J Blanco-Rivero, M Aller, J Arias, M Ferrer, G Balfagón Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Glutathione and amino acid concentrations in human liver during short warm ischemia and reperfusion: A pilot studyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Glutathione is a major antioxidant. In the present study we investigated if a clinical model of short warm ischemia and reperfusion of the human liver during surgery would influence glutathione and amino acid metabolism. Previous studies on man have demonstrated that ischemia and reperfusion in skeletal muscle up to 120 minutes have no major effect on muscle glutathione concentration. Liver ischemia and reperfusion in animals have demonstrated diverging results concerning glutathione metabolism. In the present study six patients with malignancies of the liver, undergoing liver resection during warm ischemia were included...
Source: Clinical Science - March 30, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: B Westman, A Thörne, O Rooyackers, K Fredriksson, J Wernerman, F Hammarqvist Tags: CS Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition Source Type: journals

Eicosapentaenoic acid stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase and increases visfatin secretion in cultured murine adipocytesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Visfatin is an adipokine highly expressed in visceral adipose tissue (AT) of humans and rodents, the production of which seems to be dysregulated in excessive fat accumulation and conditions of insulin resistance. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), has been demonstrated to exert beneficial effects within obesity and insulin resistance conditions, which have been further linked to its reported ability to modulate adipokine production by adipocytes. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine whose production is increased in obesity and involved in the development of insulin resistance. Co...
Source: Clinical Science - March 18, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: S Lorente-Cebrián, M Bustos, A Marti, J Martínez, M J. Moreno-Aliaga Tags: CS Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition Source Type: journals

Sympatho-vagal responses in patients with sleep and typical vasovagal syncopeEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Sleep syncope is a recently-described form of vasovagal syncope which interrupts sleep. The pathophysiology of this condition is uncertain but a “central” non-baroreflex mediated trigger has been suggested. We tested the hypothesis that patients with sleep syncope, have abnormal sympatho-vagal responses to non-baroreflex, but normal responses to baroreflex stimuli. We collected historical data from patients with a history of vasovagal syncope with (SS, n=16) and without sleep syncope (NSS, n=35), including demography, triggers and symptoms during syncope. We compared mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR)...
Source: Clinical Science - March 12, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: D Jardine, C Krediet, P Cortelli, C Frampton, W Wieling Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Dexamethasone decreases neuronal nitric oxide release in mesenteric arteries from hypertensive rats through decreased protein kinase C activationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, results obtained here indicate that PKC activity positively modulates the neuronal NO release in MAs from SHR. They also reveal that by PKC inhibition, through activation of glucocorticoid receptors, dexamethasone reduces neuronal NO release in these arteries. (Source: Clinical Science)
Source: Clinical Science - March 6, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: R Aras-López, F E. Xavier, M Ferrer, G Balfagón Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals

Hemodialysis acutely reduces the plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) without reversing impaired nitric oxide dependent vasodilationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Patients with end stage renal disease have endothelial dysfunction and high plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO)-synthase. The actual link between these abnormalities is controversial. Therefore, we investigated whether hemodialysis (HD) impacts acutely on NO-dependent vasodilation and on plasma ADMA in these patients. Twenty-four patients undergoing maintenance HD (HD-group) and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled (Control-group). The increase in forearm skin blood flow (SkBF) caused by local heating to 41°C (SkBF41), known to depend on...
Source: Clinical Science - March 5, 2009 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: R P. Engelberger, D Teta, H Henry, O de Senarclens, B Dischl, L Liaudet, M Burnier, B Waeber, F Feihl Tags: CS Cardiovascular System Source Type: journals