The Role of Natriuretic Peptides in Pericardial Fluid in Predicting Cardiovascular Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Atrial and ventricular natriuretic peptides play an important role in the neurohormonal regulation of cardiac function. Plasma levels of these peptides may aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of different cardiac disorders, such as congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and atrial fibrillation. However, the association between elevated pericardial fluid levels of natriuretic peptides and these clinical conditions has not been proven.

Central role of Galectin-3 at the cross-roads of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis: Implications for heart failure and transplantation.

Cardiac inflammation and fibrosis are central pathogenic mechanisms leading to heart failure. Transplantation is still the treatment of choice for many patients undergoing end-stage heart failure who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. In spite of considerable progress, the molecular mechanisms linking inflammation, fibrosis and heart failure remain poorly understood.

Neuroinflammatory Pathways Associated with Chronic Post-Thoracotomy Pain: A Review of Current Literature.

Chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) is a major clinical problem that affects up to 35-55% of patients undergoing thoracic incisions. Evidence suggests that multiple cellular signaling pathways and neuro-inflammatory mediators may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of CPTP. In this comprehensive review, we present the current evidence on the cellular signaling pathways and inflammatory changes associated with the initiation and maintenance of CPTP, focusing on the potential application of these findings in the clinical setting.

Characterizing coagulation responses in humans and nonhuman primates following kidney xenotransplantation-A narrative review.

The recent report of the first pig kidney transplant in a living human brings hope to thousands of people with end-stage kidney failure. The scientific community views this early success with caution as kidney xenotransplantation exhibits many challenges and barriers. One of these is coagulation dysregulation.