Distinct effects of obesity and diabetes on the action potential waveform and inward currents in rat ventricular myocytes.

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Research indicates that obese individuals, regardless of their diabetic status, have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Studies suggest that these patients experience impaired electrical conduction in the heart, although the underlying cause-whether due to obesity-induced fat toxicity or diabetes-related factors-remains uncertain.

The impact of maternal obesity on in vivo uterine contractile activity during parturition in the rat.

Maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of prolonged and dysfunctional labor and emergency caesarean section. To elucidate the mechanisms behind the associated uterine dystocia, a translational animal model is required. Our previous work identified that exposure to a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet to induce obesity down-regulates uterine contractile associated protein expression and causes asynchronous contractions ex vivo.

The Effect of Oxytocin on Intracellular Ca Release in Cardiac Cells.

Ca signaling is vital for the proper functioning of all cells, including cells of the cardiovascular system. Membrane receptors for many hormones trigger intracellular Ca signaling via the activation of phospholipase C and production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP). Several research groups have demonstrated the expression of oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the heart and suggested a cardioprotective role of OXT against several pathological conditions.

Epstein-Barr virus noncoding small RNA (EBER1) induces cell proliferation by up-regulating cellular mitochondrial activity and calcium influx.

Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNAs (EBER1 and EBER2) are two non-polyadenylated, non-protein coding small RNAs expressed at high levels in all forms of EBV latent infections. Although not directly involved in cell transformation, a number of studies have reported that these RNAs may be involved in cell proliferation. However, which of the two EBERs play a major role in this process and the mechanisms involved remains unknown.