Kinetic validation of the LiMAx test during 10 000 intravenous C-methacetin breath tests.

The maximal liver function capacity (LiMAx) test, a novel C-methacetin breath test, has proven clinical validity in determining hepatic metabolic capacity. In contrast to prior C-methacetin breath test protocols, the LiMAx test is performed by intravenous body-weight-adjusted substrate administration. Furthermore, the DOB kinetics (delta over baseline of the time-dependent exhaled CO/CO ratio) are measured online at the bedside with a high time resolution in order to determine the maximum DOB.

Accelerated mitochondrial adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphosphate transport improves hypertension-induced heart disease.

Background: Strong evidence suggests that mitochondrial malfunction, which leads to disturbed energy metabolism and stimulated apoptosis, is a linchpin in the induction and manifestation of cardiac failure. An adequate exchange of ATP and ADP over the inner mitochondrial membrane by the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is thereby essential to guarantee the cellular energy supply.

Methods And Results: To explore the effect of an ameliorated mitochondrial ATP/ADP transportation on cardiac dysfunction, we generated transgenic rats overexpressing ANT1 in the heart (ANT rats) and crossed them with renin-overexpressing rats (REN rats) suffering from hypertension-induced cardiac insufficiency.