Angiotensin-(1-7) modulates angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction in human mammary artery.

Purpose: The renin-angiotensin system plays a key role in cardiovascular pathophysiology and one of its members, angiotensin-(1-7) (ANG-(1-7)), is now recognized as a peptide with the ability to counter-regulate angiotensin II (ANGII) effects. We sought to investigate ANG-(1-7) actions in human vessels, particularly its effect on ANGII-induced vasoconstriction in human mammary arteries (HMA).

Methods: Samples of HMA from patients submitted to coronary revascularization (22 patients, mean age 67 years) were cut into small rings, mounted in a myograph bath system, normalized and allowed to contract and dilate isometrically.

Prognostic value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in acute heart failure.

Background: The identification of patients at risk for worse outcome is still a challenge. We hypothesized that cystatin C, a marker of renal function, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a marker of acute renal injury, would have a role in the prognostic stratification of these patients.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated 121 patients admitted for acute HF.