Association of galectin-3 with changes in left ventricular function in recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy.

The course of newly diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) varies from persistent reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to recovery or even worsening. The aim of the present study was to examine the prognostic value of selected biomarkers with regard to changes in LVEF. Main inclusion criterion was LVEF ≤45% with exclusion of coronary artery or valvular heart disease.

The tumor suppressor Ikaros shapes the repertoire of notch target genes in T cells.

The Notch signaling pathway is activated in many cell types, but its effects are cell type- and stage-specific. In the immune system, Notch activity is required for the differentiation of T cell progenitors, but it is reduced in more mature thymocytes, in which Notch is oncogenic. Studies based on single-gene models have suggested that the tumor suppressor protein Ikaros plays an important role in repressing the transcription of Notch target genes.

RNA helicase Ddx5 and the noncoding RNA SRA act as coactivators in the Notch signaling pathway.

Notch signaling plays a pivotal role in embryonic and postnatal development. Upon binding of a Notch ligand, proteolytic cleavage events liberate the Notch-intracellular domain (NICD) that migrates into the nucleus. In order to activate target genes, NICD associates with the transcription factor RBP-J (also known as CSL), Mastermind and the acetyltransferase p300.

[Effects of long-term antihypertensive therapy with losartan on blood pressure and cognitive function in patients with essential hypertension and other cerebrovascular risk factors (AWARE observational study)].

Background And Purpose: As arterial hypertension is the most important risk factor for ischemic stroke, the relevant guidelines recommend rigorous treatment to normalize blood pressure. Hypertension can also be associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Therefore, the effect of a long-term therapy with the AT(1) antagonist losartan (+/- hydro chloro thiazide [HCTZ]) on cognitive function in patients with essential hypertension and additional cerebrovascular risk factors was investigated.

[Fixed-combination of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg/25 mg. Tolerability and efficacy on blood pressure measured in the practice and for 24 hours].

Background: A high proportion of patients with essential hypertension need a combination therapy to reach the therapeutic goal. In the present study, the tolerability and efficacy of a fixed, once daily combination of the AT1 blocker Losartan (100 mg) and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (25 mg) for patients in the real-life situation was investigated. Special consideration was given to the results of ambulatory 24-hourblood pressure (ABP) measurements.