Repeated low-dose of erythropoietin is associated with improved left ventricular function in rat acute myocardial infarction model.

Objective: To evaluate the potential protective affects of Epo on left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods: Epo was injected into the peritoneum of male Wistar rats (250 g) during 6 weeks post induction of MI. Rats were divided into five groups: MI treated with single high dose (MT1, 5,000 U/kg, n=10), single high dose (5,000 U/kg) and repeated high doses (MTHi, 1,000 U/kg twice a week; n=8), or single high dose (5,000 U/kg) and repeated low doses (MTLo, 750 U/kg once a week, n=10), MI non-treated (MNT, n=10), sham (S, n=5).

Dynamics of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and cosmophysical activity.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase reactant, plays an important part in the investigation of the role of inflammation in pathology. Many cardiovascular events show significant associations with various cosmophysical parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the level of CRP and the levels of solar, geomagnetic (GMA), and cosmic ray activity.

Submandibular and sublingual salivary gland function in familial dysautonomia.

Objective: Drooling in familial dysautonomia (FD) has been attributed to denervation supersensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate submandibular and sublingual (SM/SL) gland function in FD.

Study Design: SM/SL saliva was collected from 15 children with FD and from 31 healthy control subjects.