The Influence of Atorvastatin Treatment on Homocysteine Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Model of Diabetic Rats.

Objective: In our experimental study, we evaluated the influence of treatment with atorvastatin on the antioxidant activity of intracellular and extracellular systems factors, homocysteine levels (Hcy), and lipid profiles in obese and diabetic rats.

Method: Twenty-one male Wistar rats, aged 6 months, 450-550 g, were allocated into three groups. From the beginning of the study, the first group (G-I, control) received only standard food, while the second and third groups (G II-obese, G III-diabetic) were administered a high-fat diet (HFD) with 2% cholesterol.

The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Systemic Effects Mediated by Parathormone in the Context of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stands as a prominent non-communicable ailment, significantly impacting life expectancy. Physiopathology stands mainly upon the triangle represented by parathormone-Vitamin D-Fibroblast Growth Factor-23. Parathormone (PTH), the key hormone in mineral homeostasis, is one of the less easily modifiable parameters in CKD; however, it stands as a significant marker for assessing the risk of complications.

Role of arterial hypertension and angiotensin II in chronic kidney disease (Review).

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue, due to its effect on the quality of life of patients and by the huge costs incurred in treating this disease. It is an irreversible process, characterized by the progressive loss of functional nephrons. CKD ultimately requires the support of renal function by dialysis or even renal transplantation.

The RAAS Axis and SARS-CoV-2: From Oral to Systemic Manifestations.

One of the essential regulators of arterial blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) seems to be one of the most complex mechanisms in the human body. Since the discovery of its key components and their actions, new substances and functions are still being unraveled. The main pathway begins with the secretion of renin in the kidney and culminates with the synthesis of angiotensin II (Ang II)-a strong vasoconstrictor-thanks to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

The Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2/Angiotensin 1-7 Axis in Establishing Severe COVID-19 Consequences.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a tremendous stress on the medical community over the last two years. Managing the infection proved a lot more difficult after several research communities started to recognize the long-term effects of this disease. The cellular receptor for the virus was identified as angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), a molecule responsible for a wide array of processes, broadly variable amongst different organs.

Connections between Orthopedic Conditions and Oxidative Stress: Current Perspective and the Possible Relevance of Other Factors, Such as Metabolic Implications, Antibiotic Resistance, and COVID-19.

The general opinion in the literature is that these topics remain clearly understudied and underrated, with many unknown aspects and with controversial results in the respective areas of research. Based on the previous experience of our groups regarding such matters investigated separately, here we attempt a short overview upon their links. Thus, we summarize here the current state of knowledge regarding the connections between oxidative stress and: (a) orthopedic conditions; (b) COVID-19.

Does silodosin offer better results than tamsulosin as medical expulsive treatment after shock wave lithotripsy for single distal ureteric stones?

Introduction: Different antagonists of adrenergic receptors (-blockers) have been used as medical expulsive treatment (MET) after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Aim: To retrospectively evaluate the expulsion rate of fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy performed for single ureteral stones followed by different medical expulsive treatments.

Material And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed stone expulsion rates of 190 patients treated by shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for single, 5 to 10 mm, symptomatic and uncomplicated distal ureteric stones, treated with tamsulosin 0.

Involvement of proinflammatory cytokines in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rat.

Rightfully considered as essential for hydro-electrolytic homeostasis, angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main product of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Ang II is one of the most important factors that contribute to the regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure (ABP). This major role is based on the effects exerted by RAS: Upon the kidney (RAS involvement in the control of salt and water excretion), upon the brain (RAS involvement in the control of water intake), and upon the sympathetic nervous system.

Acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation in a patient with Addison disease: Case report and brief review of physiopathological mechanisms: A case study.

The adrenal gland serve important roles in the modulation of the immune response, the adjustment of blood pressure, the stress reaction via glucocorticoids and the hydroelectrolytic balance via mineralocorticoids. Primary adrenal insufficiency, known as Addison disease, is characterized by a decrease in glucocorticoid secretion (cortisol) and, more rarely, by a hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). The production of cortisol, which is a hormone that helps the body respond to stress, is regulated in the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

Skin - a vast organ with immunological function (Review).

The skin is an organ with multiple functions, where important inflammatory and immunological processes take place. The integrity of the skin barrier is necessary for it to fulfill its roles. An intact skin barrier requires a physiological keratinization process, but also a normal cutaneous microbial flora.

Synthesis and physiological implications of melanic pigments.

The process of melanin synthesis and distribution is called melanogenesis, a process that is based on melanocytes present among the basal cells of the epidermis. Pigments formed in melanocyte melanosomes are then stored in the basal layer of epidermal cells, as well as in dermal macrophages, which become melanophores. From the embryological point of view, melanocytes derive from the melanoblasts of the neural crest, from where they migrate during the first months of life into the skin, eye, cochlea, bone, peripheral nervous system, heart and adipose tissue.

Changes in arterial stiffness following dialysis in relation to overhydration and to endothelial function.

Introduction: Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are greatly enhanced in patients with chronic kidney disease, partly due to increased arterial stiffness.

Material And Method: The study included 63 stable HD patients. Stiffness parameters were evaluated by applanation tonometry before the mid-week HD sessions.

Idazoxan effects upon contractile activity in the rat aorta are related to alpha adrenoceptors and L-type channels.

Idazoxan is an alpha(2) adrenoceptor antagonist and alpha(1)/alpha(2) partial agonist which also blocks imidazoline receptors. Although idazoxan is widely used in pharmacological studies, its intrinsic vasoactive properties could bring about some limitations. Others have shown that in rat aorta contracted by phenylephrine idazoxan induces relaxation and that in rat small arteries it preferentially antagonizes the alpha(1)-mediated response.