MG53 protects against contrast-induced acute kidney injury by reducing cell membrane damage and apoptosis.

Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) is a tripartite motif family protein that has been reported to attenuate injury via membrane repair in different organs. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a common complication caused by the administration of iodinated contrast media (CM). While the cytotoxicity induced by CM leading to tubular cell death may be initiated by cell membrane damage, we wondered whether MG53 alleviates CI-AKI.

Irisin exerts a therapeutic effect against myocardial infarction via promoting angiogenesis.

Irisin, a myokine, is cleaved from the extracellular portion of fibronectin domain-containing 5 protein in skeletal muscle and myocardium and secreted into circulation as a hormone during exercise. Irisin has been found to exert protective effects against lung and heart injuries. However, whether irisin influences myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear.

[Effects of lipid-modulation and antiplatelet treatment on the endothelial lipase expression].

Objective: To investigate the effects of lipid-modulation and antiplatelet treatment on the expression of endothelial lipase (EL) of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and investigate the role of EL in the development of CAD.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-seven cases were divided into three groups according to clinical manifestations and the results of coronary artery angiography: control group (n=41) with more than one risk factors of CAD and the vessel lesions was <30%; stable angina pectoris (SAP) group (n=55); acute coronary syndrome (ACS) group (n=61). The EL positive cell rate was measured 2 weeks after cessation of lipid-modulation and aspirin treatment, and 6 months after treatment with simvastatin and/or aspirin.

[G protein kinase 4gammaA142V overexpression induced hypertension by downregulating D1 receptors in transgenic mice].

Objective: Abnormalities in dopamine production and receptor function have been described in human essential hypertension and rodent models of genetic hypertension. We investigated the role of G protein kinase (GRK) 4gamma in essential hypertension in GRK4gamma mutant A142V transgenic mice.

Methods: Blood pressure, renal sodium excretion, D(1) receptor protein expression and phosphorylation were measured in GRK4gammaA142V transgenic mice and control mice.