Gestational hypoxia elicits long-term cardiovascular dysfunction in female guinea pigs.

Background: Gestational hypoxia (GH) has been implicated in the developmental programming of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the offspring, with most studies focusing on males, conversely, the effects on female cardiovascular health remain understudied. We aimed to investigate the impact of GH on the cardiovascular system of female guinea pig offspring from the early postnatal period to adulthood.

Methods: Pregnant guinea pigs were subjected to normoxic or hypoxic conditions from gestational day 30 until delivery (∼70 days).

Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery as a Potential Determinant of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation and Remodeling: Is SGLT2 Cotransporter Inhibition an Alternative for Cardioprotection?

In heart failure (HF) patients undergoing cardiac surgery, an increased activity of mechanisms related to cardiac remodeling may determine a higher risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Given that atrial fibrillation (AF) has a negative impact on the course and management of HF, including the need for anticoagulation therapy, identifying the factors associated with AF occurrence after cardiac surgery is crucial for the prognosis of these patients. POAF is thought to occur when various clinical and biochemical triggers act on susceptible cardiac tissue (first hit), with oxidative stress and inflammation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery being potential contributing factors (second hit).

Increasing set volume relative to baseline does not augment skeletal muscle adaptations when compared to maintenance of baseline training volume in recreationally trained individuals.

Purpose: This study compared the effects of prescribing an increased number of sets relative to baseline (ITV) to a maintenance of baseline training volume (BTV), in previously trained individuals.

Methods: Forty-two adults with more than 6 months of elbow flexion resistance training experience had each arm randomized to either the ITV or BTV condition. Participants performed 2-weekly sessions of unilateral standing dumbbell elbow flexion exercise for 12 weeks, 8 of which were supervised.

Oxidative Stress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Impact of Combined Oral Contraceptives.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that is associated with heightened metabolic risks. While oxidative stress (OS) is known to play a role in PCOS, the precise nature of the relationship between PCOS and increased OS remains not entirely understood. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are the first-line treatment to regulate menstrual cycles and androgen levels, but their impact on oxidative stress requires further study.