The effects of exercise training on cardiac matrix metalloproteinases activity and cardiac function in mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of exercise training (ET) on cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins homeostasis and cardiac dysfunction in mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods: Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 3 groups for 8 weeks (12mice/group): Diabetic control-DC: Diabetes was induced by single streptozotocin injection (200 mg/kg i.p.

The role of exercise training and the endocannabinoid system in atherosclerotic plaque burden and composition in Apo-E-deficient mice.

Introduction: We investigated the effect of combining exercise training and treatment with an endocannabinoid receptor 1 inhibitor (Rimonabant) on atherosclerosis burden and composition.

Methods: Forty-eight apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were kept on a 16-week high-fat diet. Mice were then placed on a normal diet and were randomized to the following groups with n=12 mice for 6 more weeks: 1) Control (Co) - no intervention; 2) Exercise (Ex) - exercise training on treadmill; 3) Rimonabant (Ri) - oral administration of rimonabant (10 mg/kg/day); or 4) Rimonabant+Exercise (RiEx) - combination of Ri and Ex groups treatment.

Neurohormonal and cytokine fluctuations following transcatheter closure for an atrial septal defect.

Introduction: Inflammation and neurohormonal activation are considered to be involved in the development of earlier and/or later complications in congenital heart disease patients, even after a successful repair of the lesion. It is not yet clarified what is the role of the therapeutic interventions in the occurrence of such a response and how it could be associated with possible postoperative complications.

Aim: We sought to assess the inflammatory and neurohormonal response to transcatheter closure of secundum type atrial septal defects (ASD) over a six-month follow-up period.

Effects of exercise training on the severity and composition of atherosclerotic plaque in apoE-deficient mice.

Aim: To investigate the effects of exercise on atherosclerotic plaque composition, the concentration of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the atherosclerotic plaque and the systemic circulation.

Methods: Ninety apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice (45 male) were randomized to the following groups (n=15 each): control male/female; sedentary male/female; exercise male/female. Mice were kept on a 16-week high-fat diet.