The Effects of Lithium Chloride Exposure on the Reproduction of .

( are model organisms that share similar anatomical structures to humans. By exploring the effects of lithium chloride (LiCl) on we can collect crucial data regarding the compound's impact on patients taking psychiatric medications containing LiCl. Here we performed an egg retention assay on nematode populations to explore how LiCl can influence reproduction.

Clinical predictors of outcome in patients with inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: The study objectives were to identify predictors of outcome in patients with inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi).

Methods: From 2004 to 2008, 55 patients with biopsy-proven DCMi were identified and followed up for 58.2±19.

Socioeconomic status and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: Impact of dietary mediators.

It is well known that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the western societies. A number of risk factors such as family history, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking and physical inactivity are responsible for a significant proportion of the overall cardiovascular risk. Interestingly, recent data suggest there is a gradient in the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease across the spectrum of socioeconomic status, as this is defined by educational level, occupation or income.

Atorvastatin treatment improves endothelial function through endothelial progenitor cells mobilization in ischemic heart failure patients.

Objective: Endothelial function is an independent predictor of prognosis in heart failure (HF) subjects. Statins, beyond their lipid lowering role, exert beneficial effect in patients with atherosclerosis. In the present study we examined the impact of low and intermediate dose atorvastatin treatment on endothelial function, bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) mobilization and inflammatory status according to HF patient status.

Inflammation and chronic heart failure: from biomarkers to novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.

Heart failure (HF) is a complex heterogeneous syndrome with immune, metabolic and neurohumoral mechanisms interacting and leading to gradual heart contractility impairment. From the first study-to correlate inflammation with HF, inflammation biomarkers have been the subject of intense inquiry in patients with various forms of HF. Chronic HF (CHF) is strongly associated with inflammation in terms of pathogenesis, progression, severity and prognosis.

Endothelial dysfunction in conduit arteries and in microcirculation. Novel therapeutic approaches.

The vascular endothelium not only is a single monolayer of cells between the vessel lumen and the intimal wall, but also plays an important role by controlling vascular function and structure mainly via the production of nitric oxide (NO). The so called "cardiovascular risk factors" are associated with endothelial dysfunction, that reduces NO bioavailability, increases oxidative stress, and promotes inflammation contributing therefore to the development of atherosclerosis. The significant role of endothelial dysfunction in the development of atherosclerosis emphasizes the need for efficient therapeutic interventions.

Association of asymmetric dimethylarginine levels with treadmill-stress-test-derived prognosticators.

Background: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide production. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between ADMA and treadmill stress test outcome parameters with known prognostic value, in patients with intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: Study participants were referred for treadmill exercise stress test (EST) due to symptoms of suspected CAD.

Combined effects of fibrinogen genetic variability on atherosclerosis in patients with or without stable angina pectoris: focus on the coagulation cascade and endothelial function.

Background: Fibrinogen is a coagulation/inflammatory biomarker strongly associated with atherogenesis. Data have reported that the genetic variability on fibrinogen chains may affect the atherosclerotic process and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We examined the combined effects of the G455A and the G58A fibrinogen genetic polymorphisms on prothrombotic profile, endothelial function and the risk of CAD in a Caucasian population.

The association of the 174G>C polymorphism of interleukin 6 gene with diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims: To evaluate the association of 174G>C polymorphism on interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene with diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A total of 393 Greek subjects with type 2 diabetes (mean age 66.5±10.

Genetic variability on adiponectin gene affects myocardial infarction risk: the role of endothelial dysfunction.

Background: Adiponectin is an adipokine with an important role in cardiovascular system conferring anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. Two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on adiponectin gene, rs2241766 and rs1501299, have been associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus risk however their effects on cardiovascular risk remain unclear. We examined the impact of rs2241766 and rs1501299 on circulating adiponectin levels, endothelial function and cardiovascular disease risk.

Genetic variability of matrix metalloproteinase genes in cardiovascular disease.

It is well established that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to the degradation of the extracellular matrix of coronary plaque and contribute to the thinning of the fibrous cap. As a result, the atheromatous plaque becomes unstable and prone to rupture with consequent clinical manifestations including acute coronary syndromes. Moreover, genetic polymorphisms of MMPs have been found to be associated with the concentration of circulating MMPs, and over the past decade, considerable efforts have been devoted to explore the relationships between MMPs polymorphisms and myocardial infarction risk among various populations.

Methionine-induced homocysteinemia impairs endothelial function in hypertensives: the role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine and antioxidant vitamins.

Background: Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is synthesized by the methylation of arginine as part of the methionine/homocysteine cycle. However, the mechanisms regulating ADMA synthesis in hypertension are unclear.

Methods: We investigated the role of ADMA and antioxidants in endothelial dysfunction during methionine-induced homocysteinemia in hypertensives.