Hydrogen sulfide attenuates disturbed flow-induced vascular remodeling by inhibiting LDHB-mediated autophagic flux.

Disturbed flow (DF) plays a critical role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is involved in physiological processes within the cardiovascular system. However, its specific contribution to DF-induced vascular remodeling remains unclear.

Deletion of MAPL ameliorates septic cardiomyopathy by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Aim: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of septic cardiomyopathy (SCM). Mitochondrial anchored protein ligase (MAPL), a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase, plays a significant role in mitochondrial function. However, the role of MAPL in SCM remains unclear.

The functional impact on donor vessel following transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistulas-a retrospective study using QFR analysis.

Background: The impact of transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistula (CAF) and residual shunt after occlusion on improving blood flow in the donor vessel remains uncertain.

Objectives: To evaluate the functional impact on the donor vessel following CAFs closure using QFR (Quantitative Flow Ratio) analysis.

Methods: A total of 46 patients with 48 CAFs who underwent transcatheter closure at Shanghai Chest Hospital and Shuguang Hospital between March 2015 and August 2023 were included in the review.

Risk field modeling of urban tunnel based on APF.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to explore the changing laws of driving safety in the complex and changing driving environment in urban tunnels, to analyze the evolution of driving risk fields caused by changes in adjacent vehicles, driving behavior characteristics and road environment, and to reveal the formation mechanism of tunnel driving danger zones.

Methods: The kinetic field, behavioral field and potential field models are constructed according to the APF theory. The driving safety risks arising from the surrounding vehicles, driving behavior characteristics and changes in the tunnel environment are analyzed in the process of driving from the open section to the exit of the tunnel.

Cellular and molecular characteristics of stromal Lkb1 deficiency-induced gastrointestinal polyposis based on single-cell RNA sequencing.

Liver kinase B1 (Lkb1), encoded by serine/threonine kinase (Stk11), is a serine/threonine kinase and tumor suppressor that is strongly implicated in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). Numerous studies have shown that mesenchymal-specific Lkb1 is sufficient for the development of PJS-like polyps in mice. However, the cellular origin and components of these Lkb1-associated polyps and underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

Renal and cardiac effects of the PDE9 inhibitor BAY 73-6691 in 5/6 nephrectomized rats.

It has been suggested that the novel selective phosphodiesterase 9 (PDE9) inhibitor may improve cardiac and renal function by blocking 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) degradation. 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) rats were used to investigate the effects of the PDE9 inhibitor (BAY 73-6691) on the heart and kidney. Two doses of BAY 73-6691 (1 mg/kg/day and 5 mg/kg/day) were given for 95 days.

Dynamics of Endothelial Cell Generation and Turnover in Arteries During Homeostasis and Diseases.

Background: Endothelial cell (EC) generation and turnover by self-proliferation contributes to vascular repair and regeneration. The ability to accurately measure the dynamics of EC generation would advance our understanding of cellular mechanisms of vascular homeostasis and diseases. However, it is currently challenging to evaluate the dynamics of EC generation in large vessels such as arteries because of their infrequent proliferation.

Allicin promotes functional recovery in ischemic stroke via glutathione peroxidase-1 activation of Src-Akt-Erk.

Allicin exhibits various pharmacological activities and has been suggested to be beneficial in the treatment of stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we confirmed that allicin protected the brain from cerebral injury, which could be ascribed to its anti‑apoptotic and anti‑inflammatory effects, as well as the regulation of lipid metabolism, using proteomics and metabolomics analysis.

Post-procedural and long-term functional outcomes of jailed side branches in stented coronary bifurcation lesions assessed with side branch Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio.

Introduction: In coronary bifurcation lesions treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a 1-stent strategy, the occurrence of side branch (SB) compromise may lead to long-term myocardial ischemia in the SB territory. Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) is a novel angiography-based approach estimating fractional flow reserve from a single angiographic view, and thus is more feasible to assess SB compromise in routine practice. However, its association with long-term SB coronary blood flow remains unknown.

Left atrial appendage angiography for stroke risk prediction in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: The current risk stratification schemes for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are insufficient for an accurate assessment of stroke risk.

Aims: This study evaluates the association between the mechanical function of the left atrial appendage (LAA), as assessed by angiography, and the risk of stroke.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the mechanical function of the LAA by measuring the left atrial appendage ejection fraction (LAAEF) and grading the contrast retention (CR) using angiography.

Reno- and cardioprotective molecular mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors beyond glycemic control: from bedside to bench.

Large placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) delay the deterioration of renal function and reduce cardiovascular events in a glucose-independent manner, thereby ultimately reducing mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or heart failure. These existing clinical data stimulated preclinical studies aiming to understand the observed clinical effects. In animal models, it was shown that the beneficial effect of SGLT2i on the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) improves glomerular pressure and reduces tubular workload by improving renal hemodynamics, which appears to be dependent on salt intake.

Transient Receptor Vanilloid Subtype 4-Mediated Ca Influx Promotes Glomerular Endothelial Inflammation in Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury.

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a frequent complication in patients who are critically ill, which is often initiated by glomerular endothelial cell dysfunction. Although transient receptor vanilloid subtype 4 (TRPV4) ion channels are known to be permeable to Ca and are widely expressed in the kidneys, the role of TRPV4 on glomerular endothelial inflammation in sepsis remains elusive. In the present study, we found that TRPV4 expression in mouse glomerular endothelial cells (MGECs) increased after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation or cecal ligation and puncture challenge, which increased intracellular Ca in MGECs.

Renoprotective effects of empagliflozin are linked to activation of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism and blunting of the complement system.

The mechanisms of nephroprotection in nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) models by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are not well defined. Five groups were established: sham-operated rats, placebo-treated rats with 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx), 5/6Nx + telmisartan (5 mg/kg/day), 5/6Nx + empagliflozin (3 mg/kg/day), and 5/6Nx + empagliflozin (15 mg/kg/day). Treatment duration was 95 days.

Jujuboside A attenuates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting inflammation and regulating autophagy.

Background: Jujuboside A (JuA), as a main effective component of Jujubogenin, has long been known as a sedative-hypnotic drug. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential effect of JuA on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Method: Wide type C57BL/6 mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were exposed to LPS to establish myocardial toxicity models.

Outcomes of atrial septostomy and effect on long-term survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: A single-center cohort.

Objective: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic progressive disease that may lead to right heart failure (RHF) and early death. Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) may be used for the palliative treatment of RHF from PAH. We present our contemporary institutional experience of utilizing BAS in idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients with refractory RHF to investigate the effect on the safety, efficacy and long-term survival.

SENP2 Promotes VSMC Phenotypic Switching via Myocardin De-SUMOylation.

Myocardin is a master regulator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation, which induces the expression of smooth-muscle-specific genes through its direct association with serum response factor (SRF). During the past two decades, significant insights have been obtained regarding the regulatory control of myocardin expression and transcriptional activity at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. However, whether and how SUMOylation plays important roles in modulating myocardin function remain elusive.

Alprostadil vs. isosorbide dinitrate in ameliorating angina episodes in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: The optimum therapy for coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) stays debatable. This study compared the effectiveness of alprostadil with isosorbide dinitrate in alleviating angina episodes in CSFP patients.

Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled study, 102 patients with CSFP without severe coronary artery stenosis that exhibited stable angina were allocated randomly in a ratio of 1:1 to either the alprostadil group (40 μg, three times per day, = 51) or the isosorbide dinitrate group (5 mg, three times per day, = 51).

L-shaped association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in individuals with osteoarthritis: results from the NHANES database prospective cohort study.

Background: The relationship between vitamin D status and mortality in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) is unknown. This study investigated the associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among American adults with OA.

Methods: This study included 2556 adults with OA from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2014).

Exercise-derived peptide protects against pathological cardiac remodeling.

Background: Exercise training protects the heart against pathological cardiac remodeling and confers cardioprotection from heart failure. However, the underlying mechanism is still elusive.

Methods: An integrative analysis of multi-omics data of the skeletal muscle in response to exercise is performed to search for potential exerkine.

Angiotensin II Promotes White Adipose Tissue Browning and Lipolysis in Mice.

Emerging evidence has revealed that all components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are present in adipose tissue. Angiotensin II (Ang II), the major bioactive component of the RAS, has been recognized as an adipokine involved in regulating energy homeostasis. However, the precise role of Ang II in white adipose tissue (WAT) remodeling remains to be elucidated.

Nongated Computed Tomography Predicts Perioperative Cardiovascular Risk in Lung Cancer Surgery.

Background: The coronary artery calcification score (CACS), a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality, can be assessed by nongated chest computed tomography (CT). The study aimed to determine whether CACS based on nongated CT is predictive of perioperative cardiovascular events during intermediate-risk lung cancer surgery.

Methods: In this retrospective, single-center study, we used nongated CT images to evaluate CACS in 4491 patients with lung cancer who underwent intermediate-risk surgeries.

Nur77 Deficiency Exacerbates Macrophage NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Inflammation and Accelerates Atherosclerosis.

Purpose: Activation of NLR (nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat immune receptor) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome mediating interleukin- (IL-) 1 secretion has emerged as an important component of inflammatory processes in atherogenesis. The nuclear receptor Nur77 is highly expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions; however, its functional role in macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation has not yet been clarified. .