Moderate Exercise in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Is Unable to Activate the Expression of Genes Linked to Mitochondrial Dynamics and Biogenesis in Cardiomyocytes.

Hypertension (HTN) is a public health concern and a major preventable cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). When uncontrolled, HTN may lead to adverse cardiac remodeling, left ventricular hypertrophy, and ultimately, heart failure. Regular aerobic exercise training exhibits blood pressure protective effects, improves myocardial function, and may reverse pathologic cardiac hypertrophy.

Systemic oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction is associated with an attenuated acute vascular response to inhaled prostanoid in pulmonary artery hypertension patients.

Background: Systemic endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress have been observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We evaluate whether oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are associated with acute pulmonary vascular bed response to an inhaled prostanoid in PAH patients.

Methods: Fourteen idiopathic PAH patients and 14 controls were included.

Xanthine-oxidase inhibitors and statins in chronic heart failure: effects on vascular and functional parameters.

Background: Increased oxidative stress in heart failure (HF) leads to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction (ED). Both statins and allopurinol have known anti-oxidant properties, but their utility in HF has not been fully assessed.

Methods: This investigation was a prospective, double-blind, double-dummy study, performed between March 2007 and June 2009.

[Predictors of acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation and risk stratification in the chest pain unit].

Background: Nearly 10% of patients with an actual acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are discharged with an inadequate diagnosis.

Aim: To select clinical and laboratory predictors to identify patients with a high likelihood of ACS in the Chest Pain Unit.

Material And Methods: Prospective evaluation of patients consulting in a Chest Pain Unit of a University Hospital.

Pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin in heart failure: role in oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, and exercise capacity.

Background: Increased oxidative stress, a common feature in chronic heart failure, has been associated with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix degradation. Statins have known anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects; however, their role in chronic heart failure is still controversial.

Methods: This was a prospective study of 38 patients with stable systolic chronic heart failure.