Granulocytes in coronary thrombus evolution after myocardial infarction--time-dependent changes in expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

Background: Remodeling of extracellular matrix is a key process during wound healing, which is strictly regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors [tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)]. In this study, we evaluated intrathrombotic MMPs and TIMPs and their cellular origin during thrombus evolution after disruption of coronary atherosclerotic plaque.

Materials And Methods: Thrombectomy materials (N=120) obtained from patients with acute myocardial infarction were histologically classified in three groups based on thrombus age: fresh (<1day), lytic (1-5days), or organized (>5days) thrombi; materials showing a heterogeneous composition were classified according to oldest part.

Targeting macrophage Histone deacetylase 3 stabilizes atherosclerotic lesions.

Macrophages are key immune cells found in atherosclerotic plaques and critically shape atherosclerotic disease development. Targeting the functional repertoire of macrophages may hold novel approaches for future atherosclerosis management. Here, we describe a previously unrecognized role of the epigenomic enzyme Histone deacetylase 3 (Hdac3) in regulating the atherosclerotic phenotype of macrophages.

Effects of endothelin ETA receptor blocker LU 135252 on cardiac remodeling and survival in a hypertensive rat model of chronic heart failure.

Aim: To investigate whether the endothelin ETA receptor blocker provides similar benefit on cardiac remodeling and survival in a hypertensive rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods: Male stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHR-SP) rats were subjected to permanent ligation of the left coronary artery and were treated for 6 weeks with the endothelin ETA receptor blocker LU 135252 (30 mg.kg(-1).

Comparison of cardioprotective effects of mibefradil and ramipril in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Aim: To elucidate the cardioprotective effects of T-type calcium channel blocker mibefradil and compare with that of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril in a stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) model of congestive heart failure (CHF) after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods: SHR-SP rats were subjected to permanent ligation of the left anterior decending coronary artery. Treatment with mibefradil (10 mg.