Cardiac hypertrophy in mice submitted to a swimming protocol: influence of training volume and intensity on myocardial renin-angiotensin system.

Exercise promotes physiological cardiac hypertrophy and activates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which plays an important role in cardiac physiology, both through the classical axis [angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) activated by angiotensin II (ANG II)] and the alternative axis [proto-oncogene Mas receptor (MASR) activated by angiotensin-(1-7)]. However, very intense exercise could have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. We aimed to analyze the cardiac hypertrophy phenotype and the classical and alternative RAS axes in the myocardium of mice submitted to swimming exercises of varying volume and intensity for the development of cardiac hypertrophy.

The Effects of a Flavonoid-Rich Diet on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Lipid Profile after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Antioxidant-rich foods may decrease oxidative stress and have a direct impact on atherosclerosis by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Our aim was to assess the impact of a flavonoid-rich diet on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease submitted to elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Thirty-three patients submitted to elective PCI were randomly allocated to follow either a flavonoid rich antioxidant (AOX) diet or a control diet based on National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations.

Effect of diacerein on renal function and inflammatory cytokines in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: A randomized controlled trial.

Unlabelled: Diacerein seems to improve metabolic control and reduce inflammatory marker levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM), but for participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) its effect is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diacerein vs. placebo on urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and inflammatory cytokines in type 2 DM participants with CKD.

Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG reduces hepatic fibrosis in a model of chronic liver disease in rats.

Background: The intestinal dysbiosis is common in chronic liver disease and can induce to inflammatory responses and mediate the collagen deposition in the liver.

Aim: To evaluate the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for the treatment of liver fibrosis in a model of chronic cholestatic liver disease in rats.

Methods: Male adult Wistar rats (n = 29) were submitted to common bile duct ligation (BDL groups) or manipulation of common bile duct without ligation (Ctrl groups).

Circulating microRNAs in obese and lean heart failure patients: A case-control study with computational target prediction analysis.

Aims: MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate processes involved in both cardiac remodeling and obesity. We investigated if the expression of selected miRs in patients with heart failure (HF) is influenced by the presence of obesity.

Methods: In this case-control study, we compared plasma levels of miR-21, -130b, -221, -423-5p, and the -221/-130b ratio in 57 age- and gender-matched subjects: 40 HF patients (20 obese HF and 20 lean HF) and 17 lean healthy controls.

Serum levels and polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in carotid artery atherosclerosis: higher MMP-9 levels are associated with plaque vulnerability.

Context: Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability.

Objective: To investigate serum levels and genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -3 and -9 in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy.

Methods: Genetic polymorphisms were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP); serum levels were measured using ELISA; histological sections were stained with Picrosirius Red to analyze the fibrous cap thickness, lipid core and collagen content and with hematoxylin--eosin to detect the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage.

Early use of cardiac troponin-I and echocardiography imaging for prediction of myocardial infarction size in Wistar rats.

Aims: Evaluating myocardial infarct (MI) size prior to intervention is fundamental to ensure accurate results in experimental studies. However, this assessment is performed at late time points. We aimed to evaluate whether measuring plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and performing echocardiographic assessment at earlier time points can predict the occurrence of MI and infarct size.

Plasma glycation levels are associated with severity in sepsis.

Background: Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) have been involved in inflammatory diseases and may have an important role in the progression of symptoms. However, few studies have analysed the levels of glycated proteins in sepsis. In this study, we evaluated the levels of the well-known AGE (N(ε) -(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and N(ε) -(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL)) in the plasma of septic patients.

Polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene in systolic heart failure: an haplotype analysis.

Background: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms have been associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, but few studies have evaluated the role of eNOS haplotypes on the risk and prognosis of heart failure (HF). This prospective study was designed to analyze the impact of three eNOS polymorphisms (T-786C, VNTR4a/b and Glu298Asp) and their haplotypes on the susceptibility and clinical outcomes in HF outpatients with systolic dysfunction.

Methods And Results: We conducted a case-control and a cohort study in which 316 HF patients and 360 healthy controls were recruited from a tertiary care university hospital.

Bench-to-bedside review: sepsis - from the redox point of view.

The pathogenesis of sepsis and its progression to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and septic shock have been the subject of investigations for nearly half a century. Controversies still exist with regard to understanding the molecular pathophysiology of sepsis in relation to the complex roles played by reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, complements and cytokines. In the present review we categorise the key turning points in sepsis development and outline the most probable sequence of events leading to cellular dysfunction and organ failure under septic conditions.

Oxidative damage in the liver of rats treated with glycolaldehyde.

Liver diseases are often associated with hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These conditions, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus and obesity, facilitate the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These products are known to impair protein function and promote inflammation.

Glycolaldehyde induces oxidative stress in the heart: a clue to diabetic cardiomyopathy?

Cardiovascular complications account for 80% of the mortality related to diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia is believed to be the major culprit of angiopathy and cardiomyopathy. High glucose levels and oxidative stress cause elevation of Advanced Glycation End-products that are known to contribute to diabetic complications and correlate with many diseases.

Circulating glycolaldehyde induces oxidative damage in the kidney of rats.

Renal failure is a key pathological issue in diabetic patients. Increased levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been associated to diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy. Models of AGE-treated animals have been applied to evaluate the effect of such molecules on oxidative parameters involved in the pathogenesis and evolution of diabetes disease.

Vascular redox imbalance in rats submitted to chronic exercise.

Exercise training has been used for treatment/prevention of many cardiovascular diseases, but the mechanisms need to be clarified. Thus, our aim was to compare oxidative stress parameters between rats submitted to a swimming training and sedentary rats (control). Twelve male rats were divided into two groups: control and exercise training.

The role of free radicals in sepsis development.

Sepsis is a complex inflammatory syndrome with diverse etiology and wide spectrum of severity. Several researchers have linked reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) with the onset, progression and outcome of sepsis, both in pre-clinical and in clinical studies. ROS/RNS are important signaling molecules but its overproduction must be avoided by organism, otherwise oxidative stress takes place.

Alterations in oxidative markers in the cerebellum and peripheral organs in MPS I mice.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I is a lysosomal storage disease with alterations in several organs. Little is known about the pathways that lead to the pathology. Evidences point oxidative stress on lysosomal storage diseases and mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

Regulation of LPS stimulated ROS production in peritoneal macrophages from alloxan-induced diabetic rats: involvement of high glucose and PPARgamma.

An increased occurrence of long term bacterial infections is common in diabetic patients. Bacterial cell wall components are described as the main antigenic agents from these microorganisms and high blood glucose levels are suggested to be involved in altered immune response. Hyperglycemia is reported to alter macrophages response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) expression.

Imbalance in SOD/CAT activities in rat skeletal muscles submitted to treadmill training exercise.

The association between physical exercise and oxidative damage in the skeletal musculature has been the focus of many studies in literature, but the balance between superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and its relation to oxidative damage is not well established. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between regular treadmill physical exercise, oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses in skeletal muscle of rats. Fifteen male Wistar rats (8-12 months) were randomly separated into two groups (trained n=9 and untrained n=6).

Effects of maternal protein malnutrition on oxidative markers in the young rat cortex and cerebellum.

Malnutrition affects a large number of children worldwide. Inadequate nutrition during pre- and postnatal period may alter brain development resulting in biochemical, physiological and anatomical changes which in turn could cause behavioral abnormalities. The impairment of the central nervous system following protein deficit have been extensively studied and this deprivation produces deleterious effects upon cerebral structures.

Effect of protein malnutrition on redox state of the hippocampus of rat.

The protein malnutrition is a worldwide problem, affecting mainly newborns and children of developing countries. This deficiency reaches the brain in the most critical period of the development. Various consequences are related to this insult, such as memory disturbance, learning, and behavioral impairment.

Treatment with N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine protects rats against oxidative stress and improves survival in sepsis.

Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of multiple organ failure and septic shock. Here we have evaluated the effects of a combination of antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine) in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled experiment.