Matrix metalloproteinase-2 stimulates collagen-I expression through phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in rat cardiac fibroblasts.

Collagen-I is thought to be the main component of the extracellular matrix in cardiac fibrosis, the accumulation of which occurs with excessive activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). MMP-2 degrades the extracellular matrix; however, the relative importance of MMP-2 to collagen-I synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts remains unclear. We investigated whether extracellular activation of MMP-2 regulates collagen-I synthesis and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in rat cardiac fibroblasts.

Acute cardiac volume load-related changes in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in healthy dogs.

Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been used for the diagnosis of heart disease. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in secretory responses of plasma ANP and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) concentrations related to acute changes in preload. Six dogs were anaesthetised and infused intravenously with Ringer's solution (90-100mL/kg/h) for 60 min.

Psychiatric and psychological outcomes of Japanese living donors following liver transplantation.

This study indexed the mental status in six living donor liver transplantations (LDLT) performed at the Juntendo University Hospital between 2005 and 2007. The donors' preoperative and postoperative psychiatric and psychological status was assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The present study found that the donors' POMS anger/hostile score decreased significantly following transplantation.