Review on the role of hypothalamic astrocytes in the neuroendocrine control of metabolism.

Astrocytes are the most numerous type of glial cells found in the nervous system. They regulate energy homeostasis in collaboration with the neuronal circuits involved in energy balance. These glial cells are equipped with sensors and receptors for nutrients and metabolic hormones in order to control energy homeostasis.

Sex-related differences in hypertrophy response and cardiac expression of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor in rats with pressure overload.

There is increasing evidence that gender impacts the onset and progression of cardiovascular pathology. However, it is vastly unclear how this variable determines the ultimate outcomes, particularly in the setting of pressure overload-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This study was carried out to fill this gap, at least in part, by assessing myocardial expression of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in female and male rats afflicted with LVH.

Review of potential spermatogenic and aphrodisiac effects of the Ferula genus.

Objective: Men's sexual health plays an important role in male fertility and childbearing, as it is associated with factors such as sexual desire, healthy spermatogenesis, and erectile function. In various cultures, medicinal plants have been utilized to address male sexual issues, including infertility and erectile dysfunction. Despite recent advancements in medical science for treating male impotence, some men opt for herbal supplements as an alternative, given that numerous herbs have the potential to enhance male sexual performance.

Inhibition of GTPase Rac1 expression by vitamin D mitigates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Background: 1, 25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (VitD) attenuates left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), but the mechanisms remain to be portrayed in-depth. The small GTPase Rac1 plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular pathology, especially LVH. Here, we tested whether VitD exerts its anti-LVH effects by counteracting the small GTPase Rac1 expression.