Risk scores do not predict high mortality after coronary artery bypass surgery in the presence of diastolic dysfunction.

Background: Although global postoperative mortality after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is approximately 3%, in some groups it can be considerably higher. Many conditions are known to increase mortality and have been included in well-known scoring systems; however, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has not been sufficiently evaluated to identify its predictive value for mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting, nor is it integrated in currently used risk scores.

Methods: Left ventricular filling pattern was prospectively evaluated in 191 patients scheduled for on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Connective tissue growth factor is involved in pancreatic repair and tissue remodeling in human and rat acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Objective: To analyze the involvement of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) pathway during acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) in humans and rats.

Summary Background Data: Connective tissue growth factor is involved in several fibrotic diseases and has a critical role in fibrogenesis and tissue remodeling after injury.

Methods: Normal human pancreas tissue samples were obtained through an organ donor program from five individuals without a history of pancreatic disease.

Phospholipase A2 isoforms in acute pancreatitis.

Objective: To assess phospholipase A2 isoforms during human and experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Phospholipase A2 isoforms (group I, II, and IV) were examined in acute pancreatitis tissues in humans and rats to determine whether the exocrine pancreas itself is a source of these mediators.

Summary Background Data: Phospholipase A2 has important regulatory functions, especially in inflammation.

Enhanced expression of TGF-betas and their receptors in human acute pancreatitis.

Objectives: To determine which mechanisms are involved in pancreatic remodeling, repair, and fibrosis after acute necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) in humans.

Summary Background Data: Transforming growth factor betas (TGF-betas) are multifunctional polypeptides that have been implicated in the regulation and formation of extracellular matrix and fibrosis. They exert their functions by binding to specific receptors.

Increased expression of transforming growth factor beta s after acute oedematous pancreatitis in rats suggests a role in pancreatic repair.

Background: Transforming growth factor beta isoforms (TGF beta s) belong to a family of multifunctional regulators of cellular growth and differentiation. They are mitogenic and chemotactic for fibroblasts and are potent stimulators of extracellular matrix production (collagen) and deposition. Upregulation of TGF beta transcription has been reported for several in vivo systems during repair after injury.

Enhanced expression of urokinase plasminogen activator and its receptor in pancreatic carcinoma.

Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a serine proteinase that has been suggested to play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. It binds to a specific membrane receptor denominated uPA receptor (uPAR). uPA activates plasminogen to form plasmin, which participates in tissue degradation and proteolysis.