Puerarin attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation via the promotion of catalase activity and the inhibition of hydrogen peroxide-dependent Rac-1 activation.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of puerarin on angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation and to explore the molecular mechanisms of action. Considering the role of HO in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation, we hypothesized that modulating catalase activity would be a potential target in regulating the redox-sensitive pathways. Our results showed that the activation of Rac1 was dependent on the levels of intracellular HO.

Puerarin inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy via the redox-sensitive ERK1/2, p38 and NF-κB pathways.

Aim: To investigate the effects of puerarin (Pue), an isoflavone derived from Kudzu roots, on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in vivo and in vitro.

Methods: C57BL/6J mice were infused with Ang II and treated with Pue (100 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), po) for 15 d. After the treatment, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and left ventricular wall thickness were assessed.

[A hospital-wide intervention program to optimize the utilization quality of carbapenems and glycopeptides].

Objective: To investigate the impact of intervention program upon improvement of utilization quality of carbapenems and glycopeptides.

Methods: Multifaceted intervention program of carbapenems and glycopeptides was conducted at our hospital. It involved written justification forms, expert consultation committee meetings, audit, feedback and re-feedback.

[Cardiac arrest in severe acute respiratory syndrome: analysis of 15 cases].

Objective: To investigate the causes for cardiac arrest in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the epidemiological history, clinical presentation, the change of laboratory tests, chest radiography, and treatment of 15 SARS patients with cardiac arrest.

Results: The average age of the patients was 60 years.

[Analysis and causation discussion of 185 severe acute respiratory syndrome dead cases].

Objective: To proceed the retrospective analysis of the dead reasons of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), in order to provide experience for decreasing mortality of SARS patients in clinic.

Methods: Retrospective analyze of 185 dead cases of SARS patients, including age, basic diseases, laboratory tests, radiological test and therapy.

Results: There were 102 men and 83 women in 185 dead cases of SARS, in which average age was 56.