Increased Susceptibility of Atrial Fibrillation Induced by Hyperuricemia in Rats: Mechanisms and Implications.

High levels of serum uric acid is closely associated with atrial fibrillation (AF); nonetheless, the detailed mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, this work examined the intricate mechanisms of AF triggered by hyperuricemia and the impact of the uricosuric agent benzbromarone on atrial remodeling in hyperuricemic rats. After adjusting baseline serum uric acid levels, a total of 28 healthy male adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely, control (CTR), hyperuricemia (oxonic acid potassium salt, OXO) and benzbromarone (+ BBR), and OXO withdrawal groups.

Metformin alleviates hyperuricaemia-induced serum FFA elevation and insulin resistance by inhibiting adipocyte hypertrophy and reversing suppressed white adipose tissue beiging.

Hyperuricaemia (HUA) significantly increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and is strongly associated with the increased prevalence of high serum free fatty acids (FFAs) and insulin resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well established, especially the effect of uric acid (UA) on adipose tissue, a vital organ in regulating whole-body energy and FFA homeostasis. In the present study, we noticed that adipocytes from the white adipose tissue of patients with HUA were hypertrophied and had decreased UCP1 expression.

Case report: A successful combined treatment of severe lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei with oral isotretinoin and methylprednisolone.

Lupus miliaris disseminates faciei (LMDF) is a rare inflammatory dermatosis characterized by an asymptomatic papular eruption in the central face, of which the etiology and pathogenesis are not clear. There is a lack of standard treatment recommendations, especially for severe cases. Here we report a new case of successful treatment of severe LMDF by the combination therapy of oral isotretinoin and methylprednisolone.

Metoprolol Inhibits Profibrotic Remodeling of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in a Canine Model of Chronic Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background Whether chronic obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ) could promote epicardial adipose tissue ( EAT ) secretion of profibrotic adipokines, and thereby contribute to atrial fibrosis, and the potential therapeutic effects of metoprolol remain unknown. Methods and Results A chronic OSA canine model was established by repeatedly clamping the endotracheal tube for and then reopening it for 4 hours every other day for 12 weeks. In a metoprolol treatment group, metoprolol succinate was administered daily for 12 weeks.

Effects of different doses of ticagrelor on platelet aggregation and endothelial function in diabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease.

We performed this study to observe the effects of different doses of ticagrelor and standard-dose clopidogrel on platelet reactivity and endothelial function in diabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Sixty type 2 diabetic patients were assigned to one-quarter standard-dose ticagrelor, half standard-dose ticagrelor, standard-dose ticagrelor and standard-dose clopidogrel groups. Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and VerifyNow assay were used to measure platelet function.

Atrial Fibrillation Promotion in a Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of RA on AF susceptibility and atrial arrhythmogenic remodeling in a rat model of RA.

Methods And Results: Collagen-induced arthritis was induced in rats by immunization with type II collagen in Freund's incomplete adjuvant.