Regulatory Mechanisms of the Molecular Pathways in Fibrosis Induced by MicroRNAs.

Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play critical roles in the fibrotic process in different organs. We summarized the latest research progress on the roles and mechanisms of miRNAs in the regulation of the molecular signaling pathways involved in fibrosis.

Data Sources: Papers published in English from January 2010 to August 2015 were selected from the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the search terms "microRNA", "miR", "transforming growth factor β", "tgf β", "mitogen-activated protein kinase", "mapk", "integrin", "p38", "c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase", "jnk", "extracellular signal-regulated kinase", "erk", and "fibrosis".

Shenfu Injection suppresses inflammation by targeting haptoglobin and pentraxin 3 in rats with chronic ischemic heart failure.

Objective: To investigate the regulatory effects of Shenfu Injection (SFI, ) on hemodynamic parameters and serum proteins in rats with post-infarction chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods: Forty-five healthy Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: sham, heart failure (model) and SFI group. The CHF was induced by left coronary artery ligation.

Roles and mechanisms of ginseng in protecting heart.

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mayer, has long been used clinically in China to treat various diseases.