Phosphodiesterases Expression during Murine Cardiac Development.

3'-5' cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a large family of enzymes playing a fundamental role in the control of intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP. Emerging evidence suggested an important role of phosphodiesterases in heart formation, but little is known about the expression of phosphodiesterases during cardiac development. In the present study, the pattern of expression and enzymatic activity of phosphodiesterases was investigated at different stages of heart formation.

Correlation of lung function and respiratory muscle strength with functional exercise capacity in obese individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate lung function and inspiratory muscle strength, correlating them with exercise tolerance, in obese individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods: The sample comprised 31 adult subjects with moderate-to-severe OSAS diagnosed by polysomnography. We used spirometry to measure FVC, FEV1, and FVC/FEV1 ratio, using pressure manometry to measure MIP and MEP.