Melatonin prevents neonatal dexamethasone induced programmed hypertension: histone deacetylase inhibition.

Adulthood hypertension can be programmed by corticosteroid exposure in early life. Oxidative stress, epigenetic regulation by histone deacetylases (HDACs), and alterations of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are involved in the developmental programming of hypertension. We examined whether melatonin prevented neonatal dexamethasone (DEX)-induced programmed hypertension and how melatonin prevented these processes.

Common carotid artery intima-media thickness is useful for diagnosis of the acute stage of Kawasaki disease.

Background: This study aimed to investigate intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries in children with acute Kawasaki disease (KD).

Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, patients fulfilling the criteria for KD, including a fever lasting >5 days, were prospectively enrolled in this study. Laboratory data, echocardiography, and IMT were measured and compared with matched controls.

Renoprotective effects of melatonin in young spontaneously hypertensive rats with L-NAME.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency occurs in humans and animals with hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). An inhibitor of NO synthase, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) exacerbates kidney damage in the adult spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). We examined whether L-NAME exacerbated hypertensive nephrosclerosis in young SHRs and whether melatonin protects SHRs against kidney damage by restoration of the asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)-NO pathway.

Predictors for Regression of Large Secundum Atrial Septal Defects Diagnosed in Infancy.

Pupose: To determine predictive factors of spontaneous closure or size reduction in large secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASD) diagnosed in infancy prior to catheterization or surgical intervention.

Methods: From June 2003 to October 2009, 59 infants diagnosed with secundum-type ASDs measuring ≥ 8 mm in the first year of life were retrospectively enrolled. We reviewed medical records, as well as electrocardiography and echocardiography findings.