MicroRNA-377 Mediates Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Induced by Cyclosporin A.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressant that has wide clinical applications for autoimmune disorders and prevention of rejection in organ transplantation. However, its liver, kidney, and heart toxicity has limited its use. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which CsA induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

The effects of atorvastatin on pulmonary arterial hypertension and expression of p38, p27, and Jab1 in rats.

Statins have recently come under evaluation for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of atorvastatin on the clinical manifestations and expression of p38, p27 and Jab1 using a rat PAH model. Ninety-six male Wistar rats were divided into control (receiving no surgical treatment), vehicle and treatment groups, among which the last two groups underwent left pneumonectomy and were then treated with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg).