RESUMO
Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots, is a cause not only of heart attacks and strokes, but of deep venous throm-bosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism as well. The number one killer of Americans is a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the heart or to the brain and approximately half of all morbidity and mortality in the United States can be attributed to heart attack or stroke. All the blood clot related conditions are life-threatening, and so there is a need for safe, effective and preventive treatment. A natural substance rutin, also called rutoside, is a citrus flavonoid glycoside found in Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat), the leaves and petioles of Rheum species, and Asparagus. This flavonoid compound has shown effective thrombolytic activity (prevents the formation of blood clots) by blocking the enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) found in all cells involved in blood clotting. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established that rutin is safe and, thus provides a safe and inexpensive drug that could reduce recurrent clots and help save thousands of lives.
RESUMO
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) a powerful vasodilator, and a protein (28-amino acid peptide) hormone secreted by heart muscle cells. It is released in response to atrial distention, stretching of the vessel walls, sympathetic stimulation of β-adrenoceptors, raised sodium concentration, angiotensin-II and endothelin. ANP binds to three cell surface receptors called ANP receptors. The overall effect of ANP on the body is to counter increases in blood pressure and volume caused by the renin-angiotensin system. It has also been reported to increase the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue. Regulation of its effects is achieved through gradual degradation of the peptide by the enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Inhibitors of NEP are currently being developed to treat disorders ranging from hypertension to heart failure. Synthetic analogs of ANP have been investigated as potential therapies for the treat-ment of decompensated heart failure and other diseases.
RESUMO
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) a powerful vasodilator, and a protein (28-amino acid peptide) hormone secreted by heart muscle cells. It is released in response to atrial distention, stretching of the vessel walls, sympathetic stimulation of β-adrenoceptors, raised sodium concentration, angiotensin-II and endothelin. ANP binds to three cell surface receptors called ANP receptors. The overall effect of ANP on the body is to counter increases in blood pressure and volume caused by the renin-angiotensin system. It has also been reported to increase the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue. Regulation of its effects is achieved through gradual degradation of the peptide by the enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Inhibitors of NEP are currently being developed to treat disorders ranging from hypertension to heart failure. Synthetic analogs of ANP have been investigated as potential therapies for the treat-ment of decompensated heart failure and other diseases.
RESUMO
Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is usually defined as a systolic BP> 90 mm Hg. It is a serious condition affecting millions of people every year. The prevalence varies with age, race, education and many other variables. Although number of techniques have been employed for control of blood pressure, still a lot needs to be done in this regard. Lifestyle changes (including weight loss, increased physical activity, and decreased salt and alcohol intake) are the first step in treating hypertension. Hypertension is closely linked to the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS). Drugs that inhibit renin have been available for many years but have been limited by low potency, bioavailability and duration of action. Aliskiren is the most advanced of a new class of non-peptide, low–molecular weight, orally active inhibitors introduced recently. In healthy subjects, it produces a dose-dependent reduction in plasma renin activity, angiotensin I and II and aldosterone concentrations. In patients with essential hypertension, aliskiren suppresses plasma renin activity and causes dose-related reductions in blood pressure. The safety and tolerability of aliskiren appears to be comparable to angiotensin antagonists and placebo. Aliskiren has, therefore, a considerable promise for the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular and renal diseases.