ABSTRACT
Objective:In this study, the application value of a specific information platform in heart failure was explored.Methods:We constructed five modules of information platform based on clinical needs, including user interface, patient management interface, follow-up platform, data processing interface and system management. By making good use of the platform, a database of heart failure was established and quality-controlled to realize the management of chronic heart failure, and prepare database for possible clinical research.Results:More than 3 000 patients with heart failure had been registered in the heart failure special disease platform. Long-term out-of-hospital management of cerfain patients with heart failure was conducted through intelligent information means. High-quality heart failure data were obtained and translated into clinical results.Conclusions:Long-term out-of-hospital management of patients with chronic heart failure can be realized through the special disease information platform, and high-quality evidence-based medical data can be obtained. Besides, the platform provides theoretical basis and data support for evaluation system of prognosis of heart failure, provides theoretical basis and data support for improving medication and surgical treatment plans and comprehensive management system of patients with heart failure.
ABSTRACT
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is closely associated with profound vascular remodeling, especially pulmonary arterial medial hypertrophy and muscularization, due to aberrant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Berberine, a drug commonly used to treat inflammation, may be a novel therapeutic option for PAH by improving pulmonary artery remodeling. The present study investigated whether berberine affected Trx1/ß-catenin expression and/or activity and whether it could reduce the development of pulmonary hypertension in an experimental rat model and proliferation in human PASMCs (HPASMCs). The results showed that increased proliferation in hypoxia-induced healthy PASMCs or PAH PASMCs was associated with a significant increase in Trx1 and ß-catenin expression. Treatment with the Trx1-specific inhibitor PX-12 significantly reduced pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling, as well as improved in vivo cardiac function and right ventricular hypertrophy, in Su/Hox-induced PAH rats. Berberine reversed right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy and decreased pulmonary vascular remodeling in the rats. Furthermore, berberine had an antiproliferative effect on hypoxia-induced HPASMC proliferation in a manner likely mediated by inhibiting Trx1 and its target gene ß-catenin expression. Our work will help elucidate novel strategies for PAH treatment involving the traditional Chinese medicine berberine, and Trx1/ß-catenin may be a promising therapeutic target.
