Randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluating the impact of freeze-dried garlic extract capsules on blood pressure, lipid profile, and nitric oxide levels in individuals at risk for hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension, substantially heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of freeze-dried garlic extract in blood pressure and lipid profiles in prehypertensive individuals. METHODS: Participants (age of 30-70 years) were allocated to intervention (n=47) or control (n=49) groups. The intervention group received two capsules of freeze-dried garlic extract daily for eight weeks, while the control group received identical placebo capsules. Primary outcomes, SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, TC, TG, LDL and HDL levels, serum NO levels, were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. RESULTS: At the end of study, results showed significant changes in the values of SBP, DBP, and MAP except for PP. In comparison to those who received the placebo, a significant drop in SBP, DBP (p<0.001), and MAP (p<0.001) was observed in the intervention group. Also, there were significant changes in TG, LDL, TC, and HDL levels in the interventional group. A noticeable decline was reported in TG (p<0.001), LDL (p<0.001), and TC (p<0.001), while HDL levels increased (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared to those receiving the placebo. Following garlic supplementation, a significant increase in blood NO levels was reported in the intervention group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that garlic supplementation was effective in lowering blood pressure, improving lipid profile, and increasing nitric oxide levels in prehypertensive participants. These results indicate that garlic could be a valuable complementary therapy for managing prehypertension.

Loaded paraquaton polymeric nanocapsules and evaluation for cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Present work was conducted to prepare and evaluate, loaded paraquat nano-hydrogels using chitosan, sodium polytriphosphate, and xanthan via ionic gelification method. The fabricated L-PQ formulations were analyzed for surface morphology and functional groups using SEM and FTIR, respectively. The stability of the synthesized nanoparticle was, also, analyzed in terms of diameter size, zeta potential, dispersion index, and pH. Furthermore, the cardiotoxicity effects of the synthesized nanogels were investigated on Wistar rats in terms of enzymatic activity, echocardiographic, and histological analysis. The proper stability of the prepared formulation was also confirmed by diameter size, zeta potential, dispersion index, and pH. The efficiency of encapsulation was about 90±3.2% and the release of PQ in the loaded nanogel was about 90±2.3%. A decrease in ST (shortening time) segment by formulated PQ, either in peritoneal or gavage exposure pathway, indicates the effectiveness of the capsule layer against the penetration of toxin into the body.

Can paternal environmental experiences affect the breast cancer risk in offspring? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Studies in recent years have shown that parental environmental experiences can affect their offspring's risk of breast cancer (BC). We assessed the effect of different paternal factors on BC risk in offspring by reviewing the existing literature. METHOD: This systematic review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) method for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The primary keywords were searched in reliable databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, SID, and Wiley in English until 31 December 2021. Two authors independently examined the articles in terms of inclusion criteria and quality assessment of the articles. RESULTS: Of the 438 studies, 19 met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review and were included in the study. Paternal factors investigated in these studies included age at delivery, diet, occupational exposures, occupation type and education. The reported relationships between these factors and breast cancer varied among different studies. CONCLUSION: Studies considered in this article show that fathers' age at the time of delivery of the child, dietary habits, overweight and occupational factors can affect the incidence of BC risk in the next generation.

Cross talk of vasopressin conditioned cell therapy in ischemic heart disease: Role of oxidative stress markers.

Objectives: Background: Impaired coronary blood flow causes cardiac ischemia. Cellular therapy is a new approach to the treatment of myocardial ischemia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) conditioned with vasopressin on oxidative stress, perivascular collagen, and angiogenesis caused by myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Materials and Methods: We divided 40 male albino Wistar rats into 4 groups; Control group; No intervention; in experimental groups, after it generated induced MI on models, it divided into three groups: Vehicle group (150 µl of cell-free culture medium received); ASC-MI group (6× 106 AD-MSC received) and AVP-ASC-MI group (received 6 × 106 AD-MSC conditioned with 10 nM vasopressin). Then, histologic parameters and anti-oxidant enzymes were evaluated 7 days post-MI cell injection. Results: Arterial muscle diameter improved and collagen deposition around the coronary arteries decreased in cell-received groups compared with the vehicle group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), (GSH) Glutathione, and Total Anti-oxidant Capacity (TAC) parameters were not significantly different between the cells received groups compared with the vehicle group. But the Catalase (CAT) parameter in the ASC-MI group had a significant increase from the control group. Conclusion: We prepared direct evidence that intramyocardial injection of AD-MSCs reveals the positive cardiac remodeling post-MI in rats, and these useful effects can be more enhanced by administrating injection of conditioned ADSCs with vasopressin.

Applying Vasopressin-Pre-Conditioned Human Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Heart Condition after Transplantation into Infarcted Myocardium.

Transplantation of H-AdMSCs may improve heart function after MI. AVP is a neurohypophyseal hormone that reduces cardiovascular damage. This study investigated the role of AVP preconditioning in the survival of MSCs and their effect on myocardial repair in the MI rats. H-AMSCs were isolated and incubated for 3 days. The expression of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors was evaluated by Real-time-PCR. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, sham, ASC and AVP-ASC. Ischemia was established by ligation of LAD coronary artery. Electrocardiography, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in myocardium were determined after 7 days. Results showed that preconditioned MSCs significantly increased cardiac function when compared with group that received non-preconditioned MSCs. This was associated with significantly reduced fibrosis, increased vascular density, and decreased resident myocyte apoptosis. Results indicate that AVP preconditioned MSCs can be consider a novel approach to management of MI.

The role of vasopressin V1A and oxytocin OTR receptors in protective effects of arginine vasopressin against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in H9C2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress, has been shown to play an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodelling and heart failure. The aim of study is effect of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on apoptosis of cardiomyocyte via its receptors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cell viability effect of AVP in H9C2 cardiomyocytes was assayed using the MTT method. The transcription and translation level of apoptosis genes (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3) were discovered with qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: The results showed that vasopressin could reduce apoptosis in cardiomyocytes cell line through downregulation of caspase-3, BAX and upregulation of Bcl-2 (p < .001). Also, there was a decrease in anti-apoptosis effect of vasopressin when V1A and OTR receptors were blocked with their antagonists. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that activation of V1A and OTR receptors in H9C2 cells mediate protective effect of vasopressin via regulating apoptosis marker that lead to cell survival under conditions of stress oxidative.Key pointAVP may contribute to the improvement of heart ischaemia through its actions on V1A and OTR receptors.

Effect of vasopressin on electrocardiographic changes produced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

The present study was conducted to identify the effect of vasopressin (AVP) on electrocardiographic changes produced by ischemia-reperfusion. Male rats were divided into seven groups (n=8-13) subjected to 30min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. In protocol I (control group), saline was administered before ischemia. In protocol II, different doses of AVP (0.015, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.12µg/rat) were infused 10 min before ischemia. In protocol III SR49059 (1 mg/kg), was injected 20 min prior to ischemia with and without the effective dose of AVP (0.03 g/rat). Ischemia-induced arrhythmia and myocardial infarct size (IS) were measured. Different doses of vasopressin decreased IS. There were no significant differences in PR, QRS duration and &DGR;T/amp;DGR;ST ratio between control and intervention groups in ischemia. ST elevation was significantly increased in control and AVP 0.015, 0.03, 0.06 groups during ischemia. In AVP 0.12 group there was no significant difference in ST deviation between the baseline and ischemia phase. JT interval was significantly increased in control and antagonist group during ischemia. AVP 0.12µ/rat prevented the increase of JT interval in ischemia compared to the baseline. In summary, AVP mediated preconditioning improved ST resolution, prevented prolongation of JT interval and decreased the likelihood of subsequently ventricular arrhythmia.

Up-regulation of chemokine receptor type 4 expression in the ischemic reperfused heart by alcoholic extract of Cichorium intybus rescue the heart from ischemia injury in male rat.

OBJECTIVES: Cichorium intybus is used in traditional medicine for various diseases including heart disease. This study aimed at evaluating the chemokine receptor type 4 up-regulation and cardioprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus in a rat model of ischemic reperfusion. METHODS: Animals in four groups of eight rats each received vehicle or one of three doses of C. intybus (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg/d) for 14 days. Then they were subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 7 days of reperfusion. At the end of the experiment, blood specimens were prepared for serum assays. The level of myocardium chemokine receptor type 4 was also measured using RT-PCR. KEY FINDINGS: Cichorium intybus (CI-50) improved infarct size, episodes of the ventricular ectopic beat, ventricular tachycardia, and duration of ventricular tachycardia, QTc shortening. It also stabilized the ST segment changes and increased heart rate during ischemia. The blood pressure decreased in CI-50 group in comparison to the control and CI-200 group. C. intybus increased serum superoxide dismutase and reduced lactate dehydrogenase activity, Cardiac Troponin I and malondialdehyde levels. C. intybus led to an increase in the expression of chemokine receptor type 4. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that C. intybus administration before ischemia is able to induce cardioprotective effect against ischemic reperfusion injury, probably through chemokine receptor type 4 over-expression and antioxidant activity.

Regular training has a greater effect on aerobic capacity, fasting blood glucose and blood lipids in obese adolescent males compared to irregular training.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: It is not clear whether the regularity of training affects the outcomes of aerobic exercise. This study aimed to compare the effects of regular with irregular training on aerobic fitness, blood markers, and anthropometric characteristics of obese adolescent males. METHODS: Twenty three male students between 16 and 17 years old were randomly assigned into regular exercise (RE) group and performed exercises on specific time and days each week, or irregular exercise (IE) group and performed exercise on randomly selected days each week. The intervention programs consisted of self-paced progressive running program (20 min in week one and 44 min in week 8), three times per week for eight weeks. Anthropometric characteristics, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, and aerobic capacity were assessed before and after the intervention using a two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction of time and condition on total cholesterol (TC) F (1, 21) = 5.427, p = 0.030, η P 2  = 0.205, and high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratio (HDL)/(LDL) F (1, 21) = 5.951, p = 0.024, η P 2  = 0.221), with a greater reduction observed in RE group. LDL decreased only in RE group demonstrating a significant effect of time F (1, 21) = 4.897, p = 0.038, η P 2  = 0.189. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference decreased, and VO2peak increased in both groups with no significant difference between groups. There was no significant effect of time or condition on waist to hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), HDL, TC/HDL, or TG/HDL (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although both RE and IE improved VO2peak and some anthropometric measures, changes in TC, LDL, and HDL/LDL were more predominant in response to RE. Therefore, to achieve greater adaptations to aerobic exercise, overweight and obese adolescents should perform exercise regularly.

Preparation and characterization of loaded paraquat- polymeric chitosan/xantan/tripolyphosphate nanocapsules and evaluation for controlled release.

PURPOSE: Paraquat is an effective, non-selective, and fast-acting contact herbicide that is widely used. Its high solubility in water and adsorption in soil can easily poison the non-target organs. In this study, paraquat nano-hydrogels was synthesized using chitosan. METHODS: Sodium tripolyphosphate and xanthan via iononic gellification method. After preparation the loaded paraquat formulations, to verify the morphology and analysis the functional groups on the formulation, SEM and FTIR analysis were used, respectively. In this work, stability of the formulation was measured in terms of size distribution, surface charge, and pH values. To determine the release kinetics, a dialysis bag was used. In addition, herbicidal activity of the prepared formulation was tested on corn bushes and wild mustard. RESULTS: From the analysis, FT-IR spectra confirmed the hydrogel formation, and SEM images showed a dense structure in the synthesized hydrogel. According to the results of size distribution, surface charge, dispersion index and pH, it was proved that the prepared hydrogel was stable. The optimal values of chitosan, SPP, xanthan, and PQ were 0.3, 0.1, 0.15, and 20 mg, respectively. Based on the peppas equation, about 89.82% of the paraquat was released from the formulation with a paraquat loading of 89.1 ± 4.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of loaded paraquat formulations on mustard and corn plants showed that the herbicidal properties of the encapsulated paraquat were preserved. This study reveal that the loaded paraquat L-PQ is a stable formulation with less toxicity effects.

Preconditioning Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Berberine Supplementation on the Gene Expression of Angiogenesis Regulators and Caspase-3 Protein in the Rats with Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) Injury.

OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that angiogenesis is a desirable treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease. We set out to investigate the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and berberine supplementation on the gene expression of angiogenesis-related factors and caspase-3 protein in rats suffering from myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Fifty rats were divided into the following groups: (1) trained, (2) berberine supplemented, (3) combined, and (4) IR. Each cohort underwent five sessions of HIIT per week for a duration of 8 weeks followed by induction of ischemia. Seven days after completion of reperfusion, changes in the gene expression of angiogenesis-related factors and caspase-3 protein were evaluated in the heart tissue. RESULTS: We observed a significant difference between four groups in the transcript levels of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), and thrombospondin-1(TSP-1) (p ≤ 0.05). However, the difference in endostatin (ENDO) levels was not significant among the groups despite a discernible reduction (p ≥ 0.05). Moreover, caspase-3 protein and infarct size were significantly reduced in the intervention groups (p ≤ 0.05), and cardiac function increased in response to these interventions. CONCLUSION: The treatments exert their effect, likely, by reducing caspase-3 protein and increasing the expression of angiogenesis-promoting factors, concomitant with a reduction in inhibitors of the process.

Cardioprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Echinophora cinerea against aluminum phosphide poisoning in rats.

Rice tablet, also known as aluminum phosphide (ALP), is a nonorganic material used as an insecticide and rodenticide in the storage and transportation of grains. Phosphine gas, released from the chemical material, in contact with humidity and weak acid, can induce poisoning and death. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Echinophora cinerea leaves on ALP poisoning in heart in rats. In this study, factors such as blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiography, and biochemical biomarkers of oxidative stress of cardiac tissue were evaluated. The use of Echinophora extract at a dose of 200 mg per/kg primarily improved bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac conduction. Echinophora extract at a dose of 400 mg could protect body against oxidative stress. It seems that Echinophora extract has significant clinical positive effects that can be employed in treatment protocols of acute poisoning associated with ALP. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Administration of the Echinophora cinerea extract can improve bradycardia, hypotension, and conduction disturbances of the heart caused by poisoning with rice tablet. E. cinerea extract also can increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes and protect the body against oxidative damage caused by poisoning with rice tablet. Therefore, Echinophora extract has significant clinical positive effects that can be used in treatment protocols of acute poisoning associated with aluminum phosphide.

A Review on the Most Important Medicinal Plants Effective in Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Ischemia, referring to reduction and restriction of perfusion to myocardial tissue which involves coronary artery through the formation of misplaced clots and thrombosis, is one of the most important cardiovascular diseases. Plant-based compounds help to improve or prevent disease by affecting the factors involved in the disease. This review was conducted to report the medicinal plants and factors effective in cardiac ischemiareperfusion (I/R) injury to supplement the knowledge about this disease and its prevention and treatment using certain medicinal plants and their active compounds. For this purpose, medicinal plants and their potential antioxidant activities, effects on lipid levels and plaque formation, atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular diseases and ischemia were reviewed. METHODS: To conduct this review, relevant articles published between 1983 and 2018 were retrieved from the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scientific Information Database, Web of Science, and Scopus using search terms antioxidant, ischemia, reperfusion, heart, infarct, inflammation, cholesterol and medicinal plants. Then, the eligible articles were reviewed. RESULTS: The active compounds of plants, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds, can be effective on certain pathogenic factors particularly in decreasing cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing an increase in free radicals and ultimately reducing blood clots and vascular resistance to reduce and prevent ischemic disease and its harmful effects. CONCLUSION: Medicinal plants discussed in this article seem to be able to prevent cardiac damage and the disease progression via affecting the factors that are involved in ischemia.

Cardioprotective Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Melissa Officinalis L Against Regional Ischemia-Induced Arrhythmia and Heart Injury after Five Days of Reperfusion in Rats.

Melissa officinalis has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and is used in various diseases. Aim of the study: We investigated the role of M. officinalis extract (MOE) against ischemia-induced arrhythmia and heart injury after five days of reperfusion in an in-vivo rat model of regional heart ischemia. The leaf extract of M. officinalis was standardized through HPLC analysis. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were subjected to 30 min of ischemia by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 5 days of reperfusion. The rats (n = 8 in each group) were randomized to receive vehicle or M. officinalis as follows: group I served as saline control with ischemia, groups II, III and IV received different doses of MOE- (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively), by oral gavage daily for 14 days prior to ischemia. Administration of M. officinalis significantly improved ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced myocardial dysfunction by reduction of infarct size, also, during the ischemic period, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular ectopic beats episodes decreased as compared with that of the control group. Stabilized ST segment changes and QTc shortening increased the R and T wave amplitudes and the heart rate during ischemia. The extract also caused significant elevations in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as a significant decrease in serum cardiac troponin I (CTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, 5 days after reperfusion. MOE-100mg/kg was the effective dose. Cinamic acid (21.81 ± 1.26 mg/gr) was the main phenolic compound of plant sample. The ethanol extract of M. officinalis was observed to exhibit cardioprotective effects against I/R injury, probably due to antioxidant properties. The results indicate that MOE has antioxidant and cardio-protective effects against ischemia-induced arrhythmias and ischemia-reperfusion induced injury as was reflected by reduction of infarct size and cardiac injury biomarkers. These data support the potential uses of M. officinalis in the treatment of heart ischemia- reperfusion disorders and even developing new anti- arrhythmias drugs after further investigations.

Late cardiac perconditioning by phenylephrine in an isolated rat heart model is mediated by mitochondrial potassium channels

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of early and late administration of phenylephrine during ischemia against regional ischemia-reperfusion injuries in an isolated rat heart model. All animals were randomly divided into experimental groups: (I) IR (Ischemic/ reperfusion): the hearts underwent 35 min of regional ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion; (II) 5HD-IR-0: the hearts were perfused for 5 min with 5HD (5-hydroxydecanoate, specific mKATP channel blocker, 100 µM) at the onset of regional ischemia; (III) 5HD-IR-20: the hearts were perfused for 5 min with 5HD 20 min after regional ischemia; (IV) PE-IR-10: the hearts were perfused for 5 min with phenylephrine 10 min after regional ischemia; (V) PE-IR-30: the hearts were perfused for 5 min with phenylephrine (100 µM) 30 min after regional ischemia; (VI) PE-5HD-IR-10 group: the hearts were perfused for 5 min with 5HD at the onset of regional ischemia after which phenylephrine was administrated as in group IV; and (VII) PE-5HD-IR-30: the hearts were perfused for 5 min with 5HD 20 min after the ischemia and then phenylephrine was administrated as in group V. The hemodynamic parameters were recorded throughout the experiment. Ischemia-induced arrhythmias, myocardial infarct size (IS), creatin kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and coronary blood flow (CBF) were measured in all animals. Perfusion of phenylephrine 30 min after the regional ischemia curtailed the myocardial infarct size, reduced CK-MB, and improved cardiac function and CBF. Administration of 5HD 30 min after the ischemia abolished cardioprotective effects of phenylephrine in the late phase. These results suggest the involvement of mKATP in the mechanism of phenylephrine-induced late preconditioning.

Aerobic training and L-arginine supplement attenuates myocardial infarction-induced kidney and liver injury in rats via reduced oxidative stress.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of exercise training and l-arginine supplementation on kidney and liver injury in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four weeks after MI, 50 male wistar rats randomly divided into five followed groups: sham surgery without MI (Sham, n=10), Sedentary-MI (Sed-MI, n=10) 3: L-Arginine-MI (La-MI, n=10) 4: Exercise training-MI (Ex-MI, n=10) and 5: Exercise and L-arginine-MI (Ex+La-MI). Ex-MI and Ex+La-MI groups running on a treadmill for 10 weeks with moderate intensity. Rats in the L-arginine-treated groups drank water containing 4% L-arginine. Tissues oxidative stress and kidney and liver functional indices were measured after treatments. RESULT: Urea as a kidney function indexes, increased in Sed-MI group in compared to sham group and decreased significantly in Ex-MI and Ex+La-MI groups. The level of catalase (CAT) and glutathione stimulating hormone (GSH) of kidney were significantly lower in the MI-groups compared with the Sham group and kidney Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased after MI and significantly decreased in response to aerobic training and L-arginine. As well as, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as liver injury indices, increased in MI-groups and decreased by training and L-arginine. In this regards, liver MDA and CAT respectively increased and decreased in MI-groups, but aerobic training and L-arginine increased liver glutathione per-oxidase (GPx) and decreased liver MDA. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that kidney and liver function impaired 14 weeks after MI and aerobic training and L-arginine supplementation synergistically ameliorated kidneys and liver injury in myocardial infarction rats through oxidative stress reduction.

Effects of exercise combined with apelin-13 on cardiac function in the isolated rat heart / Efeitos do exercício combinado com apelina-13 na função cardíaca no coração isolado de ratos / Efectos del ejercicio combinado con apelin-13 en la función cardiaca del corazón de ratones aislados

ABSTRACT Exercise and apelin have been shown to increase cardiac function and elicit tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injuries. This study aimed at determining whether the combination of exercise training and apelin pretreatment could integrate the protective effects of each of them in the heart against IR injury. Male rats were divided into four experimental groups: 1: Rats with ischemia/reperfusion (IR), 2: subjected to exercise training for 8 weeks (EX+IR), 3: apelin-13 (10 nmol/kg/day) for 7 days (Apel+IR) in the last week of training, and 4: exercise training plus apelin-13 (EX+Apel+IR). Isolated hearts were perfused using the Langendorff method and subjected to 30 min of regional ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Treadmill exercise training was conducted for 8 weeks. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded throughout the experiment. Ischemia-induced arrhythmias, myocardial infarct size (IS), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) isoenzyme and plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured in all animals. Administration of apelin-13 plus exercise increased left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) at the end of ischemia and reperfusion compared with other groups. After 30 min of ischemia, dP/dtmax was higher in EX+Apel+IR than in Apel+IR and EX+IR groups. During 30 min ischemia, exercise training, apelin-13 and combined treatment produced a significant reduction in the numbers of premature ventricular complexes. A combination of exercise and apelin-13 also reduced infarct size, CK-MB, LDH and severity of arrhythmia. These results suggest that combined therapies with apelin-13 and exercise training may integrate the beneficial effects of each of them alone on cardiac contractility, arrhythmia and limiting of infarct size. Level of evidence I; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the Results of Treatment.

RESUMO Foi demonstrado que o exercício e a apelina aumentam a função cardíaca e induzem a tolerância à lesões por isquemia/reperfusão (IR). O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar se a combinação de treinamento físico e pré-tratamento com apelidos poderia integrar os efeitos protetores de cada um deles no coração contra a lesão por IR. Ratos machos foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: 1- Ratos com isquemia/ reperfusão (IR), 2- submetidos ao treinamento físico por 8 semanas (EX + IR), 3- apelino-13 (10 nmol / kg / dia) por 7 dias (Apel + IR) na última semana de treinamento, 4- treinamento físico mais apelina-13 (EX + Apel + IR). Corações isolados foram perfundidos pelo método de Langendorff e submetidos à 30 min de isquemia regional, seguida de 60 min de reperfusão. Treino em esteira foi conduzido por 8 semanas. Parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram registrados ao longo do experimento. Arritmias induzidas por isquemia, tamanho do infarto do miocárdio (IS), atividade da isoenzima Creatina Cinase-MB (CK-MB) e lactato desidrogenase plasmática (LDH) foram medidos em todos os animais. A administração de apelin-13 mais exercício aumentou a pressão desenvolvida pelo ventrículo esquerdo (LVDP) no final da isquemia e reperfusão em comparação com outros grupos. Após 30 min de isquemia, dp / dtmax foi maior em EX + Apel + IR do que nos grupos Apel + IR e EX + IR. Durante 30 min isquemia, treinamento físico, apelina-13 e tratamento combinado produziram redução significativa no número de complexos ventriculares prematuros. Combinação de exercício e apelina-13 também reduziu o tamanho do infarto, CK-MB, LDH e gravidade da arritmia. Estes resultados sugerem que terapias combinadas com apelina-13 e treinamento físico podem integrar os efeitos benéficos de cada um deles sozinhos na contratilidade cardíaca, arritmia e limitação do tamanho do infarto. Nível de evidência I; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Se ha demostrado que el ejercicio y la apelina aumentan la función cardíaca y provocan tolerancia a las lesiones por isquemia/reperfusión (IR). Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron determinar si la combinación de entrenamiento con ejercicio y pre-tratamiento con apelina podrían integrar los efectos protectores de cada uno de ellos en el corazón frente a la lesión por IR. Los ratones machos se dividieron en cuatro grupos experimentales: 1: ratones con isquemia/reperfusión (IR) 2: sometidos a entrenamiento durante 8 semanas (EX + IR), 3: apelina-13 (10 nmol / kg / día) durante 7 días (Apel + IR) en la última semana de entrenamiento 4: entrenamiento físico más apelina-13 (EX + Apel + IR). Los corazones aislados se perfundieron mediante el método de Langendorff y se sometieron a 30 minutos de isquemia regional, seguidos de 60 minutos de reperfusión. El entrenamiento de la cinta de correr se llevó a cabo durante 8 semanas. Los parámetros hemodinámicos se registraron a lo largo del experimento. Se midieron las arritmias inducidas por isquemia, el tamaño del infarto de miocardio (IS), la isoenzima Creatina Kinase-MB (CK-MB) y las actividades de lactato deshidrogenasa plasmática (LDH) en todos los animales. La administración de ejercicios de apelina-13 plus aumenta la presión desarrollada del ventrículo izquierdo (PDVI) al final de la isquemia y la reperfusión en comparación con otros grupos. Después de 30 min de isquemia, la dp/dt max fue más alta en EX + Apel + IR que en los grupos Apel + IR y EX + IR. Durante la isquemia de 30 minutos, el entrenamiento físico, la apelina-13 y el tratamiento combinado, produjeron una reducción significativa en el número de complejos ventriculares prematuros. La combinación de ejercicio y apelina-13 también redujo el tamaño del infarto, CK-MB, LDH y la gravedad de la arritmia. Estos resultados sugieren que las terapias combinadas con apelina-13 y el entrenamiento físico pueden integrar los efectos beneficiosos de cada uno de ellos solo sobre la contractilidad cardíaca, la arritmia y la limitación del tamaño del infarto. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Protective effects of cinnamon bark extract against ischemia-reperfusion injury and arrhythmias in rat.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) is a plant with potent antioxidant activity and has been used in traditional medicine for improvement of heart function. The effects of cinnamon bark ethanolic extract were investigated against ischemia-induced arrhythmias and heart injury in an in vivo rat model of regional heart ischemia. The extract was also standardized, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min of ischemia by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 5 days of reperfusion. Thirty-two animals were randomized to receive daily oral administration of vehicle or C. zeylanicum bark extract (intragastric, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) 14 days before ischemia. C. zeylanicum was standardized through HPLC analysis. Administration of cinnamon bark extract significantly improved ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury as evidenced by reduction of the infarct size. Also, during the ischemic period, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular ectopic beats episodes decreased as compared with that of the control group. The extract stabilized the ST segment changes and QTc shortening, decreased R-wave amplitude, and increased heart rate during ischemia. The extract also caused significant elevations in serum superoxide dismutase and glutation proxidase activities as well as a significant decrease in serum cardiac troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde levels, 5 days after reperfusion. In HPLC analysis, the amounts of Cinamic acid, Methyl eugenol, and Cinnamaldehyde were 8.99 ± 0.5, 13.02 ± 1.8, and 14.63 ± 1.1 mg/g, respectively. The results show that the ethanolic extract of cinnamon bark is able to protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury probably due to its antioxidant properties. Hence, it might be beneficial in these patients and this remedy might be used for preparation of new drugs.

CXCR4 expression is associated with time-course permanent and temporary myocardial infarction in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Experimental myocardial infarction triggers secretion of Stromal cell-derived factor1 and lead to increase in the expression of its receptor "CXCR4" on the surface of various cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of CXCR4 in peripheral blood cells following time-course permanent and temporary ischemia in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of seven and were placed under permanent and transient ischemia. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at different time points, RNAs extracted and applied to qRT-PCR analysis of the CXCR4 gene. RESULTS: Based on repeated measures analysis of variance, the differences in the expression levels of the gene in each of the groups were statistically significant over time (the effect of time) (P<0.001). Additionally, the difference in gene expression between the two groups was statistically significant (the effect of group), such that at all times, the expression levels of the gene were significantly higher in the permanent ischemia than in the transient ischemia group (P<0.001). Moreover, the interactive effect of time-group on gene expression was statistically significant (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: CXCR4 is modulated in an induced ischemia context implying a possible association with myocardial infarction. Checking of CXCR4 expression in the ischemic changes shows that damage to the heart tissue trigger the secretion of inflammatory chemokine SDF, Followed by it CXCR4 expression in blood cells. These observations suggest that changes in the expression of CXCR4 may be considered a valuable marker for monitoring myocardial infarction.