Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Literature Review.

The management of heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes has significantly evolved with the introduction of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. This article aims to consolidate existing knowledge on the efficacy of these inhibitors in managing HF in this patient population. Major medical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were reviewed, prioritizing research from the last decade. The results of this review highlight the mechanisms of action of SGLT2 inhibitors, their clinical benefits, challenges in patient management, and outcomes associated with their use. These medications were found to not only improve glycemic control but also offer significant cardiovascular and renal benefits, reducing cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. However, challenges and knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding long-term effects and safety in diverse populations. The conclusions of this review underscore the importance of updating clinical guidelines to incorporate these findings and propose the need for future research to address existing gaps and optimize the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical practice.

Contact Karate Promotes Post-Exercise Hypotension in Young Adult Males.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, systemic arterial hypertension is a leading cause of death and non-communicable cardiovascular disease. A major factor contributing to this disease is a sedentary lifestyle. However, physical exercise, such as martial arts, may be an option for blood pressure (BP) control. The magnitude of post-exercise hypotension is associated with a prolonged decrease in BP in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to verify the effects of a Contact Karate (CK) session on BP responses during a post-exercise recovery period in young adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male CK athletes volunteered (28.2 ± 6.7 years; 77.0 ± 5.7 kg; and 176.0 ± 4.7 cm) and underwent one CK session (50 minutes) and a control session in which no exercise was performed and the individuals remain seated during the whole time. BP was measured during rest (before sessions), as well as on the 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th minutes of the post-exercise recovery. RESULTS: The systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly lower at the post-exercise period compared to pre-exercise rest (P < 0.05), with the largest reductions being observed at the 60th minutes of recovery [SBP (rest: 125.9 ± 4.7 vs. 60th minutes of recovery: 111.7 ± 5.4 mmHg); DBP (rest: 78.8 ± .7 vs. 60th minutes of recovery: 69.8 ± 2.7 mmHg)] and at the same periods of post-exercise recovery of the control session. CONCLUSIONS: A single CK session can promote a decrease in BP for at least 60 minutes after performing this type of exercise in young adults.

La acción cardioprotectora del uso moderado de alcohol / Cardio protector action of the alcohol moderated usage

Introducción: el objetivo de esta revisión fue enfocar el conocimiento de los beneficios cardiovasculares del consumo moderado de alcohol, así como para analizar los efectos de los diferentes tipos de bebidas alcohólicas. Discusión: el consumo fuerte de alcohol indiscutiblemente lleva a una morbimortalidad aumentada, el consumo moderado del alcohol, especialmente las bebidas alcohólicas ricas en polifenoles, como el vino y cerveza, parece conferir efectos de protección cardiovascular en los pacientes portadores de esta enfermedad, e incluso en las personas saludables. Conclusiones: en conclusiones, el vino y la cerveza (pero el vino especialmente tinto) parece conferir protección cardiovascular mayor que las espirituosas debido a su volumen de polifenoles. Sin embargo, la bebida debe tomarse con cautela y seguir las recomendaciones sociales relacionadas al consumo del alcohol.

Introduction: the aim of this review was focusing on the knowledge of the cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, as well as analyzing the effects of the different kinds of alcoholic beverages. Discussion: heavy or binge alcohol consumption unquestionably leads to an increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, moderate alcohol consumption, especially alcoholic beverages rich in polyphenols, such as wine and beer, seems to confer cardiovascular protective effects in patients with documented CVD and even in healthy subjects. Conclusions: in conclusion, wine and beer (and especially red wine) seem to confer greater cardiovascular protection than spirituous beverages because of their polyphenolic content. However, caution should be taken when drinking and social recommendations related to alcohol consumption should be followed.

Moderate exercise training promotes adaptations in coronary blood flow and adenosine production in normotensive rats

OBJECTIVES: Aerobic exercise training prevents cardiovascular risks. Regular exercise promotes functional and structural adaptations that are associated with several cardiovascular benefits. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of swimming training on coronary blood flow, adenosine production and cardiac capillaries in normotensive rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control (C) and trained (T). An exercise protocol was performed for 10 weeks and 60 min/day with a tail overload of 5 percent bodyweight. Coronary blood flow was quantified with a color microsphere technique, and cardiac capillaries were quantified using light microscopy. Adenine nucleotide hydrolysis was evaluated by enzymatic activity, and protein expression was evaluated by western blot. The results are presented as the means ± SEMs (p<0.05). RESULTS: Exercise training increased the coronary blood flow and the myocardial capillary-to-fiber ratio. Moreover, the circulating and cardiac extracellular adenine nucleotide hydrolysis was higher in the trained rats than in the sedentary rats due to the increased activity and protein expression of enzymes, such as E-NTPDase and 59- nucleotidase. CONCLUSIONS: Swimming training increases coronary blood flow, number of cardiac capillaries, and adenine nucleotide hydrolysis. Increased adenosine production may be an important contributor to the enhanced coronary blood flow and angiogenesis that were observed in the exercise-trained rats; collectively, these results suggest improved myocardial perfusion.