Effects of ectopic pacing on left ventricular repolarization were studied in six anesthetized open-c hest chickens. In each animal, unipolar electrograms were acquired from as many as 98 sites with 14 plunge needles (seven transmural locations between epicardium and endocardium in each needle). Activation-recovery intervals (ARIs), corrected to the cycle length, were used for estimating repolarization. At baseline, the nonuniform ARI distribution in the left ventricle resulted in the apicobasal differences being greater than the transmural gradient. Nonuniform ARI prolongation caused by ectopic pacing resulted in decreasing the transmural repolarization gradient and increasing the differences in th e apex-to-base direction. The basal, but not apical transmural differences contributed to the total left ventricular transmural gradient. The total left ventricular apicobasal gradient was contribute d by the apicobasal differences in mid-myocardial and subendoc ardial layers more than in subepicardial ones. Thus, in in situ chicken hearts, the transmural and apicobasal ARI gradients exist within the left ventricle with the shortest ARIs in the basal subepicardium and the longest ARIs in the subendocardium of th e apical and middle parts of the left ventricle. Apicobasal compar ed to transmural heterogeneity of local repolarization properties contributes more to the total left ventricular repolarization gradient., S. N. Kharin, D. N. Shmakov, N. A. Antonova., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Abnormal cholesterol metabolism, including low intestinal cholesterol absorption and elevated synthesis, is prevalent in diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome. Diet-induced weight loss improves cholesterol absorption in these populations, but it is not known if endurance exercise training also improves cholesterol homeostasis. To examine this, we measured circulating levels of campesterol, sitosterol, and lathosterol in 65 sedentary subjects (average age 59 years; with at least one metabolic syndrome risk factor) before and after 6 months of endurance exercise training. Campesterol and sitosterol are plant sterols that correlate with intestinal cholesterol absorption, while lathosterol is a marker of whole body cholesterol synthesis. Following the intervention, plant sterol levels were increased by 10 % (p<0.05), but there was no change in plasma lathosterol. In addition, total and LDL-cholesterol were reduced by 0.16 mmol and 0.10 mmol, respectively (p<0.05), while HDL-C levels increased by 0.09 mmol (p<0.05). Furthermore, the change in plant sterols was positively correlated with the change in VO2 max (r = 0.310, p=0.004), independent of other metabolic syndrome risk factors. These data indicate that exercise training reduces plasma cholesterol despite increasing cholesterol absorption in subjects with metabolic syndrome risk factors., K. R. Wilund ... [et al.]., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
The cold pressor test (CPT) triggers in healthy subjects a vascular sympathetic activation and an increase in blood pressure. The heart rate (HR) response to this test is less well defined, with a high inter-individual variability. We used traditional spectral analysis together with the non-linear detrended fluctuation analysis to study the autonomic control of HR during a 3-min CPT. 39 healthy young subjects (23.7 ± 3.2 years, height 180.4 ± 4.7 cm and weight 73.3 ± 6.4 kg) were divided into two groups according to their HR responses to CPT. Twenty subjects have a sustained increase in HR throughout the test with reciprocal autonomic interaction, i.e. increase in sympathetic activity and decrease vagal outflow. In the 19 remainders, HR decreased after an initial increase, with indication of involvement of both sympathetic and vagal outflow. Baseline evaluation of the subjects revealed no difference between the two groups. Nevertheless, a higher sympathetic activity at the skin level during CPT was present in the group with decreased HR. Further studies are needed to explain why healthy subjects react differently to the CPT and if this has potential clinical implications., L. Mourot, M. Bouhaddi, J. Regnard., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
The in vivo effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1Ra) administration on endogenous IL-1 levels in the circulation and conditioned media (CM) from different immunohematopoietic organ/tissues were studied in CBA mice under steady state and postirradiation conditions. In normal mice, constitutive IL-1 levels were demonstrated in the plasma, CM of peritoneal exudate cells and full-thickness skin explants with low or undetectable levels in CM of splenic and bone marrow cell suspensions. In irradiated mice (2 Gy, X rays) on day 3 post exposure a significant increase of IL-1 levels was seen in the circulation and CM of peritoneal exudate cells, with no significantly different levels in postirradiation bone marrow, spleen and skin. After rhIL-1Ra treatment of the animals (2 x 50 mg/mouse, i.p.), significantly elevated IL-1 levels were observed in the skin and CM of peritoneal exudate cells in normal mice, whereas slightly increased levels were detected in CM of splenic cells. The rhIL-1Ra administration in irradiated mice led to decreased IL-1 concentrations in the circulation, and CM of peritoneal exudate cells and skin. The results pointed out the importance of IL-1 secretion and receptor expression in the maintenance of homeostasis in steady state, as well as during recovery after irradiation. Modulatory effects of IL-1Ra on IL-1 production were dependent on basic endogenous IL-1 concentration., D. Bugarski, G. Jovčić, M. Kataranovski, Z. Ivanović, M. Petakov, N. Stojanović, P. Milenković., and Obsahuje bibliografii
This paper is devoted to yet unpublished electrode-less methods (ELM) of cell layers impedance measurement based on transformer principle. The main advantage of ELM is elimination uncertainties caused by interface between electrodes and measured electrolyte. The method of avoiding distortion caused by non-ideal transformer transfer function (“deconvolution”) and errors caused by residual voltage is described. The modification of original transformer based method allowing to measure an impedance of inserted object is proposed. Results of several calibration measurements confirming the proper function of ELM including example of transepithelial resistance of cells layer are presented. Crucial parts of measuring system and recommendation for their realization are included., J. Krůšek, S. Ďáďo., and Obsahuje bibliografii
This study has observed possible effect of ellagitannins - compounds from pomegranate on process of steroidogenesis in ovaries. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible effect of punicalagin on secretion of steroid hormones - progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and 17β-estradiol by ovarian fragments of rabbits in vitro. Ovarian fragments from sexually mature female New Zealand white rabbits (n=20) were incubated without (control group) or with punicalagin at various doses 1, 10 and 100 μg.ml−1 for 24 h. Hormones were evaluated by ELISA (The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Data showed that progesterone and 17β-estradiol (but not androstenedione and testosterone) release by rabbit ovarian fragments was significantly affected by punicalagin addition at various doses. Punicalagin (at 100 μg.ml-1) significantly (P<0.05) increased progesterone secretion. On the other hand, the release of 17β-estradiol was significantly (P<0.005) decreased by punicalagin addition (at 10 μg.ml-1). Our results suggest that punicalagin could have dose-dependent impact on secretion of steroid hormones progesterone and 17β-estradiol by rabbit ovarian fragments and it may be effector in process of ovarian steroidogenesis., D. Packova, A. A. Carbonell-Barrachina, A. Kolesarova., and Obsahuje bibliografii
There is an increasing eviden ce linking dysbalance between various proinflammatory mediators and higher risk of cardiovascular events and pathologies. Likewise, some of the cardiovascular diseases lately ap peared to have an autoimmune component. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a master regulator of diverse inflammatory processes in higher eukaryotes and the key player in numerous autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus or systemic sclerosis, has recently been proved to be involved in development of several cardiovascular diseases as well. This report aims to give a summary on current knowledge about the IL-1 signaling pathways and about the implication of IL-1 and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in some of the diseases of the cardiovascular system., B. Vicenová ... [et al.]., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
The rat strain transgenic for the murine Ren-2 renin gene (TGR) is defined as a monogenic model of angiotensin II-dependent hypertension with endogenous activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Homozygous males TGR develop malignant hypertension with a strong salt-sensitive component. These animals show severe hypertension, proteinuria and high mortality. Morphological changes of renal parenchyma correspond to chronic ischemic glomerular changes. Heterozygous TGR develop only mild hypertension and thus provide a more suitable model of hypertension regarding to clinic al studies. Within the renal parenchyma, secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) predominates. High-salt diet in heterozygous animals induces transition from benign to malignant phase of hypertension. In this case, ischemic glomerular changes are superimposed on preexisting secondary FSGS. In the regression model of hypertension (late-onset treatment) the effect of salt intake is attenuated. In homozygous TGR, early selective ET A receptor blockade decreased blood pressure and ameliorated end-organ damage. Late selective ET A receptor blockade reduced podocyte injury despite final severe hypertension. Survival rate was markedly improved in both regimens with ETA selective blockade, while there was only partial improvement with early non-selective blockade. Both bosentan and atrasentan decreased ET-1 levels in both regimens. In heterozygous TGR, early and late ETA treatment substantially while ETA/ETB treatment partially improved survival rate. Significant effect on BP was found with early and late ETA blockade, while ETA/ETB blockade had no effect. Bosentan and at rasentan similarly decreased ET-1 levels on both regimens. In conclusion, selective ETA receptor blockade is superior to nonselective ETA/ETB receptor blockade in attenuating hypertension and end-organ damage. Its effect is more pronounced when applied early in the life., Z. Vernerová ... [et al.]., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), currently used in treatment of terminal heart failure, are working on principle of rotary pump, which generates continuous blood flow. Non-pulsatile flow is supposed to expose endothelial cells to high stress and potential damage. Therefore, we investigated longitudinal changes in concentration of circulating endothelial microparticles (EMP) as a possible marker of endothelial damage before and after implantation of LVAD. Study population comprised 30 patients with end-stage heart failure indicated for implantation of the Heart Mate II LVAD. Concentrations of microparticles were measured as nanomoles per liter relative to phosphatidylserine before and 3 months after implantation. At 3 months after implantation we observed significant decrease in concentration of EMP [5.89 (95 % CI 4.31-8.03) vs. 3.69 (95 % CI 2.70-5.03), p=0.03] in the whole group; there was no difference observed between patients with ischemic etiology of heart failure (n=18) and with heart failure of non-ischemic etiology (n=12). In addition, heart failure etiology had no effect on the rate of EMP concentration decrease with time. These results indicate possibility that LVAD do not cause vascular damage 3 months after implantation. Whether these results suggest improvement of vascular wall function and of endothelium is to be proved in long-term studies., P. Ivak, J. Pitha, P. Wohlfahrt, I. Kralova Lesna, P. Stavek, Z. dorazilova, J. Stepankova, J. Maly, M. Pokorny, I. Netuka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
One of the most significant insults that jeopardize cardiomyocyte homeostasis is a surge of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the failing myocardium. Early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) has been found to act as a transcriptional regulator in multiple biological processes known to exert deleterious effects on cardiomyocytes. We thus investigated the signaling pathways involved in its regulation by H2O2. Egr-1 mRNA levels were found to be maximally induced after 2 h in H2O2-treated H9c2 cells. Egr-1 respective response at the protein level, was found to be maximally induced after 2 h of treatment with 200 μM H2O2, remaining elevated for 6 h, and declining thereafter. H2O2- induced upregulation of Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels was ablated in the presence of agents inhibiting ERKs pathway (PD98059) and JNKs (SP600125, AS601245). Immunofluorescent experiments revealed H2O2-induced Egr-1 nuclear sequestration to be also ERK- and JNK-dependent. Overall, our results show for the first time the fundamental role of ERKs and JNKs in regulating Egr-1 response to H2O2 treatment in cardiac cells at multiple levels: mRNA, protein and subcellular distribution. Nevertheless, further studies are required to elucidate the specific physiological role of Egr-1 regarding the modulation of gene expression and determination of cell fate., I.-K. S. Aggeli, I. Beis, C. Gaitanaki., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy