European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2021
The role of sperm and oocyte in fetal programming: Is Lamarck making a comeback?
Compelling evidence has shown that parental experiences and age at conception may potentially shape the future health of the next generation(s). Certain factors may affect both the female and, strikingly, the male gametes potentially causing the transmission of acquired traits, which was strongly defended by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. ⋯ The potential implications of a (trans)generational inheritance of parental disease and exposure effects should be taken into account in counselling and public policy. Further research into how exactly gametes apparently deliver more than DNA to a new generation is warranted.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2021
ReviewRodent studies of developmental programming and aging mechanisms.
Compelling evidence exists indicating that developmental programming influences ageing. Programming alters life-course phenotype in multiple organs, predisposing to diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease that shorten lifespan. This review describes studies in rodents, the most commonly studied species, addressing interactions of programming challenges with ageing. ⋯ Accelerated ageing occurs early in life. Improving knowledge on programming ageing interactions will improve health span as well as lifespan. Finally, there are considerable similarities in outcomes programmed by maternal undernutrition and overnutrition.
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There is a widespread misconception that only maternal variables affect in utero development. Epigenetic markers carried by the spermatozoon are transmitted to the zygote. ⋯ Acquired traits of metabolic disease can be inherited by the offspring via the male gamete. Health assessment of future fathers is essential to predict the offspring's health.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Sep 2021
Effects of phosphodiesterase-1 inhibitor on pulmonary vein electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis.
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoform inhibitors have mechanical and electrical effects on the heart. Inhibition of PDE-1 enzymes is a novel strategy for treating heart failure. However, the electrophysiological effects of PDE-1 inhibition on the heart remain unclear. This study explored the effects of PDE-1 inhibition using ITI-214 on electrical activity in the pulmonary vein (PV), the most common trigger of atrial fibrillation, and investigated the underlying ionic mechanisms. ⋯ ITI-214 reduces PV spontaneous activity and PV diastolic tension by reducing INa-Late , ICa-L and NCX current. Considering its therapeutic potential in heart failure, targeting PDE-1 inhibition may provide a novel strategy for managing atrial arrhythmogenesis.