Journal of cardiac failure
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Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is released by renal tubular cells in response to inflammation and injury. Recent studies have demonstrated that NGAL is up-regulated in cardiomyocytes within the failing myocardium. However, the overall relationship between systemic NGAL levels and myocardial structure and performance has not been established. ⋯ Systemic NGAL levels are largely determined by underlying impairment of renal rather than myocardial function. Our findings did not support any prognostic significance or relationship between systemic NGAL levels and indices of cardiac structure and function after adjustment for underlying renal function.
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Studies have shown that the autonomic dysfunction accompanied by impaired baroreflex sensitivity was associated with higher mortality. However, the influence of decreased baroreflex sensitivity on cardiac function, especially in diastolic function, is not well understood. This study evaluated the morphofunctional changes associated with baroreflex impairment induced by chronic sinoaortic denervation (SAD). ⋯ The results suggest that baroreflex dysfunction is associated with cardiac diastolic dysfunction independently of the presence of other risk factors.