Arch Med Sci
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection persists in most infected individuals and can lead to the development of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a crucial role in various liver diseases, especially HCC. The expression profiles of circulating microRNAs have been studied aiming at the identification of novel non-invasive biomarkers. This study aims to develop a non-invasive diagnostic tool based on measuring the serum levels of different miRNAs in order to detect HCV-induced HCC at the early stages of the disease. ⋯ These findings indicate that measurement of serum levels of miRNA-122a, miRNA-125a, miRNA-139, miRNA-145, and miRNA-199a can differentiate HCC from CHC and LC. Our results suggest that serum miR-122 might serve as a novel and potential noninvasive biomarker for HCV-induced HCC.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of blood pressure (BP) goals on cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients. ⋯ In hypertension patients, when compared to uncontrolled hypertension patients, low therapeutic BP goal is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes than high therapeutic BP goal.
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Inflammatory mediators play an important role in development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Both adrenergic stimulation and high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) indicate an unfavorable outcome in patients with myocardial infarction or heart failure. Understanding the interaction between β-adrenergic stimulation and IL-6 in the myocardium may contribute to developing more effective treatments. The aim of this study was to verify the role of IL-6 in the effects of β-adrenergic stimulation in activating selected intracellular signaling pathways in mouse myocardium. ⋯ IL-6 plays an important role in regulating the activation of MAPK pathways in the mouse myocardium in response to chronic β-adrenergic stimulation.
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The hypothesis that relates atherosclerosis to traditional risk factors (TRF) seems to be not as adequate as previously thought; other risk factors (RF) need to be considered to prevent atherosclerosis progression. Although a family medical history of premature cardiovascular events (FHx) has been considered the putative RF for decades, it has not been incorporated routinely into cardiovascular risk evaluation along with another RF. The objective of this study was to investigate whether FHx is associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden, measured as carotid total plaque area (TPA) in a population having no traditional RF. ⋯ The FHx was associated with increased TPA burden and progression in the absence of other TRF. This supports ultrasound screening in FHx patients in order to detect high-risk patients who may benefit from early intervention.
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Metabolic alterations have been recently associated with onset and progression of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). We aimed to determine the prevalence and prognostic role of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with IPAH. ⋯ Patients with IPAH are characterized by an altered profile of lipid and glucose metabolism. Lowered levels of LDL-C and HDL-C and increased TG/HDL-C ratio correlate with disease severity and together with elevated plasma glucose level predict poor survival in IPAH.