Arch Med Sci
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The mortality rate in patients with severe liver dysfunction with no option of transplantation is unacceptably high. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of applying extracorporeal liver support (ECLS) techniques in this group of patients. ⋯ Further studies are needed to assess the contribution of non-biological extracorporeal liver support procedures to a decrease in mortality rates in the population of patients with severe liver dysfunction.
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The renin-angiotensin system is associated with blood pressure regulation, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. It can decrease intracellular oxidative stress. Stimulation with H2O2 leads to increased oxidative stress and activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. However, the role of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell dysfunction and H2O2-induced AKT activation remains unclear. ⋯ The study revealed the protective effect of captopril against H2O2-induced endothelial cell dysfunction through the AKT/mTOR pathway, and its enhancement of cell survival. These findings provide new insights into the protective effects of captopril and novel therapeutic approaches to treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Endocan and endoglin have been shown to play a role in angiogenesis. Aberrant excessive angiogenesis is a main factor in the development of diabetic nephropathy. In this study we evaluated endocan and endoglin levels in diabetes patients with and without albuminuria and compared them with healthy subjects. Therefore we aimed at gaining a better understanding of the role of angiogenesis in diabetic nephropathy and to assess the predictive role of endocan and endoglin as markers of diabetic nephropathy progression. ⋯ Endocan might be a more reliable marker of diabetic nephropathy development than endoglin.
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Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) level reflects the general condition of the organism and was proved to give independent information in risk stratification of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of suPAR in the prediction of adverse cardiac events in patients with first myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Additionally, the diagnostic power of suPAR was assessed. ⋯ Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor level appears to be an independent useful biomarker for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events early after first myocardial infarction. The biomarker's level seems to have more prognostic than diagnostic power.
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Our aim was to compare in a prospective randomized study the safety, direct results and periprocedural data of ablation using an nMARQ catheter, a PVAC catheter used with the EnSite system, or a PVAC catheter only under fluoroscopy control. ⋯ The lowest radiological exposure was observed during ablation performed with an nMARQ catheter. 3D systems reduced fluoroscopy duration and the necessity of contrast injection. The nMARQ catheter requires injection of a large volume of fluid.