Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview

Taurine, a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid, has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Found in various foods and often used in energy drinks and supplements, taurine has been studied extensively to understand its impact on human physiology. Determining its exact functional roles represents a complex and multifaceted topic. We provide an overview of the scientific literature and present an analysis of the effects of taurine on various aspects of human health, focusing on aging and cardiovascular pathophysiology, but also including athletic performance, metabolic regulation, and neurological function. Additionally, our report summarizes the current recommendations for taurine intake and addresses potential safety concerns. Evidence from both human and animal studies indicates that taurine may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, including blood pressure regulation, improved cardiac fitness, and enhanced vascular health. Its mechanisms of action and antioxidant properties make it also an intriguing candidate for potential anti-aging strategies.

Cardioprotective effects of autophagy: Eat your heart out, heart failure!

Activation of autophagy improves post-infarction myocardial function in mice.

Exosomal microRNA: The revolutionary endogenous Innerspace nanotechnology

T lymphocytes release exosomes containing specific microRNAs that cause apoptosis of pancreatic β cells in type 1 diabetes.

A Fleeting Glimpse Inside microRNA, Epigenetics, and Micropeptidomics

MicroRNAs (miRs) are important regulators of gene expression in numerous biological processes. Their maturation process is herein described, including the most updated insights from the current literature. Circa 2000 miR sequences have been identified in the human genome, with over 50,000 miR-target interactions, including enzymes involved in epigenetic modulation of gene expression. Moreover, some "pieces of RNA" previously annotated as noncoding have been recently found to encode micropeptides that carry out critical mechanistic functions in the cell. Advanced techniques now available will certainly allow a precise scanning of the genome looking for micropeptides hidden within the "noncoding" RNA.

Endothelial cells: The heart attack of the Clones

Neovascularization induced by acute myocardial infarction is mediated by clonal expansion of mature endothelial cells, which is triggered by VEGFR-2 signaling.

Exploiting microRNA Specificity and Selectivity: Paving a Sustainable Path Towards Precision Medicine

In his State of the Union address before both chambers of the US Congress, President Barack Obama called for increased investment in US infrastructure and research and announced the launch of a new Precision Medicine Initiative, aiming to accelerate biomedical discovery. Due to their well-established selectivity and specificity, microRNAs can represent a useful tool, both in diagnosis and therapy, in forging the path towards the achievement of precision medicine. This introductory chapter represents a guide for the Reader in examining the functional roles of microRNAs in the most diverse aspects of clinical practice, which will be explored in this third volume of the microRNA trilogy.

Stroke prevention: Learning from the master (and COMMANDER)

Adding rivaroxaban to standard therapy in patients with heart failure and no atrial fibrillation did not show any beneficial effect on death risk.

Dietary Components and Metabolic Dysfunction: Translating Preclinical Studies into Clinical Practice

The importance of diet in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome is well acknowledged [1-3] and may be crucial in the determination of cardiovascular risk and the development of cardiovascular complications [4-7].[...].

The lymphatic border patrol outwits inflammatory cells in myocardial infarction

Lymphangiogenesis modulates inflammation by clearing immune cells in the infarcted heart in a lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1)-dependent process to ameliorate cardiac dysfunction.