Proenkephalin and the risk of new-onset heart failure: data from prevention of renal and vascular end-stage disease

A common gene signature of the right ventricle in failing rat and human hearts

The molecular mechanisms of progressive right heart failure are incompletely understood. In this study, we systematically examined transcriptomic changes occurring over months in isolated cardiomyocytes or whole heart tissues from failing right and left ventricles in rat models of pulmonary artery banding (PAB) or aortic banding (AOB). Detailed bioinformatics analyses resulted in the identification of gene signature, protein and transcription factor networks specific to ventricles and compensated or decompensated disease states. Proteomic and RNA-FISH analyses confirmed PAB-mediated regulation of key genes and revealed spatially heterogeneous mRNA expression in the heart. Intersection of rat PAB-specific gene sets with transcriptome datasets from human patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) led to the identification of more than 50 genes whose expression levels correlated with the severity of right heart disease, including multiple matrix-regulating and secreted factors. These data define a conserved, differentially regulated genetic network associated with right heart failure in rats and humans.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2021

This paper is the forty-fourth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2021 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonizts and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).

Effects of Metoprolol Succinate Combined with Entresto on Cardiac Function Indexes and Coagulation Function in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Objective

To investigate the effects of metoprolol succinate combined with Entresto (Sacubitril Valsartan Sodium Tablets) on cardiac function and coagulation function in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods

About 120 patients with CHF treated from April 2018 to April 2021 were enrolled in our hospital. The patients were arbitrarily assigned into control group and study group. The control group was cured with metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets, and the study group was cured with metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets combined with Entresto. The curative effect, cardiac function, vascular endothelial function, oxidative stress, and coagulation function were compared.

Results

First of all, we compared the general data, and there exhibited no difference in age, sex, course of disease, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and other general data (P > 0.05). Second, we compared the clinical efficacy. The effective rate of the study group (98.33%) was higher (90.00%) (P < 0.05). There exhibited no significant difference in cardiac function indexes before treatment, but after treatment, LVEF increased, LVESD and LVEDD decreased, LVESD and LVEDD in the study group were lower, and LVEF in the study group was higher (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there exhibited no significant difference in vascular endothelial function. However, the levels of CGRP and ET increased and the level of NO decreased, and the level of NO in the study group was lower, while the levels of CGRP and ET in the study group were higher after treatment (P < 0.05). There exhibited no significant difference in oxidative stress indexes before treatment, however, the levels of GSH-Px and SOD increased and the levels of MDA decreased after treatment, while the level of MDA in the study group was lower, while the levels of GSH-Px and SOD in the study group were higher (P < 0.05). Finally, we compared the indexes of blood coagulation function. There exhibited no significant difference before treatment, but after treatment, the levels of APTT, PT, and FIB decreased, and the levels of APTT, PT, and FIB in the study group were lower (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Clinical practice demonstrated that LVESD and LVEDD decreased and LVEF increased after treatment with Entresto combined with metoprolol in CHF patients, which can effectively facilitate cardiac function and vascular endothelial function, reduce oxidative stress reaction, and improve blood coagulation indexes, suggesting that Entresto combined with metoprolol can improve ventricular remodeling with good safety.