Protective role of simvastatin on isolated rabbit atrioventricular node during experimental atrial fibrillation model: role in rate control of ventricular beats

Role of oxytocin and c-Myc pathway in cardiac remodeling in neonatal rats undergoing cardiac apical resection

Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide hormone that can improve cardiomyocyte proliferation, suggesting a potential heart regeneration function. Here, we investigated the role of oxytocin and the c-Myc pathway in cardiac remodeling in neonatal rats undergoing cardiac apical resection. We have utilized a knockout of oxytocin receptor (OTR) with OTR-shRNA. A neonatal rat model of cardiac resection (≈10%-15%) was first established. The protein levels of OTR and c-Myc and the expression of cyclin d1 and c-Myc genes were then evaluated in the cardiac tissues at 1, 7, and 21 days after cardiac resection. We also analyzed the proliferation of cardiomyocytes through α-actinin, BrdU, and ki-67 markers. At last, the hemodynamic and electrophysiologic functions were evaluated eight weeks after cardiac resection. At 21 days, the regeneration of cardiomyocytes was repaired among rats in the control and resection groups, while OTR-shRNA groups were failed to improve. Inhibition of OTR failed cardiac regeneration and reduced the number of proliferating cardiomyocytes. The c-Myc protein was significantly reduced in the OTR-shRNA injection hearts. Moreover, we have severely found a depressed heart function in the OTR-shRNA injection animals. These observations revealed that the OT must improve cardiac remodeling in neonatal rat hearts by regulating the c-Myc pathway.

Publication trends in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology: focus on pharmacology in Egypt

In a previous analysis of the country of origin of papers published in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, a major shift toward contributions from emerging market countries, was noticed in comparison of 2010 to 2001 publications. Repeating such analysis for 2012 publications in the journal confirmed this trend. An interesting new trend was the emerging presence of papers from a variety of Islamic countries including Egypt. Based on this trend, we shortly review the history and current structure of pharmacology in Egypt. It appears that the presence of Egyptian pharmacology in international journals including pharmacology journals has sharply been increasing over the last two decades. Challenges for a continuation of this encouraging trend are being discussed.