DPP-4 inhibitors and heart failure: a potential role for pharmacogenomics

Effects of Different Cow-Milk Beta-Caseins on the Gut-Brain Axis: A Narrative Review of Preclinical, Animal, and Human Studies

The gut and brain communicate through bidirectional neural, endocrine, and immune signals to coordinate central nervous system activity with gastrointestinal function. Dysregulated inflammation can promote immune cell activation and increase entero-endocrine signaling and intestinal permeability; hence, a functional gut-brain axis is necessary for a healthy digestive system. The consumption of milk products can lead to gut discomfort via effects on gastrointestinal tract function and the inflammatory state, which, in turn, affect the brain. A1 β-casein and A2 β-casein are major components of bovine-milk protein, and their digestion may result in different physiological effects following the consumption of milk products. Peptides derived from A1 β-casein, such as β-casomorphins, may increase gut dysfunction and inflammation, thereby modulating the availability of bioactive metabolites in the bloodstream and contribute to changes in cognitive function. This narrative review examines the functional interrelationships between the consumption of cow-milk-derived β-caseins and their effect on the brain, immune system, and the gut, which together comprise the gut-brain axis.

Current Management and Future Directions of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: a Contemporary Review

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a complex and debilitating syndrome, is commonly seen in elderly populations. Exacerbation of HFpEF is among the most common reasons for hospital admission in the USA. The high rate of morbidity and mortality from this condition underscores the fact that HFpEF is heterogeneous, complex, and poorly characterized. Randomized, controlled trials have been very successful at identifying treatments for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but effective treatment options for HFpEF are lacking. Here, we discuss (1) the pathophysiology of HFpEF, (2) a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approach, (3) a comparison of the management of recent guidelines, and (4) challenges and future directions for HFpEF management. The authors believe that it is important to identify new subtypes of HFpEF to better classify genotypes and phenotypes of HFpEF and to develop novel targeted therapies. It is our hypothesis that big data analytics will shine new light on unique HFpEF phenotypes that better respond to treatment modalities.