Clock genes and cardiovascular diseases

The biorhythms of every species are precisely regulated to adapt the environmental changes. The function of biorhythms is controlled by the clock genes in either a single cell or the whole body. The function of clock genes depends on the feedback circles that are composed by the interactions among the clock components. Many studies indicate that circadian clock is closely related to diseases. Several cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction show overt circadian rhythms, indicating that clock genes may play an important role in such kinds of diseases.     

Antiobesity and cardiovascular toxic effects of Citrus aurantium extracts in the rat: a preliminary report

The effects of repeated oral administration of 2.5–20 mg/kg of two Citrus aurantium fruit extracts standardized to different concentrations of synephrine (4 and 6%, respectively) on food intake, body weight gain, arterial blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) and mortality have been investigated in the rat. C. aurantium administration significantly reduced food intake and body weight gain. However, mortality (not observed in controls) was present in all C. aurantium treated groups. Arterial blood pressure was not modified, but ECG alterations (ventricular arhythmias with enlargement of QRS complex) were evident in animals treated with both extracts. Our data indicate that, in the rat, antiobesity effects of C. aurantium are accompanied by toxic effects probably due to cardiovascular toxicity.     

Edible mushrooms: Role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Edible mushrooms are a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds in addition to a growing appeal for humans by their flavors and culinary features. Recently, they have become increasingly attractive as functional foods for their potential beneficial effects on human health. Hence, food industry is especially interested in cultivated and wild edible mushrooms.     

Regulating autonomic nerve system: a new field of anti-inflammatory therapy for cardiovascular diseases

The role of chronic inflammation and autonomic neuropathy in the crucial underlying process contributing to the initiation and the progression of various cardiovascular diseases is well established. It is well known that the immune system is innervated by the autonomic nervous system, and the inflammatory reaction and immune reaction are re-gulated by the autonomic nerve system. Vagus nerve depresses inflammatory reaction via cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway(CAP), while sympathetic nervous system has bidirectional regulation of pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation, which are affected by several factors such as the concentration of neurotransmitters or types of receptors. In this paper, we reviewed different effects of CAP and sympathetic nervous system on cardiovascular inflammatory reaction. Activation of CAP and regaining normal sympathetic function will improve the chronic inflammation in the process of cardiovascular diseases. Low-toxic and selective α7nAchR agonist is expected to be applied in cardiovascular diseases to alleviate chronic inflammation.     

Effects of 8 hemodynamic conditions on direct blood pressure values obtained simultaneously from the carotid,femoral and dorsal pedal arteries in dogs

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of 8 hemodynamic conditions on blood pressure measurements taken from the carotid, femoral and dorsal pedal arteries of dogs.AnimalsSix healthy dogs.MethodsDuring isoflurane anesthesia, catheters were introduced into the carotid, femoral and dorsal pedal arteries of dogs to allow simultaneous monitoring of direct blood pressure in each artery. The dogs were submitted to 8 hemodynamic conditions induced by combining changes in heart rate (bradycardia, normocardia, tachycardia) with changes in blood pressure (hypotension, normotension, hypertension). Values obtained from each arterial catheter were compared and agreement between central (carotid) and peripheral (femoral and dorsal pedal) values were analyzed by the Bland–Altman method.ResultsDuring hypotensive conditions, systolic arterial pressure (SAP) was lower in the femoral and dorsal pedal arteries compared to the carotid artery whereas during normotensive and hypertensive conditions, SAP was higher in peripheral arteries. During hypotensive states, increases in heart rate resulted in greater bias between central and peripheral SAP whereas during normotensive states, the bias decreased as heart rate increased. Mean and diastolic arterial pressures were lower in the femoral and dorsal pedal arteries than in the carotid artery during most hemodynamic conditions.ConclusionsIn healthy anesthetized dogs, invasive blood pressure measurements in peripheral arteries may differ significantly from measurements in a central artery. The greatest differences were observed in SAP and the magnitude of differences between central and peripheral blood pressure measurements varied according to the dog's hemodynamic condition.