Search results for "MEL"
showing 10 items of 6009 documents
Hyperuricaemia and gout in cardiovascular, metabolic and kidney disease
2020
During the last century, there has been an increasing prevalence of hyperuricaemia noted in many populations. While uric acid is usually discussed in the context of gout, hyperuricaemia is also associated with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, hypertriglyceridaemia, obesity, atherosclerotic heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Here we review the connection between hyperuricaemia and cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic diseases. Contrary to the popular view that uric acid is an inert metabolite of purine metabolism, recent studies suggest serum uric acid may have a variety of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidative and vasoconstrictive actions that may contribute to cardiomet…
Cloning of two melanocortin (MC) receptors in spiny dogfish
2004
We report the cloning and characterization of two melanocortin receptors (MCRs) from the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) (Sac). Phylogenetic analysis shows that these shark receptors are orthologues of the MC3R and MC5R subtypes, sharing 65% and 70% overall amino acid identity with the human counterparts, respectively. The SacMC3R was expressed and pharmacologically characterized in HEK293 cells. The radioligand binding results show that this receptor has high affinity for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-derived peptides while it has comparable affinity for alpha- and beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), and slightly lower affinity for gamma-MSH when compared with the human ortho…
New Melanocortin 1 Receptor Binding Motif Based on the C-Terminal Sequence of ?-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone
2006
The C-terminal tripeptide of the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH11-13) possesses strong antiinflammatory activity without known cellular target. In order to better understand the structural requirements for function of such motif, we designed, synthesized and tested out Trp- and Tyr-containing analogues of the alpha-MSH11-13. Seven alpha-MSH11-13 analogues were synthesized and characterized for their binding to the melanocortin receptors recombinantly expressed in insect (Sf9) cells, infected with baculovirus carrying corresponding MC receptor DNA. We also tested these analogues on B16-F1 mouse melanoma cells endogenously expressing the MC1 receptor for binding and for abili…
Hepatitis B virus in diabetic patients
1980
The presence of HBV markers was determined in 149 serum samples obtained from diabetic patients and was compared with a normal population. Diabetics have the same incidence of HBsAg but significantly higher anti-HBc antibodies. These differences were seen in the group of diabetics on oral hypoglycemic therapy. These results cannot yet be explained.
Positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in obstructive sleep apnea patients with concomitant weight loss …
2021
Abstract: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk of developing metabolic disease such as diabetes. The effects of positive airway pressure on glycemic control are contradictory. We therefore evaluated the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a large cohort of OSA patients after long-term treatment with positive airway pressure. HbA1c levels were assessed in a subsample of the European Sleep Apnea Database [n=1608] at baseline and at long-term follow up with positive airway pressure therapy (mean 378.9 +/- 423.0 days). In a regression analysis, treatment response was controlled for important confounders. Overall, HbA1c decreased from 5.98 +/- 1.01% to 5.93 +/- …
Disturbed Lipid Metabolism in Diabetic Patients with Manifest Coronary Artery Disease Is Associated with Enhanced Inflammation
2021
Background: Diabetic vasculopathy plays an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) with oxidative stress as a strong mediator. This study aims to elucidate the underlying pathomechanisms of diabetic cardiac vasculopathy leading to coronary disease with an emphasis on the role of oxidative stress. Therefore, novel insights into antioxidant pathways might contribute to new strategies in the treatment and prevention of diabetic CAD. Methods: In 20 patients with insulin-dependent or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM/NIDDM) and 39 non-diabetic (CTR) patients, myocardial markers of oxidative stress, vasoactive proteins, endothelial nitric oxide synthase …
The role of the renin-angiotensin system in atrial fibrillation and the therapeutic effects of ACE-Is and ARBS
2008
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common rhythm disturbance in medical practice and represents a very expensive health problem. AF can be managed with the prevention of thromboembolism and either a rate control of rhythm strategy. As both strategies have important limitations, probably a preventative strategy in patients at risk of developing arrhythmia can be a more attractive option. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) seems to be involved in the genesis of arrhythmia by the following two mechanisms: 1. the induction of atrial fibrosis and structural remodelling by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression and reduction of collagenase activity; 2. the induction of electrical re…
Covid-19 and Congenital Heart Disease: results from a nationwide survey
2020
Background. The pandemic of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is challenging, given the large number of hospitalized patients. Cardiovascular co-morbidities are linked to a higher mortality risk. Thus, patients with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) might represent a high-risk population. Nevertheless, no data about them are available, yet. Hence, we conducted a nationwide survey to assess clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with congenital heart disease affected by COVID-19. Methods and Results. This is a multi-centre, observational, nationwide survey, involving high-volume Italian CHD centres. COVID-19 diagnosis was defined as either &ldquo
Treatment and Prophylaxis
1991
Following a stroke, the patient’s neurologic deficit may be most impressive, but his treatment and prognosis depend largely upon accompanying systemic disorders. Acute treatment, for instance, must take into consideration such things as cardiovascular disorders (myocardial infarction, valve defects, arrhythmias, hypertension), disorders of renal function, and diabetes mellitus. The early detection and treatment of such systemic problems can help to prevent complications that would be difficult to control later. Thus, in a patient with latent heart disease hypervolemic therapy with low molecular weight dextran may in fact elicit right heart failure and pulmonary edema instead of helping the …
SP0086 Promotion Exercise: The Evidence
2013
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease, and the most common form of chronic joint inflammation. Inflammation leads to elevation of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP). RA also results in downregulation of anabolic factors for muscle, for example, muscle levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) [1]. The circulating levels of cytokines reflect may also play a significant role in rheumatoid cachexia, which is defined as a loss of body cell mass which predominates in skeletal muscle [2]. Despite the significant improvement of pharmaceutical interventions, therapeutic exerci…