Long-term follow-up for ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma in a single tertiary medical center and a literature review

Pituitary - Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (EAPA) are a rare cause of Cushing’s disease. Due to the lack of consensus and experience in terms of the diagnosis and treatment of...     

ACE Overexpression in Myelomonocytic Cells: Effect on a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

The angiotensin AT2-receptor mediates tissue protective actions. Its regenerative potential has been tested in multiple disease models including models of myocardial infarction. These studies used different experimental approaches in order to detect AT2-receptor-related effects such as AT2-receptor deficiency or overexpression, treatment with an AT1-receptor blocker leading to indirect stimulation of the unopposed AT2-receptor, or studies using AT2-receptor agonists. It is a common finding in these studies that the AT2-receptor improves cardiac function in the early phase post-MI, and that this effect is preserved over periods of up to four months. Depending on the experimental protocol, the AT2R also attenuates post-MI left ventricular remodeling or protects the heart from early left ventricular thinning and rupture. In combination with AT1-receptor blockade or deficiency, post-MI cardiac hypertrophy is reduced. This article reviews studies on the role of the AT2-receptor in myocardial infarction with an emphasis on the most recent data obtained in studies using AT2-receptor agonists.     

Plasma Renin Activity and Its Association With Ischemic Heart Disease,Congestive Heart Failure,and Cerebrovascular Disease in a Large Hypertensive Cohort

Plasma renin activity (PRA) may be a surrogate for vascular damage. The authors hypothesize that PRA is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CED). A cross‐sectional study (January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2009) was performed on hypertensive individuals 18 years and older using multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and CED based on PRA quartiles controlling for age, sex, race, diabetes mellitus (DM), and medication use. Among 7887 individuals (60% women; 34% whites, 23% blacks, and 19% Hispanics; and 29% with DM), the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for IHD were 0.94 (0.80–1.10), 1.09 (0.92–1.29), and 1.18 (1.00–1.39); for CHF were 1.23 (0.99–1.53), 1.27 (1.01–1.61), and 1.41 (1.13–1.77); and for CED were 0.95 (0.78–1.17), 0.77 (0.61–0.97), and 0.97 (0.78–1.20) for the second, third, and fourth quartiles compared with the first quartile. Higher PRA was associated with greater likelihood for prevalent IHD and CHF but not CED in this large ethnically diverse population of hypertensive individuals.     

A Self-Healing Hierarchical Fiber Hydrogel That Mimics ECM Structure

Although there have been many studies on using hydrogels as substitutes for natural extracellular matrices (ECMs), hydrogels that mimic the structure and properties of ECM remain a contentious topic in current research. Herein, a hierarchical biomimetic fiber hydrogel was prepared using a simple strategy, with a structure highly similar to that of the ECM. Cell viability experiments showed that the hydrogel not only has good biocompatibility but also promotes cell proliferation and growth. It was also observed that cells adhere to the fibers in the hydrogel, mimicking the state of cells in the ECM. Lastly, through a rat skin wound repair experiment, we demonstrated that this hydrogel has a good effect on promoting rat skin healing. Its high structural similarity to the ECM and good biocompatibility make this hydrogel a good candidate for prospective applications in the field of tissue engineering.