Current Vascular Pharmacology - Volume 15, Issue 6, 2017

Background: Neovascularization, also known as angiogenesis, is the process of capillary sprouting from pre-existing blood vessels. This physiological process is a hallmark event in normal embryonic development as blood vessels generally supply both oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body. Any disruption in this process can lead to the development of various chronic diseases, including cancer. In cancer, aberrant angiogenes Read More

Background: Many studies have shown that the reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDLC) levels provides cardiovascular protection; therefore LDL-C is considered to be a core therapeutic target in anti-hyperlipidaemia treatment. However, the LDL-C goal attainment is often not satisfied in China with conventional lipid-lowering agents. Many patients seek help from Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM). To further understand the current Read More

Background: Leaves of Ginkgo biloba, a “living fossil,” have been used as traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years in China. Currently, its application in vascular protection is garnering much attention. Methods: In this manuscript, preclinical studies were reviewed to discuss various mechanisms underlying the vascular protection by Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). Additionally, we reviewed clinical studies to present the Read More

Background: Evidence of ginseng for reducing blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients is controversial. This systematic review updated the previous reviews and evidence for it. Methods: Ten databases were searched from their inception through October 2016, without language restriction. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included if any types of ginseng were tested as the sole treatment or as an adjunct to Read More

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent proteases that degrade components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In glomerular disease, MMPs are major regulators of ECM degradation as well as structural and functional integrity in the glomerulus. In altered matrix composition diseases, glomerular damage is due to increased degradation of kidney and vessel basement membranes (BMs) by Read More

Background: Patients with diabetes usually exhibit diabetic dyslipidaemia. Aim: The aim of the review is to present the quantitative and qualitative alterations of lipids and lipoproteins and the associated mechanisms in patients with diabetic dyslipidaemia. Results: The main quantitative changes observed in patients with diabetic dyslipidaemia are increased triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol lev Read More

Purpose: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) frequently present haemorrhages as a complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. One of the factors that influences this risk is the volume of blood infused during surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal volume of autologous blood that can be processed during cardiac surgery with ECC. We also determ Read More

Objective: Treatment of wounds difficult to heal concerns 50% of the elderly population in Italy and is therefore a relevant social burden. The present study shows how the treatment with autologous leuco-platelets reduces the healing time of wounds improving the functional recovery. Patients and Methods: Patients (n=100) with ulcers of the legs were divided in two groups: 1) 50 patients treated with conventional thera Read More

Background: Sugen5416 (semaxinib) is an inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor. A rat model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), created with Sugen5416 and chronic hypoxia, is known to have similar histological findings to those of PAH patients. Objective: To evaluate the pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac remodeling due to hypoxic stress with Sugen5416 in vivo. Methods: Male Spra Read More

Background: Add-on therapy with the Mineralocorticoid-Receptor-Antagonists (MRAs) spironolactone and eplerenone was shown to enhance the cardioprotective action of angiotensinconverting- enzyme-inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin-receptor-blockers (ARBs) and/or β-blockers in nondialysis patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. The risk/benefit ratio of MRAs in dialysis p Read More