Hypothesis: Cadmium Explains, in Part, Why Smoking Increases the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Conclusions: Despite major inherent limitations of meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies, we believe that the data contribute to the formulation of the hypothesis that Cd explains, in part, why smokers have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Further research, including analytic studies designed a priori are necessary to test the hypothesis. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - November 8, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Hecht, E. M., Landy, D. C., Ahn, S., Hlaing, W. M., Hennekens, C. H. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Fixed Combination of Amlodipine/Atorvastatin: From Mechanisms to Trials
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Risk factors are rarely seen individually, and the 2 most common and most frequently associated risk factors are hypertension and dyslipidemia (DL). Studies conducted in different parts of the world uniquely point out insufficient efficacy of hypertension and DL treatment, which is reflected in blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein levels higher than target values. A reason of this therapeutic failure is the reduced adherence, which is mainly caused by multidrug therapy. A possible solution for this problem is the use of fixed combinations. The main adv...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - November 8, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ivanovic, B., Tadic, M. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Comparison of On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity Between Triple Antiplatelet Therapy With Cilostazol and Standard Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Interventions: A Meta-Analysis
Conclusion: Addition of cilostazol to conventional dual antiplatelet therapy significantly lowers platelet reactivity and may explain a decrease in thromboembolic events following coronary intervention; however, additional studies evaluating clinical outcomes will be helpful to determine the benefit of triple antiplatelet therapy. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - November 8, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Panchal, H. B., Shah, T., Patel, P., Albalbissi, K., Molnar, J., Coffey, B., Khosla, S., Ramu, V. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Role of Protein Kinase C in Ischemic "Conditioning": From First Evidence to Current Perspectives
Since the discovery of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) 26 years ago, numerous studies attempted to determine the mechanism of this powerful form of cardioprotection. One of the first proposed pathways of IPC suggested that the preconditioning stimulus activated phospholipase C via G-protein, and diacylglycerol released from phospholipid moieties activated protein kinase C (PKC) by translocating it from the cytosol to the sarcolemmal membranes. The major protective isoform of PKC was found to be the PKC-. Despite some contradictions and controversies, today even the most skeptical opponents acknowledge that PKC plays a signi...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - November 8, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Simkhovich, B. Z., Przyklenk, K., Kloner, R. A. Tags: Review Source Type: research

Updates in Antiplatelet Agents Used in Cardiovascular Diseases
Conclusions: In the last 5 years, newer antiplatelet agents, including prasugrel and ticagrelor, have been demonstrated to reduce recurrent cardiovascular events compared to standard therapy and, however, also caused increase bleeding in selected patient populations. Newer agents including shorter acting P2Y12 inhibitor or antiplatelets that target other receptors are being evaluated to improve/maintain therapeutic efficacy yet minimize the risk of bleeding. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - November 8, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cheng, J. W. M. Tags: Cardiovascular Pharmacology Core Reviews Source Type: research

Cardiovascular Pharmacology Core Reviews: Aspirin
This article reviews the following: the effect of aspirin upon the cyclooxygenase pathway; clinical trials of aspirin for both secondary and primary prevention; prospective and retrospective studies of aspirin dose; the potential interaction between aspirin and ticagrelor; and the concept of aspirin resistance. It concludes with a review of major society guidelines regarding aspirin and offers a perspective on the evidence-based use of aspirin in clinical practice. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - November 8, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Gaglia, M. A., Clavijo, L. Tags: Cardiovascular Pharmacology Core Reviews Source Type: research

Therapeutic Effect of Probiotic Dahi on Plasma, Aortic, and Hepatic Lipid Profile of Hypercholesterolemic Rats
This study examined the effects of probiotic dahi prepared by Lactobacillus plantarum Lp9 and dahi culture in buffalo milk on lowering cholesterol in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic basal diet. Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups and fed with probiotic dahi, dahi, or buffalo milk for 120 days. Following the consumption of supplements (probiotic dahi, dahi or buffalo milk), the animals were fed a basal hypercholesterolemic diet. Plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides (TAGs) were decreased by 35% and 72% in rats fed with probiotic dahi group, while cholesterol levels increased by 70% and TAGs increased by 97% in ...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mohania, D., Kansal, V. K., Shah, D., Nagpal, R., Kumar, M., Gautam, S. K., Singh, B., Behare, P. V. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Improvement in Myocardial Function by Terminalia arjuna in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: Possible Mechanisms
Vascular complications are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. Herbal drugs are increasingly being used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. The present study was designed to examine the therapeutic potential of Terminalia arjuna bark extract in improving myocardial function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After 8 weeks of STZ administration, rats showed a decline in left ventricular pressure (LVP), maximal rate of rise and fall in LVP (LV [dP/dt] max and LV [dP/dt] min), cardiac contractility index (LV [dP/dt] max/LVP), and rise in LV end-diastolic pressure. Altered lip...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Khaliq, F., Parveen, A., Singh, S., Gondal, R., Hussain, M. E., Fahim, M. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Effects of Recombinant Adenovirus Hepatocyte Growth Factor Gene on Myocardial Remodeling in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Conclusions: These findings indicate that HGF expression is attenuated in hypertrophic and fibrotic myocardium of SHR. The forced increase in HGF exerts a salutary effect on myocardial fibrosis, collagen I expression, and hemodynamic parameters. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Hu, Z.-P., Bao, Y., Chen, D.-N., Cheng, Y., Song, B., Liu, M., Li, D., Wang, B.-N. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Inhibition by SCH79797 Attenuates Left Ventricular Remodeling and Profibrotic Activities of Cardiac Fibroblasts
Conclusion: These studies suggest PAR1 inhibition initiated after ischemic injury attenuates adverse LV remodeling through late-stage antifibrotic events. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Sonin, D. L., Wakatsuki, T., Routhu, K. V., Harmann, L. M., Petersen, M., Meyer, J., Strande, J. L. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

HBI-3000 Prevents Secondary Sudden Cardiac Death
Conclusions: The data indicate that HBI is an effective antiarrhythmic and antifibrillatory agent for the prevention of VF or sudden cardiac death. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lee, J. Y., Lucchesi, B. R. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Increasing Doses of Simvastatin Versus Combined Ezetimibe/Simvastatin: Effect on Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Conclusions: Among stable patients with CAD and with an LDL-C >70 mg/dL on simvastatin 20 mg, increasing simvastatin dose to 80 mg or adding ezetimibe 10 mg promoted similar further cholesterol reduction but did not have incremental effects on circulating EPCs. These data suggest that the effects of simvastatin moderate doses on EPCs are not increased by intensive lipid-lowering strategies (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00474123). (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Pesaro, A. E. P., Serrano, C. V., Katz, M., Marti, L., Fernandes, J. L., Parra, P. R. G., Campos, A. H. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Lanthanum Carbonate Delays Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification Compared With Calcium-Based Phosphate Binders in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Pilot Study
Conclusions: This pilot study suggested that LC delayed progression of CAC in patients on HD compared with CC. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ohtake, T., Kobayashi, S., Oka, M., Furuya, R., Iwagami, M., Tsutsumi, D., Mochida, Y., Maesato, K., Ishioka, K., Moriya, H., Hidaka, S. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Elevation of Plasma Milrinone Concentrations in Stage D Heart Failure Associated With Renal Dysfunction
Conclusion: Patients with stage D HF having severe renal dysfunction have elevated milrinone concentrations. Future studies of milrinone concentrations are warranted to investigate the potential risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and potential dosing regimens in renal dysfunction. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cox, Z. L., Calcutt, M. W., Morrison, T. B., Akers, W. S., Davis, M. B., Lenihan, D. J. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Effects of Direct Renin Inhibition on Atherosclerotic Biomarkers in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Conclusions: Treatment with either aliskiren or amlodipine did not significantly alter surrogate biomarkers of atherosclerosis in patients with both diabetes and established cardiovascular disease already receiving appropriate secondary cardiovascular prevention therapy. The study is limited in its size and duration to see an effect. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - August 12, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Irons, B. K., Trujillo, A., Seifert, C. F., Simoni, J. S., Doctolero, S., Abo-Salem, E., Meyerrose, G. E. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research