Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 Inhibitors: An Emerging Lipid-Lowering Therapy?
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is part of the proteinase K subfamily of subtilases and plays a key role in lipid metabolism. It increases degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R), modulates cholesterol metabolism and transport, and contributes to the production of apolipoprotein B (apoB) in intestinal cells. Exogenous PCSK9 modifies the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase and enhances secretion of chylomicrons by modulating production of lipids and apoB-48. Statins increase PCSK9 messenger RNA expression and attenua...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - February 9, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dragan, S., Serban, M.-C., Banach, M. Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research

Antiplatelet Therapy for Peripheral Arterial Disease and Critical Limb Ischemia: Guidelines Abound, But Where Are the Data?
This article summarizes the major guidelines for antiplatelet therapy, reviews the major studies of antiplatelet therapy in peripheral arterial disease (including data for aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, cilostazol, and prostanoids), and offers perspective on the potential benefits of ticagrelor, vorapaxar, and rivaroxaban. The review concludes with a discussion of the relative lack of efficacy that antiplatelet therapy has shown in regard to peripheral vascular outcomes. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - February 9, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Azarbal, A., Clavijo, L., Gaglia, M. A. Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research

Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of MicroRNAs for Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death in humans and are responsible for billions of dollars in health care expenditures. As the molecular basis of cardiac diseases continues to be explored, there remains the hope for identification of more effective therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as important regulators of numerous biological pathways and stress responses, including those found in cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNA signatures of cardiovascular diseases can provide targets for miRNA adjustment and offer the possibility of changing gene and protein expression to treat certain path...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - February 9, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Calway, T., Kim, G. H. Tags: Cardiovascular Pharmacology Core Reviews Source Type: research

Calcium Channel Blockers and Hypertension
This article provides an updated overview of the evidence supporting the use of CCBs-based antihypertensive regimen, both in monotherapy and in combination therapies with different classes of antihypertensive drugs. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - February 9, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Tocci, G., Battistoni, A., Passerini, J., Musumeci, M. B., Francia, P., Ferrucci, A., Volpe, M. Tags: Cardiovascular Pharmacology Core Reviews Source Type: research

Electrophysiological and Morphological Maturation of Murine Fetal Cardiomyocytes During Electrical Stimulation In Vitro
The aim of this study was to investigate whether continuous electrical stimulation affects electrophysiological properties and cell morphology of fetal cardiomyocytes (FCMs) in culture. Fetal cardiomyocytes at day 14.5 post coitum were harvested from murine hearts and electrically stimulated for 6 days in culture using a custom-made stimulation chamber. Subsequently, action potentials of FCM were recorded with glass microelectrodes. Immunostainings of α-Actinin, connexin 43, and vinculin were performed. Expression of ion channel subunits Kcnd2, Slc8a1, Cacna1, Kcnh2, and Kcnb1 was analyzed by quantitative reverse-tra...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Baumgartner, S., Halbach, M., Krausgrill, B., Maass, M., Srinivasan, S. P., Sahito, R. G. A., Peinkofer, G., Nguemo, F., Muller-Ehmsen, J., Hescheler, J. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Dysregulation of Catalase Activity in Newborn Myocytes During Hypoxia Is Mediated by c-Abl Tyrosine Kinase
In the adult heart, catalase (CAT) activity increases appropriately with increasing levels of hydrogen peroxide, conferring cardioprotection. This mechanism is absent in the newborn for unknown reasons. In the present study, we examined how the posttranslational modification of CAT contributes to its activation during hypoxia/ischemia and the role of c-Abl tyrosine kinase in this process. Hypoxia studies were carried out using primary cardiomyocytes from adult (>8 weeks) and newborn rats. Following hypoxia, the ratio of phosphorylated to total CAT and c-Abl in isolated newborn rat myocytes did not increase and were sign...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cabigas, E. B., Liu, J., Boopathy, A. V., Che, P. L., Crawford, B. H., Baroi, G., Bhutani, S., Shen, M., Wagner, M. B., Davis, M. E. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Toll-Like Receptor 4 Knockout Protects Against Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis: The Role of Autophagy
Conclusions: Our results suggest that TLR4 KO-induced cardioprotection against ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis is associated with reduced autophagy induction. Cardiac fibroblast autophagy participates in its own activation. The moderate inhibition of autophagic activity may be a new strategy for treating cardiac fibrosis. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dong, R.-q., Wang, Z.-f., Zhao, C., Gu, H.-r., Hu, Z.-w., Xie, J., Wu, Y.-q. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

The Effect of Cannabidiol on Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Ventricular Arrhythmias: The Role of Adenosine A1 Receptors
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoid with anti-inflammatory activity mediated by enhancing adenosine signaling. As the adenosine A1 receptor activation confers protection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced ventricular arrhythmias, we hypothesized that CBD may have antiarrhythmic effect through the activation of adenosine A1 receptor. Cannabidiol has recently been shown to suppress ischemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed to research the effect of CBD on the incidence and the duration of I/R-induced ventricular arrhythmias and to investigate the role of adenosine A1 receptor activation i...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Gonca, E., Darıcı, F. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Comparative Antiatherogenic Effects of Intravenous AAV8- and AAV2-Mediated ApoA-IMilano Gene Transfer in Hypercholesterolemic Mice
In this study, we compared the antiatherogenic efficacy of ApoA-IM gene transfer using Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) 2 or rAAV8 as vectors in ApoA-I/ApoE null mice. Mice received a single intravenous injection of 1.2 x 1012 vector genomes of AAV2 or AAV8 vectors expressing ApoA-IM or control empty vectors (12 mice/group). Circulating levels of ApoA-IM were higher in recipients of AAV8 compared with AAV2 at 4, 12, and 20 weeks postinjection. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of RNA collected from different tissues showed that the AAV8-mediated gene transfer resulted in a more efficient transgene exp...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Tian, F., Wang, L., Arias, A., Yang, M., Sharifi, B. G., Shah, P. K. Tags: Experimental Studies Source Type: research

Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents in the Treatment of Anemia in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure
Conclusion: There is inconclusive evidence to suggest that the use of ESAs in treating anemia in patients with heart failure is beneficial. Although ESAs demonstrated a clear ability for increasing hemoglobin levels, the data regarding clinical outcomes such as exercise parameters, quality of life, and hospitalizations are conflicting. In addition, a mortality benefit has not been shown; therefore, the potential for improved symptomatology must be weighed against the potential for adverse events. (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lindquist, D. E., Cruz, J. L., Brown, J. N. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Effects of an Oral Nitric Oxide Supplement on Functional Capacity and Blood Pressure in Adults With Prehypertension
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of oral NO supplementation on blood pressure in patients with clinical prehypertension. This pilot phase study evaluated the effect of an orally disintegrating lozenge that generates NO in the oral cavity on blood pressure, functional capacity, and quality of life. Thirty patients with clinical prehypertension were recruited and enrolled in either the NO treatment or the placebo group over a 30-day period in an outpatient setting. Nitric oxide supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in resting blood pressure (138 ± 12 mm Hg in systole and 84 ±...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Biswas, O. S., Gonzalez, V. R., Schwarz, E. R. Tags: Clinical Studies Source Type: research

Targeting Macrophage Subsets for Infarct Repair
Macrophages are involved in every cardiovascular disease and are an attractive therapeutic target. Macrophage activation is complex and can be either beneficial or deleterious, depending upon its mode of action, its timing, and its duration. An important macrophage characteristic is its plasticity, which enables it to switch from one subset to another. Macrophages, which regulate healing and repair after myocardial infarction, have become a major target for both treatment and diagnosis (theranostic). The aim of the present review is to describe the recent discoveries related to targeting and modulating of macrophage functi...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ben-Mordechai, T., Palevski, D., Glucksam-Galnoy, Y., Elron-Gross, I., Margalit, R., Leor, J. Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research

Pharmacologic Therapy for Reducing Myocardial Infarct Size in Clinical Trials: Failed and Promising Approaches
In patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, early, successful, and durable reperfusion therapy optimizes the likelihood of favorable outcomes. Fibrinolysis and primary percutaneous coronary intervention improve survival compared to no reperfusion therapy in large part by reducing infarct size (IS) and preserving left ventricular ejection fraction. There is direct correlation between IS and clinical outcomes. In this article, we will review some of the more promising pharmacological agents geared toward reduction in IS, discuss the major pathways that can lead to this desirable outcome, and evaluate t...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Sattur, S., Brener, S. J., Stone, G. W. Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research

Looking into the Crystal Ball--Upcoming Drugs for Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidaemia is a critical risk factor for the development of cardiovascular complications such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. Although statins are effective anti-dyslipidemic drugs, their usage is fraught with issues such as failure of adequate lipid control in 30% of cases and intolerance in select patients. The limited potential of other alternatives such as fibrates, bile acid sequestrants and niacin has spurred the search for novel drug molecules with better efficacy and safety. CETP inhibitors such as evacetrapib and anacetrapib have shown promise in raising HDL besides LDL lowering property. Microsomal trigl...
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: George, M., Selvarajan, S., Muthukumar, R., Elangovan, S. Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation: Facts and Myths
(Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics - December 8, 2014 Category: Cardiology Authors: Barice, E. J., Hennekens, C. H. Tags: Editorials Source Type: research