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Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential in normal brain development, and cognitive and emotional functions. THs act through a cascade of events including uptake by the target cells by specific cell membrane transporters, activation or inactivation by deiodinase enzymes, and interaction with nuclear thyroid hormone receptors. Several thyroid responsive genes have been described in the developing and in the adult brain and many studies have demonstrated a systemic or local reduction in TH availability in neurologic disease and after brain injury. In this review, the main factors and mechanisms associated with the THs in the normal and damaged brain will be evaluated in different regions and cellular contexts. Furthermore, the most common animal models used to study the role of THs in brain damage and cognitive impairment will be described and the use of THs as a potential recovery strategy from neuropathological conditions will be evaluated. Finally, particular attention will be given to the link observed between TH alterations and increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative and dementing condition worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling is strictly regulated by iodothyronine deiodinase activity, which both preserves the circulating levels of the biologically active triiodothyronine (T3) and regulates TH homeostasis at the local level, in a cell- and time-dependent manner. Three deiodinases have been identified--namely iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), DIO2, and DIO3--that differ in their catalytic properties and tissue distribution. The deiodinases represent a dynamic system that changes in the different stages of life according to their functions and roles in various cell types and tissues. Deiodinase activity at the tissue level permits cell-targeted fine regulation of TH homeostasis, mediating the activation (DIO1 and DIO2) and inactivation (DIO3) of THs. Deiodinase homeostasis is the driving force that leads T3-target cells towards customized TH signaling, which takes into account both the hormonal circulating levels and the tissue-specific response. This review analyzes the complex role of deiodinases in physiological and pathological contexts, exploring new challenges and opportunities deriving from a deeper knowledge of the dynamics underlying their roles and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To determine the relevance of nursing's professional dignity in palliative care. Background: Dignity is a valued concept in the ethical discourse of health disciplines. Nursing's professional dignity, a concept related to professional identity, is not clearly defined nor have its characteristics been delineated for its clinical relevance in palliative care. Design: A qualitative methodological approach. Methods: Focus groups elicited dialogues of nursing's professional dignity among 69 nurses working in hospices and home‐care in Italy. Data were content‐analysed via an inductive process. The COREQ checklist for qualitative studies was used for reporting this research. Results: A central theme related to (a) "Intrinsic dignity of persons" was embedded in the essence of palliative care. Several corollary themes underscored this central theme: (b) Professional (intra‐ and inter) relationships and teamwork; (c) Nursing professionalism; (d) Ethical dilemmas; and (e) Relationships with patients and their significant persons. Conclusions: Nurses valued the essence of respect as persons and the essence of respect for their work as coherent with intrinsic dignity and work dignity in palliative care. Nurses perceived their psycho‐social relationships with patients and their families as rewarding incentives amidst disputatious interactions with peers and/or other healthcare professionals. They experienced ethical dilemmas, which they perceived as inherent in palliative care. Relevance to clinical practice: Study findings corroborate the literature regarding the concept of nursing's professional dignity which is intrinsic in respect of the human person. The intrinsic dignity in palliative care manifests as nurses are working in juxtaposition of a demanding yet rewarding care ambience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis is important for recovery after tissue damage in myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion, and tri-iodothyronine (T3) has documented effects on angiogenesis. The angiopoietins 1/2 and tyrosine kinase receptor represent an essential system in angiogenesis controlling endothelial cell survival and vascular maturation. Recently, in a 3-day ischemia/reperfusion rat model, the infusion of a low dose of T3 improved the post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function. Adopting this model, our study aimed to investigate the effects of T3 on the capillary index and the expression of angiogenic genes as the angiopoietins 1/2 and tyrosine kinase receptor system, in the thoracic aorta and in the left ventricle. In the thoracic aorta, T3 infusion significantly improved the angiogenic sprouting and angiopoietin 2 expression. Instead, Sham-T3 group did not show any significant increment of capillary density and angiopoietin 2 expression. In the area at risk (AAR) of the left ventricle, T3 infusion did not increase capillary density but restored levels of angiopoietin 1, which were reduced in I/R group. Angiopoietin 2 levels were similar to Sham group and unchanged by T3 administration. In the remote zone, T3 induced a significant increment of both angiopoietin 1/2. In conclusion, T3 infusion induced a different response of angiopoietin 1/2 between the ventricle (the AAR and the remote zone) and the thoracic aorta, probably reflecting the different action of angiopoietin 1/2 in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. Overall, these data suggest a new aspect of T3-mediated cardioprotection through angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The concept of dignity can be divided into two main attributes: absolute dignity that calls for recognition of an inner worth of persons and social dignity that can be changeable and can be lost as a result of different social factors and moral behaviours. In this light, the nursing profession has a professional dignity that is to be continually constructed and re-constructed and involves both main attributes of dignity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine how nurses described nursing’s professional dignity in internal medicine and surgery departments in hospital settings. Research design: The research design was qualitative. Ethical considerations: This study was approved by the ethics committees of the healthcare organizations involved. All the participants were provided with information about the purpose and the nature of the study. Participants: A total of 124 nurses participated in this study. Method: The data were collected using 20 focus group sessions in different parts of Italy. The data were analysed by means of a conventional inductive content analysis starting from the information retrieved in order to extract meaning units and sorting the arising phenomena into conceptually meaningful categories and themes. Results: Nursing’s professional dignity was deeply embedded in the innermost part of individuals. Regarding the social part of dignity, a great importance was put on the values that compose nursing’s professional identity, the socio-historical background and the evolution of nursing in the area considered. The social part of dignity was also linked to collaboration with physicians and with healthcare assistants who were thought to have a central role in easing work strain. Equally important, though, was the relationship with peers and senior nurses. Conclusion: The organizational environments under scrutiny with their low staffing levels, overload of work and hierarchical interactions did not promote respect for the dignity of nurses. To understand these professional values, it is pivotal to comprehend the role of different health professions in their cultural milieu and the evolution of the nursing profession in diverse countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which determined the different factors comprising the concept of nursing professional integrity in order to establish a tentative model. It cites the definition by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 of dignity, which is an expression of the essence of individuals. Among the resources used in the research are several journals like "Nursing Philosophy," "Nursing Ethics," and "Bioethics."

Purpose: In recent years, growing epidemiological evidence has linked ionizing radiation exposure to cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease. However, there are still major gaps in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced vascular disease, especially for low-dose levels. Telomeres, repetitive DNA sequences of (TTAGGG)n located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, play a role in regulating vascular aging, and shorter leukocyte telomere length has been demonstrated to predict cardiovascular disease and mortality. There is also evidence supporting the crucial role of telomeres in the formation of chromosome and chromatid aberrations induced by ionizing radiation. Conclusions: The purpose of the present paper is to review the recent advances in the biological mechanisms determining telomere length erosion after ionizing radiation exposure as well as to examine the hypothesis that telomere shortening may be the crucial mediator leading to detrimental vascular effects after ionizing radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se), a microelement essential for life, is critical for homeostasis of several critical functions, such as those related to immune–endocrine function and signaling transduction pathways. In particular, Se is critical for the function of the thyroid, and it is particularly abundant in this gland. Unfortunately, Se deficiency is a very common condition worldwide. Supplementation is possible, but as Se has a narrow safety level, toxic levels are close to those normally required for a correct need. Thus, whether the obtaining of optimal selenium concentration is desirable, the risk of dangerous concentrations must be equally excluded. This review addressed the contribution by environment and food intake on Se circulating levels (e.g., geographical factors, such as soil concentration and climate, and different quantities in food, such as nuts, cereals, eggs, meat and fish) and effects related to its deficiency or excess, together with the role of selenium and selenoproteins in the thyroid pathophysiology (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thyroid hormone (TH) and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) systems both play crucial roles in the regulation of cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy processes. The mediation of this regulation is attributed to specific thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and to the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R). In humans, two TR genes are expressed in the heart, TRα and TRβ. Each gene generates two isoforms: TRα1, TRα2 and TRβ1, TRβ2. The aim of the present work was to study the local thyroid hormone and IGF1 signaling in human myocardium through the evaluation of the gene expression of TRα1, TRα2, TRβ1 and IGF1R among atrial and ventricular biopsies obtained from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Moreover, we evaluated possible correlations between TR and IGF1/IGF1R systems. Eighteen clinically and biochemically euthyroid patients (aged 68.3±3.2years, mean±SEM) without overt heart failure (Ejection Fraction (EF), 46.4±2.8%; Left Ventricular End Diastolic Diameter (LVEDD), 54.3±1.2mm, mean±SEM; NYHA I–II) were enrolled in the study: 13 undergoing aorto-coronary bypass and 5 undergoing valve replacement (aortic/mitral valve). The examination of total RNA, using real time PCR (LightCycler Technology) confirmed the expression of specific mRNAs encoding TRα1, TRα2, TRβ1 and both IGF1 and IGF1R. We found that the three TR genes are co-expressed in the human atrium and ventricle. The finding of a strong correlation among IGF1R and the three TR genes expressed in the atrium (p <0.001) and among the three TRs in the atrium (p <0.001) suggests the interesting possibility that the two systems, TRs and IGF1R could also be functionally associated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Evaluation of calcium status is important in the osteoporotic risk assessment. Although guidelines indicate total calcium (tCa) as first-line measurement, directly measured ionized calcium (m-iCa), considered as the gold standard, is more and more often required. Aim of this study is to evaluate the agreement between m-iCa, tCa and iCa calculated from a formula based on total calcium and albumin (c-iCa) in osteopenic/osteoporotic postmenopausal outpatients. Methods: A total of 140 postmenopausal outpatients, 41 osteopenic (OPN) and 99 osteoporotic (OP) were enrolled. Levels of tCa, m-iCa, c-iCa, total protein and albumin, vitamin D (25-OHD), parathyroid hormone 1-84 (PTH), bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) were also measured. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between OPN and OP groups regarding values of tCa, m-iCa, and c-iCa, 25-OHD and PTH. However, OP women had lower levels of CTX (p < 0.05). A significant direct correlation between m-iCa and tCa (r = 0.60,p < 0.001) and c-iCa (r = 0.61,p < 0.001) was found. Women with isolated hyper-m-iCa had similar DEXA parameter levels respect to the other patients. However, one patient with confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism presented hyper-m-iCa versus normal tCa and c-iCa values. Conclusions: The use of tCa could be sufficient to characterize the calcium status in postmenopausal outpatients, but reflexive calcium testing strategy for m-iCa test is necessary to women presenting the low or high extremes of tCa levels, or in women with suspected PHPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] ABCA1 gene mutation has a “gene dosage way” effect on in vitro fibroblast senescence. [•] Heterozygous ABCA1 mutation showed intermediate replicative senescent phenotype. [•] ABCG1 and LDLR gene expression could highlight a role of ABCA1 gene on cytoskeleton. [•] Further studies are needed to clarify the cellular dynamics in premature CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Transitions in nursing education and professionalism that align with global nursing standards are elucidated as critical success factors in transforming health professionals and health care in Albania. Progressive educational and regulatory pathways throughout the 2000s (1999–2020) are emphasized for their impact on the Albanian health system, including the achievement of universal healthcare coverage. Methods: Data collected by the Ministry of Health and Sport and the Regulatory Authority for nursing and other healthcare professions in Albania were analyzed and outcomes explicated with regard to Albania's major health challenges. Discussion and Conclusions: Three milestones affirmed nursing as a driving force in the Albanian healthcare system: (a) nurses constitute the largest health professional workforce via a nurse–patient ratio of 1:400 in contrast to a physician–patient ratio of 1:2,500; (b) nurses are frontline care providers via clinical leadership in the management of primary healthcare centers, which ensure universal healthcare coverage; and (c) nurses are first responders via their presence and compassionate caring in the primary healthcare centers, including making critical shifts in converting primary healthcare centers to urgent care centers as needed. Clinical Relevance: Nursing advancements have implicated quality care and professionalism in Albania across the health professions via three critical pathways: (a) health professional education at a university degree level for entry into practice (since 1999), which was prompted by and driven by nursing's quest to be a self‐regulated profession (achieved in 2007); (b) healthcare global standards sparked by nursing's mandate toward professional autonomy, as achieved via regulatory procedures and policies; and (c) interprofessional healthcare initiatives that serve as collaborative platforms for innovative educational, clinical, and research projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress (OxS) is one of the main processes related to aging and a common denominator of many different chronic/degenerative diseases (e.g., cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions and cancer). Thus, its potential modulation by supplementation/pharmacological therapy caused a lot of interest. However, these expectations have been mitigated by the obtainment of controversial results (beneficial, null, or adverse effects) following antioxidant interventions. Here, we discuss the current understanding of OxS assessment in health and disease, challenges and the potential of its evaluation in clinical practice, and available and future development for supplementation and pharmacologic strategies targeting OxS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is growing awareness that patient care suffers when nurses are not respected. Therefore, to improve outcomes for patients, it is crucial that nurses operate in a moral work environment that involves both recognition respect, a form of respect that ought to be accorded to every single person, and appraisal respect, a recognition of the relative and contingent value of respect modulated by the relationships of the healthcare professionals in a determined context. Research question/aim: The purpose of this study was to develop better understandings of perceptions of nursing's professional respect in community and hospital settings in England. Research design: The research design was qualitative. Focus groups were chosen as the most appropriate method for eliciting discussion about nursing's professional respect. Participants and research context: A total of 62 nurses who had been qualified for at least a year and were working in two localities in England participated in this study. Methods: Data were collected using 11 focus group sessions. The data were analysed by means of an inductive content analysis, extracting meaning units from the information retrieved and classifying the arising phenomena into conceptually meaningful categories and themes. Ethical considerations: To conduct the research, permission was obtained from the selected universities. Results: Recognition respect of human beings was perceived as ingrained in the innermost part of nurses. Regarding appraisal respect, a great importance was placed on: the interactions among healthcare professionals, the time to build trust in these relationships, the influences of the workplace characteristics and nurses' professional autonomy and decision-making. Conclusion: Recognition respect of persons was embedded in the inmost part of nurses as individuals. Concerning appraisal respect, it was thought to be deeply enshrined in the inter- and intra-healthcare professional interactions. The forging of trusting relationships over time was deemed to be strongly associated with good quality interactions with other healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cardiac Troponins (cTnI, cTnT), NT-proBNP, and galectin-3 (GAL-3) mirror cardiomyocyte injury, stretch, and fibrosis. However, although these biomarkers has been thoroughly studied in marathon or ultramarathon, the effects occurring running shorter distances, as half-marathon, are less known and data are generally limited to immediately post-race evaluation. Moreover, significant variation of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), an anti-protease factor with anti-inflammatory properties, has been recently observed in heart failure, but not investigated in paraphysiological settings. The aim of the study was to evaluate these biomarkers concentration and trends in trained runners before half-marathon run and during a 48-h recovery period.Methods: In 18 half-marathon runners (15 males, 46 ± 6 years), cTnI, GAL-3 (Architect, Abbott), cTnT, NT-proBNP (Cobas e411, Roche), and AAT (Abcam, Cambridge, UK) were evaluated at rest, immediately post-run, and at 24 and 48-h recovery period.Results: cTnT, NT-proBNP, and GAL-3 transiently increased after post-race, but normalized at 24 h (GAL-3 p < 0.01, cTnT < 0.001) or 48 h (NT-proBNP < 0.001), while cTnI and AAT did not significantly change. The frequency of values exceeding the diagnostic threshold, as evaluated at baseline and after the race, did not differ for cTnI ([Formula: see text] = 1.1, p = ns), and NT-proBNP ([Formula: see text] = 6, p = ns), but significantly increased for cTnT ([Formula: see text] = 23, p < 0.001) and GAL-3 ([Formula: see text] = 6.3, p < 0.05). None of the subjects showed AAT values exceeding the reference range at baseline and at any of the time points after the race.Conclusion: The transient cTnT, NT-proBNP, and GAL-3 increase may suggest a temporary stress on the myocyte. However, being the increase of all biomarkers moderate and reversible, it may represent a physiological response to acute exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To investigate the lived subjective experiences of immigrant Indian nurses in Italy and specifically their professional and social integration. Background To study the worldwide, nursing flux is a health priority in the globalised world. The growth in migration trends among nurses, not only from Philippines or India, has proliferated in recent years. The research on nurses' mobility for Southern European countries is underexplored, and in Italy, the out-migration flows of Indian nurses were never analysed. Design Qualitative methodological approach. Methods Semi-structured interviews ( n = 20) were completed with Indian clinical nurses working in Italy for more than one year mainly in private organisations. A purposive sampling technique was used for recruitment. The data were then content-analysed using an inductive method. Results The findings were categorised into four themes: (1) aspects of professional integration and working experience, (2) intra- and interprofessional relationships and perceptions of the IPASVI Regulatory Nursing Board, (3) initial nursing education and continuous professional development and (4) perceptions of social integration. Conclusion The results show that for Indian nurses in Italy emigration is important to gain opportunities to expand economic and social privileges as well as escape from historical assumptions of stigma associated with nursing work, especially for women. However, these conclusions have to be seen in wider socio-cultural complexities that are at the basis of transnational fluxes (Prescott & Nichter ). Relevance to clinical practice The research offers an insight into the complicated reasons for Indian nurses out-migration to Italy. Without comprehending the interwoven textures of the political and social relations that are continually constructed and re-constructed among different nations, it is difficult to understand nurses out-migration and consequently have a better and safer collaborative teamwork in the host countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the protective health benefits of resveratrol, a nutraceutic present in grape skins. It references the study "Resveratrol Improves Myocardial Ischemia and Ischemic Heart Failure in Mice by Antagonizing the Detrimental Effects of Fractalkine" by W. Xuan and others within the issue. It notes the finding that resveratrol improves survival and limits adverse left ventricular remodeling antagonizing the deleterious effects of fractalkine on cardiomyocytes viability among others.

In this study the transcriptomic profiling of adenosine receptors (ARs) in human leukocytes of heart failure (HF) patients as a function of clinical severity, assessing the possible changes with respect to healthy subjects (C), was evaluated. Total RNA was extracted from leukocytes of C (n = 8) and of HF patients (NYHA I-II n = 9; NYHA III-IV n = 14) with a PAXgene Blood RNA Kit. An increase as a function of clinical severity was observed in each AR (AjR: C = 0.02 ± 0.009, NYHA I-II = 0.21 ± 0.09, NYHA III-IV = 3.6 ± 1.3, P = 0.03 C versus NYHA III-IV, P = 0.02 NYHA I-II versus NYHA III-IV; A2aR: C = 0.2 ± 0.05, NYHA I-II = 0.19 ± 0.04, NYHA III-IV = 1.32 ± 0.33, P = 0.005 C versus NYHA III-IV, P = 0.003 NYHA I-II versus NYHA III-IV; A2bR: C = 1.78 ± 0.36, NYHA I-II = 1.35 ± 0.29, NYHA III-IV = 4.07 ± 1.21, P = 0.03: NYHA I-II versus NYHA IIIIV; A3R: C = 0.76 ± 0.21, NYHA I-II = 0.94 ± 0.19, NYHA III-IV = 3.14 ± 0.77, P = 0.01 C versus NYHA III-IV and NYHA I-II versus NYHA III-IV, resp.). The mRNA expression of the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (CD39) and the ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) were also evaluated. They resulted up-regulated. These findings show that components of adenosine metabolism and signalling are altered to promote adenosine production and signalling in HF patients. Thus, HF may benefit from adenosine-based drug therapy after confirmation by clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thyroid hormone receptors are the mediators of a multitude of actions by the thyroid hormones in cells. Most thyroid hormone activities require interaction with nuclear receptors to bind DNA and regulate the expression of target genes. In addition to genomic regulation, thyroid hormones function via activation of specific cytosolic pathways, bypassing interaction with nuclear DNA. In the present work, we reviewed the most recent literature on the characteristics and roles of different factors involved in thyroid hormone function in particular, we discuss the genomic activity of thyroid hormone receptors in the nucleus and the functions of different thyroid hormone receptor isoforms in the cytosol. Furthermore, we describe the integrin αvβ3-mediated thyroid hormone signaling pathway and its rapid nongenomic action in the cell. We furthermore reviewed the thyroid hormone transporters enabling the uptake of thyroid hormones in the cell, and we also include a paragraph on the proteins that mediate thyroid receptors' shuttling from the nucleus to the cytosol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Vitamin D counteracts the reduction in the peripheral conversion of tiroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3), which is the mechanism of low T3 syndrome (LT3) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between LT3 and hypovitaminosis D in AMI patients. Methods and Results: One hundred and twenty-four AMI patients were enrolled. Blood samples were taken at admission, and at 3, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after admission. LT3 was defined as a value of fT3 ≤ 2.2 pg/mL, occurring within 3 days of hospital admission. Levels were defined as follows: sufficiency as a value of ±30 ng/mL, vitamin D insufficiency as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) between 21 and 29 ng/mL, deficiency in 25(OH)D as below 20 ng/mL, and severe deficiency as values under 10 ng/mL. The percentage of subjects with severe 25(OH)D deficiency was significantly higher in the LT3 group (33% vs. 13%, p < 0.01). When LT3S was evaluated as a dependent variable, severe 25(OH)D deficiency (OR 2.6: 95%CI 1–6.7, p < 0.05) remained as an independent determinant after logistic multivariate adjustment together with age (>69 yrs, 50th percentile; OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.3–8.3, p < 0.01), but not female gender (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.7–4.2, p = ns). Conclusions: This pilot study shows a relationship between hypovitaminosis D and LT3 in AMI patients. This association opens potential therapeutic challenges concerning the restoration of euthyroidism through vitamin D administration, together with the normalization of hypovitaminosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteopontin (OPN), a novel hepatic damage marker, as well as several non-coding RNA seem to be associated with liver aging, a little studied and not yet defined process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression variations of OPN and miRNA-181a , the transcriptional profiling of long non coding (lnc) RNA GAS-5 / miRNA-222 axis and lncRNA NEAT-1 in liver tissue of rats. In addition, to monitor the senescence process, the telomere shortening and TERT/TERC gene expression were also measured. Three groups of male Wistar rats were studied: A (n = 6, young); B (n = 13, adult); C (n = 10, old). Total RNA, including miRNAs, was extracted from liver and analysed by Real-Time PCR. Ultrasound and biochemical evaluation were performed in all rats as well as the histological analysis. OPN mRNA resulted lower in C with respect to A and B while miRNA-181a expression was significantly increased as a function of age. An increasing of both NEAT -1 and miRNA-222 expression as a function of age in parallel with a decreasing of GAS-5 expression in young and old rats, but not in the adults, was observed. A positive correlation was detected between miRNA-181a and miRNA-222. The hepatic ultrasound analysis revealed areas of hyperechogenicity distributed as a function of age. A significant telomere shortening was measured as a function of age while the two subunits TERT and TERC expressions showed an opposite trend. This work could provide a valid starting point to better understand the physiopathological changes during aging, pinpointing in the OPN / miRNA-181a axis significant predictors of successful aging. Unlabelled Image • Aging is attended by a low-grade systemic inflammation. • OPN counter-regulation mediated by miR-181a : hepatic markers of inflamm-aging • GAS-5 is a target of miRNA-222 : reciprocal repression regulatory loop. • Low-grade inflammation associated with development of age-related conditions • Multivariate analysis: OPN/miRNA-181a significant predictors of successful aging [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies in anesthetized normotensive rats demonstrated that a single mouth opening for 10 min obtained by an ad hoc dilator (mandibular extension [ME]) produced a blood pressure reduction by about 20 mmHg lasting for about 2 h and that once‐repeated ME prolonged this effect. We here describe these effects in hypertensive rats. Mean (intra) arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate (HR) was followed for up to a maximum of 470 min after single or repeated 10 min‐lasting ME in two groups of anesthetized, male, 6–9 months old hypertensive rats. In one group, hypertension was induced by dexamethasone (20 μg/kg/day, subcutaneously for 7 days; Dex‐HT); the other group was spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Studies were done, in Dex‐HT rats, after only surgical procedures (no ME, sham‐operated rats), single ME, early repeated (after 10 min) ME (ER‐ME) and late repeated (after 160 min) ME (LR‐ME) and, in SHR, after only surgical procedures and ER‐ME. One‐way ANOVA for repeated measures revealed no significant effect on MABP and HR in sham‐operated groups. In Dex‐HT rats, single ME was followed by a significant MABP decline by 25 mmHg, lasting for 100 min; ER‐ME and LR‐ME were followed by an even greater significant MABP decline by 40 mmHg, which outlasted the experimental observation period. In SHR, ER‐ME gave similar results as in Dex‐HT rats. HR significantly declined in all, except sham‐operated groups. In conclusions, ME is followed by a prolonged MABP decline also in hypertensive rats. This effect is even more pronounced, in length and magnitude, after repeated ME. A mouth opening for 10 min obtained by an ad hoc dilator (mandibular extension [ME]) produced prolonged decline on arterial blood pressure in hypertensive rats. This effect is even more pronounced, in length and magnitude, after repeated ME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the transcriptomic profiling of adenosine receptors (ARs) in human leukocytes of heart failure (HF) patients as a function of clinical severity, assessing the possible changes with respect to healthy subjects (C), was evaluated. Total RNA was extracted from leukocytes of C (n = 8) and of HF patients (NYHA I-II n = 9; NYHA III-IV n = 14) with a PAXgene Blood RNA Kit. An increase as a function of clinical severity was observed in each AR (AjR: C = 0.02 ± 0.009, NYHA I-II = 0.21 ± 0.09, NYHA III-IV = 3.6 ± 1.3, P = 0.03 C versus NYHA III-IV, P = 0.02 NYHA I-II versus NYHA III-IV; A2aR: C = 0.2 ± 0.05, NYHA I-II = 0.19 ± 0.04, NYHA III-IV = 1.32 ± 0.33, P = 0.005 C versus NYHA III-IV, P = 0.003 NYHA I-II versus NYHA III-IV; A2bR: C = 1.78 ± 0.36, NYHA I-II = 1.35 ± 0.29, NYHA III-IV = 4.07 ± 1.21, P = 0.03: NYHA I-II versus NYHA IIIIV; A3R: C = 0.76 ± 0.21, NYHA I-II = 0.94 ± 0.19, NYHA III-IV = 3.14 ± 0.77, P = 0.01 C versus NYHA III-IV and NYHA I-II versus NYHA III-IV, resp.). The mRNA expression of the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (CD39) and the ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) were also evaluated. They resulted up-regulated. These findings show that components of adenosine metabolism and signalling are altered to promote adenosine production and signalling in HF patients. Thus, HF may benefit from adenosine-based drug therapy after confirmation by clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]