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Background: Although the mesenteric artery plays a key role in regulating peripheral blood pressure, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of essential hypertension are not yet fully understood., Materials and Methods: We explored candidate genes for hypertension using three related strains of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) that mimic human essential hypertension. In this study we used DNA microarrays, a powerful tool for studying genetic diseases, to compare gene expression in the mesenteric artery of three SHR substrains: SHR, stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP), and malignant SHRSP (M-SHRSP)., Results: Compared to normotensive 6-week old Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), higher blood pressure correlated with overexpression of 31 genes and with down regulation of 24 genes. Adam23 , which negatively regulates potassium current, and the potassium channel genes, Kcnc2 and Kcnq5 , were associated with the onset of hypertension. In addition, Spock2 and Agtrap were identified as strengtheners of hypertension by analyzing up and down regulated genes at 9-weeks of age., Conclusions: Adam23 , Kcnc2 and Kcnq5 appear to be factors for the onset of hypertension, while Spock2 and Agtrap are as factors that strengthen hypertension. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertension and to the development of treatment for this condition., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

Background: Far-infrared (FIR) is well known with various therapeutic benefits. Recently, we have developed a novel FIR bathing system called the Enseki sandbath. In this regard, we focused on physical nature of ceramic to radiate FIR rays when heated adequately., Methods: A bathtub was filled with ceramic beads and was equipped with computerized system which enabled to supply hot water over the ceramic beads and to drain out when beads were sufficiently heated. This system was used like sandbathing. Healthy volunteers were laid in bathtubs, covered in heated ceramic beads and were bathed for 15 minutes. Microbiological analysis was done in samples obtained from the skin surface, ceramic beads, or drained water. Furthermore, various physiological parameters were monitored, including blood pressure, heart rates, oral temperature, body weight, and blood viscosity. Blood samples were simultaneously collected and subjected to biochemical analysis, including blood glucose, HbA1c, uric acid, lactate, fatty acid, and others., Results: All data showed no physiological overload for tested individuals, and any biochemical analysis did not present abnormal score. Bacteriological culture grew no pathogens. Results of questionnaires demonstrated that 90% of the participants answered the comfort and wished to further repeat the bathing., Limitations: This is a nonrandomized prospective case study., Conclusion: We concluded that the Enseki method is a safe and well-tolerated FIR bathing procedure for regeneration and relaxation., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)