The role of C-type natriuretic peptide in rat testes during spermatogenesis

C-type natriuretic peptide （CNP） is a 22-amino acid peptide and act as a local paracrine or autocrine regulator. There is growing evidence that ChIP is involved in male reproductive processes. To investigate the role of CNPduring spermatogenesis, we measured the mRNA expression of CNPand its specific membrane-bound natriuretic peptide receptor-B （NPR-B） using real-time RT-PCR in the testes of normal rats on different postnatal days. After that spermatogenesis dysfunction model induced by ornidazole was established with the aim to study the correlation of CNPwith spermatogenic dysfunction. Then, Sertoli cells from 18- to 22-day-old healthy male rats were cultured in the presence of different CNPconcentrations （1 ×10-6, 1×10-7 and1×10-8 mol l-1）, and the mRNA expression levels of androgen.binding protein, inhibin B and transferrin were examined at 0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. During the postnatal development of rat testes, the highest mRNA expression levels of CNPand NPR-B were found at postnatal Do, and the levels then declined gradually, with a second ChIPpeak at postnatal D35. In the ornidazole-induced infertile rat testes, CIVPgene expression was lower than in the uninduced rats （P〈0.05）, while IVPR-Bgene expression was greater （P〈0.05）. In cultured Sertoli cells, supplementation with CNP stimulated the gene expression of androgen-binding pmteirginhibin B/transferrin, particularly at 12 h, and 1× 10-7 mol l-1 CNP had the highest upregulation effect. The gene expression levels of CNPIIVPR-B in rat testes at different postnatal stages and in infertile rat testes indicated that CNP may participate in the physiology and/or pathology related to spermatogenesis. Moreover, ChIP regulated endocrine function in Sertoli cells. Taken together, these results showed that CNP is closely tied to spermatogenesis.

Forskolin Modulates the Inhibitory Effect of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide on Hypoxia-Induced Atrial Dynamics and Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Activity

Our study investigated effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on atrial dynamics and hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) activity in perfused beating rat atria, under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia significantly increased the levels of HIF-1α, concomitant with decreased trial dynamics. CNP (0.1 μmol/L) further decreased atrial dynamics under hypoxia and suppressed hypoxia-induced stimulation of HIF-1α expression. An adenylylcyclase (AC) activator, forskolin (0.1 μmol/L), significantly up-regulated atrial phosphodiesterase subtype 3A (PDE 3A) protein without affecting hypoxia-induced dynamics. In the presence of forskolin, the inhibitory effects of CNP on hypoxia-induced atrial dynamics and HIF-1α levels were significantly attenuated. Forskolin also prevented hypoxia-induced downregulation of PDE3A protein. These findings suggested that CNP inhibited atrial dynamics and HIF-1α activity in the isolated perfused beating rat atria under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, both effects were modulated by the AC activator forskolin, through activation of CNP-PDE 3A signaling.

Alternation of plasma c-type natriuretic peptide in cerebral infarction

AIM:To investigate the effects of c type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on cerebral infarction.METHODS:Plasma levels of CNP were concomitantly measured by radioimmunoassay in 30 patients with cerebral infarction and in 30 normal controls.RESULTS:Plasma levels of CNP were increased significantly in the acute stage of cerebral infarction than those in the normal controls(P< 0.01) and levels in the moderate and serious cases were lower than those in the slight cases(P< 0.01).CONCLUSION:In cerebral infarction the increase of plasma CNP was in accordance with the severity of the disease .CNP in the pathophysiology of acute cerebral ischemia had a deleterious effect on the evolution of cerebral infarction.

Effect Study of the Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Heart Failure Combined with Hypotension

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the effect of applying recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure combined with hypotension. Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is a synthetic polypeptide drug that is primarily used to treat acute heart failure. Its mechanism of action closely mimics that of human endogenous brain natriuretic peptide. By binding to receptors on cardiomyocytes, it exerts its pharmacological effects. Methods: For the study, 76 heart failure patients with hypotension were selected from our hospital between May 2022 and June 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a control group and an observation group, each comprising 38 patients. The control group received dopamine treatment, while the observation group was treated with recombinant brain natriuretic peptide. The objective was to compare the effects of the treatments in both groups by analyzing cardiac function indices and levels of vasoactive substances to identify any significant differences in outcomes. Results: The overall response rate of the patients in the observation group and the control group was 94.74% and 73.68%, significantly higher as compared with the observation group (P 0.05). After the following treatment, BNP, ANNP and urine output in the observation group were significantly different compared with the control group, of the statistical significance (P Conclusion: For the treatment of heart failure patients with hypotension, the clinical application of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is the most ideal, and significantly improves the cardiac function of patients, which is worth popularizing.

Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide for chronic heart failure:Effects on cardiac function and inflammation

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a serious and prevalent condition characterized by impaired cardiac function and inflammation.Standard therapy for CHF has limitations,prompting the exploration of alternative treatments.Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)has emerged as a potential therapy,with evidence suggesting that it can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in patients with CHF.However,further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of lyophilized recombinant human BNP in CHF patients and its impact on microinflammatory status.This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized recombinant human BNP therapy on CHF patients’cardiac function and microinflammatory status.AIM To investigate the effects of freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy on cardiac function and microinflammatory status in patients with CHF.METHODS In total,102 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups(n=51 patients/group).The control patients were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d,whereas the observational patients were injected with the recombinant human BNP for 3 d.Clinical efficacy,inflammatory factor levels,myocardial damage,cardiac function before and after the treatment,and adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group.Compared with baseline,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal proBNP,and troponin I level,and physical,emotional,social,and economic scores were lower in both groups after treatment,with greater reductions in levels and scores noted in the observation group than in the control group.The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was not significantly different compared with that in the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy can improve heart function and enhance microinflammatory status,thereby improving overall quality of life without any obvious side effects.This therapy is safe and reliable.

Role of C-type natriuretic peptide in the function of normal human sperm

C-type natriuretic peptide （CNP） is a newly discovered type of local regulatory factor that mediates its biological effects through the specific, membrane-bound natriuretic peptide receptor-B （NPR-B）. Recent studies have established that CNP is closely related to male reproductive function. The aims of this study were to determine the distribution of CNP/NPR-B in human ejaculated spermatozoa through different methods （such as immunolocalization, real time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot）, and then to evaluate the influence of CNP on sperm function in vitro, such as motility and acrosome reaction. Human semen samples were collected from consenting donors who met the criteria of the World Health Organization for normozoospermia. Our results show that the specific receptor NPR-B of CNP is localized in the acrosomal region of the head and the membrane of the front-end tail of the sperm, and there is no signal of CNP in human sperm. Compared with the control, CNP can induce a significant dose-dependent increase in spermatozoa motility and acrosome reaction. In summary, CNP/NPR-B can affect sperm motility and acrosome reaction, thus regulating the reproductive function of males. CNP may be a new key factor in regulating sperm function.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide: A promising therapy in patients with chronic heart failure

Lyophilized recombinant brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)is an exogenous peptide synthesized by artificial recombination technology,with a similar structure and similar physiological effects with the endogenous natriuretic peptide secreted by the human body.It’s main mechanism of action is to increase cyclic guanosine monophosphate by binding with its corresponding receptor in the body,regulating,thus,the imbalance of the vascular system and cardiac hemodynamics,improving the heart’s pumping capacity,and inhibiting sympathetic excitability and myocardial remodeling.Moreover,it can promote mitochondrial metabolism and enhance the use of adenosine triphosphate in cardiomyocytes.In the present study,102 chronic heart failure(HF)patients were randomly assigned to a control and an observation group consisting of 51 patients each.Patients of the control group were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d including oral metoprolol tartrate tablets,spironolactone,and olmesartanate while patients of the observation group were administered the recombinant human BNP injection for the same time-period,plus the standard HF therapy.The recombinant human BNP group(observation group)demonstrated better physical,emotional,social,and economic scores,as well as cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers such as serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal pro BNP and troponin I levels,compared to the control group.Moreover,cardiac function was also improved,as left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group.Interestingly,adverse reactions were not different between the 2 groups.However,these results are not generalizable and the need of large multicenter randomized controlled trials examining the safety and efficacy of recombinant human BNP in HF patients is of major importance.

Regulation of C-type Natriuretic Peptides and Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-B Expression in Diabetic Rats Renal Treated by Tongluo Recipe(通络方)

To investigate the expression of C-type natriuretic peptides （CNP） and natriuretic peptide receptor-B （NPR-B） receptor in diabetic rats renal cortex, and the regulation by Tongluo Recipe （通络方, TLR）. Methods： Sixty male SD rats were divided into 3 groups： the normal control group, diabetic model group and diabetic TLR group. Each group was further divided into two subgroups of ten in each, according to 4-week or 12-week observation period. Streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic rats were treated with TLR （1.0 g.kgl＇d1） for 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. （1） The essential information was collected for comparing renal mass, serum creatinine and 24 h urine albumen on each group was calculated. （2） CNP mRNA and NPR-B mRNA were detected by realtime-polymerase chain reaction （PCR） on rats renal cortex. （3） Concentration of CNP on renal cortex or serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. （4） Pathological evaluation and NPR-B immunostaining for renal tissue were also performed. Results： （1） CNP and NPR-B mRNA levels were detected in each treated or untreated group, with slight elevated in untreated diabetes rats administrated with STZ after 4-week and CNP mRNA level remarkable elevated at 39.21 times higher than normal control group after 12 weeks, but NPR-B mRNA level showed a remarkably down-regulation at 98.07% after 12 weeks. CNP mRNA of TLR-treated group was also elevated after 12-week treatment, but less than untreated group. （2） Concentrations of CNP in renal cortex were obviously increased in treated or untreated diabetes rats, within these groups the treatment of TLR was found more significantly on prompting CNP concentration. Comparing to normal group, serum concentrations of CNP were also increased in treated or untreated diabetic groups, but there was no difference between these diabetic groups. （3） Renal lesions like glomerular volume increased are observed mostly in the relative eady stage after 4 weeks. Although TLR treated group had no significant difference in their glomerular volume, the degrees of injury of glomerulus were ameliorated, as well as the NPR-B immunostaining enhanced in glomerulus. Weakly positive immunostaining of NPR-B are observed in glomerulus of normal control, and negative in glomerulus of untreated diabetes rats administrated with STZ after 12 weeks, whereas TLR-treatment groups showed a little enhancement. Conclusion： CNP and NPR-B showed different characteristic on renal cortex at different pathological period in diabetes rats, and TLR regulated their expression.

The Lebanese Society of Cardiology Consensus Statement on the Use of Natriuretic Peptides for the Management of Heart Failure

Plasma concentration of Natriuretic Peptide (NP) is a valuable diagnostic tool for heart failure (HF). It can help rule out or confirm a diagnosis of HF based on symptoms, but its use is not clearly defined. NPs should be used in conjunction with physical examination and other diagnostic tests. However, it is important to note that several conditions besides the diagnosis of HF may cause NPs levels to be elevated. Additionally, there are situations when NP concentrations may be below diagnostic thresholds in [1]. This consensus statement aims to provide a straightforward diagnostic flowchart for clinicians in both the emergency department and outpatient settings to aid in diagnosing both acute and chronic HF. The diagnosis of acute HF can be ruled out with a BNP level of 100 pg/mL or NTproBNP level of 300 pg/mL, regardless of the patient’s age. To identify HF, a 3-level cut-off point based on the patient’s age is recommended. Chronic heart failure can be ruled out with a BNP level of 35 pg/mL or NTproBNP level of 125 pg/mL, regardless of thepatient’s age [1].

Value of N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide,High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein,and Homocysteine Levels in Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Heart Failure Patients After Discharge

Objective:To investigate the value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and homocysteine(Hcy)levels in predicting cardiovascular events(CV)in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 63 patients with CHF admitted to our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021 were selected.Their NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels were detected at discharge,and a 12-month follow-up was done after their discharge to collect clinical data.The collected data were inclusive of data from 21 CHF patients with cardiovascular disease and 42 CHF patients without cardiovascular disease.The effect of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels on the occurrence of CV was analyzed.Results:The levels of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy in the group with cardiovascular disease were significantly higher than those in the group without cardiovascular disease(P<0.05);the levels of serum NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy at discharge had certain value in predicting short-term CV in CHF patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels can be used to predict CV in CHF patients,thus having clinical application value.

C-type natriuretic-peptide-potentiated relaxation response of gastric smooth muscle in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM: To study the sensitivity of gastric smooth muscle to C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: The spontaneous contraction of a gastric smooth muscle strip was recorded by using physiological methods in rats. The expressions of CNP and natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B) in gastric tissue were examined by using immunohistochemistry techniques in the diabetic rat. RESULTS: At 4 wk after injection of STZ and vehicle, the frequency of spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle was significantly reduced in diabetic rats, and the frequency was decreased from 3.10 ± 0.14 cycle/min in controls to 2.23 ± 0.13 cycle/min (n = 8, P < 0.01). However, the amplitude of spontaneous contraction was not significant different from the normal rat. CNP significantly inhibited spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle in normal and diabetic rats, but the inhibitory effect was significantly potentiated in the diabetic rats. The amplitudes of spontaneous contraction were suppressed by 75.15% ± 0.71% and 58.92% ± 1.32% while the frequencies were decreased by 53.33% ± 2.03% and 26.95% ± 2.82% in diabetic and normal rats, respectively (n = 8, P < 0.01). The expression of CNP in gastric tissue was not changed in diabetic rats, however the expression of NPR-B was significantly increased in diabetic rats, and the staining indexes of NPR-B were 30.67 ± 1.59 and 17.63 ± 1.49 in diabetic and normal rat, respectively (n = 8, P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: The results suggest that CNP induced an inhibitory effect on spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle, potentiated in diabetic rat via up-regulation of the natriuretic peptides-NPR-B-particulate guanylyl cyclase-cyclic GMP signal pathway.

C-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE INHIBITS UPREGULATION OF α1-ADRENOCEPTOR AND INOSITOL 1,4,5-TRISPHOSPHATE RECEPTOR IN RAT VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE AFTER VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL INJURY

Objective.In a model of balloon injury of rat aortic endothelium, the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide(CNP) on α 1-adrenoreceptor and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP 3) receptor were studied Methods. Aortic injuries were produced by vascular endothelium-denudation.α 1- adrenoreceptor in smooth muscle sarcolemma and IP 3 receptor in smooth muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum in the rat aorta were assayed by radioactive analysis method Results. It was found that neointima was formed and the contents of DNA, collagen and elastin of each intimamedia were significantly increased in 7 days and 21 days after balloon injury of rat aorta. α 1adrenoreceptor in smooth muscle sarcolemma and IP 3 receptor in sarcoplasmic reticulum were also upregulated. Results also showed that the administration of CNP ip significantly decreased the contents of DNA, collagen and elastin of each intimamedia, and inhibited the upregulation of α 1adrenoreceptor and IP 3 receptor Conclusion. The inhibition of the upregulation of α 1adrenoreceptor and IP 3 receptor by CNP might be one of the mechanisms of its suppressive action on intimal

Physiology of natriuretic peptides: The volume overload hypothesis revisited

The discovery of the natriuretic peptide system in the early 1980s aroused great interest among clinical cardiologists. The heart was not a mechanical pump alone, but also an endocrine organ that had powerful effects on blood circulation. Natriuretic peptides caused both natriuresis and diuresis, and they responded to a volume overload which caused either stretch or pressure on the heart. As a result, the findings led to the conclusion that the human body had a hormone with effects similar to those of a drug which treats high blood pressure. Later, it became evident that the volume contraction was fortified by extrarenal plasma shift. Here, a hypothesis is presented in which the role of natriuretic peptides is to regulate oxygen transport as the volume contraction leads to hemoconcentration with an increased oxygen-carrying capacity. Wall stress, either chemical or mechanical, changes the oxygen gradient of the myocardium and affects the diffusion of oxygen within a myocyte. In support of this hypothesis, hypoxia-response elements have been found in both the atrial natriuretic peptide and the brain natriuretic peptide genes.

Atrial natriuretic peptide signal pathway upregulated in stomach of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

AIM:To investigate atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) secretion from gastric mucosa and the relationship between the ANP/natriuretic peptide receptor type A (NPR-A)pathway and diabetic gastroparesis. METHODS:Male imprinting control region(ICR)mice (4 wk old)were divided into two groups:control mice, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.Eight weeks after injection,spontaneous gastric contraction was recorded by using physiography in control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.The ANP-positive cells in gastric mucosa and among dispersed gastric epithelial cells were detected by using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry,respectively.ANP and natriureticpeptide receptor type A(NPR-A)gene expression in gastric tissue was observed by using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS:The frequency of spontaneous gastric contraction was reduced from 12.9±0.8 cycles/min in the control group to 8.4±0.6 cycles/min in the diabetic mice(n=8,P<0.05).However,the amplitude of contraction was not significantly affected in the diabetic group.The depletion of interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastric muscle layer was observed in the diabetic mice.ANP-positive cells were distributed in the gastric mucosal layer and the density index of ANP-positive cells was increased from 20.9±2.2 cells/field in control mice to 51.8±2.9 cells/field in diabetic mice(n=8, P<0.05).The percentage of ANP-positive cells among the dispersed gastric epithelial cells was increased from 10.0%±0.9%in the control mice to 41.2%± 1.0%in the diabetic mice(n=3,P<0.05).ANP and NPR-A genes were both expressed in mouse stomach, and the expression was significantly increased in the diabetic mice. CONCLUSION:These results suggest that the ANP/ NPR-A signaling pathway is upregulated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice,and contributes to the development of diabetic gastroparesis.

Marked elevation of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Marked elevations of B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） are not generally seen in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and laboratory characteristics of a large cohort of patients with HFpEF and markedly elevated BNP. A retrospective examination of 421 inpatients at a university hospital admitted with a diagnosis of HFpEF was performed. Clinical and echocardiographic data in 4 groups of patients with levels of BNP ≤ 100 pg/mL, 100-400 pg/mL, 400-1,000 pg/mL and 〉 1,000 pg/mL were compared. Patients with HFpEF and BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL （28% of the population） were characterized by impaired renal function and greater use of anti-hypertensive medications. A subset of these patients with BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL had normal renal function （21%） and were significantly older, more frequently female, and tended to have lower ejection fractions. Conversely, patients with HFpEF and BNP ≤100 pg/mL were younger and had preserved renal function. BNP was inversely related to the likelihood of subsequent admission for heart failure, but not to myocardial infarction or death. In conclusion： BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL is seen in almost 1/3 of patients hospitalized with HFpEF. This elevation of BNP often reflects impaired renal function, but can also be seen in patients with preserved renal function but relatively impaired systolic function.

Effect of atorvastatin on serum oxidative stress and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide expression in rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on serum oxidative stress and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide expression in rats.Methods:A total of 40 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group(Croup A,n=10,saline 5 mL/d),ischemia-reperfusion group(Group B,n=10,saline S mL/d),atorvastatin group(Group C,n=10.atorvastatin 20 mg/kg·d),atorvastatin + N-amino-arginine group(Group D,n=10,atorvastatin 20 mg/kg·d + N-amino arginine 15 mg/kg).Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion rat model was eslablished after 3 days of gavage.N-amino arginine 15 mg/kg was given by tail vein injection 15 min before ischemia.After reperfusion,enzymology indicators such us creatine kinase(CK) and lactate dehydrogenase and the oxidative stress parameters such as nitric oxide(NO),malondialdehyde(MDA) and total superoxide dismutase(TSOD),and n-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:LDH and CK levels of group A were significantly lower than the outer three groups,and group B was the highest.There was significant difference between group B and group C(P<0.05),and no significant difference between group B and group D(P>0.05).MDA levels in group B were significantly higher than the other three groups.The lowest was group A,followed by group C,the difference among groups was significantly(P<0.05).TSOD and NO levels in group B was the lowest,the level in group A was the highest,followed by group C,the difference among groups was significant(P<0.05).NT-proBNP level in group B was significantly higher than the other three groups,the lowest was group A,followed by group C,the difference among groups was significant(P<0.05).Conclusions:Atorvastatin has a protective effect on the myocardial injury in the myocardial ischemia and reperfusion rats.It can increase NO synthesis and decrease MDA content,increase serum TSOD activity and the oxidative stress effect,meanwhile protect myocardial cells and reduce myocardial injury.

B-type natriuretic peptide in predicting the severity of community-acquired pneumonia

BACKGROUND: Although pneumonia severity index(PSI) is widely used to evaluate the severity of community-acquired pneumonia(CAP), the calculation of PSI is very complicated. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP) in predicting the severity of CAP.METHODS: For 202 patients with CAP admitted to the emergency department, BNP levels, cardiac load indexes, inf lammatory indexes including C-reactive protein(CRP), white blood cell count(WBC), and PSI were detected. The correlation between the indexes and PSI was investigated. BNP levels for survivor and non-survivor groups were compared, and a receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was performed on the BNP levels versus PSI.RESULTS: The BNP levels increased with CAP severity(r=0.782, P<0.001). The BNP levels of the high-risk group(PSI classes IV and V) were signifi cantly higher than those of the low-risk group(PSI classes I–III)(P<0.001). The BNP levels were signifi cantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group(P<0.001). In addition, there were positive correlations between BNP levels and PSI scores(r=0.782, P<0.001). The BNP level was highly accurate in predicting the severity of CAP(AUC=0.952). The optimal cut-off point of BNP level for distinguishing high-risk patients from low-risk ones was 125.0 pg/m L, with a sensitivity of 0.891 and a specifi city of 0.946. Moreover, BNP level was accurate in predicting mortality(AUC=0.823). Its optimal cut-off point for predicting death was 299.0 pg/m L, with a sensitivity of 0.675 and a specifi city of 0.816. Its negative predictive cut-off value was 0.926, and the positive predictive cut-off value was 0.426.CONCLUSION: BNP level is positively correlated with the severity of CAP, and may be used as a biomarker for evaluating the severity of CAP.

p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinases inhibit atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA transcription in gp130-mediated hypertrophic ventricular myocytes

Objective:To understand the role of ANP mRNA transcription regulation in gpl30-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,and the involved mitogen-aetivated protein kinase kinase(MEK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK,also called p42/p44 MAPK)signaling pathway.Methods:isolated neonatal ventricular myocytes were treated with different concentrations of CT-1(10^(-9),10^(-8)and 10^(-7)mol/L).MTT was used to analyze the viability and RT-PCR was used to detect ANP mRNA levels in eardiomyocyte.To inhibit p42/p44 MAPK activity in hypertrophic cardiomyoeytes,the cells were pretreated with a specific MEKI inhibitor.Results:CT-1significantly induced ANP mRNA expression and the viability of canliomyocytes in a doseand time-dependent manner.Furthermore,blocking p42/p44 MAPK activity by the special MEk1 inhibitor uprcgulatcd the ANP mKNA.Conclusions:p42/p44 MAPK have an important role in suppressing ANP mRNA transcription and cell activity in gpl30-mediated hypertrophic ventricular myocytes.

Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction

To investigate plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-BNP) levels and to assess their clinical significance in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction. Methods Plasma NT-BNP level were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in 34 symptomatic patients (Group 1), 34 asymptomatic patients (Group 2) with isolated diastolic dysfunction, and in 16elderly healthy subjects (control group, Group 3), serving controls. Colored Doppler echocardiography was performed to evaluate the patients' cardiac structures and functions. Results The plasma NT-BNP level in Group 1 was significantly higher than those in Group 2 and Group 3 and increased with the severity of heart failure. There was no significant difference of plasma NT-BNP levels between Group 2 and Group 3 (p＞0.05). A NT-BNP value of 102.75 pg/mL showed a sensitivity of 88.2%, a specificity of 87.5%, and an accuracy of 88.1% for diagnosing diastolic dysfunction. Patients with restrictive filling pattern on echocardiography had higher NTBNP levels than those of impaired relaxation pattern (1961.2±304.9 versus 460. 1±92.7pg/mL, p＜0.001). Conclusion The elevation of plasma NT-BNP level in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction correlates with the severity of their diastolic abnormalities.The level of plasma NT-BNP has an important clinical value in the diagnosis of elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction.