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Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2023Gastrodin has been used as antihypertension therapy in China; however, the mechanisms underlying the effects of gastrodin have yet to be fully elucidated.
CONTEXT
Gastrodin has been used as antihypertension therapy in China; however, the mechanisms underlying the effects of gastrodin have yet to be fully elucidated.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the therapeutic efficiency of gastrodin as an antihypertensive and determine the mechanisms underlying this effect.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
C57BL/6 mice were continuously administered angiotensin II (Ang II) (500 ng/kg/min) to induce hypertension. Mice were randomly divided into control, Ang II and Ang II + gastrodin groups. Mice received intragastric administration of gastrodin (5 mg/kg) or double distilled water once a day for 4 weeks. Blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), thickness of the abdominal aorta, pathological morphology and differential expression transcripts (DETs) were assessed. Abdominal aorta rings and primary isolated vascular smooth muscle cells were subjected to Ang II stimulation to induce hypertension as and models, respectively. Vascular ring tension, release of Ca and levels of proteins involved in the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)/phospho-myosin light chain 2 (p-MLC) pathway were determined.
RESULTS
Gastrodin treatment attenuated increases in blood pressure, PWV and thickness of the abdominal aorta. Treatment with gastrodin resulted in 2785 DETs and the enrichment of vascular contraction and calcium signalling pathways. Gastrodin treatment attenuated Ang II-induced vasoconstriction, produced a norepinephrine-precontracted vasodilation effect (attenuated by verapamil), and reduced intracellular Ca release. Furthermore, gastrodin suppressed activation of the MLCK/p-MLC pathway and .
CONCLUSIONS
Gastrodin treatment lowers blood pressure, suppresses Ang II-induced vascular contraction and MLCK/p-MLC pathway activation, thereby demonstrating the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of gastrodin as an antihypertensive.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Angiotensin II; Antihypertensive Agents; Hypertension; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Pulse Wave Analysis
PubMed: 37211627
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2207591 -
Cureus Dec 2023Even though cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the gold standard for evaluating the aortic arch in the context of vascular rings in children,... (Review)
Review
Even though cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the gold standard for evaluating the aortic arch in the context of vascular rings in children, echocardiography is usually the first-line modality. The echocardiographic evaluation of the aortic arch in the context of vascular rings in children has received little attention. This article details the step-by-step echocardiographic assessment of the aortic arch in vascular ring patients.
PubMed: 38249193
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50899 -
Translational Pediatrics Apr 2017
PubMed: 28503412
DOI: 10.21037/tp.2017.03.05 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2022Vascular calcification is a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Medial calcification may differently affect the arterial tree depending on vessel...
Vascular calcification is a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Medial calcification may differently affect the arterial tree depending on vessel location and smooth muscle injury. The aim was to map the anatomical distribution of vascular calcifications on different arteries and artery locations, in cultured artery rings (ex vivo) and in a rat model of elastocalcinosis (in vivo). Vascular calcification was assessed histologically (von Kossa staining of the media) and by calcium content measurement. Arteries of different sizes were harvested from untreated rats for ring culture and from the vitamin D-nicotine (VDN) rat model for direct observation. When cultured in pro-calcifying conditions, thoracic aorta exhibited similar calcification from the arch to the diaphragm. Calcification increased in abdominal aorta along with the reduction in cross sectional area. Carotid and renal arteries exhibited similar ex vivo calcification. In VDN rats, calcification was greater in carotid artery than in aorta, and was accompanied by fibrosis and apoptosis. Ex vivo, calcification was increased by the induction of lesions on arteries. Along the vascular tree, calcification of the arterial wall increases with the narrowing of vessels in ex vivo ring culture and in vivo. The observed differences represent local susceptibility of the vessels to the calcifying processes.
Topics: Animals; Aorta, Abdominal; Aorta, Thoracic; Cholecalciferol; Nicotine; Rats; Vascular Calcification
PubMed: 35831341
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15739-w -
Cureus Apr 2022Vascular rings are congenital abnormalities of the aortic arch vascular system that compress the trachea and esophagus. A review of long-term outcomes suggests that... (Review)
Review
Vascular rings are congenital abnormalities of the aortic arch vascular system that compress the trachea and esophagus. A review of long-term outcomes suggests that chronic feeding difficulties can persist following surgical repair of vascular rings. Previous reports of postoperative vascular ring division outcomes indicate that chronic esophageal symptoms may persist following repair, though most available data focuses on persistent respiratory symptoms. It is therefore the aim of this article to summarize and organize recent evidence reporting the frequency, presentation, and management of feeding difficulties following vascular ring repair in pediatric patients. Pathophysiologic mechanisms for postoperative esophageal symptoms may include residual compression from an unresected diverticulum of Kommerell or delayed repair leading to chronic esophageal dysmotility despite correction of esophageal compression. Guidance on the management of feeding difficulties following vascular ring repair is limited. The authors describe success in one case with nasogastric tube feeding and interdisciplinary evaluation. Consensus regarding the management of feeding difficulty following vascular ring repair is needed.
PubMed: 35651405
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24623 -
Maedica Dec 2021Double aortic arch represents a congenital vascular malformation that is characterized by the development of a complete vascular ring around the esophagus and trachea...
Double aortic arch represents a congenital vascular malformation that is characterized by the development of a complete vascular ring around the esophagus and trachea due to an anomaly in the development of branchial arteries. We present the case of a 31-year-old gravida that was referred for fetal ultrasound anomalies screening at 22 weeks and six days of gestation. Routine ultrasound scanning of the fetus revealed a structural aortic arch anomaly consistent with a double aortic arch, with no other cardiac and diextracardiac congenital structural malformations. Knowledge of embryology and imaging spectrum of aortic arch anomalies that are able to form vascular rings around the trachea and esophagus are essential for an accurate antenatal diagnosis and therefore, for a correct clinical management.
PubMed: 35261677
DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2020.16.4.717 -
Translational Pediatrics Jun 2023Vascular rings, including double aortic arch and right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian and left ligamentum, are part of a larger group of vascular-related... (Review)
Review
Vascular rings, including double aortic arch and right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian and left ligamentum, are part of a larger group of vascular-related aerodigestive compression syndromes that also includes innominate artery compression syndrome, dysphagia lusoria, aortic arch anomalies, and aneurysms of either the aorta or pulmonary artery. Additionally, post-surgical airway compression is a distinct entity in itself. The approach to the diagnosis and management of these varied phenomena has been streamlined by the multidisciplinary team at Boston Children's Hospital. Echocardiography, computed tomographic angiography, esophagram, and three-phase dynamic bronchoscopy are routinely performed in these patients in order to produce a comprehensive understanding of the unique anatomic challenges that each patient presents. Adjunctive diagnostic techniques include modified barium swallow, routine preoperative and postoperative screening of the vocal cords, and radiographic identification of the artery of Adamkiewicz. Beyond the vascular reconstruction, which ranges from subclavian-to-carotid transposition to descending aortic translocation, we liberally apply tracheobronchopexy and rotational esophagoplasty to relieve respiratory and esophageal symptoms. Due to the heightened risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring has become routine in these cases. The comprehensive care of these patients requires the coordinated efforts of a large team of dedicated personnel in order to achieve the optimal result.
PubMed: 37427058
DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-39 -
Annals of Pediatric Cardiology 2021Vascular rings (VRs) present with varied symptoms and may result in significant morbidity before an accurate diagnosis is made. Prenatal diagnosis may be useful to plan...
BACKGROUND
Vascular rings (VRs) present with varied symptoms and may result in significant morbidity before an accurate diagnosis is made. Prenatal diagnosis may be useful to plan surgery after birth.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the study was to see the feasibility of accurate diagnosis of VR during antenatal ultrasound examination and describe their outcome.
METHODS
This is a retrospective observational study between January 2014 and December 2019. Vascular rings were diagnosed on the basis of three vessel tracheal view and neck vessels arrangements on fetal echocardiogram. Postnatal evaluation by transthoracic echocardiography and computerized tomography angiogram was performed. Surgical repair was done as per standard indications.
RESULTS
A total of 35 cases of fetal VRs (median gestational age: 24 weeks [range: 19-35]) were diagnosed during the study period. There were four dichorionic diamniotic twin gestation pregnancies. The right aortic arch (RAA) with anomalous left subclavian artery (ALSA) was suspected in 31 fetuses, double aortic arch (DAA) in 3, and circumflex aorta in 1. Twenty-six (74%) patients had successful deliveries. One patient had a spontaneous miscarriage, 2 underwent termination, and 6 were lost to follow-up. Postnatal assessment showed RAA with ALSA in 18, DAA in 5, circumflex aorta in 2, and no abnormality in 1. Twenty-two (86%) were operated (RAA with ALSA: 17, DAA: 4, and circumflex aorta: 1) and four were waiting for surgery. Two patients died due to prematurity-related complications. All survivors are symptom free during follow-up (median: 2.24; range: 0.2-5.6 years).
CONCLUSIONS
Fetal echocardiography enables prenatal diagnosis and planning of postnatal repair of VRs.
PubMed: 34667409
DOI: 10.4103/apc.APC_108_20