Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the myocardium and thus the pathogenesis of vascular and cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we investigated contribution of plasma matrix metalloproteinases to development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive subjects. Hypertensive patients with (n = 2...

impairment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction to various degrees. These functions are energetically and tightly coupled: 1) at the cellular level, since adenosine triphosphate is a substance essential for both active contraction and relaxation; 2) at the myocardial level, because regional wall motion asynchrony influences global LV diastolic function (contraction-relaxa...

Experimental studies demonstrated that mineralocorticoid antagonists prevent or reverse myocardial fibrosis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the aldosterone antagonist canrenone can improve left ventricular diastolic function in essential hypertension. Using digitized M-mode echocardiography and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), we realized a prospective, randomized, controlled...

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the liver component of the metabolic syndrome. We investigated the diastolic and systolic functional parameters of patients with NAFLD and the impact of metabolic syndrome on these parameters. METHODS Thirty-five non-diabetic, normotensive NAFLD patients, and 30 controls, were included in this study. Each patient underwent tra...

Serial assessments of neurocognitive functioning in athletes with concussion are commonly used for return to play decisions. This study provides reliable change indices (RCIs) for computerized tests from 40 NCAA Division I collegiate athletes that suffered a sports-related concussion. The normative data that resulted from the RCIs and subsequent analyses of differences between improved and not ...

the incidence and prevalence of obesity are fast increasing worldwide. various indices have been used to measure and assess obesity. the body mass index (bmi) is the most common and practical of these indices. overweight and obesity exert considerable adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. these effects are mediated through various neurohormonal and cytokine pathways, most of which are i...

Indices have been developed that provide an improved means for evaluation of the degrees of severity of mitral stenosis and regurgitation. The severity of anatomic mitral valve disease found at surgery or autopsy was considered to be the determinant of the state of the valve. An index of the time for the diastolic atrioventricular pressure gradient to fall to half its value multiplied by 100 an...