atp-sensitive potassium (katp) channel openers have a relaxation effect due to the lower cellular membrane potential and inhibit calcium influx. there has been considerable interest in exploring katp channel openers in the treatment of various diseases such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and urinary system disease and premature labor. the purpose of this study was to synthesize 3,3,6,6-tet...

OBJECTIVE We compared long-term health outcomes associated with beta-adrenergic blocking agents and diltiazem treatment for unstable angina. BACKGROUND No long-term data have been published comparing these two antianginal treatments in this setting. METHODS Eligible veterans were discharged from the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle Division, between October...

AIMS Many chronic heart failure (CHF) patients take beta-blockers. When such patients are hospitalized for decompensation, it remains unclear how ongoing beta-blocker treatment will affect outcomes of acute inotrope therapy. We aimed to assess outcomes of SURVIVE patients who were on beta-blocker therapy before receiving a single intravenous infusion of levosimendan or dobutamine. METHODS AND...

Uncritical Acceptance of Combination Treatment of Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor in Nondiabetic Renal Disease Trial Results To the Editor: We have just read the published editorial in the present issue of Hypertension by Kaplan1 with great interest. We very much agree with his comments and, in particular, share his concerns with respect to an uncriti...

Besides its effect on high blood pressure, T-type calcium channel blocker is renoprotective in experimental models of renal fibrosis. However, the exact mechanism of T-type calcium channel blocker on tubulointerstitial fibrosis is unclear. We investigated whether the renoprotective effect of T-type calcium channel blocker is associated with modulation of the signaling of oxidative stress-induce...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the rate of infections in rheumatic patients treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha blockers in daily practice and to determine potential risk factors of infections. METHODS Systematic retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary-referral centre of all patients receiving at least one TNF-alpha blocker, between 1997 and December 2004. Serious infections were d...