Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
 170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Although the arrhythmogenic effects of interferon (IF) have been reported in clinical practice, the experimental data are limited. Therefore, these effects were investigated in in vivo and Langendorff-perfusion studies using 3 different groups of rats (ie, control, aorta-banded, and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension groups) in the presence or absence of isoproterenol. In the perfusion study, human recombinant IF-alpha (< or =15,000 U/ml) alone induced irreversible atrioventricular blockade in all groups, whereas this agent (< or =1,500 U/ml) caused negative inotropism and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (arrhythmic score greater in the order of DOCA-salt>aorta-banded = control group) in the preparations pretreated with isoproterenol (10(-9) mol/L). In an in vivo study, IF-alpha (6x10(6) U/kg) resulted in ventricular tachyarrhythmias only in the presence of isoproterenol (10 mg/kg), as in the perfusion study (arrhythmic score; DOCA-salt>aorta-banded>control). In conclusion, the arrhythmogenesis of IF-alpha is potentiated in pathophysiological conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy or elevated sympathetic activity.
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PMID:Arrhythmogenic and inotropic effects of interferon investigated in perfused and in vivo rat hearts: influences of cardiac hypertrophy and isoproterenol. 1249 25

The p22(phox) subunit is an essential protein in the activation of NAD(P)H oxidase. Here we report the preliminary characterisation of the human p22(phox) gene promoter. The p22(phox) promoter contains TATA and CCAC boxes and Sp1, gamma-interferon and nuclear factor kappaB sites. We screened for mutations in the p22(phox) promoter and identified a new polymorphism, localised at position -930 from the ATG codon, which was associated with hypertension. Mutagenesis experiments showed that the G allele had higher promoter activity than the A allele. These results suggest that the -930(A/G) polymorphism in the p22(phox) promoter may be a novel genetic marker associated with hypertension.
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PMID:Preliminary characterisation of the promoter of the human p22(phox) gene: identification of a new polymorphism associated with hypertension. 1272 92

Blockade of angiotensin (Ang) II is efficient in various renal diseases. Although interest has focused on the hemodynamic changes and reduction of proteinuria, recent studies emphasize the nonhemodynamic effects of Ang II on kidney injury. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms of Ang II on the immune system that alter the balance of helper T-cell (Th) subsets. We used a continuous, Ang II infusion model of rats that develop hypertension, proteinuria, and tubulointerstitial damage, including de novo expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and loss of endothelial cells. We isolated T cells from the spleen and measured cytokine levels by ELISA systems. Ang II-infused rats showed an increase in the Th1 cytokine gamma-interferon and a decrease in the Th2 cytokine interleukin-4. The same change in cytokine mRNA expression in the spleen and kidney was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Our ELISPOT assay showed an increase in the number of gamma-interferon-secreting T cells by Ang II. To investigate whether these changes were specific effects of Ang II, we treated the model rats with the Ang II receptor blocker (ARB) olmesartan or the nonspecific vessel dilator hydralazine. Administration of the ARB ameliorated disease manifestations and the imbalance in Th subsets, whereas hydralazine did not, despite comparable effects on blood pressure. These results demonstrate a direct role of Ang II in the modification of Th balance. The imbalance of Th subsets was associated with hypertensive kidney injury induced by Ang II. Some of the beneficial effects of ARBs might be explained by their immunomodulatory reactions.
Hypertension 2003 Jul
PMID:Imbalance of T-cell subsets in angiotensin II-infused hypertensive rats with kidney injury. 1277 Oct 47

To explore the mechanisms of adrenomedullin (ADM) regulation in normal and preeclamptic (PE) states, we determined placental production of ADM and ADM regulation by cytokines. Isolated, purified cytotrophoblast cultures from normal (n=8) and PE (n=10) placentas were cultured for 3 days in the absence or presence of 10 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF), 1 ng/mL transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, 10 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, or 100 U/mL interferon (IFN)-gamma. Cells were also cultured for 3 days in 10% fetal bovine serum for determination of syncytial formation by desmoplakin staining. Pieces of normal and PE placentas were snap-frozen for ADM mRNA measurement. Results showed that basal ADM production into culture medium by radioimmunoassay was significantly lower in PE placental cells. EGF significantly stimulated ADM production in normal trophoblasts but did not in PE placentas. None of the factors TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, or IFN-gamma altered ADM secretion in either normal or PE placentas. ADM expression by Northern blot analysis demonstrated a 34.3+/-8.3% reduction in mRNA expression in PE placentas. Syncytialization, as assessed by desmoplakin-outlined syncytial units, was decreased in PE placentas (day 3: normal, 16.7+/-1.3%; PE, 5.5+/-2.0%; P<0.01, ANOVA). However, there was a normal increment in syncytialization in response to EGF in normal and PE trophoblast preparations (EGF day 3: normal, 43.8+/-5.6%; PE, 46.1+/-12.3%). We conclude that spontaneous placental syncytialization is impaired in PE and that ADM production is markedly reduced in PE, possibly owing to an impaired EGF response. These abnormalities indicate poor placental production of ADM as the likely cause of a failed compensatory increase in maternal serum ADM levels in PE.
Hypertension 2003 Nov
PMID:Adrenomedullin is decreased in preeclampsia because of failed response to epidermal growth factor and impaired syncytialization. 1451 25

Rupture of vulnerable plaques is the main cause of acute cardiovascular events. However, mechanisms responsible for transforming a stable into a vulnerable plaque remain elusive. Angiotensin II, a key regulator of blood pressure homeostasis, has a potential role in atherosclerosis. To study the contribution of angiotensin II in plaque vulnerability, we generated hypertensive hypercholesterolemic ApoE-/- mice with either normal or endogenously increased angiotensin II production (renovascular hypertension models). Hypertensive high angiotensin II ApoE-/- mice developed unstable plaques, whereas in hypertensive normal angiotensin II ApoE-/- mice plaques showed a stable phenotype. Vulnerable plaques from high angiotensin II ApoE-/- mice had thinner fibrous cap (P<0.01), larger lipid core (P<0.01), and increased macrophage content (P<0.01) than even more hypertensive but normal angiotensin II ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, in mice with high angiotensin II, a skewed T helper type 1-like phenotype was observed. Splenocytes from high angiotensin II ApoE-/- mice produced significantly higher amounts of interferon (IFN)-gamma than those from ApoE-/- mice with normal angiotensin II; secretion of IL4 and IL10 was not different. In addition, we provide evidence for a direct stimulating effect of angiotensin II on lymphocyte IFN-gamma production. These findings suggest a new mechanism in plaque vulnerability demonstrating that angiotensin II, within the context of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, independently from its hemodynamic effect behaves as a local modulator promoting the induction of vulnerable plaques probably via a T helper switch.
Hypertension 2004 Sep
PMID:Endogenous angiotensin II induces atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and elicits a Th1 response in ApoE-/- mice. 1530 40

The effect of interferon alpha in chronic viral hepatitis and common side effects are well known, but axonal polyneuropathy and hearing loss have been rarely reported. A 58-year-old woman was administered interferon alpha-2a (9 MU/3 times a week) and lamividin (100 mg daily) with the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B. At the fifth month of the treatment gait disturbance and tinnitus developed. In her neurological examination tandem gait was ataxic on the right side. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging performed to elucidate a probable cerebral pathology revealed nonspecific millimetric hyperintense lesions thought to be related with her hypertension anamnesis. Electroneuromyography demonstrated mild axonal polyneuropathy. The finding of pure-tone audiometry was sensorineural hearing loss in her left ear. Our diagnosis was axonal polyneuropathy and sensorineural type hearing loss as a side effect of interferon. In conclusion, the development of polyneuropathy and sensorineural hearing loss in the same patient may suggest autoimmunity as the cause of these side effects.
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PMID:Axonal neuropathy and hearing loss associated with alpha interferon treatment in chronic hepatitis B: a case report. 1533 19

BAY 43-9006 is an oral inhibitor of CRAF, wild-type BRAF, mutant V599E BRAF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2, VEGFR3, mVEGFR2, FLT-3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, p38, and c-kit among other kinases. A Phase I study of BAY 43-9006 identified 400 mg orally twice daily as the recommended Phase II dose. The Phase II results of a study of BAY 43-9006 at 400 mg orally twice daily were particularly interesting in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Data from the first 41 patients with renal cell carcinoma showed that 30% of patients had stable disease (defined as between 25% reduction and 25% growth), 40% had responded (defined as >25% reduction), and 30% had progressed. Disease could be stabilized for periods in excess of a year. Some lesions became cystic and could actually enlarge while developing a low attenuation core. This phenomenon is recognized in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with imatinib mesylate. The toxic effects of BAY 43-9006 were manageable and included hypertension, edema, diarrhea, hand and foot syndrome, rash, and hair loss where the rash involved the scalp. There was an impression of tachyphylaxis such that patients who required a dose reduction could be restored to full dose after a few months. A Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trial of BAY 43-9006 has started for patients whose renal cell carcinoma has progressed within 6 months of immunotherapy. Combination studies with interferon, interleukin 2, bevacizumab, and chemotherapy are under consideration. The therapeutic targets of BAY 43-9006 in renal cell carcinoma remain unclear. Unlike melanoma, BRAF mutations have not been found in renal cell carcinoma. Other candidate targets include VEGFR2 and VEGFR3.
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PMID:Kinase inhibition with BAY 43-9006 in renal cell carcinoma. 1544 36

Hepatic steatosis is the hallmark of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the consequence of multiple metabolic derangements among which insulin resistance plays a pivotal role. Steatosis is, also, a feature of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, in chronic hepatitis C, the prevalence of steatosis is 2.5-fold more elevated than that expected by a chance concurrence with NAFLD, suggesting that HCV may be implied in the development of steatosis. As observed in NAFLD, in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 steatosis is associated with an increased body mass index. On the other hand, in patients infected with genotype 3 the extent of steatosis strictly correlates with the viral load indicating that steatosis is mainly "virus-related". Regardless of the "metabolic" or "viral" etiology, hepatic steatosis in HCV contributes to the progression of liver fibrosis, to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and to an impaired response to interferon treatment. Features such as obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are shared by NAFLD and HCV-associated steatosis. In addition, HCV infection, directly or through steatosis, favors the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hyperlipidemia is an independent predictor of the development of NAFLD, but not of HCV-associated steatosis. Arterial hypertension is common in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients, and HCV infection has recently been acknowledged as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. The role of iron in the progression of both NAFLD and HCV-associated steatosis remains controversial while lipoperoxidation and oxidative stress are pathogenic mechanisms shared by both. Some metabolic risk factors may be shared by both HCV-associated steatosis and NAFLD although the disease progression and pathophysiological background may be different. Preliminary data suggest that the therapeutic options for NAFLD may also be useful to improve HCV-associated steatosis.
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PMID:[Hepatitis C virus-associated and metabolic steatosis. Different or overlapping diseases?]. 1585 90

We report an extremely rare case of metastasic renal cell carcinoma to the temporal bone which presented initially as a jugulotympanic paraganglioma. The clinical and radiological appearances were misleading.Investigations of concomitant high blood pressure revealed a tumour of the right kidney. Biopsy of the mastoid mass was histologically compatible with a metastasis from a clear cell renal carcinoma. The patient underwent a radical nephrectomy and local external radiotherapy to the head. He also received adjuvant treatment with interferon-_ and interleukin 2. The clinical presentation, the radiological and histological features, the patterns of spread, the treatment options and the prognosis of these tumours are discussed. A review of the literature confirms the extremely unusual occurrence of this localisation.
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PMID:Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the temporal bone: case report. 1599 75

They were more than just another kinases (JAK), when they were first described in the late 80s and named JAK kinases. The mandatory role of this novel family of dual active janus kinases (JAK) and their substrates the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) was demonstrated in mice who died during embryogenesis when lacking a functional allele, e.g. that of JAK2. Initially, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway was discovered as the primary mediator of intracellular signaling induced by interferon in hematopoietic and immune cells. Nowadays, it is well accepted that JAK kinases and STAT proteins are constitutively expressed in the vessel wall in a cell type specific manner and transfer intracellular signaling events of various receptor families, e.g. that of cytokines, growth factors and vasoactive peptides such as angiotensin II (Ang II) or endothelin. The potential impact of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway on cardiovascular pathophysiology and disease development arise from reports describing that JAKs may bind directly to the angiotensin II type I (AT(1)) receptor, thereby enhancing their phosphorylation in various cell types of the vessel wall. More interestingly, these signaling events are modulated by NAD(P)H oxidase-derived superoxide anions which directly phosphorylate JAK2 and thereby control JAK2 activity. A potential impact was also described for atherosclerotic plaque development in which the activation of JAKs and STATs seems to be critical. Based on these observations, we here review the role of the JAK/STAT signaling pathways as critical regulator for cardiovascular disease development, i.e. atherosclerotic plaque progression or the manifestation of arterial hypertension.
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PMID:JANUS under stress--role of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in vascular diseases. 1627 17


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