Right Heart Reserve Function Assessed With Fluid Loading Predicts Late Right Heart Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

BACKGROUND: A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an effective therapeutic option for advanced heart failure. Late right heart failure (LRHF) is a complication after LVAD implantation that is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality; however, the assessment of right heart function, including right heart reserve function after LVAD implantation, has not been established. We focused on a fluid-loading test with right heart catheterization to evaluate right heart preload reserve function and investigate its impact on LRHF. METHODS: Patients aged > 18 years who received a continuous-flow LVAD between November 2007 and December 2022 at our institution, and underwent right heart catheterization with saline loading (10 mL/kg for 15 minutes) 1 month after LVAD implantation, were included. RESULTS: Overall, 31 cases of LRHF or death (right heart failure [RHF] group) occurred in 149 patients. In the RHF vs the non-RHF groups, the pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) at rest (1.8 ± 0.89 vs 2.5 ± 1.4, P = 0.02) and the right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWi) change ratio with saline loading (0.96 ± 0.32 vs 1.1 ± 0.20, P = 0.03) were significantly different. The PAPi at rest and the RVSWi change ratio with saline loading were identified as postoperative risks for LRHF and death. The cohort was divided into 3 groups based on whether the PAPi at rest and the RVSWi change ratio were low. The event-free curve differed significantly among the 3 groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic assessment with saline loading can evaluate the right ventricular preload reserve function of patients with an LVAD. A low RVSWi change with saline loading was a risk factor for LRHF following LVAD implantation.

Role of Hepatocyte Growth Regulators in Liver Regeneration.

We have studied whether growth factors, cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, and local hormones (autacoids) promote the proliferation of hepatic parenchymal cells (i.e., hepatocytes) using in vitro primary cultured hepatocytes. The indicators used for this purpose include changes in DNA synthesis activity, nuclear number, cell number, cell cycle, and gene expression. In addition, the intracellular signaling pathways from the plasma membrane receptors to the nucleus have been examined in detail for representative growth-promoting factors that have been found to promote DNA synthesis and cell proliferation of hepatocytes. In examining intracellular signaling pathways, the effects of specific inhibitors of presumed signaling factors involved have been pharmacologically confirmed, and the phosphorylation activities of the signaling factors (e.g., RTK, ERK, mTOR, and p70 S6K) have been evaluated. As a result, it has been found that there are many factors that promote the proliferation of hepatocytes (e.g., HGF, EGF, TGF-α, IL-1ß, TNF-α, insulin, growth hormone (GH), prostaglandin (PG)), and serotonin (5-HT)), while there are very few factors (e.g., TGF-ß1 and glucocorticoids) that inhibit the effects of growth-promoting factors. We have also found that 5-HT and GH promote the proliferation of hepatocytes via different autocrine factors (e.g., TGF-α and IGF-I, respectively). Using primary cultured hepatocytes, it will be possible to further study the molecular and cellular aspects of liver regeneration.

Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy is not effective for preventing driveline infection following left ventricular assist device implantation.

BACKGROUND: Driveline infection (DLI) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains an unresolved problem. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) promotes wound healing by applying negative pressure on the surface of the wound. Recently, the prophylactic application of NPWT to closed surgical incisions has decreased surgical site infections in various postsurgical settings. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of prophylactic NPWT for preventing DLI in patients with LVAD implantation. METHODS: Prophylactic NPWT was provided to 50 patients who received continuous-flow LVADs as bridge-to-transplant therapy at our institution between May 2018 and October 2020 (NPWT group). The negative pressure dressing was applied immediately after surgery and retained on the driveline exit site for 7 days with a continuous application of -125 mm Hg negative pressure. The primary outcome was DLI within 1 year of LVAD implantation. We compared the rate of DLI incidence in the NPWT group with that in the historical control cohort (50 patients) treated with the standard dressing (SD) who received LVAD implantation between July 2015 and April 2018 (SD group). RESULTS: No severe complications were associated with the NPWT. During the follow-up period, DLI was diagnosed in 16 participants (32%) in the NPWT group and 21 participants (42%) in the SD group. The rates of DLI incidence and freedom from DLI did not differ between groups (p = 0.30 and p = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic NPWT at the driveline exit site was safe following LVAD implantation. However, it did not significantly reduce the risk of DLI.

Clinical outcomes of continuous flow left ventricular assist device therapy as bridge to transplant strategy in muscular dystrophy: a single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: In muscular dystrophies (MD) patients with end-stage heart failure (HF), continuous flow left ventricular assist device (cf-LVAD) therapy is still controversial due to a progressive nature of MD-associated muscle weakness. METHODS: All the MD patients who had cf- VAD implants between March 2013 and August 2019 in our hospital were retrospectively studied. Study end points were death, major LVAD-associated complications or respiratory dysfunction caused by muscular weakness. RESULTS: A total of 11 MD patients (Becker type: n = 6; Emery-Dreifuss Myodystrophy: n = 2; Fukuyama subtype: n = 1; Limb-girdle 1B: n = 2) were enrolled. DEMOGRAPHICS: median age 41 years (IQR; 29-47); median Japanese Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support: level 3 (2-3); a median interval between MD diagnosis and LVAD implantation 9 years (6-18). The pulmonary function test at LVAD implantation showed a median of %VC; 62% (45-82), FEV1%, 82% (81-88). Survival to discharge was 100% without pulmonary complication and early VAD-related complications. During a median follow-up of 38 months (27-53), re-admissions were needed due to device infection (n = 2), cerebrovascular accidents (disabling, n = 2 and non-disabling, n = 2), ventricular tachycardia (n = 4), and right HF (n = 3), respectively. 7 patients received successful heart transplant after a median waiting time of 44 months (34-61); 3 patients are still on the waiting list (waiting time: 21, 38, and 39 months). One patient died of right HF 15 months after VAD implantation. No one had overt pulmonary dysfunction during LVAD support. CONCLUSION: In selected MD patients with end-stage HF, cf-LVAD therapy is a viable therapeutic option as bridge to heart transplant.

Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Inclusion Complexes Formed between S-Allylcysteine and Cyclodextrins.

The present study prepared inclusion complexes of S-allylcysteine (SAC) and cyclodextrin (α, ß, γ) by the freeze-drying (FD) method and verified the inclusion behavior of the solid dispersion. Also, the study investigated the effect of SAC/CD complex formation on liver tumor cells. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements confirmed the exothermic titration curve for SAC/αCD, suggesting a molar ratio of SAC/αCD = 1/1, but no exothermic/endothermic reaction was obtained for the SAC/ßCD and SAC/γCD system. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) results showed that the characteristic diffraction peaks of SAC and CDs disappeared in FD (SAC/αCD) and FD (SAC/γCD), indicated by a halo pattern. On the other hand, diffraction peaks originating from SAC and ßCDs were observed in FD (SAC/ßCD). Near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy results showed that CH and OH groups derived from SAC and OH groups derived from αCD and γCD cavity were shifted, suggesting complex formation due to intermolecular interactions occurring in SAC/αCD and SAC/γCD. Stability test results showed that the stability was maintained with FD (SAC/αCD) over FD (SAC/ßCD) and FD (SAC/γCD). In 1H-1H of NOESY NMR measurement, FD (SAC/αCD) was confirmed to have a cross peak at the CH group of the alkene of SAC and the proton (H-3, -5, -6) in the αCD cavity. In FD (SAC/γCD), a cross peak was confirmed at the alkyl group on the carbonyl group side of SAC and the proton (H-3) in the cavity of γCD. From the above, it was suggested that the inclusion mode of SAC is different on FD (SAC/CDs). The results of the hepatocyte proliferation inhibition test using HepG2 cells showed that FD (SAC/ßCD) inhibited cell proliferation. On the other hand, FD (SAC/αCD) and FD (SAC/γCD) did not show a significant decrease in the number of viable cells. These results suggest that the difference in the inclusion mode may contribute to the stability and cell proliferation inhibition.

Cell proliferation effects of S-allyl-L-cysteine are associated with phosphorylation of janus kinase 2, insulin-like growth factor type-I receptor tyrosine kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

The cell proliferation effect of S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) and its mechanisms were examined in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. In serum-free cultivation, SAC (10-6 M)-stimulated hepatocytes showed significant proliferation compared to control at 5-h culture; the effect was dependent on the culture time and the dose of SAC (EC50 value 8.58 × 10-8 M). In addition, SAC-stimulated hepatocytes significantly increased mRNA expression levels of c-Myc and c-Fos at 1 h and cyclin B1 at 3.5 and 4 h, respectively. In contrast, alliin and allicin, structural analogs of SAC, did not show these effects observed with SAC. The SAC-induced hepatocyte proliferation effects were completely suppressed by monoclonal antibodies against growth hormone receptor and insulin-like growth factor type-I (IGF-I) receptor, respectively. Furthermore, the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor TG101209, phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122, IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor AG538, PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002, MEK inhibitor PD98059, and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin completely suppressed the SAC-induced hepatocyte proliferation. JAK2 (p125 kDa) phosphorylation in cultured hepatocytes peaked 5 min after SAC stimulation. SAC-induced IGF-I RTK (p95 kDa) and ERK2 (p42 kDa) phosphorylation had slower rises than JAK2, peaking at 20 and 30 min, respectively. These results indicate that SAC promoted cell proliferation by growth hormone receptor/JAK2/PLC pathway activation followed by activation of the IGF-I RTK/PI3K/ERK2/mTOR pathway in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

Myocardial recovery evaluation from ventricular assist device in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: The removal of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) after myocardial recovery can provide survival benefits with freedom from LVAD-associated complications. However, in the absence of standardization, the weaning evaluation and surgical strategy differ widely among centres. Therefore, we analysed the experiences of LVAD explantation with our protocol in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients and investigated the validity of our weaning evaluation and surgical strategy from the perspective of optimal long-term survival. METHODS AND RESULTS: All LVAD explantation patients in our institution between May 2012 and May 2020 were enrolled. All patients were evaluated by our three-phase weaning assessment: (i) clinical stability with improved cardiac function under LVAD support; (ii) haemodynamic stability shown by ramp-loading and saline-loading test; (iii) intraoperative pump-off test. Explant surgery involved removal of the whole system including driveline, pump, sewing ring and outflow-graft, and closure of an apical hole. Intra-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative outcomes, including all-cause mortality and LVAD associated major complications, were retrospectively analysed. A total of 12 DCM patients (DuraHeart, n = 2; EVAHEART, n = 2; HeartMate II, n = 6; HeartMate 3, n = 2) had myocardial recovery after a median 10 months [interquartile range (IQR); 6.3-15 months] support and qualified for our LVAD explantation study protocol [median age: 37 y, IQR; 34-41 years; 83% men]. The median left ventricular ejection fraction was 20% (IQR; 12-23%) at LVAD-implantation and 54% (IQR: 45-55%) before LVAD explantation (P < 0.001). There were no perioperative complications and median ICU stay was 4 days (IQR; 2-4 days). All patients were discharged after a median of 24 days (IQR: 17-28 days) postoperatively. No patient suffered from any cardiac event (heart failure hospitalization, re-implantation of LVAD, or heart transplantation) at a median of 40 months (IQR: 17-58 months) follow up. All patients are alive with NYHA functional class 1 with preserved left ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of LVAD explant candidates by our weaning protocol was safe and effective. In the patients completing our protocol successfully, LVAD explantation is feasible and an excellent long-term cardiac event free-survival seems to be achieved.

S-Allyl-L-cysteine Promotes Cell Proliferation by Stimulating Growth Hormone Receptor/Janus Kinase 2/Phospholipase C Pathways and Promoting Insulin-Like Growth Factor Type-I Secretion in Primary Cultures of Adult Rat Hepatocytes.

The mechanism of insulin-like growth factor type-I (IGF-I) secretion stimulated by S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) was investigated as part of a study of SAC-induced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. When 10-6 M SAC was added to the culture, the amount of IGF-I in the medium was significantly increased at 10 min. The peak IGF-I level (140 pg/mL) was observed 20 min after SAC stimulation. The SAC-induced IGF-I secretion was completely suppressed by a selective Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor (TG101209), a selective phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor (U-73122), an intracellular Ca2+ chelating agent (BAPTA-AM), and a granule secretion inhibitor (somatostatin). On the other hand, 10-6 M SAC-stimulated hepatocytes showed increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in a time-dependent manner from 0 to 10 min. Phosphorylation of SAC-induced JAK2 and IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) was completely suppressed by TG101209. In addition, U-73122, BAPTA-AM, and somatostatin did not suppress SAC-induced JAK2 phosphorylation, but significantly suppressed SAC-induced IGF-I RTK phosphorylation. Furthermore, binding of the monoclonal antibody against growth hormone (GH) to GH receptor was dose-dependently suppressed by SAC on immunofluorescence. These results showed that SAC promotes cell proliferation by stimulating GH receptor/JAK2/phospholipase C pathways and promoting autocrine secretion of IGF-I in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

Association between left ventricular ejection fraction and mortality after Bentall procedure.

Root infection or dissection involving coronary artery frequently necessitates an emergent Bentall procedure, with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In contrast, concerning an elective Bentall for aneurysm, surgeons should balance the risk and benefit of surgery, especially in low LVEF cases. We investigated the association between preoperative LVEF and outcomes after Bentall. We analyzed 98 patients undergoing Bentall between April 2000 and March 2020. The patients were stratified into three groups: (a) 65 with LVEF ≥ 60%, (b) 21 with LVEF 45 to < 60%, and (c) 12 with LVEF < 45%. Baseline characteristics, survivals, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were compared. To assess potential non-linear relationship between LVEF and mortality, cubic spline analysis was conducted. Median age was similar (a vs b vs c, 52 vs 50 vs 44). In all groups, elective root aneurysm was 50-60%, indicating the rest were complicated and sick. Operative mortality was the highest in group c (4.6% vs 9.5% vs 16.7%, p = 0.294). Survival and MACE-free rate were the worst in group c, though their 10-year survival was 40%. LVEF was an independent risk for mortality, and cubic spline analysis showed potential non-linear association between LVEF and mortality. Although LVEF is an independent predictor of mortality after Bentall, long-term survival was occasionally achieved in low LVEF cases. While surgeons should carefully balance the risk of low LVEF and the benefit of surgery in elective cases, we should perform a non-elective procedure as needed, even if LVEF is low.

Long-Term renal function after implantation of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: A single center study.

BACKGROUND: Implantable continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) improve renal function in advanced heart failure. However, the long-term effects of LVAD on renal function have not been investigated thoroughly. We aimed to assess long-term renal function in patients with LVAD support and to identify predictors for late deterioration in renal function (LDRF). METHODS: One hundred patients underwent LVAD implantation as a bridge to transplant at the University of Tokyo Hospital between May 2011 and December 2018. We assessed renal function at intervals (preoperative, 1, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months after LVAD implantation). We divided patients into two groups: "with LDRF," whose renal function at 30 months had decreased by >25% compared with preoperatively (n = 14), and "without LDRF" (n = 55). RESULTS: Renal function improved at 1 month, returned to preoperative levels at 6 months, and remained there up to 30 months after LVAD implantation. However, renal function impairment became evident in patients with LDRF 18 months after LVAD implantation. A ratio of right atrial pressure/pulmonary artery wedge pressure > 0.57 and left ventricular dimension diastole ≤ 67 mm were preoperative independent risk factors for LDRF. In addition, the incidence of perioperative acute kidney injury, ventricular arrhythmia, aortic insufficiency, and late right ventricular failure was significantly higher in patients with LDRF. CONCLUSION: LDRF after LVAD implantation corresponded to several risk factors, including a small left ventricle and LVAD-related complications, such as right ventricular failure.

Solubility of Piperine and Its Inclusion Complexes in Biorelevant Media and Their Effect on Attenuating Mouse Ileum Contractions.

This study evaluated the solubility of piperine (PP) in biorelevant media and the effect of its ground mixtures (GMs) and coprecipitates (CPs) on intestinal contractions when presented in inclusion complexes with α-, ß-, and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs). In the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, CP (PP/αCD) and CP (PP/γCD) suggest the formation of inclusion complexes. The 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed the integrated intensity ratios of CP (PP/αCD) and CP (PP/γCD) protons to be 1/2 and 1/1, the same as the respective molar ratios in the respective GM inclusion complexes. The intestinal contraction test confirmed that the intestinal contraction rate of carbachol (CCh) in the presence of 2.0 × 10-5 M PP was comparable to that in the absence of PP. On the other hand, CP (PP/αCD), GM (PP/αCD = 1/2), and GM (PP/ßCD = 1/1) formed inclusion complexes that significantly suppressed the intestinal contractility at PP 1.0 × 10-8 M. No significant differences were observed between CP and GM. The solubility of the PP/αCD inclusion complex was 6-7 times higher than that of PP in the fasted-state-simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF, pH 6.5). PP functioned to suppress intestinal contraction by forming an inclusion complex. Based on this result, PP/αCD might be expected to be effective as an antidiarrheal.

Growth Hormone Signaling Pathway Leading to the Induction of DNA Synthesis and Proliferation in Primary Cultured Hepatocytes of Adult Rats.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the signal transduction pathway associated with growth hormone (GH)-stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation in primary cultured hepatocytes. METHODS: Adult rat hepatocytes were isolated from normal livers by two-step in situ collagenase perfusion to facilitate disaggregation of the adult rat liver. Then hepatocytes were cultured in serum-free Williams' medium E supplemented with GH (1-100 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of test reagents. GH-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation were determined, and the phosphorylation activities of Janus kinase (JAK) 2 (JAK2) (p125 kDa), p95-kDa RTK, and ERK1/2 were measured by western blotting. RESULTS: Hepatocytes grown in serum-free defined medium proliferated within 5 h of culture in the presence of GH (100 ng/ml) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (EC50 75 ng/ml). These proliferative effects of GH were almost completely blocked by an anti-GH receptor monoclonal antibody (85 ng/ml) and an anti-insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I receptor monoclonal antibody. In addition, the proliferative effects of GH were significantly blocked by a JAK2 inhibitor (TG101209, 10-6 M), as well as specific signal-transducing inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC; U-73122, 10-6 M), RTK (AG538, 10-6 M), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K; LY294002, 10-6 M), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK; PD98059, 10-6 M), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR; rapamycin, 10 ng/ml). GH significantly induced the phosphorylations of JAK2 (p125 kDa), p95-kDa IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), and ERK2 in this order according to western blotting analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The proliferative action of GH is mediated by two main signaling pathways. One includes activation of the GH receptor/JAK2/PLC/Ca2+ pathway, and the other involves activation of the p95-kDa IGF-I RTK/PI3K/ERK2/mTOR pathway in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity Predicts Cardiac Readmission in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Japan.

Carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) is impaired in heart failure patients; however, its clinical impact has not been well investigated in the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) population. We explored the predictive value of preoperative DLCO in the survival and cardiac readmission rates after LVAD implantation. Seventy-six patients who received continuous-flow LVAD as bridge-to-transplant therapy from November 2007 to September 2018 and underwent pulmonary function test before LVAD implantation were included. The primary study endpoints were death and readmission for heart failure or arrhythmia (cardiac readmission). Patients were stratified into two groups according to the percent of predicted DLCO (%DLCO). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was equivocal between the groups preoperatively, whereas the low DLCO group (%DLCO < 80%) showed significantly high PVR postoperatively. The mortality rate was not different between the groups. The 2 year cardiac readmission rate was 33.5% in the low DLCO group and 8.7% in the high DLCO group (%DLCO ≥ 80%) (P = 0.028). The %DLCO was associated with cardiac readmission in univariate and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio: 4.32; 95% CI: 1.50-15.9; P = 0.005). Low %DLCO was associated with high PVR postoperatively and was a risk factor for cardiac readmission after LVAD implantation.

Delivery of acetaminophen to the central nervous system and the pharmacological effect after intranasal administration with a mucoadhesive agent and absorption enhancer.

Acetaminophen, a central antipyretic and analgesic drug, is one of the most commonly used drugs among individuals of all ages throughout the world. This study pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically investigated the transport of acetaminophen to the central nervous system and systemic circulation after intranasal (i.n.) administration, and evaluated the potential of a transnasal acetaminophen formulation in comparison to other routes of administration. Direct transport to the brain and the pharmacological effect after the i.n. administration of acetaminophen with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; a mucoadhesive agent) and poly-l-arginine (PLA; an absorption enhancer) were investigated to improve retention of the dosage solution in the olfactory epithelium region and enhance the transfer of acetaminophen to the brain. The transport of acetaminophen to the brain was rapid, and the concentration in the brain, especially the olfactory bulb, was higher after i.n. administration, resulting in a greater antipyretic effect in comparison to other routes of administration. The delivery system using PVP and PLA produced a high and prolonged antipyretic effect by enhancing the transfer of acetaminophen to the brain through suppression of the transfer to systemic circulation. Thus, this transnasal drug delivery system using PVP and PLA may be a promising method for transporting acetaminophen to the brain.

Autocrine secretion of insulin-like growth factor-I mediates growth hormone-stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

The intracellular signaling pathway of growth hormone (GH)-stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation was investigated in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. DNA synthesis and cell proliferation were detected in hepatocyte parenchymal cells grown in serum-free, defined medium containing GH (100 ng/ml). GH-stimulated hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation were almost completely blocked by TG101209 (10-6 M), a selective Janus kinase (JAK)2 inhibitor, U-73122 (10-6 M), a selective phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, and a monoclonal antibody to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor (100 ng/ml) or anti-secretion agents such as somatostatin (10-6 M) and BAPTA/AM (10-7 M). In addition, blocking monoclonal antibodies to IGF-I, but not transforming growth factor-α, completely inhibited GH-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation. IGF-I levels in the culture medium increased rapidly versus baseline levels within 5 min in response to GH (100 ng/ml), and the maximum IGF-I level (100 pg/ml) was reached 20 min after GH stimulation. Autocrine secretion of IGF-I into the culture medium was inhibited by a growth-inhibitory dose of TG101209, U-73122, somatostatin, or BAPTA/AM. These data indicate that the proliferative mechanism of action of GH is mediated mainly through a GH receptor/JAK2/PLC-stimulated increase in the autocrine secretion of IGF-I by primary cultured hepatocytes, followed by stimulation of the 95 kDa IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway.

The Enhancing Effects of S-Allylcysteine on Liver Regeneration Are Associated with Increased Expression of mRNAs Encoding IGF-1 and Its Receptor in Two-Thirds Partially Hepatectomized Rats.

Two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed in rats, and the differences in effects between S-allylcysteine (SAC) and other sulfur-containing compounds on regeneration of the remaining liver and restoration of the injury were examined. Three days after two-thirds PHx, rats treated with 300 mg/kg/d, per os (p.o.) SAC showed a 1.2-fold increase in liver weight per 100 g body weight compared with saline-treated controls. In contrast, S-methylcysteine (SMC) (300 mg/kg/d, p.o.) or cysteine (Cys) (300 mg/kg/d, p.o.) did not have a regeneration-promoting effect. In the comparison with control rats, the regenerating liver of SAC-treated rats showed a significantly higher 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling index on day 1. In contrast, serum alanine aminotransferase activity, which increases following PHx, was significantly inhibited by SAC and SMC (but not Cys) on day 1 after two-thirds PHx. In addition, SAC induced increases in insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and its receptor mRNA expressions at 1 h after two-thirds PHx, and it increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)2 and Akt at 3 h after two-thirds PHx without affecting serum growth hormone levels. These results demonstrate that SAC is a mitogenic effector of normal remnant liver and promotes recuperation of liver function after two-thirds PHx. Moreover, SAC-induced proliferative effects are mediated via increased mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and its receptor and subsequent phosphorylation of ERK2 and Akt.

Impact of tacrolimus versus cyclosporin A on renal function during the first year after heart transplant.

AIMS: Nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) is associated with adverse events in patients undergoing heart transplant (HTx), although studies directly comparing tacrolimus (TAC) versus cyclosporin A (CsA), especially in combination with everolimus and low-dose CNIs approach, are limited. Thus, we sought to investigate the associations of TAC and CsA with clinical outcomes in HTx recipients, with specific focus on renal function. METHODS AND RESULTS: From August 2007 to February 2017, 72 consecutive patients (39 treated with TAC vs. 33 with CsA) receiving de novo HTx in a single transplant centre were retrospectively evaluated. We used the instrumental variable method to account for unmeasured confounding. The study outcomes were percentage change in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) (safety endpoint) and biopsy-proven acute rejection (efficacy endpoint) within the first year after HTx. The enrolled patients (median age 40 years) were predominantly men (68%). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including eGFR (64.8 [45.7-96.4] mL/min/1.73 m2 in TAC vs. 65.6 [57.9-83.0] mL/min/1.73 m2 for CsA; P = 0.48), other than sex (male, 49% for TAC vs. 91% for CsA; P < 0.001) between the two groups. Within the first year after HTx, 23 (59%) in the TAC group switched mycophenolate mofetil to everolimus, whereas 16 (48%) in the CsA group (P = 0.52). At 12 months, the rates of mortality and end-stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapies were both 0%. In the instrumental variable analysis, no differences in renal function as well as graft rejection for 1 year after HTx existed between the TAC and CsA groups. These results were similar when taking into account of everolimus use. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of everolimus use with low-dose CNIs, our analysis using the instrumental variable method showed no differences in renal function as well as graft rejection during the first year after HTx between HTx recipients who received TAC or CsA.

Significant impact of left ventricular assist device models on the value of flow-mediated dilation: effects of LVAD on endothelial function.

The precise physiological changes associated with the use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are not well characterized. We examined the impact of changes in hemodynamic state using LVAD on endothelial function. We measured flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) to evaluate endothelial vasodilator function of the brachial artery in 53 patients (dilated cardiomyopathy: 39, ischemic cardiomyopathy: 4, and others: 10) with an implanted LVAD (DuraHeart, EVAHEART, or HeartMate II). We found that FMD value in the HeartMateII LVAD group (9.3% ± 2.9%) was significantly higher than those in the other two groups (EVAHEART: 6.7% ± 2.8% and DuraHeart: 6.2% ± 4.0%). Other factors that affected the FMD value were age (r = - 0.31, p = 0.026), Brinkman index (r = - 0.30, p = 0.029); however, aortic opening, aortic regurgitation, and other hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac index or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure did not correlate with FMD. Multivariate analyses revealed that the difference among the LVAD models most significantly affected the FMD values after adjusting for age and smoking status (t = 2.6, p = 0.014). Event free survival rate of death and cerebral infarction was not significantly different according to the value of FMD. The difference among the LVAD groups most significantly affected the state of endothelial function and it had more impact than other clinical factors.

Controlling Nutritional Status Score As a Predictive Marker for Patients With Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Although a correlation between the nutritional status and the prognosis of patients with heart failure has been suggested, a correlation between the nutritional status and outcomes after the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score (range 0-12, including serum albumin, total cholesterol, and lymphocytes) as a nutritional index in speculating the prognosis of patients undergoing LVAD implantation. We examined 63 consecutive patients who underwent the continuous-flow LVAD implantation. Using the preoperative CONUT score, patients were categorized into two groups: lower CONUT score (0-4: normal to mild malnutrition) and higher CONUT score (5-12: moderate to severe malnutrition). We compared for the backgrounds and the clinical events after LVAD implantation. The higher CONUT group exhibited a significantly higher mean right atrial pressure (10.9 ± 4.7 vs. 7.3 ± 4.1 mmHg; p = 0.0019). In that group, the mortality rate was significantly higher (25% vs. 2.6%; p = 0.0059) and the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed lower survival rate. Furthermore, more bleeding events significantly occurred in the higher CONUT group. The preoperative CONUT score may reflect systemic venous congestion and offer a useful prognostic index of clinical courses after LVAD implantation.

Clinical impact of newly developed atrial fibrillation complicated with longstanding ventricular fibrillation during left ventricular assist device support: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve survival and morbidity in patients with stage D heart failure. Management of LVADs for longer durations is necessary in some clinical settings, and a better understanding of the hemodynamics of patients using LVADs is warranted. Arrhythmia, including atrial (AA) and ventricular (VAs) arrhythmias, is a modifying factor of hemodynamics that is highly prevalent among patients with LVADs. However, the clinical impact of arrhythmias in various clinical settings in patients with LVAD, in which the hemodynamic load is likely to present as worsening of right heart failure, remains to be completely elucidated. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a patient under sustained ventricular fibrillation for extraordinarily long duration who was stabilized using LVAD support and in whom newly developed atrial fibrillation led to a significant worsening of right heart failure while using an LVAD. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the substantial clinical impact of AAs in the management of right heart failure using an LVAD.