Oral supplementation of inositols effectively recovered lithium-induced cardiac dysfunctions in mice.

This study investigates the effects of inositol (INO) supplementation on cardiac changes caused by Li in mice. The study involved 4 groups of C57BL6 mice (n=10 each): (i) mice orally administered with Li2CO3 for 8 weeks, then 4 additional weeks without (Li_group) or (ii) with INO supplementation (Li_INOdelayed_group) (total of 12 weeks); (iii) mice given Li2CO3 and INO supplementation concurrently for 12 weeks (Li+INO_group); (iv) one group left untreated (C-group). The INO was administered as a mixture of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol (80:1) in drinking water. The mice were characterised for heart morphology, function, electrical activity, arrhythmogenic susceptibility, and multiorgan histopathology (heart, liver and kidney). Cardiomyocyte size, protein expression of key signalling pathways related to hypertrophy, and transcription levels of ion channel subunits and hypertrophy markers were evaluated in the ventricle tissue. The study found that INO supplementation reduced the Li-induced cardiac adverse effects, including systolic impairment and increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. The positive effect on arrhythmias might be attributed to the restored expression levels of the potassium channel subunit Kv 1.5. Additionally, INO improved cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, possibly by inhibiting the Li-induced activation of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway and by restoring the normal expression level of BNP, and alleviated injury in the liver and kidney. The effect was preventive if INO supplementation was taken concurrently with Li and therapeutic if INO was administered after Li-induced cardiac impairments were established. These results provide new insights into the cardioprotective effect of INO and suggest a potential treatment approach for Li-induced cardiac disease.

The Protective Effect of Flavonoids in the Diet on Autophagy-Related Cardiac Impairment.

The compounds known as flavonoids, commonly found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, medicinal herbs, chocolate, and coffee and tea beverages, have been extensively researched for their impact on cardiovascular health. Flavonoids, with their demonstrated potential, have shown promising effects in regulating blood vessel function and apoptotic processes, as well as in improving lipid profiles. While their powerful antioxidant properties were initially thought to be the main reason behind these effects, recent studies have uncovered new insights into the positive effects of flavonoids on cardiovascular health, and researchers have now identified several signaling pathways and mechanisms that also play a role. Of particular interest are the studies that have highlighted the role of autophagy in maintaining the physiological functions of cardiomyocytes and protecting them from harm. Recent publications have linked the dysregulation of autophagic processes with the development of cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to present the latest, novel findings from preclinical research regarding the potential beneficial effects of flavonoids on various heart conditions associated with altered autophagy processes.

Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pain Management in a Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report and Review of the Current Literature.

Pain management in patients undergoing kidney transplantation requires careful consideration due to their altered physiology, and potential risks associated with certain analgesic options. In recent years, personalized and multimodal approaches have proven to be pivotal in perioperative pain management, as well as in children. Implementing regional analgesia methods offers a valuable solution in many pediatric surgical settings and the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) could represent a possible analgesic strategy in pediatric patients undergoing renal transplantation. Here, we report the case of a 13-year-old child who underwent living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKx) and received continuous erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for perioperative pain management. This multimodal approach with continuous ESPB resulted in optimal pain control without the need for opioids, allowing for early mobilization and for an optimal postoperative course.