Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry - Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents) - Volume 4, Issue 3, 2006

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a central component of the oxygen sensing system that coordinates cellular responses to conditions of decreased oxygen availability. The hypoxia inducible transcription factor HIF-1 is a heterodimer composed of the helix-loop-helix-Per-Arnt-Sim (bHLH-PAS) proteins HIF-1alpha and the aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT) also known as HIF-1beta. Transactivation of HIF-1 Read More

The aims of the present review are to summarize and to discuss the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and the expression and functions of vasoactive substances in chronic hypoxemia with specific focus in the liver and the carotid body. Vascular remodelling and vasoactive substances play important functional roles in the adaptive response to chronic hypoxemia for the maintenance of oxygen homeostasis in all system Read More

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a relevant role not only in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension, but also in the development of hypertensive target organ damage. Different drugs acting on RAAS components are now available: angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II AT1 receptors blockers (ARBs), non-selective and selective aldosterone antagonists. The review will focus Read More

Interleukin (IL)-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and a central mediator in the cytokine network, and is known to control important functions both in the immune system and inflammation. The activity of IL-1 is counter-regulated by its endogenous inhibitor, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). IL-1 and IL-1Ra are produced and secreted by a variety of cells including those responsible for controlling immunity. A recent study indicated Read More

In vitro and ex vivo interactions of betaadrenoceptor blocking drugs, antihistamines and chloroquine with blood platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes resulted in different alterations of regulatory functions of these blood cells. Inhibition of platelet aggregation, arachidonate regulatory pathway, 5-hydroxytryptamine transportation, removal of platelet membrane receptors, inhibition of second messenger pathways at su Read More

The role of individual fatty acids in blood pressure regulation is unclear, although it is known that the modifications in the levels of fatty acids in the diet are able to change the entire profile of fatty acids as well as cholesterol levels in cellular membranes. These chemical changes are accompanied by changes in the physiological state of the cellular membranes and have suggested an influence on cellular metabolism Read More