Experimental ischemic cardiomyopathy: insights into remodelling, physiological adptation and humoral response

Ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) is used to induce experimental myocardial infarction (MI). Most previous studies have focused on the early postoperative period, while data on mid-term follow-up are scanty. This study examined the mid-term effects of LAD ligation in 95 MI rats and 28 controls. The following parameters were evaluated: systemic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level. In addition, M-mode and B-mode echocardiography, histologic examinations, and cardiac hydroxyproline assays were performed. Fortyseven perioperative and 5 late deaths were recorded. Left ventricular dilation, observed 1 mo after MI, did not progress with time. Septal thickening was similar in the 2 groups, while wall thickening was lower in the MI rats at 1 mo only. Stroke volume was diminished in MI rats, while cardiac output was depressed only at 1 and 2 mo, due to increased heart rate. SBP was unchanged and plasma BNP level was similar in the 2 groups. The infarcted area (mean ± SD) was 35 ± 10%. The ventricles in MI rats were heavier and had increased hydroxyproline content. In conclusion, these data show that LAD ligation is not only a model of acute MI, but at mid-term it provides a model of chronic ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Use of colloidal silica to obtain a new inert from municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash: first results about reuse

The MSWI (Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator) fly ash may represent a potential health and environmental hazard for its high heavy metal content. Fly ash is commonly disposed in specific landfills to prevent the leaching of pollutants into underground aquifers. Several technologies (for example, thermal treatment, physical/chemical separation, and stabilization/solidification techniques) have been developed for treatment of fly ash to obtain second-hand inert materials. Moreover, reuse of these materials is strictly dependent on their physical and mechanical features. Possible applications of these materials are clinkering, road pave, and construction works where, specific performances are required. Recently, at the University of Brescia (Italy) a new process has been developed to inertize fly ash, by means of colloidal silica. The new inertization process involves low temperature reactions and produces a final material named COSMOS (Colloidal Silica Medium to Obtain Safe inert) that can be employed as a filler substituting natural materials such as carbon black, sand, etc. The project is supported by LIFE program of the European Community (LIFE + 2008 project ENV/IT/000434). In this study we present results about the reuse of COSMOS in different high quality controlled plaster materials. An appropriate waste management, based on the principles of sustainable development, is based on the principle that waste cannot be considered as something to eliminate but rather a potential resource

Anti-ischemic effect of IVA in isolated rabbit hearts: Modulation of cardiac metabolism

This result evidenced ivabradine cardioprotection in maintaining myocardial viability during I/R by preserving cardiac energy metabolism