MACH F

Recruitment of leukocytes to inflammatory sites is crucial in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if activation of CB2 cannabinoid receptors would modulate the chemotactic response of human monocytes. Human monocytes treated with the CB2 agonist JWH-015 for 12-18 h showed significantly...

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Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an often underestimated sleep disorder that has been associated with cardiovascular disease. OSAS is characterized by cycles of apnea and/or hypopnea during sleep caused by the collapse of the upper airways. Intermittent hypoxia deriving from the cycles of apnea/arousals (to retrieve the ventilation)...

Atherosclerosis is the main pathophysiological process underlying acute cardiovascular diseases. Life-threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, are provoked by the sudden rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, characterized by thin, highly inflamed and collagen-poor fibrous cap. Whereas both innate and...

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Research investigations on adipose tissue were focused for several decades on its "storage" function. Emerging evidence unveiled adipose tissue as an endocrine organ releasing a several mediators termed as adipokines. Adipokine-mediated functions include both physiological and pathophysiological roles such as regulation of energy metabolism,...

Non-uniformity exists on heart failure definitions. Heart failure includes typical signs and symptoms deriving from alterations in left ventricular systolic or diastolic function. Systolic heart failure results from the acute or chronic reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction. Conversely, heart failure with preserved ejection...

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Endocannabinoids are endogenous bioactive lipids ubiquitously distributed in several tissues (e.g., brain, adipose tissue, liver, heart and arterial vessels), which play a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Endocannabinoids have been shown to promote cell homeostasis and modulate inflammatory bioactivities mainly via the binding to transmembrane...