Ascorbic acid prevents cigarette smoke injury to endothelium-dependent arterial relaxation

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Summary Background: Arterial endothelium-dependent acetylcholine relaxation is impaired by smoking, and this injury may be mediated by oxygen free radicals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) treatment on this injury. Materials and methods: New Zealand White rabbits (n = 6, each group) were placed in a 240-ft3…

Urine metabolomics signatures in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Summary Background: The pathophysiology of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is unclear. An unbiased systems-based approach might help to illustrate the metabolite profiling and underlying pathophysiology. Methods: Urine samples were collected from reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome patients and matched controls recruited in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. 1H-Nuclear magnetic resonance was used to initially explore the metabolic…