Anesthesiology
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In the senescent heart, the positive inotropic response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation is reduced, partly by dysregulation of β1- and β3-adrenoceptors. The multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) takes part in the control of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration by controlling its efflux but the role of MRP4 in the β-adrenergic dysfunction of the senescent heart remains unknown. ⋯ MRP4 overexpression contributes to the reduction of the positive inotropic response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation in the senescent heart.
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Hepcidin is a master regulator of iron metabolism primarily produced by the liver. Markedly increased hepcidin levels have been observed in septic individuals, while decreased hepatic hepcidin expression has been demonstrated in liver diseases that tend to develop into sepsis. However, the role of liver hepcidin in sepsis remains unknown. ⋯ Hepatic hepcidin plays an important role in sepsis through regulation of iron metabolism. The findings may have potential therapeutic implications for liver diseases in which hepcidin expression is decreased.