Journal of Hypertension: Open Access

Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. In recent years, emerging evidence has implicated galectins in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, including cirrhotic cardiomyopathy-a condition characterized by cardiac dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted roles of galectins in cardiovascular health and the specific mechanisms underlying their involvement in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. We discuss current understanding of galectin biology, their impact on cardiac structure and function and their potential as therapeutic targets in managing cardiovascular complications associated with liver disease.

Influenza remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with annual epidemics causing substantial morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations. Vaccination against influenza is widely recommended as a primary preventive measure. This review examines recent evidence on the effectiveness and safety of influenza vaccines, focusing on their impact on reducing influenza-related complications and hospitalizations. Additionally, the review discusses vaccine efficacy across different age groups and high-risk populations, highlighting the importance of annual vaccination campaigns. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis are significant health challenges globally, particularly among hypertensive patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the association between hypertension and the risk of developing CKD or progressing to ESRD. A comprehensive search of major databases identified studies reporting on the incidence or progression of CKD among hypertensive individuals. Pooled estimates from eligible studies provide insights into the magnitude of risk attributed to hypertension, considering various demographic and clinical factors.

In this study, we investigated the correlation between systemic arterial pressure (SAP) and portal venous pressure (PVP) using a healthy liver animal model. The experiment involved simultaneous measurements of SAP and PVP under baseline conditions and during controlled alterations in systemic and portal circulation parameters. Specifically, increases in SAP consistently corresponded to elevated PVP, highlighting the intricate interplay between systemic arterial perfusion and portal venous dynamics in maintaining hepatic hemodynamics. These results provide valuable insights into the physiological mechanisms governing liver blood flow regulation and underscore the potential implications for understanding and managing conditions such as portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis. Further exploration of these relationships could enhance our understanding of hepatic vascular physiology and inform therapeutic strategies aimed at optimizing liver perfusion in health and disease.

Preeclampsia remains a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality globally, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria arising after 20 weeks of gestation. This comprehensive review explores the intricate interplay between perinatal cardiovascular features and alterations in the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) in maternal preeclampsia. Preeclamptic pregnancies are marked by systemic vascular dysfunction, including impaired vasodilation and increased vascular resistance, which contribute to elevated maternal blood pressure and compromised placental perfusion. Mechanistically, dysregulation of the RAS, with heightened angiotensin II levels and altered expression of angiotensin receptors, plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The review synthesizes current evidence on the association between maternal preeclampsia and fetal programming of cardiovascular health, emphasizing the role of RAS dysregulation in shaping perinatal outcomes. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of preeclampsia on maternal and fetal cardiovascular health, thereby improving both short-term and long-term pregnancy outcomes.