|
|
Atrial structure and function in vertebrates - comparative approach.
Thořová, Markéta ; Sedmera, David (advisor) ; Galatík, František (referee)
The atria are small cavities that receive, store, and then pump blood into the heart chambers. Throughout evolution, the atria and the whole heart have developed from a simple heart tube to a complex four-cavity organ whose rhythm and function can be observed by non-invasive methods. The four-cavity organ can be found in mammals and birds, which belong to the endothermic group, but also in ectothermic crocodiles. In humans, the structures of the atrial appendages, the so-called ears, are of particular interest and may vary in shape between individuals. A three-lobed organ can be found in reptiles and also in amphibians, with two atria and one chamber. Although there is only one chamber, its spongy structure minimizes the mixing of different blood types. Fish have a heart with only two cavities. Despite the differences in the final structure of the heart across vertebrate species, there are common features that are considered essential to ensure normal functions, such as the pectinate muscles. The knowledge arising from this work may contribute to further research, particularly in the context of evolution, physiology, and pathology.
|
|
|
Heart failure with preseved ejection fraction
Charvátová, Běla ; Neckář, Jan (advisor) ; Galatík, František (referee)
Heart failure (HF) has been considered to be one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine. As a leading cause of mortality in industrialised countries, it is vital to understand the disease properly. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents approximately half of all HF cases. Even though it has been studied a lot recently, little we know about the pathophysiology and the treatment of this complex syndrome. Not only does it affect heart function, but also damage can be caused in other organs such as lungs, kidneys, skeletal muscle etc. It used to be called a diastolic heart failure, because in this syndrome the heart is unable to stretch, relax and fill properly during diastole causing a diastolic dysfunction. In addition, HFpEF is often associated with other diseases that can worsen the patients' outcomes, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2. obesity, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary hypertension etc. This link to other diseases (comorbidities) can complicate the treatment because of a great heterogeneity between patients with HFpEF. The need for specific treatment pathways for each patient's phenotype is the main drive for searching for adequate suiting animal models in research. In the first half, this work provides a comprehensive overview of HFpEF,...
|
|
|
Circadian regulation of the cardiovascular system
Nováková, Jessica ; Bendová, Zdeňka (advisor) ; Galatík, František (referee)
Circadian system consist of the main circadian oscillator and the peripheral oscillators. Their function is to enable the adaptation of living organisms to the diurnal environmental changes. Circadian system regulates rhythmical expression of genes in nearly every cell of the body, thereby affecting both the physiological and behavioural processes of mammals and other animals. This bachelor's thesis summarizes a knowledge from experiments which led to the demonstration of circadian rhytms in cardiovascular system. To introduce the topic, the first discoveries of circadian rhythms in the cardiovascular system are mentioned. Then, we focus on the circadian rhythms in cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells and in vascular smooth muscle cells. Another focal point of my thesis is the role of transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15. Circadian regulation of the cardiovascular system is important for the proper function of the heart and blood vessels. Circadian disruption can cause severe pathophysiological and cardiovascular conditions, such as ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease. Key words: circadian, clock genes, cardiovascular system, cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, Krüppel-like factor...
|
|
|
Mitochondrial respiration of brown adipose tissue in development of cold acclimation
Galatík, František ; Žurmanová, Jitka (advisor) ; Holzerová, Kristýna (referee)
Historical experiments regarding the influence of low ambient temperatures were often accompanied with the development of detrimental effects. Our laboratory recently published a protocol of mild cold acclimation (5 weeks in 8 ± 1 řC) which induces cardioprotective phenotype in rats (Rattus norvegicus). An important mechanism of cold acclimation is the activation and increase of brown adipose tissue. Besides the nonshivering thermogenesis brown adipose tissue can produce a multitude of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors which might positively influence whole-body metabolism and function of other important organs. The effect of cold acclimation on brown adipose tissue is not however explored very well. The aim of this work was to asses selected parameters of respiration of isolated brown adipose tissue mitochondria of control rats living in 24 ± 1 řC and compare it with that of rats exposed to 8 ± 1 řC for 1 day, 3 days, 10 days, and 5 weeks. Results of this works were 1) the increase in respiration occurs after the 1-day cold exposure and 2) the highest respiration per 1 mg of mitochondrial protein appears to be after the 10 days of cold exposure. Key-words: Brown adipose tissue, mitochondria, respiration, cold acclimation
|
|
|
The role of antioxidant system in cardioprotective models
Galatík, František ; Žurmanová, Jitka (advisor) ; Benák, Daniel (referee)
Ischemia/reperfusion injury is the main cause of death in patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. The efforts of tackling this problem have lead to the discovery of cardioprotective adaptations and subsequently - of several cardioprotective models. One of the mechanisms of the adaptations is the stimulation of antioxidant system as a protection against reactive oxygen species formed during reperfusion phase of ischemia/reperfusion. The aim of this thesis is to review the current knowledge regarding the role of antioxidant system in cardioprotective models and comparing them by this property. Key-words: cardioprotective models, antioxidant system, heart
|
guest ::
