We identify miR-23b as a novel regulator of VSMC phenotypic switch in vitro and following vascular injury in vivo.

Background. Circulating microRNAs are appealing biomarkers to monitor several processes underlying cardiovascular diseases. Platelets are a major source for circulating microRNAs. Interestingly, the levels of specific microRNAs were reported to correlate with the level of platelet activation. The aim of the present study was to test whether the treatment with the novel antiplatelet agent, ticagrelor, is associated with modulation in the levels of key platelet-derived microRNAs. Methods and Results. Patients were randomly selected from those participating in the SHIFT-OVER study, in which we had previously evaluated the effect of the therapeutic switch from clopidogrel to ticagrelor on platelet aggregation. Circulating levels of selected microRNAs were measured before and after the therapeutic switch from a dual antiplatelet therapy including acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel to the more potent ticagrelor. Interestingly, the circulating levels of miR-126 (p = 0.030), miR-223 (p = 0.044), and miR-150 (p = 0.048) were significantly reduced, while the levels of miR-96 were increased (p = 0.038). No substantial differences were observed for the remaining microRNAs. Conclusions. Switching from a dual antiplatelet treatment with clopidogrel to ticagrelor is associated with significant modulation in the circulating levels of specific microRNAs. If confirmed in larger, independent cohorts, our results pave the way for the use of circulating microRNAs as biomarkers of platelets activity in response to specific pharmacological treatments.

a b s t r a c tBackground: The aim of this study is to put into evidence and verify the correlation between hemolysis and oxidative damage in subjects who practice spinning. Methods: A total of 12 volunteers, aged 35 AE 5 years were enrolled in the present study (60 min) before and (60 min) after practicing spinning. The measurement of lipid peroxidation products and the hemolysis assays conducted on blood samples of athletic subjects, and also the red blood cell morphological study.Results: The obtained data evidence that there are significant differences at least 60 min after training: in malonyldialdehyde value (0.12 AE 0.05 nmol/ml) and in malonyldialdehyde value with 2,2 0 -azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (0.22 AE 0.05 nmol/ml), in hemolysis data up to both 80 min (oxidative lysis) and 120 min (2,2 0 azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride lysis) confirmed by microscopical analysis. Conclusion: The described data on red blood cell hemolysis, after exercise-induced oxidative damage (malonyldialdehyde), and the degradation kinetic under action of 2,2 0 -azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride can be described according to a multistage process with multiple contemporaneous equilibria. The final red blood cell echinocytic form could describe the end product of process. Consequently authors hypothesize a relationship between spinning exercise, plasma membrane oxidation and hemolysis susceptibility.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the skin elasticity in individuals who practise spinning. Mechanical eva- luations were conducted, under environmental and physical established conditions, during a physical training period. A total of 12 volunteers aged 35 ± 5 years were enrolled in this study, (60 min) before (control) and (60 min) after practicing spinning. Skin elasticity and area were measured by a Skin Meter and analysed with the Skin Meter software 1.3. In subjects who practiced spinning, the data shown a sig-nificant effect: on elasticity, evaluated as the ratio of final retraction (UA) and final distension (UF), on viscoelasticity express as the ratio delayed distension (UV) and immediate distension (UE); and on measurements of skin area vs control subjects. Skin Meter can be useful for a non-invasive screening of skin condition with also a potential extension in subjects with skin pathologies or to monitor skin oxidative stress in sportive subjects

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