Topiramate (TPM), a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide, is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant widely prescribed for epilepsy, migraine prophylaxis, and neuropathic pain. Its therapeutic efficacy stems from multifaceted interactions with ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and enzymes; however, the precise mechanisms governing its modulation of plasmalemmal ionic currents—particularly voltage-gated sodium currents (I_Na) and hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (I_h)—remain incompletely characterized. Prior studies have implicated TPM in sodium channel blockade, yet inconsistencies persist regarding concentration-dependent effects, gating kinetics, and interactions with other currents. This study employs patch-clamp techniques in GH₃ rat lactotrophs, an established model for excitable cells, to provide comprehensive evidence of TPM’s “dual block” on I_Na and I_h, elucidating potential contributions to its neuromodulatory profile.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) affects approximately 270,000 adults and adolescents aged 12 and older in the European Union, manifesting as unpredictable outbreaks of debilitating hives and intense itch that disrupt daily life. For many, standard first-line treatments like H1 antihistamines provide insufficient relief, leaving patients in cycles of discomfort and frustration. In a landmark development, Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have secured European Commission approval for Dupixent (dupilumab), marking the first targeted biologic therapy for moderate-to-severe CSU in over a decade.
Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, induces substantial weight loss and cardiometabolic improvements in adults with obesity. However, the SURMOUNT-4 trial demonstrated that most participants regain weight upon discontinuation, raising questions about the durability of associated health benefits. The objective is to evaluate changes in cardiometabolic parameters stratified by the extent of weight regain following tirzepatide withdrawal in the SURMOUNT-4 trial.
Sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), has revolutionized heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) management since its 2015 approval, demonstrating superior efficacy over ACE inhibitors in the PARADIGM-HF trial. However, real-world safety concerns, particularly regarding angioedema and renal effects, necessitate post-marketing surveillance. This study conducts a disproportionality analysis using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to compare adverse drug events (ADEs) between sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan monotherapy, aiming to detect pharmacovigilance signals and guide clinical decision-making.
Advanced cardiovascular imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing, risk-stratifying, and managing a spectrum of cardiac conditions, from ischemic heart disease to cardiomyopathies and valvular disorders. However, rapid technological evolution—spanning echocardiography (echo), cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and nuclear cardiology—demands rigorous, standardized training to ensure competency and patient safety. The 2025 Advanced Training Statement on Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging, jointly authored by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC), Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT), and Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR), and issued by the ACC Competency Management Committee, addresses this need by updating prior frameworks to reflect contemporary practice.
