Discovery of the regulatory role of calcium ion in muscle contraction and relaxation: Setsuro Ebashi and the international emergence of Japanese muscle research

Mechanistic Investigation of Calcium Channel Regulation-Associated Genes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Signatures for Diagnosis

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe cardiopulmonary disorder with complex causes. Calcium channel blockers have long been used in its treatment. Our study aimed to validate experimental results showing increased calcium ion concentration in PAH patients. We investigated the impact of genes related to calcium channel regulation on PAH development and developed an accurate diagnostic model. Clinical trial data from serum of 18 healthy individuals and 18 patients with PAH were retrospectively analyzed. Concentrations of calcium and potassium ions were determined and compared. Datasets were retrieved, selecting genes associated with calcium ion release. R packages processed the datasets, filtering 174 common genes, and conducting Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. Six hub genes were identified, and nomogram and logistic regression prediction models were constructed. Random forest filtered cross genes, and a diagnostic model was developed and validated using an artificial neural network. The 174 intersection genes related to calcium ions showed significant correlations with biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Six key genes were obtained by constructing a protein-protein interaction network. A diagnostic model with high accuracy (> 90%) and diagnostic capability (AUC = 0.98) was established using a neural network algorithm. This study validated the experimental results, identified key genes associated with calcium ions, and developed a highly accurate diagnostic model using a neural network algorithm. These findings provide insights into the role of calcium release genes in PAH and demonstrate the potential of the diagnostic model for clinical application. However, due to limitations in sample size and a lack of prognosis data, the regulatory mechanisms of calcium ions in PAH patients and their impact on the clinical prognosis of PAH patients still need further exploration in the future.

Cell Mechanisms of Post-Mortem Excitability of Skeletal Muscle

Background/Objectives: The excitability of skeletal muscle is a less-known post-mortem supravital phenomenon in human bodies, and it can be used to estimate the post-mortem interval. We conducted a field study in the Netherlands to investigate the applicability of muscle excitability (SMR) by mechanical stimulation for estimating the post-mortem interval in daily forensic practice. Knowledge concerning the post-mortem cell mechanisms accounting for the post-mortem excitability of skeletal muscle is lacking. Cell mechanisms are the specific intracellular and biochemical processes responsible for post-mortem muscle excitability. Methods: We have studied the theoretical backgrounds of the cell mechanisms that might be responsible for post-mortem muscle excitability, by performing literature research via the databank PubMed. Results: Based on the current available literature, in our opinion the intracellular changes in muscle cells that are responsible for SMR resemble the intracellular processes responsible for muscle fatigue due to energy exhaustion in the living. Conclusions: We hypothesize two pathways, depending on the level of energy in the muscle cell, that could be responsible for post-mortem muscle excitability by mechanical stimulation.

From Food Supplements to Functional Foods: Emerging Perspectives on Post-Exercise Recovery Nutrition

Effective post-exercise recovery is vital for optimizing athletic performance, focusing on muscle repair, glycogen replenishment, rehydration, and inflammation management. This review explores the evolving trend from traditional supplements, such as protein, carbohydrates, creatine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), toward functional foods rich in bioactive compounds. Evidence highlights the benefits of functional foods like tart cherry juice (anthocyanins), turmeric-seasoned foods, and sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, for mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics support gut health and immune function, which are integral to effective recovery. Personalized nutrition, informed by genetic and metabolic profiling, is examined as a promising approach to tailor recovery strategies. A systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2000-2024) identified studies with high empirical rigor and relevance to recovery outcomes. Findings underscore the need for further research into nutrient interactions, dosage optimization, and long-term effects on athletic performance. Integrating functional foods with personalized nutrition presents a comprehensive framework for enhanced recovery, greater resilience to physical stress, and sustained performance in athletes.