Visualizing Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate in Cardiac Microdomains Involved in Ion Homeostasis

3′,5′-Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a key second messenger that regulates function of proteins involved in ion homeostasis and cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Over the last decade, it has been increasingly appreciated that cAMP conveys its numerous effects by acting in discrete subcellular compartments or “microdomains.” In this mini review, we describe how such localized signals can be visualized in living cardiomyocytes to better understand cardiac physiology and disease. Special focus is made on targeted biosensors that can be used to resolve second messenger signals within nanometers of cardiac ion channels and transporters. Potential directions for future research and the translational importance of cAMP compartmentalization are discussed.

HIFU treatment for fibroadenoma - a clinical study at National Scientific Research Centre, Astana, Kazakhstan

This randomized controlled study evaluated effect of low frequency high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in 80 women with breast fibroadenomas randomly and evenly divided into main and control groups, treated with HIFU and sectoral resection accordingly. In- vitro trial of fibroadenoma samples exposed to different power levels:100 Watt (W), 200 W and 300 W, analysis of results shown that optimal ablation power 200W was enough for coagulation necrosis of tumour, while 300W ablation caused complete destruction of tissues. Results showed that 20% of control group (surgically treated) patients had post-operative complications and 12.5% - postponed recurrences, as opposed to zero incidence of either in the main group (HIFU treated). The average hospital stay following HIFU reduced by 52%. Both in-vitro and morphological studies showed that HIFU caused high precision coagulation necrosis of fibroadenoma and preservation of the surrounding tissues. HIFU enabled to avoid early postoperative complications and long-term recurrences. This technique can significantly improve quality of life by reducing pain intensity and enabling sooner activity..