Physiological research最新文献

{"title":"Liraglutide Attenuates Hepatocyte Ferroptosis in an In Vitro Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.","authors":"J Bai, Y Xiao, P Lou, J Zhang, Y Liu, Y Zhou","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the potential of liraglutide to attenuate ferroptosis in an in vitro model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). HepG2 cells were allocated into three groups: control (Con), free fatty acid (FFA)-treated, and FFA with liraglutide treatment (FFA+LI). After 48 h of treatment, intracellular triglyceride (TG), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron levels were quantified using commercially available kits. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was also measured. Lipid accumulation was visualized via Oil Red O staining. Expression of ferroptosis-associated genes was assessed through quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. FFA treatment induced significant lipid accumulation, elevated TG, MDA, and iron levels, and reduced SOD activity and GSH levels compared to the Con group (all p<0.05). Additionally, FFA exposure increased the expression of TFR1 and downregulated SLC7A11, NRF2, and GPX4 (p<0.05 for all comparisons vs. Con). Liraglutide treatment partially reversed these changes, as evidenced by reduced MDA levels and iron content, downregulation of TFR1, and upregulation of NRF2 and GPX4 (FFA+LI vs. FFA, all p<0.05). Liraglutide demonstrated the ability to mitigate lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and iron overload in HepG2 cells subjected to FFA-induced injury. These effects were associated with modulation of ferroptosis-related gene expression, suggesting a mechanistic basis for the potential protective role of liraglutide in MASLD. Key words Ferroptosis \" Free fatty acid \" Liraglutide \" Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease \" Oxidative stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":" ","pages":"None"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrogen Sulfide Suppresses RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation by Modulating Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling.","authors":"Zelin Huang, Ming Lai, Qinglan Wei, Qi Cao, Kang Chen, Jie Zhang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Excessive osteoclast activity drives bone-resorptive disorders, and oxidative stress is a key regulator of osteoclast differentiation. Hydrogen sulfide (H?S), an endogenous antioxidant, may modulate this process, but its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, RANKL (50 ng/mL) was used to induce osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells, with or without the H?S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; 50-200 ?M). Osteoclast formation was evaluated by TRAP staining and NFATc1/Cathepsin K expression, while oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial function, and ferroptosis-related parameters were assessed. Mechanistic studies revealed that NaHS promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulated GPX4, HO-1, and NQO1, whereas inhibition of Nrf2 or GPX4 partially reversed these effects. NaHS significantly suppressed osteoclast differentiation, alleviated oxidative stress, and restored mitochondrial function. These findings demonstrate that H?S inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway and suggest this redox axis as a potential therapeutic target for bone-resorptive diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"771-780"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrical Impedance Tomography-Guided Synergistic Intervention of Respiratory Muscle Training and Postural Adjustment for Lung Recruitment in Critically Ill Patients With Respiratory Failure.","authors":"Hongfei Wang, Zhu Lin, Hongmei Gao","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lung collapse and ventilation heterogeneity are common in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) enables real-time bedside monitoring of regional ventilation and may facilitate individualized respiratory management. This study evaluated the effect of EIT-guided respiratory muscle training (RMT) combined with postural adjustment on lung recruitment in patients with respiratory failure. In this single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial, 150 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: the EIT collaborative group (EIT-guided RMT+postural adjustment), the EIT posture group (EIT-guided positioning only), and the conventional collaborative group (RMT+postural adjustment without EIT). The primary endpoint was the change in end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI). Secondary outcomes included oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, ventilation homogeneity, and clinical outcomes. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and linear mixed-effects models. The interventions were applied for up to 5 consecutive days after randomization or until ICU discharge, whichever occurred first. After 5 days, EELI increased by 18.4±7.6 % in the EIT collaborative group, which was significantly greater than the increases observed in the EIT posture group (9.1±6.2 %) and the conventional collaborative group (3.7±5.8 %) (P<0.001). CL % decreased markedly without a significant increase in OD %, while CoV and GI index indicated improved ventilation uniformity. The EIT collaborative group also showed favorable trends toward improved oxygenation and respiratory mechanics, along with shorter ventilation duration and higher extubation success rates. A significant interaction between EIT supervision intensity and intervention level was confirmed (F=6.45, P=0.011). No serious adverse events occurred. These findings suggest that EIT-guided RMT combined with postural adjustment may enhance lung recruitment and ventilation homogeneity, with potential benefits for respiratory mechanics and selected short-term clinical outcomes. Real-time EIT feedback may provide a safe, individualized strategy for respiratory rehabilitation in critically ill patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"759-769"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580672/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shaping the Future Plate: Exploring the Safety Concerns of Cultivated and Conventional Meat Production.","authors":"Petra Neveceralova, Hana Raschmanova, Peter Gorilak, Jan Cerny","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In response to the growing global population and the unsustainable nature of current livestock agriculture, cultivated meat (CM) offers a promising alternative protein source. CM, produced through advanced tissue engineering techniques, aims to mitigate health, ethical, and environmental issues associated with conventional meat. This review evaluates the safety of CM consumption, comparing its risks and benefits to those of traditional meat. CM presents numerous advantages, including the reduction of zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistance. However, it also introduces new challenges, such as genetic modification concerns and whether the CM can cause any kind of disease of affluence. The review highlights the necessity for rigorous safety assessments and regulatory frameworks to ensure CM's safe integration into the food supply. Additionally, CM production's lower environmental impact, such as low greenhouse gas emissions or reduced land and water use make it a viable solution to global food security and environmental sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"645-657"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580683/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Altered Expression of Energy Metabolism-Related Genes in Placental Trophoblast Cells in Preeclampsia.","authors":"Jing Wang, Xin Wang, Ling-Chao Wang, Mei-Li Hu, Wei Liu, Jie Cui, Hong-Jie Li, Xian Zheng","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, with or without proteinuria, frequently accompanied by systemic arteriolar spasm and dysfunction or injury of multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, and placenta. This study examined changes in glycolysis- and mitochondria-related gene expression in placental trophoblast cells in PE, aiming to elucidate the role of disrupted energy metabolism in its pathogenesis. A total of 86 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who received routine prenatal care at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University between December 2023 and October 2024 and delivered via cesarean section were enrolled. Among them, 30 patients diagnosed with PE were included in the PE group, and 56 normotensive pregnant individuals were assigned to the control group. General clinical data were collected. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HK2, PKM2, silent information regulator two 1 (SIRT1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1alpha) in placental tissue were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot (WB) analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal age at delivery, body mass index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol between groups (p > 0.5). Significant differences were observed in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, neonatal birth weight, and 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores (p < 0.05). Expression levels of HK2, PKM2, and PGC-1alpha were significantly elevated in placental tissue from the PE group compared to the control group (p < 0.01), while SIRT1 expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Placental tissue from patients with PE demonstrated upregulation of HK2, PKM2, and PGC-1alpha, and downregulation of SIRT1. Dysregulated expression of genes and proteins involved in energy metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of PE through impaired trophoblast function.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"715-722"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Regulatory Mechanism of Sodium Butyrate on Milk Fat Synthesis in Lactating Goats Fed a High-Concentrate Diet Based on Metabolomics Technology.","authors":"Lin Li, Yanfen Lyu, Hongxia Hou, Binbin Gong, Dingxiang Liu, Ruiai Chen","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on milk fat synthesis in lactating goats fed a high-concentrate (HC) diet. Twelve lactating Saanen goats were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group (HG) fed a HC diet (concentrate-to-forage ratio = 60:40), and a SB-treated group (SG) fed the same basal diet supplemented with 10 g/kg SB. Compared with the HG group, SB supplementation significantly increased milk fat percentage and milk fat yield (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, SB significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in both jugular and mammary vein plasma (P < 0.05). In addition, SB enhanced mammary antioxidant capacity, as indicated by elevated activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.05). Global metabolomic analysis (UPLC MS/MS) of mammary gland tissues identified 558 differential metabolites, of which 50 were significantly altered and mainly enriched in amino acids, benzene derivatives, heterocyclic compounds, and fatty acids. Pathway analysis showed that SB significantly activated the pentose phosphate pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and linolenic acid metabolism. Furthermore, mammary gland triglyceride (TG) content was significantly higher in the SG group than in the HG group (P < 0.05). SB also upregulated the mRNA expression of key lipogenic enzymes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that SB improves mammary gland health and mitigates the adverse effects of HC diets on milk quality by enhancing de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland of lactating goats.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"733-744"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting Mitochondria in MASLD: Comparative Evaluation of MitoQ and SS-31 (Elamipretide) in Aged Female Mice under Nutritional Stress.","authors":"Di Xiao, Xingxing Cui, Sajad Ali, Changfei Li, Bin Wang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a major cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Early mitochondrial dysfunction drives lipid imbalance, inflammation, and fibrosis. Given the lack of approved pharmacological treatments, this study compares the mitochondria-targeted agents MitoQ and SS-31 for their effects on mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in aged, nutritionally stressed mice with MASLD. Aged female C57BL/6 mice (12-14 months) were fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet for 16 weeks to induce MASLD. Mice were randomized into four groups: (i) control diet, (ii) MASLD, (iii) MASLD + MitoQ (25 mg/kg/day, oral), and (iv) MASLD + SS-31 (3 mg/kg/day, i.p.). Liver tissues were analyzed by western blotting for mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics markers (PGC-1?, NRF1, and TFAM), oxidative stress regulators (SOD2, Nrf2, 4-HNE), apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, and Bcl-2), inflammatory and fibrotic mediators (NF-?B, and NLRP3), and insulin signaling proteins (p-Akt, and GLUT2). Both MitoQ and SS-31 significantly improved mitochondrial protein expression and overall liver health compared with untreated MASLD mice. MitoQ primarily enhanced mitochondrial antioxidant defenses by upregulating SOD2 and Nrf2 while decreasing 4-HNE adduct formation, reflecting reduced oxidative damage. SS-31, in contrast, more effectively preserved mitochondrial structural integrity. Both compounds attenuated inflammation by suppressing NF-?B and NLRP3 activation. They also improved insulin sensitivity by increasing p-Akt and GLUT2 expression. Histological analysis using H&E staining revealed marked reductions in hepatic steatosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction drives MASLD progression. In aged MASLD mice, MitoQ enhances antioxidant defense, SS-31 preserves integrity, and both improve insulin signaling and reduce fibrosis, supporting mitochondrial therapy for MASLD.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"699-714"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simulated Microgravity Inhibited the Proliferation of Bovine Muscle Satellite Cells.","authors":"Nguyen Quynh Chi Ho, Thai Minh Nguyen, Minh Thuy Doan, Bao Khoi Nguyen, Minh Anh Pham, Minh Cuong Le Phan, Lu Chinh Nhan Phan, Thi Tung Loan Dang, Huu Trinh Lee, Chinh Chung Doan, Nghia Son Hoang, Thai Minh Han Nguyen, Quang Manh Vu, Thanh Long Le","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to assess the effects of simulated microgravity (SMG) on bovine muscle satellite cells (bSCs). The results demonstrated that bSCs maintained a fibroblast-like morphology throughout SMG exposure from day 3 to day 7. However, cells in the SMG group exhibited reduced proliferation compared to the control group, as indicated by lower cell density at both time points. In contrast, cell viability was higher in the SMG group than in the control group. Cell cycle analysis revealed a higher proportion of SMG-treated bSCs in the G0/G1 phase and a lower proportion in the S phase at day 3, suggesting cell cycle arrest at an early stage. Interestingly, by day 7, the percentage of cells in the S phase increased in the SMG group and exceeded that of the control group, indicating a partial recovery of proliferative activity. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of key cell cycle-related proteins, including cyclin A1/A2, cyclin D1, and CDK2, in SMG-treated cells compared to controls at the early stage. Notably, cyclin D1 and CDK2 expression levels were upregulated at the later stage under SMG conditions. Additionally, nuclear morphology in SMG-treated bSCs displayed enlargement and irregularity. Overall, these findings suggest that SMG initially suppresses bSC proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest, but cells can partially retrieve their proliferative capacity at later stages, potentially through upregulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"795-801"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trichostatin A Inhibits Cytokines Released in LPS-Induced THP-1 Cells via Downregulating Deacetylated-Syntaxin 17 and Promoting Autophagosome-Lysosome Fusion.","authors":"Le Sang, Ran Zang, Zewei Yu, Xia Gong, Yunlei Huang, Xingyu Jin, Jian Sun","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sepsis is a complicated disorder caused by infection, which may trigger various symptoms. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are among the primary pathogens which can stimulate host's immunoreaction. In the late stage of sepsis, the patients' immune system is significantly suppressed, thus the mortality increases. Notably, autophagy is pivotal during sepsis, in which autophagosome-lysosome fusion mediated by syntaxin 17 (STX17) is a key step. Previous studies have shown that histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) deacetylated STX17 to promote autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Trichostatin A (TSA) as a HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) has the capability of inhibiting histone deacetylase activity, while such an effect can be reversed by ITSA-1. This time LPS was used to stimulate human monocyte-macrophages (THP-1 cells) to establish the inflammatory cell model. TSA and ITSA-1 were administrated. The cell proliferation was examined by WST-1. Cytokines such as TNF-? and IL-6, as well as HDAC2 activity and deacetylated STX17 (DA-STX17) expression were detected by ELISA. Also, autophagy-related proteins such as P62 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were detected by Western Blotting (WB), and autophagosome-lysosome fusion was observed by fluorescence assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Besides, network pharmacology analysis was conducted. The data showed that TSA inhibited HDAC2 activity, and remarkably downregulated DA-STX17 expression, accompanied by the lower expression of P62 and LC3 ?/I. Decreased DA-STX17 promoted autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and inhibited TNF-? secretion. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis revealed an inner relationship concerning HDAC2 between TSA and sepsis. Therefore, TSA can be considered a potential drug to cure sepsis-related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"781-793"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First Experience With Using a Simulator in Teaching Physiology of the Cardiovascular System.","authors":"Nikoleta Mazgutova, Daniela Mokra, Andrea Calkovska, Jana Plevkova, Zuzana Biringerova, Juraj Mokry","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Simulation is widely used for training practical skills, clinical procedures, critical thinking, and communication. Its application in teaching cardiovascular physiology represents an innovative educational approach. We introduced the Cardiopulmonary Auscultation Patient Simulator (CPS) \"Harvey\" into the Physiology curriculum for second-year General Medicine students at Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University. During practical sessions, students performed heart auscultation and blood pressure measurement tasks in two ways: classical investigation on each other or working with the CPS simulator in small groups (4-8 students). At the end of the practicals, students completed an anonymous questionnaire evaluating this teaching method. Respondents (n=110; 68 Slovak- and 42 English-program students) perceived the simulation-based teaching very positively. Most students reported that simulations improved their understanding of cardiovascular physiology topics previously covered in lectures. They found the activities easy to perform and expressed interest in broader use of simulation in other sessions. The main limitations reported were insufficient time for repeated practice and the relatively large group size. Students suggested longer sessions and smaller working groups. In conclusion, students considered the simulator-based practicals beneficial for learning and helpful for increasing confidence in practical skills. Based on their feedback, we plan to expand the use of simulations to additional physiology practicals and extend session duration to allow more hands-on practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":20235,"journal":{"name":"Physiological research","volume":"75 4","pages":"659-666"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580680/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}