151
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Manivannan J, Silambarasan T, Kadarkarairaj R, Raja B. Systems pharmacology and molecular docking strategies prioritize natural molecules as cardioprotective agents. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra10761j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidimensional prioritization of cardioprotective natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thangarasu Silambarasan
- Cardiovascular Biology Lab
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Annamalai University
- India
| | | | - Boobalan Raja
- Cardiovascular Biology Lab
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Annamalai University
- India
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152
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Svensson Holm ACB, Lindgren I, Osterman H, Altimiras J. Thyroid hormone does not induce maturation of embryonic chicken cardiomyocytes in vitro. Physiol Rep 2014; 2:2/12/e12182. [PMID: 25501434 PMCID: PMC4332193 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal cardiac growth in mammalian models occurs primarily by cell proliferation (hyperplasia). However, most cardiomyocytes lose the ability to proliferate close to term and heart growth continues by increasing cell size (hypertrophy). In mammals, the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) is an important driver of this process. Chicken cardiomyocytes, however, keep their proliferating ability long after hatching but little information is available on the mechanisms controlling cell growth and myocyte maturation in the chicken heart. Our aim was to study the role of T3 on proliferation and differentiation of embryonic chicken cardiomyocytes (ECCM), enzymatically isolated from 19‐day‐old embryos and to compare the effects to those of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and phenylephrine (PE). Hyperplasia was measured using a proliferation assay (MTS) and hypertrophy/multinucleation was analyzed morphologically by phalloidin staining of F‐actin and nuclear staining with DAPI. We show that IGF‐1 induces a significant increase in ECCM proliferation (30%) which is absent with T3 and PE. PE induced both hypertrophy (61%) and multinucleation (41%) but IGF‐1 or T3 did not. In conclusion, we show that T3 does not induce maturation or proliferation of cardiomyocytes, while IGF‐1 induces cardiomyocyte proliferation and PE induces maturation of cardiomyocytes. Our main findings in the study show that T3 does not affect proliferation or maturation of embryonic chicken cardiomyocytes (ECCMs). Furthermore, phenylephrine induces maturation of ECCMs and IGF‐1 act as a pro‐proliferative mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isa Lindgren
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behaviour Genomics and Physiology Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hanna Osterman
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behaviour Genomics and Physiology Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jordi Altimiras
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behaviour Genomics and Physiology Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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153
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Zhang Q, Tan Y, Zhang N, Yao F. Polydatin prevents angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial superoxide generation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 240:1352-61. [PMID: 25488910 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214561958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our studies and others recently demonstrate that polydatin, a resveratrol glucoside, has antioxidative and cardioprotective effects. This study aims to investigate the direct effects of polydatin on Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy to explore the potential role of polydatin in cardioprotection. Our results showed that in primary cultured cardiomyocytes, polydatin blocked Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy in a dose-dependent manner, which were associated with reduction in the cell surface area and [(3)H]leucine incorporation, as well as attenuation of the mRNA expressions of atrial natriuretic factor and β-myosin heavy chain. Furthermore, polydatin prevented rat cardiac hypertrophy induced by Ang II infusion, as assessed by heart weight-to-body weight ratio, cross-sectional area of cardiomyocyte, and gene expression of hypertrophic markers. Further investigation demonstrated that polydatin attenuated the Ang II-induced increase in the reactive oxygen species levels and NADPH oxidase activity in vivo and in vitro. Polydatin also blocked the Ang II-stimulated increases of Nox4 and Nox2 expression in cultured cardiomyocytes and the hearts of Ang II-infused rats. Our results indicate that polydatin has the potential to protect against Ang II-mediated cardiac hypertrophy through suppression of NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide production. These observations may shed new light on the understanding of the cardioprotective effect of polydatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Tan
- Medical Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046, P.R. China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046, P.R. China
| | - Fanrong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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154
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Glenn DJ, Cardema MC, Ni W, Zhang Y, Yeghiazarians Y, Grapov D, Fiehn O, Gardner DG. Cardiac steatosis potentiates angiotensin II effects in the heart. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 308:H339-50. [PMID: 25485904 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00742.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipid accumulation in the heart is associated with obesity and diabetes and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The renin-angiotensin system is also thought to contribute to cardiovascular morbidity in obese and diabetic patients. We hypothesized that the presence of lipid within the myocyte might potentiate the cardiomyopathic effects of ANG II in the cardiac diacylglycerol acyl transferase 1 (DGAT1) transgenic mouse model of myocyte steatosis. Treatment with ANG II resulted in a similar increase in blood pressure in both nontransgenic and DGAT1 transgenic mice. However, ANG II in DGAT1 transgenic mice resulted in a marked increase in interstitial fibrosis and a reduction in systolic function compared with nontransgenic littermates. Lipidomic analysis revealed that >20% of lipid species were significantly altered between nontransgenic and DGAT1 transgenic animals, whereas 3% were responsive to ANG II administration. ROS were also increased by ANG II in DGAT1 transgenic hearts. ANG II treatment resulted in increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and the type I TGF-β receptor as well as increased phosphorylation of Smad2 in DGAT1 transgenic hearts. Injection of neutralizing antibodies to TGF-β resulted in a reduction in fibrosis in DGAT1 transgenic hearts treated with ANG II. These results suggest that myocyte steatosis amplifies the fibrotic effects of ANG II through mechanisms that involve activation of TGF-β signaling and increased production of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis J Glenn
- Department of Medicine and the Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, California;
| | - Michelle C Cardema
- Department of Medicine and the Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Wei Ni
- Department of Medicine and the Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Yan Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Yerem Yeghiazarians
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Dmitry Grapov
- West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Oliver Fiehn
- West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - David G Gardner
- Department of Medicine and the Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
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155
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, contributing to increased morbidity and reduced survival through its associations with stroke and heart failure. AF contributes to a four- to fivefold increase in the risk of stroke in the general population and is responsible for 10-15 % of all ischemic strokes. Diagnosis and treatment of AF require considerable health care resources. Current therapies to restore sinus rhythm in AF are suboptimal and are limited either by their pro-arrhythmic effects or by their procedure-related complications. These limitations have necessitated identification of newer therapeutic targets to expand the treatment options. There has been a considerable amount of research interest in investigating the mechanisms of initiation and propagation of AF. Despite extensive research focused on the pathogenesis of AF, a thorough understanding of various pathways mediating initiation and propagation of AF still remains limited. Research efforts focused on the identification of these pathways and molecular mediators have generated a great degree of interest for developing more targeted therapies. This review discusses the potential therapeutic targets and the results from experimental and clinical research investigating these targets.
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156
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a living network of proteins that maintains the structural integrity of the myocardium and allows the transmission of electrical and mechanical forces between the myocytes for systole and diastole. During ventricular remodeling, as a result of iterations in the hemodynamic workload, collagen, the main component of the ECM, increases and occupies the areas between the myocytes and the vessels. The resultant fibrosis (reparative fibrosis) is initially a compensatory mechanism and may progress adversely influencing tissue stiffness and ventricular function. Replacement fibrosis appears at sites of previous cardiomyocyte necrosis to preserve the structural integrity of the myocardium, but with the subsequent formation of scar tissue and widespread distribution, it has adverse functional consequences. Continued accumulation of collagen impairs diastolic function and compromises systolic mechanics. Nevertheless, the development of fibrosis is a dynamic process wherein myofibroblasts, the principal cellular elements of fibrosis, are not only metabolically active and capable of the production and upregulation of cytokines but also have contractile properties. During the process of reverse remodeling with left ventricular assist device unloading, cellular, structural, and functional improvements are observed in terminal heart failure patients. With the advent of anti-fibrotic pharmacologic therapies, cellular therapy, and ventricular support devices, fibrosis has become an important therapeutic target in heart failure patients. Herein, we review the current concepts of fibrosis as a main component of ventricular remodeling in heart failure patients. Our aim is to integrate the histopathologic process of fibrosis with the neurohormonal, cytochemical, and molecular changes that lead to ventricular remodeling and its physiologic consequences in patients. The concept of fibrosis as living scar allows us to envision targeting this scar as a means of improving ventricular function in heart failure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Segura
- Department of Cardiovascular Pathology Research, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, MC 1-283, PO Box 20345, Houston, TX, 77225-0345, USA,
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157
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Gao F, Chambon P, Tellides G, Kong W, Zhang X, Li W. Disruption of TGF-β signaling in smooth muscle cell prevents flow-induced vascular remodeling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 454:245-50. [PMID: 25451249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.10.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has been prominently implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular remodeling, especially the initiation and progression of flow-induced vascular remodeling. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the principal resident cells in arterial wall and are critical for arterial remodeling. However, the role of TGF-β signaling in SMC for flow-induced vascular remodeling remains unknown. Therefore, the goal of our study was to determine the effect of TGF-β pathway in SMC for vascular remodeling, by using a genetical smooth muscle-specific (SM-specific) TGF-β type II receptor (Tgfbr2) deletion mice model. Mice deficient in the expression of Tgfbr2 (MyhCre.Tgfbr2(f/f)) and their corresponding wild-type background mice (MyhCre.Tgfbr2(WT/WT)) underwent partial ligation of left common carotid artery for 1, 2, or 4 weeks. Then the carotid arteries were harvested and indicated that the disruption of Tgfbr2 in SMC provided prominent inhibition of vascular remodeling. And the thickening of carotid media, proliferation of SMC, infiltration of macrophage, and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) were all significantly attenuated in Tgfbr2 disruption mice. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that the TGF-β signaling in SMC plays an essential role in flow-induced vascular remodeling and disruption can prevent this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Pierre Chambon
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (CNRS UMR7104; INSERM U596; ULP, Collége de France) and Institut Clinique de la Souris, ILLKIRCH, Strasbourg, France
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wei Kong
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College of Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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158
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Frangogiannis NG. Targeting the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β cascade in the remodeling heart: benefits and perils. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2014; 76:169-71. [PMID: 25218305 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.
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159
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Cardiac overexpression of constitutively active Galpha q causes angiotensin II type1 receptor activation, leading to progressive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias in transgenic mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106354. [PMID: 25171374 PMCID: PMC4149533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgenic mice with transient cardiac expression of constitutively active Galpha q (Gαq-TG) exhibt progressive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias after the initiating stimulus of transfected constitutively active Gαq becomes undetectable. However, the mechanisms are still unknown. We examined the effects of chronic administration of olmesartan on heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia in Gαq-TG mice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Olmesartan (1 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was chronically administered to Gαq-TG from 6 to 32 weeks of age, and all experiments were performed in mice at the age of 32 weeks. Chronic olmesartan administration prevented the severe reduction of left ventricular fractional shortening, and inhibited ventricular interstitial fibrosis and ventricular myocyte hypertrophy in Gαq-TG. Electrocardiogram demonstrated that premature ventricular contraction (PVC) was frequently (more than 20 beats/min) observed in 9 of 10 vehicle-treated Gαq-TG but in none of 10 olmesartan-treated Gαq-TG. The collected QT interval and monophasic action potential duration in the left ventricle were significantly shorter in olmesartan-treated Gαq-TG than in vehicle-treated Gαq-TG. CTGF, collagen type 1, ANP, BNP, and β-MHC gene expression was increased and olmesartan significantly decreased the expression of these genes in Gαq-TG mouse ventricles. The expression of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) 3 and 6 channel and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) proteins but not angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor was increased in Gαq-TG ventricles compared with NTG mouse ventricles. Olmesartan significantly decreased TRPC6 and tended to decrease ACE expressions in Gαq-TG. Moreover, it increased AT1 receptor in Gαq-TG. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that angiotensin II type 1 receptor activation plays an important role in the development of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia in Gαq-TG mouse model of heart failure.
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160
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Loffredo FS, Nikolova AP, Pancoast JR, Lee RT. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: molecular pathways of the aging myocardium. Circ Res 2014; 115:97-107. [PMID: 24951760 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.115.302929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Age-related diastolic dysfunction is a major factor in the epidemic of heart failure. In patients hospitalized with heart failure, HFpEF is now as common as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. We now have many successful treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, while specific treatment options for HFpEF patients remain elusive. The lack of treatments for HFpEF reflects our very incomplete understanding of this constellation of diseases. There are many pathophysiological factors in HFpEF, but aging appears to play an important role. Here, we propose that aging of the myocardium is itself a specific pathophysiological process. New insights into the aging heart, including hormonal controls and specific molecular pathways, such as microRNAs, are pointing to myocardial aging as a potentially reversible process. While the overall process of aging remains mysterious, understanding the molecular pathways of myocardial aging has never been more important. Unraveling these pathways could lead to new therapies for the enormous and growing problem of HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco S Loffredo
- From the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Brigham Regenerative Medicine Center, Cambridge, MA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA; and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | - Andriana P Nikolova
- From the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Brigham Regenerative Medicine Center, Cambridge, MA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA; and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | - James R Pancoast
- From the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Brigham Regenerative Medicine Center, Cambridge, MA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA; and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | - Richard T Lee
- From the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Brigham Regenerative Medicine Center, Cambridge, MA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA; and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA.
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161
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Han P, Li W, Lin CH, Yang J, Shang C, Nuernberg ST, Jin KK, Xu W, Lin CY, Lin CJ, Xiong Y, Chien H, Zhou B, Ashley E, Bernstein D, Chen PS, Chen HSV, Quertermous T, Chang CP. A long noncoding RNA protects the heart from pathological hypertrophy. Nature 2014; 514:102-106. [PMID: 25119045 PMCID: PMC4184960 DOI: 10.1038/nature13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 570] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in adult hearts is unknown; also unclear is how lncRNA modulates nucleosome remodeling. An estimated 70% of mouse genes undergo antisense transcription1, including myosin heavy chain 7 (Myh7) that encodes molecular motor proteins for heart contraction2. Here, we identify a cluster of lncRNA transcripts from Myh7 loci and show a new lncRNA–chromatin mechanism for heart failure. In mice, these transcripts, which we named Myosin Heavy Chain Associated RNA Transcripts (MyHEART or Mhrt), are cardiac-specific and abundant in adult hearts. Pathological stress activates the Brg1-Hdac-Parp chromatin repressor complex3 to inhibit Mhrt transcription in the heart. Such stress-induced Mhrt repression is essential for cardiomyopathy to develop: restoring Mhrt to the pre-stress level protects the heart from hypertrophy and failure. Mhrt antagonizes the function of Brg1, a chromatin-remodeling factor that is activated by stress to trigger aberrant gene expression and cardiac myopathy3. Mhrt prevents Brg1 from recognizing its genomic DNA targets, thus inhibiting chromatin targeting and gene regulation by Brg1. Mhrt binds to the helicase domain of Brg1, and this domain is crucial for tethering Brg1 to chromatinized DNA targets. Brg1 helicase has dual nucleic acid-binding specificities: it is capable of binding lncRNA (Mhrt) and chromatinized—but not naked—DNA. This dual-binding feature of helicase enables a competitive inhibition mechanism by which Mhrt sequesters Brg1 from its genomic DNA targets to prevent chromatin remodeling. A Mhrt-Brg1 feedback circuit is thus crucial for heart function. Human MHRT also originates from MYH7 loci and is repressed in various types of myopathic hearts, suggesting a conserved lncRNA mechanism in human cardiomyopathy. Our studies identify the first cardioprotective lncRNA, define a new targeting mechanism for ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factors, and establish a new paradigm for lncRNA–chromatin interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Han
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Chiou-Hong Lin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jin Yang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine
| | - Ching Shang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Sylvia T Nuernberg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Kevin Kai Jin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Weihong Xu
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Chieh-Yu Lin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Chien-Jung Lin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yiqin Xiong
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Huanchieh Chien
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, 1301 Morris Park Avenue, Price Center 420, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Euan Ashley
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Daniel Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine
| | - Huei-Sheng Vincent Chen
- Del E. Webb Neuroscience, Aging & Stem Cell Research Center, Sanford/Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Thomas Quertermous
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Ching-Pin Chang
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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162
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Takahashi M, Yamagishi T, Narematsu M, Kamimura T, Kai M, Nakajima Y. Epicardium is required for sarcomeric maturation and cardiomyocyte growth in the ventricular compact layer mediated by transforming growth factor β and fibroblast growth factor before the onset of coronary circulation. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2014; 54:162-71. [PMID: 24666202 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The epicardium, which is derived from the proepicardial organ (PE) as the third epithelial layer of the developing heart, is crucial for ventricular morphogenesis. An epicardial deficiency leads to a thin compact layer for the developing ventricle; however, the mechanisms leading to the impaired development of the compact layer are not well understood. Using chick embryonic hearts, we produced epicardium-deficient hearts by surgical ablation or blockade of the migration of PE and examined the mechanisms underlying a thin compact myocardium. Sarcomeric maturation (distance between Z-lines) and cardiomyocyte growth (size) were affected in the thin compact myocardium of epicardium-deficient ventricles, in which the amounts of phospho-smad2 and phospho-ERK as well as expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)β2 and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2 were reduced. TGFβ and FGF were required for the maturation of sarcomeres and growth of cardiomyocytes in cultured ventricles. In ovo co-transfection of dominant negative (dN)-Alk5 (dN-TGFβ receptor I) and dN-FGF receptor 1 to ventricles caused a thin compact myocardium. Our results suggest that immature sarcomeres and small cardiomyocytes are the causative architectures of an epicardium-deficient thin compact layer and also that epicardium-dependent signaling mediated by TGFβ and FGF plays a role in the development of the ventricular compact layer before the onset of coronary circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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163
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Chen J, Zhao S, Liu Y, Cen Y, Nicolas C. Effect of captopril on collagen metabolisms in keloid fibroblast cells. ANZ J Surg 2014; 86:1046-1051. [PMID: 24852495 DOI: 10.1111/ans.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keloid is a proliferative disease of fibrous tissues. The mechanism and consistently effective treatments of keloid remained unknown. Although there was a report about treating keloid with topical captopril, the further investigation about captopril affecting keloid has not been performed so far. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of captopril on collagen metabolisms in keloid fibroblast cells, and to provide information for the mechanism and therapy of keloid. METHODS To investigate the effects and relative mechanism of captopril on keloid fibroblast cells, we examined the changes of collagen metabolism, expression of angiotensin, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), and cellular proliferation in keloid fibroblast cells. RESULTS We found that all collagen metabolisms, expression of TGF-β1, PDGF-BB and HSP47, and cellular proliferation decreased significantly with effective captopril concentrations in keloid fibroblast cells. CONCLUSIONS With a comprehensive analysis of test results, we proposed that captopril may decrease the expression of angiotensin, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1 and HSP47, and further inhibit proliferation and collagen synthesis of keloid fibroblast cells, which were the key in keloid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Chen
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sha Zhao
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Cen
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Crook Nicolas
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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164
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Yuan B, Wan P, Chu D, Nie J, Cao Y, Luo W, Lu S, Chen J, Yang Z. A cardiomyocyte-specific Wdr1 knockout demonstrates essential functional roles for actin disassembly during myocardial growth and maintenance in mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:1967-80. [PMID: 24840128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Actin dynamics are critical for muscle development and function, and mutations leading to deregulation of actin dynamics cause various forms of heritable muscle diseases. AIP1 is a major cofactor of the actin depolymerizing factor/cofilin in eukaryotes, promoting actin depolymerizing factor/cofilin-mediated actin disassembly. Its function in vertebrate muscle has been unknown. To investigate functional roles of AIP1 in myocardium, we generated conditional knockout (cKO) mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of Wdr1, the mammalian homolog of yeast AIP1. Wdr1 cKO mice began to die at postnatal day 13 (P13), and none survived past P24. At P12, cKO mice exhibited cardiac hypertrophy and impaired contraction of the left ventricle. Electrocardiography revealed reduced heart rate, abnormal P wave, and abnormal T wave at P10 and prolonged QT interval at P12. Actin filament (F-actin) accumulations began at P10 and became prominent at P12 in the myocardium of cKO mice. Within regions of F-actin accumulation in myofibrils, the sarcomeric components α-actinin and tropomodulin-1 exhibited disrupted patterns, indicating that F-actin accumulations caused by Wdr1 deletion result in disruption of sarcomeric structure. Ectopic cofilin colocalized with F-actin aggregates. In adult mice, Wdr1 deletion resulted in similar but much milder phenotypes of heart hypertrophy, F-actin accumulations within myofibrils, and lethality. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AIP1-regulated actin dynamics play essential roles in heart function in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyin Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Wan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Chu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Junwei Nie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunshan Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuangshuang Lu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhongzhou Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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165
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Abstract
In almost all cardiac diseases, an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition or fibrosis occurs, mostly consisting of collagen I. Whereas replacement fibrosis follows cardiomyocyte loss in myocardial infarction, reactive fibrosis is triggered by myocardial stress or inflammatory mediators and often results in ventricular stiffening, functional deterioration, and development of heart failure. Given the importance of ECM deposition in cardiac disease, ECM imaging could be a valuable clinical tool. Molecular imaging of ECM may help understand pathology, evaluate impact of novel therapy, and may eventually find a role in predicting the extent of ECM expansion and development of personalized treatment. In the current review, we provide an overview of ECM imaging including the assessment of ECM volume and molecular targeting of key players involved in ECM deposition and degradation. The targets comprise myofibroblasts, intracardiac renin-angiotensin axis, matrix metalloproteinases, and matricellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans J de Haas
- From Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (H.J.d.H., V.F., J.N.); Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (H.J.d.H.); Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy (E.A.); Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (V.F.); and Departments of Medicine and Radiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA (C.M.K.)
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166
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Talasaz AH, Khalili H, Jenab Y, Salarifar M, Broumand MA, Darabi F. N-Acetylcysteine effects on transforming growth factor-β and tumor necrosis factor-α serum levels as pro-fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers in patients following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Drugs R D 2014; 13:199-205. [PMID: 24048773 PMCID: PMC3784054 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-013-0025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Ischemia following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increases the level of pro-fibrotic and inflammatory cytokines, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has therapeutic benefits in the management of patients with AMI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated the effect of NAC on TNF-α and TGF-β levels in patients with AMI. Methods Following confirmation of AMI, 88 patients were randomly administered NAC 600 mg (Fluimucil®, Zambon, Ticino, Switzerland) or placebo orally twice daily for 3 days. For quantification of TGF-β and TNF-α serum levels after 24 and 72 h of NAC or placebo administration, peripheral venous blood (10 mL) samples were collected at these time points. Results Comparisons between levels of TGF-β and TNF-α after 24 and 72 h within the NAC or placebo groups revealed that there was not any significant difference except for TGF-β levels in the placebo group, which increased significantly over time (p = 0.042). Significant relationships existed between patients’ ejection fraction (p = 0.005) and TGF-β levels. Conclusions Receiving NAC could prevent TGF-β levels from increasing after 72 h as compared with not receiving NAC. As TGF-β had strong correlations with the ejection fraction, its antagonism seems to be important in the prevention of remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azita Hajhossein Talasaz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
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167
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Angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin-(1-9): function in cardiac and vascular remodelling. Clin Sci (Lond) 2014; 126:815-27. [PMID: 24593683 DOI: 10.1042/cs20130436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The RAS (renin-angiotensin system) is integral to cardiovascular physiology; however, dysregulation of this system largely contributes to the pathophysiology of CVD (cardiovascular disease). It is well established that AngII (angiotensin II), the main effector of the RAS, engages the AT1R (angiotensin type 1 receptor) and promotes cell growth, proliferation, migration and oxidative stress, all processes which contribute to remodelling of the heart and vasculature, ultimately leading to the development and progression of various CVDs, including heart failure and atherosclerosis. The counter-regulatory axis of the RAS, which is centred on the actions of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and the resultant production of Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)] from AngII, antagonizes the actions of AngII via the receptor Mas, thereby providing a protective role in CVD. More recently, another ACE2 metabolite, Ang-(1-9) [angiotensin-(1-9)], has been reported to be a biologically active peptide within the counter-regulatory axis of the RAS. The present review will discuss the role of the counter-regulatory RAS peptides Ang-(1-7) and Ang-(1-9) in the cardiovascular system, with a focus on their effects in remodelling of the heart and vasculature.
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168
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Tsou PS, Haak AJ, Khanna D, Neubig RR. Cellular mechanisms of tissue fibrosis. 8. Current and future drug targets in fibrosis: focus on Rho GTPase-regulated gene transcription. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 307:C2-13. [PMID: 24740541 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00060.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis occurs with excessive extracellular matrix deposition from myofibroblasts, resulting in tissue scarring and inflammation. It is driven by multiple mediators, such as the G protein-coupled receptor ligands lysophosphatidic acid and endothelin, as well as signaling by transforming growth factor-β, connective tissue growth factor, and integrins. Fibrosis contributes to 45% of deaths in the developed world. As current therapeutic options for tissue fibrosis are limited and organ transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage disease, there is an imminent need for efficacious antifibrotic therapies. This review discusses the various molecular pathways involved in fibrosis. It highlights the Rho GTPase signaling pathway and its downstream gene transcription output through myocardin-related transcription factor and serum response factor as a convergence point for targeting this complex set of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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169
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Abstract
Myocardial infarction triggers an intense inflammatory response that is essential for cardiac repair, but which is also implicated in the pathogenesis of postinfarction remodelling and heart failure. Signals in the infarcted myocardium activate toll-like receptor signalling, while complement activation and generation of reactive oxygen species induce cytokine and chemokine upregulation. Leukocytes recruited to the infarcted area, remove dead cells and matrix debris by phagocytosis, while preparing the area for scar formation. Timely repression of the inflammatory response is critical for effective healing, and is followed by activation of myofibroblasts that secrete matrix proteins in the infarcted area. Members of the transforming growth factor β family are critically involved in suppression of inflammation and activation of a profibrotic programme. Translation of these concepts to the clinic requires an understanding of the pathophysiological complexity and heterogeneity of postinfarction remodelling in patients with myocardial infarction. Individuals with an overactive and prolonged postinfarction inflammatory response might exhibit left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction and might benefit from targeted anti-IL-1 or anti-chemokine therapies, whereas patients with an exaggerated fibrogenic reaction can develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and might require inhibition of the Smad3 (mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3) cascade. Biomarker-based approaches are needed to identify patients with distinct pathophysiologic responses and to rationally implement inflammation-modulating strategies.
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170
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Zhang Y, Huang XR, Wei LH, Chung AC, Yu CM, Lan HY. miR-29b as a therapeutic agent for angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis by targeting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Mol Ther 2014; 22:974-85. [PMID: 24569834 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of miR-29 is associated with cardiac fibrosis. This study examined the role and therapeutic potential of miR-29 in mouse model of hypertension induced by angiotensin II (AngII). By using microRNA microarray, in situ hybridization, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, we found that AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis in the hypertensive heart and in cultured cardiac fibroblasts were associated with downregulation of miR-29a-c via a Smad3-dependent mechanism. In vitro knockdown of miR-29b enhanced but overexpression of miR-29b inhibited AngII-induced fibrosis, revealing a protective role of miR-29b in cardiac fibrosis in response to AngII. This was further demonstrated in vivo by the ability of overexpressing miR-29b in the mouse heart to prevent AngII-mediated cardiac fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. Importantly, we also found that restored miR-29b in the established hypertensive heart was capable of blocking progressive cardiac fibrosis and improving cardiac dysfunction, demonstrating a therapeutic potential of miR-29b for chronic heart disease. Further studies revealed that targeting the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 coding sequence region, thereby inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling, could be a new mechanism by which miR-29b inhibited AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis. In conclusion, miR-29b plays a protective role in AngII-mediated cardiac remodeling and may be a therapeutic agent for cardiac fibrosis by targeting the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- 1] Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China [2] Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- 1] Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China [2] Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li-Hua Wei
- 1] Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China [2] Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Arthur Ck Chung
- 1] Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China [2] Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk-Man Yu
- 1] Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China [2] Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- 1] Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China [2] Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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171
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Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis are two closely related adaptive response mechanisms of the myocardium to mechanical, metabolic, and genetic stress that finally contribute to the development of heart failure (HF). This relation is based on a dynamic interplay between many cell types including cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts during disease progression. Both cell types secrete a variety of growth factors, cytokines, and hormones that influence hypertrophic cardiomyocyte growth and fibrotic fibroblast activation in a paracrine and autocrine manner. It has become evident that, aside proteinous signals, microRNAs (miRNAs) and possible other RNA species such as long non-coding RNAs are potential players in such a cell-to-cell communication. By directly acting as paracrine signals or by modulating downstream intercellular signalling mediators, miRNAs can act as moderators of the intercellular crosstalk. These small regulators can potentially be secreted in a 'mircrine' fashion, so that miRNAs can be assumed as the message itself. This review will summarize the recent findings about the paracrine crosstalk between cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes and addresses how miRNAs may be involved in this interplay. It also highlights therapeutic strategies targeting factors of pathological communication for the treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janika Viereck
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies , IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover D-30625, Germany
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172
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Abstract
A series of studies conducted 20 years ago, documenting the cardiac hypertrophy phenotype and its underlying signaling mechanism induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and mechanical stress, showed a remarkable similarity between the effect of the Gαq agonist and that of mechanical forces on cardiac hypertrophy. Subsequent studies confirmed the involvement of autocrine/paracrine mechanisms, including stretch-induced release of Ang II in load-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Recent studies showed that the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor is also directly activated by mechanical forces, suggesting that AT1 receptors play an important role in mediating load-induced cardiac hypertrophy through both ligand- and mechanical stress-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zablocki
- From the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark
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173
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Inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate extract of Aristolochia yunnanensis on cardiac fibrosis through extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and transforming growth factor β/small mother against decapentaplegic signaling pathways. Transl Res 2014; 163:160-70. [PMID: 24157579 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aristolochia yunnanensis, known as Nan Mu Xiang in traditional Chinese medicine, has long been used to treat hypertension and chest pain. In this study, the effect of ethyl acetate extract of Nan Mu Xiang (NMX) on cardiac fibrosis was assessed in vitro by cultured adult rat cardiac fibroblasts with angiotensin II (AngII) stimulation, and in vivo by rats with abdominal aorta constriction (AAC). In cultured adult rat cardiac fibroblasts stimulated by AngII, NMX inhibited cardiac fibroblast proliferation, reduced the expression of fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in a dose-dependent manner; and suppressed AngII-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, C- rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (C-Raf), and small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad) 2. Similar results were also observed in AAC rats with intraperitoneal injection of NMX, which not only ameliorated myocardial fibrosis, but also improved cardiac function. The therapeutic effect of NMX on myocardial fibrosis is attributed mainly to the inhibition of ERK and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. NMX may be a promising potential drug candidate for myocardial fibrosis.
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174
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Morais C, Small DM, Vesey DA, Martin J, Johnson DW, Gobe GC. Fibronectin and transforming growth factor beta contribute to erythropoietin resistance and maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 444:332-7. [PMID: 24462876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) to promote repair and minimize cardiac hypertrophy after myocardial infarction has had disappointing outcomes in clinical trials. We hypothesized that the beneficial non-hematopoietic effects of rhEPO against cardiac hypertrophy could be offset by the molecular changes initiated by rhEPO itself, leading to rhEPO resistance or maladaptive hypertrophy. This hypothesis was investigated using an isoproterenol-induced model of myocardial infarct and cardiac remodelling with emphasis on hypertrophy. In h9c2 cardiomyocytes, rhEPO decreased isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy, and the expression of the pro-fibrotic factors fibronectin, alpha smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). In contrast, by itself, rhEPO increased the expression of fibronectin and TGF-β1. Exogenous TGF-β1 induced a significant increase in hypertrophy, which was further potentiated by rhEPO. Exogenous fibronectin not only induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, but also conferred resistance to rhEPO treatment. Based on these findings we propose that the outcome of rhEPO treatment for myocardial infarction is determined by the baseline concentrations of fibronectin and TGF-β1. If endogenous fibronectin or TGF-β levels are above a certain threshold, they could cause resistance to rhEPO therapy and enhancement of cardiac hypertrophy, respectively, leading to maladaptive hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christudas Morais
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland at Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - David M Small
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland at Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - David A Vesey
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland at Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia; Department of Renal Medicine, The University of Queensland at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Martin
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - David W Johnson
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland at Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia; Department of Renal Medicine, The University of Queensland at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Glenda C Gobe
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland at Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
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175
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Fibulin-2 deficiency attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by reducing transforming growth factor-β signalling. Clin Sci (Lond) 2013; 126:275-88. [PMID: 23841699 DOI: 10.1042/cs20120636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AngII (angiotensin II) is a potent neurohormone responsible for cardiac hypertrophy, in which TGF (transforming growth factor)-β serves as a principal downstream mediator. We recently found that ablation of fibulin-2 in mice attenuated TGF-β signalling, protected mice against progressive ventricular dysfunction, and significantly reduced the mortality after experimental MI (myocardial infarction). In the present study, we investigated the role of fibulin-2 in AngII-induced TGF-β signalling and subsequent cardiac hypertrophy. We performed chronic subcutaneous infusion of AngII in fibulin-2 null (Fbln2-/-), heterozygous (Fbln2+/-) and WT (wild-type) mice by a mini-osmotic pump. After 4 weeks of subpressor dosage of AngII infusion (0.2 μg/kg of body weight per min), WT mice developed significant hypertrophy, whereas the Fbln2-/- showed no response. In WT, AngII treatment significantly up-regulated mRNAs for fibulin-2, ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), TGF-β1, Col I (collagen type I), Col III (collagen type III), MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-2 and MMP-9, and increased the phosphorylation of TGF-β-downstream signalling markers, Smad2, TAK1 (TGF-β-activated kinase 1) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), which were all unchanged in AngII-treated Fbln2-/- mice. The Fbln2+/- mice consistently displayed AngII-induced effects intermediate between WT and Fbln2-/-. Pressor dosage of AngII (2 mg/kg of body weight per min) induced significant fibrosis in WT but not in Fbln2-/- mice with comparable hypertension and hypertrophy in both groups. Isolated CFs (cardiac fibroblasts) were treated with AngII, in which direct AngII effects and TGF-β-mediated autocrine effects was observed in WT. The latter effects were totally abolished in Fbln2-/- cells, suggesting that fibulin-2 is essential for AngII-induced TGF-β activation. In conclusion our data indicate that fibulin-2 is essential for AngII-induced TGF-β-mediated cardiac hypertrophy via enhanced TGF-β activation and suggest that fibulin-2 is a potential therapeutic target to inhibit AngII-induced cardiac remodelling.
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176
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Fonfara S, Hetzel U, Oyama MA, Kipar A. The potential role of myocardial serotonin receptor 2B expression in canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Vet J 2013; 199:406-12. [PMID: 24440442 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin signalling in the heart is mediated by receptor subtype 2B (5-HTR2B). A contribution of serotonin to valvular disease has been reported, but myocardial expression of 5-HTR2B and its role in canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is not known. The aim of the present study was to investigate myocardial 5-HTR2B mRNA expression in dogs with DCM and to correlate results with expression of markers for inflammation and remodelling. Myocardial samples from eight healthy dogs, four dogs with DCM, five with cardiac diseases other than DCM and six with systemic non-cardiac diseases were investigated for 5-HTR2B mRNA expression using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results were compared to mRNA expression of selected cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP). Laser microdissection with subsequent qPCR and immunohistochemistry were employed to identify the cells expressing 5-HTR2B. The myocardium of control dogs showed constitutive 5-HTR2B mRNA expression. In dogs with DCM, 5-HTR2B mRNA values were significantly greater than in all other groups, with highest levels of expression in the left ventricle and right atrium. Myocytes were identified as the source of 5-HTR2B mRNA and protein. A significant positive correlation of 5-HTR2B mRNA with expression of several cytokines, MMPs and TIMPs was observed. The findings suggest that serotonin might play a role in normal cardiac structure and function and could contribute to myocardial remodelling and functional impairment in dogs with DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Fonfara
- Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Udo Hetzel
- Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mark A Oyama
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancy St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anja Kipar
- Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Science and Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
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177
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Ghosh AK, Quaggin SE, Vaughan DE. Molecular basis of organ fibrosis: potential therapeutic approaches. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2013; 238:461-81. [PMID: 23856899 DOI: 10.1177/1535370213489441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a non-physiological wound healing in multiple organs, is associated with end-stage pathological symptoms of a wide variety of vascular injury and inflammation related diseases. In response to chemical, immunological and physical insults, the body's defense system and matrix synthetic machinery respond to healing the wound and maintain tissue homeostasis. However, uncontrolled wound healing leads to scarring or fibrosis, a pathological condition characterized by excessive synthesis and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, loss of tissue homeostasis and organ failure. Understanding the actual cause of pathological wound healing and identification of igniter(s) of fibrogenesis would be helpful to design novel therapeutic approaches to control pathological wound healing and to prevent fibrosis related morbidity and mortality. In this article, we review the significance of a few key cytokines (TGF-β, IFN-γ, IL-10) transcriptional activators (Sp1, Egr-1, Smad3), repressors (Smad7, Fli-1, PPAR-γ, p53, Klotho) and epigenetic modulators (acetyltransferase, methyltransferases, deacetylases, microRNAs) involved in major matrix protein collagen synthesis under pathological stage of wound healing, and the potentiality of these regulators as therapeutic targets for fibrosis treatment. The significance of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and senescence, two newly emerged fields in fibrosis research, has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asish K Ghosh
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute & Division of Nephrology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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178
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Treatment with bone morphogenetic protein 2 limits infarct size after myocardial infarction in mice. Shock 2013; 39:353-60. [PMID: 23376954 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0b013e318289728a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Various strategies have been devised to reduce the clinical consequences of myocardial infarction, including acute medical care, revascularization, stem cell transplantations, and more recently, prevention of cardiomyocyte cell death. Activation of embryonic signaling pathways is a particularly interesting option to complement these strategies and to improve the functional performance and survival rate of cardiomyocytes. Here, we have concentrated on bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), which induces ectopic formation of beating cardiomyocytes during development in the mesoderm and protects neonatal cardiomyocytes from ischemia-reperfusion injury. In a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction, an i.v. injection of BMP-2 reduced infarct size in mice when given after left anterior descending artery ligation. Mice treated with BMP-2 are characterized by a reduced rate of apoptotic cardiomyocytes both in the border zone of the infarcts and in the remote myocardium. In vitro, BMP-2 increases the frequency of spontaneously beating neonatal cardiomyocytes and the contractile performance under electrical pacing at 2 Hz, preserves cellular adenosine triphosphate stores, and decreases the rate of apoptosis despite the increased workload. In addition, BMP-2 specifically induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 proteins and protected adult cardiomyocytes from long-lasting hypoxia-induced cellular damage and oxidative stress without activation of the cardiodepressant transforming growth factor-β pathway. Our data suggest that BMP-2 treatment may have considerable therapeutic potential in individuals with acute and chronic myocardial ischemia by improving the contractility of cardiomyocytes and preventing cardiomyocyte cell death.
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Fujiu K, Nagai R. Contributions of cardiomyocyte–cardiac fibroblast–immune cell interactions in heart failure development. Basic Res Cardiol 2013; 108:357. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-013-0357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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180
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Tanaka SI, Fukumoto Y, Nochioka K, Minami T, Kudo S, Shiba N, Takai Y, Williams CL, Liao JK, Shimokawa H. Statins exert the pleiotropic effects through small GTP-binding protein dissociation stimulator upregulation with a resultant Rac1 degradation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2013; 33:1591-600. [PMID: 23640485 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.112.300922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pleiotropic effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) independent of cholesterol-lowering effects are thought to be mediated through inhibition of the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway. However, we have previously demonstrated that the pleiotropic effects of regular-dose statins are mediated mainly through inhibition of the Rac1 signaling pathway rather than the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway, although the molecular mechanisms of the selective inhibition of the Rac1 signaling pathway by regular-dose statins remain to be elucidated. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that small GTP-binding protein GDP dissociation stimulator (SmgGDS) plays a crucial role in the molecular mechanisms of the Rac1 signaling pathway inhibition by statins in endothelial cells. APPROACH AND RESULTS In cultured human umbilical venous endothelial cells, statins concentration-dependently increased SmgGDS expression and decreased nuclear Rac1. Statins also enhanced SmgGDS expression in mouse aorta. In control mice, the protective effects of statins against angiotensin II-induced medial thickening of coronary arteries and fibrosis were noted, whereas in SmgGDS-deficient mice, the protective effects of statins were absent. When SmgGDS was knocked down by its small interfering RNA in human umbilical venous endothelial cells, statins were no longer able to induce Rac1 degradation or inhibit angiotensin II-induced production of reactive oxygen species. Finally, in normal healthy volunteers, statins significantly increased SmgGDS expression with a significant negative correlation between SmgGDS expression and oxidative stress markers, whereas no correlation was noted with total or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that statins exert their pleiotropic effects through SmgGDS upregulation with a resultant Rac1 degradation and reduced oxidative stress in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichi Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Deng W, Zong J, Bian Z, Zhou H, Yuan Y, Zhang R, Guo H, Zhang Y, Shen D, Li H, Tang Q. Indole-3-carbinol protects against pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling via activating AMPK-α. Mol Nutr Food Res 2013; 57:1680-7. [PMID: 23625645 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Deng
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Jing Zong
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Zhouyan Bian
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Heng Zhou
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Haipeng Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research; Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health; Qilu Hospital of Shandong University; Jinan P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Difei Shen
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Qizhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University; Wuhan P. R. China
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Boerhaavia diffusa L. attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells via modulating oxidative stress and down-regulating NF-κβ and transforming growth factor β1. Br J Nutr 2013; 110:1201-10. [PMID: 23591029 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114513000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the antihypertrophic potential of the ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa (BDE), a well-known edible cardiotonic plant reported in Ayurveda against angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells. Markers of hypertrophy such as cell size, protein content and the concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were analysed for the confirmation of hypertrophy induction. Angiotensin II (100 nM) caused an increase in cell volume (69·26 (SD 1·21)%),protein content (48·48 (SD 1·64)%), ANP (81·90 (SD 1·22)%) and BNP (108·57 (SD 1·47)%). BDE treatment significantly reduced cell volume, protein content and the concentrations of ANP and BNP (P#0·05) in H9c2 cells. The activity of various antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of reduced glutathione, which was lowered due to hypertrophy, were increased in BDE-treated cells. The BDE treatment also reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls in cells. In addition,the expression patterns of NF-kb and transforming growth factor b1 were found to be increased during hypertrophy, and their expressions were reduced on BDE treatment. In vitro chemical assays showed that BDE inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme and xanthine oxidase in a dose-dependent manner with an estimated 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 166·12 (SD 2·42) and 60·05 (SD 1·54) mg/ml,respectively. The overall results clearly indicate the therapeutic potential of B. diffusa against cardiac hypertrophy, in addition to its nutritional qualities.
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Zhang Z, Qu X, Ni Y, Zhang K, Dong Z, Yan X, Qin J, Sun H, Ding Y, Zhao P, Gong K. Triptolide protects rat heart against pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis. Int J Cardiol 2013; 168:2498-505. [PMID: 23541609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence underlines the role of inflammation activation in the process of cardiac fibrosis. Triptolide has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties, and extensively used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. In the current study, we test the hypothesis that triptolide treatment facilitates to attenuate chronic pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis in a model of rat. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a suprarenal abdominal aorta constriction (AC) or sham (as control) to induce sustained pressure overload. Eight weeks later, rats were randomly assigned to receive triptolide (9 μg/kg.d, i.p) or vehicle (0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.2 ml/d, i.p) treatment for an additional 8 weeks. RESULTS AC caused significant pathological hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and reduced cardiac diastolic function. Triptolide treatment markedly inhibited AC-induced increases in myocardial collagen volume fraction, collagen type I/III deposition, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, expressions of pro-fibrogenic factors (transforming growth factor-β and angiotensin II) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), NF-κB activation and inflammatory cell infiltration in left ventricles compared with vehicle, without affecting cardiac hypertrophy. However, triptolide had no effects on systemic blood pressure and circulating angiotensin II level. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the findings suggested that triptolide treatment elicits favorable anti-fibrogenic effect in a blood pressure-independent manner, at least in part, through inhibiting myocardial pro-fibrogenic factor production and inflammatory activation in the pressure overloaded heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Clinic Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225001, China
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184
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Chen X, Lu H, Rateri DL, Cassis LA, Daugherty A. Conundrum of angiotensin II and TGF-β interactions in aortic aneurysms. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 13:180-5. [PMID: 23395156 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AngII) has been invoked as a principal mediator for the development and progression of both thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. While there is consistency in experimental and clinical studies that overactivation of the renin angiotensin system promotes aortic aneurysm development, there are many unknowns regarding the mechanistic basis underlying AngII-induced aneurysms. Interactions of AngII with TGF-β in both thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms have been the focus of recent studies. While these studies have demonstrated profound effects of manipulating TGF-β activity on AngII-induced aortic aneurysms, they have also led to more questions regarding the interactions between AngII and this multifunctional cytokine. This review compiled the recent literature to provide insights into understanding the potentially complex interactions between AngII and TGF-β in the development of aortic aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Chen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
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185
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Chung CC, Kao YH, Chen YJ, Chen YJ. Androgen modulates cardiac fibrosis contributing to gender differences on heart failure. Aging Male 2013; 16:22-7. [PMID: 23356882 DOI: 10.3109/13685538.2012.754008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (HF) is a major health problem throughout the world. Gender has significant effects on the pathophysiology of HF. Low levels of free testosterone are independently associated with increased chronic HF symptoms and mortality. Cardiac fibrosis plays a pivotal role in structural remodeling in HF. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, angiotensin II and oxidative stress contribute to the activity/extent of cardiac fibrosis. Androgen deficiency can up-regulate TGF-β expression under angiotensin II stimulation in vivo. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms accounting for the effects of androgen on cardiac fibrosis through regulating fibrocytes activity under TGF, which can explain wound healing and cardiac fibrosis in male with acute myocardial injury and chronic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chih Chung
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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186
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Rizzi E, Ceron CS, Guimaraes DA, Prado CM, Rossi MA, Gerlach RF, Tanus-Santos JE. Temporal changes in cardiac matrix metalloproteinase activity, oxidative stress, and TGF-β in renovascular hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Exp Mol Pathol 2013; 94:1-9. [PMID: 23073243 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular remodeling found in later phases of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertension may involve key mechanisms particularly including MMP-2, oxidative stress, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and inactivation of the endogenous MMP inhibitor, the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-4. We examined whether temporal cardiac remodeling resulting from 2K1C hypertension occurs concomitantly with alterations in cardiac collagen, MMP activity, MMP-2, TIMP-4, TGF-β, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels during the development of 2K1C hypertension. Sham-operated and 2K1C hypertensive rats were studied after 15, 30, and 75 days of hypertension. Systolic blood pressure was monitored weekly. Left ventricle (LV) morphometry and fibrosis were evaluated in hematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius red-stained sections, respectively. Cardiac MMP-2 levels/activity was determined by gelatin zymography, immunofluorescence, and in situ zymography. TIMP-4 levels were determined by western blotting. Cardiac TGF-β levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence and ROS levels were evaluated with a dihydroethidium probe. 2K1C hypertension induced LV hypertrophy associated with augmented gelatinolytic activity at an early phase of hypertension and further increased after 75 days of hypertension. These alterations were associated with increased cardiac MMP-2, TGF-β, and ROS in hypertensive rats. Higher TIMP-4 levels were found in hypertensive rats only after 75 days after surgery. Our findings show that increased MMP-2 activity is associated with concomitant development of LV hypertrophy and increased TGF-β and ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elen Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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187
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Shimano
- Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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188
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Zambrano S, Blanca AJ, Ruiz-Armenta MV, Miguel-Carrasco JL, Arévalo M, Vázquez MJ, Mate A, Vázquez CM. L-Carnitine protects against arterial hypertension-related cardiac fibrosis through modulation of PPAR-γ expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 85:937-44. [PMID: 23295156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a pathogenic factor in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix protein that leads to cardiac dysfunction. l-Carnitine (LC) plays an essential role in the β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids in lipid metabolism. We have previously demonstrated the beneficial effects of LC in hypertensive rats. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of LC on arterial hypertension-associated cardiac fibrosis and to explore the mechanisms of LC action. To this end, four groups of rats were used: Wistar (control), rats treated with 400mg/kg/day of LC, rats treated with 25mg/kg/day of l-NAME (to induce hypertension), and rats treated with LC+l-NAME simultaneously. We found an elevation in the myocardial expression of profibrotic factors (TGF-β1 and CTGF), types I and III of collagen, and NADPH oxidase subunits (NOX2 and NOX4), in hypertensive rats when compared with normotensive ones. In addition, an increase in myocardial fibrosis was also found in the l-NAME group. These results were accompanied by a down-regulation of PPAR-γ in the heart of hypertensive animals. When hypertensive rats were treated with LC, all these alterations were reversed. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between myocardial interstitial fibrosis and mRNA expression of PPAR-γ. In conclusion, the reduction of cardiac fibrosis and the down-regulation of NOX2, NOX4, TGF-β1 and CTGF induced by LC might be, at least in part, mediated by an upregulation of PPAR-γ, which leads to a reduction on hypertension-related cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Zambrano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, c/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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189
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Izumi Y, Iwao H. Angiotensin II Peptides. HANDBOOK OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE PEPTIDES 2013. [PMCID: PMC7150204 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385095-9.00186-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Much evidence supports the notion that angiotensin II (Ang II), the central product of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), may play a central role not only in the etiology of hypertension but also in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases in humans. Ang II, via the Ang II type 1 receptor, directly causes cellular phenotypic changes and cell growth, regulates the gene expression of various bioactive substances, and activates multiple intracellular signaling cascades in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts, as well as vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Recently, new factors have been discovered, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1-7), and its receptor Mas. This section summarizes the current knowledge about the broad RAS in the pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, heart failure, vascular thickening, and atherosclerosis.
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BAMBI (BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) protects the murine heart from pressure-overload biomechanical stress by restraining TGF-β signaling. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012; 1832:323-35. [PMID: 23168040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Left ventricular (LV) pressure overload is a major cause of heart failure. Transforming growth factors-β (TGF-βs) promote LV remodeling under biomechanical stress. BAMBI (BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) is a pseudoreceptor that negatively modulates TGF-β signaling. The present study tests the hypothesis that BAMBI plays a protective role during the adverse LV remodeling under pressure overload. The subjects of the study were BAMBI knockout mice (BAMBI(-/-)) undergoing transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). We examined LV gene and protein expression of remodeling-related elements, histological fibrosis, and heart morphology and function. LV expression of BAMBI was increased in AS patients and TAC-mice and correlated directly with TGF-β. BAMBI deletion led to a gain of myocardial TGF-β signaling through canonical (Smads) and non-canonical (TAK1-p38 and TAK1-JNK) pathways. As a consequence, the remodeling response to pressure overload in BAMBI(-/-) mice was exacerbated in terms of hypertrophy, chamber dilation, deterioration of long-axis LV systolic function and diastolic dysfunction. Functional remodeling associated transcriptional activation of fibrosis-related TGF-β targets, up-regulation of the profibrotic micro-RNA-21, histological fibrosis and increased metalloproteinase-2 activity. Histological remodeling in BAMBI(-/-) mice involved TGF-βs. BAMBI deletion in primary cardiac fibroblasts exacerbated TGF-β-induced profibrotic responses while BAMBI overexpression in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts attenuated them. Our findings identify BAMBI as a critical negative modulator of myocardial remodeling under pressure overload. We suggest that BAMBI is involved in negative feedback loops that restrain the TGF-β remodeling signals to protect the pressure-overloaded myocardium from uncontrolled extracellular matrix deposition in humans and mice.
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191
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Postnatal ablation of Foxm1 from cardiomyocytes causes late onset cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis without exacerbating pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48713. [PMID: 23144938 PMCID: PMC3493600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common genetic cardiovascular disorder and the most common cause of sudden cardiac death. Foxm1 transcription factor (also known as HFH-11B, Trident, Win or MPP2) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various cancers and is a critical mediator of post-injury repair in multiple organs. Foxm1 has been previously shown to be essential for heart development and proliferation of embryonic cardiomyocytes. However, the role of Foxm1 in postnatal heart development and in cardiac injury has not been evaluated. To delete Foxm1 in postnatal cardiomyocytes, αMHC-Cre/Foxm1(fl/fl) mice were generated. Surprisingly, αMHC-Cre/Foxm1(fl/fl) mice exhibited normal cardiomyocyte proliferation at postnatal day seven and had no defects in cardiac structure or function but developed cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis late in life. The development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis in aged Foxm1-deficient mice was associated with reduced expression of Hey2, an important regulator of cardiac homeostasis, and increased expression of genes critical for cardiac remodeling, including MMP9, αSMA, fibronectin and vimentin. We also found that following aortic constriction Foxm1 mRNA and protein were induced in cardiomyocytes. However, Foxm1 deletion did not exacerbate cardiac hypertrophy or fibrosis following chronic pressure overload. Our results demonstrate that Foxm1 regulates genes critical for age-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis.
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193
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ET-1 from endothelial cells is required for complete angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Life Sci 2012; 91:651-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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194
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Deng YL, Xiong XZ, Cheng NS. Organ fibrosis inhibited by blocking transforming growth factor-β signaling via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonists. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2012; 11:467-78. [PMID: 23060391 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(12)60210-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organ fibrosis has been viewed as one of the major medical problems, which can lead to progressive dysfunction of the liver, lung, kidney, skin, heart, and eventually death of patients. Fibrosis is initiated by a variety of pathological, physiological, biochemical, and physical factors. Regardless of their different etiologies, they all share a common pathogenetic process: excessive activation of the key profibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a ligand-activated transcription factor of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has received particular attention in recent years, because the activation of PPARgamma by both natural and synthetic agonists could effectively inhibit TGF-beta-induced profibrotic effects in many organs. DATA SOURCES The English-language medical databases, PubMed, Elsevier and SpringerLink were searched for articles on PPARgamma, TGF-beta, and fibrosis, and related topics. RESULTS TGF-beta is recognized as a key profibrotic cytokine. Excessive activation of TGF-beta increases synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and decreases their degradation, associated with a gradual destruction of normal tissue architecture and function, whereas PPARgamma agonists inhibit TGF-beta signal transduction and are effective antifibrogenic agents in many organs including the liver, lung, kidney, skin and heart. CONCLUSIONS The main antifibrotic activity of PPARgamma agonists is to suppress the TGF-beta signaling pathway by so-called PPARgamma-dependent effect. In addition, PPARgamma agonists, especially 15d-PGJ2, also exert potentially antifibrotic activity independent of PPARgamma activation. TGF-beta1/Smads signaling not only plays many essential roles in multiple developmental processes, but also forms cross-talk networks with other signal pathways, and their inhibition by PPARgamma agonists certainly affects the cytokine networks and causes non-suspected side-effects. Anti-TGF-beta therapies with PPARgamma agonists may have to be carefully tailored to be tissue- and target gene-specific to minimize side-effects, indicating a great challenge to the medical research at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lei Deng
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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195
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Cardiac intercellular communication: are myocytes and fibroblasts fair-weather friends? J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2012; 5:768-82. [PMID: 23015462 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-012-9404-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The cardiac fibroblast (CF) has historically been thought of as a quiescent cell of the heart, passively maintaining the extracellular environment for the cardiomyocytes (CM), the functional cardiac cell type. The increasingly appreciated role of the CF, however, extends well beyond matrix production, governing many aspects of cardiac function including cardiac electrophysiology and contractility. Importantly, its contributions to cardiac pathophysiology and pathologic remodeling have created a shift in the field's focus from the CM to the CF as a therapeutic target in the treatment of cardiac diseases. In response to cardiac injury, the CF undergoes a pathologic phenotypic transition into a myofibroblast, characterized by contractile smooth muscle proteins and upregulation of collagens, matrix proteins, and adhesion molecules. Further, the myofibroblast upregulates expression and secretion of a variety of pro-inflammatory, profibrotic mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. These mediators act in both an autocrine fashion to further activate CFs, as well as in a paracrine manner on both CMs and circulating inflammatory cells to induce myocyte dysfunction and chronic inflammation, respectively. Together, cell-specific cytokine-induced effects exacerbate pathologic remodeling and progression to HF. A better understanding of this dynamic intercellular communication will lead to novel targets for the attenuation of cardiac remodeling. Current strategies aimed at targeting cytokines have been largely unsuccessful in clinical trials, lending insights into ways that such intercellular cross talk can be more effectively attenuated. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding CF functions in the heart and will discuss the regulation and signaling behind CF-mediated cytokine production and function. We will then highlight clinical trials that have exploited cytokine cross talk in the treatment of heart failure and provide novel strategies currently under investigation that may more effectively target pathologic CF-CM communication for the treatment of cardiac disease. This review explores novel mechanisms to directly attenuate heart failure progression through inhibition of signaling downstream of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are elevated after cardiac injury.
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196
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Wang J, Yang X. The function of miRNA in cardiac hypertrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:3561-70. [PMID: 22926414 PMCID: PMC3474911 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1126-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive enlargement of the myocardium in response to altered stress or injury. The cellular responses of cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes to various signaling pathways should be tightly and delicately regulated to maintain cardiac homeostasis and prevent pathological cardiac hypertrophy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, single-stranded, short non-coding RNAs that act as regulators of gene expression by promoting the degradation or inhibiting the translation of target mRNAs. Recent studies have revealed expression signatures of miRNAs associated with pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in humans and mouse models of heart diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of specific miRNAs could alter the cellular responses of cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes to specific signaling upon the pathological hemodynamic overload, leading to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This review summarizes the cell-autonomous functions of cardiomyocyte miRNAs regulated by different pathways and the roles of non-cardiomyocyte miRNAs in cardiac hypertrophy. The therapeutic effects of a number of miRNAs in heart diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetic Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, 100071 Beijing, China
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197
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Abstract
Emerging data in the field of cardiac development as well as repair and regeneration indicate a complex and important interplay between endocardial, epicardial, and myofibroblast populations that is critical for cardiomyocyte differentiation and postnatal function. For example, epicardial cells have been shown to generate cardiac myofibroblasts and may be one of the primary sources for this cell lineage during development. Moreover, paracrine signaling from the epicardium and endocardium is critical for proper development of the heart and pathways such as Wnt, fibroblast growth factor, and retinoic acid signaling have been shown to be key players in this process. Despite this progress, interactions between nonmyocyte cells and cardiomyocytes in the heart are still poorly understood. We review the various nonmyocyte-myocyte interactions that occur in the heart and how these interactions, primarily through signaling networks, help direct cardiomyocyte differentiation and regulate postnatal cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tian
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104-5129, USA
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Xu H, Yang F, Sun Y, Yuan Y, Cheng H, Wei Z, Li S, Cheng T, Brann D, Wang R. A new antifibrotic target of Ac-SDKP: inhibition of myofibroblast differentiation in rat lung with silicosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40301. [PMID: 22802960 PMCID: PMC3389005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myofibroblast differentiation, characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, is a key process in organ fibrosis, and is induced by TGF-β. Here we examined whether an anti-fibrotic agent, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysylproline (Ac-SDKP), can regulate induction of TGF-β signaling and myofibroblast differentiation as a potential key component of its anti-fibrotic mechanism in vivo and in vitro. Methodology/Principal Findings Rat pulmonary fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and divided to 4 groups 1) control; 2) TGF-β1; 3) TGF-β1+ LY364947; 4) TGF-β1+Ac-SDKP. For in vivo studies, six groups of animals were utilized 1) control 4w; 2) silicotic 4w; 3) control 8w; 4) silicotic 8w; 5) Ac-SDKP post-treatment; 6)Ac-SDKP pre-treatment. SiO2 powders were douched in the trachea of rat to make the silicotic model. Myofibroblast differentiation was measured by examining expression of α-SMA, as well as expression of serum response factor (SRF), a key regulator of myofibroblast differentiation. The expressions of collagen, TGF-β1 and RAS signaling were also assessed. The results revealed that TGF-β1 strongly induced myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis in vitro, and that pre-treatment with Ac-SDKP markedly attenuated myofibroblast activation, as well as induction of TGF-β1 and its receptor. Similar results were observed in vivo in the pathologically relevant rat model of silicosis. Ac-SDKP treatment in vivo strongly attenuated 1) silicosis-induced increased expressions of TGF-β1 and RAS signaling, 2) myofibroblast differentiation as indicated by a robust decrease of SRF and α-SMA-positive myofibroblast localization in siliconic nodules in the lung, 3) collagen deposition. Conclusion/Significance The results of the present study suggest a novel mechanism of action for Ac-SDKP’s beneficial effect in silicosis, which involves attenuation of TGF-β1 and its receptors, SRF and Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1) expression, collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. The results further suggest that therapies targeting myofibroblast differentiation may have therapeutic efficacy in treatment of silicosis of the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shi Jiazhuang, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shi Jiazhuang, China
- Medical Research Center, Hebei United University, Tangshan, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Ying Sun
- Medical Research Center, Hebei United University, Tangshan, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Medical Research Center, Hebei United University, Tangshan, China
| | - Hua Cheng
- Medical Research Center, Hebei United University, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Medical Research Center, Hebei United University, Tangshan, China
| | - Shuyu Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei United University, Tangshan, China
| | - Tan Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shi Jiazhuang, China
| | - Darrell Brann
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei United University, Tangshan, China
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Hou J, Kang YJ. Regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy: signaling pathways and therapeutic targets. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 135:337-54. [PMID: 22750195 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a key risk factor for heart failure. It is associated with increased interstitial fibrosis, cell death and cardiac dysfunction. The progression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy has long been considered as irreversible. However, recent clinical observations and experimental studies have produced evidence showing the reversal of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Left ventricle assist devices used in heart failure patients for bridging to transplantation not only improve peripheral circulation but also often cause reverse remodeling of the geometry and recovery of the function of the heart. Dietary supplementation with physiologically relevant levels of copper can reverse pathological cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Angiogenesis is essential and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a constitutive factor for the regression. The action of VEGF is mediated by VEGF receptor-1, whose activation is linked to cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase-1 (PKG-1) signaling pathways, and inhibition of cyclic GMP degradation leads to regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Most of these pathways are regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor. Potential therapeutic targets for promoting the regression include: promotion of angiogenesis, selective enhancement of VEGF receptor-1 signaling pathways, stimulation of PKG-1 pathways, and sustention of hypoxia-inducible factor transcriptional activity. More exciting insights into the regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy are emerging. The time of translating the concept of regression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy to clinical practice is coming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglong Hou
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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