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Angeli E, Jordan M, Otto M, Stojanović SD, Karsdal M, Bauersachs J, Thum T, Fiedler J, Genovese F. The role of fibrosis in cardiomyopathies: An opportunity to develop novel biomarkers of disease activity. Matrix Biol 2024; 128:65-78. [PMID: 38423395 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies encompass a spectrum of heart disorders with diverse causes and presentations. Fibrosis stands out as a shared hallmark among various cardiomyopathies, reflecting a common thread in their pathogenesis. This prevalent fibrotic response is intricately linked to the consequences of dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, emphasizing its significance in the development and progression the disease. This review explores the ECM involvement in various cardiomyopathies and its impact on myocardial stiffness and fibrosis. Additionally, we discuss the potential of ECM fragments as early diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification. Biomarkers deriving from turnover of collagens and other ECM proteins hold promise in clinical applications. We outline current clinical management, future directions, and the potential for personalized ECM-targeted therapies with specific focus on microRNAs. In summary, this review examines the role of the fibrosis in cardiomyopathies, highlighting the potential of ECM-derived biomarkers in improving disease management with implications for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Angeli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark.
| | - Maria Jordan
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Mandy Otto
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Stevan D Stojanović
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany; Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | | | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Jan Fiedler
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Federica Genovese
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Tran P, Linekar A, Dandekar U, Barker T, Balasubramanian S, Bhaskara-Pillai J, Shelley S, Maddock H, Banerjee P. Profiling the Biomechanical Responses to Workload on the Human Myocyte to Explore the Concept of Myocardial Fatigue and Reversibility: Rationale and Design of the POWER Heart Failure Study. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2024; 17:275-286. [PMID: 37126208 PMCID: PMC10150683 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-023-10391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
It remains unclear why some patients develop heart failure without evidence of structural damage. One theory relates to impaired myocardial energetics and ventricular-arterial decoupling as the heart works against adverse mechanical load. In this original study, we propose the novel concept of myocardial fatigue to capture this phenomenon and aim to investigate this using human cardiomyocytes subjected to a modern work-loop contractility model that closely mimics in vivo cardiac cycles. This proof-of-concept study (NCT04899635) will use human myocardial tissue samples from patients undergoing cardiac surgery to develop a reproducible protocol to isolate robust calcium-tolerant cardiomyocytes. Thereafter, work-loop contractility experiments will be performed over a range of preload, afterload and cycle frequency as a function of time to elicit any reversible reduction in contractile performance (i.e. fatigue). This will provide novel insight into mechanisms behind heart failure and myocardial recovery and serve as a valuable research platform in translational cardiovascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Tran
- Centre for Sport, Exercise & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.
- Cardiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK.
| | - Adam Linekar
- Centre for Sport, Exercise & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- InoCardia Ltd, TechnoCentre, Puma Way, Coventry, UK
| | - Uday Dandekar
- Cardiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Thomas Barker
- Centre for Sport, Exercise & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Cardiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sendhil Balasubramanian
- Cardiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jain Bhaskara-Pillai
- Cardiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sharn Shelley
- Centre for Sport, Exercise & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- InoCardia Ltd, TechnoCentre, Puma Way, Coventry, UK
| | - Helen Maddock
- Centre for Sport, Exercise & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- InoCardia Ltd, TechnoCentre, Puma Way, Coventry, UK
| | - Prithwish Banerjee
- Centre for Sport, Exercise & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Cardiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Jin J, Wang Y, Liu Y, Chakrabarti S, Su Z. Cardiac resident macrophages: Spatiotemporal distribution, development, physiological functions, and their translational potential on cardiac diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1483-1493. [PMID: 38572111 PMCID: PMC10985034 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac resident macrophages (CRMs) are the main population of cardiac immune cells. The role of these cells in regeneration, functional remodeling, and repair after cardiac injury is always the focus of research. However, in recent years, their dynamic changes and contributions in physiological states have a significant attention. CRMs have specific phenotypes and functions in different cardiac chambers or locations of the heart and at different stages. They further show specific differentiation and development processes. The present review will summarize the new progress about the spatiotemporal distribution, potential developmental regulation, and their roles in cardiac development and aging as well as the translational potential of CRMs on cardiac diseases. Of course, the research tools for CRMs, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and key issues on CRMs will further be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jin
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yurou Wang
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yueqin Liu
- Center Laboratory, the Fourth People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang 212008, China
| | - Subrata Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Zhaoliang Su
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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Pitoulis FG, Smith JJ, Pamias‐Lopez B, de Tombe PP, Hayman D, Terracciano CM. MyoLoop: Design, development and validation of a standalone bioreactor for pathophysiological electromechanical in vitro cardiac studies. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:405-415. [PMID: 37847495 PMCID: PMC10988681 DOI: 10.1113/ep091247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical load is one of the main determinants of cardiac structure and function. Mechanical load is studied in vitro using cardiac preparations together with loading protocols (e.g., auxotonic, isometric). However, such studies are often limited by reductionist models and poorly simulated mechanical load profiles. This hinders the physiological relevance of findings. Living myocardial slices have been used to study load in vitro. Living myocardial slices (LMS) are 300-μm-thick intact organotypic preparations obtained from explanted animal or human hearts. They have preserved cellular populations and the functional, structural, metabolic and molecular profile of the tissue from which they are prepared. Using a three-element Windkessel (3EWK) model we previously showed that LMSs can be cultured while performing cardiac work loops with different preload and afterload. Under such conditions, LMSs remodel as a function of the mechanical load applied to them (physiological load, pressure or volume overload). These studies were conducted in commercially available length actuators that had to be extensively modified for culture experiments. In this paper, we demonstrate the design, development and validation of a novel device, MyoLoop. MyoLoop is a bioreactor that can pace, thermoregulate, acquire and process data, and chronically load LMSs and other cardiac tissues in vitro. In MyoLoop, load is parametrised using a 3EWK model, which can be used to recreate physiological and pathological work loops and the remodelling response to these. We believe MyoLoop is the next frontier in basic cardiovascular research enabling reductionist but physiologically relevant in vitro mechanical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob J. Smith
- National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Pieter P. de Tombe
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Laboratoire “Physiologie Et Médecine Expérimentale du Coeur Et Des Muscles,” PhymedexpINSERM, CNRSMontpellier University, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve
MontpellierFrance
| | - Danika Hayman
- National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
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5
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Xu H, Miao H, Chen G, Zhang G, Hua Y, Wu Y, Xu T, Han X, Hu C, Pang M, Tan L, Liu B, Zhou Y. 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 exerts anti-fibrotic effect after myocardial infarction by alleviation of fibroblasts proliferation and collagen deposition through TGFBR1 signaling pathways. J Ginseng Res 2023; 47:743-754. [PMID: 38107395 PMCID: PMC10721484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myocardial fibrosis post-myocardial infarction (MI) can induce maladaptive cardiac remodeling as well as heart failure. Although 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has been applied to cardiovascular diseases, its efficacy and specific molecular mechanism in myocardial fibrosis are largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to explore whether TGFBR1 signaling was involved in Rg3's anti-fibrotic effect post-MI. Methods Left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation-induced MI mice and TGF-β1-stimulated primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were adopted. Echocardiography, hematoxlin-eosin and Masson staining, Western-blot and immunohistochemistry, CCK8 and Edu were used to study the effects of Rg3 on myocardial fibrosis and TGFBR1 signaling. The combination mechanism of Rg3 and TGFBR1 was explored by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). Moreover, myocardial Tgfbr1-deficient mice and TGFBR1 adenovirus were adopted to confirm the pharmacological mechanism of Rg3. Results In vivo experiments, Rg3 ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy and enhanced cardiac function. Rg3-TGFBR1 had the 1.78 × 10-7 M equilibrium dissociation constant based on SPRi analysis, and Rg3 inhibited the activation of TGFBR1/Smads signaling dose-dependently. Cardiac-specific Tgfbr1 knockdown abolished Rg3's protection against myocardial fibrosis post-MI. In addition, Rg3 down-regulated the TGF-β1-mediated CFs growth together with collagen production in vitro through TGFBR1 signaling. Moreover, TGFBR1 adenovirus partially blocked the inhibitory effect of Rg3. Conclusion Rg3 improves myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function through suppressing CFs proliferation along with collagen deposition by inactivation of TGFBR1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Xu
- Department of Geratology, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haifeng Miao
- Department of Geratology, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, China
| | - Guanghong Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoyong Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Hua
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changlei Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Pang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leyi Tan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingchun Zhou
- Department of Geratology, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital (ZengCheng Branch), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Nunez-Toldra R, Del Canizo A, Secco I, Nicastro L, Giacca M, Terracciano CM. Living myocardial slices for the study of nucleic acid-based therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1275945. [PMID: 37941724 PMCID: PMC10628718 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1275945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy based on viral vectors offers great potential for the study and the treatment of cardiac diseases. Here we explore the use of Living Myocardial Slices (LMS) as a platform for nucleic acid-based therapies. Rat LMS and Adeno-Associated viruses (AAV) were used to optimise and analyse gene transfer efficiency, viability, tissue functionality, and cell tropism in cardiac tissue. Human cardiac tissue from failing (dilated cardiomyopathy) hearts was also used to validate the model in a more translational setting. LMS were cultured at physiological sarcomere length for 72-h under electrical stimulation. Two recombinant AAV serotypes (AAV6 and AAV9) at different multiplicity of infection (MOI) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were added to the surface of rat LMS. AAV6 at 20,000 MOI proved to be the most suitable serotype without affecting LMS contractility or kinetics and showing high transduction and penetrability efficiency in rat LMS. This serotype exhibited 40% of transduction efficiency in cardiomyocytes and stromal cells while 20% of the endothelial cells were transduced. With great translational relevance, this protocol introduces the use of LMS as a model for nucleic acid-based therapies, allowing the acceleration of preclinical studies for cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Nunez-Toldra
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Del Canizo
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - I. Secco
- King’s College London, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - L. Nicastro
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Giacca
- King’s College London, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - C. M. Terracciano
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Pfeuffer AKM, Küpfer LK, Shankar TS, Drakos SG, Volk T, Seidel T. Ryanodine Receptor Staining Identifies Viable Cardiomyocytes in Human and Rabbit Cardiac Tissue Slices. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13514. [PMID: 37686327 PMCID: PMC10488113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In terms of preserving multicellularity and myocardial function in vitro, the cultivation of beating myocardial slices is an emerging technique in basic and translational cardiac research. It can be used, for example, for drug screening or to study pathomechanisms. Here, we describe staining for viable cardiomyocytes based on the immunofluorescence of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in human and rabbit myocardial slices. Biomimetic chambers were used for culture and measurements of contractile force. Fixable fluorophore-conjugated dextran, entering cells with a permeable membrane, was used for death staining. RyRs, nuclei and the extracellular matrix, including the t-system, were additionally stained and analyzed by confocal microscopy and image processing. We found the mutual exclusion of the RyR and dextran signals in cultivated slices. T-System density and nucleus size were reduced in RyR-negative/dextran-positive myocytes. The fraction of RyR-positive myocytes and pixels correlated with the contractile force. In RyR-positive/dextran-positive myocytes, we found irregular RyR clusters and SERCA distribution patterns, confirmed by an altered power spectrum. We conclude that RyR immunofluorescence indicates viable cardiomyocytes in vibratome-cut myocardial slices, facilitating the detection and differential structural analysis of living vs. dead or dying myocytes. We suggest the loss of sarcoplasmic reticulum integrity as an early event during cardiomyocyte death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Katrin M. Pfeuffer
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.-K.M.P.); (L.K.K.); (T.V.)
| | - Linda K. Küpfer
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.-K.M.P.); (L.K.K.); (T.V.)
| | - Thirupura S. Shankar
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (T.S.S.); (S.G.D.)
| | - Stavros G. Drakos
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (T.S.S.); (S.G.D.)
| | - Tilmann Volk
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.-K.M.P.); (L.K.K.); (T.V.)
| | - Thomas Seidel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.-K.M.P.); (L.K.K.); (T.V.)
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8
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Chabanovska O, Lemcke H, Lang H, Vollmar B, Dohmen PM, David R, Etz C, Neßelmann C. Sarcomeric network analysis of ex vivo cultivated human atrial appendage tissue using super-resolution microscopy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13041. [PMID: 37563225 PMCID: PMC10415305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39962-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating native human cardiac tissue with preserved 3D macro- and microarchitecture is fundamental for clinical and basic research. Unfortunately, the low accessibility of the human myocardium continues to limit scientific progress. To overcome this issue, utilizing atrial appendages of the human heart may become highly beneficial. Atrial appendages are often removed during open-heart surgery and can be preserved ex vivo as living tissue with varying durability depending on the culture method. In this study, we prepared living thin myocardial slices from left atrial appendages that were cultured using an air-liquid interface system for overall 10 days. Metabolic activity of the cultured slices was assessed using a conventional methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. To monitor the structural integrity of cardiomyocytes within the tissue, we implemented our recently described super-resolution microscopy approach that allows both qualitative and quantitative in-depth evaluation of sarcomere network based on parameters such as overall sarcomere content, filament size and orientation. Additionally, expression of mRNAs coding for key structural and functional proteins was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our findings demonstrate highly significant disassembly of contractile apparatus represented by degradation of [Formula: see text]-actinin filaments detected after three days in culture, while metabolic activity was constantly rising and remained high for up to seven days. However, gene expression of crucial cardiac markers strongly decreased after the first day in culture indicating an early destructive response to ex vivo conditions. Therefore, we suggest static cultivation of living myocardial slices derived from left atrial appendage and prepared according to our protocol only for short-termed experiments (e.g. medicinal drug testing), while introduction of electro-mechanical stimulation protocols may offer the possibility for long-term integrity of such constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Chabanovska
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Heiko Lemcke
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hermann Lang
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Pascal M Dohmen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Robert David
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Christian Etz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Catharina Neßelmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
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9
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Bäck M, von Haehling S, Papp Z, Piepoli MF. A year in heart failure: updates of clinical and preclinical findings. ESC Heart Fail 2023; 10:2150-2158. [PMID: 37072681 PMCID: PMC10375102 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We witnessed major advances in the management of heart failure (HF) in 2022. Results of recent clinical and preclinical investigations aid preventive strategies, diagnostic efforts, and therapeutic interventions, and collectively, they hold promises for a more effective HF care for the near future. Accordingly, currently available information extends the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines and provides a solid background for the introduction of improved clinical approaches in the number of HF-related cases. Elaboration on the relationships between epidemiological data and risk factors lead to better understanding of the pathophysiology of HF with reduced ejection fraction and HF with preserved ejection fraction. The clinical consequences of valvular dysfunctions are increasingly interpreted not only in their haemodynamic consequences but also in association with their pathogenetic factors and modern corrective treatment possibilities. The influence of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the clinical care of HF appeared to be less intense in 2022 than before; hence, this period allowed to refine coronavirus disease 2019 management options for HF patients. Moreover, cardio-oncology emerges as a new subdiscipline providing significant improvements in clinical outcomes for oncology patients. Furthermore, the introduction of state-of-the-art molecular biologic methods, multi-omic approaches forecast improved phenotyping and precision medicine for HF. All above aspects are addressed in this article that highlights a selection of papers published in ESC Heart Failure in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Bäck
- Translational Cardiology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine SolnaKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of CardiologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Institut National de laSante et de la Recherche Medicale U1116Université de LorraineNancyFrance
| | - Stephan von Haehling
- Department of Cardiology and PneumologyUniversity of Göttingen Medical CenterGöttingenGermany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Zoltán Papp
- Department of Cardiology, Division of Clinical Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Massimo F. Piepoli
- Clinical CardiologyIRCCS Policlinico San DonatoS. Donato MilaneseMilan20097Italy
- Department of Preventive CardiologyWroclaw Medical UniversityWrocławPoland
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10
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Biomimetic cultivation of atrial tissue slices as novel platform for in-vitro atrial arrhythmia studies. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3648. [PMID: 36871094 PMCID: PMC9985600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Living myocardial slices (LMS) are beating sections of intact human myocardium that maintain 3D microarchitecture and multicellularity, thereby overcoming most limitations of conventional myocardial cell cultures. We introduce a novel method to produce LMS from human atria and apply pacing modalities to bridge the gap between in-vitro and in-vivo atrial arrhythmia studies. Human atrial biopsies from 15 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were dissected to tissue blocks of ~ 1 cm2 and cut to 300 µm thin LMS with a precision-cutting vibratome. LMS were placed in a biomimetic cultivation chamber, filled with standard cell culture medium, under diastolic preload (1 mN) and continuous electrical stimulation (1000 ms cycle length (CL)), resulting in 68 beating LMS. Atrial LMS refractory period was determined at 192 ± 26 ms. Fixed rate pacing with a CL of 333 ms was applied as atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) model. This novel state-of-the-art platform for AT research can be used to investigate arrhythmia mechanisms and test novel therapies.
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Amesz JH, Zhang L, Everts BR, De Groot NMS, Taverne YJHJ. Living myocardial slices: Advancing arrhythmia research. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1076261. [PMID: 36711023 PMCID: PMC9880234 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1076261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Living myocardial slices (LMS) are ultrathin (150-400 µm) sections of intact myocardium that can be used as a comprehensive model for cardiac arrhythmia research. The recent introduction of biomimetic electromechanical cultivation chambers enables long-term cultivation and easy control of living myocardial slices culture conditions. The aim of this review is to present the potential of this biomimetic interface using living myocardial slices in electrophysiological studies outlining advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives of the model. Furthermore, different electrophysiological techniques and their application on living myocardial slices will be discussed. The developments of living myocardial slices in electrophysiology research will hopefully lead to future breakthroughs in the understanding of cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorik H. Amesz
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lu Zhang
- Translational Electrophysiology, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bian R. Everts
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Natasja M. S. De Groot
- Translational Electrophysiology, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yannick J. H. J. Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Waleczek FJG, Sansonetti M, Xiao K, Jung M, Mitzka S, Dendorfer A, Weber N, Perbellini F, Thum T. Chemical and mechanical activation of resident cardiac macrophages in the living myocardial slice ex vivo model. Basic Res Cardiol 2022; 117:63. [PMID: 36449104 PMCID: PMC9712328 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-022-00971-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Resident cardiac macrophages (rcMACs) are among the most abundant immune cells in the heart. Plasticity and activation are hallmarks of rcMACs in response to changes in the microenvironment, which is essential for in vitro experimentation. The in vivo investigation is confounded by the infiltration of other cells hindering direct studies of rcMACs. As a tool to investigate rcMACs, we applied the ex vivo model of living myocardial slices (LMS). LMS are ultrathin ex vivo multicellular cardiac preparations in which the circulatory network is interrupted. The absence of infiltration in this model enables the investigation of the rcMACs response to immunomodulatory and mechanical stimulations. Such conditions were generated by applying interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) or interleukine-4 (IL-4) and altering the preload of cultured LMS, respectively. The immunomodulatory stimulation of the LMS induced alterations of the gene expression pattern without affecting tissue contractility. Following 24 h culture, low input RNA sequencing of rcMACs isolated from LMS was used for gene ontology analysis. Reducing the tissue stretch (unloading) of LMS altered the gene ontology clusters of isolated rcMACs with intermediate semantic similarity to IFN-γ triggered reaction. Through the overlap of genes affected by IFN-γ and unloading, we identified Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) as a potential marker gene for inflammation of rcMACs as significantly altered in whole immunomodulated LMS. MicroRNAs associated with the transcriptomic changes of rcMACs in unloaded LMS were identified in silico. Here, we demonstrate the approach of LMS to understand load-triggered cardiac inflammation and, thus, identify potential translationally important therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. J. G. Waleczek
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M. Sansonetti
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - K. Xiao
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,grid.4561.60000 0000 9261 3939Fraunhofer Institute ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M. Jung
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - S. Mitzka
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,grid.4561.60000 0000 9261 3939Fraunhofer Institute ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - A. Dendorfer
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XWalter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Marchioninistraße 27, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - N. Weber
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - F. Perbellini
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - T. Thum
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,grid.4561.60000 0000 9261 3939Fraunhofer Institute ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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