1
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Naïja A, Mutlu O, Khan T, Seers TD, Yalcin HC. An optimized CT-dense agent perfusion and micro-CT imaging protocol for chick embryo developmental stages. BMC Biomed Eng 2024; 6:3. [PMID: 38654382 DOI: 10.1186/s42490-024-00078-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared to classical techniques of morphological analysis, micro-CT (μ-CT) has become an effective approach allowing rapid screening of morphological changes. In the present work, we aimed to provide an optimized micro-CT dense agent perfusion protocol and μ-CT guidelines for different stages of chick embryo cardiogenesis. Our study was conducted over a period of 10 embryonic days (Hamburger-Hamilton HH36) in chick embryo hearts. During the perfusion of the micro-CT dense agent at different developmental stages (HH19, HH24, HH27, HH29, HH31, HH34, HH35, and HH36), we demonstrated that durations and volumes of the injected contrast agent gradually increased with the heart developmental stages contrary to the flow rate that was unchanged during the whole experiment. Analysis of the CT imaging confirmed the efficiency of the optimized parameters of the heart perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Naïja
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Onur Mutlu
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Talha Khan
- Petroleum Engineering Program, Texas A&M University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Huseyin C Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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2
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Brown AL, Sexton ZA, Hu Z, Yang W, Marsden AL. Computational approaches for mechanobiology in cardiovascular development and diseases. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 156:19-50. [PMID: 38556423 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.01.006] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The cardiovascular development in vertebrates evolves in response to genetic and mechanical cues. The dynamic interplay among mechanics, cell biology, and anatomy continually shapes the hydraulic networks, characterized by complex, non-linear changes in anatomical structure and blood flow dynamics. To better understand this interplay, a diverse set of molecular and computational tools has been used to comprehensively study cardiovascular mechanobiology. With the continual advancement of computational capacity and numerical techniques, cardiovascular simulation is increasingly vital in both basic science research for understanding developmental mechanisms and disease etiologies, as well as in clinical studies aimed at enhancing treatment outcomes. This review provides an overview of computational cardiovascular modeling. Beginning with the fundamental concepts of computational cardiovascular modeling, it navigates through the applications of computational modeling in investigating mechanobiology during cardiac development. Second, the article illustrates the utility of computational hemodynamic modeling in the context of treatment planning for congenital heart diseases. It then delves into the predictive potential of computational models for elucidating tissue growth and remodeling processes. In closing, we outline prevailing challenges and future prospects, underscoring the transformative impact of computational cardiovascular modeling in reshaping cardiovascular science and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L Brown
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Zachary A Sexton
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Zinan Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Weiguang Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alison L Marsden
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
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3
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Zhang D, Lindsey SE. Recasting Current Knowledge of Human Fetal Circulation: The Importance of Computational Models. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:240. [PMID: 37367405 PMCID: PMC10299027 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10060240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational hemodynamic simulations are becoming increasingly important for cardiovascular research and clinical practice, yet incorporating numerical simulations of human fetal circulation is relatively underutilized and underdeveloped. The fetus possesses unique vascular shunts to appropriately distribute oxygen and nutrients acquired from the placenta, adding complexity and adaptability to blood flow patterns within the fetal vascular network. Perturbations to fetal circulation compromise fetal growth and trigger the abnormal cardiovascular remodeling that underlies congenital heart defects. Computational modeling can be used to elucidate complex blood flow patterns in the fetal circulatory system for normal versus abnormal development. We present an overview of fetal cardiovascular physiology and its evolution from being investigated with invasive experiments and primitive imaging techniques to advanced imaging (4D MRI and ultrasound) and computational modeling. We introduce the theoretical backgrounds of both lumped-parameter networks and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic simulations of the cardiovascular system. We subsequently summarize existing modeling studies of human fetal circulation along with their limitations and challenges. Finally, we highlight opportunities for improved fetal circulation models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie E. Lindsey
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
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4
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Wang M, Lin BY, Sun S, Dai C, Long F, Butcher JT. Shear and hydrostatic stress regulate fetal heart valve remodeling through YAP-mediated mechanotransduction. eLife 2023; 12:e83209. [PMID: 37078699 PMCID: PMC10162797 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83209] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinically serious congenital heart valve defects arise from improper growth and remodeling of endocardial cushions into leaflets. Genetic mutations have been extensively studied but explain less than 20% of cases. Mechanical forces generated by beating hearts drive valve development, but how these forces collectively determine valve growth and remodeling remains incompletely understood. Here, we decouple the influence of those forces on valve size and shape, and study the role of YAP pathway in determining the size and shape. The low oscillatory shear stress promotes YAP nuclear translocation in valvular endothelial cells (VEC), while the high unidirectional shear stress restricts YAP in cytoplasm. The hydrostatic compressive stress activated YAP in valvular interstitial cells (VIC), whereas the tensile stress deactivated YAP. YAP activation by small molecules promoted VIC proliferation and increased valve size. Whereas YAP inhibition enhanced the expression of cell-cell adhesions in VEC and affected valve shape. Finally, left atrial ligation was performed in chick embryonic hearts to manipulate the shear and hydrostatic stress in vivo. The restricted flow in the left ventricle induced a globular and hypoplastic left atrioventricular (AV) valves with an inhibited YAP expression. By contrast, the right AV valves with sustained YAP expression grew and elongated normally. This study establishes a simple yet elegant mechanobiological system by which transduction of local stresses regulates valve growth and remodeling. This system guides leaflets to grow into proper sizes and shapes with the ventricular development, without the need of a genetically prescribed timing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkun Wang
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Belle Yanyu Lin
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Shuofei Sun
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Charles Dai
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Feifei Long
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
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5
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Lashkarinia SS, Chan WX, Motakis E, Ho S, Siddiqui HB, Coban M, Sevgin B, Pekkan K, Yap CH. Myocardial Biomechanics and the Consequent Differentially Expressed Genes of the Left Atrial Ligation Chick Embryonic Model of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:1063-1078. [PMID: 37032398 PMCID: PMC10122626 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Left atrial ligation (LAL) of the chick embryonic heart is a model of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) where a purely mechanical intervention without genetic or pharmacological manipulation is employed to initiate cardiac malformation. It is thus a key model for understanding the biomechanical origins of HLHS. However, its myocardial mechanics and subsequent gene expressions are not well-understood. We performed finite element (FE) modeling and single-cell RNA sequencing to address this. 4D high-frequency ultrasound imaging of chick embryonic hearts at HH25 (ED 4.5) were obtained for both LAL and control. Motion tracking was performed to quantify strains. Image-based FE modeling was conducted, using the direction of the smallest strain eigenvector as the orientations of contractions, the Guccione active tension model and a Fung-type transversely isotropic passive stiffness model that was determined via micro-pipette aspiration. Single-cell RNA sequencing of left ventricle (LV) heart tissues was performed for normal and LAL embryos at HH30 (ED 6.5) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified.After LAL, LV thickness increased by 33%, strains in the myofiber direction increased by 42%, while stresses in the myofiber direction decreased by 50%. These were likely related to the reduction in ventricular preload and underloading of the LV due to LAL. RNA-seq data revealed potentially related DEG in myocytes, including mechano-sensing genes (Cadherins, NOTCH1, etc.), myosin contractility genes (MLCK, MLCP, etc.), calcium signaling genes (PI3K, PMCA, etc.), and genes related to fibrosis and fibroelastosis (TGF-β, BMP, etc.). We elucidated the changes to the myocardial biomechanics brought by LAL and the corresponding changes to myocyte gene expressions. These data may be useful in identifying the mechanobiological pathways of HLHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Samaneh Lashkarinia
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Wei Xuan Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | | | - Sheldon Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Mervenur Coban
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bortecine Sevgin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kerem Pekkan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK.
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6
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Mutlu O, Salman HE, Al-Thani H, El-Menyar A, Qidwai UA, Yalcin HC. How does hemodynamics affect rupture tissue mechanics in abdominal aortic aneurysm: Focus on wall shear stress derived parameters, time-averaged wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index, endothelial cell activation potential, and relative residence time. Comput Biol Med 2023; 154:106609. [PMID: 36724610 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a critical health condition with a risk of rupture, where the diameter of the aorta enlarges more than 50% of its normal diameter. The incidence rate of AAA has increased worldwide. Currently, about three out of every 100,000 people have aortic diseases. The diameter and geometry of AAAs influence the hemodynamic forces exerted on the arterial wall. Therefore, a reliable assessment of hemodynamics is crucial for predicting the rupture risk. Wall shear stress (WSS) is an important metric to define the level of the frictional force on the AAA wall. Excessive levels of WSS deteriorate the remodeling mechanism of the arteries and lead to abnormal conditions. At this point, WSS-related hemodynamic parameters, such as time-averaged WSS (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP), and relative residence time (RRT) provide important information to evaluate the shear environment on the AAA wall in detail. Calculation of these parameters is not straightforward and requires a physical understanding of what they represent. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers do not readily calculate these parameters when hemodynamics is simulated. This review aims to explain the WSS-derived parameters focusing on how these represent different characteristics of disturbed hemodynamics. A representative case is presented for spatial and temporal formulation that would be useful for interested researchers for practical calculations. Finally, recent hemodynamics investigations relating WSS-related parameters with AAA rupture risk assessment are presented. This review will be useful to understand the physical representation of WSS-related parameters in cardiovascular flows and how they can be calculated practically for AAA investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Mutlu
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Huseyin Enes Salman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hassan Al-Thani
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman El-Menyar
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar; Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Uvais Ahmed Qidwai
- Department of Computer Science Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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7
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Brown AL, Gerosa FM, Wang J, Hsiai T, Marsden AL. Recent advances in quantifying the mechanobiology of cardiac development via computational modeling. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 25:100428. [PMID: 36583220 PMCID: PMC9794182 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are essential for coordinating cardiac morphogenesis, but much remains to be discovered about the interactions between mechanical forces and the mechanotransduction pathways they activate. Due to the elaborate and fundamentally multi-physics and multi-scale nature of cardiac mechanobiology, a complete understanding requires multiple experimental and analytical techniques. We identify three fundamental tools used in the field to probe these interactions: high resolution imaging, genetic and molecular analysis, and computational modeling. In this review, we focus on computational modeling and present recent studies employing this tool to investigate the mechanobiological pathways involved with cardiac development. These works demonstrate that understanding the detailed spatial and temporal patterns of biomechanical forces is crucial to building a comprehensive understanding of mechanobiology during cardiac development, and that computational modeling is an effective and efficient tool for obtaining such detail. In this context, multidisciplinary studies combining all three tools present the most compelling results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron L. Brown
- Stanford University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford, USA, CA, 94305
| | - Fannie M. Gerosa
- Stanford University, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford, USA, CA 94305
- Stanford University, Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering, Stanford, USA, CA 94305
| | - Jing Wang
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Bioengineering, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Tzung Hsiai
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Bioengineering, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- University of California Los Angeles, Division of Cardiology, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Alison L. Marsden
- Stanford University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford, USA, CA, 94305
- Stanford University, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford, USA, CA 94305
- Stanford University, Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering, Stanford, USA, CA 94305
- Stanford University, Department of Bioengineering, Stanford, USA, CA 94305
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8
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Naija A, Mutlu O, Khan T, Seers TD, Yalcin HC. An optimized CT-dense agent perfusion and micro-CT imaging protocol for chick embryo developmental stages.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2541863/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Compared to classical techniques of morphological analysis, micro-CT (µ-CT) has become an effective approach allowing rapid screening of morphological changes. In the present work, we aimed to provide an optimized µ-CT dense agent perfusion protocol and µ-CT guidelines for different stages of chick embryo cardiogenesis. Our study was conducted over a period of 10 embryonic days (Hamburger-Hamilton HH36) in chick embryo hearts. During the perfusion of the µ-CT dense agent at different developmental stages (HH19, HH24, HH27, HH29, HH31, HH34, HH35, and HH36), we demonstrated that durations and volumes of the injected contrast agent gradually increased with the heart developmental stages contrary to the flow rate that was unchanged during the whole experiment. Analysis of the CT imaging confirmed the efficiency of the optimized parameters of the heart perfusion.
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9
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Trinidad F, Rubonal F, Rodriguez de Castro I, Pirzadeh I, Gerrah R, Kheradvar A, Rugonyi S. Effect of Blood Flow on Cardiac Morphogenesis and Formation of Congenital Heart Defects. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9090303. [PMID: 36135448 PMCID: PMC9503889 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9090303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects about 1 in 100 newborns and its causes are multifactorial. In the embryo, blood flow within the heart and vasculature is essential for proper heart development, with abnormal blood flow leading to CHD. Here, we discuss how blood flow (hemodynamics) affects heart development from embryonic to fetal stages, and how abnormal blood flow solely can lead to CHD. We emphasize studies performed using avian models of heart development, because those models allow for hemodynamic interventions, in vivo imaging, and follow up, while they closely recapitulate heart defects observed in humans. We conclude with recommendations on investigations that must be performed to bridge the gaps in understanding how blood flow alone, or together with other factors, contributes to CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Trinidad
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Floyd Rubonal
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | - Ida Pirzadeh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Rabin Gerrah
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Arash Kheradvar
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sandra Rugonyi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Flow-Mediated Factors in the Pathogenesis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9050154. [PMID: 35621865 PMCID: PMC9144087 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9050154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a life-threatening congenital heart disease that is characterized by severe underdevelopment of left heart structures. Currently, there is no cure, and affected individuals require surgical palliation or cardiac transplantation to survive. Despite these resource-intensive measures, only about half of individuals reach adulthood, often with significant comorbidities such as liver disease and neurodevelopmental disorders. A major barrier in developing effective treatments is that the etiology of HLHS is largely unknown. Here, we discuss how intracardiac blood flow disturbances are an important causal factor in the pathogenesis of impaired left heart growth. Specifically, we highlight results from a recently developed mouse model in which surgically reducing blood flow through the mitral valve after cardiogenesis led to the development of HLHS. In addition, we discuss the role of interventional procedures that are based on improving blood flow through the left heart, such as fetal aortic valvuloplasty. Lastly, using the surgically-induced mouse model, we suggest investigations that can be undertaken to identify the currently unknown biological pathways in left heart growth failure and their associated therapeutic targets.
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11
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Alser M, Salman HE, Naïja A, Seers TD, Khan T, Yalcin HC. Blood Flow Disturbance and Morphological Alterations Following the Right Atrial Ligation in the Chick Embryo. Front Physiol 2022; 13:849603. [PMID: 35492580 PMCID: PMC9047544 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.849603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Collectively known as congenital heart defects (CHDs), cardiac abnormalities at birth are the most common forms of neonatal defects. Being principally responsible for the heart‘s pumping power, ventricles are particularly affected by developmental abnormalities, such as flow disturbances or genomic defects. Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS) is a rare disease where the right ventricle is underdeveloped. In this study, we introduce a surgical procedure performed on chick embryo, termed right atrial ligation (RAL) for disturbing hemodynamics within the right heart aiming in order to generate an animal model of HRHS. RAL is a new surgical manipulation, similar to the well-studied left atrial ligation (LAL) surgery but it induces the hemodynamic change into the right side of the heart. After inducing RAL, We utilized techniques such as Doppler ultrasound, x-ray micro-CT, histology, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, for a comprehensive functional and structural analysis of a developing heart. Our results displayed that RAL does not induce severe flow disturbance and ventricular abnormalities consistent with clinical findings. This study allows us to better understand the hemodynamics-driven CHD development and sensitivities of ventricles under disturbed flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Alser
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Huseyin Enes Salman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Azza Naïja
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Talha Khan
- Petroleum Engineering Program, Texas A&M University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Huseyin Cagatay Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Huseyin Cagatay Yalcin,
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12
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Salman HE, Kamal RY, Hijazi ZM, Yalcin HC. Hemodynamic and Structural Comparison of Human Fetal Heart Development Between Normally Growing and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome-Diagnosed Hearts. Front Physiol 2022; 13:856879. [PMID: 35399257 PMCID: PMC8984126 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.856879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) affect a wide range of societies with an incidence rate of 1.0–1.2%. These defects initiate at the early developmental stage and result in critical health disorders. Although genetic factors play a role in the formation of CHDs, the occurrence of cases in families with no history of CHDs suggests that mechanobiological forces may also play a role in the initiation and progression of CHDs. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a critical CHD, which is responsible for 25–40% of all prenatal cardiac deaths. The comparison of healthy and HLHS hearts helps in understanding the main hemodynamic differences related to HLHS. Echocardiography is the most common imaging modality utilized for fetal cardiac assessment. In this study, we utilized echocardiographic images to compare healthy and HLHS human fetal hearts for determining the differences in terms of heart chamber dimensions, valvular flow rates, and hemodynamics. The cross-sectional areas of chamber dimensions are determined from 2D b-mode ultrasound images. Valvular flow rates are measured via Doppler echocardiography, and hemodynamic quantifications are performed with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The obtained results indicate that cross-sectional areas of the left and right sides of the heart are similar for healthy fetuses during gestational development. The left side of HLHS heart is underdeveloped, and as a result, the hemodynamic parameters such as flow velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress (WSS) are significantly altered compared to those of healthy hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Enes Salman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Reema Yousef Kamal
- Pediatric Cardiology Division, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad M. Hijazi
- Sidra Heart Center, Sidra Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Huseyin Cagatay Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Huseyin Cagatay Yalcin,
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13
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Alser M, Shurbaji S, Yalcin HC. Mechanosensitive Pathways in Heart Development: Findings from Chick Embryo Studies. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8040032. [PMID: 33810288 PMCID: PMC8065436 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart is the first organ that starts to function in a developing embryo. It continues to undergo dramatic morphological changes while pumping blood to the rest of the body. Genetic regulation of heart development is partly governed by hemodynamics. Chick embryo is a major animal model that has been used extensively in cardiogenesis research. To reveal mechanosensitive pathways, a variety of surgical interferences and chemical treatments can be applied to the chick embryo to manipulate the blood flow. Such manipulations alter expressions of mechanosensitive genes which may anticipate induction of morphological changes in the developing heart. This paper aims to present different approaches for generating clinically relevant disturbed hemodynamics conditions using this embryonic chick model and to summarize identified mechanosensitive genes using the model, providing insights into embryonic origins of congenital heart defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Alser
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (M.A.); (S.S.)
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Samar Shurbaji
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (M.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Huseyin C. Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (M.A.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4403-7719
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14
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Endothelial mechanotransduction in cardiovascular development and regeneration: emerging approaches and animal models. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:131-151. [PMID: 34696883 PMCID: PMC9113082 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Living cells are exposed to multiple mechanical stimuli from the extracellular matrix or from surrounding cells. Mechanoreceptors are molecules that display status changes in response to mechanical stimulation, transforming physical cues into biological responses to help the cells adapt to dynamic changes of the microenvironment. Mechanical stimuli are responsible for shaping the tridimensional development and patterning of the organs in early embryonic stages. The development of the heart is one of the first morphogenetic events that occur in embryos. As the circulation is established, the vascular system is exposed to constant shear stress, which is the force created by the movement of blood. Both spatial and temporal variations in shear stress differentially modulate critical steps in heart development, such as trabeculation and compaction of the ventricular wall and the formation of the heart valves. Zebrafish embryos are small, transparent, have a short developmental period and allow for real-time visualization of a variety of fluorescently labeled proteins to recapitulate developmental dynamics. In this review, we will highlight the application of zebrafish models as a genetically tractable model for investigating cardiovascular development and regeneration. We will introduce our approaches to manipulate mechanical forces during critical stages of zebrafish heart development and in a model of vascular regeneration, as well as advances in imaging technologies to capture these processes at high resolution. Finally, we will discuss the role of molecules of the Plexin family and Piezo cation channels as major mechanosensors recently implicated in cardiac morphogenesis.
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