1
|
Shin S, Brunel LG, Cai B, Kilian D, Roth JG, Seymour AJ, Heilshorn SC. Gelation of Uniform Interfacial Diffusant in Embedded 3D Printing. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2023; 33:2307435. [PMID: 38646474 PMCID: PMC11031202 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202307435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
While the human body has many different examples of perfusable structures with complex geometries, biofabrication methods to replicate this complexity are still lacking. Specifically, the fabrication of self-supporting, branched networks with multiple channel diameters is particularly challenging. Here, we present the Gelation of Uniform Interfacial Diffusant in Embedded 3D Printing (GUIDE-3DP) approach for constructing perfusable networks of interconnected channels with precise control over branching geometries and vessel sizes. To achieve user-specified channel dimensions, this technique leverages the predictable diffusion of crosslinking reaction-initiators released from sacrificial inks printed within a hydrogel precursor. We demonstrate the versatility of GUIDE-3DP to be adapted for use with diverse physicochemical crosslinking mechanisms by designing seven printable material systems. Importantly, GUIDE-3DP allows for the independent tunability of both the inner and outer diameters of the printed channels and the ability to fabricate seamless junctions at branch points. This 3D bioprinting platform is uniquely suited for fabricating lumenized structures with complex shapes characteristic of multiple hollow vessels throughout the body. As an exemplary application, we demonstrate the fabrication of vasculature-like networks lined with endothelial cells. GUIDE-3DP represents an important advance toward the fabrication of self-supporting, physiologically relevant networks with intricate and perfusable geometries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungchul Shin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 466 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, 08826 Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucia G Brunel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 466 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Betty Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 466 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Kilian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 466 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Julien G Roth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, 466 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alexis J Seymour
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 466 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 466 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dittfeld C, Winkelkotte M, Scheer A, Voigt E, Schmieder F, Behrens S, Jannasch A, Matschke K, Sonntag F, Tugtekin SM. Challenges of aortic valve tissue culture - maintenance of viability and extracellular matrix in the pulsatile dynamic microphysiological system. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:60. [PMID: 37770970 PMCID: PMC10538250 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00377-1] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) causes an increasing health burden in the 21st century due to aging population. The complex pathophysiology remains to be understood to develop novel prevention and treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPSs), also known as organ-on-chip or lab-on-a-chip systems, proved promising in bridging in vitro and in vivo approaches by applying integer AV tissue and modelling biomechanical microenvironment. This study introduces a novel MPS comprising different micropumps in conjunction with a tissue-incubation-chamber (TIC) for long-term porcine and human AV incubation (pAV, hAV). RESULTS Tissue cultures in two different MPS setups were compared and validated by a bimodal viability analysis and extracellular matrix transformation assessment. The MPS-TIC conjunction proved applicable for incubation periods of 14-26 days. An increased metabolic rate was detected for pulsatile dynamic MPS culture compared to static condition indicated by increased LDH intensity. ECM changes such as an increase of collagen fibre content in line with tissue contraction and mass reduction, also observed in early CAVD, were detected in MPS-TIC culture, as well as an increase of collagen fibre content. Glycosaminoglycans remained stable, no significant alterations of α-SMA or CD31 epitopes and no accumulation of calciumhydroxyapatite were observed after 14 days of incubation. CONCLUSIONS The presented ex vivo MPS allows long-term AV tissue incubation and will be adopted for future investigation of CAVD pathophysiology, also implementing human tissues. The bimodal viability assessment and ECM analyses approve reliability of ex vivo CAVD investigation and comparability of parallel tissue segments with different treatment strategies regarding the AV (patho)physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Dittfeld
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Winkelkotte
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Scheer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Emmely Voigt
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Florian Schmieder
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Behrens
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anett Jannasch
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaus Matschke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Sonntag
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sems-Malte Tugtekin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Immohr MB, Teichert HL, Dos Santos Adrego F, Schmidt V, Sugimura Y, Bauer SJ, Barth M, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Ovine Aortic Valve Endothelial and Interstitial Cells for the Development of Multicellular Tissue Engineered Tissue Constructs. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:787. [PMID: 37508814 PMCID: PMC10376021 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070787] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD), it is necessary to develop a new three-dimensional model that contains valvular interstitial cells (VIC) and valvular endothelial cells (VEC). For this purpose, ovine aortic valves were processed to isolate VIC and VEC that were dissolved in an alginate/gelatin hydrogel. A 3D-bioprinter (3D-Bioplotter® Developer Series, EnvisionTec, Gladbeck, Germany) was used to print cell-laden tissue constructs containing VIC and VEC which were cultured for up to 21 days. The 3D-architecture, the composition of the culture medium, and the hydrogels were modified, and cell viability was assessed. The composition of the culture medium directly affected the cell viability of the multicellular tissue constructs. Co-culture of VIC and VEC with a mixture of 70% valvular interstitial cell and 30% valvular endothelial cell medium components reached the cell viability best tested with about 60% more living cells compared to pure valvular interstitial cell medium (p = 0.02). The tissue constructs retained comparable cell viability after 21 days (p = 0.90) with different 3D-architectures, including a "sandwich" and a "tube" design. Good long-term cell viability was confirmed even for thick multilayer multicellular tissue constructs. The 3D-bioprinting of multicellular tissue constructs with VEC and VIC is a successful new technique to design tissue constructs that mimic the structure of the native aortic valve for research applications of aortic valve pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Benjamin Immohr
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Helena Lauren Teichert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabió Dos Santos Adrego
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Schmidt
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Yukiharu Sugimura
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Johannes Bauer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shin S, Brunel LG, Cai B, Kilian D, Roth JG, Seymour AJ, Heilshorn SC. Gelation of Uniform Interfacial Diffusant in Embedded 3D Printing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.02.535250. [PMID: 37066190 PMCID: PMC10104000 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.02.535250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
While the human body has many different examples of perfusable structures with complex geometries, biofabrication methods to replicate this complexity are still lacking. Specifically, the fabrication of self-supporting, branched networks with multiple channel diameters is particularly challenging. Here, we present the Gelation of Uniform Interfacial Diffusant in Embedded 3D Printing (GUIDE-3DP) approach for constructing perfusable networks of interconnected channels with precise control over branching geometries and vessel sizes. To achieve user-specified channel dimensions, this technique leverages the predictable diffusion of crosslinking reaction-initiators released from sacrificial inks printed within a hydrogel precursor. We demonstrate the versatility of GUIDE-3DP to be adapted for use with diverse physiochemical crosslinking mechanisms by designing seven printable material systems. Importantly, GUIDE-3DP allows for the independent tunability of both the inner and outer diameters of the printed channels and the ability to fabricate seamless junctions at branch points. This 3D bioprinting platform is uniquely suited for fabricating lumenized structures with complex shapes characteristic of multiple hollow vessels throughout the body. As an exemplary application, we demonstrate the fabrication of vasculature-like networks lined with endothelial cells. GUIDE-3DP represents an important advance toward the fabrication of self-supporting, physiologically relevant networks with intricate and perfusable geometries.
Collapse
|
5
|
Immohr MB, Dos Santos Adrego F, Teichert HL, Schmidt V, Sugimura Y, Bauer S, Barth M, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. 3D-bioprinting of aortic valve interstitial cells: impact of hydrogel and printing parameters on cell viability. Biomed Mater 2022; 18. [PMID: 36322974 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac9f91] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a frequent cardiac pathology in the aging society. Although valvular interstitial cells (VICs) seem to play a crucial role, mechanisms of CAVD are not fully understood. Development of tissue-engineered cellular models by 3D-bioprinting may help to further investigate underlying mechanisms of CAVD. VIC were isolated from ovine aortic valves and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM). VIC of passages six to ten were dissolved in a hydrogel consisting of 2% alginate and 8% gelatin with a concentration of 2 × 106VIC ml-1. Cell-free and VIC-laden hydrogels were printed with an extrusion-based 3D-bioprinter (3D-Bioplotter®Developer Series, EnvisionTec, Gladbeck, Germany), cross-linked and incubated for up to 28 d. Accuracy and durability of scaffolds was examined by microscopy and cell viability was tested by cell counting kit-8 assay and live/dead staining. 3D-bioprinting of scaffolds was most accurate with a printing pressure ofP< 400 hPa, nozzle speed ofv< 20 mm s-1, hydrogel temperature ofTH= 37 °C and platform temperature ofTP= 5 °C in a 90° parallel line as well as in a honeycomb pattern. Dissolving the hydrogel components in DMEM increased VIC viability on day 21 by 2.5-fold compared to regular 0.5% saline-based hydrogels (p< 0.01). Examination at day 7 revealed dividing and proliferating cells. After 21 d the entire printed scaffolds were filled with proliferating cells. Live/dead cell viability/cytotoxicity staining confirmed beneficial effects of DMEM-based cell-laden VIC hydrogel scaffolds even 28 d after printing. By using low pressure printing methods, we were able to successfully culture cell-laden 3D-bioprinted VIC scaffolds for up to 28 d. Using DMEM-based hydrogels can significantly improve the long-term cell viability and overcome printing-related cell damage. Therefore, future applications 3D-bioprinting of VIC might enable the development of novel tissue engineered cellular 3D-models to examine mechanisms involved in initiation and progression of CAVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Benjamin Immohr
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabió Dos Santos Adrego
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helena Lauren Teichert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Schmidt
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yukiharu Sugimura
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bauer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,CARID-Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bogdanova M, Zabirnyk A, Malashicheva A, Semenova D, Kvitting JPE, Kaljusto ML, Perez MDM, Kostareva A, Stensløkken KO, Sullivan GJ, Rutkovskiy A, Vaage J. Models and Techniques to Study Aortic Valve Calcification in Vitro, ex Vivo and in Vivo. An Overview. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835825. [PMID: 35721220 PMCID: PMC9203042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835825] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis secondary to aortic valve calcification is the most common valve disease in the Western world. Calcification is a result of pathological proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of resident valve interstitial cells. To develop non-surgical treatments, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathological calcification must be revealed. In the current overview, we present methods for evaluation of calcification in different ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo situations including imaging in patients. The latter include echocardiography, scanning with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Particular emphasis is on translational studies of calcific aortic valve stenosis with a special focus on cell culture using human primary cell cultures. Such models are widely used and suitable for screening of drugs against calcification. Animal models are presented, but there is no animal model that faithfully mimics human calcific aortic valve disease. A model of experimentally induced calcification in whole porcine aortic valve leaflets ex vivo is also included. Finally, miscellaneous methods and aspects of aortic valve calcification, such as, for instance, biomarkers are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bogdanova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arsenii Zabirnyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daria Semenova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Mari-Liis Kaljusto
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Woman and Children Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gareth J Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arkady Rutkovskiy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Vaage
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aguado BA, Walker CJ, Grim JC, Schroeder ME, Batan D, Vogt BJ, Rodriguez AG, Schwisow JA, Moulton KS, Weiss RM, Heistad DD, Leinwand LA, Anseth KS. Genes That Escape X Chromosome Inactivation Modulate Sex Differences in Valve Myofibroblasts. Circulation 2022; 145:513-530. [PMID: 35000411 PMCID: PMC8844107 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.054108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic valve stenosis is a sexually dimorphic disease, with women often presenting with sustained fibrosis and men with more extensive calcification. However, the intracellular molecular mechanisms that drive these clinically important sex differences remain underexplored. METHODS Hydrogel biomaterials were designed to recapitulate key aspects of the valve tissue microenvironment and to serve as a culture platform for sex-specific valvular interstitial cells (VICs; precursors to profibrotic myofibroblasts). The hydrogel culture system was used to interrogate intracellular pathways involved in sex-dependent VIC-to-myofibroblast activation and deactivation. RNA sequencing was used to define pathways involved in driving sex-dependent activation. Interventions with small molecule inhibitors and siRNA transfections were performed to provide mechanistic insight into sex-specific cellular responses to microenvironmental cues, including matrix stiffness and exogenously delivered biochemical factors. RESULTS In both healthy porcine and human aortic valves, female leaflets had higher baseline activation of the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin compared with male leaflets. When isolated and cultured, female porcine and human VICs had higher levels of basal α-smooth muscle actin stress fibers that further increased in response to the hydrogel matrix stiffness, both of which were higher than in male VICs. A transcriptomic analysis of male and female porcine VICs revealed Rho-associated protein kinase signaling as a potential driver of this sex-dependent myofibroblast activation. Furthermore, we found that genes that escape X-chromosome inactivation such as BMX and STS (encoding for Bmx nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and steroid sulfatase, respectively) partially regulate the elevated female myofibroblast activation through Rho-associated protein kinase signaling. This finding was confirmed by treating male and female VICs with endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, factors that are secreted by endothelial cells and known to drive myofibroblast activation through Rho-associated protein kinase signaling. CONCLUSIONS Together, in vivo and in vitro results confirm sex dependencies in myofibroblast activation pathways and implicate genes that escape X-chromosome inactivation in regulating sex differences in myofibroblast activation and subsequent aortic valve stenosis progression. Our results underscore the importance of considering sex as a biological variable to understand the molecular mechanisms of aortic valve stenosis and to help guide sex-based precision therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian A. Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cierra J. Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Joseph C. Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Megan E. Schroeder
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Dilara Batan
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Brandon J. Vogt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Jessica A. Schwisow
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Karen S. Moulton
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Robert M. Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Donald D. Heistad
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Leslie A. Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zvyagina AI, Dal AI, Minaychev VV, Krasnova OA, Akatov VS, Fadeeva IS. Passive Aseptic Calcification of Fixed Pericardial Biomaterials Is Mediated by Damage to the Structure and Microarchitectonics of Their Extracellular Matrix. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350922010213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
9
|
Tandon I, Ozkizilcik A, Ravishankar P, Balachandran K. Aortic valve cell microenvironment: Considerations for developing a valve-on-chip. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:041303. [PMID: 38504720 PMCID: PMC10903420 DOI: 10.1063/5.0063608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac valves are sophisticated, dynamic structures residing in a complex mechanical and hemodynamic environment. Cardiac valve disease is an active and progressive disease resulting in severe socioeconomic burden, especially in the elderly. Valve disease also leads to a 50% increase in the possibility of associated cardiovascular events. Yet, valve replacement remains the standard of treatment with early detection, mitigation, and alternate therapeutic strategies still lacking. Effective study models are required to further elucidate disease mechanisms and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Organ-on-chip models offer a unique and powerful environment that incorporates the ease and reproducibility of in vitro systems along with the complexity and physiological recapitulation of the in vivo system. The key to developing effective valve-on-chip models is maintaining the cell and tissue-level microenvironment relevant to the study application. This review outlines the various components and factors that comprise and/or affect the cell microenvironment that ought to be considered while constructing a valve-on-chip model. This review also dives into the advancements made toward constructing valve-on-chip models with a specific focus on the aortic valve, that is, in vitro studies incorporating three-dimensional co-culture models that incorporate relevant extracellular matrices and mechanical and hemodynamic cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Prashanth Ravishankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang X, Deb N, Lacerda CMR. Comparison of Serotonin-Regulated Calcific Processes in Aortic and Mitral Valvular Interstitial Cells. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:19494-19505. [PMID: 34368536 PMCID: PMC8340088 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c01723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Calcification is an important pathological process and a common complication of degenerative valvular heart diseases, with higher incidence in aortic versus mitral valves. Two phenotypes of valvular interstitial cells (VICs), activated VICs and osteoblastic VICs (obVICs), synergistically orchestrate this pathology. It has been demonstrated that serotonin is involved in early stages of myxomatous mitral degeneration, whereas the role of serotonin in calcific aortic valve disease is still unknown. To uncover the link between serotonin and osteogenesis in heart valves, osteogenesis of aortic and mitral VICs was induced in vitro. Actin polymerization and serotonin signaling were inhibited using cytochalasin D and serotonin inhibitors, respectively, to investigate the role of cell activation and serotonin signals in valvular cell osteogenesis. To evaluate calcification progress, calcium and collagen deposits along with the expression of protein markers, including the rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin synthesis [tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1)], were assessed. When exposed to osteogenic culture conditions and grown on soft surfaces, passage zero aortic VICs increased extracellular collagen deposits and obVIC phenotype markers. A more intense osteogenic process was observed in aortic VICs of higher passages, where cells were activated prior to osteogenic induction. For both, TPH1 expression was upregulated as osteogenesis advanced. However, these osteogenic changes were reversed upon serotonin inhibition. This discovery provides a better understanding of signaling pathways regulating VIC phenotype transformation and explains different manifestations of degenerative pathologies. In addition, the discovery of serotonin-based inhibition of valvular calcification will contribute to the development of potential novel therapies for calcific valvular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Wang
- Department
of Bioengineering, Shenyang University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110044, China
| | - Nandini Deb
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-3121, United States
| | - Carla M. R. Lacerda
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-3121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Schroeder ME, Grim JC, Walker CJ, Speckl KF, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Tumor necrosis factor-α promotes and exacerbates calcification in heart valve myofibroblast populations. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21382. [PMID: 33554387 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002013rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines play critical roles in regulating valvular interstitial cell (VIC) phenotypic changes that can cause heart valve fibrosis and calcification. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine known to influence VIC behavior and has been reported at high levels in calcified valves ex vivo. We sought to understand the specific effects of TNF-α on VIC phenotypes (eg, fibroblast, profibrotic activated myofibroblasts) and its link with heart valve disorders. We characterize human aortic valve tissue from patients with valve disorders and identify a high variability of fibrotic and calcific markers between tissues. These results motivated in vitro studies to explore the effects of TNF-α on defined VIC fibroblasts and profibrotic activated myofibroblasts, induced via FGF-2 and TGF-β1 treatment. Using 3D hydrogels to culture VICs, we measure the effect of TNF-α (0.1-10 ng/mL) on key markers of fibrosis (eg, αSMA, COL1A1) and calcification (eg, RUNX2, BMP2, and calcium deposits). We observe calcification in TNF-α-treated VIC activated myofibroblasts and identify the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade as a potential pathway for TNF-α mediated calcification. Conversely, VIC fibroblasts respond to TNF-α with decreased calcification. Treatment of VIC profibrotic activated myofibroblast populations with TNF-α leads to increased calcification. Our in vitro findings correlate with findings in diseased human valves and highlight the importance of understanding the effect of cytokines and signaling pathways on specific VIC phenotypes. Finally, we reveal MAPK/ERK as a potential pathway involved in VIC-mediated matrix calcification with TNF-α treatment, suggesting this pathway as a potential pharmaceutical target for aortic valve disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Joseph C Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Cierra J Walker
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kelly F Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Weber A, Pfaff M, Schöttler F, Schmidt V, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Reproducible In Vitro Tissue Culture Model to Study Basic Mechanisms of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: Comparative Analysis to Valvular Interstitials Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050474. [PMID: 33925890 PMCID: PMC8146785 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hallmarks of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), an active and regulated process involving the creation of calcium nodules, lipoprotein accumulation, and chronic inflammation, are the significant changes that occur in the composition, organization, and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the aortic valve (AV). Most research regarding CAVD is based on experiments using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture or artificially created three-dimensional (3D) environments of valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Because the valvular ECM has a powerful influence in regulating pathological events, we developed an in vitro AV tissue culture model, which is more closely able to mimic natural conditions to study cellular responses underlying CAVD. AV leaflets, isolated from the hearts of 6-8-month-old sheep, were fixed with needles on silicon rubber rings to achieve passive tension and treated in vitro under pro-degenerative and pro-calcifying conditions. The degeneration of AV leaflets progressed over time, commencing with the first visible calcified domains after 14 d and winding up with the distinct formation of calcium nodules, heightened stiffness, and clear disruption of the ECM after 56 d. Both the expression of pro-degenerative genes and the myofibroblastic differentiation of VICs were altered in AV leaflets compared to that in VIC cultures. In this study, we have established an easily applicable, reproducible, and cost-effective in vitro AV tissue culture model to study pathological mechanisms underlying CAVD. The valvular ECM and realistic VIC-VEC interactions mimic natural conditions more closely than VIC cultures or 3D environments. The application of various culture conditions enables the examination of different pathological mechanisms underlying CAVD and could lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to VIC degeneration and AS. Our model provides a valuable tool to study the complex pathobiology of CAVD and can be used to identify potential therapeutic targets for slowing disease progression.
Collapse
|
13
|
Greenberg HZE, Zhao G, Shah AM, Zhang M. Role of oxidative stress in calcific aortic valve disease and its therapeutic implications. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1433-1451. [PMID: 33881501 PMCID: PMC9074995 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the end result of active cellular processes that lead to the progressive fibrosis and calcification of aortic valve leaflets. In western populations, CAVD is a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and in the absence of effective drugs, it will likely represent an increasing disease burden as populations age. As there are currently no pharmacological therapies available for preventing, treating, or slowing the development of CAVD, understanding the mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of the disease is important for identifying novel therapeutic targets. Recent evidence has emerged of an important causative role for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of CAVD, inducing the differentiation of valve interstitial cells into myofibroblasts and then osteoblasts. In this review, we focus on the roles and sources of ROS driving CAVD and consider their potential as novel therapeutic targets for this debilitating condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Z E Greenberg
- King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London, UK
| | - Guoan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Ajay M Shah
- King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London, UK
| | - Min Zhang
- King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kruithof BPT, van de Pol V, Los T, Lodder K, Gourabi BM, DeRuiter MC, Goumans MJ, Ajmone Marsan N. New calcification model for intact murine aortic valves. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 156:95-104. [PMID: 33744308 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a common progressive disease of the aortic valves, for which no medical treatment exists and surgery represents currently the only therapeutic solution. The development of novel pharmacological treatments for CAVD has been hampered by the lack of suitable test-systems, which require the preservation of the complex valve structure in a mechanically and biochemical controllable system. Therefore, we aimed at establishing a model which allows the study of calcification in intact mouse aortic valves by using the Miniature Tissue Culture System (MTCS), an ex vivo flow model for whole mouse hearts. Aortic valves of wild-type mice were cultured in the MTCS and exposed to osteogenic medium (OSM, containing ascorbic acid, β-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone) or inorganic phosphates (PI). Osteogenic calcification occurred in the aortic valve leaflets that were cultured ex vivo in the presence of PI, but not of OSM. In vitro cultured mouse and human valvular interstitial cells calcified in both OSM and PI conditions, revealing in vitro-ex vivo differences. Furthermore, endochondral differentiation occurred in the aortic root of ex vivo cultured mouse hearts near the hinge of the aortic valve in both PI and OSM conditions. Dexamethasone was found to induce endochondral differentiation in the aortic root, but to inhibit calcification and the expression of osteogenic markers in the aortic leaflet, partly explaining the absence of calcification in the aortic valve cultured with OSM. The osteogenic calcifications in the aortic leaflet and the endochondral differentiation in the aortic root resemble calcifications found in human CAVD. In conclusion, we have established an ex vivo calcification model for intact wild-type murine aortic valves in which the initiation and progression of aortic valve calcification can be studied. The in vitro-ex vivo differences found in our studies underline the importance of ex vivo models to facilitate pre-clinical translational studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boudewijn P T Kruithof
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Vera van de Pol
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Los
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Lodder
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Babak Mousavi Gourabi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco C DeRuiter
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Joll JE, Clark CR, Peters CS, Raddatz MA, Bersi MR, Merryman WD. Genetic ablation of serotonin receptor 2B improves aortic valve hemodynamics of Notch1 heterozygous mice in a high-cholesterol diet model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238407. [PMID: 33237915 PMCID: PMC7688160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a deadly disease that is rising in prevalence due to population aging. While the disease is complex and poorly understood, one well-documented driver of valvulopathy is serotonin agonism. Both serotonin overexpression, as seen with carcinoid tumors and drug-related agonism, such as with Fenfluramine use, are linked with various diseases of the valves. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if genetic ablation or pharmacological antagonism of the 5-HT2B serotonin receptor (gene: Htr2b) could improve the hemodynamic and histological progression of calcific aortic valve disease. Htr2b mutant mice were crossed with Notch1+/- mice, an established small animal model of CAVD, to determine if genetic ablation affects CAVD progression. To assess the effect of pharmacological inhibition on CAVD progression, Notch1+/- mice were treated with the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist SB204741. Mice were analyzed using echocardiography, histology, immunofluorescence, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Htr2b mutant mice showed lower aortic valve peak velocity and mean pressure gradient–classical hemodynamic indicators of aortic valve stenosis–without concurrent left ventricle change. 5-HT2B receptor antagonism, however, did not affect hemodynamic progression. Leaflet thickness, collagen density, and CAVD-associated transcriptional markers were not significantly different in any group. This study reveals that genetic ablation of Htr2b attenuates hemodynamic development of CAVD in the Notch1+/- mice, but pharmacological antagonism may require high doses or long-term treatment to slow progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Ethan Joll
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Cynthia R. Clark
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Christine S. Peters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Raddatz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Bersi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - W. David Merryman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
In vitro calcification studies on bioprosthetic and decellularized heart valves under quasi-physiological flow conditions. Biodes Manuf 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-020-00110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
17
|
Calcification Assessment of Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Tissues Using an ImprovedIn VitroModel. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2020; 67:2453-2461. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2963043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
18
|
Tandon I, Kolenc OI, Cross D, Vargas I, Johns S, Quinn KP, Balachandran K. Label-free metabolic biomarkers for assessing valve interstitial cell calcific progression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10317. [PMID: 32587322 PMCID: PMC7316720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66960-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common form of valve disease where the only available treatment strategy is surgical valve replacement. Technologies for the early detection of CAVD would benefit the development of prevention, mitigation and alternate therapeutic strategies. Two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy is a label-free, non-destructive imaging technique that has been shown to correlate with multiple markers for cellular differentiation and phenotypic changes in cancer and wound healing. Here we show how specific TPEF markers, namely, the optical redox ratio and mitochondrial fractal dimension, correlate with structural, functional and phenotypic changes occurring in the aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) during osteogenic differentiation. The optical redox ratio, and fractal dimension of mitochondria were assessed and correlated with gene expression and nuclear morphology of VICs. The optical redox ratio decreased for VICs during early osteogenic differentiation and correlated with biological markers for CAVD progression. Fractal dimension correlated with structural and osteogenic markers as well as measures of nuclear morphology. Our study suggests that TPEF imaging markers, specifically the optical redox ratio and mitochondrial fractal dimension, can be potentially used as a tool for assessing early CAVD progression in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Olivia I Kolenc
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Delaney Cross
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Isaac Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Shelby Johns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Kyle P Quinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography: An Emerging Technology to Analyze Vascular Calcification in Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124538. [PMID: 32630604 PMCID: PMC7352990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification describes the formation of mineralized tissue within the blood vessel wall, and it is highly associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. In this article, we briefly review different rodent models used to study vascular calcification in vivo, and critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current techniques used to analyze and quantify calcification in these models, namely 2-D histology and the o-cresolphthalein assay. In light of this, we examine X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) as an emerging complementary tool for the analysis of vascular calcification in animal models. We demonstrate that this non-destructive technique allows us to simultaneously quantify and localize calcification in an intact vessel in 3-D, and we consider recent advances in µCT sample preparation techniques. This review also discusses the potential to combine 3-D µCT analyses with subsequent 2-D histological, immunohistochemical, and proteomic approaches in correlative microscopy workflows to obtain rich, multifaceted information on calcification volume, calcification load, and signaling mechanisms from within the same arterial segment. In conclusion we briefly discuss the potential use of µCT to visualize and measure vascular calcification in vivo in real-time.
Collapse
|
20
|
Wilson RL, Sylvester CB, Wiltz DC, Kumar A, Malik TH, Morrisett JD, Grande-Allen KJ. The Ryanodine Receptor Contributes to the Lysophosphatidylcholine-Induced Mineralization in Valvular Interstitial Cells. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2020; 11:316-327. [PMID: 32356274 PMCID: PMC10558202 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-020-00463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibrocalcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is caused by the deposition of calcific nodules in the aortic valve leaflets, resulting in progressive loss of function that ultimately requires surgical intervention. This process is actively mediated by the resident valvular interstitial cells (VICs), which, in response to oxidized lipids, transition from a quiescent to an osteoblast-like state. The purpose of this study was to examine if the ryanodine receptor, an intracellular calcium channel, could be therapeutically targeted to prevent this phenotypic conversion. METHODS The expression of the ryanodine receptor in porcine aortic VICs was characterized by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Next, the VICs were exposed to lysophosphatidylcholine, an oxidized lipid commonly found in low-density lipoprotein, while the activity of the ryanodine receptor was modulated with ryanodine. The cultures were analyzed for markers of cellular mineralization, alkaline phosphatase activity, proliferation, and apoptosis. RESULTS Porcine aortic VICs predominantly express isoform 3 of the ryanodine receptors, and this protein mediates the cellular response to LPC. Exposure to LPC caused elevated intracellular calcium concentration in VICs, raised levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, and increased calcific nodule formation, but these changes were reversed when the activity of the ryanodine receptor was blocked. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest blocking the activity of the ryanodine receptor can attenuate the valvular mineralization caused by LPC. We conclude that oxidized lipids, such as LPC, play an important role in the development and progression of CAVD and that the ryanodine receptor is a promising target for pharmacological intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reid L Wilson
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., MS 142, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Christopher B Sylvester
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., MS 142, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dena C Wiltz
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., MS 142, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Aditya Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., MS 142, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Tahir H Malik
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., MS 142, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Joel D Morrisett
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - K Jane Grande-Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., MS 142, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Orzechowska S, Świsłocka R, Lewandowski W. Model of Pathological Collagen Mineralization Based on Spine Ligament Calcification. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13092130. [PMID: 32375359 PMCID: PMC7254246 DOI: 10.3390/ma13092130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the time of mineral growth in human spine ligaments using a mathematical model. The study was based on our previous research in which the physicochemical analysis and computed microtomography measurements of deposits in ligamenta flava were performed. Hydroxyapatite-like mineral (HAP) constituted the mineral phase in ligament samples, in two samples calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) was confirmed. The micro-damage of collagen fibrils in the soft tissue is the crystallization center. The growth of the mineral nucleus is a result of the calcium ions deposition on the nucleus surface. Considering the calcium ions, the main component of HAP, it is possible to describe the grain growth using a diffusion model. The model calculations showed that the growth time of CPPD grains was ca. a month to 6 years, and for HAP grains >4 years for the young and >5.5 years for the elderly patients. The growth time of minerals with a radius >400 μm was relatively short and impossible to identify by medical imaging techniques. The change of growth rate was the largest for HAP deposits. The mineral growth time can provide valuable information for understanding the calcification mechanism, may be helpful in future experiments, as well as useful in estimating the time of calcification appearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Orzechowska
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Renata Świsłocka
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland; (R.Ś.); (W.L.)
| | - Włodzimierz Lewandowski
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Białystok, Poland; (R.Ś.); (W.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Raddatz MA, Huffstater T, Bersi MR, Reinfeld BI, Madden MZ, Booton SE, Rathmell WK, Rathmell JC, Lindman BR, Madhur MS, Merryman WD. Macrophages Promote Aortic Valve Cell Calcification and Alter STAT3 Splicing. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:e153-e165. [PMID: 32295422 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Macrophages have been described in calcific aortic valve disease, but it is unclear if they promote or counteract calcification. We aimed to determine how macrophages are involved in calcification using the Notch1+/- model of calcific aortic valve disease. Approach and Results: Macrophages in wild-type and Notch1+/- murine aortic valves were characterized by flow cytometry. Macrophages in Notch1+/- aortic valves had increased expression of MHCII (major histocompatibility complex II). We then used bone marrow transplants to test if differences in Notch1+/- macrophages drive disease. Notch1+/- mice had increased valve thickness, macrophage infiltration, and proinflammatory macrophage maturation regardless of transplanted bone marrow genotype. In vitro approaches confirm that Notch1+/- aortic valve cells promote macrophage invasion as quantified by migration index and proinflammatory phenotypes as quantified by Ly6C and CCR2 positivity independent of macrophage genotype. Finally, we found that macrophage interaction with aortic valve cells promotes osteogenic, but not dystrophic, calcification and decreases abundance of the STAT3β isoform. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that Notch1+/- aortic valve disease involves increased macrophage recruitment and maturation driven by altered aortic valve cell secretion, and that increased macrophage recruitment promotes osteogenic calcification and alters STAT3 splicing. Further investigation of STAT3 and macrophage-driven inflammation as therapeutic targets in calcific aortic valve disease is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Raddatz
- From the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (M.A.R., B.I.R., M.Z.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Tessa Huffstater
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Matthew R Bersi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Bradley I Reinfeld
- From the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (M.A.R., B.I.R., M.Z.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine (B.I.R., W.K.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Matthew Z Madden
- From the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (M.A.R., B.I.R., M.Z.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (M.Z.M., J.C.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sabrina E Booton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - W Kimryn Rathmell
- the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine (B.I.R., W.K.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jeffrey C Rathmell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (M.Z.M., J.C.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Brian R Lindman
- Structural Heart and Valve Center (B.R.L.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Meena S Madhur
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (M.S.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine (M.S.M.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - W David Merryman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sun H, Sui Z, Wang D, Ba H, Zhao H, Zhang L, Li C. Identification of interactive molecules between antler stem cells and dermal papilla cells using an in vitro co-culture system. J Mol Histol 2019; 51:15-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-019-09853-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
24
|
Monroe MN, Nikonowicz RC, Grande-Allen KJ. Heterogeneous multi-laminar tissue constructs as a platform to evaluate aortic valve matrix-dependent pathogenicity. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:420-427. [PMID: 31362141 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Designing and constructing controlled in vitro cell culture platforms is imperative toward pinpointing factors that contribute to the development of calcific aortic valve disease. A 3D, laminar, filter paper-based cell culture system that was previously established as a method of analyzing valvular interstitial cell migration and protein expression was adapted here for studying the impact of specific extracellular matrix proteins on cellular viability and calcification proclivity. Hydrogels incorporating hyaluronan and collagen I, two prevalent valvular extracellular matrix proteins with altered pathological production, were designed with similar mechanics to parse out effects of the individual proteins on cell behavior. Laminar constructs containing varying combinations of discrete layers of collagen and hyaluronan were assembled to mimic native and pathological valve compositions. Proteinaceous and genetic expression patterns pertaining to cell viability and calcific potential were quantified via fluorescent imaging. A significant dose-dependency was observed, with increased collagen content associated with decreased viability and increased calcific phenotype. These results suggest that extracellular composition is influential in calcific aortic valve disease progression and will be key toward development of future tissue-engineered or pharmaceutical calcific aortic valve treatments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a widespread heart valve disorder, is characterized by fibrotic leaflet thickening and calcific nodule formation. This pathological remodeling is an active process mediated by the valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Currently, the only treatment available is surgical replacement of the valve - a procedure associated with significant long-term risk and morbidity. Development of effective alternate therapies is hindered by our poor understanding of CAVD etiology. Previous work has implicated the composition and mechanics of the extracellular matrix in the progression of CAVD. These individual factors and their magnitude of influence have not been extensively explored - particularly in 3D systems. Here, we have bridged this gap in understanding through the employment of a heterogeneous 3D filter-paper culture system.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zabirnyk A, Ferrer MD, Bogdanova M, Pérez MM, Salcedo C, Kaljusto ML, Kvitting JPE, Stensløkken KO, Perelló J, Vaage J. SNF472, a novel anti-crystallization agent, inhibits induced calcification in an in vitro model of human aortic valve calcification. Vascul Pharmacol 2019; 122-123:106583. [PMID: 31437530 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2019.106583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether SNF472, the hexasodium salt of myo-inositol hexaphosphate (IP6 or phytate): 1. Inhibits induced calcification in cultured aortic valve interstitial cells (VIC) as an in vitro model of aortic valve stenosis and 2. Whether inhibition is different in VIC obtained from healthy and calcified aortic valves. VIC from healthy (n = 5) and calcified (n = 7) human aortic valves were seeded in basic growth medium, osteogenic differentiation medium alone, or in osteogenic medium with SNF472 (3, 10, and 30 μM) and cultivated for 3 weeks. Calcification was quantified spectrophotometrically after Alizarin Red staining. In VIC from calcified valves, a complete inhibition of calcification was observed with SNF472 concentrations of 10 and 30 μM (p < .01), significantly stronger than in VIC from healthy valves. When SNF472 was added to VIC after 1 week in osteogenic medium, 30 and 100 μM SNF472 inhibited the progression of ongoing calcification by 81 and 100% (p < .01), respectively. The same concentrations of SNF472 given after 2 weeks reduced calcification by 35 and 40% respectively (not significant). SNF472 inhibited both the formation and the progression of calcification with the strongest effect in VIC from calcified valves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Zabirnyk
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - M D Ferrer
- Sanifit Therapeutics, Palma, Spain; Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - M Bogdanova
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - M-L Kaljusto
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - J-P E Kvitting
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - K-O Stensløkken
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - J Perelló
- Sanifit Therapeutics, Palma, Spain; Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - J Vaage
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang X, Ali MS, Lacerda CMR. Osteogenesis inducers promote distinct biological responses in aortic and mitral valve interstitial cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:11158-11171. [PMID: 30746757 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28392] [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: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Both aortic and mitral valves calcify in pathological conditions; however, the prevalence of aortic valve calcification is high whereas mitral valve leaflet calcification is somewhat rare. Patterns of valvular calcification may differ due to valvular architecture, but little is known to that effect. In this study, we investigated the intrinsic osteogenic differentiation potential of aortic versus mitral valve interstitial cells provided minimal differentiation conditions. For the assessment of calcification at the cellular level, we used classic inducers of osteogenesis in stem cells: β-glycerophosphate (β-Gly), dexamethasone (Dex), and ascorbate (Asc). In addition to proteomic analyses, osteogenic markers and calcium precipitates were evaluated across treatments of aortic and mitral valve cells. The combination of β-Gly, Asc, and Dex induced aortic valve interstitial cells to synthesize extracellular matrix, overexpress osteoblastic markers, and deposit calcium. However, no strong evidence showed the calcification of mitral valve interstitial cells. Mitral cells mainly responded to Asc and Dex by cell activation. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the physiological properties of aortic and mitral valves and tendencies for calcific changes within each valve type, contributing to the development of future therapeutics for heart valve diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Mir S Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Carla M R Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Raddatz MA, Madhur MS, Merryman WD. Adaptive immune cells in calcific aortic valve disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H141-H155. [PMID: 31050556 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00100.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is highly prevalent and has no pharmaceutical treatment. Surgical replacement of the aortic valve has proved effective in advanced disease but is costly, time limited, and in many cases not optimal for elderly patients. This has driven an increasing interest in noninvasive therapies for patients with CAVD. Adaptive immune cell signaling in the aortic valve has shown potential as a target for such a therapy. Up to 15% of cells in the healthy aortic valve are hematopoietic in origin, and these cells, which include macrophages, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, are increased further in calcified specimens. Additionally, cytokine signaling has been shown to play a causative role in aortic valve calcification both in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes the physiological presence of hematopoietic cells in the valve, innate and adaptive immune cell infiltration in disease states, and the cytokine signaling pathways that play a significant role in CAVD pathophysiology and may prove to be pharmaceutical targets for this disease in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Raddatz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt University School of Medicine , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Meena S Madhur
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - W David Merryman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hutcheson JD, Goergen CJ, Schoen FJ, Aikawa M, Zilla P, Aikawa E, Gaudette GR. After 50 Years of Heart Transplants: What Does the Next 50 Years Hold for Cardiovascular Medicine? A Perspective From the International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:8. [PMID: 30838213 PMCID: PMC6382669 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The first successful heart transplant 50 years ago by Dr.Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa revolutionized cardiovascular medicine and research. Following this procedure, numerous other advances have reduced many contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; yet, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. Various unmet needs in cardiovascular medicine affect developing and underserved communities, where access to state-of-the-art advances remain out of reach. Addressing the remaining challenges in cardiovascular medicine in both developed and developing nations will require collaborative efforts from basic science researchers, engineers, industry, and clinicians. In this perspective, we discuss the advancements made in cardiovascular medicine since Dr. Barnard's groundbreaking procedure and ongoing research efforts to address these medical issues. Particular focus is given to the mission of the International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology (ISACB), which was founded in Cape Town during the 20th celebration of the first heart transplant in order to promote collaborative and translational research in the field of cardiovascular medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Hutcheson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Frederick J Schoen
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Masanori Aikawa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter Zilla
- Chris Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Treatment with XAV-939 prevents in vitro calcification of human valvular interstitial cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208774. [PMID: 30532256 PMCID: PMC6286025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of a substance or inhibitor-based treatment strategy for the prevention of aortic valve stenosis is a challenge and a main focus of medical research in this area. One strategy may be to use the tankyrase inhibitor XAV-939, which leads to Axin stabilisation and subsequent destruction of the β-catenin complex and dephosphorylation of β-catenin. The dephosphorylated active form of β-catenin (non-phospho-β-catenin) then promotes nuclear transcription that leads to osteogenesis. The aims of the present study were to develop an experimental system for inducing in vitro calcification of human aortic valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to investigate the potential anti-calcific effect of XAV-939 and to analyse expression of the Wnt signalling proteins and Sox9, a chondrogenesis regulator, in this model. Calcification of human VIC cultures was induced by cultivation in an osteogenic medium and the effect of co-incubation with 1μM XAV-939 was monitored. Calcification was quantified when mineral deposits were visible in culture and was histologically verified by von Kossa or Alizarin red staining and by IR-spectroscopy. Protein expression of alkaline phosphatase, Axin, β-catenin and Sox9 were quantified by western blotting. In 58% of the VIC preparations, calcification was induced in an osteogenic culture medium and was accompanied by upregulation of alkaline phosphatase. The calcification induction was prevented by the XAV-939 co-treatment and the alkaline phosphatase upregulation was suppressed. As expected, Axin was upregulated, but the levels of active non-phospho-β-catenin were also enhanced. Sox9 was induced during XAV-939 treatment but apparently not as a result of downregulation of β-catenin signalling. XAV-939 was therefore able to prevent calcification of human VIC cultures, and XAV-939 treatment was accompanied by upregulation of active non-phospho-β-catenin. Although XAV-939 does not downregulate active β-catenin, treatment with XAV-939 results in Sox9 upregulation that may prevent the calcification process.
Collapse
|
30
|
Bogdanova M, Kostina A, Zihlavnikova Enayati K, Zabirnyk A, Malashicheva A, Stensløkken KO, Sullivan GJ, Kaljusto ML, Kvitting JP, Kostareva A, Vaage J, Rutkovskiy A. Inflammation and Mechanical Stress Stimulate Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1635. [PMID: 30524301 PMCID: PMC6256176 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aortic valve calcification is an active proliferative process, where interstitial cells of the valve transform into either myofibroblasts or osteoblast-like cells causing valve deformation, thickening of cusps and finally stenosis. This process may be triggered by several factors including inflammation, mechanical stress or interaction of cells with certain components of extracellular matrix. The matrix is different on the two sides of the valve leaflets. We hypothesize that inflammation and mechanical stress stimulate osteogenic differentiation of human aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) and this may depend on the side of the leaflet. Methods: Interstitial cells isolated from healthy and calcified human aortic valves were cultured on collagen or elastin coated plates with flexible bottoms, simulating the matrix on the aortic and ventricular side of the valve leaflets, respectively. The cells were subjected to 10% stretch at 1 Hz (FlexCell bioreactor) or treated with 0.1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide, or both during 24 h. Gene expression of myofibroblast- and osteoblast-specific genes was analyzed by qPCR. VICs cultured in presence of osteogenic medium together with lipopolysaccharide, 10% stretch or both for 14 days were stained for calcification using Alizarin Red. Results: Treatment with lipopolysaccharide increased expression of osteogenic gene bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) (5-fold increase from control; p = 0.02) and decreased expression of mRNA of myofibroblastic markers: α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) (50% reduction from control; p = 0.0006) and calponin (CNN1) (80% reduction from control; p = 0.0001) when cells from calcified valves were cultured on collagen, but not on elastin. Mechanical stretch of VICs cultured on collagen augmented the effect of lipopolysaccharide. Expression of periostin (POSTN) was inhibited in cells from calcified donors after treatment with lipopolysaccharide on collagen (70% reduction from control, p = 0.001), but not on elastin. Lipopolysaccharide and stretch both enhanced the pro-calcific effect of osteogenic medium, further increasing the effect when combined for cells cultured on collagen, but not on elastin. Conclusion: Inflammation and mechanical stress trigger expression of osteogenic genes in VICs in a side-specific manner, while inhibiting the myofibroblastic pathway. Stretch and lipopolysaccharide synergistically increase calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bogdanova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Kostina
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,ITMO University, Institute of Translational Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Arsenii Zabirnyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,ITMO University, Institute of Translational Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gareth John Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari-Liis Kaljusto
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - John-Peder Kvitting
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Woman and Children Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jarle Vaage
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arkady Rutkovskiy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cardiology, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hervault M, Clavel MA. Sex-related Differences in Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Etiology, Diagnosis, Presentation, and Outcomes. STRUCTURAL HEART-THE JOURNAL OF THE HEART TEAM 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24748706.2017.1420273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Hervault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Annick Clavel
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Davari SA, Masjedi S, Ferdous Z, Mukherjee D. In-vitro analysis of early calcification in aortic valvular interstitial cells using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11. [PMID: 28488393 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201600288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a major cardiovascular disorder caused by osteogenic differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) within aortic valves. Conventional methods like colorimetric assays and histology fail to detect small calcium depositions during in-vitro VIC cultures. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a robust analytical tool used for inorganic materials characterizations, but relatively new to biomedical applications. We employ LIBS, for the first time, for quantitative in-vitro detection of calcium depositions in VICs at various osteogenic differentiation stages. VICs isolated from porcine aortic valves were cultured in osteogenic media over various days. Colorimetric calcium assays based on arsenazo dye and Von Kossa staining measured the calcium depositions within VICs. Simultaneously, LIBS signatures for Ca I (422.67 nm) atomic emission lines were collected for estimating calcium depositions in lyophilized VIC samples. Our results indicate excellent linear correlation between the calcium assay and our LIBS measurements. Furthermore, unlike the assay results, the LIBS results could resolve calcium signals from cell samples with as early as 2 days of osteogenic culture. Quantitatively, the LIBS measurements establish the limit of detection for calcium content in VICs to be ∼0.17±0.04 μg which indicates a 5-fold improvement over calcium assay. Picture: Quantitative LIBS enables in-vitro analysis for early stage detection of calcium deposition within aortic valvular interstitial cells (VICs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Ali Davari
- Nano-BioMaterials Laboratory for Energy Energetics & Environment (nbml-E3), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Shirin Masjedi
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Zannatul Ferdous
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Dibyendu Mukherjee
- Nano-BioMaterials Laboratory for Energy Energetics & Environment (nbml-E3), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bakhshian Nik A, Hutcheson JD, Aikawa E. Extracellular Vesicles As Mediators of Cardiovascular Calcification. Front Cardiovasc Med 2017; 4:78. [PMID: 29322046 PMCID: PMC5732140 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2017.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Involvement of cell-derived extracellular particles, coined as matrix vesicles (MVs), in biological bone formation was introduced by Bonucci and Anderson in mid-1960s. In 1983, Anderson et al. observed similar structures in atherosclerotic lesion calcification using electron microscopy. Recent studies employing new technologies and high- resolution microscopy have shown that although they exhibit characteristics similar to MVs, calcifying extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cardiovascular tissues are phenotypically distinct from their bone counterparts. EVs released from cells within cardiovascular tissues may contain either inhibitors of calcification in normal physiological conditions or promoters in pathological environments. Pathological conditions characterized by mineral imbalance (e.g., atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes) can cause smooth muscle cells, valvular interstitial cells, and macrophages to release calcifying EVs, which contain specific mineralization-promoting cargo. These EVs can arise from either direct budding of the cell plasma membrane or through the release of exosomes from multivesicular bodies. In contrast, MVs are germinated from specific sites on osteoblast, chondrocyte, or odontoblast membranes. Much like MVs, calcifying EVs in the fibrillar collagen extracellular matrix of cardiovascular tissues serve as calcification foci, but the mineral that forms appears different between the tissues. This review highlights recent studies on mechanisms of calcifying EV formation, release, and mineralization in cardiovascular calcification. Furthermore, we address the MV–EV relationship, and offer insight into therapeutic implications to consider for potential targets for each type of mineralization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirala Bakhshian Nik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Joshua D Hutcheson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xue Y, St. Hilaire C, Hortells L, Phillippi JA, Sant V, Sant S. Shape-Specific Nanoceria Mitigate Oxidative Stress-Induced Calcification in Primary Human Valvular Interstitial Cell Culture. Cell Mol Bioeng 2017; 10:483-500. [PMID: 30319717 PMCID: PMC6178984 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-017-0495-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lack of effective pharmacological treatment makes valvular calcification a significant clinical problem in patients with valvular disease and bioprosthetic/mechanical valve replacement therapies. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in valve tissue have been identified as a prominent hallmark and driving factor for valvular calcification. However, the therapeutic value of ROS-modulating agents for valvular calcification remains elusive. We hypothesized that ROS-modulating shape-specific cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) will inhibit oxidative stress-induced valvular calcification. CNPs are a class of self-regenerative ROS-modulating agents, which can switch between Ce3+ and Ce4+ in response to oxidative microen-vironment. In this work, we developed oxidative stress-induced valve calcification model using two patient-derived stenotic valve interstitial cells (hVICs) and investigated the therapeutic effect of shape-specific CNPs to inhibit hVIC calcification. METHODS Human valvular interstitial cells (hVICs) were obtained from a normal healthy donor and two patients with calcified aortic valves. hVICs were characterized for their phenotypic (mesenchymal, myofibroblast and osteoblast) marker expression by qRT-PCR and antioxidant enzymes activity before and after exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress. Four shape-specific CNPs (sphere, short rod, long rod, and cube) were synthesized via hydrothermal or ultra-sonication method and characterized for their biocompatibility in hVICs by alamarBlue® assay, and ROS scavenging ability by DCFH-DA assay. H2O2 and inorganic phosphate (Pi) were co-administrated to induce hVIC calcification in vitro as demonstrated by Alizarin Red S staining and calcium quantification. The effect of CNPs on inhibiting H2O2-induced hVIC calcification was evaluated. RESULTS hVICs isolated from calcified valves exhibited elevated osteoblast marker expression and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the normal hVICs. Due to the impaired antioxidant enzyme activities, acute H2O2-induced oxidative stress resulted in higher ROS levels and osteoblast marker expression in both diseased hVICs when compared to the normal hVICs. Shape-specific CNPs exhibited shape-dependent abiotic ROS scavenging ability, and excellent cytocompatibility. Rod and sphere CNPs scavenged H2O2-induced oxidative stress in hVICs in a shape- and dose-dependent manner by lowering intracellular ROS levels and osteoblast marker expression. Further, CNPs also enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes in hVICs to combat oxidative stress. Cube CNPs were not effective ROS scavengers. The addition of H2O2 in the Pi-induced calcification model further increased calcium deposition in vitro in a time-dependent manner. Co-administration of rod CNPs with Pi and H2O2 mitigated calcification in the diseased hVICs. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that hVICs derived from calcified valves exhibited impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms and were more susceptible to oxidative stress than normal hVICs. CNPs scavenged H2O2-induced oxidative stress in hVICs in a shape-dependent manner. The intrinsic ROS scavenging ability of CNPs and their ability to induce cellular antioxidant enzyme activities may confer protection from oxidative stress-exacerbated calcification. CNPs represent promising antioxidant therapy for treating valvular calcification and deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingfei Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Cynthia St. Hilaire
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology & Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
| | - Luis Hortells
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology & Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
| | - Julie A. Phillippi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
| | - Vinayak Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA
- 808A Salk Hall, 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Krishnamurthy VK, Stout AJ, Sapp MC, Matuska B, Lauer ME, Grande-Allen KJ. Dysregulation of hyaluronan homeostasis during aortic valve disease. Matrix Biol 2017; 62:40-57. [PMID: 27856308 PMCID: PMC10615645 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Aortic valve disease (AVD) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality. Abnormal expression of hyaluronan (HA) and its synthesizing/degrading enzymes have been observed during latent AVD however, the mechanism of impaired HA homeostasis prior to and after the onset of AVD remains unexplored. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway defects and biomechanical dysfunction are hallmarks of AVD, however their association with altered HA regulation is understudied. Expression of HA homeostatic markers was evaluated in diseased human aortic valves and TGFβ1-cultured porcine aortic valve tissues using histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Further, porcine valve interstitial cell cultures were stretched (using Flexcell) and simultaneously treated with exogenous TGFβ1±inhibitors for activated Smad2/3 (SB431542) and ERK1/2 (U0126) pathways, and differential HA regulation was assessed using qRT-PCR. Pathological heavy chain HA together with abnormal regional expression of the enzymes HAS2, HYAL1, KIAA1199, TSG6 and IαI was demonstrated in calcified valve tissues identifying the collapse of HA homeostatic machinery during human AVD. Heightened TSG6 activity likely preceded the end-stage of disease, with the existence of a transitional, pre-calcific phase characterized by HA dysregulation. TGFβ1 elicited a fibrotic remodeling response in porcine aortic valves similar to human disease pathology, with increased collagen and HYAL to HAS ratio, and site-specific abnormalities in the expression of CD44 and RHAMM receptors. Further in these porcine valves, expression of HAS2 and HYAL1 was found to be differentially regulated by the Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 pathways, and CD44 expression was highly responsive to biomechanical strain. Leveraging the regulatory pathways that control both HA maintenance in normal valves and early postnatal dysregulation of HA homeostasis during disease may identify new mechanistic insight into AVD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J Stout
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Matthew C Sapp
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Brittany Matuska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mark E Lauer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ma H, Killaars AR, DelRio FW, Yang C, Anseth KS. Myofibroblastic activation of valvular interstitial cells is modulated by spatial variations in matrix elasticity and its organization. Biomaterials 2017; 131:131-144. [PMID: 28390245 PMCID: PMC5452973 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) are key regulators of the heart valve's extracellular matrix (ECM), and upon tissue damage, quiescent VIC fibroblasts become activated to myofibroblasts. As the behavior of VICs during disease progression and wound healing is different compared to healthy tissue, we hypothesized that the organization of the matrix mechanics, which results from depositing of collagen fibers, would affect VIC phenotypic transition. Specifically, we investigated how the subcellular organization of ECM mechanical properties affects subcellular localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP), an early marker of mechanotransduction, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a myofibroblast marker, in VICs. Photo-tunable hydrogels were used to generate substrates with different moduli and to create organized and disorganized patterns of varying elastic moduli. When porcine VICs were cultured on these matrices, YAP and α-SMA activation were significantly increased on substrates with higher elastic modulus or a higher percentage of stiff regions. Moreover, VICs cultured on substrates with a spatially disorganized elasticity had smaller focal adhesions, less nuclear localized YAP, less α-SMA organization into stress fibers and higher proliferation compared to those cultured on substrates with a regular mechanical organization. Collectively, these results suggest that disorganized spatial variations in mechanics that appear during wound healing and fibrotic disease progression may influence the maintenance of the VIC fibroblast phenotype, causing more proliferation, ECM remodeling and matrix deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Anouk R Killaars
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Frank W DelRio
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Chun Yang
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Roosens A, Puype I, Cornelissen R. Scaffold-free high throughput generation of quiescent valvular microtissues. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2017; 106:45-54. [PMID: 28322869 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The major challenge of working with valvular interstitial cells in vitro is the preservation or recovery of their native quiescent state. In this study, a biomimetic approach is used which aims to engineer small volume, high quality valve microtissues, having a potential in regenerative medicine and as a relevant 3D in vitro model to provide insights into valve (patho)biology. METHODS AND RESULTS To form micro-aggregates, porcine valvular interstitial cells were seeded in agarose micro-wells and cultured in medium supplemented with 250μM Ascorbic Acid 2-phosphate for 22days. Histology showed viable aggregates with normal nuclei and without any signs of calcification. Aggregates stained strongly for GAG and collagen I and reticular fibers were present. ECM formation was quantified and showed a significant increase of GAG, elastin and Col I during aggregate culture. Cultivation of VIC in aggregates also promoted mRNA expression of Col I/III/V, elastin, hyaluronan, biglycan, decorin, versican MMP-1/2/3/9 and TIMP-2 compared to monolayer cultured VIC. Phenotype analysis of aggregates showed a significant decrease in α-SMA expression, and an increase in FSP-1 expression at any time point. Furthermore, VIC aggregates did not show a significant difference in OCN, Egr-1, Sox-9 or Runx2 expression. CONCLUSION In this study high quality valvular interstitial cell aggregates were generated that are able to produce their own ECM, resembling the native valve composition. The applied and completely cell driven 3D approach overcomes the problems of VIC activation in 2D, by downregulating α-SMA expression and stimulating a homeostatic quiescent VIC state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Roosens
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tissue Engineering Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Inès Puype
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tissue Engineering Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ria Cornelissen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tissue Engineering Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Porras AM, van Engeland NCA, Marchbanks E, McCormack A, Bouten CVC, Yacoub MH, Latif N, Masters KS. Robust Generation of Quiescent Porcine Valvular Interstitial Cell Cultures. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.116.005041. [PMID: 28292746 PMCID: PMC5524027 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.005041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in the healthy aortic valve leaflet exhibit a quiescent phenotype, with <5% of VICs exhibiting an activated phenotype. Yet, in vitro culture of VICs on tissue culture polystyrene surfaces in standard growth medium results in rapid transformation to an activated phenotype in >90% of cells. The inability to preserve a healthy VIC phenotype during in vitro studies has hampered the elucidation of mechanisms involved in calcific aortic valve disease. This study describes the generation of quiescent populations of porcine VICs in 2‐dimensional in vitro culture and their utility in studying valve pathobiology. Methods and Results Within 4 days of isolation from fresh porcine hearts, VICs cultured in standard growth conditions were predominantly myofibroblastic (activated VICs). This myofibroblastic phenotype was partially reversed within 4 days, and fully reversed within 9 days, following application of a combination of a fibroblast media formulation with culture on collagen coatings. Specifically, culture in this combination significantly reduced several markers of VIC activation, including proliferation, apoptosis, α‐smooth muscle actin expression, and matrix production, relative to standard growth conditions. Moreover, VICs raised in a fibroblast media formulation with culture on collagen coatings exhibited dramatically increased sensitivity to treatment with transforming growth factor β1, a known pathological stimulus, compared with VICs raised in either standard culture or medium with a fibroblast media formulation. Conclusions The approach using a fibroblast media formulation with culture on collagen coatings generates quiescent VICs that more accurately mimic a healthy VIC population and thus has the potential to transform the study of the mechanisms of VIC activation and dysfunction involved in the early stages of calcific aortic valve disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Porras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Nicole C A van Engeland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Evelyn Marchbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
| | - Ann McCormack
- Tissue Engineering, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Magdi H Yacoub
- Tissue Engineering, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Najma Latif
- Tissue Engineering, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristyn S Masters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Integrated microRNA and messenger RNA analysis in aortic stenosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36904. [PMID: 27876829 PMCID: PMC5120312 DOI: 10.1038/srep36904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with no effective medical therapies. Investigation into the underlying biology of AS in humans is limited by difficulties in obtaining healthy valvular tissue for use as a control group. However, micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are stable in post-mortem tissue. We compared valve specimens from patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for AS to non-diseased cadaveric valves. We found 106 differentially expressed miRNAs (p < 0.05, adjusted for multiple comparisons) on microarray analysis, with highly correlated expression among up- and down-regulated miRNAs. Integrated miRNA/gene expression analysis validated the microarray results as a whole, while quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed downregulation of miR-122-5p, miR-625-5p, miR-30e-5p and upregulation of miR-21-5p and miR-221-3p. Pathway analysis of the integrated miRNA/mRNA network identified pathways predominantly involved in extracellular matrix function. A number of currently available therapies target products of upregulated genes in the integrated miRNA/mRNA network, with these genes being predominantly more peripheral members of the network. The identification of a group of tissue miRNA associated with AS may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches to AS. This study highlights the importance of systems biology-based approaches to complex diseases.
Collapse
|
40
|
Chan JL, Mazilu D, Miller JG, Hunt T, Horvath KA, Li M. Robotic-assisted real-time MRI-guided TAVR: from system deployment to in vivo experiment in swine model. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2016; 11:1905-18. [PMID: 27246950 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-016-1421-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI) guidance provides significant advantages during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as it provides superior real-time visualization and accurate device delivery tracking. However, performing a TAVR within an MRI scanner remains difficult due to a constrained procedural environment. To address these concerns, a magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible robotic system to assist in TAVR deployments was developed. This study evaluates the technical design and interface considerations of an MR-compatible robotic-assisted TAVR system with the purpose of demonstrating that such a system can be developed and executed safely and precisely in a preclinical model. METHODS An MR-compatible robotic surgical assistant system was built for TAVR deployment. This system integrates a 5-degrees of freedom (DoF) robotic arm with a 3-DoF robotic valve delivery module. A user interface system was designed for procedural planning and real-time intraoperative manipulation of the robot. The robotic device was constructed of plastic materials, pneumatic actuators, and fiber-optical encoders. RESULTS The mechanical profile and MR compatibility of the robotic system were evaluated. The system-level error based on a phantom model was 1.14 ± 0.33 mm. A self-expanding prosthesis was successfully deployed in eight Yorkshire swine under rtMRI guidance. Post-deployment imaging and necropsy confirmed placement of the stent within 3 mm of the aortic valve annulus. CONCLUSIONS These phantom and in vivo studies demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of robotic-assisted TAVR under rtMRI guidance. This robotic system increases the precision of valve deployments, diminishes environmental constraints, and improves the overall success of TAVR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Chan
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Program, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room B1D47, MSC 1550, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Dumitru Mazilu
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Program, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room B1D47, MSC 1550, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Justin G Miller
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Program, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room B1D47, MSC 1550, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Timothy Hunt
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Program, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room B1D47, MSC 1550, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Keith A Horvath
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Program, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room B1D47, MSC 1550, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ming Li
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Program, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room B1D47, MSC 1550, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Schoen FJ, Gotlieb AI. Heart valve health, disease, replacement, and repair: a 25-year cardiovascular pathology perspective. Cardiovasc Pathol 2016; 25:341-352. [PMID: 27242130 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The past several decades have witnessed major advances in the understanding of the structure, function, and biology of native valves and the pathobiology and clinical management of valvular heart disease. These improvements have enabled earlier and more precise diagnosis, assessment of the proper timing of surgical and interventional procedures, improved prosthetic and biologic valve replacements and repairs, recognition of postoperative complications and their management, and the introduction of minimally invasive approaches that have enabled definitive and durable treatment for patients who were previously considered inoperable. This review summarizes the current state of our understanding of the mechanisms of heart valve health and disease arrived at through innovative research on the cell and molecular biology of valves, clinical and pathological features of the most frequent intrinsic structural diseases that affect the valves, and the status and pathological considerations in the technological advances in valvular surgery and interventions. The contributions of many cardiovascular pathologists and other scientists, engineers, and clinicians are emphasized, and potentially fruitful areas for research are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J Schoen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115; Pathology and Health Sciences and Technology (HST), Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115.
| | - Avrum I Gotlieb
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Rm. 6275A, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mabry KM, Payne SZ, Anseth KS. Microarray analyses to quantify advantages of 2D and 3D hydrogel culture systems in maintaining the native valvular interstitial cell phenotype. Biomaterials 2016; 74:31-41. [PMID: 26433490 PMCID: PMC4661067 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) actively maintain and repair heart valve tissue; however, persistent activation of VICs to a myofibroblast phenotype can lead to aortic stenosis. To better understand and quantify how microenvironmental cues influence VIC phenotype and myofibroblast activation, we compared expression profiles of VICs cultured on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) gels to those cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), as well as fresh isolates. In general, VICs cultured in hydrogel matrices had lower levels of activation (<10%), similar to levels seen in healthy valve tissue, while VICs cultured on TCPS were ∼75% activated myofibroblasts. VICs cultured on TCPS also exhibited a higher magnitude of perturbations in gene expression than soft hydrogel cultures when compared to the native phenotype. Using peptide-modified PEG gels, VICs were seeded on (2D), as well as encapsulated in (3D), matrices of the same composition and modulus. Despite similar levels of activation, VICs cultured in 2D had distinct variations in transcriptional profiles compared to those in 3D hydrogels. Genes related to cell structure and motility were particularly affected by the dimensionality of the culture platform, with higher expression levels in 2D than in 3D. These results indicate that dimensionality may play a significant role in dictating cell phenotype (e.g., through differences in polarity, diffusion of soluble signals), and emphasize the importance of using multiple metrics when characterizing cell phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Mabry
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Samuel Z Payne
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Rush MN, Coombs KE, Hedberg-Dirk EL. Surface chemistry regulates valvular interstitial cell differentiation in vitro. Acta Biomater 2015; 28:76-85. [PMID: 26428193 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The primary driver for valvular calcification is the differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) into a diseased phenotype. However, the factors leading to the onset of osteoblastic-like VICs (obVICs) and resulting calcification are not fully understood. This study isolates the effect of substrate surface chemistry on in vitro VIC differentiation and calcified tissue formation. Using ω-functionalized alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold [CH3 (hydrophobic), OH (hydrophilic), COOH (COO(-), negative at physiological pH), and NH2 (NH3(+), positive at physiological pH)], we have demonstrated that surface chemistry modulates VIC phenotype and calcified tissue deposition independent of osteoblastic-inducing media additives. Over seven days VICs exhibited surface-dependent differences in cell proliferation (COO(-)=NH3(+)>OH>CH3), morphology, and osteoblastic potential. Both NH3(+)and CH3-terminated SAMs promoted calcified tissue formation while COO(-)-terminated SAMs showed no calcification. VICs on NH3(+)-SAMs exhibited the most osteoblastic phenotypic markers through robust nodule formation, up-regulated osteocalcin and α-smooth muscle actin expression, and adoption of a round/rhomboid morphology indicative of osteoblastic differentiation. With the slowest proliferation, VICs on CH3-SAMs promoted calcified aggregate formation through cell detachment and increased cell death indicative of dystrophic calcification. Furthermore, induction of calcified tissue deposition on NH3(+) and CH3-SAMs was distinctly different than that of media induced osteoblastic VICs. These results demonstrate that substrate surface chemistry alters VIC behavior and plays an important role in calcified tissue formation. In addition, we have identified two novel methods of calcified VIC induction in vitro. Further study of these environments may yield new models for in vitro testing of therapeutics for calcified valve stenosis, although additional studies need to be conducted to correlate results to in vivo models. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Valvular interstitial cell (VIC) differentiation and aortic valve calcification is associated with increased risk of mortality and onset of other cardiovascular disorders. This research examines effects of in vitro substrate surface chemistry on VIC differentiation and has led to the identification of two materials-based initiation mechanisms of osteoblastic-like calcified tissue formation independent of soluble signaling methods. Such findings are important for their potential to study signaling cascades responsible for valvular heart disease initiation and progression as well providing in vitro disease models for drug development. We have also identified a VIC activating in vitro environment that does not exhibit confluence induced nodule formation with promise for the development of tissue regenerating scaffolds.
Collapse
|
44
|
Hutcheson JD, Goettsch C, Rogers MA, Aikawa E. Revisiting cardiovascular calcification: A multifaceted disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 46:68-77. [PMID: 26358815 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The presence of cardiovascular calcification significantly predicts patients' morbidity and mortality. Calcific mineral deposition within the soft cardiovascular tissues disrupts the normal biomechanical function of these tissues, leading to complications such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The realization that calcification results from active cellular processes offers hope that therapeutic intervention may prevent or reverse the disease. To this point, however, no clinically viable therapies have emerged. This may be due to the lack of certainty that remains in the mechanisms by which mineral is deposited in cardiovascular tissues. Gaining new insight into this process requires a multidisciplinary approach. The pathological changes in cell phenotype that lead to the physicochemical deposition of mineral and the resultant effects on tissue biomechanics must all be considered when designing strategies to treat cardiovascular calcification. In this review, we overview the current cardiovascular calcification paradigm and discuss emerging techniques that are providing new insight into the mechanisms of ectopic calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Hutcheson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Claudia Goettsch
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Maximillian A Rogers
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ruiz JL, Hutcheson JD, Aikawa E. Cardiovascular calcification: current controversies and novel concepts. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 24:207-12. [PMID: 25797772 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular calcification is a commonly observed but incompletely understood mechanism of increased atherosclerotic plaque instability and accelerated aortic valve stenosis. Traditional histological staining and imaging techniques are nonspecific for the type of mineral present in calcified tissues, information that is critical for proper validation of in vitro and in vivo models. This review highlights current gaps in our understanding of the biophysical implications and the cellular mechanisms of valvular and vascular calcification and how they may differ between the two tissue types. We also address the hindrances of current cell culture systems, discussing novel platforms and important considerations for future studies of cardiovascular calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Ruiz
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua D Hutcheson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chen J, Peacock JR, Branch J, David Merryman W. Biophysical analysis of dystrophic and osteogenic models of valvular calcification. J Biomech Eng 2015; 137:020903. [PMID: 25405546 DOI: 10.1115/1.4029115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a significant cardiovascular disorder characterized by the formation of calcific nodules (CN) on the valve. In vitro assays studying the formation of these nodules were developed and have led to many significant mechanistic findings; however, the biophysical properties of CNs have not been clearly defined. A thorough analysis of dystrophic and osteogenic nodules utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was conducted to describe calcific nodule properties and provide a link between calcific nodule morphogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Unique nodule properties were observed for dystrophic and osteogenic nodules, highlighting the distinct mechanisms occurring in valvular calcification.
Collapse
|