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Van Den Heuvel LJF, Peeters S, Meester JAN, Coucke PJ, Loeys BL. An exploration of alternative therapeutic targets for aortic disease in Marfan syndrome. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104023. [PMID: 38750929 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Marfan syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder that causes aortic dissection-related sudden death. Current conventional treatments, beta-blockers, and type 1 angiotensin II receptor blockers are prescribed to slow down aortic aneurysm progression and delay (prophylactic) aortic surgery. However, neither of these treatments ceases aortic growth completely. This review focuses on potential alternative therapeutic leads in the field, ranging from widely used medication with beneficial effects on the aorta to experimental inhibitors with the potential to stop aortic growth in Marfan syndrome. Clinical trials are warranted to uncover their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte J F Van Den Heuvel
- Center for Medical Genetics Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Silke Peeters
- Center for Medical Genetics Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Josephina A N Meester
- Center for Medical Genetics Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Paul J Coucke
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart L Loeys
- Center for Medical Genetics Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Khodabakhshian N, Howell AJ, Lopez PP, Hui W, Mertens LL, Guerra VC. Impact of Genotype-Phenotype Interactions on Cardiovascular Function in Paediatric Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. CJC PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE 2024; 3:47-54. [PMID: 38774681 PMCID: PMC11103043 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjcpc.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Background The relationship between genotype and phenotypical vascular and cardiac properties in paediatric Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) patients are not well characterized. This study explores the phenotypical differences in aortic properties and cardiac structural and functional parameters between paediatric LDS patients with TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 mutations. Methods We included 32 LDS patients with either TGFBR1 (n = 17) or TGFBR2 (n = 15) mutations. Echocardiographic data included aortic dimensions, distensibility, strain, and stiffness at the level of the annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, ascending aorta, and descending aorta. Parameters for left ventricular size and function were also recorded. Results Demographics were similar between the groups. Patients with TGFBR2 were more likely to have undergone aortic surgery (47% vs 12%, P = 0.057) and use angiotensin receptor blockers (93% vs 47%, P = 0.015). Aortic z scores were significantly larger in the TGFBR2 group at the level of the aortic valve annulus (P = 0.007), sinuses of Valsalva (P = 0.001), sinotubular junction (P = 0.001), and ascending aorta (P = 0.054). Patients with TGFBR2 also had significantly lower aortic distensibility and strain coupled with higher stiffness index at the level of the annulus, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta. Parameters for the descending aorta, cardiac morphology, and cardiac function were similar between the groups. Conclusions Paediatric LDS patients with TGFBR2 present with more severe cardiovascular phenotypes than patients with TGFBR1 with larger aortic dimensions and increased aortic stiffness. Our findings suggest that genotypes should be taken into consideration in the clinical management of paediatric LDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nairy Khodabakhshian
- Department of Pediatrics, Labatt Family Heart Centre, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alison J. Howell
- Department of Pediatrics, Labatt Family Heart Centre, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pablo Perez Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Labatt Family Heart Centre, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wei Hui
- Department of Pediatrics, Labatt Family Heart Centre, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luc L. Mertens
- Department of Pediatrics, Labatt Family Heart Centre, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vitor C. Guerra
- Department of Pediatrics, Labatt Family Heart Centre, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Stark VC, Olfe J, Diaz-Gil D, von Kodolitsch Y, Kozlik-Feldmann R, Reincke J, Stark M, Wiegand P, Zeller T, Mir TS. TGFβ level in healthy and children with Marfan syndrome-effective reduction under sartan therapy. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1276215. [PMID: 38379908 PMCID: PMC10877724 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1276215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Marfan syndrome (MFS). Accordingly, drug therapy uses TGFβ receptor blockade to slow down the cardiovascular manifestations, above all aortic root dilatation. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to reduce TGFβ levels in adults. Data on childhood are lacking and are now being investigated in the TiGer For Kids study presented here. Methods We examined 125 children without chronic disease and 31 pediatric Marfan patients with a proven FBN1 variant with regard to TGFβ levels. In addition, we measured TGFβ levels during the initiation of ARB therapy in pediatric Marfan patients. Results In children without chronic disease, TGFβ levels were found to decrease from childhood to adolescence (p < 0.0125). We could not measure a relevantly increased TGFβ level in pediatric Marfan patients. However, we showed a significant suppression of the TGFβ level after treatment with ARBs (p < 0.0125) and a renewed increase shortly before the next dose. Discussion The TGFβ level in childhood changes in an age-dependent manner and decreases with age. The TGFβ level drops significantly after taking ARBs. Based on our experience and data, a TGFβ receptor blockade in childhood seems reasonable. So far, TGFβ level cannot be used as an MFS screening biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika C. Stark
- Clinic for Pediatric Heart Medicine and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Olfe
- Clinic for Pediatric Heart Medicine and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Diaz-Gil
- Clinic for Pediatric Heart Medicine and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery & Department of Pediatric, Boston Children’s Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yskert von Kodolitsch
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Kozlik-Feldmann
- Clinic for Pediatric Heart Medicine and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Reincke
- Clinic for Pediatric Heart Medicine and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Stark
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wiegand
- Clinic for Pediatric Heart Medicine and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Zeller
- Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herzkreislaufforschung, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas S. Mir
- Clinic for Pediatric Heart Medicine and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Davaapil H, McNamara M, Granata A, Macrae RGC, Hirano M, Fitzek M, Aragon-Martin JA, Child A, Smith DM, Sinha S. A phenotypic screen of Marfan syndrome iPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells uncovers GSK3β as a new target. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:555-569. [PMID: 36669494 PMCID: PMC9968988 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in FBN1. Patients with MFS notably suffer from aortic aneurysm and dissection. Despite considerable effort, animal models have proven to be poorly predictive for therapeutic intervention in human aortic disease. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and recapitulate major features of MFS. We have screened 1,022 small molecules in our in vitro model, exploiting the highly proteolytic nature of MFS VSMCs, and identified 36 effective compounds. Further analysis identified GSK3β as a recurring target in the compound screen. GSK3β inhibition/knockdown did not ameliorate the proliferation defect in MFS-VSMCs but improved MFS-VSMC proteolysis and apoptosis and partially rescued fibrillin-1 deposition. To conclude, we have identified GSK3β as a novel target for MFS, forming the foundation for future work in MFS and other aortic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongorzul Davaapil
- Department of Medicine and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Madeline McNamara
- Department of Medicine and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Alessandra Granata
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Robyn G C Macrae
- Department of Medicine and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Mei Hirano
- Department of Medicine and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Martina Fitzek
- Emerging Innovations, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - J A Aragon-Martin
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, Guy Scadding Building, London SW3 6LY, UK; The Marfan Trust, Guy Scadding Building, London SW3 6LY, UK
| | - Anne Child
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, Guy Scadding Building, London SW3 6LY, UK; The Marfan Trust, Guy Scadding Building, London SW3 6LY, UK
| | - David M Smith
- Emerging Innovations, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Sanjay Sinha
- Department of Medicine and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
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Seim BE, Holt MF, Ratajska A, Michelsen A, Ringseth MM, Halvorsen BE, Skjelland M, Kvitting JPE, Lundblad R, Krohg-Sørensen K, Osnes LTN, Aukrust P, Paus B, Ueland T. Markers of extracellular matrix remodeling and systemic inflammation in patients with heritable thoracic aortic diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1073069. [PMID: 36606286 PMCID: PMC9808784 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1073069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In approximately 20% of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissections a heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD) is suspected. Several monogenic connective tissue diseases imply high risk of aortic disease, including both non-syndromic and syndromic forms. There are some studies assessing inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in patients with non-hereditary aortic disease, but such studies in patients with hereditary diseases are scarce. Aims To quantify markers of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation in patients with vascular connective tissue diseases versus healthy controls. Methods Patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS, n = 12), Marfan syndrome (MFS, n = 11), and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm 6 (FTAA6, n = 9), i.e., actin alpha 2 (ACTA2) pathogenic variants, were recruited. Exome or genome sequencing was performed for genetic diagnosis. Several markers of inflammation and ECM remodeling were measured in plasma by enzyme immunoassays. Flow cytometry of T-cell subpopulations was performed on a subgroup of patients. For comparison, blood samples were drawn from 14 healthy controls. Results (i) All groups of HTAD patients had increased levels matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as compared with healthy controls, also in adjusted analyses, reflecting altered ECM remodeling. (ii) LDS patients had increased levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3), reflecting systemic inflammation. (iii) LDS patients have increased levels of soluble CD25, a marker of T-cell activation. Conclusion Our data suggest that upregulated MMP-9, a matrix degrading enzyme, is a common feature of several subgroups of HTAD. In addition, LDS patients have increased levels of PTX3 reflecting systemic and in particular vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Edvard Seim
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margrethe Flesvig Holt
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Margrethe Flesvig Holt,
| | | | - Annika Michelsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bente Evy Halvorsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mona Skjelland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - John-Peder Escobar Kvitting
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Runar Lundblad
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten Krohg-Sørensen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv T. N. Osnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway,Faculty of Health Sciences, K. G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research Center, University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Benedicte Paus
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Faculty of Health Sciences, K. G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research Center, University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Selamet Tierney ES, Chung S, Stauffer KJ, Brabender J, Collins RT, Folk R, Li W, Murthy AK, Murphy DJ, Esfandiarei M. Can 10 000 Healthy Steps a Day Slow Aortic Root Dilation in Pediatric Patients With Marfan Syndrome? J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e027598. [PMID: 36453629 PMCID: PMC9851465 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.027598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Stiffer aortas are associated with a faster rate of aortic root (AoR) dilation and higher risk of aortic dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome. We have previously shown that mild aerobic exercise reduces aortic stiffness and rate of AoR dilation in a Marfan mouse model. In this study, we investigated if these results could be translated to pediatric patients with Marfan syndrome. Methods and Results We enrolled 24 patients with Marfan syndrome aged 8 to 19 years to participate in a 6-month physical activity intervention, excluding those with ventricular dysfunction or prior history of aortic surgery. We instructed patients to take 10 000 steps per day, tracked by an activity tracker. At baseline and 6 months, we measured AoR dimension, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, physical activity indices, inflammatory biomarkers, and coping scores. Controls consisted of 15 age-matched patients with Marfan syndrome. Twenty-four patients with Marfan syndrome (median age, 14.4 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 12.2-16.8], 14 male patients) were enrolled. Baseline assessment demonstrated that the majority of these patients were sedentary and had abnormal arterial health. Twenty-two patients completed the intervention and took an average of 7709±2177 steps per day (median, 7627 [IQR, 6344-9671]). Patients wore their Garmin trackers at a median of 92.8% (IQR, 84%-97%) of their intervention days. AoR Z score in the intervention group had a significantly lower rate of change per year compared with the controls (rate of change, -0.24 versus +0.008; P=0.01). Conclusions In this clinical intervention in pediatric patients with Marfan syndrome, we demonstrated that a simple physical activity intervention was feasible in this population and has the potential to decrease the AoR dilation rate. REGISTRATION URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03567460.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Seda Selamet Tierney
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsStanford University Medical CenterPalo AltoCA
| | - Sukyung Chung
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsStanford University Medical CenterPalo AltoCA
| | - Katie Jo Stauffer
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsStanford University Medical CenterPalo AltoCA
| | - Jerrid Brabender
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsStanford University Medical CenterPalo AltoCA
| | - Ronnie Thomad Collins
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsStanford University Medical CenterPalo AltoCA
| | - Robert Folk
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Midwestern UniversityGlendaleAZ
| | - Weidang Li
- College of Veterinary MedicineMidwestern UniversityGlendaleAZ
| | | | - Daniel Jerome Murphy
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsStanford University Medical CenterPalo AltoCA
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杨 书, 罗 芳. [Latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Marfan syndrome]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2022; 24:826-831. [PMID: 35894201 PMCID: PMC9336618 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2203099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multisystem connective tissue disease with autosomal dominant inheritance. It is mainly caused by FBN1 gene mutation and often has different clinical manifestations. Neonatal MFS is especially rare with severe conditions and a poor prognosis. At present, there is still no radical treatment method for MFS, but early identification, early diagnosis, and early treatment can effectively prolong the life span of patients. This article reviews the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of MFS.
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Weismann CG, Hlebowicz J, Åkesson A, Liuba P, Hanseus K. Comprehensive Characterization of Arterial and Cardiac Function in Marfan Syndrome-Can Biomarkers Help Improve Outcome? Front Physiol 2022; 13:873373. [PMID: 35547588 PMCID: PMC9081671 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.873373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Marfan Syndrome (MFS) has been associated with increased aortic stiffness and left ventricular dysfunction. The latter may be due to the underlying genotype and/or secondary to aortic stiffening (vascular-ventricular interaction). The aim of this study was to characterize arterial and cardiac function in MFS using a multimodal approach. Methods: Prospective observational study of MFS patients and healthy controls. Methods included echocardiography, ascending aortic distensibility, common carotid intima media thickness [cIMT], parameters of wave reflection, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity [cfPWV]), reactive hyperemia index [RHI], and biomarker analysis (Olink, CVII panel). Results: We included 20 patients with MFS and 67 controls. Ascending aortic distensibility, cIMT and RHI were decreased, while all parameters of arterial wave reflection, stiffness and BNP levels were increased in the MFS group. Both systolic and diastolic function were impaired relative to controls. Within the MFS group, no significant correlation between arterial and cardiac function was identified. However, cfPWV correlated significantly with indexed left ventricular mass and volume in MFS. Bran natriuretic peptide (BNP) was the only biomarker significantly elevated in MFS following correction for age and sex. Conclusions: MFS patients have generally increased aortic stiffness, endothelial dysfunction and BNP levels while cIMT is decreased, supporting that the mechanism of general stiffening is different from acquired vascular disease. CfPWV is associated with cardiac size, blood pressure and BNP in MFS patients. These may be early markers of disease progression that are suitable for monitoring pharmacological treatment effects in MFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance G Weismann
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Joanna Hlebowicz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Åkesson
- Clinical Studies Sweden - Froum South, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petru Liuba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katarina Hanseus
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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9
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Făgărășan A, Săsăran MO. The Predictive Role of Plasma Biomarkers in the Evolution of Aortopathies Associated with Congenital Heart Malformations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094993. [PMID: 35563383 PMCID: PMC9102091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dilatation of the aorta is a constantly evolving condition that can lead to the ultimate life-threatening event, acute aortic dissection. Recent research has tried to identify quantifiable biomarkers, with both diagnostic and prognostic roles in different aortopathies. Most studies have focused on the bicuspid aortic valve, the most frequent congenital heart disease (CHD), and majorly evolved around matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Other candidate biomarkers, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products or transforming growth factor beta have also gained a lot of attention recently. Most of the aortic anomalies and dilatation-related studies have reported expression variation of tissular biomarkers. The ultimate goal remains, though, the identification of biomarkers among the serum plasma, with the upregulation of circulating MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) being reported in association to several aortopathies and related complications in recent research. These molecules are apparently quantifiable from the early ages and have been linked to several CHDs and hereditary aortopathies. Pediatric data on the matter is still limited, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the role of plasmatic biomarkers in the long term follow-up of potentially evolving congenital aortopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Făgărășan
- Department of Pediatrics III, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Maria Oana Săsăran
- Department of Pediatrics III, Faculty of Medicine in English, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-720-332-503
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10
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Tehrani AY, Ciufolini MA, Bernatchez P. Nitric oxide in the Marfan vasculature: Friend or foe? Nitric Oxide 2021; 116:27-34. [PMID: 34478846 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene, which encodes fibrillin-1, a protein essential for the formation and stabilization of elastic fibers as well as signaling homeostasis. Progressive aortic root widening is the most serious manifestation of MFS as it can lead to aortic dissection, aneurysm formation and rupture. However, despite their ability to decrease the hemodynamic stress the aorta is subjected to, anti-hypertensive medications often lead to underwhelming reductions in the rate of aortic root dilation, which illustrates how fragmental our understanding of MFS-associated aortic remodeling is. This manuscript summarizes recent evidence that document nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS)-related changes to the vasculature during the pathogenesis of MFS and how they result in a unique state of vascular dysfunction that likely plays a causal role in the aortic root widening process. We also review how clinic-approved and experimental therapies as well lifestyle approaches may promote aortic root stability by correcting NO homeostasis, which if properly optimized may improve outcomes in this population afflicted by a notoriously refractory type of aortopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Y Tehrani
- Centre for Heart + Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Pascal Bernatchez
- Centre for Heart + Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.
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