1
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Slingo ME. Oxygen-sensing pathways and the pulmonary circulation. J Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37843154 DOI: 10.1113/jp284591] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The unique property of the pulmonary circulation to constrict in response to hypoxia, rather than dilate, brings advantages in both health and disease. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) acts to optimise ventilation-perfusion matching - this is important clinically both in focal disease (such as pneumonia) and in one-lung ventilation during anaesthesia for thoracic surgery. However, during global hypoxia such as that encountered at high altitude, generalised pulmonary vasoconstriction can lead to pulmonary hypertension. There is now a growing body of evidence that links the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway and pulmonary vascular tone - in both acute and chronic settings. Genetic and pharmacological alterations to all key components of this pathway (VHL - von Hippel-Lindau ubiquitin E3 ligase; PHD2 - prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2; HIF1 and HIF2) have clear effects on the pulmonary circulation, particularly in hypoxia. Furthermore, knowledge of the molecular biology of the prolyl hydroxylase enzymes has led to an extensive and ongoing body of research into the importance of iron in both HPV and pulmonary hypertension. This review will explore these relationships in more detail and discuss future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Slingo
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Cruz-Utrilla A, Gallego-Zazo N, Tenorio-Castaño JA, Guillén I, Torrent-Vernetta A, Moya-Bonora A, Labrandero C, Rodríguez-Monte MEGL, Rodríguez-Ogando A, Rey MDMRVD, Espín J, Plata-Izquierdo B, Álvarez-Fuente M, Moreno-Galdó A, Escribano-Subias P, Marín MJDC. Clinical Implications of the Genetic Background in Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Data from the Spanish REHIPED Registry. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810433. [PMID: 36142358 PMCID: PMC9499494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and rare disease with an important genetic background. The influence of genetic testing in the clinical classification of pediatric PAH is not well known and genetics could influence management and prognosis. Objectives: The aim of this work was to identify the molecular fingerprint of PH children in the REgistro de pacientes con HIpertensión Pulmonar PEDiátrica (REHIPED), and to investigate if genetics could have an impact in clinical reclassification and prognosis. Methods: We included pediatric patients with a genetic analysis from REHIPED. From 2011 onward, successive genetic techniques have been carried out. Before genetic diagnosis, patients were classified according to their clinical and hemodynamic data in five groups. After genetic analysis, the patients were reclassified. The impact of genetics in survival free of lung transplantation was estimated by Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: Ninety-eight patients were included for the analysis. Before the genetic diagnoses, there were idiopathic PAH forms in 53.1%, PAH associated with congenital heart disease in 30.6%, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease—PVOD—in 6.1%, familial PAH in 5.1%, and associated forms with multisystemic disorders—MSD—in 5.1% of the patients. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were found in 44 patients (44.9%). After a genetic analysis, 28.6% of the cohort was “reclassified”, with the groups of heritable PAH, heritable PVOD, TBX4, and MSD increasing up to 18.4%, 8.2%, 4.1%, and 12.2%, respectively. The MSD forms had the worst survival rates, followed by PVOD. Conclusions: Genetic testing changed the clinical classification of a significant proportion of patients. This reclassification showed relevant prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cruz-Utrilla
- Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, ERN-Lung, Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Gallego-Zazo
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- CIBERER, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jair Antonio Tenorio-Castaño
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- CIBERER, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inmaculada Guillén
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alba Torrent-Vernetta
- CIBERER, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amparo Moya-Bonora
- Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Labrandero
- Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Elvira Garrido-Lestache Rodríguez-Monte
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez-Ogando
- Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juana Espín
- Pediatric Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Plata-Izquierdo
- Pediatric Cardiology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Álvarez-Fuente
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Moreno-Galdó
- CIBERER, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Escribano-Subias
- Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, ERN-Lung, Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Del Cerro Marín
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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3
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Chomette L, Migeotte, Dewachter C, Vachiéry JL, Smits G, Bondue A. Early‐onset and severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension due to a novel compound heterozygous association of rare VHL mutations: a case report and review of existing data. Pulm Circ 2022; 12:e12052. [PMID: 35734542 PMCID: PMC9190294 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Very rare cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have been linked to homozygous or compound heterozygous von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene mutations, while heterozygous VHL mutations lead to VHL tumor syndrome. Although those entities are defined, the genotype–phenotype correlation is incompletely understood, and patient management recommendations are lacking. Here, we describe a case of severe early‐onset PAH due to a so‐far unreported compound heterozygous association of VHL mutations and review the existing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chomette
- Department of Cardiology, CUB Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Migeotte
- Department of Human Genetics, CUB Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - C Dewachter
- Department of Cardiology, CUB Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - JL Vachiéry
- Department of Cardiology, CUB Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - G Smits
- Department of Human Genetics, CUB Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - A Bondue
- Department of Cardiology, CUB Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
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4
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Iron Deficiency in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Deep Dive into the Mechanisms. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020477. [PMID: 33672218 PMCID: PMC7926484 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe cardiovascular disease that is caused by the progressive occlusion of the distal pulmonary arteries, eventually leading to right heart failure and death. Almost 40% of patients with PAH are iron deficient. Although widely studied, the mechanisms linking between PAH and iron deficiency remain unclear. Here we review the mechanisms regulating iron homeostasis and the preclinical and clinical data available on iron deficiency in PAH. Then we discuss the potential implications of iron deficiency on the development and management of PAH.
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5
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Pullamsetti SS, Mamazhakypov A, Weissmann N, Seeger W, Savai R. Hypoxia-inducible factor signaling in pulmonary hypertension. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:5638-5651. [PMID: 32881714 DOI: 10.1172/jci137558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary artery remodeling that can subsequently culminate in right heart failure and premature death. Emerging evidence suggests that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling plays a fundamental and pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PH. This Review summarizes the regulation of HIF isoforms and their impact in various PH subtypes, as well as the elaborate conditional and cell-specific knockout mouse studies that brought the role of this pathway to light. We also discuss the current preclinical status of pan- and isoform-selective HIF inhibitors, and propose new research areas that may facilitate HIF isoform-specific inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy for PH and right heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soni Savai Pullamsetti
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, member of the DZL and CPI, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Argen Mamazhakypov
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, member of the DZL and CPI, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, member of the DZL and CPI, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, member of the DZL and CPI, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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6
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Pulmonary Hypertension in Acute and Chronic High Altitude Maladaptation Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041692. [PMID: 33578749 PMCID: PMC7916528 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar hypoxia is the most prominent feature of high altitude environment with well-known consequences for the cardio-pulmonary system, including development of pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension due to an exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction contributes to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a life-threatening disorder, occurring at high altitudes in non-acclimatized healthy individuals. Despite a strong physiologic rationale for using vasodilators for prevention and treatment of HAPE, no systematic studies of their efficacy have been conducted to date. Calcium-channel blockers are currently recommended for drug prophylaxis in high-risk individuals with a clear history of recurrent HAPE based on the extensive clinical experience with nifedipine in HAPE prevention in susceptible individuals. Chronic exposure to hypoxia induces pulmonary vascular remodeling and development of pulmonary hypertension, which places an increased pressure load on the right ventricle leading to right heart failure. Further, pulmonary hypertension along with excessive erythrocytosis may complicate chronic mountain sickness, another high altitude maladaptation disorder. Importantly, other causes than hypoxia may potentially underlie and/or contribute to pulmonary hypertension at high altitude, such as chronic heart and lung diseases, thrombotic or embolic diseases. Extensive clinical experience with drugs in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension suggests their potential for treatment of high altitude pulmonary hypertension. Small studies have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing pulmonary artery pressure in high altitude residents. However, no drugs have been approved to date for the therapy of chronic high altitude pulmonary hypertension. This work provides a literature review on the role of pulmonary hypertension in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic high altitude maladaptation disorders and summarizes current knowledge regarding potential treatment options.
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7
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Haarman MG, Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, Vissia-Kazemier TR, Breeman KTN, Timens W, Vos YJ, Roofthooft MTR, Hillege HL, Berger RMF. The Genetic Epidemiology of Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. J Pediatr 2020; 225:65-73.e5. [PMID: 32502478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-associated gene mutations, and other genetic characteristics in a national cohort of children with PAH from the Dutch National registry and to explore genotype-phenotype associations and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Children (n = 70) diagnosed with idiopathic PAH, heritable PAH, PAH associated with congenital heart disease with coincidental shunt (PAH-congenital heart disease group 3), PAH after closure of a cardiac shunt (PAH-congenital heart disease group 4), or PAH associated with other noncardiac conditions were enrolled. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed on PAH-associated genes (BMPR2, ACVRL1, EIF2AK4, CAV1, ENG, KCNK3, SMAD9, and TBX4). Also, children were tested for specific genetic disorders in case of clinical suspicion. Additionally, children were tested for copy number variations. RESULTS Nineteen children (27%) had a PAH-associated gene mutation/variant: BMPR2 n = 7, TBX4 n = 8, ACVRL1 n = 1, KCNK3 n = 1, and EIF2AK4 n = 2. Twelve children (17%) had a genetic disorder with an established association with PAH (including trisomy 21 and cobalamin C deficiency). In another 16 children (23%), genetic disorders without an established association with PAH were identified (including Noonan syndrome, Beals syndrome, and various copy number variations). Survival rates differed between groups and was most favorable in TBX4 variant carriers. CONCLUSIONS Children with PAH show a high prevalence of genetic disorders, not restricted to established PAH-associated genes. Genetic architecture could play a role in risk-stratified care management in pediatric PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meindina G Haarman
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Theresia R Vissia-Kazemier
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Karel T N Breeman
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne J Vos
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marc T R Roofthooft
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans L Hillege
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rolf M F Berger
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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8
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Haarman MG, Lévy M, Roofthooft MT, Douwes JM, Vissia-Kazemier TR, Szezepanski I, Berger RM, Bonnet D. Upfront triple combination therapy in severe paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir J 2020; 57:13993003.01120-2020. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01120-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Treatment strategies in paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have evolved over the last years, but survival is still poor. Recently, in adults with severe PAH, upfront triple combination therapy (uTCT) from diagnosis has been reported to show significant clinical improvement and excellent long-term outcome. This retrospective, observational study aimed to assess the efficacy of uTCT in paediatric PAH.Children diagnosed with PAH between 2010 and 2019 and started with uTCT were included. World Health Organization Functional Class (WHO-FC), haemodynamics, echocardiography, 6-min walking distance and serum level of N-terminal pro-brain-natriuretic-peptide were assessed at baseline, after 3 and 6 months and at last available follow-up. Events were defined as death, lung transplantation or Potts shunt.21 children (median age 4.8 years (2.5–12.8), 57% females) were included. All children except one were in WHO-FC III or IV (28% and 67%, respectively). After 3 months, one child had died and one child had received a Potts shunt. The remaining 19 children showed clinical and echocardiographic improvement, which persisted at 6 months. Children with idiopathic and heritable PAH showed one-, two- and three-year transplant-free survival estimates of 100%, 94% and 87%, albeit 47% of them receiving a Potts shunt during follow-up.Children with severe PAH, but not pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, improved significantly with uTCT and showed beneficial up to 3-year survival rates, albeit 47% of them receiving a Potts shunt during follow-up. The role of a Potts shunt in conjunction to uTCT in paediatric PAH needs to be further established.
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9
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Baptista R, Marques C, Catarino S, Enguita FJ, Costa MC, Matafome P, Zuzarte M, Castro G, Reis A, Monteiro P, Pêgo M, Pereira P, Girão H. MicroRNA-424(322) as a new marker of disease progression in pulmonary arterial hypertension and its role in right ventricular hypertrophy by targeting SMURF1. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:53-64. [PMID: 29016730 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a multifactorial and progressive condition associated with an increased afterload of the right ventricle leading to heart failure and death. The main aim of this study was to correlate the levels of miR-424(322) with the severity and prognosis of PH and with right ventricle hypertrophy progression. Additionally, we intended to evaluate the mechanisms and signalling pathways whereby miR-424(322) secreted by pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) impacts cardiomyocytes. Methods and results Using quantitative real-time PCR, we showed that the levels of circulating miR-424(322) are higher in PH patients when compared with healthy subjects. Moreover, we found that miR-424(322) levels correlated with more severe symptoms and haemodynamics. In the subgroup of Eisenmenger syndrome patients, miR-424(322) displayed independent prognostic value. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-424(322) targets SMURF1, through which it sustains bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 signalling. Moreover, we showed that hypoxia induces the secretion of miR-424(322) by PAECs, which after being taken up by cardiomyocytes leads to down-regulation of SMURF1. In the monocrotaline rat model of PH, we found an association between circulating miR-424(322) levels and the stage of right ventricle hypertrophy, as well as an inverse correlation between miR-424(322) and SMURF1 levels in the hypertrophied right ventricle. Conclusions This study shows that miR-424(322) has diagnostic and prognostic value in PH patients, correlating with markers of disease severity. Additionally, miR-424(322) can target proteins with a direct effect on heart function, suggesting that this miRNA can act as a messenger linking pulmonary vascular disease and right ventricle hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Baptista
- Department of Cardiology A, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-001 Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, Celas, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Marques
- CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, Celas, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, Celas, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marina C Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Matafome
- CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, Celas, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Complementary Sciences, Coimbra Health School (ESTeSC), Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mónica Zuzarte
- CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, Celas, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Graça Castro
- Department of Cardiology A, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-001 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Abílio Reis
- Unidade de Doença Vascular Pulmonar, Departamento de Medicina, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, EPE, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Monteiro
- Department of Cardiology A, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-001 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariano Pêgo
- Department of Cardiology A, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-001 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pereira
- CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Nova University of Lisbon, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girão
- CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, Celas, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
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