1
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Clayton RH, Sridhar S. Re-entry in models of cardiac ventricular tissue with scar represented as a Gaussian random field. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1403545. [PMID: 39005500 PMCID: PMC11239552 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1403545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Fibrotic scar in the heart is known to act as a substrate for arrhythmias. Regions of fibrotic scar are associated with slowed or blocked conduction of the action potential, but the detailed mechanisms of arrhythmia formation are not well characterised and this can limit the effective diagnosis and treatment of scar in patients. The aim of this computational study was to evaluate different representations of fibrotic scar in models of 2D 10 × 10 cm ventricular tissue, where the region of scar was defined by sampling a Gaussian random field with an adjustable length scale of between 1.25 and 10.0 mm. Methods: Cellular electrophysiology was represented by the Ten Tusscher 2006 model for human ventricular cells. Fibrotic scar was represented as a spatially varying diffusion, with different models of the boundary between normal and fibrotic tissue. Dispersion of activation time and action potential duration (APD) dispersion was assessed in each sample by pacing at an S1 cycle length of 400 ms followed by a premature S2 beat with a coupling interval of 323 ms. Vulnerability to reentry was assessed with an aggressive pacing protocol. In all models, simulated fibrosis acted to delay activation, to increase the dispersion of APD, and to generate re-entry. Results: A higher incidence of re-entry was observed in models with simulated fibrotic scar at shorter length scale, but the type of model used to represent fibrotic scar had a much bigger influence on the incidence of reentry. Discussion: This study shows that in computational models of fibrotic scar the effects that lead to either block or propagation of the action potential are strongly influenced by the way that fibrotic scar is represented in the model, and so the results of computational studies involving fibrotic scar should be interpreted carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Clayton
- Insigneo Institute for in-silico Medicine and Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - S Sridhar
- Insigneo Institute for in-silico Medicine and Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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2
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Grandits T, Augustin CM, Haase G, Jost N, Mirams GR, Niederer SA, Plank G, Varró A, Virág L, Jung A. Neural network emulation of the human ventricular cardiomyocyte action potential for more efficient computations in pharmacological studies. eLife 2024; 12:RP91911. [PMID: 38598284 PMCID: PMC11006416 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Computer models of the human ventricular cardiomyocyte action potential (AP) have reached a level of detail and maturity that has led to an increasing number of applications in the pharmaceutical sector. However, interfacing the models with experimental data can become a significant computational burden. To mitigate the computational burden, the present study introduces a neural network (NN) that emulates the AP for given maximum conductances of selected ion channels, pumps, and exchangers. Its applicability in pharmacological studies was tested on synthetic and experimental data. The NN emulator potentially enables massive speed-ups compared to regular simulations and the forward problem (find drugged AP for pharmacological parameters defined as scaling factors of control maximum conductances) on synthetic data could be solved with average root-mean-square errors (RMSE) of 0.47 mV in normal APs and of 14.5 mV in abnormal APs exhibiting early afterdepolarizations (72.5% of the emulated APs were alining with the abnormality, and the substantial majority of the remaining APs demonstrated pronounced proximity). This demonstrates not only very fast and mostly very accurate AP emulations but also the capability of accounting for discontinuities, a major advantage over existing emulation strategies. Furthermore, the inverse problem (find pharmacological parameters for control and drugged APs through optimization) on synthetic data could be solved with high accuracy shown by a maximum RMSE of 0.22 in the estimated pharmacological parameters. However, notable mismatches were observed between pharmacological parameters estimated from experimental data and distributions obtained from the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay initiative. This reveals larger inaccuracies which can be attributed particularly to the fact that small tissue preparations were studied while the emulator was trained on single cardiomyocyte data. Overall, our study highlights the potential of NN emulators as powerful tool for an increased efficiency in future quantitative systems pharmacology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grandits
- Department of Mathematics and Scientific Computing, University of GrazGrazAustria
- NAWI Graz, University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Christoph M Augustin
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging - Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical University of GrazGrazAustria
- BioTechMed-GrazGrazAustria
| | - Gundolf Haase
- Department of Mathematics and Scientific Computing, University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of SzegedSzegedHungary
- HUN-REN-TKI, Research Group of PharmacologyBudapestHungary
| | - Gary R Mirams
- Centre for Mathematical Medicine & Biology, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of NottinghamNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Steven A Niederer
- Division of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Gernot Plank
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging - Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical University of GrazGrazAustria
- BioTechMed-GrazGrazAustria
| | - András Varró
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of SzegedSzegedHungary
- HUN-REN-TKI, Research Group of PharmacologyBudapestHungary
| | - László Virág
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of SzegedSzegedHungary
| | - Alexander Jung
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging - Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical University of GrazGrazAustria
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3
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Hegemann N, Barth L, Döring Y, Voigt N, Grune J. Implications for neutrophils in cardiac arrhythmias. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H441-H458. [PMID: 38099844 PMCID: PMC11219058 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00590.2023] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias commonly occur as a result of aberrant electrical impulse formation or conduction in the myocardium. Frequently discussed triggers include underlying heart diseases such as myocardial ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, or genetic anomalies of ion channels involved in the tightly regulated cardiac action potential. Recently, the role of innate immune cells in the onset of arrhythmic events has been highlighted in numerous studies, correlating leukocyte expansion in the myocardium to increased arrhythmic burden. Here, we aim to call attention to the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias and their expansion during myocardial ischemia and infectious disease manifestation. In addition, we will elucidate molecular mechanisms associated with neutrophil activation and discuss their involvement as direct mediators of arrhythmogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Hegemann
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Barth
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yannic Döring
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jana Grune
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
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4
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Sridhar S, Clayton RH. Fibroblast mediated dynamics in diffusively uncoupled myocytes: a simulation study using 2-cell motifs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4493. [PMID: 38396245 PMCID: PMC10891142 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54564-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In healthy hearts myocytes are typically coupled to nearest neighbours through gap junctions. Under pathological conditions such as fibrosis, or in scar tissue, or across ablation lines myocytes can uncouple from their neighbours. Electrical conduction may still occur via fibroblasts that not only couple proximal myocytes but can also couple otherwise unconnected regions. We hypothesise that such coupling can alter conduction between myocytes via introduction of delays or by initiation of premature stimuli that can potentially result in reentry or conduction blocks. To test this hypothesis we have developed several 2-cell motifs and investigated the effect of fibroblast mediated electrical coupling between uncoupled myocytes. We have identified various regimes of myocyte behaviour that depend on the strength of gap-junctional conductance, connection topology, and parameters of the myocyte and fibroblast models. These motifs are useful in developing a mechanistic understanding of long-distance coupling on myocyte dynamics and enable the characterisation of interaction between different features such as myocyte and fibroblast properties, coupling strengths and pacing period. They are computationally inexpensive and allow for incorporation of spatial effects such as conduction velocity. They provide a framework for constructing scar tissue boundaries and enable linking of cellular level interactions with scar induced arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sridhar
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Richard H Clayton
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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5
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Grandits T, Augustin CM, Haase G, Jost N, Mirams GR, Niederer SA, Plank G, Varró A, Virág L, Jung A. Neural network emulation of the human ventricular cardiomyocyte action potential: a tool for more efficient computation in pharmacological studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.16.553497. [PMID: 38234850 PMCID: PMC10793461 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.16.553497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Computer models of the human ventricular cardiomyocyte action potential (AP) have reached a level of detail and maturity that has led to an increasing number of applications in the pharmaceutical sector. However, interfacing the models with experimental data can become a significant computational burden. To mitigate the computational burden, the present study introduces a neural network (NN) that emulates the AP for given maximum conductances of selected ion channels, pumps, and exchangers. Its applicability in pharmacological studies was tested on synthetic and experimental data. The NN emulator potentially enables massive speed-ups compared to regular simulations and the forward problem (find drugged AP for pharmacological parameters defined as scaling factors of control maximum conductances) on synthetic data could be solved with average root-mean-square errors (RMSE) of 0.47mV in normal APs and of 14.5mV in abnormal APs exhibiting early afterdepolarizations (72.5% of the emulated APs were alining with the abnormality, and the substantial majority of the remaining APs demonstrated pronounced proximity). This demonstrates not only very fast and mostly very accurate AP emulations but also the capability of accounting for discontinuities, a major advantage over existing emulation strategies. Furthermore, the inverse problem (find pharmacological parameters for control and drugged APs through optimization) on synthetic data could be solved with high accuracy shown by a maximum RMSE of 0.21 in the estimated pharmacological parameters. However, notable mismatches were observed between pharmacological parameters estimated from experimental data and distributions obtained from the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay initiative. This reveals larger inaccuracies which can be attributed particularly to the fact that small tissue preparations were studied while the emulator was trained on single cardiomyocyte data. Overall, our study highlights the potential of NN emulators as powerful tool for an increased efficiency in future quantitative systems pharmacology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grandits
- Department of Mathematics and Scientific Computing, University of Graz
- NAWI Graz, University of Graz
| | - Christoph M Augustin
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging - Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical University of Graz
- BioTechMed-Graz
| | - Gundolf Haase
- Department of Mathematics and Scientific Computing, University of Graz
| | - Norbert Jost
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Szeged
- HUN-REN-TKI, Research Group of Pharmacology
| | - Gary R Mirams
- Centre for Mathematical Medicine & Biology, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham
| | - Steven A Niederer
- Division of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, King's College London
| | - Gernot Plank
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging - Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical University of Graz
- BioTechMed-Graz
| | - András Varró
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Szeged
- HUN-REN-TKI, Research Group of Pharmacology
| | - László Virág
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Szeged
| | - Alexander Jung
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging - Division of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical University of Graz
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6
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Song Q, Alvarez-Laviada A, Schrup SE, Reilly-O'Donnell B, Entcheva E, Gorelik J. Opto-SICM framework combines optogenetics with scanning ion conductance microscopy for probing cell-to-cell contacts. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1131. [PMID: 37938652 PMCID: PMC10632396 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a novel framework, Opto-SICM, for studies of cellular interactions in live cells with high spatiotemporal resolution. The approach combines scanning ion conductance microscopy, SICM, and cell-type-specific optogenetic interrogation. Light-excitable cardiac fibroblasts (FB) and myofibroblasts (myoFB) were plated together with non-modified cardiomyocytes (CM) and then paced with periodic illumination. Opto-SICM reveals the extent of FB/myoFB-CM cell-cell contacts and the dynamic changes over time not visible by optical microscopy. FB-CM pairs have lower gap junctional expression of connexin-43 and higher contact dynamism compared to myoFB-CM pairs. The responsiveness of CM to pacing via FB/myoFB depends on the dynamics of the contact but not on the area. The non-responding pairs have higher net cell-cell movement at the contact. These findings are relevant to cardiac disease states, where adverse remodeling leads to abnormal electrical excitation of CM. The Opto-SICM framework can be deployed to offer new insights on cellular and subcellular interactions in various cell types, in real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Song
- Imperial College London, Du Cane road, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Schrup
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Emilia Entcheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Julia Gorelik
- Imperial College London, Du Cane road, W12 0NN, London, UK.
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7
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Simon-Chica A, Wülfers EM, Kohl P. Nonmyocytes as electrophysiological contributors to cardiac excitation and conduction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H475-H491. [PMID: 37417876 PMCID: PMC10538996 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00184.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Although cardiac action potential (AP) generation and propagation have traditionally been attributed exclusively to cardiomyocytes (CM), other cell types in the heart are also capable of forming electrically conducting junctions. Interactions between CM and nonmyocytes (NM) enable and modulate each other's activity. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of heterocellular electrical communication in the heart. Although cardiac fibroblasts were initially thought to be electrical insulators, recent studies have demonstrated that they form functional electrical connections with CM in situ. Other NM, such as macrophages, have also been recognized as contributing to cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis. Novel experimental tools have enabled the investigation of cell-specific activity patterns in native cardiac tissue, which is expected to yield exciting new insights into the development of novel or improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Simon-Chica
- Novel Arrhythmogenic Mechanisms Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eike M Wülfers
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Hall C, Law JP, Reyat JS, Cumberland MJ, Hang S, Vo NTN, Raniga K, Weston CJ, O'Shea C, Townend JN, Gehmlich K, Ferro CJ, Denning C, Pavlovic D. Chronic activation of human cardiac fibroblasts in vitro attenuates the reversibility of the myofibroblast phenotype. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12137. [PMID: 37495732 PMCID: PMC10372150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39369-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of cardiac fibroblasts and differentiation to myofibroblasts underlies development of pathological cardiac fibrosis, leading to arrhythmias and heart failure. Myofibroblasts are characterised by increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) fibre expression, secretion of collagens and changes in proliferation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and increased mechanical stress can initiate myofibroblast activation. Reversibility of the myofibroblast phenotype has been observed in murine cells but has not been explored in human cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, chronically activated adult primary human ventricular cardiac fibroblasts and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cFbs (hiPSC-cFbs) were used to investigate the potential for reversal of the myofibroblast phenotype using either subculture on soft substrates or TGF-β receptor inhibition. Culture on softer plates (25 or 2 kPa Young's modulus) did not alter proliferation or reduce expression of α-SMA and collagen 1. Similarly, culture of myofibroblasts in the presence of TGF-β inhibitor did not reverse myofibroblasts back to a quiescent phenotype. Chronically activated hiPSC-cFbs also showed attenuated response to TGF-β receptor inhibition and inability to reverse to quiescent fibroblast phenotype. Our data demonstrate substantial loss of TGF-β signalling plasticity as well as a loss of feedback from the surrounding mechanical environment in chronically activated human myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hall
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jonathan P Law
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jasmeet S Reyat
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Max J Cumberland
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Shaun Hang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Nguyen T N Vo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Kavita Raniga
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Chris J Weston
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Christopher O'Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jonathan N Townend
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Charles J Ferro
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Renal Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Chris Denning
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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9
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Baggett BC, Murphy KR, Sengun E, Mi E, Cao Y, Turan NN, Lu Y, Schofield L, Kim TY, Kabakov AY, Bronk P, Qu Z, Camelliti P, Dubielecka P, Terentyev D, del Monte F, Choi BR, Sedivy J, Koren G. Myofibroblast senescence promotes arrhythmogenic remodeling in the aged infarcted rabbit heart. eLife 2023; 12:e84088. [PMID: 37204302 PMCID: PMC10259375 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive tissue remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) promotes cardiac arrhythmias. This process is well studied in young animals, but little is known about pro-arrhythmic changes in aged animals. Senescent cells accumulate with age and accelerate age-associated diseases. Senescent cells interfere with cardiac function and outcome post-MI with age, but studies have not been performed in larger animals, and the mechanisms are unknown. Specifically, age-associated changes in timecourse of senescence and related changes in inflammation and fibrosis are not well understood. Additionally, the cellular and systemic role of senescence and its inflammatory milieu in influencing arrhythmogenesis with age is not clear, particularly in large animal models with cardiac electrophysiology more similar to humans than previously studied animal models. Here, we investigated the role of senescence in regulating inflammation, fibrosis, and arrhythmogenesis in young and aged infarcted rabbits. Aged rabbits exhibited increased peri-procedural mortality and arrhythmogenic electrophysiological remodeling at the infarct border zone (IBZ) compared to young rabbits. Studies of the aged infarct zone revealed persistent myofibroblast senescence and increased inflammatory signaling over a 12-week timecourse. Senescent IBZ myofibroblasts in aged rabbits appear to be coupled to myocytes, and our computational modeling showed that senescent myofibroblast-cardiomyocyte coupling prolongs action potential duration (APD) and facilitates conduction block permissive of arrhythmias. Aged infarcted human ventricles show levels of senescence consistent with aged rabbits, and senescent myofibroblasts also couple to IBZ myocytes. Our findings suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting senescent cells may mitigate arrhythmias post-MI with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett C Baggett
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Kevin R Murphy
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Elif Sengun
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul UniversityIstanbulTurkey
| | - Eric Mi
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Yueming Cao
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Nilufer N Turan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Yichun Lu
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Lorraine Schofield
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Tae Yun Kim
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Anatoli Y Kabakov
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Peter Bronk
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Zhilin Qu
- School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Patrycja Dubielecka
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Department of Hematology, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | - Dmitry Terentyev
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | | | - Bum-Rak Choi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
| | | | - Gideon Koren
- Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island HospitalProvidenceUnited States
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10
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Zheng H, Peri L, Ward GK, Sanders KM, Ward SM. Cardiac PDGFRα + interstitial cells generate spontaneous inward currents that contribute to excitability in the heart. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22929. [PMID: 37086093 PMCID: PMC10402933 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201712r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The cell types and conductance that contribute to normal cardiac functions remain under investigation. We used mice that express an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-histone 2B fusion protein driven off the cell-specific endogenous promoter for Pdgfra to investigate the distribution and functional role of PDGFRα+ cells in the heart. Cardiac PDGFRα+ cells were widely distributed within the endomysium of atria, ventricle, and sino-atrial node (SAN) tissues. PDGFRα+ cells formed a discrete network of cells, lying in close apposition to neighboring cardiac myocytes in mouse and Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) hearts. Expression of eGFP in nuclei allowed unequivocal identification of these cells following enzymatic dispersion of muscle tissues. FACS purification of PDGFRα+ cells from the SAN and analysis of gene transcripts by qPCR revealed that they were a distinct population of cells that expressed gap junction transcripts, Gja1 and Gjc1. Cardiac PDGFRα+ cells generated spontaneous transient inward currents (STICs) and spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs) that reversed at 0 mV. Reversal potential was maintained when ECl = -40 mV. [Na+ ]o replacement and FTY720 abolished STICs, suggesting they were due to a non-selective cation conductance (NSCC) carried by TRPM7. PDGFRα+ cells also express β2 -adrenoceptor gene transcripts, Adrb2. Zinterol, a selective β2 -receptor agonist, increased the amplitude and frequency of STICs, suggesting these cells could contribute to adrenergic regulation of cardiac excitability. PDGFRα+ cells in cardiac muscles generate inward currents via an NSCC. STICs generated by these cells may contribute to the integrated membrane potentials of cardiac muscles, possibly affecting the frequency of pacemaker activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Zheng
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Lauren Peri
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Grace K. Ward
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Kenton M. Sanders
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Sean M. Ward
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
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11
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Nicolini G, Balzan S, Forini F. Activated fibroblasts in cardiac and cancer fibrosis: An overview of analogies and new potential therapeutic options. Life Sci 2023; 321:121575. [PMID: 36933828 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease and cancer are two major causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized countries, and their increasingly recognized connections are shifting the focus from single disease studies to an interdisciplinary approach. Fibroblast-mediated intercellular crosstalk is critically involved in the evolution of both pathologies. In healthy myocardium and in non-cancerous conditions, resident fibroblasts are the main cell source for synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and important sentinels of tissue integrity. In the setting of myocardial disease or cancer, quiescent fibroblasts activate, respectively, into myofibroblasts (myoFbs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), characterized by increased production of contractile proteins, and by a highly proliferative and secretory phenotype. Although the initial activation of myoFbs/CAFs is an adaptive process to repair the damaged tissue, massive deposition of ECM proteins leads to maladaptive cardiac or cancer fibrosis, a recognized marker of adverse outcome. A better understanding of the key mechanisms orchestrating fibroblast hyperactivity may help developing innovative therapeutic options to restrain myocardial or tumor stiffness and improve patient prognosis. Albeit still unappreciated, the dynamic transition of myocardial and tumor fibroblasts into myoFbs and CAFs shares several common triggers and signaling pathways relevant to TGF-β dependent cascade, metabolic reprogramming, mechanotransduction, secretory properties, and epigenetic regulation, which might lay the foundation for future antifibrotic intervention. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight emerging analogies in the molecular signature underlying myoFbs and CAFs activation with the purpose of identifying novel prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers, and to elucidate the potential of drug repositioning strategies to mitigate cardiac/cancer fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvana Balzan
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Forini
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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12
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Xing C, Bao L, Li W, Fan H. Progress on role of ion channels of cardiac fibroblasts in fibrosis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1138306. [PMID: 36969589 PMCID: PMC10033868 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1138306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is defined as excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in pathological conditions. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) activated by injury or inflammation differentiate into myofibroblasts (MFs) with secretory and contractile functions. In the fibrotic heart, MFs produce ECM which is composed mainly of collagen and is initially involved in maintaining tissue integrity. However, persistent fibrosis disrupts the coordination of excitatory contractile coupling, leading to systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and ultimately heart failure. Numerous studies have demonstrated that both voltage- and non-voltage-gated ion channels alter intracellular ion levels and cellular activity, contributing to myofibroblast proliferation, contraction, and secretory function. However, an effective treatment strategy for myocardial fibrosis has not been established. Therefore, this review describes the progress made in research related to transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, Piezo1, Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), sodium channels, and potassium channels in myocardial fibroblasts with the aim of providing new ideas for treating myocardial fibrosis.
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13
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Slotvitsky M, Berezhnoy A, Scherbina S, Rimskaya B, Tsvelaya V, Balashov V, Efimov AE, Agapov I, Agladze K. Polymer Kernels as Compact Carriers for Suspended Cardiomyocytes. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:51. [PMID: 36677111 PMCID: PMC9865253 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) constitute a potential source of patient-specific human cardiomyocytes for a cardiac cell replacement therapy via intramyocardial injections, providing a major benefit over other cell sources in terms of immune rejection. However, intramyocardial injection of the cardiomyocytes has substantial challenges related to cell survival and electrophysiological coupling with recipient tissue. Current methods of manipulating cell suspensions do not allow one to control the processes of adhesion of injected cells to the tissue and electrophysiological coupling with surrounding cells. In this article, we documented the possibility of influencing these processes using polymer kernels: biocompatible fiber fragments of subcellular size that can be adsorbed to a cell, thereby creating the minimum necessary adhesion foci to shape the cell and provide support for the organization of the cytoskeleton and the contractile apparatus prior to adhesion to the recipient tissue. Using optical excitation markers, the restoration of the excitability of cardiomyocytes in suspension upon adsorption of polymer kernels was shown. It increased the likelihood of the formation of a stable electrophysiological coupling in vitro. The obtained results may be considered as a proof of concept that the stochastic engraftment process of injected suspension cells can be controlled by smart biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Slotvitsky
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Lane 9, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Clinical Research Institute, Schepkina St. 61/2, 129110 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Berezhnoy
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Lane 9, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Clinical Research Institute, Schepkina St. 61/2, 129110 Moscow, Russia
| | - Serafima Scherbina
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Lane 9, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Beatrisa Rimskaya
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Lane 9, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Valerya Tsvelaya
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Lane 9, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Clinical Research Institute, Schepkina St. 61/2, 129110 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor Balashov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Lane 9, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anton E. Efimov
- Academician V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Schukinskaya St., 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Agapov
- Academician V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Schukinskaya St., 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Agladze
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Lane 9, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Clinical Research Institute, Schepkina St. 61/2, 129110 Moscow, Russia
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14
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Sung E, Prakosa A, Zhou S, Berger RD, Chrispin J, Nazarian S, Trayanova NA. Fat infiltration in the infarcted heart as a paradigm for ventricular arrhythmias. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:933-945. [PMID: 36589896 PMCID: PMC9802586 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00133-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Infiltrating adipose tissue (inFAT) has been recently found to co-localize with scar in infarcted hearts and may contribute to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. However, the contribution of inFAT to VA has not been well-established. We investigated the role of inFAT versus scar in VA through a combined prospective clinical and mechanistic computational study. Using personalized computational heart models and comparing the results from simulations of VA dynamics with measured electrophysiological abnormalities during the clinical procedure, we demonstrate that inFAT, rather than scar, is a primary driver of arrhythmogenic propensity and is frequently present in critical regions of the VA circuit. We determined that, within the VA circuitry, inFAT, as opposed to scar, is primarily responsible for conduction slowing in critical sites, mechanistically promoting VA. Our findings implicate inFAT as a dominant player in infarct-related VA, challenging existing paradigms and opening the door for unexplored anti-arrhythmic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adityo Prakosa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shijie Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ronald D. Berger
- Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Chrispin
- Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work: Jonathan Chrispin, Saman Nazarian, Natalia A. Trayanova
| | - Saman Nazarian
- Division of Cardiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work: Jonathan Chrispin, Saman Nazarian, Natalia A. Trayanova
| | - Natalia A. Trayanova
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work: Jonathan Chrispin, Saman Nazarian, Natalia A. Trayanova.,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to Natalia A. Trayanova.
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15
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Human macrophages directly modulate iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes at healthy state and congenital arrhythmia model in vitro. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:1295-1310. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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16
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Khwaounjoo P, Sands GB, LeGrice IJ, Ramulgun G, Ashton JL, Montgomery JM, Gillis AM, Smaill BH, Trew ML. Multimodal imaging shows fibrosis architecture and action potential dispersion are predictors of arrhythmic risk in spontaneous hypertensive rats. J Physiol 2022; 600:4119-4135. [PMID: 35984854 PMCID: PMC9544618 DOI: 10.1113/jp282526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) increases risk of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). The roles of structural vs. electrophysiological remodelling and age vs. disease progression are not fully understood. This cross-sectional study of cardiac alterations through HHD investigates mechanistic contributions to VT/VF risk. Risk was electrically assessed in Langendorff-perfused, spontaneously hypertensive rat hearts at 6, 12 and 18 months, and paced optical membrane voltage maps were acquired from the left ventricular (LV) free wall epicardium. Distributions of LV patchy fibrosis and 3D cellular architecture in representative anterior LV mid-wall regions were quantified from macroscopic and microscopic fluorescence images of optically cleared tissue. Imaging showed increased fibrosis from 6 months, particularly in the inner LV free wall. Myocyte cross-section increased at 12 months, while inter-myocyte connections reduced markedly with fibrosis. Conduction velocity decreased from 12 months, especially transverse to the myofibre direction, with rate-dependent anisotropy at 12 and 18 months, but not earlier. Action potential duration (APD) increased when clustered by age, as did APD dispersion at 12 and 18 months. Among 10 structural, functional and age variables, the most reliably linked were VT/VF risk, general LV fibrosis, a measure quantifying patchy fibrosis, and non-age clustered APD dispersion. VT/VF risk related to a quantified measure of patchy fibrosis, but age did not factor strongly. The findings are consistent with the notion that VT/VF risk is associated with rate-dependent repolarization heterogeneity caused by structural remodelling and reduced lateral electrical coupling between LV myocytes, providing a substrate for heterogeneous intramural activation as HHD progresses. KEY POINTS: There is heightened arrhythmic risk with progression of hypertensive heart disease. Risk is related to increasing left ventricular fibrosis, but the nature of this relationship has not been quantified. This study is a novel systematic characterization of changes in active electrical properties and fibrotic remodelling during progression of hypertensive heart disease in a well-established animal disease model. Arrhythmic risk is predicted by several left ventricular measures, in particular fibrosis quantity and structure, and epicardial action potential duration dispersion. Age alone is not a good predictor of risk. An improved understanding of links between arrhythmic risk and fibrotic architectures in progressive hypertensive heart disease aids better interpretation of late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and electrical mapping signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory B. Sands
- Auckland Bioengineering InstituteUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Ian J. LeGrice
- Auckland Bioengineering InstituteUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand,Department of PhysiologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Girish Ramulgun
- Auckland Bioengineering InstituteUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand,IHU‐LirycUniversity of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Jesse L. Ashton
- Auckland Bioengineering InstituteUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand,Department of PhysiologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | | | - Anne M. Gillis
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of AlbertaUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Bruce H. Smaill
- Auckland Bioengineering InstituteUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Mark L. Trew
- Auckland Bioengineering InstituteUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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17
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Yao J, Ma F, Zhang L, Zhu C, Jumabay M, Yao Z, Wang L, Cai X, Zhang D, Qiao X, Shivkumar K, Pellegrini M, Yao Y, Wu X, Boström KI. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Identifies Dynamic Cardiac Transition Program from Adipose Derived Cells Induced by Leukemia Inhibitory Factor. Stem Cells 2022; 40:932-948. [PMID: 35896368 PMCID: PMC9585902 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac048] [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: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Adipose-derived cells (ADCs) from white adipose tissue (WAT) are promising stem cell candidates because of their large regenerative reserves and the potential for cardiac regeneration. However, given the heterogeneity of ADC and its unsolved mechanisms of cardiac acquisition, ADC-cardiac transition efficiency remains low. In this study, we explored the heterogeneity of ADCs and the cellular kinetics of 39,432 single-cell transcriptomes along the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) induced ADC-cardiac transition. We identified distinct ADC subpopulations that reacted differentially to LIF when entering the cardiomyogenic program, further demonstrating that ADC-myogenesis is time-dependent and initiates from transient changes in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. At later stages, pseudotime analysis of ADCs navigated a trajectory with two branches corresponding to activated myofibroblast or cardiomyocyte-like cells. Our findings offer a high-resolution dissection of ADC heterogeneity and cell fate during ADC-cardiac transition, thus providing new insights into potential cardiac stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Feiyang Ma
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.,Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing 401338, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Ching Zhu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Medet Jumabay
- Division of Allergy, Immunology Center for Immunity, Infection, and Inflammation Pediatrics, Dept of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Zehao Yao
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lumin Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinjiang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Daoqin Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Xiaojing Qiao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | | | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.,Dept of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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18
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Brocklehurst P, Zhang H, Ye J. Effects of fibroblast on electromechanical dynamics of human atrial tissue—insights from a 2D discrete element model. Front Physiol 2022; 13:938497. [PMID: 35957981 PMCID: PMC9360525 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.938497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Roughly 75% of normal myocardial tissue volume is comprised of myocytes, however, fibroblasts by number are the most predominant cells in cardiac tissue. Previous studies have shown distinctive differences in cellular electrophysiology and excitability between myocytes and fibroblasts. However, it is still unclear how the electrical coupling between the two and the increased population of fibroblasts affects the electromechanical dynamics of cardiac tissue. This paper focuses on investigating effects of fibroblast-myocyte electrical coupling (FMEC) and fibroblast population on atrial electrical conduction and mechanical contractility by using a two-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) model of cardiac tissue that is different to finite element method (FEM). In the model, the electro-mechanics of atrial cells are modelled by a biophysically detailed model for atrial electrical action potentials and myofilament kinetics, and the atrial fibroblasts are modelled by an active model that considers four active membrane ionic channel currents. Our simulation results show that the FMEC impairs myocytes’ electrical action potential and mechanical contractibility, manifested by reduced upstroke velocity, amplitude and duration of action potentials, as well as cell length shortening. At the tissue level, the FMEC slows down the conduction of excitation waves, and reduces strain of the tissue produced during a contraction course. These findings provide new insights into understandings of how FMEC impairs cardiac electrical and mechanical dynamics of the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Brocklehurst
- Engineering Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Henggui Zhang, ; Jianqiao Ye,
| | - Jianqiao Ye
- Engineering Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Henggui Zhang, ; Jianqiao Ye,
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19
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Li G, Yang J, Zhang D, Wang X, Han J, Guo X. Research Progress of Myocardial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:889706. [PMID: 35958428 PMCID: PMC9357935 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.889706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aging population and the increasing incidence of basic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes (DM), the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased significantly. AF is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, which can cause heart failure (HF) and ischemic stroke (IS), increasing disability and mortality. Current studies point out that myocardial fibrosis (MF) is one of the most critical substrates for the occurrence and maintenance of AF. Although myocardial biopsy is the gold standard for evaluating MF, it is rarely used in clinical practice because it is an invasive procedure. In addition, serological indicators and imaging methods have also been used to evaluate MF. Nevertheless, the accuracy of serological markers in evaluating MF is controversial. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of MF, serological evaluation, imaging evaluation, and anti-fibrosis treatment to discuss the existing problems and provide new ideas for MF and AF evaluation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangling Li
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Demei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Han
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xueya Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xueya Guo,
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20
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Alonzo M, El Khoury R, Nagiah N, Thakur V, Chattopadhyay M, Joddar B. 3D Biofabrication of a Cardiac Tissue Construct for Sustained Longevity and Function. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:21800-21813. [PMID: 35533308 PMCID: PMC9238347 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we developed three-dimensional (3D) printed annular ring-like scaffolds of hydrogel (gelatin-alginate) constructs encapsulated with a mixture of human cardiac AC16 cardiomyocytes (CMs), fibroblasts (CFs), and microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) as cardiac organoid models in preparation for investigating the role of microgravity in cardiovascular disease initiation and development. We studied the mechanical properties of the acellular scaffolds and confirmed their cell compatibility as well as heterocellular coupling for cardiac tissue engineering. Rheological analysis performed on the acellular scaffolds showed the scaffolds to be elastogenic with elastic modulus within the range of a native in vivo heart tissue. The microstructural and physicochemical properties of the scaffolds analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR) confirmed the mechanical and functional stability of the scaffolds for long-term use in in vitro cell culture studies. HL-1 cardiomyocytes bioprinted in these hydrogel scaffolds exhibited contractile functions over a sustained period of culture. Cell mixtures containing CMs, CFs, and ECs encapsulated within the 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds exhibited a significant increase in viability and proliferation over 21 days, as shown by flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, via the expression of specific cardiac biomarkers, cardiac-specific cell functionality was confirmed. Our study depicted the heterocellular cardiac cell interactions, which is extremely important for the maintenance of normal physiology of the cardiac wall in vivo and significantly increased over a period of 21 days in in vitro. This 3D bioprinted "cardiac organoid" model can be adopted to simulate cardiac environments in which cellular crosstalk in diseased pathologies like cardiac atrophy can be studied in vitro and can further be used for drug cytotoxicity screening or underlying disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Alonzo
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Raven El Khoury
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Naveen Nagiah
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Vikram Thakur
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, Texas 79905, United States
| | - Munmun Chattopadhyay
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, Texas 79905, United States
| | - Binata Joddar
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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21
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El Khoury R, Nagiah N, Mudloff JA, Thakur V, Chattopadhyay M, Joddar B. 3D Bioprinted Spheroidal Droplets for Engineering the Heterocellular Coupling between Cardiomyocytes and Cardiac Fibroblasts. CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS 2021; 2021:9864212. [PMID: 35795473 PMCID: PMC9254634 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9864212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since conventional human cardiac two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and multilayered three-dimensional (3D) models fail in recapitulating cellular complexity and possess inferior translational capacity, we designed and developed a high-throughput scalable 3D bioprinted cardiac spheroidal droplet-organoid model with cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts that can be used for drug screening or regenerative engineering applications. This study helped establish the parameters for bioprinting and cross-linking a gelatin-alginate-based bioink into 3D spheroidal droplets. A flattened disk-like structure developed in prior studies from our laboratory was used as a control. The microstructural and mechanical stability of the 3D spheroidal droplets was assessed and was found to be ideal for a cardiac scaffold. Adult human cardiac fibroblasts and AC16 cardiomyocytes were mixed in the bioink and bioprinted. Live-dead assay and flow cytometry analysis revealed robust biocompatibility of the 3D spheroidal droplets that supported the growth and proliferation of the cardiac cells in the long-term cultures. Moreover, the heterocellular gap junctional coupling between the cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts further validated the 3D cardiac spheroidal droplet model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven El Khoury
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Naveen Nagiah
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Joel A. Mudloff
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Vikram Thakur
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Munmun Chattopadhyay
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Binata Joddar
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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22
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Tran RDH, Morris TA, Gonzalez D, Hetta AHSHA, Grosberg A. Quantitative Evaluation of Cardiac Cell Interactions and Responses to Cyclic Strain. Cells 2021; 10:3199. [PMID: 34831422 PMCID: PMC8625419 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113199] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart has a dynamic mechanical environment contributed by its unique cellular composition and the resultant complex tissue structure. In pathological heart tissue, both the mechanics and cell composition can change and influence each other. As a result, the interplay between the cell phenotype and mechanical stimulation needs to be considered to understand the biophysical cell interactions and organization in healthy and diseased myocardium. In this work, we hypothesized that the overall tissue organization is controlled by varying densities of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts in the heart. In order to test this hypothesis, we utilized a combination of mechanical strain, co-cultures of different cell types, and inhibitory drugs that block intercellular junction formation. To accomplish this, an image analysis pipeline was developed to automatically measure cell type-specific organization relative to the stretch direction. The results indicated that cardiac cell type-specific densities influence the overall organization of heart tissue such that it is possible to model healthy and fibrotic heart tissue in vitro. This study provides insight into how to mimic the dynamic mechanical environment of the heart in engineered tissue as well as providing valuable information about the process of cardiac remodeling and repair in diseased hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Duc Hien Tran
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Tessa Altair Morris
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Daniela Gonzalez
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Ali Hatem Salaheldin Hassan Ahmed Hetta
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Anna Grosberg
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
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23
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Sánchez J, Trenor B, Saiz J, Dössel O, Loewe A. Fibrotic Remodeling during Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: In Silico Investigation of the Role of Calcium for Human Atrial Myofibroblast Electrophysiology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112852. [PMID: 34831076 PMCID: PMC8616446 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During atrial fibrillation, cardiac tissue undergoes different remodeling processes at different scales from the molecular level to the tissue level. One central player that contributes to both electrical and structural remodeling is the myofibroblast. Based on recent experimental evidence on myofibroblasts' ability to contract, we extended a biophysical myofibroblast model with Ca2+ handling components and studied the effect on cellular and tissue electrophysiology. Using genetic algorithms, we fitted the myofibroblast model parameters to the existing in vitro data. In silico experiments showed that Ca2+ currents can explain the experimentally observed variability regarding the myofibroblast resting membrane potential. The presence of an L-type Ca2+ current can trigger automaticity in the myofibroblast with a cycle length of 799.9 ms. Myocyte action potentials were prolonged when coupled to myofibroblasts with Ca2+ handling machinery. Different spatial myofibroblast distribution patterns increased the vulnerable window to induce arrhythmia from 12 ms in non-fibrotic tissue to 22 ± 2.5 ms and altered the reentry dynamics. Our findings suggest that Ca2+ handling can considerably affect myofibroblast electrophysiology and alter the electrical propagation in atrial tissue composed of myocytes coupled with myofibroblasts. These findings can inform experimental validation experiments to further elucidate the role of myofibroblast Ca2+ handling in atrial arrhythmogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (O.D.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Beatriz Trenor
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitàt Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (B.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Javier Saiz
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitàt Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (B.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Olaf Dössel
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (O.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Axel Loewe
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (O.D.); (A.L.)
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24
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Krishnan A, Chilton E, Raman J, Saxena P, McFarlane C, Trollope AF, Kinobe R, Chilton L. Are Interactions between Epicardial Adipose Tissue, Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiac Myocytes Instrumental in Atrial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation? Cells 2021; 10:2501. [PMID: 34572150 PMCID: PMC8467050 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is very common among the elderly and/or obese. While myocardial fibrosis is associated with atrial fibrillation, the exact mechanisms within atrial myocytes and surrounding non-myocytes are not fully understood. This review considers the potential roles of myocardial fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in fibrosis and modulating myocyte electrophysiology through electrotonic interactions. Coupling with (myo)fibroblasts in vitro and in silico prolonged myocyte action potential duration and caused resting depolarization; an optogenetic study has verified in vivo that fibroblasts depolarized when coupled myocytes produced action potentials. This review also introduces another non-myocyte which may modulate both myocardial (myo)fibroblasts and myocytes: epicardial adipose tissue. Epicardial adipocytes are in intimate contact with myocytes and (myo)fibroblasts and may infiltrate the myocardium. Adipocytes secrete numerous adipokines which modulate (myo)fibroblast and myocyte physiology. These adipokines are protective in healthy hearts, preventing inflammation and fibrosis. However, adipokines secreted from adipocytes may switch to pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic, associated with reactive oxygen species generation. Pro-fibrotic adipokines stimulate myofibroblast differentiation, causing pronounced fibrosis in the epicardial adipose tissue and the myocardium. Adipose tissue also influences myocyte electrophysiology, via the adipokines and/or through electrotonic interactions. Deeper understanding of the interactions between myocytes and non-myocytes is important to understand and manage atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirudh Krishnan
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Emily Chilton
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada;
| | - Jaishankar Raman
- Austin & St Vincent’s Hospitals, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3217, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- School of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Pankaj Saxena
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia;
| | - Craig McFarlane
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Alexandra F. Trollope
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Robert Kinobe
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Lisa Chilton
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
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25
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Bezzerides VJ, Pu WT. Two sides of the same coin: new insights into mechanisms of ventricular fibrillation. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:983-984. [PMID: 33155033 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios J Bezzerides
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - William T Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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26
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Gottlieb LA, Dekker LRC, Coronel R. The Blinding Period Following Ablation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Proarrhythmic and Antiarrhythmic Pathophysiological Mechanisms. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 7:416-430. [PMID: 33736761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes heart failure, ischemic strokes, and poor quality of life. The number of patients with AF is estimated to increase to 18 million in Europe in 2050. Pharmacological therapy does not cure AF in all patients. Ablative pulmonary vein isolation is recommended for patients with drug-resistant symptomatic paroxysmal AF but is successful in only about 60%. In patients in whom ablative therapy is successful on the long term, recurrence of AF may occur in the first weeks to months after pulmonary vein ablation. The early recurrence (or delayed cure) of AF is not understood but forms the basis for the generally accepted 3-month blinding (or blanking) period after ablation therapy, which is not included in the evaluation of the eventual success rate of the procedures. The underlying pathophysiological processes responsible for early recurrence and the delayed cure are unknown. The implicit assumption of the blinding period is that the AF mechanism in this period is different from the ablation-targeted AF mechanism (ectopy from the pulmonary veins). In this review, we evaluate the temporary and long-lasting pro- and antiarrhythmic effects of each of the pathophysiological processes and interventions (necrosis, ischemia, oxidative stress, edema, inflammation, autonomic nervous activity, tissue repair, mechanical remodeling, and use of antiarrhythmic drugs) occurring in the blinding period that can modulate AF mechanisms. We propose that stretch-reducing ablation scar is a permanent antiarrhythmic mechanism that develops during the blinding period and is the reason for delayed cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Gottlieb
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France; Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas R C Dekker
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Cardiology Department, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Ruben Coronel
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France; Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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27
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Abstract
Conduction disorders and arrhythmias remain difficult to treat and are increasingly prevalent owing to the increasing age and body mass of the general population, because both are risk factors for arrhythmia. Many of the underlying conditions that give rise to arrhythmia - including atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia, which frequently occur in patients with acute myocardial ischaemia or heart failure - can have an inflammatory component. In the past, inflammation was viewed mostly as an epiphenomenon associated with arrhythmia; however, the recently discovered inflammatory and non-canonical functions of cardiac immune cells indicate that leukocytes can be arrhythmogenic either by altering tissue composition or by interacting with cardiomyocytes; for example, by changing their phenotype or perhaps even by directly interfering with conduction. In this Review, we discuss the electrophysiological properties of leukocytes and how these cells relate to conduction in the heart. Given the thematic parallels, we also summarize the interactions between immune cells and neural systems that influence information transfer, extrapolating findings from the field of neuroscience to the heart and defining common themes. We aim to bridge the knowledge gap between electrophysiology and immunology, to promote conceptual connections between these two fields and to explore promising opportunities for future research.
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28
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Cellular pathology of the human heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): lessons learned from in vitro modeling. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1099-1115. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02589-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Bae H, Kim T, Lim I. Carbon monoxide activates large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels of human cardiac fibroblasts through various mechanisms. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 25:227-237. [PMID: 33859063 PMCID: PMC8050612 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2021.25.3.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a cardioprotectant and potential cardiovascular therapeutic agent. Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) are important determinants of myocardial structure and function. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel is a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether CO modulates BK channels and the signaling pathways in HCFs using whole-cell mode patch-clamp recordings. CO-releasing molecules (CORMs; CORM-2 and CORM-3) significantly increased the amplitudes of BK currents (IBK). The CO-induced stimulating effects on IBK were blocked by pre-treatment with specific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blockers (L-NG-monomethyl arginine citrate and L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester). 8-bromo-cyclic GMP increased IBK. KT5823 (inhibits PKG) or ODQ (inhibits soluble guanylate cyclase) blocked the CO-stimulating effect on IBK. Moreover, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP also increased IBK, and pre-treatment with KT5720 (inhibits PKA) or SQ22536 (inhibits adenylate cyclase) blocked the CO effect. Pre-treatment with N-ethylmaleimide (a thiol-alkylating reagent) also blocked the CO effect on IBK, and DL-dithiothreitol (a reducing agent) reversed the CO effect. These data suggest that CO activates IBK through NO via the NOS and through the PKG, PKA, and S-nitrosylation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemi Bae
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Taeho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul 06973, Korea
| | - Inja Lim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
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30
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Thomas D, Cunningham NJ, Shenoy S, Wu JC. Human iPSCs in Cardiovascular Research: Current Approaches in Cardiac Differentiation, Maturation Strategies, and Scalable Production. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:20-36. [PMID: 33757124 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in a patient or a population differ based on inherent biological makeup, lifestyle, and exposure to environmental risk factors. These variables mean that therapeutic interventions may not provide the same benefit to every patient. In the context of CVDs, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) offer an opportunity to model CVDs in a patient-specific manner. From a pharmacological perspective, iPSC-CM models can serve as go/no-go tests to evaluate drug safety. To develop personalized therapies for early diagnosis and treatment, human-relevant disease models are essential. Hence, to implement and leverage the utility of iPSC-CMs for large-scale treatment or drug discovery, it is critical to (i) carefully evaluate the relevant limitations of iPSC-CM differentiations, (ii) establish quality standards for defining the state of cell maturity, and (iii) employ techniques that allow scalability and throughput with minimal batch-to-batch variability. In this review, we briefly describe progress made with iPSC-CMs in disease modelling and pharmacological testing, as well as current iPSC-CM maturation techniques. Finally, we discuss current platforms for large-scale manufacturing of iPSC-CMs that will enable high-throughput drug screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
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31
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Wang R, Peng L, Lv D, Shang F, Yan J, Li G, Li D, Ouyang J, Yang J. Leonurine Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis Through Upregulation of miR-29a-3p in Mice Post-myocardial Infarction. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 77:189-199. [PMID: 33235025 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a pathological process that accelerates cardiac remodeling in myocardial infarction (MI), and miR-29 has become one of the foci of research into MF. As an alkaloid extracted from Herba leonuri, leonurine (LE) has been found to be an effective natural active ingredient for inhibiting fibrosis in many preclinical experiments. However, whether LE protects against MF after MI through modifying miR-29 remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of LE on MF, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. A mouse model of MI was established, followed by administration of LE for 4 weeks. We found that LE effectively improved cardiac function, and attenuated fibrosis and cardiac remodeling in mice post-MI. In vitro, LE simultaneously inhibited proliferation and migration of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) exposed to angiotensin II (Ang II), and the activation of collagen synthesis and myofibroblast generation was markedly suppressed by LE. Notably, we found that all mature miR-29 family members were downregulated in the myocardial tissues of mice post-MI, whereas LE significantly upregulated miR-29a-3p expression, and such upregulation was also detected in LE-treated CFs under Ang II stimulation. Knockdown of miR-29a-3p by a specific miRNA inhibitor upregulated the protein levels of TGF-β, collagen III, and collagen I in CFs, and completely reversed the antifibrotic effects of LE on CFs. Our study suggests that LE exerts cardioprotective effects against MF, possibly through the upregulation of miR-29a-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Linqian Peng
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dingyi Lv
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feifei Shang
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianghong Yan
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoxing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Bishan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Jiadan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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32
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Hall C, Gehmlich K, Denning C, Pavlovic D. Complex Relationship Between Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiomyocytes in Health and Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019338. [PMID: 33586463 PMCID: PMC8174279 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix in the heart, providing support to the contracting myocardium and contributing to a myriad of physiological signaling processes. Despite the importance of fibrosis in processes of wound healing, excessive fibroblast proliferation and activation can lead to pathological remodeling, driving heart failure and the onset of arrhythmias. Our understanding of the mechanisms driving the cardiac fibroblast activation and proliferation is expanding, and evidence for their direct and indirect effects on cardiac myocyte function is accumulating. In this review, we focus on the importance of the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and the cross talk of cardiac fibroblasts with cardiac myocytes. We also consider the current use of models used to explore these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hall
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Oxford University of Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Biodiscovery Institute University of Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
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33
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Li CY, Zhang JR, Hu WN, Li SN. Atrial fibrosis underlying atrial fibrillation (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:9. [PMID: 33448312 PMCID: PMC7834953 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common tachyarrhythmias observed in the clinic and is characterized by structural and electrical remodelling. Atrial fibrosis, an emblem of atrial structural remodelling, is a complex multifactorial and patient-specific process involved in the occurrence and maintenance of AF. Whilst there is already considerable knowledge regarding the association between AF and fibrosis, this process is extremely complex, involving intricate neurohumoral and cellular and molecular interactions, and it is not limited to the atrium. Current technological advances have made the non-invasive evaluation of fibrosis in the atria and ventricles possible, facilitating the selection of patient-specific ablation strategies and upstream treatment regimens. An improved understanding of the mechanisms and roles of fibrosis in the context of AF is of great clinical significance for the development of treatment strategies targeting the fibrous region. In the present review, a focus was placed on the atrial fibrosis underlying AF, outlining its role in the occurrence and perpetuation of AF, by reviewing recent evaluations and potential treatment strategies targeting areas of fibrosis, with the aim of providing a novel perspective on the management and prevention of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Yi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Jing Rui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Wan Ning Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Song Nan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
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34
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Roman B, Kumar SA, Allen SC, Delgado M, Moncayo S, Reyes AM, Suggs LJ, Chintalapalle R, Li C, Joddar B. A Model for Studying the Biomechanical Effects of Varying Ratios of Collagen Types I and III on Cardiomyocytes. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2021; 12:311-324. [PMID: 33432515 PMCID: PMC8972084 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-020-00514-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a novel model composed solely of Col I and Col III with the lower and upper limits set to include the ratios of Col I and Col III at 3:1 and 9:1 in which the structural and mechanical behavior of the resident CM can be studied. Further, the progression of fibrosis due to change in ratios of Col I:Col III was tested. METHODS Collagen gels with varying Col I:Col III ratios to represent a healthy (3:1) and diseased myocardial tissue were prepared by manually casting them in wells. Absorbance assay was performed to confirm the gelation of the gels. Rheometric analysis was performed on each of the collagen gels prepared to determine the varying stiffnesses and rheological parameters of the gels made with varying ratios of Col I:Col III. Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) was performed to observe the 3D characterization of the collagen samples. Scanning Electron microscopy was used for acquiring cross sectional images of the lyophilized collagen gels. AC16 CM (human) cell lines were cultured in the prepared gels to study cell morphology and behavior as a result of the varying collagen ratios. Cellular proliferation was studied by performing a Cell Trace Violet Assay and the applied force on each cell was measured by means of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on CM from each sample. RESULTS Second harmonic generation microscopy used to image Col I, displayed a decrease in acquired image intensity with an increase in the non-second harmonic Col III in 3:1 gels. SEM showed a fiber-rich structure in the 3:1 gels with well-distributed pores unlike the 9:1 gels or the 1:0 controls. Rheological analysis showed a decrease in substrate stiffness with an increase of Col III, in comparison with other cases. CM cultured within 3:1 gels exhibited an elongated rod-like morphology with an average end-to-end length of 86 ± 28.8 µm characteristic of healthy CM, accompanied by higher cell growth in comparison with other cases. Finite element analysis used to estimate the forces exerted on CM cultured in the 3:1 gels, showed that the forces were well dispersed, and not concentrated within the center of cells, in comparison with other cases. CONCLUSION This study model can be adopted to simulate various biomechanical environments in which cells crosstalk with the Collagen-matrix in diseased pathologies to generate insights on strategies for prevention of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Roman
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), El Paso, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Shweta Anil Kumar
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), El Paso, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Shane C Allen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Monica Delgado
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), El Paso, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Sabastian Moncayo
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), El Paso, USA
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Andres M Reyes
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Laura J Suggs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ramana Chintalapalle
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Chunqiang Li
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Binata Joddar
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), El Paso, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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Andelova K, Egan Benova T, Szeiffova Bacova B, Sykora M, Prado NJ, Diez ER, Hlivak P, Tribulova N. Cardiac Connexin-43 Hemichannels and Pannexin1 Channels: Provocative Antiarrhythmic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010260. [PMID: 33383853 PMCID: PMC7795512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac connexin-43 (Cx43) creates gap junction channels (GJCs) at intercellular contacts and hemi-channels (HCs) at the peri-junctional plasma membrane and sarcolemmal caveolae/rafts compartments. GJCs are fundamental for the direct cardiac cell-to-cell transmission of electrical and molecular signals which ensures synchronous myocardial contraction. The HCs and structurally similar pannexin1 (Panx1) channels are active in stressful conditions. These channels are essential for paracrine and autocrine communication through the release of ions and signaling molecules to the extracellular environment, or for uptake from it. The HCs and Panx1 channel-opening profoundly affects intracellular ionic homeostasis and redox status and facilitates via purinergic signaling pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes. These conditions promote cardiac arrhythmogenesis due to the impairment of the GJCs and selective ion channel function. Crosstalk between GJCs and HCs/Panx1 channels could be crucial in the development of arrhythmogenic substrates, including fibrosis. Despite the knowledge gap in the regulation of these channels, current evidence indicates that HCs and Panx1 channel activation can enhance the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. It is extremely challenging to target HCs and Panx1 channels by inhibitory agents to hamper development of cardiac rhythm disorders. Progress in this field may contribute to novel therapeutic approaches for patients prone to develop atrial or ventricular fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Andelova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Tamara Egan Benova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Barbara Szeiffova Bacova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Matus Sykora
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Natalia Jorgelina Prado
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina; (N.J.P.); (E.R.D.)
| | - Emiliano Raul Diez
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina; (N.J.P.); (E.R.D.)
| | - Peter Hlivak
- Department of Arrhythmias and Pacing, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pod Krásnou Hôrkou 1, 83348 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Narcis Tribulova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-2-32295-423
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Sansonetti M, Waleczek FJG, Jung M, Thum T, Perbellini F. Resident cardiac macrophages: crucial modulators of cardiac (patho)physiology. Basic Res Cardiol 2020; 115:77. [PMID: 33284387 PMCID: PMC7720787 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-020-00836-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Resident cardiac macrophages (rcMacs) are integral components of the myocardium where they have key roles for tissue homeostasis and in response to inflammation, tissue injury and remodelling. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and limitations associated with the rcMacs studies. We describe their specific role and contribution in various processes such as electrical conduction, efferocytosis, inflammation, tissue development, remodelling and regeneration in both the healthy and the disease state. We also outline research challenges and technical complications associated with rcMac research. Recent technological developments and contemporary immunological techniques are now offering new opportunities to investigate the separate contribution of rcMac in respect to recruited monocytes and other cardiac cells. Finally, we discuss new therapeutic strategies, such as drugs or non-coding RNAs, which can influence rcMac phenotype and their response to inflammation. These novel approaches will allow for a deeper understanding of this cardiac endogenous cell type and might lead to the development of more specific and effective therapeutic strategies to boost the heart's intrinsic reparative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sansonetti
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - F J G Waleczek
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - M Jung
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - T Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
| | - F Perbellini
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.
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MD1 Depletion Predisposes to Ventricular Arrhythmias in the Setting of Myocardial Infarction. Heart Lung Circ 2020; 30:869-881. [PMID: 33257269 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2020.09.938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid differentiation protein 1 (MD1) is expressed in the human heart and is a negative regulator of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling. MD1 exerts anti-arrhythmic effects. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the role of MD1 in myocardial infarction (MI)-related ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). METHOD Myocardial infarction was induced by surgical ligation of the left anterior coronary artery in MD1 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type littermates. Myocardial infarction-induced vulnerability to VAs and its underlying mechanisms were evaluated. RESULTS Myeloid differentiation protein 1 was downregulated in the MI mice. Myeloid differentiation protein 1 deficiency decreased post-MI left ventricular (LV) function and increased the infarct size. The MI mice exhibited prolonged action potential duration (APD), enhanced APD alternans thresholds, and a higher incidence of VAs. Myocardial infarction-induced LV fibrosis and inflammation decreased the expression levels of Kv4.2, Kv4.3, Kv1.5, and Kv2.1, increased Cav1.2 expression, and disturbed Ca2+ handling protein expression. These MI-induced adverse effects were further exacerbated in KO mice. Mechanistically, MD1 deletion markedly enhanced the activation of the TLR4/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signalling pathway in post-MI mice. CONCLUSIONS Myeloid differentiation protein 1 deletion increases the vulnerability to VAs in post-MI mice. This is mainly caused by the aggravated maladaptive LV fibrosis and inflammation and interference with the expressions of ion channels and Ca2+ handling proteins, which is related to enhanced activation of the TLR4/CaMKII signalling pathway.
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Patel NJ, Nassal DM, Gratz D, Hund TJ. Emerging therapeutic targets for cardiac arrhythmias: role of STAT3 in regulating cardiac fibroblast function. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 25:63-73. [PMID: 33170045 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1849145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction : Cardiac fibrosis contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and arrhythmia. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are collagen-producing cells that regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. A complex signaling network has been defined linking environmental stress to changes in CF function and fibrosis. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) has emerged as a critical integrator of pro-fibrotic signals in CFs downstream of several established signaling networks. Areas covered : This article provides an overview of STAT3 function in CFs and its involvement in coordinating a vast web of intracellular pro-fibrotic signaling molecules and transcription factors. We highlight recent work elucidating a critical role for the fibroblast cytoskeleton in maintaining spatial and temporal control of STAT3-related signaling . Finally, we discuss potential opportunities and obstacles for therapeutic targeting of STAT3 to modulate cardiac fibrosis and arrhythmias. Relevant publications on the topic were identified through Pubmed. Expert opinion : Therapeutic targeting of STAT3 for CVD and arrhythmias presents unique challenges and opportunities. Thus, it is critical to consider the multimodal and dynamic nature of STAT3 signaling. Going forward, it will be beneficial to consider ways to maintain balanced STAT3 function, rather than large-scale perturbations in STAT3 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal J Patel
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, the Ohio State University , Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Drew M Nassal
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, the Ohio State University , Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Gratz
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, the Ohio State University , Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Thomas J Hund
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, the Ohio State University , Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus, OH, USA
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Sayers JR, Riley PR. Heart regeneration: beyond new muscle and vessels. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 117:727-742. [PMID: 33241843 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The most striking consequence of a heart attack is the loss of billions of heart muscle cells, alongside damage to the associated vasculature. The lost cardiovascular tissue is replaced by scar formation, which is non-functional and results in pathological remodelling of the heart and ultimately heart failure. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the heart regeneration field has centred efforts to generate new muscle and blood vessels through targeting cardiomyocyte proliferation and angiogenesis following injury. However, combined insights from embryological studies and regenerative models, alongside the adoption of -omics technology, highlight the extensive heterogeneity of cell types within the forming or re-forming heart and the significant crosstalk arising from non-muscle and non-vessel cells. In this review, we focus on the roles of fibroblasts, immune, conduction system, and nervous system cell populations during heart development and we consider the latest evidence supporting a function for these diverse lineages in contributing to regeneration following heart injury. We suggest that the emerging picture of neurologically, immunologically, and electrically coupled cell function calls for a wider-ranging combinatorial approach to heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy R Sayers
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Paul R Riley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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40
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Bretherton R, Bugg D, Olszewski E, Davis J. Regulators of cardiac fibroblast cell state. Matrix Biol 2020; 91-92:117-135. [PMID: 32416242 PMCID: PMC7789291 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the primary regulator of cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM). In response to disease stimuli cardiac fibroblasts undergo cell state transitions to a myofibroblast phenotype, which underlies the fibrotic response in the heart and other organs. Identifying regulators of fibroblast state transitions would inform which pathways could be therapeutically modulated to tactically control maladaptive extracellular matrix remodeling. Indeed, a deeper understanding of fibroblast cell state and plasticity is necessary for controlling its fate for therapeutic benefit. p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is part of the noncanonical transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway, is a central regulator of fibroblast to myofibroblast cell state transitions that is activated by chemical and mechanical stress signals. Fibroblast intrinsic signaling, local and global cardiac mechanics, and multicellular interactions individually and synergistically impact these state transitions and hence the ECM, which will be reviewed here in the context of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
| | - Darrian Bugg
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 850 Republican, #343, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
| | - Emily Olszewski
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 850 Republican, #343, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
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41
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Xin JJ, Dai QF, Lu FY, Zhao YX, Liu Q, Cui JJ, Xu DS, Bai WZ, Jing XH, Gao JH, Yu XC. Antihypertensive and Antifibrosis Effects of Acupuncture at PC6 Acupoints in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and the Underlying Mechanisms. Front Physiol 2020; 11:734. [PMID: 32982761 PMCID: PMC7480262 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term hypertension can lead to both structural and functional impairments of the myocardium. Reversing left ventricular (LV) myocardial fibrosis has been considered as a key goal for curing chronic hypertension and has been a hot field of research in recent years. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at PC6 on hypertension-induced myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Thirty SHRs were randomized into model, SHR + EA, and SHR + Sham EA groups with WKY rats as a normal control. EA was applied once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. The cardiac fibrosis as well as the underlying mechanisms were investigated. After 8 weeks of EA treatment at PC6, the enhanced myocardial fibrosis in SHRs was characterized by an increased ratio of left ventricular mass index (LVMI), collagen volume fraction (CVF), and elevated content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) as well as the upregulated expression of collagen I and collagen III in myocardium tissue of SHRs. All these abnormal alterations in the SHR + EA group were significantly lower compared to the model group. In addition, EA at PC6 significantly improved the pathological changes of myocardial morphology. Meanwhile, the increased levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 in the serum or heart tissue of SHRs were also markedly diminished by EA. These results suggest that EA at bilateral PC6 could ameliorate cardiac fibrosis in SHRs, which might be mediated by the regulation of the Ang II – TGF-β1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Juan Xin
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiu-Fu Dai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Yan Lu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xue Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Cui
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Zhu Bai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Jing
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Hong Gao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Yu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Bazhutina A, Balakina-Vikulova NA, Kursanov A, Solovyova O, Panfilov A, Katsnelson LB. Mathematical modelling of the mechano-electric coupling in the human cardiomyocyte electrically connected with fibroblasts. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 159:46-57. [PMID: 32846154 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts are interspersed within mammalian cardiac tissue. Fibroblasts are mechanically passive; however, they may communicate electrically with cardiomyocytes via gap junctions and thus affect the electrical and mechanical activity of myocytes. Several in-silico studies at both cellular (0D) and ventricular (3D) levels analysed the effects of fibroblasts on the myocardial electrical function. However, none of them addressed possible effects of fibroblast-myocyte electrical coupling to cardiomyocyte mechanical activity. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model for studying both electrical and mechanical responses of the human cardiomyocyte to its electrotonic interaction with cardiac fibroblasts. Our simulations have revealed that electrotonic interaction with fibroblasts affects not only the mechanical activity of the cardiomyocyte, comprising either moderate or significant reduction of contractility, but also the mechano-calcium and mechano-electric feedback loops, and all these effects are enhanced as the number of coupled fibroblasts is increased. Obtained results suggest that moderate values of the myocyte-fibroblast gap junction conductance (less than 1 nS) can be attributed to physiological conditions, contrasting to the higher values (2 nS and higher) proper rather for pathological situations (e.g. for infarct and/or border zones), since all mechanical indexes falls down dramatically in the case of such high conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathalie A Balakina-Vikulova
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Kursanov
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Olga Solovyova
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Panfilov
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leonid B Katsnelson
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
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Abstract
Lack of an ideal patch material for cardiac repairs continues to challenge congenital heart surgeons. The current materials are unable to grow and result in scarring, contraction, and arrhythmias. An acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) patch derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa has demonstrated remodeling potential when used to repair various tissues. This study investigated the in vivo electrophysiologic, mechanical, and histological properties of an ECM patch used to repair a right-ventricular (RV) wall defect in a growing ovine model. A full-thickness, 2 × 2 cm RV defect was created in 11 juvenile sheep and repaired with an ECM patch. Longitudinal RV three-dimensional-electrical mapping, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological analysis were performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Three-dimensional mapping demonstrated consistent conduction across the patch with little to no difference in voltage, but conduction velocity was consistently less than native myocardium. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed changing strain properties of the patch which by 9-12 months resembled native tissue. Histologic analysis at 3 months demonstrates cardiomyocyte degeneration and partial replacement via proliferation of connective tissue cells that were predominately fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. There was marked neovascularization and an absence of calcification at 12 months. Over time, the ECM patch remained viable with stable muscle at the edges. In growing sheep, an ECM patch becomes a viable tissue and remains so up to at least a year. Although ECM demonstrates some functional aspects of remodeling to native myocardium, histologically it remained immature.
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Slotvitsky MM, Tsvelaya VA, Podgurskaya AD, Agladze KI. Formation of an electrical coupling between differentiating cardiomyocytes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7774. [PMID: 32385315 PMCID: PMC7210299 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64581-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) serve as an indispensable platform for the study of human cardiovascular disease is human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). While the possibility of reproducing rare pathologies, patient-specific selection of drugs, and other issues concerning single cardiomyocytes have been well studied, little attention has been paid to the properties of the whole syncytium of CMs, in which both the functionality of individual cells and the distribution of electrophysiological connections between them are essential. The aim of this work is to directly study the ability of hiPSC-CMs to form a functional syncytium that can stably conduct an excitation wave. For that purpose, syncytium forming hiPSC-CMs were harvested and seeded (transferred) on a new substrate on different days of differentiation. The excitation conduction in a sample was characterized by the stability of the wavefront using optical mapping data. We found that the cells transferred before the 20th day of differentiation were able to organize a functional syncytium capable of further development and stable excitation conduction at high stimulation frequencies, while the cells transferred after 20 days did not form a homogeneous syncytium, and multiple instabilities of the propagating wavefront were observed with the possibility of reentry formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Slotvitsky
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russian Federation
| | - V A Tsvelaya
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russian Federation
| | - A D Podgurskaya
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russian Federation
| | - K I Agladze
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russian Federation. .,M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Clinical Research Institute, Moscow, 129110, Russian Federation.
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45
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Quinn TA, Kohl P. Cardiac Mechano-Electric Coupling: Acute Effects of Mechanical Stimulation on Heart Rate and Rhythm. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:37-92. [PMID: 32380895 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart is vital for biological function in almost all chordates, including humans. It beats continually throughout our life, supplying the body with oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. If it stops, so does life. The heartbeat involves precise coordination of the activity of billions of individual cells, as well as their swift and well-coordinated adaption to changes in physiological demand. Much of the vital control of cardiac function occurs at the level of individual cardiac muscle cells, including acute beat-by-beat feedback from the local mechanical environment to electrical activity (as opposed to longer term changes in gene expression and functional or structural remodeling). This process is known as mechano-electric coupling (MEC). In the current review, we present evidence for, and implications of, MEC in health and disease in human; summarize our understanding of MEC effects gained from whole animal, organ, tissue, and cell studies; identify potential molecular mediators of MEC responses; and demonstrate the power of computational modeling in developing a more comprehensive understanding of ‟what makes the heart tick.ˮ.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg/Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kohl
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg/Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Niestrawska JA, Augustin CM, Plank G. Computational modeling of cardiac growth and remodeling in pressure overloaded hearts-Linking microstructure to organ phenotype. Acta Biomater 2020; 106:34-53. [PMID: 32058078 PMCID: PMC7311197 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac growth and remodeling (G&R) refers to structural changes in myocardial tissue in response to chronic alterations in loading conditions. One such condition is pressure overload where elevated wall stresses stimulate the growth in cardiomyocyte thickness, associated with a phenotype of concentric hypertrophy at the organ scale, and promote fibrosis. The initial hypertrophic response can be considered adaptive and beneficial by favoring myocyte survival, but over time if pressure overload conditions persist, maladaptive mechanisms favoring cell death and fibrosis start to dominate, ultimately mediating the transition towards an overt heart failure phenotype. The underlying mechanisms linking biological factors at the myocyte level to biomechanical factors at the systemic and organ level remain poorly understood. Computational models of G&R show high promise as a unique framework for providing a quantitative link between myocardial stresses and strains at the organ scale to biological regulatory processes at the cellular level which govern the hypertrophic response. However, microstructurally motivated, rigorously validated computational models of G&R are still in their infancy. This article provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art of computational models to study cardiac G&R. The microstructure and mechanosensing/mechanotransduction within cells of the myocardium is discussed and quantitative data from previous experimental and clinical studies is summarized. We conclude with a discussion of major challenges and possible directions of future research that can advance the current state of cardiac G&R computational modeling. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The mechanistic links between organ-scale biomechanics and biological factors at the cellular size scale remain poorly understood as these are largely elusive to investigations using experimental methodology alone. Computational G&R models show high promise to establish quantitative links which allow more mechanistic insight into adaptation mechanisms and may be used as a tool for stratifying the state and predict the progression of disease in the clinic. This review provides a comprehensive overview of research in this domain including a summary of experimental data. Thus, this study may serve as a basis for the further development of more advanced G&R models which are suitable for making clinical predictions on disease progression or for testing hypotheses on pathogenic mechanisms using in-silico models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna A Niestrawska
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center: Division of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Christoph M Augustin
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center: Division of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria.
| | - Gernot Plank
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center: Division of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Austria
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47
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Anisotropic conduction in the myocardium due to fibrosis: the effect of texture on wave propagation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:764. [PMID: 31964904 PMCID: PMC6972912 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57449-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis occurs in many forms of heart disease. It is well established that the spatial pattern of fibrosis, its texture, substantially affects the onset of arrhythmia. However, in most modelling studies fibrosis is represented by multiple randomly distributed short obstacles that mimic only one possible texture, diffuse fibrosis. An important characteristic feature of other fibrosis textures, such as interstitial and patchy textures, is that fibrotic inclusions have substantial length, which is suggested to have a pronounced effect on wave propagation. In this paper, we study the effect of the elongation of inexcitable inclusions (obstacles) on wave propagation in a 2D model of cardiac tissue described by the TP06 model for human ventricular cells. We study in detail how the elongation of obstacles affects various characteristics of the waves. We quantify the anisotropy induced by the textures, its dependency on the obstacle length and the effects of the texture on the shape of the propagating wave. Because such anisotropy is a result of zig-zag propagation we show, for the first time, quantification of the effects of geometry and source-sink relationship, on the zig-zag nature of the pathway of electrical conduction. We also study the effect of fibrosis in the case of pre-existing anisotropy and introduce a procedure for scaling of the fibrosis texture. We show that fibrosis can decrease or increase the preexisting anisotropy depending on its scaled texture.
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48
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Living myofibroblast-silicon composites for probing electrical coupling in cardiac systems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22531-22539. [PMID: 31624124 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913651116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional bioelectronics, primarily comprised of nonliving synthetic materials, lack cellular behaviors such as adaptability and motility. This shortcoming results in mechanically invasive devices and nonnatural signal transduction across cells and tissues. Moreover, resolving heterocellular electrical communication in vivo is extremely limited due to the invasiveness of traditional interconnected electrical probes. In this paper, we present a cell-silicon hybrid that integrates native cellular behavior (e.g., gap junction formation and biosignal processing) with nongenetically enabled photosensitivity. This hybrid configuration allows interconnect-free cellular modulation with subcellular spatial resolution for bioelectric studies. Specifically, we hybridize cardiac myofibroblasts with silicon nanowires and use these engineered hybrids to synchronize the electrical activity of cardiomyocytes, studying heterocellular bioelectric coupling in vitro. Thereafter, we inject the engineered myofibroblasts into heart tissues and show their ability to seamlessly integrate into contractile tissues in vivo. Finally, we apply local photostimulation with high cell specificity to tackle a long-standing debate regarding the existence of myofibroblast-cardiomyocyte electrical coupling in vivo.
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49
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Kao YH, Chung CC, Cheng WL, Lkhagva B, Chen YJ. Pitx2c inhibition increases atrial fibroblast activity: Implications in atrial arrhythmogenesis. Eur J Clin Invest 2019; 49:e13160. [PMID: 31378929 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Pitx2c deficiency increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial structural remodelling with fibrosis blocks electrical conduction and leads to arrhythmogenesis. A Pitx2c deficiency enhances profibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression and calcium dysregulation, suggesting that Pitx2c may play a role in atrial fibrosis. The purposes of this study were to evaluate whether a Pitx2c deficiency modulates cardiac fibroblast activity and study the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A migration assay, proliferation analysis, Western blot analysis and calcium fluorescence imaging were conducted in Pitx2c-knockdown human atrial fibroblasts (HAFs) using short hairpin (sh)RNA or small interfering (si)RNA. RESULTS Compared to control HAFs, Pitx2c-knockdown HAFs had a greater migration but a similar proliferative ability. Pitx2c-knockdown HAFs had a higher calcium influx with enhanced phosphorylation of calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), α-smooth muscle actin and matrix metalloproteinase-2. In the presence of a CaMKII inhibitor (KN-93, 0.5 μmol/L), control and Pitx2c-knockdown HAFs exhibited similar migratory abilities. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that downregulation of Pitx2c may regulate atrial fibrosis through modulating calcium homeostasis, which may contribute to its role in anti-atrial fibrosis, and Pitx2c downregulation may change the atrial electrophysiology and AF occurrence through modulating fibroblast activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsun Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chih Chung
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Li Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Baigalmaa Lkhagva
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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50
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Anil Kumar S, Alonzo M, Allen SC, Abelseth L, Thakur V, Akimoto J, Ito Y, Willerth SM, Suggs L, Chattopadhyay M, Joddar B. A Visible Light-Cross-Linkable, Fibrin-Gelatin-Based Bioprinted Construct with Human Cardiomyocytes and Fibroblasts. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:4551-4563. [PMID: 32258387 PMCID: PMC7117097 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, fibrin was added to a photo-polymerizable gelatin-based bioink mixture to fabricate cardiac cell-laden constructs seeded with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CM) or CM cell lines with cardiac fibroblasts (CF). The extensive use of platelet-rich fibrin, its capacity to offer patient specificity, and the similarity in composition to surgical glue prompted us to include fibrin in the existing bioink composition. The cell-laden bioprinted constructs were cross-linked to retain a herringbone pattern via a two-step procedure including the visible light cross-linking of furfuryl-gelatin followed by the chemical cross-linking of fibrinogen via thrombin and calcium chloride. The printed constructs revealed an extremely porous, networked structure that afforded long-term in vitro stability. Cardiomyocytes printed within the sheet structure showed excellent viability, proliferation, and expression of the troponin I cardiac marker. We extended the utility of this fibrin-gelatin bioink toward coculturing and coupling of CM and cardiac fibroblasts (CF), the interaction of which is extremely important for maintenance of normal physiology of the cardiac wall in vivo. This enhanced "cardiac construct" can be used for drug cytotoxicity screening or unraveling triggers for heart diseases in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Anil Kumar
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Metallurgy Building, United States
| | - Matthew Alonzo
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Metallurgy Building, United States
| | - Shane C. Allen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Laila Abelseth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Engineering Office Wing, Room 548, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Victoria, Engineering Office Wing, Room 548, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Vikram Thakur
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, Texas 79905, United States
| | - Jun Akimoto
- Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Custer for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ito
- Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Custer for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Emergent Bioengineering Materials Research Team, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Stephanie M. Willerth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Engineering Office Wing, Room 548, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Victoria, Engineering Office Wing, Room 548, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Engineering Office Wing, Room 548, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Laura Suggs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Munmun Chattopadhyay
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 5001 El Paso Drive, El Paso, Texas 79905, United States
| | - Binata Joddar
- Inspired Materials & Stem-Cell Based Tissue Engineering Laboratory (IMSTEL), Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, M201 Metallurgy Building, United States
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Custer for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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