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Zhang S, Liu W, Xu B, Wang S, Du Z, Cheng W. Association of triglyceride glucose index and triglyceride glucose-body mass index with sudden cardiac arrest in the general population. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2024; 23:173. [PMID: 38762473 PMCID: PMC11102616 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02275-2] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin resistance (IR) significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are recognised as convenient proxies for IR. However, their relationship with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains unclear. METHODS This prospective cohort analysis included 355,242 UK Biobank participants with available TyG index and TyG-BMI data and no history of CVD. Cox proportional risk models assessed the association between the TyG index, TyG-BMI and SCA risk. Additionally, Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) models were employed to investigate the timing of SCA onset. The impact of dynamic increases in TyG index and TyG-BMI levels on SCA risk was examined using restricted cubic spline. RESULTS Over a median follow-up period of 165.4 months (interquartile range 156.5-174 months), 1,622 cases of SCA were recorded. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a 9% increase in SCA risk per standard deviation increase in TyG index (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.15) and an 14% increase per standard deviation increase in TyG-BMI (aHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.2). AFT models indicated earlier median times to SCA occurrence with increasing quintiles of TyG index and TyG-BMI compared to the lowest quintile (P for trend < 0.05). SCA risk was linearly (P = 0.54) and non-linearly (P = 0.007) correlated with gradual increases in TyG index and TyG-BMI levels, respectively. Sex-stratified analyses showed stronger associations in women. CONCLUSIONS Higher TyG index and TyG-BMI levels are associated with an increased SCA risk and earlier onset, particularly in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijing Zhang
- The Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital (Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center)Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Wenbing Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Bin Xu
- The Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital (Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center)Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Shuguang Wang
- Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Zhongyan Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for "Preventive Treatment" Smart Health of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Wenke Cheng
- Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr 27, Leipzig, 04103, Germany.
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2
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Gao AR, Li S, Tan XC, Huang T, Dong HJ, Xue R, Li JC, Zhang Y, Zhang YZ, Wang X. Xinyang Tablet attenuates chronic hypoxia-induced right ventricular remodeling via inhibiting cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Chin Med 2022; 17:134. [PMID: 36471367 PMCID: PMC9720925 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00689-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is one of the fatal pathologies developed under hypobaric hypoxia and eventually leads to right ventricular (RV) remodeling and RV failure. Clinically, the mortality rate of RV failure caused by HPH is high and lacks effective drugs. Xinyang Tablet (XYT), a traditional Chinese medicine exhibits significant efficacy in the treatment of congestive heart failure and cardiac dysfunction. However, the effects of XYT on chronic hypoxia-induced RV failure are not clear. METHODS The content of XYT was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were housed in a hypobaric chamber (equal to the parameter in altitude 5500 m) for 21 days to obtain the RV remodeling model. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and hemodynamic parameters were measured by iWorx Acquisition & Analysis System. Pathological morphological changes in the RV and pulmonary vessels were observed by H&E staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Myocardial apoptosis was tested by TUNEL assay. Protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in the RV and H9c2 cells were detected by western blot. Meanwhile, H9c2 cells were induced by CoCl2 to establish a hypoxia injury model to verify the protective effect and mechanisms of XYT. A CCK-8 assay was performed to determine the viability of H9c2 cells. CoCl2-induced apoptosis was detected by Annexin-FITC/PI flow cytometry and Hoechst 33,258 staining. RESULTS XYT remarkably improved RV hemodynamic disorder and ECG parameters. XYT attenuated hypoxia-induced pathological injury in RV and pulmonary vessels. We also observed that XYT treatment decreased the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the numbers of myocardial apoptosis in RV. In H9c2 myocardial hypoxia model, XYT protected H9c2 cells against Cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced apoptosis. We also found that XYT could antagonize CoCl2-induced apoptosis through upregulating Bcl-2, inhibiting Bax and caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that XYT improved hypoxia-induced RV remodeling and protected against cardiac injury by inhibiting apoptosis pathway in vivo and vitro models, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical management of hypoxia-induced cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ran Gao
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405 China ,grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuo Li
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Cui Tan
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405 China ,grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Huang
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405 China ,grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua-Jin Dong
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Xue
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Cao Li
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - You-Zhi Zhang
- grid.410740.60000 0004 1803 4911State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wang
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405 China
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3
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Zhong C, Zhao H, Xie X, Qi Z, Li Y, Jia L, Zhang J, Lu Y. Protein Kinase C-Mediated Hyperphosphorylation and Lateralization of Connexin 43 Are Involved in Autoimmune Myocarditis-Induced Prolongation of QRS Complex. Front Physiol 2022; 13:815301. [PMID: 35418879 PMCID: PMC9000987 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.815301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, which leads to cardiac dysfunction and sudden cardiac death. An increasing number of evidence suggests that myocarditis is also a malignant complication of coronavirus pneumonia, associated with heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Prolonged QRS complexes that are related to malignant arrhythmias caused by myocarditis significantly increase the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully known at present. In this study, we identify protein kinase C (PKC) as a new regulator of the QRS complex. In isolated hearts of normal rats, the PKC agonist, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), induced prolongation of the QRS complex. Mechanistically, hyperphosphorylation and lateralization of connexin 43 (Cx43) by PKC induced depolymerization and internalization of Cx43 gap junction channels and prolongation of the QRS duration. Conversely, administration of the PKC inhibitor, Ro-32-0432, in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) rats after the most severe inflammation period still significantly rescued the stability of the Cx43 gap junction and alleviated prolongation of the QRS complex. Ro-32-0432 reduced phosphorylation and blocked translocation of Cx43 in EAM rat heart but did not regulate the mRNA expression level of ventricular ion channels and the other regulatory proteins, which indicates that the inhibition of PKC might have no protective effect on ion channels that generate ventricular action potential in EAM rats. These results suggest that the pharmacological inhibition of PKC ameliorates the prolongation of the QRS complex via suppression of Cx43 hyperphosphorylation, lateralization, and depolymerization of Cx43 gap junction channels in EAM rats, which provides a potential therapeutic strategy for myocarditis-induced arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlian Zhong
- School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
- Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinwen Xie
- Liancheng County General Hospital, Longyan, China
| | - Zhi Qi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yumei Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lee Jia
- School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
- Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lee Jia, ,
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Hatherly Laboratories, Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Jinwei Zhang,
| | - Yusheng Lu
- School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
- Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, Fuzhou, China
- Yusheng Lu, ,
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4
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Querio G, Antoniotti S, Geddo F, Tullio F, Penna C, Pagliaro P, Gallo MP. Ischemic heart disease and cardioprotection: Focus on estrogenic hormonal setting and microvascular health. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 141:106921. [PMID: 34592428 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is a clinical condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to the cardiac tissue, and the consequent inappropriate oxygen and nutrients supply and metabolic waste removal in the heart. In the last decade a broad scientific literature has underlined the distinct mechanism of onset and the peculiar progress of IHD between female and male patients, highlighting the estrogenic hormonal setting as a key factor of these sex-dependent divergences. In particular, estrogen-activated cardioprotective pathways exert a pivotal role for the microvascular health, and their impairment, both physiologically and pathologically driven, predispose to vascular dysfunctions. Aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the estrogen receptors localization and function in the cardiovascular system, particularly focusing on sex-dependent differences in microvascular vs macrovascular dysfunction and on the experimental models that allowed the researchers to reach the current findings and sketching the leading estrogen-mediated cardioprotective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Querio
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Susanna Antoniotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Geddo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Tullio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Penna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pagliaro
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Maria Pia Gallo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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5
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Boengler K, Rohrbach S, Weissmann N, Schulz R. Importance of Cx43 for Right Ventricular Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030987. [PMID: 33498172 PMCID: PMC7863922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the heart, connexins form gap junctions, hemichannels, and are also present within mitochondria, with connexin 43 (Cx43) being the most prominent connexin in the ventricles. Whereas the role of Cx43 is well established for the healthy and diseased left ventricle, less is known about the importance of Cx43 for the development of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The present article focusses on the importance of Cx43 for the developing heart. Furthermore, we discuss the expression and localization of Cx43 in the diseased RV, i.e., in the tetralogy of Fallot and in pulmonary hypertension, in which the RV is affected, and RV hypertrophy and failure occur. We will also introduce other Cx molecules that are expressed in RV and surrounding tissues and have been reported to be involved in RV pathophysiology. Finally, we highlight therapeutic strategies aiming to improve RV function in pulmonary hypertension that are associated with alterations of Cx43 expression and function.
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6
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Chiba T, Nakano M, Hasebe Y, Kimura Y, Fukasawa K, Miki K, Morosawa S, Takanami K, Ota H, Fukuda K, Shimokawa H. Prognosis and risk stratification in cardiac sarcoidosis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. J Cardiol 2020; 75:34-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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7
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Antigny F, Mercier O, Humbert M, Sabourin J. Excitation-contraction coupling and relaxation alteration in right ventricular remodelling caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension. Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 113:70-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvd.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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8
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Effects of 6-mercaptopurine in pressure overload induced right heart failure. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225122. [PMID: 31714926 PMCID: PMC6850541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several antineoplastic drugs have been proposed as new compounds for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment but many have cardiotoxic side effects. The chemotherapeutic agent 6-mercaptopurine may have an effect in treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension but at the same time, its effects on the afterload adaption of the right ventricle is unpredictable due to interaction with multiple downstream signalling pathways in the cardiomyocytes. We investigated the direct cardiac effects of 6-mercaptopurine in rats with isolated right heart failure caused by pulmonary trunk banding (PTB). Methods Male Wistar rat weanlings (112±2 g) were randomized to sham operation (sham, n = 10) or PTB. The PTB animals were randomized to placebo (PTB-control, n = 10) and 6-mercaptopurine (7.5 mg/kg/day) groups with treatment start before the PTB procedure (PTB-prevention, n = 10) or two weeks after (PTB-reversal, n = 10). Right ventricular effects were evaluated by echocardiography, cardiac MRI, invasive pressure-volume measurements, and histological and molecular analyses. Results PTB increased right ventricular afterload and caused right ventricular hypertrophy and failure. 6-mercaptopurine did not improve right ventricular function nor reduce right ventricular remodelling in both prevention and reversal studies compared with placebo-treated rats. Conclusion Treatment with 6-mercaptopurine did not have any beneficial or detrimental effects on right ventricular function or remodelling. Our data suggest that treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension with 6-mercaptopurine is not harmful to the failing right ventricle.
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9
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Sattler SM, Skibsbye L, Linz D, Lubberding AF, Tfelt-Hansen J, Jespersen T. Ventricular Arrhythmias in First Acute Myocardial Infarction: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Interventions in Large Animal Models. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:158. [PMID: 31750317 PMCID: PMC6848060 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventricular arrhythmia and subsequent sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most frequent causes of death in humans. Lethal ventricular arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation (VF) prior to hospitalization have been reported to occur in more than 10% of all AMI cases and survival in these patients is poor. Identification of risk factors and mechanisms for VF following AMI as well as implementing new risk stratification models and therapeutic approaches is therefore an important step to reduce mortality in people with high cardiovascular risk. Studying spontaneous VF following AMI in humans is challenging as it often occurs unexpectedly in a low risk subgroup. Large animal models of AMI can help to bridge this knowledge gap and are utilized to investigate occurrence of arrhythmias, involved mechanisms and therapeutic options. Comparable anatomy and physiology allow for this translational approach. Through experimental focus, using state-of-the-art technologies, including refined electrical mapping equipment and novel pharmacological investigations, valuable insights into arrhythmia mechanisms and possible interventions for arrhythmia-induced SCD during the early phase of AMI are now beginning to emerge. This review describes large experimental animal models of AMI with focus on first AMI-associated ventricular arrhythmias. In this context, epidemiology of first AMI, arrhythmogenic mechanisms and various potential therapeutic pharmacological targets will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Michael Sattler
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Medical Department I, University Hospital Grosshadern, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lasse Skibsbye
- Department of Exploratory Toxicology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dominik Linz
- Medical Department III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany.,Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anniek Frederike Lubberding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Jespersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Andersen S, Birkmose Axelsen J, Ringgaard S, Randel Nyengaard J, Holm Nielsen S, Genovese F, Asser Karsdal M, Adler Hyldebrandt J, Brandt Sørensen C, de Man FS, Jan Bogaard H, Erik Nielsen-Kudsk J, Andersen A. Pressure overload induced right ventricular remodeling is not attenuated by the anti-fibrotic agent pirfenidone. Pulm Circ 2019; 9:2045894019848659. [PMID: 30997866 PMCID: PMC6540527 DOI: 10.1177/2045894019848659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis contributes to the development of heart failure in pulmonary hypertension. We aimed to assess the development of fibrosis and the effects of treatment with the anti-fibrotic agent pirfenidone in pressure overload induced right ventricular (RV) failure. Wistar rat weanlings were randomized to pulmonary trunk banding (PTB) or sham surgery. One week after the procedure, PTB rats were randomized into two groups with either six weeks on standard chow or treatment with pirfenidone mixed in chow (700 mg/kg/day). RV hemodynamic effects were evaluated by echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pressure-volume measurements. Sections from the isolated RV, left ventricle, and septum were sampled systematically; stereological point grids and the nucleator were used to estimate volume of fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy, respectively. PTB caused RV failure in all rats subjected to the procedure. The volume fraction of fibrosis in the RV increased threefold in PTB rats corresponding to a sixfold increase in total volume of RV fibrosis. Volume fraction of fibrosis and total volume of fibrosis also increased in the septum and in the left ventricle. Pirfenidone reduced body weight but did not improve RV hemodynamics or reduce cardiac fibrosis. RV cardiomyocyte profile area was increased twofold in PTB rats without any effect of pirfenidone. RV pressure overload after PTB induced not only RV but also septal and left ventricular fibrosis assessed by stereology. Treatment with pirfenidone reduced body weight but did not reduce the development of cardiac fibrosis or delay the progression of RV failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Andersen
- 1 Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | | | - Jens Randel Nyengaard
- 3 Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine; Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Signe Holm Nielsen
- 4 Fibrosis Biology and Biomarkers Research, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark.,5 Deparment of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Federica Genovese
- 4 Fibrosis Biology and Biomarkers Research, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Asser Karsdal
- 4 Fibrosis Biology and Biomarkers Research, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Charlotte Brandt Sørensen
- 1 Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.,7 Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Asger Andersen
- 1 Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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11
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Vicario N, Zappalà A, Calabrese G, Gulino R, Parenti C, Gulisano M, Parenti R. Connexins in the Central Nervous System: Physiological Traits and Neuroprotective Targets. Front Physiol 2017; 8:1060. [PMID: 29326598 PMCID: PMC5741605 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell interaction and cell-to-extracellular environment communication are emerging as new therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders. Dynamic expression of connexins leads to distinctive hemichannels and gap junctions, characterized by cell-specific conduction, exchange of stimuli or metabolites, and particular channel functions. Herein, we briefly reviewed classical physiological traits and functions of connexins, hemichannels, and gap junctions, in order to discuss the controversial role of these proteins and their mediated interactions during neuroprotection, with a particular focus on Cx43-based channels. We pointed out the contribution of connexins in neural cells populations during neurodegenerative processes to explore potential neuroprotective therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Calabrese
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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