1
|
Asiwe JN, Ajayi AM, Ben-Azu B, Fasanmade AA. Vincristine attenuates isoprenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy in male Wistar rats via suppression of ROS/NO/NF-қB signalling pathways. Microvasc Res 2024; 155:104710. [PMID: 38880384 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Vincristine (VCR), a vinca alkaloid with anti-tumor and anti-oxidant properties, is acclaimed to possess cardioprotective action. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this protective effect remains unknown. This study investigated the effects of VCR on isoprenaline (ISO), a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, induced cardiac hypertrophy in male Wistar rats. Animals were pre-treated with ISO (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 14 days before VCR (25 μg/kg) intraperitoneal injection from days 1 to 28. Thereafter, mechanical, and electrical activities of the hearts of the rats were measured using a non-invasive blood pressure monitor and an electrocardiograph, respectively. After which, the heart was homogenized, and supernatants were assayed for contractile proteins: endothelin-1, cardiac troponin-1, angiotensin-II, and creatine kinase-MB, with markers of oxidative/nitrergic stress (SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH, and NO), inflammation (TNF-a and IL-6, NF-kB), and caspase-3 indicative of VCR reduced elevated blood pressure and reversed the abnormal electrocardiogram. ISO-induced increased endothelin-1, cardiac troponin-1, angiotensin-II, and creatine phosphokinase-MB, which were reversed by VCR. ISO also increased TNF-α, IL-6, NF-kB expression with increased caspase-3-mediated apoptosis in the heart. However, VCR reduced ISO-induced inflammation and apoptosis, with improved endogenous antioxidant agents (GSH, SOD, CAT) relative to ISO controls. Moreso, VCR, protected against ISO-induced histoarchitectural degeneration of cardiac myofibre. The result of this study revealed that VCR treatment significantly reverses ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophic phenotypes, via mechanisms connected to improved levels of proteins involved in excitation-contraction, and suppression of oxido-inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Ndudi Asiwe
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
| | - Abayomi M Ajayi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou L, Nishimura A, Umezawa K, Kato Y, Mi X, Ito T, Urano Y, Akaike T, Nishida M. Supersulfide catabolism participates in maladaptive remodeling of cardiac cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2024; 155:121-130. [PMID: 38880546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The atrophic myocardium resulting from mechanical unloading and nutritional deprivation is considered crucial as maladaptive remodeling directly associated with heart failure, as well as interstitial fibrosis. Conversely, myocardial hypertrophy resulting from hemodynamic loading is perceived as compensatory stress adaptation. We previously reported the abundant presence of highly redox-active polysulfide molecules, termed supersulfide, with two or more sulfur atoms catenated in normal hearts, and the supersulfide catabolism in pathologic hearts after myocardial infarction correlated with worsened prognosis of heart failure. However, the impact of supersulfide on myocardial remodeling remains unclear. Here, we investigated the involvement of supersulfide metabolism in cardiomyocyte remodeling, using a model of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) receptor-stimulated atrophy and endothelin-1 receptor-stimulated hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Results revealed contrasting changes in intracellular supersulfide and its catabolite, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), between cardiomyocyte atrophy and hypertrophy. Stimulation of cardiomyocytes with ATP decreased supersulfide activity, while H2S accumulation itself did not affect cardiomyocyte atrophy. This supersulfide catabolism was also involved in myofibroblast formation of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. Thus, unraveling supersulfide metabolism during myocardial remodeling may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liuchenzi Zhou
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, NINS, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Akiyuki Nishimura
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, NINS, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Keitaro Umezawa
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Yuri Kato
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Xinya Mi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoya Ito
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Urano
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takaaki Akaike
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Motohiro Nishida
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, NINS, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Wang Y, Yin H, Wang J, Liu N, Zhong S, Li L, Zhang Q, Yue T. Strain sensor on a chip for quantifying the magnitudes of tensile stress on cells. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2024; 10:88. [PMID: 38919164 PMCID: PMC11196625 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-024-00719-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
During cardiac development, mechanotransduction from the in vivo microenvironment modulates cardiomyocyte growth in terms of the number, area, and arrangement heterogeneity. However, the response of cells to different degrees of mechanical stimuli is unclear. Organ-on-a-chip, as a platform for investigating mechanical stress stimuli in cellular mimicry of the in vivo microenvironment, is limited by the lack of ability to accurately quantify externally induced stimuli. However, previous technology lacks the integration of external stimuli and feedback sensors in microfluidic platforms to obtain and apply precise amounts of external stimuli. Here, we designed a cell stretching platform with an in-situ sensor. The in-situ liquid metal sensors can accurately measure the mechanical stimulation caused by the deformation of the vacuum cavity exerted on cells. The platform was applied to human cardiomyocytes (AC16) under cyclic strain (5%, 10%, 15%, 20 and 25%), and we found that cyclic strain promoted cell growth induced the arrangement of cells on the membrane to gradually unify, and stabilized the cells at 15% amplitude, which was even more effective after 3 days of culture. The platform's precise control and measurement of mechanical forces can be used to establish more accurate in vitro microenvironmental models for disease modeling and therapeutic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyin Zhang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongze Yin
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Intelligent Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songyi Zhong
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Long Li
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yue
- School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Future Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Intelligent Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baron V, Sommer ST, Fiegle DJ, Pfeuffer AKM, Peyronnet R, Volk T, Seidel T. Effects of electro-mechanical uncouplers, hormonal stimulation and pacing rate on the stability and function of cultured rabbit myocardial slices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1363538. [PMID: 38646013 PMCID: PMC11026719 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1363538] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Recent advances have enabled organotypic culture of beating human myocardial slices that are stable for weeks. However, human myocardial samples are rare, exhibit high variability and frequently originate from diseased hearts. Thus, there is a need to adapt long-term slice culture for animal myocardium. When applied to animal cardiac slices, studies in healthy or genetically modified myocardium will be possible. We present the culture of slices from rabbit hearts, which resemble the human heart in microstructure, electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling. Methods: Left ventricular myocardium from New Zealand White rabbits was cut using a vibratome and cultured in biomimetic chambers for up to 7 days (d). Electro-mechanical uncoupling agents 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and cytochalasin D (CytoD) were added during initiation of culture and effects on myocyte survival were quantified. We investigated pacing rates (0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 2 Hz) and hormonal supplements (cortisol, T3, catecholamines) at physiological plasma concentrations. T3 was buffered using BSA. Contractile force was recorded continuously. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured. Whole-slice Ca2+ transients and action potentials were recorded. Effects of culture on microstructure were investigated with confocal microscopy and image analysis. Results: Protocols for human myocardial culture resulted in sustained contracture and myocyte death in rabbit slices within 24 h, which could be prevented by transient application of a combination of BDM and CytoD. Cortisol stabilized contraction amplitude and kinetics in culture. T3 and catecholaminergic stimulation did not further improve stability. T3 and higher pacing rates increased metabolic rate and lactate production. T3 stabilized the response to β-adrenergic stimulation over 7 d. Pacing rates above 1 Hz resulted in progredient decline in contraction force. Image analysis revealed no changes in volume fractions of cardiomyocytes or measures of fibrosis over 7 d. Ca2+ transient amplitudes and responsiveness to isoprenaline were comparable after 1 d and 7 d, while Ca2+ transient duration was prolonged after 7 d in culture. Conclusions: A workflow for rabbit myocardial culture has been established, preserving function for up to 7 d. This research underscores the importance of glucocorticoid signaling in maintaining tissue function and extending culture duration. Furthermore, BDM and CytoD appear to protect from tissue damage during the initiation phase of tissue culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V. Baron
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - S. T. Sommer
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - D. J. Fiegle
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A.-K. M. Pfeuffer
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - R. Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - T. Volk
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - T. Seidel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van Doorn ECH, Amesz JH, Sadeghi AH, de Groot NMS, Manintveld OC, Taverne YJHJ. Preclinical Models of Cardiac Disease: A Comprehensive Overview for Clinical Scientists. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024; 15:232-249. [PMID: 38228811 PMCID: PMC11116217 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00707-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
For recent decades, cardiac diseases have been the leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Despite significant achievements in their management, profound understanding of disease progression is limited. The lack of biologically relevant and robust preclinical disease models that truly grasp the molecular underpinnings of cardiac disease and its pathophysiology attributes to this stagnation, as well as the insufficiency of platforms that effectively explore novel therapeutic avenues. The area of fundamental and translational cardiac research has therefore gained wide interest of scientists in the clinical field, while the landscape has rapidly evolved towards an elaborate array of research modalities, characterized by diverse and distinctive traits. As a consequence, current literature lacks an intelligible and complete overview aimed at clinical scientists that focuses on selecting the optimal platform for translational research questions. In this review, we present an elaborate overview of current in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and in silico platforms that model cardiac health and disease, delineating their main benefits and drawbacks, innovative prospects, and foremost fields of application in the scope of clinical research incentives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C H van Doorn
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorik H Amesz
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amir H Sadeghi
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Translational Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reily‐Bell M, Katare R. MyoLoop: Redefining cardiac research with advanced tissue simulation. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:320-321. [PMID: 38236056 PMCID: PMC10988732 DOI: 10.1113/ep091577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajesh Katare
- Department of PhysiologyHeartOtagoUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pitoulis FG, Smith JJ, Pamias‐Lopez B, de Tombe PP, Hayman D, Terracciano CM. MyoLoop: Design, development and validation of a standalone bioreactor for pathophysiological electromechanical in vitro cardiac studies. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:405-415. [PMID: 37847495 PMCID: PMC10988681 DOI: 10.1113/ep091247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical load is one of the main determinants of cardiac structure and function. Mechanical load is studied in vitro using cardiac preparations together with loading protocols (e.g., auxotonic, isometric). However, such studies are often limited by reductionist models and poorly simulated mechanical load profiles. This hinders the physiological relevance of findings. Living myocardial slices have been used to study load in vitro. Living myocardial slices (LMS) are 300-μm-thick intact organotypic preparations obtained from explanted animal or human hearts. They have preserved cellular populations and the functional, structural, metabolic and molecular profile of the tissue from which they are prepared. Using a three-element Windkessel (3EWK) model we previously showed that LMSs can be cultured while performing cardiac work loops with different preload and afterload. Under such conditions, LMSs remodel as a function of the mechanical load applied to them (physiological load, pressure or volume overload). These studies were conducted in commercially available length actuators that had to be extensively modified for culture experiments. In this paper, we demonstrate the design, development and validation of a novel device, MyoLoop. MyoLoop is a bioreactor that can pace, thermoregulate, acquire and process data, and chronically load LMSs and other cardiac tissues in vitro. In MyoLoop, load is parametrised using a 3EWK model, which can be used to recreate physiological and pathological work loops and the remodelling response to these. We believe MyoLoop is the next frontier in basic cardiovascular research enabling reductionist but physiologically relevant in vitro mechanical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob J. Smith
- National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Pieter P. de Tombe
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Laboratoire “Physiologie Et Médecine Expérimentale du Coeur Et Des Muscles,” PhymedexpINSERM, CNRSMontpellier University, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve
MontpellierFrance
| | - Danika Hayman
- National Heart & Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hancock EN, Palmer BM, Caporizzo MA. Microtubule destabilization with colchicine increases the work output of myocardial slices. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY PLUS 2024; 7:100066. [PMID: 38584975 PMCID: PMC10997380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmccpl.2024.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac microtubules have recently been implicated in mechanical dysfunction during heart failure. However, systemic intolerance and non-cardiac effects of microtubule-depolymerizing compounds have made it challenging to determine the effect of microtubules on myocardial performance. Herein, we leverage recent advancements in living myocardial slices to develop a stable working preparation that recapitulates the complexity of diastole by including early and late phases of diastolic filling. To determine the effect of cardiac microtubule depolymerization on diastolic performance, myocardial slices were perfused with oxygenated media to maintain constant isometric twitch forces for more than 90 min. Force-length work loops were collected before and after 90 min of treatment with either DMSO (vehicle) or colchicine (microtubule depolymerizer). A trapezoidal stretch was added prior to the beginning of ventricular systole to mimic late-stage-diastolic filling driven by atrial systole. Force-length work loops were obtained at fixed preload and afterload, and tissue velocity was obtained during diastole as an analog to trans-mitral Doppler. In isometric twitches, microtubule destabilization accelerated force development, relaxation kinetics, and decreased end diastolic stiffness. In work loops, microtubule destabilization increased stroke length, myocardial output, accelerated isometric contraction and relaxation, and increased the amplitude of early filling. Taken together, these results indicate that the microtubule destabilizer colchicine can improve diastolic performance by accelerating isovolumic relaxation and early filling leading to increase in myocardial work output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmaleigh N. Hancock
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Bradley M. Palmer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Matthew A. Caporizzo
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Miller JM, Meki MM, El-Baz AS, Giridharan GA, Mohamed TMA. Culturing Cardiac Tissue Slices Under Continuous Physiological Mechanical Stretches. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2803:61-74. [PMID: 38676885 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3846-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Testing drugs in vivo and in vitro have been essential elements for the discovery of new therapeutics. Due to the recent advances in in vitro cell culture models, such as human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and 3D multicell type organoid culture methods, the detection of adverse cardiac events prior to human clinical trials has improved. However, there are still numerous therapeutics whose adverse cardiac effects are not detected until human trials due to the inability of these cell cultures to fully model the complex multicellular organization of an intact human myocardium. Cardiac tissue slices are a possible alternative solution. Myocardial slices are a 300-micron thin snapshot of the myocardium, capturing a section of the adult heart in a 1 × 1 cm section. Using a culture method that incorporates essential nutrients and electrical stimulation, tissue slices can be maintained in culture for 6 days with full viability and functionality. With the addition of mechanical stimulation and humoral cues, tissue slices can be cultured for 12 days. Here we provide detailed methods for how to culture cardiac tissue slices under continuous mechanical stimulation in the cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) device. The CTCM incorporates four essential factors for maintaining tissue slices in culture for 12 days: mechanical stimulation, electrical stimulation, nutrients, and humoral cues. The CTCM can also be used to model disease conditions, such as overstretch-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The versatility of the CTCM illustrates its potential to be a medium-throughput screening platform for personalized drug testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Miller
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Mostafa M Meki
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ayman S El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Tamer M A Mohamed
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
- Surgery Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shi R, Reichardt M, Fiegle DJ, Küpfer LK, Czajka T, Sun Z, Salditt T, Dendorfer A, Seidel T, Bruegmann T. Contractility measurements for cardiotoxicity screening with ventricular myocardial slices of pigs. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2469-2481. [PMID: 37934066 PMCID: PMC10651213 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad141] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cardiotoxicity is one major reason why drugs do not enter or are withdrawn from the market. Thus, approaches are required to predict cardiotoxicity with high specificity and sensitivity. Ideally, such methods should be performed within intact cardiac tissue with high relevance for humans and detect acute and chronic side effects on electrophysiological behaviour, contractility, and tissue structure in an unbiased manner. Herein, we evaluate healthy pig myocardial slices and biomimetic cultivation setups (BMCS) as a new cardiotoxicity screening approach. METHODS AND RESULTS Pig left ventricular samples were cut into slices and spanned into BMCS with continuous electrical pacing and online force recording. Automated stimulation protocols were established to determine the force-frequency relationship (FFR), frequency dependence of contraction duration, effective refractory period (ERP), and pacing threshold. Slices generated 1.3 ± 0.14 mN/mm2 force at 0.5 Hz electrical pacing and showed a positive FFR and a shortening of contraction duration with increasing pacing rates. Approximately 62% of slices were able to contract for at least 6 days while showing stable ERP, contraction duration-frequency relationship, and preserved cardiac structure confirmed by confocal imaging and X-ray diffraction analysis. We used specific blockers of the most important cardiac ion channels to determine which analysis parameters are influenced. To validate our approach, we tested five drug candidates selected from the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay list as well as acetylsalicylic acid and DMSO as controls in a blinded manner in three independent laboratories. We were able to detect all arrhythmic drugs and their respective mode of action on cardiac tissue including inhibition of Na+, Ca2+, and hERG channels as well as Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. CONCLUSION We systematically evaluate this approach for cardiotoxicity screening, which is of high relevance for humans and can be upscaled to medium-throughput screening. Thus, our approach will improve the predictive value and efficiency of preclinical cardiotoxicity screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runzhu Shi
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- International Research Training Group 1816, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marius Reichardt
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for X-ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dominik J Fiegle
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Linda K Küpfer
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Titus Czajka
- Institute for X-ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Zhengwu Sun
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, Hospital of the University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Salditt
- Institute for X-ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence ‘Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells’ (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Dendorfer
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, Hospital of the University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Seidel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Bruegmann
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence ‘Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells’ (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Garrett AS, Dowrick J, Taberner AJ, Han JC. Isolated cardiac muscle contracting against a real-time model of systemic and pulmonary cardiovascular loads. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1223-H1234. [PMID: 37712924 PMCID: PMC10907072 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00272.2023] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Isolated cardiac tissues allow a direct assessment of cardiac muscle function and enable precise control of experimental loading conditions. However, current experimental methods do not expose isolated tissues to the same contraction pattern and cardiovascular loads naturally experienced by the heart. In this study, we implement a computational model of systemic-pulmonary impedance that is solved in real time and imposed on contracting isolated rat muscle tissues. This systemic-pulmonary model represents the cardiovascular system as a lumped-parameter, closed-loop circuit. The tissues performed force-length work-loop contractions where the model output informed both the shortening and restretch phases of each work-loop. We compared the muscle mechanics and energetics associated with work-loops driven by the systemic-pulmonary model with that of a model-based loading method that only accounts for shortening. We obtained results that show simultaneous changes of afterload and preload or end-diastolic length of the muscle, as compared with the static, user-defined preload as in the conventional loading method. This feature allows assessment of muscle work output, heat output, and efficiency of contraction as functions of end-diastolic length. The results reveal the behavior of cardiac muscle as a pump source to achieve load-dependent work and efficiency outputs over a wider range of loads. This study offers potential applications of the model to investigate cardiac muscle response to hemodynamic coupling between systemic and pulmonary circulations in an in vitro setting.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present the use of a "closed-loop" model of systemic and pulmonary circulations to apply, for the first time, real-time model-calculated preload and afterload to isolated cardiac muscle preparations. This method extends current experimental protocols where only afterload has been considered. The extension to include preload provides the opportunity to investigate ventricular muscle response to hemodynamic coupling and as a pump source across a wider range of cardiovascular loads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Garrett
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jarrah Dowrick
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew J Taberner
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Engineering Science and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - June-Chiew Han
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nunez-Toldra R, Del Canizo A, Secco I, Nicastro L, Giacca M, Terracciano CM. Living myocardial slices for the study of nucleic acid-based therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1275945. [PMID: 37941724 PMCID: PMC10628718 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1275945] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy based on viral vectors offers great potential for the study and the treatment of cardiac diseases. Here we explore the use of Living Myocardial Slices (LMS) as a platform for nucleic acid-based therapies. Rat LMS and Adeno-Associated viruses (AAV) were used to optimise and analyse gene transfer efficiency, viability, tissue functionality, and cell tropism in cardiac tissue. Human cardiac tissue from failing (dilated cardiomyopathy) hearts was also used to validate the model in a more translational setting. LMS were cultured at physiological sarcomere length for 72-h under electrical stimulation. Two recombinant AAV serotypes (AAV6 and AAV9) at different multiplicity of infection (MOI) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were added to the surface of rat LMS. AAV6 at 20,000 MOI proved to be the most suitable serotype without affecting LMS contractility or kinetics and showing high transduction and penetrability efficiency in rat LMS. This serotype exhibited 40% of transduction efficiency in cardiomyocytes and stromal cells while 20% of the endothelial cells were transduced. With great translational relevance, this protocol introduces the use of LMS as a model for nucleic acid-based therapies, allowing the acceleration of preclinical studies for cardiac diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Nunez-Toldra
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Del Canizo
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - I. Secco
- King’s College London, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - L. Nicastro
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Giacca
- King’s College London, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - C. M. Terracciano
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Velarte A, Otin A, Giménez-Gómez P, Muñoz-Berbel X, Pueyo E. Fiber-Optic-Based System for High-Resolution Monitoring of Stretch in Excised Tissues. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:900. [PMID: 37887093 PMCID: PMC10605064 DOI: 10.3390/bios13100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases cause a high number of deaths nowadays. To improve these statistics, new strategies to better understand the electrical and mechanical abnormalities underlying them are urgently required. This study focuses on the development of a sensor to measure tissue stretch in excised tissues, enabling improved knowledge of biomechanical properties and allowing greater control in real time. A system made of biocompatible materials is described, which is based on two cantilevered platforms that integrate an optical fiber inside them to quantify the amount of stretch the tissues are exposed to with a precision of μm. The operating principle of the sensor is based on the variation of the optical path with the movement of the platforms onto which the samples are fixed. The conducted tests highlight that this system, based on a simple topology and technology, is capable of achieving the desired purpose (a resolution of ∼1 μm), enabling the tissue to be bathed in any medium within the system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Velarte
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, I3A Institute, IIS Aragón, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Aranzazu Otin
- Grupo de Electrónica de Potencia y Microelectrónica (GEPM) Group, I3A Institute, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Pablo Giménez-Gómez
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Xavier Muñoz-Berbel
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Pueyo
- Biomedical Signal Interpretation and Computational Simulation (BSICoS) Group, I3A Institute, IIS Aragón, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Uwase E, Caru M, Levesque A, Dodin P, Curnier D, Périé D. Exercise stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of induced cardiovascular responses in cardiac patients: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2023; 21:1879-1887. [PMID: 37128785 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-22-00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review will describe cardiac magnetic resonance imaging testing protocols used in combination with exercise (Ex-CMR) to assess cardiovascular responses. The review will document the advantages and limitations of these protocols in cardiac patients. INTRODUCTION Ex-CMR characterizes the heart, differentiating between normal and pathological cardiac remodeling with considerable accuracy. However, there is no review detailing existing Ex-CMR protocols. This is particularly important since not all Ex-CMR protocols seem to induce enough stress to effectively characterize cardiac remodeling, hence the need for a review to report on the current evidence. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review will consider studies that use Ex-CMR testing protocols to assess cardiovascular responses, revealing cardiac remodeling in patients whose age at the time of the study was ≥ 18 years. METHODS The review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The following databases will be searched: PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science, OpenGrey, Grey Matters, and OAlster. Articles in English and French will be included and there will be no limitation set for the date of publication. Data will be extracted from papers included in the scoping review by 2 independent reviewers and will be classified in summary tables. REVIEW REGISTRATION Open Science Framework https://osf.io/hvn75/?view_only=f6cf8fc2112e498d89c39639dbce70d1 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egidie Uwase
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnique, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maxime Caru
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnique, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Levesque
- Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Dodin
- Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Curnier
- Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Delphine Périé
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnique, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lother A, Kohl P. The heterocellular heart: identities, interactions, and implications for cardiology. Basic Res Cardiol 2023; 118:30. [PMID: 37495826 PMCID: PMC10371928 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-023-01000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The heterocellular nature of the heart has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. In addition to cardiomyocytes as the prototypical cell type of the heart, non-myocytes such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, or immune cells are coming more into focus. The rise of single-cell sequencing technologies enables identification of ever more subtle differences and has reignited the question of what defines a cell's identity. Here we provide an overview of the major cardiac cell types, describe their roles in homeostasis, and outline recent findings on non-canonical functions that may be of relevance for cardiology. We highlight modes of biochemical and biophysical interactions between different cardiac cell types and discuss the potential implications of the heterocellular nature of the heart for basic research and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Achim Lother
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
MacIver DH, Scrase T, Zhang H. Left ventricular contractance: A new measure of contractile function. Int J Cardiol 2023; 371:345-353. [PMID: 36084798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Myocardial contractility is poorly defined and difficult to compare between studies. Contractance or myocardial active strain energy density (MASED) measures the mechanical work done per unit volume (with units of kJ/m3) by any cardiac tissue during contraction. Contractance is an ideal candidate for measuring contractile function as it combines information from both stress and strain. METHODS AND RESULTS Data obtained from three previously published experimental studies using trabecular tissue was used to provide contemporaneous nominal stress and strain data in 18 different scenarios with different loading conditions. Contractance varied in the differing loading conditions with values of 1.16 (low preload), 2.02 (high afterload) and 3.76 kJ/m3 (normal). Contractance varied between 0 with isometric loading and 2.14 kJ/m3 with an isotonic and moderate afterload. Increasing inotropy increased contractance to 4.7 kJ/m3. CONCLUSION We showed that calculating MASED was feasible and provided a measure of energy production (work done) per unit volume of myocardium during contraction. The new term for contractile function, contractance, can be defined and quantified by MASED. Contractance measures contractile function in differing preload, afterload and inotropic settings. The method of measuring contractance is transferable to the assessment of global and regional systolic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David H MacIver
- Department of Cardiology, Taunton & Somerset Hospital, United Kingdom; Biological Physics Group, Department of Astronomy and Physics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Thomas Scrase
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Astronomy and Physics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Astronomy and Physics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Amesz JH, Zhang L, Everts BR, De Groot NMS, Taverne YJHJ. Living myocardial slices: Advancing arrhythmia research. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1076261. [PMID: 36711023 PMCID: PMC9880234 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1076261] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Living myocardial slices (LMS) are ultrathin (150-400 µm) sections of intact myocardium that can be used as a comprehensive model for cardiac arrhythmia research. The recent introduction of biomimetic electromechanical cultivation chambers enables long-term cultivation and easy control of living myocardial slices culture conditions. The aim of this review is to present the potential of this biomimetic interface using living myocardial slices in electrophysiological studies outlining advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives of the model. Furthermore, different electrophysiological techniques and their application on living myocardial slices will be discussed. The developments of living myocardial slices in electrophysiology research will hopefully lead to future breakthroughs in the understanding of cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorik H. Amesz
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,Translational Electrophysiology, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lu Zhang
- Translational Electrophysiology, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bian R. Everts
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Natasja M. S. De Groot
- Translational Electrophysiology, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yannick J. H. J. Taverne
- Translational Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab, Lowlands Institute for Bioelectric Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Yannick J. H. J. Taverne,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Miller JM, Meki MH, Elnakib A, Ou Q, Abouleisa RRE, Tang XL, Salama ABM, Gebreil A, Lin C, Abdeltawab H, Khalifa F, Hill BG, Abi-Gerges N, Bolli R, El-Baz AS, Giridharan GA, Mohamed TMA. Biomimetic cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) to emulate cardiac physiology and pathophysiology ex vivo. Commun Biol 2022; 5:934. [PMID: 36085302 PMCID: PMC9463130 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03919-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is need for a reliable in vitro system that can accurately replicate the cardiac physiological environment for drug testing. The limited availability of human heart tissue culture systems has led to inaccurate interpretations of cardiac-related drug effects. Here, we developed a cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) that can electro-mechanically stimulate heart slices with physiological stretches in systole and diastole during the cardiac cycle. After 12 days in culture, this approach partially improved the viability of heart slices but did not completely maintain their structural integrity. Therefore, following small molecule screening, we found that the incorporation of 100 nM tri-iodothyronine (T3) and 1 μM dexamethasone (Dex) into our culture media preserved the microscopic structure of the slices for 12 days. When combined with T3/Dex treatment, the CTCM system maintained the transcriptional profile, viability, metabolic activity, and structural integrity for 12 days at the same levels as the fresh heart tissue. Furthermore, overstretching the cardiac tissue induced cardiac hypertrophic signaling in culture, which provides a proof of concept for the ability of the CTCM to emulate cardiac stretch-induced hypertrophic conditions. In conclusion, CTCM can emulate cardiac physiology and pathophysiology in culture for an extended time, thereby enabling reliable drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Miller
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Moustafa H Meki
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Ahmed Elnakib
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Qinghui Ou
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Riham R E Abouleisa
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Xian-Liang Tang
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Abou Bakr M Salama
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Gebreil
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Cindy Lin
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Hisham Abdeltawab
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Fahmi Khalifa
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Bradford G Hill
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | | | - Roberto Bolli
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Ayman S El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | | | - Tamer M A Mohamed
- From the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
- Envirome Institute, Diabetes and Obesity Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Palmer BM, Bell SP. Preparing Excitable Cardiac Papillary Muscle and Cardiac Slices for Functional Analyses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:817205. [PMID: 35309048 PMCID: PMC8928577 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.817205] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the reductionist approach has been fruitful in understanding the molecular basis of muscle function, intact excitable muscle preparations are still important as experimental model systems. We present here methods that are useful for preparing cardiac papillary muscle and cardiac slices, which represent macroscopic experimental model systems with fully intact intercellular and intracellular structures. The maintenance of these in vivo structures for experimentation in vitro have made these model systems especially useful for testing the functional effects of protein mutations and pharmaceutical candidates. We provide solutions recipes for dissection and recording, instructions for removing and preparing the cardiac papillary muscles, as well as instruction for preparing cardiac slices. These instructions are suitable for beginning experimentalists but may be useful for veteran muscle physiologists hoping to reacquaint themselves with macroscopic functional analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M. Palmer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
- *Correspondence: Bradley M. Palmer,
| | - Stephen P. Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Waleczek FJG, Sansonetti M, Xiao K, Jung M, Mitzka S, Dendorfer A, Weber N, Perbellini F, Thum T. Chemical and mechanical activation of resident cardiac macrophages in the living myocardial slice ex vivo model. Basic Res Cardiol 2022; 117:63. [PMID: 36449104 PMCID: PMC9712328 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-022-00971-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Resident cardiac macrophages (rcMACs) are among the most abundant immune cells in the heart. Plasticity and activation are hallmarks of rcMACs in response to changes in the microenvironment, which is essential for in vitro experimentation. The in vivo investigation is confounded by the infiltration of other cells hindering direct studies of rcMACs. As a tool to investigate rcMACs, we applied the ex vivo model of living myocardial slices (LMS). LMS are ultrathin ex vivo multicellular cardiac preparations in which the circulatory network is interrupted. The absence of infiltration in this model enables the investigation of the rcMACs response to immunomodulatory and mechanical stimulations. Such conditions were generated by applying interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) or interleukine-4 (IL-4) and altering the preload of cultured LMS, respectively. The immunomodulatory stimulation of the LMS induced alterations of the gene expression pattern without affecting tissue contractility. Following 24 h culture, low input RNA sequencing of rcMACs isolated from LMS was used for gene ontology analysis. Reducing the tissue stretch (unloading) of LMS altered the gene ontology clusters of isolated rcMACs with intermediate semantic similarity to IFN-γ triggered reaction. Through the overlap of genes affected by IFN-γ and unloading, we identified Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) as a potential marker gene for inflammation of rcMACs as significantly altered in whole immunomodulated LMS. MicroRNAs associated with the transcriptomic changes of rcMACs in unloaded LMS were identified in silico. Here, we demonstrate the approach of LMS to understand load-triggered cardiac inflammation and, thus, identify potential translationally important therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. J. G. Waleczek
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M. Sansonetti
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - K. Xiao
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,grid.4561.60000 0000 9261 3939Fraunhofer Institute ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M. Jung
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - S. Mitzka
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,grid.4561.60000 0000 9261 3939Fraunhofer Institute ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - A. Dendorfer
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XWalter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Marchioninistraße 27, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - N. Weber
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - F. Perbellini
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - T. Thum
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,grid.4561.60000 0000 9261 3939Fraunhofer Institute ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Solís C, Russell B. Striated muscle proteins are regulated both by mechanical deformation and by chemical post-translational modification. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:679-695. [PMID: 34777614 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00835-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
All cells sense force and build their cytoskeleton to optimize function. How is this achieved? Two major systems are involved. The first is that load deforms specific protein structures in a proportional and orientation-dependent manner. The second is post-translational modification of proteins as a consequence of signaling pathway activation. These two processes work together in a complex way so that local subcellular assembly as well as overall cell function are controlled. This review discusses many cell types but focuses on striated muscle. Detailed information is provided on how load deforms the structure of proteins in the focal adhesions and filaments, using α-actinin, vinculin, talin, focal adhesion kinase, LIM domain-containing proteins, filamin, myosin, titin, and telethonin as examples. Second messenger signals arising from external triggers are distributed throughout the cell causing post-translational or chemical modifications of protein structures, with the actin capping protein CapZ and troponin as examples. There are numerous unanswered questions of how mechanical and chemical signals are integrated by muscle proteins to regulate sarcomere structure and function yet to be studied. Therefore, more research is needed to see how external triggers are integrated with local tension generated within the cell. Nonetheless, maintenance of tension in the sarcomere is the essential and dominant mechanism, leading to the well-known phrase in exercise physiology: "use it or lose it."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Solís
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Brenda Russell
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Swiatlowska P, Iskratsch T. Tools for studying and modulating (cardiac muscle) cell mechanics and mechanosensing across the scales. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:611-623. [PMID: 34765044 PMCID: PMC8553672 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00837-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes generate force for the contraction of the heart to pump blood into the lungs and body. At the same time, they are exquisitely tuned to the mechanical environment and react to e.g. changes in cell and extracellular matrix stiffness or altered stretching due to reduced ejection fraction in heart disease, by adapting their cytoskeleton, force generation and cell mechanics. Both mechanical sensing and cell mechanical adaptations are multiscale processes. Receptor interactions with the extracellular matrix at the nanoscale will lead to clustering of receptors and modification of the cytoskeleton. This in turn alters mechanosensing, force generation, cell and nuclear stiffness and viscoelasticity at the microscale. Further, this affects cell shape, orientation, maturation and tissue integration at the microscale to macroscale. A variety of tools have been developed and adapted to measure cardiomyocyte receptor-ligand interactions and forces or mechanics at the different ranges, resulting in a wealth of new information about cardiomyocyte mechanobiology. Here, we take stock at the different tools for exploring cardiomyocyte mechanosensing and cell mechanics at the different scales from the nanoscale to microscale and macroscale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Swiatlowska
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Iskratsch
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hu X, Wu P, Liu B, Lang Y, Li T. RNA-binding protein CELF1 promotes cardiac hypertrophy via interaction with PEBP1 in cardiomyocytes. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 387:111-121. [PMID: 34669021 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is considered as a common pathophysiological process in various cardiovascular diseases. CUG triplet repeat-binding protein 1 (CELF1) is an RNA-binding protein that has been shown to be an important post-transcription regulator and involved in several types of cancer, whereas its role in cardiac remodeling remains unclear. Herein, we found that the expression of CELF1 was significantly increased in pressure overload-induced hypertrophic hearts and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced neonatal cardiomyocytes. Based on transverse aortic constriction-induced cardiac hypertrophy model, CELF1 deficiency markedly ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Accordingly, CELF1 deficiency alleviated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis of neonatal cardiomyocytes via inhibition of Raf1, TAK1, ERK1/2, and p38 phosphorylation. Mechanistically, depletion or overexpression of CELF1 negatively regulated the protein expression of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1), while the mRNA expression of PEBP1 remained unchanged. RNA immunoprecipitation revealed that CELF1 directly interacted with PEBP1 mRNA. Biotin pull-down analysis and dual-luciferase assay showed that CELF1 directly bound to the fragment 1 within 3'UTR of PEBP1. Moreover, knockdown of PEBP1 partially enhanced the production of ROS and apoptosis of neonatal cardiomyocytes inhibited by CELF1 deficiency. In conclusion, CELF1 binds to the 3'UTR of PEBP1 and acts as an endogenous activator of MAPK signaling pathway. Inhibition of CELF1 attenuates pathological cardiac hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, thus could be a potential therapeutic strategy of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Hu
- Heart Center, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Heart Center, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Bojiang Liu
- Heart Center, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Yuheng Lang
- Heart Center, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Tong Li
- Heart Center, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Seguret M, Vermersch E, Jouve C, Hulot JS. Cardiac Organoids to Model and Heal Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:563. [PMID: 34069816 PMCID: PMC8157277 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac tissue engineering aims at creating contractile structures that can optimally reproduce the features of human cardiac tissue. These constructs are becoming valuable tools to model some of the cardiac functions, to set preclinical platforms for drug testing, or to alternatively be used as therapies for cardiac repair approaches. Most of the recent developments in cardiac tissue engineering have been made possible by important advances regarding the efficient generation of cardiac cells from pluripotent stem cells and the use of novel biomaterials and microfabrication methods. Different combinations of cells, biomaterials, scaffolds, and geometries are however possible, which results in different types of structures with gradual complexities and abilities to mimic the native cardiac tissue. Here, we intend to cover key aspects of tissue engineering applied to cardiology and the consequent development of cardiac organoids. This review presents various facets of the construction of human cardiac 3D constructs, from the choice of the components to their patterning, the final geometry of generated tissues, and the subsequent readouts and applications to model and treat cardiac diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magali Seguret
- INSERM, PARCC, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (M.S.); (E.V.); (C.J.)
| | - Eva Vermersch
- INSERM, PARCC, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (M.S.); (E.V.); (C.J.)
| | - Charlène Jouve
- INSERM, PARCC, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (M.S.); (E.V.); (C.J.)
| | - Jean-Sébastien Hulot
- INSERM, PARCC, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (M.S.); (E.V.); (C.J.)
- CIC1418 and DMU CARTE, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, F-75015 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|