1
|
Mukherjee M, Strom JB, Afilalo J, Hu M, Beussink-Nelson L, Kim J, Addetia K, Bertoni A, Gottdiener J, Michos ED, Gardin JM, Shah SJ, Freed BH. Normative Values of Echocardiographic Chamber Size and Function in Older Healthy Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 17:e016420. [PMID: 38716661 PMCID: PMC11108741 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.123.016420] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echocardiographic (2-dimensional echocardiography) thresholds indicating disease or impaired functional status compared with normal physiological aging in individuals aged ≥65 years are not clearly defined. In the present study, we sought to establish standard values for 2-dimensional echocardiography parameters related to chamber size and function in older adults without cardiopulmonary or cardiometabolic conditions. METHODS In this cross-sectional study of 3032 individuals who underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at exam 6 in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), 608 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria of healthy aging, with normative values defined as the mean ± 1.96 standard deviation and compared across sex and race and ethnicity. Functional status measures included NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), 6-minute walk distance, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Prognostic performance using MESA cutoffs was compared with established guideline cutoffs using time-to-event analysis. RESULTS The normative aging cohort (69.5±7.0 years, 46.2% male, 47.5% White) had lower NT-proBNP, higher 6-minute walk distance, and higher (better) Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary values. Women had significantly smaller chamber sizes and better biventricular systolic function. White participants had the largest chamber dimensions, whereas Chinese participants had the smallest, even after adjustment for body size. Current guidelines identified 81.6% of healthy older adults in MESA as having cardiac abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Among a large, diverse group of healthy older adults, we found significant differences in cardiac structure and function by sex and race/ethnicity, which may signal sex-specific cardiac remodeling with advancing age. It is crucial for existing guidelines to consider the observed and clinically significant differences in cardiac structure and function associated with healthy aging. Our study highlights that existing guidelines, which grade abnormalities in echocardiographic cardiac chamber size and function based on younger individuals, may not adequately address the anticipated changes associated with normal aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mo Hu
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine,
Chicago, IL
| | | | - Jiwon Kim
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Karima Addetia
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago,
IL
| | | | | | - Erin D. Michos
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore,
MD
| | | | - Sanjiv J. Shah
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine,
Chicago, IL
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lindsey ML, Usselman CW, Ripplinger CM, Carter JR, DeLeon-Pennell KY. Sex as a biological variable for cardiovascular physiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H459-H469. [PMID: 38099847 PMCID: PMC11219053 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00727.2023] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
There have been ongoing efforts by federal agencies and scientific communities since the early 1990s to incorporate sex and/or gender in all aspects of cardiovascular research. Scientific journals provide a critical function as change agents to influence transformation by encouraging submissions for topic areas, and by setting standards and expectations for articles submitted to the journal. As part of ongoing efforts to advance sex and gender in cardiovascular physiology research, the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology recently launched a call for papers on Considering Sex as a Biological Variable. This call was an overwhelming success, resulting in 78 articles published in this collection. This review summarizes the major themes of the collection, including Sex as a Biological Variable Within: Endothelial Cell and Vascular Physiology, Cardiovascular Immunity and Inflammation, Metabolism and Mitochondrial Energy, Extracellular Matrix Turnover and Fibrosis, Neurohormonal Signaling, and Cardiovascular Clinical and Epidemiology Assessments. Several articles also focused on establishing rigor and reproducibility of key physiological measurements involved in cardiovascular health and disease, as well as recommendations and considerations for study design. Combined, these articles summarize our current understanding of sex and gender influences on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology and provide insight into future directions needed to further expand our knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merry L Lindsey
- School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Research Service, Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Charlotte W Usselman
- Cardiovascular Health and Autonomic Regulation Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States
| | - Jason R Carter
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States
| | - Kristine Y DeLeon-Pennell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smolgovsky S, Theall B, Wagner N, Alcaide P. Fibroblasts and immune cells: at the crossroad of organ inflammation and fibrosis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H303-H316. [PMID: 38038714 PMCID: PMC11219060 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00545.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The immune and fibrotic responses have evolved to work in tandem to respond to pathogen clearance and promote tissue repair. However, excessive immune and fibrotic responses lead to chronic inflammation and fibrosis, respectively, both of which are key pathological drivers of organ pathophysiology. Fibroblasts and immune cells are central to these responses, and evidence of these two cell types communicating through soluble mediators or adopting functions from each other through direct contact is constantly emerging. Here, we review complex junctions of fibroblast-immune cell cross talk, such as immune cell modulation of fibroblast physiology and fibroblast acquisition of immune cell-like functions, as well as how these systems of communication contribute to organ pathophysiology. We review the concept of antigen presentation by fibroblasts among different organs with different regenerative capacities, and then focus on the inflammation-fibrosis axis in the heart in the complex syndrome of heart failure. We discuss the need to develop anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic therapies, so far unsuccessful to date, that target novel mechanisms that sit at the crossroads of the fibrotic and immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Smolgovsky
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Brandon Theall
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Noah Wagner
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Pilar Alcaide
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen YC, Shih CL, Wu CL, Fang YH, So EC, Wu SN. Exploring the Impact of BK Ca Channel Function in Cellular Membranes on Cardiac Electrical Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1537. [PMID: 38338830 PMCID: PMC10855144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031537] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review paper delves into the current body of evidence, offering a thorough analysis of the impact of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa or BK) channels on the electrical dynamics of the heart. Alterations in the activity of BKCa channels, responsible for the generation of the overall magnitude of Ca2+-activated K+ current at the whole-cell level, occur through allosteric mechanisms. The collaborative interplay between membrane depolarization and heightened intracellular Ca2+ ion concentrations collectively contribute to the activation of BKCa channels. Although fully developed mammalian cardiac cells do not exhibit functional expression of these ion channels, evidence suggests their presence in cardiac fibroblasts that surround and potentially establish close connections with neighboring cardiac cells. When cardiac cells form close associations with fibroblasts, the high single-ion conductance of these channels, approximately ranging from 150 to 250 pS, can result in the random depolarization of the adjacent cardiac cell membranes. While cardiac fibroblasts are typically electrically non-excitable, their prevalence within heart tissue increases, particularly in the context of aging myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation. This augmented presence of BKCa channels' conductance holds the potential to amplify the excitability of cardiac cell membranes through effective electrical coupling between fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. In this scenario, this heightened excitability may contribute to the onset of cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, it is worth noting that the substances influencing the activity of these BKCa channels might influence cardiac electrical activity as well. Taken together, the BKCa channel activity residing in cardiac fibroblasts may contribute to cardiac electrical function occurring in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Chia Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lung Shih
- Clinical Research Center, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60056, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Liang Wu
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Fang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Edmund Cheung So
- Department of Anesthesia, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 70965, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Wu
- Department of Research and Education, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 70965, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80421, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tang J, Wu C, Xu Y, Yang B, Xi Y, Cai M, Tian Z. Resistance training up-regulates Smyd1 expression and inhibits oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the heart of middle-aged mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 210:304-317. [PMID: 38042222 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.11.029] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Persistent oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are the primary mechanisms of age-related cardiovascular diseases. Although exercise training is viewed as an effective anti-aging approach, further exploration is needed to identify the mechanisms and functional targets. In this study, the impact of resistance training (RT) on the expression of Smyd1, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of ER stress-related protein in the hearts of mice of different ages were assessed. In addition, the role of Smyd1 in the aging-induced oxidative stress and ER stress were evaluated in d-galactose (D-gal)-treated H9C2 cells. We demonstrated that RT in middle age increased the expression of Smyd1 and restricted heart aging-induced ER stress. Overexpression of Smyd1 restrained oxidative stress and ER stress in D-gal-treated H9C2 cells, while the inhibition of Nrf2 and Smyd1 escalated ER stress. These findings demonstrate that Smyd1 has significant impact in regulating age-related ER stress. RT in middle age can up-regulates Smyd1 expression and inhibits oxidative stress and ER stress in the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, PR China
| | - Chenyang Wu
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Xu
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, PR China
| | - Boran Yang
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, PR China
| | - Yue Xi
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, PR China
| | - Mengxin Cai
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, PR China.
| | - Zhenjun Tian
- Institute of Sports Biology, College of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Felisbino MB, Rubino M, Travers JG, Schuetze KB, Lemieux ME, Anseth KS, Aguado BA, McKinsey TA. Substrate stiffness modulates cardiac fibroblast activation, senescence, and proinflammatory secretory phenotype. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H61-H73. [PMID: 37889253 PMCID: PMC11213481 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00483.2023] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
In vitro cultures of primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells of the heart, are used to determine molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis. However, the supraphysiologic stiffness of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) triggers the conversion of CFs into an activated myofibroblast-like state, and serial passage of the cells results in the induction of replicative senescence. These phenotypic switches confound the interpretation of experimental data obtained with cultured CFs. In an attempt to circumvent TCPS-induced activation and senescence of CFs, we used poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels as cell culture platforms with low and high stiffness formulations to mimic healthy and fibrotic hearts, respectively. Low hydrogel stiffness converted activated CFs into a quiescent state with a reduced abundance of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-containing stress fibers. Unexpectedly, lower substrate stiffness concomitantly augmented CF senescence, marked by elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and increased expression of p16 and p21, which are antiproliferative markers of senescence. Using dynamically stiffening hydrogels with phototunable cross-linking capabilities, we demonstrate that premature, substrate-induced CF senescence is partially reversible. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed widespread transcriptional reprogramming of CFs cultured on low-stiffness hydrogels, with a reduction in the expression of profibrotic genes encoding ECM proteins, and an attendant increase in expression of NF-κB-responsive inflammatory genes that typify the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Our findings demonstrate that alterations in matrix stiffness profoundly impact CF cell state transitions, and suggest mechanisms by which CFs change phenotype in vivo depending on the stiffness of the myocardial microenvironment in which they reside.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings highlight the advantages and pitfalls associated with culturing cardiac fibroblasts on hydrogels of varying stiffness. The findings also define stiffness-dependent signaling and transcriptional networks in cardiac fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina B Felisbino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Marcello Rubino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Joshua G Travers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Katherine B Schuetze
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | | | - Kristi S Anseth
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Timothy A McKinsey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Usselman CW, Lindsey ML, Robinson AT, Habecker BA, Taylor CE, Merryman WD, Kimmerly D, Bender JR, Regensteiner JG, Moreau KL, Pilote L, Wenner MM, O'Brien M, Yarovinsky TO, Stachenfeld NS, Charkoudian N, Denfeld QE, Moreira-Bouchard JD, Pyle WG, DeLeon-Pennell KY. Guidelines on the use of sex and gender in cardiovascular research. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H238-H255. [PMID: 37999647 PMCID: PMC11219057 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00535.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
In cardiovascular research, sex and gender have not typically been considered in research design and reporting until recently. This has resulted in clinical research findings from which not only all women, but also gender-diverse individuals have been excluded. The resulting dearth of data has led to a lack of sex- and gender-specific clinical guidelines and raises serious questions about evidence-based care. Basic research has also excluded considerations of sex. Including sex and/or gender as research variables not only has the potential to improve the health of society overall now, but it also provides a foundation of knowledge on which to build future advances. The goal of this guidelines article is to provide advice on best practices to include sex and gender considerations in study design, as well as data collection, analysis, and interpretation to optimally establish rigor and reproducibility needed to inform clinical decision-making and improve outcomes. In cardiovascular physiology, incorporating sex and gender is a necessary component when optimally designing and executing research plans. The guidelines serve as the first guidance on how to include sex and gender in cardiovascular research. We provide here a beginning path toward achieving this goal and improve the ability of the research community to interpret results through a sex and gender lens to enable comparison across studies and laboratories, resulting in better health for all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte W Usselman
- Cardiovascular Health and Autonomic Regulation Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Merry L Lindsey
- School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Research Service, Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Austin T Robinson
- Neurovascular Physiology Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States
| | - Beth A Habecker
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry and Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Chloe E Taylor
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - W David Merryman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Derek Kimmerly
- Autonomic Cardiovascular Control and Exercise Laboratory, Division of Kinesiology, School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey R Bender
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Judith G Regensteiner
- Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ludeman Family Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Louise Pilote
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Megan M Wenner
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Myles O'Brien
- School of Physiotherapy and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Timur O Yarovinsky
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Nisha Charkoudian
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Quin E Denfeld
- School of Nursing and Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Jesse D Moreira-Bouchard
- Q.U.E.E.R. Lab, Programs in Human Physiology, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - W Glen Pyle
- IMPART Team Canada Network, Dalhousie Medicine, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristine Y DeLeon-Pennell
- School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chalise U, Hale TM. Fibroblasts under pressure: cardiac fibroblast responses to hypertension and antihypertensive therapies. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H223-H237. [PMID: 37999643 PMCID: PMC11219059 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00401.2023] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 50% of Americans have hypertension, which significantly increases the risk of heart failure. In response to increased peripheral resistance in hypertension, intensified mechanical stretch in the myocardium induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibroblast activation to withstand increased pressure overload. This changes the structure and function of the heart, leading to pathological cardiac remodeling and eventual progression to heart failure. In the presence of hypertensive stimuli, cardiac fibroblasts activate and differentiate to myofibroblast phenotype capable of enhanced extracellular matrix secretion in coordination with other cell types, mainly cardiomyocytes. Both systemic and local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation lead to increased angiotensin II stimulation of fibroblasts. Angiotensin II directly activates fibrotic signaling such as transforming growth factor β/SMAD and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to produce extracellular matrix comprised of collagens and matricellular proteins. With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing techniques, heterogeneity in fibroblast populations has been identified in the left ventricle in models of hypertension and pressure overload. The various clusters of fibroblasts reveal a range of phenotypes and activation states. Select antihypertensive therapies have been shown to be effective in limiting fibrosis, with some having direct actions on cardiac fibroblasts. The present review focuses on the fibroblast-specific changes that occur in response to hypertension and pressure overload, the knowledge gained from single-cell analyses, and the effect of antihypertensive therapies. Understanding the dynamics of hypertensive fibroblast populations and their similarities and differences by sex is crucial for the advent of new targets and personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Chalise
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mukherjee M, Strom JB, Afilalo J, Hu M, Beussink-Nelson L, Kim J, Addetia K, Bertoni A, Gottdiener J, Michos ED, Gardin JM, Shah SJ, Freed BH. Normative Values of Echocardiographic Chamber Size and Function in Older Healthy Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.05.23299572. [PMID: 38105976 PMCID: PMC10723504 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.23299572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Echocardiographic (2DE) thresholds indicating disease or impaired functional status compared to normal physiologic aging in individuals ≥ 65 years are not clearly defined. In the present study, we sought to establish standard values for 2DE parameters related to chamber size and function in older adults without cardiopulmonary or cardiometabolic conditions. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 3032 individuals who underwent 2DE at Exam 6 in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), 608 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria, with normative values defined as the mean value ± 1.96 standard deviations and compared across sex and race/ethnicity. Functional status measures included NT-proBNP, 6-minute walk distance [6MWD], and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]. Prognostic performance using MESA cutoffs was compared to established guideline cutoffs using time-to-event analysis. Results Participants meeting our inclusion criteria (69.5 ± 7.0 years, 46.2% male, 47.5% White) had lower NT-proBNP, higher 6MWD, and higher (better) KCCQ summary values. Women had significantly smaller chamber sizes and better biventricular systolic function. White participants had the largest chamber dimensions, while Chinese participants had the smallest, even after adjustment for body size. Current guidelines identified 81.6% of healthy older adults in MESA as having cardiac abnormalities. Conclusions Among a large, diverse group of healthy older adults, we found significant differences in cardiac structure and function across sexes and races/ethnicities, which may signal sex-specific cardiac remodeling with advancing age. It is crucial for existing guidelines to consider the observed and clinically significant differences in cardiac structure and function associated with healthy aging. Our study highlights that existing guidelines, which grade abnormalities in echocardiographic cardiac chamber size and function based on younger individuals, may not adequately address the anticipated changes associated with normal aging.
Collapse
|
10
|
Garvin AM, Katwa LC. Primary cardiac fibroblast cell culture: methodological considerations for physiologically relevant conditions. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H869-H881. [PMID: 37624100 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00224.2023] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Primary cardiac fibroblast (CF) tissue culture is a necessary tool for interrogating specific signaling mechanisms that dictate the phenotypic heterogeneity observed in vivo in different disease states. Traditional approaches that use tissue culture plastic and nutrient-rich medium have been shown to induce CF activation and, therefore, alter CF subpopulation composition. This shift away from in vivo phenotypes complicate the interpretation of results through the lens of the animal model. As the field works to identify CF diversity, these methodological flaws have begun to be addressed and more studies are focused on the dynamic interaction of CFs with their environment. This review focuses on the aspects of tissue culture that impact CF activation and, therefore, require consideration when designing in vitro experiments. The complexity of CF biology overlaid onto diverse model systems highlight the need for study-specific optimization and validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Garvin
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
| | - Laxmansa C Katwa
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Angelini A, Trial J, Saltzman AB, Malovannaya A, Cieslik KA. A defective mechanosensing pathway affects fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in the old male mouse heart. iScience 2023; 26:107283. [PMID: 37520701 PMCID: PMC10372839 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac fibroblast interacts with an extracellular matrix (ECM), enabling myofibroblast maturation via a process called mechanosensing. Although in the aging male heart, ECM is stiffer than in the young mouse, myofibroblast development is impaired, as demonstrated in 2-D and 3-D experiments. In old male cardiac fibroblasts, we found a decrease in actin polymerization, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Kindlin-2 expressions, the latter an effector of the mechanosensing. When Kindlin-2 levels were manipulated via siRNA interference, young fibroblasts developed an old-like fibroblast phenotype, whereas Kindlin-2 overexpression in old fibroblasts reversed the defective phenotype. Finally, inhibition of overactivated extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in the old male fibroblasts rescued actin polymerization and α-SMA expression. Pathological ERK1/2 overactivation was also attenuated by Kindlin-2 overexpression. In contrast, old female cardiac fibroblasts retained an operant mechanosensing pathway. In conclusion, we identified defective components of the Kindlin/ERK/actin/α-SMA mechanosensing axis in aged male fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aude Angelini
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - JoAnn Trial
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander B. Saltzman
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Malovannaya
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katarzyna A. Cieslik
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Collins HE. Female cardiovascular biology and resilience in the setting of physiological and pathological stress. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102747. [PMID: 37216702 PMCID: PMC10209889 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
For years, females were thought of as smaller men with complex hormonal cycles; as a result, females have been largely excluded from preclinical and clinical research. However, in the last ten years, with the increased focus on sex as a biological variable, it has become clear that this is not the case, and in fact, male and female cardiovascular biology and cardiac stress responses differ substantially. Premenopausal women are protected from cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and resultant heart failure, having preserved cardiac function, reduced adverse remodeling, and increased survival. Many underlying biological processes that contribute to ventricular remodeling differ between the sexes, such as cellular metabolism; immune cell responses; cardiac fibrosis and extracellular matrix remodeling; cardiomyocyte dysfunction; and endothelial biology; however, it is unclear how these changes afford protection to the female heart. Although many of these changes are dependent on protection provided by female sex hormones, several of these changes occur independent of sex hormones, suggesting that the nature of these changes is more complex than initially thought. This may be why studies focused on the cardiovascular benefits of hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women have provided mixed results. Some of the complexity likely stems from the fact that the cellular composition of the heart is sexually dimorphic and that in the setting of MI, different subpopulations of these cell types are apparent. Despite the documented sex-differences in cardiovascular (patho)physiology, the underlying mechanisms that contribute are largely unknown due to inconsistent findings amongst investigators and, in some cases, lack of rigor in reporting and consideration of sex-dependent variables. Therefore, this review aims to describe current understanding of the sex-dependent differences in the myocardium in response to physiological and pathological stressors, with a focus on the sex-dependent differences that contribute to post-infarction remodeling and resultant functional decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Collins
- Center for Cardiometabolic Science, Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Delia B. Baxter Research Building, University of Louisville, 580 S. Preston S, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Al Rimon R, Nelson VL, Brunt KR, Kassiri Z. High-impact opportunities to address ischemia: a focus on heart and circulatory research. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1221-H1230. [PMID: 36331554 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00402.2022] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial ischemic injury and its resolution are the key determinants of morbidity or mortality in heart failure. The cause and duration of ischemia in patients vary. Numerous experimental models and methods have been developed to define genetic, metabolic, molecular, cellular, and pathophysiological mechanisms, in addition to defining structural and functional deterioration of cardiovascular performance. The rapid rise of big data, such as single-cell analysis techniques with bioinformatics, machine learning, and neural networking, brings a new level of sophistication to our understanding of myocardial ischemia. This mini-review explores the multifaceted nature of ischemic injury in the myocardium. We highlight recent state-of-the-art findings and strategies to show new directions of high-impact approach to understanding myocardial tissue remodeling. This next age of heart and circulatory physiology research will be more comprehensive and collaborative to uncover the origin, progression, and manifestation of heart failure while strengthening novel treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razoan Al Rimon
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Victoria L Nelson
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Keith R Brunt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Garvin AM, Hale TM. Sex Matters in the Aging Heart: Implications for Anti-Fibrotic Therapies. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H360-H361. [PMID: 35839153 PMCID: PMC9342135 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00340.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Garvin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|