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Curry BA, Drane AL, Atencia R, Feltrer Y, Calvi T, Milnes EL, Moittié S, Weigold A, Knauf-Witzens T, Sawung Kusuma A, Howatson G, Palmer C, Stembridge MR, Gorzynski JE, Eves ND, Dawkins TG, Shave RE. Left ventricular trabeculation in Hominidae: divergence of the human cardiac phenotype. Commun Biol 2024; 7:682. [PMID: 38877299 PMCID: PMC11178792 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the gross morphology of the heart is conserved across mammals, subtle interspecific variations exist in the cardiac phenotype, which may reflect evolutionary divergence among closely-related species. Here, we compare the left ventricle (LV) across all extant members of the Hominidae taxon, using 2D echocardiography, to gain insight into the evolution of the human heart. We present compelling evidence that the human LV has diverged away from a more trabeculated phenotype present in all other great apes, towards a ventricular wall with proportionally greater compact myocardium, which was corroborated by post-mortem chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hearts. Speckle-tracking echocardiographic analyses identified a negative curvilinear relationship between the degree of trabeculation and LV systolic twist, revealing lower rotational mechanics in the trabeculated non-human great ape LV. This divergent evolution of the human heart may have facilitated the augmentation of cardiac output to support the metabolic and thermoregulatory demands of the human ecological niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony A Curry
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Aimee L Drane
- International Primate Heart Project, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Rebeca Atencia
- Jane Goodall Institute, Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre, Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo
| | - Yedra Feltrer
- International Primate Heart Project, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK
| | - Thalita Calvi
- Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, Solwesi Road, Chingola, Zambia
| | - Ellie L Milnes
- Wildlife Health, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Sophie Moittié
- Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Congo Dam Access Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Annika Weigold
- Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Gardens, Wilhelma 13, Stuttgart, 70376, Germany
| | | | - Arga Sawung Kusuma
- Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, Central Kalimantan Orangutan Reintroduction Project at Nyaru Menteng, Jalan Cilik Riwut km 28, Palangkaraya, 73111, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
- Water Research Group, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Christopher Palmer
- Biological Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mike R Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK
| | - John E Gorzynski
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Neil D Eves
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Tony G Dawkins
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Rob E Shave
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
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Berthelsen LF, Douglas AJM, Dawkins TG, Curry BA, Philips D, Zaidi A, Yousef Z, Stembridge M, Steinback CD. The influence of training status and parasympathetic blockade on the cardiac rate, rhythm, and functional response to autonomic stress. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2023; 48:270-282. [PMID: 36634321 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Apnea (breath-holding) elicits co-activation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, affecting cardiac control. In situations of autonomic co-activation (e.g., cold water immersion), cardiac arrhythmias are observed during apnea. Chronic endurance training reduces resting heart rate in part via elevation in parasympathetic tone, and has been identified as a risk factor for development of arrhythmias. However, few studies have investigated autonomic control of the heart in trained athletes during stress. Therefore, we determined whether heightened vagal tone resulting from endurance training promotes a higher incidence of arrhythmia during apnea. We assessed the heart rate, rhythm (ECG lead II), and cardiac inotropic (speckle-tracking echocardiography) response to apnea in 10 endurance trained and 7 untrained participants. Participants performed an apnea at rest and following sympathetic activation using post-exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO). All apneas were performed prior to control (CON) and following vagal block using glycopyrrolate (GLY). Trained participants had lower heart rates at rest (p = 0.03) and during apneas (p = 0.009) under CON. At rest, 3 trained participants exhibited instances of junctional rhythm and 4 trained participants developed ectopy during CON apneas, whereas 3 untrained participants developed ectopic beats only with concurrent sympathetic activation (PECO). Following GLY, no arrhythmias were noted in either group. Vagal block also revealed increased cardiac chronotropy (heart rate) and inotropy (strain rate) during apnea, demonstrating a greater sympathetic influence in the absence of parasympathetic drive. Our results highlight that endurance athletes may be more susceptible to ectopy via elevated vagal tone, whereas untrained participants may only develop ectopy through autonomic conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey F Berthelsen
- Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew J M Douglas
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Tony G Dawkins
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Centre for Lung and Cardiovascular Health, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Bryony A Curry
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Centre for Lung and Cardiovascular Health, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Daniel Philips
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Abbas Zaidi
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Zaheer Yousef
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Craig D Steinback
- Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, University of Alberta, Canada
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Saunders AM, Jones RL, Richards J. Cardiac structure and function in resistance-trained and untrained adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sports Sci 2022; 40:2191-2199. [PMID: 36399498 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2147658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Variations in the haemodynamic demands of specific training modalities may explain characteristic differences in cardiac structure and function amongst athletes. However, current consensus regarding these adaptations in highly resistance-trained athletes is yet to be established. The current invetsigation aimed to collate research investigating cardiac structure and function in resistance-trained athletes, exploring the defining characteristics of Athlete's Heart within these individuals. Seven electronic databases were searched. Studies which examined at least one measure of cardiac structure or function, included healthy, normotensive male or females (>18 years) and compared athletes engaged in a resistance training programme (>12 months) to an untrained group engaged in no structured training programme were included. Systematic selection and quality appraisal of articles was performed by two reviewers, with a random effects meta-analysis model applied to suitable studies. Studies were limited to orginal peer-reviewed articles published in English. Resistance-trained athletes (n = 949) demonstrated greater cardiac dimensions compared to their untrained counterparts (n = 1053). No clear impairments to systolic or diastolic cardiac function were observed in athletic population studied here. Resistance-trained athletes display some characteristics of the Athlete's Heart phenomenon, including greater wall thickening and chamber dilation compared to their untrained counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail M Saunders
- Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, UK
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, UK.,Health Advancement Research Team (HART), School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Joanna Richards
- Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, UK
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Dawkins TG, Curry BA, Drane AL, Lord RN, Richards CT, Lodge FM, Yousef Z, Pugh CJA, Shave RE, Stembridge M. Evidence of region-specific right ventricular functional adaptation in endurance-trained men in response to an acute volume infusion. Exp Physiol 2021; 107:6-15. [PMID: 34743381 DOI: 10.1113/ep089882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Endurance athletes demonstrate altered regional right ventricular (RV) wall mechanics, characterized by lower basal deformation, in comparison to non-athletic control subjects at rest. We hypothesized that regional adaptations at the RV base reflect an enhanced functional reserve capacity in response to haemodynamic volume loading. What is the main finding and its importance? Free wall RV longitudinal strain is elevated in response to acute volume loading in both endurance athletes and control subjects. However, the RV basal segment longitudinal strain response to acute volume infusion is greater in endurance athletes. Our findings suggest that training-induced cardiac remodelling might involve region-specific adaptation in the RV functional response to volume manipulation. ABSTRACT Eccentric remodelling of the right ventricle (RV) in response to increased blood volume and repetitive haemodynamic load during endurance exercise is well established. Structural remodelling is accompanied by decreased deformation at the base of the RV free wall, which might reflect an enhanced functional reserve capacity in response to haemodynamic perturbation. Therefore, in this study we examined the impact of acute blood volume expansion on RV wall mechanics in 16 young endurance-trained men (aged 24 ± 3 years) and 13 non-athletic male control subjects (aged 27 ± 5 years). Conventional echocardiographic parameters and the longitudinal strain and strain rate were quantified at the basal and apical levels of the RV free wall. Measurements were obtained at rest and after 7 ml/kg i.v. Gelofusine infusion, with and without a passive leg raise. After infusion, blood volume increased by 12 ± 4 and 14 ± 5% in endurance-trained individuals versus control subjects, respectively (P = 0.264). Both endurance-trained individuals (8 ± 10%) and control subjects (7 ± 9%) experienced an increase in free wall strain from baseline, which was also similar following leg raise (7 ± 10 and 6 ± 10%, respectively; P = 0.464). However, infusion evoked a greater increase in basal longitudinal strain in endurance-trained versus control subjects (16 ± 14 vs. 6 ± 11%; P = 0.048), which persisted after leg raise (16 ± 18 vs. 3 ± 11%; P = 0.032). Apical longitudinal strain and RV free wall strain rates were not different between groups and remained unchanged after infusion across all segments. Endurance training results in a greater contribution of longitudinal myocardial deformation at the base of the RV in response to a haemodynamic volume challenge, which might reflect a greater region-specific functional reserve capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony G Dawkins
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK.,Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bryony A Curry
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aimee L Drane
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rachel N Lord
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Cory T Richards
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Freya M Lodge
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Zaheer Yousef
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Christopher J A Pugh
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Robert E Shave
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mike Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
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