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Singh D, Memari E, He S, Yusefi H, Helfield B. Cardiac gene delivery using ultrasound: State of the field. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101277. [PMID: 38983873 PMCID: PMC11231612 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101277] [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] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been tremendous and exciting progress toward extending the use of medical ultrasound beyond a traditional imaging tool. Ultrasound contrast agents, typically used for improved visualization of blood flow, have been explored as novel non-viral gene delivery vectors for cardiovascular therapy. Given this adaptation to ultrasound contrast-enhancing agents, this presents as an image-guided and site-specific gene delivery technique with potential for multi-gene and repeatable delivery protocols-overcoming some of the limitations of alternative gene therapy approaches. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies to date that employ this technique toward cardiac gene therapy using cardiovascular disease animal models and summarize their key findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davindra Singh
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elahe Memari
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie He
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hossein Yusefi
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brandon Helfield
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ibrahim S, Allihien SM, Dadzie S, Atencah SE, Akpan I. A fatal case of cabozantinib-induced cardiomyopathy. Future Cardiol 2024; 20:537-541. [PMID: 39101435 DOI: 10.1080/14796678.2024.2383500] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cabozantinib, a multi-kinase receptor inhibitor, is utilized in the treatment of advanced malignancies such as metastatic renal cancers. While rare, cabozantinib-induced cardiotoxicity has emerged as a recognized adverse effect with potentially reversible outcomes. We report the case of a 55-year-old male who developed fatal cardiomyopathy 4 months after initiating cabozantinib therapy. Despite its rarity, cardiomyopathy after initiation of cabozantinib can be lethal if not diagnosed early. This case underscores a significant gap in the surveillance of patients treated with newer agents like cabozantinib. Larger observational studies are needed to assess the prevalence and impact of cardiomyopathy after initiation of cabozantinib therapy, and to determine the cost-effectiveness of early surveillance protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammudeen Ibrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, 1270 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Saint-Martin Allihien
- Department of Internal Medicine, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, 1270 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Samuel Dadzie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, 1270 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Stanley E Atencah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, 1270 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Inemesit Akpan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, 1270 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606, USA
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Qianqian R, Peng Z, Licai Z, Ruizhi Z, Tianhe Y, Xiangwen X, Chuansheng Z, Fan Y. A longitudinal evaluation of oxidative stress - mitochondrial dysfunction - ferroptosis genes in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:350. [PMID: 38987722 PMCID: PMC11234563 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03967-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antineoplastic medications, including doxorubicin, idarubicin, and epirubicin, have been found to adversely affect the heart due to oxidative stress - mitochondrial dysfunction - ferroptosis (ORMFs), which act as contributing attributes to anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. To better understand this phenomenon, the time-resolved measurements of ORMFS genes were analyzed in this study. METHODS The effect of three anthracycline drugs on ORMFs genes was studied using a human 3D cardiac microtissue cell model. Transcriptome data was collected over 14 days at two doses (therapeutic and toxic). WGCNA identified key module-related genes, and functional enrichment analysis investigated the biological processes quantified by ssGSEA, such as immune cell infiltration and angiogenesis. Biopsies were collected from heart failure patients and control subjects. GSE59672 and GSE2965 were collected for validation. Molecular docking was used to identify anthracyclines's interaction with key genes. RESULTS The ORMFs genes were screened in vivo or in vitro. Using WGCNA, six co-expressed gene modules were grouped, with MEblue emerging as the most significant module. Eight key genes intersecting the blue module with the dynamic response genes were obtained: CD36, CDH5, CHI3L1, HBA2, HSD11B1, OGN, RPL8, and VWF. Compared with control samples, all key genes except RPL8 were down-regulated in vitro ANT treatment settings, and their expression levels varied over time. According to functional analyses, the key module-related genes were engaged in angiogenesis and the immune system pathways. In all ANT-treated settings, ssGSEA demonstrated a significant down-regulation of angiogenesis score and immune cell activity, including Activated CD4 T cell, Immature B cell, Memory B cell, Natural killer cell, Type 1 T helper cell, and Type 2 T helper cell. Molecular docking revealed that RPL8 and CHI3L1 show significant binding affinity for anthracyclines. CONCLUSION This study focuses on the dynamic characteristics of ORMFs genes in both human cardiac microtissues and cardiac biopsies from ANT-treated patients. It has been highlighted that ORMFs genes may contribute to immune infiltration and angiogenesis in cases of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. A thorough understanding of these genes could potentially lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Qianqian
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhu Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Licai
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhang Ruizhi
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ye Tianhe
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xia Xiangwen
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zheng Chuansheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Yang Fan
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Qiu B, Qiao S, Shi X, Shen L, Deng B, Ma Z, Zhou D, Wei Y. Shen'ge Formula Protects Cardiac Function in Rats with Pressure Overload-Induced Heart Failure. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:1875-1890. [PMID: 38831869 PMCID: PMC11146625 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s451720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In China, Shen'ge formula (SGF), a Traditional Chinese Medicine blend crafted from ginseng and gecko, holds a revered place in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, despite its prevalent use, the precise cardioprotective mechanisms of SGF remain largely uncharted. This study aims to fill this gap by delving deeper into SGF's therapeutic potential and underlying action mechanism, thus giving its traditional use a solid scientific grounding. Methods In this study, rats were subjected to abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) to generate pressure overload. Following AAC, we administered SGF and bisoprolol intragastrically at specified doses for two distinct durations: 8 and 24 weeks. The cardiac function post-treatment was thoroughly analyzed using echocardiography and histological examinations, offering insights into SGF's influence on vital cardiovascular metrics, and signaling pathways central to cardiac health. Results SGF exhibited promising results, significantly enhanced cardiac functions over both 8 and 24-week periods, evidenced by improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening while moderating left ventricular parameters. Noteworthy was SGF's role in the significant mitigation of myocardial hypertrophy and in fostering the expression of vital proteins essential for heart health by the 24-week mark. This intervention markedly altered the dynamics of the Akt/HIF-1α/p53 pathway, inhibiting detrimental processes while promoting protective mechanisms. Conclusion Our research casts SGF in a promising light as a cardioprotective agent in heart failure conditions induced by pressure overload in rats. Central to this protective shield is the modulation of the Akt/HIF-1α/p53 pathway, pointing to a therapeutic trajectory that leverages HIF-1α promotion and p53 nuclear transport inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyong Qiu
- Heart Center/National Regional (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyu Qiao
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiujuan Shi
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Shen
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Deng
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zilin Ma
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Duan Zhou
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yihong Wei
- Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Sultan I, Ramste M, Peletier P, Hemanthakumar KA, Ramanujam D, Tirronen A, von Wright Y, Antila S, Saharinen P, Eklund L, Mervaala E, Ylä-Herttuala S, Engelhardt S, Kivelä R, Alitalo K. Contribution of VEGF-B-Induced Endocardial Endothelial Cell Lineage in Physiological Versus Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy. Circ Res 2024; 134:1465-1482. [PMID: 38655691 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324136] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies have shown the therapeutic potential of VEGF-B (vascular endothelial growth factor B) in revascularization of the ischemic myocardium, but the associated cardiac hypertrophy and adverse side effects remain a concern. To understand the importance of endothelial proliferation and migration for the beneficial versus adverse effects of VEGF-B in the heart, we explored the cardiac effects of autocrine versus paracrine VEGF-B expression in transgenic and gene-transduced mice. METHODS We used single-cell RNA sequencing to compare cardiac endothelial gene expression in VEGF-B transgenic mouse models. Lineage tracing was used to identify the origin of a VEGF-B-induced novel endothelial cell population and adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to compare the effects of VEGF-B isoforms. Cardiac function was investigated using echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and micro-computed tomography. RESULTS Unlike in physiological cardiac hypertrophy driven by a cardiomyocyte-specific VEGF-B transgene (myosin heavy chain alpha-VEGF-B), autocrine VEGF-B expression in cardiac endothelium (aP2 [adipocyte protein 2]-VEGF-B) was associated with septal defects and failure to increase perfused subendocardial capillaries postnatally. Paracrine VEGF-B led to robust proliferation and myocardial migration of a novel cardiac endothelial cell lineage (VEGF-B-induced endothelial cells) of endocardial origin, whereas autocrine VEGF-B increased proliferation of VEGF-B-induced endothelial cells but failed to promote their migration and efficient contribution to myocardial capillaries. The surviving aP2-VEGF-B offspring showed an altered ratio of secreted VEGF-B isoforms and developed massive pathological cardiac hypertrophy with a distinct cardiac vessel pattern. In the normal heart, we found a small VEGF-B-induced endothelial cell population that was only minimally expanded during myocardial infarction but not during physiological cardiac hypertrophy associated with mouse pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Paracrine and autocrine secretions of VEGF-B induce expansion of a specific endocardium-derived endothelial cell population with distinct angiogenic markers. However, autocrine VEGF-B signaling fails to promote VEGF-B-induced endothelial cell migration and contribution to myocardial capillaries, predisposing to septal defects and inducing a mismatch between angiogenesis and myocardial growth, which results in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Sultan
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markus Ramste
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pim Peletier
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karthik Amudhala Hemanthakumar
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Deepak Ramanujam
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich, DZHK partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (D.R., S.E.)
- RNATICS GmbH, Planegg, Germany (D.R.)
| | - Annakaisa Tirronen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland (A.T., S.Y.-H.)
| | - Ylva von Wright
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salli Antila
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pipsa Saharinen
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Finland (L.E.)
| | - Eero Mervaala
- Department of Pharmacology (E.M.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland (A.T., S.Y.-H.)
| | - Stefan Engelhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich, DZHK partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (D.R., S.E.)
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (R.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland (R.K.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Franczyk B, Rysz J, Ławiński J, Ciałkowska-Rysz A, Gluba-Brzózka A. Cardiotoxicity of Selected Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:181. [PMID: 36672689 PMCID: PMC9855533 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most frequent malignant neoplasms of the kidney. The therapeutic options available for the treatment of advanced or metastatic RCC include vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted molecules, for example, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Various VEGFR-TKIs proved to be effective in the treatment of patients with solid tumours. The combination of two drugs may prove most beneficial in the treatment of metastatic RCC; however, it also enhances the risk of toxicity compared to monotherapy. Specific VEGFR-TKIs (e.g., sunitinib, sorafenib or pazopanib) may increase the rate of cardiotoxicity in metastatic settings. VEGF inhibitors modulate multiple signalling pathways; thus, the identification of the mechanism underlying cardiotoxicity appears challenging. VEGF signalling is vital for the maintenance of cardiomyocyte homeostasis and cardiac function; therefore, its inhibition can be responsible for the reported adverse effects. Disturbed growth factor signalling pathways may be associated with endothelial dysfunction, impaired revascularization, the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophies and altered peripheral vascular load. Patients at high cardiovascular risk at baseline could benefit from clinical follow-up in the first 2-4 weeks after the introduction of targeted molecular therapy; however, there is no consensus concerning the surveillance strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Franczyk
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskiego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jacek Rysz
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskiego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Ławiński
- Department of Urology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-055 Rzeszow, Poland
| | | | - Anna Gluba-Brzózka
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskiego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
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Efentakis P, Andreadou I, Iliodromitis KE, Triposkiadis F, Ferdinandy P, Schulz R, Iliodromitis EK. Myocardial Protection and Current Cancer Therapy: Two Opposite Targets with Inevitable Cost. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14121. [PMID: 36430599 PMCID: PMC9696420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is mediated by various ligands, activating different cellular signaling cascades. These include classical cytosolic mediators such as cyclic-GMP (c-GMP), various kinases such as Phosphatydilinositol-3- (PI3K), Protein Kinase B (Akt), Mitogen-Activated-Protein- (MAPK) and AMP-activated (AMPK) kinases, transcription factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and bioactive molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Most of the aforementioned signaling molecules constitute targets of anticancer therapy; as they are also involved in carcinogenesis, most of the current anti-neoplastic drugs lead to concomitant weakening or even complete abrogation of myocardial cell tolerance to ischemic or oxidative stress. Furthermore, many anti-neoplastic drugs may directly induce cardiotoxicity via their pharmacological effects, or indirectly via their cardiovascular side effects. The combination of direct drug cardiotoxicity, indirect cardiovascular side effects and neutralization of the cardioprotective defense mechanisms of the heart by prolonged cancer treatment may induce long-term ventricular dysfunction, or even clinically manifested heart failure. We present a narrative review of three therapeutic interventions, namely VEGF, proteasome and Immune Checkpoint inhibitors, having opposing effects on the same intracellular signal cascades thereby affecting the heart. Moreover, we herein comment on the current guidelines for managing cardiotoxicity in the clinical setting and on the role of cardiovascular confounders in cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Efentakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Andreadou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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8
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Zhang H, Zhan Q, Huang B, Wang Y, Wang X. AAV-mediated gene therapy: Advancing cardiovascular disease treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:952755. [PMID: 36061546 PMCID: PMC9437345 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.952755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has revolutionized the field of medicine, offering new hope for those with common and rare diseases. For nearly three decades, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has shown significant therapeutic benefits in multiple clinical trials, mainly due to its unique replication defects and non-pathogenicity in humans. In the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared with non-viral vectors, lentiviruses, poxviruses, and adenovirus vectors, AAV possesses several advantages, including high security, low immunogenicity, sustainable and stable exogenous gene expression etc., which makes AAV one of the most promising candidates for the treatment of many genetic disorders and hereditary diseases. In this review, we evaluate the current information on the immune responses, transport pathways, and mechanisms of action associated with AAV-based CVD gene therapies and further explore potential optimization strategies to improve the efficiency of AAV transduction for the improved safety and efficiency of CVD treatment. In conclusion, AAV-mediated gene therapy has great potential for development in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Oncology Department, Zhejiang Xiaoshan HospitaI, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhan
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biao Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yigang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Yigang Wang
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Oncology Department, Zhejiang Xiaoshan HospitaI, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyan Wang
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Cignarella A, Fadini GP, Bolego C, Trevisi L, Boscaro C, Sanga V, Seccia TM, Rosato A, Rossi GP, Barton M. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Sex Differences and Current Challenges. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:988-1003. [PMID: 33739385 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasoactive molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelins, share cytokine-like activities and regulate endothelial cell (EC) growth, migration and inflammation. Some endothelial mediators and their receptors are targets for currently approved angiogenesis inhibitors, drugs that are either monoclonal antibodies raised towards VEGF, or inhibitors of vascular receptor protein kinases and signaling pathways. Pharmacological interference with the protective functions of ECs results in a similar spectrum of adverse effects. Clinically, the most common side effects of VEGF signaling pathway inhibition include an increase in arterial pressure, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction ultimately causing heart failure, and thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Sex steroids such as androgens, progestins, and estrogen and their receptors (ERα, ERβ, GPER; PR-A, PR-B; AR) have been identified as important modifiers of angiogenesis, and sex differences have been reported for anti-angiogenic drugs. This review article discusses the current challenges clinicians are facing with regard to angiogenesis inhibitor treatments, including the need to consider sex differences affecting clinical efficacy and safety. We also propose areas for future research taking into account the role of sex hormone receptors and sex chromosomes. Development of new sex-specific drugs with improved target and cell-type selectivity likely will open the way personalized medicine in men and women requiring antiangiogenic therapy and result in reduced adverse effects and improved therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gian Paolo Fadini
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Bolego
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Trevisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Carlotta Boscaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Viola Sanga
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Rosato
- Venetian Cancer Institute IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Matthias Barton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy.,Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland.,Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland
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10
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Babapoor-Farrokhran S, Gill D, Alzubi J, Mainigi SK. Atrial fibrillation: the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1-regulated cytokines. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2283-2293. [PMID: 33575876 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04082-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that has major morbidity and mortality. Hypoxia plays an important role in AF initiation and maintenance. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), the master regulator of oxygen homeostasis in cells, plays a fundamental role in the regulation of multiple chemokines and cytokines that are involved in different physiological and pathophysiological pathways. HIF is also involved in the pathophysiology of AF induction and propagation mostly through structural remodeling such as fibrosis; however, some of the cytokines discussed have even been implicated in electrical remodeling of the atria. In this article, we highlight the association between HIF and some of its related cytokines with AF. Additionally, we provide an overview of the potential diagnostic benefits of using the mentioned cytokines as AF biomarkers. Research discussed in this review suggests that the expression of these cytokines may correlate with patients who are at an increased risk of developing AF. Furthermore, cytokines that are elevated in patients with AF can assist clinicians in the diagnosis of suspect paroxysmal AF patients. Interestingly, some of the cytokines have been elevated specifically when AF is associated with a hypercoagulable state, suggesting that they could be helpful in the clinician's and patient's decision to begin anticoagulation. Finally, more recent research has demonstrated the promise of targeting these cytokines for the treatment of AF. While still in its early stages, tools such as neutralizing antibodies have proved to be efficacious in targeting the HIF pathway and treating or preventing AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savalan Babapoor-Farrokhran
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, USA.
| | - Deanna Gill
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jafar Alzubi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, USA
| | - Sumeet K Mainigi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacca
- King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK; University of Trieste, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; Fondazione G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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12
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Shepel RN, Drapkina OM. Angiogenesis in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Focus on Endothelial Vascular Growth Factor, Pentraxin-3 and Transforming Growth Factor Beta. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2020-05-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is considered the leading cause of death in patients with established cardiovascular (CVD) and metabolic diseases. Although the current treatment strategy has improved survival and clinical outcomes, the prevalence of CHF shows an increase. Current clinical guidelines for the treatment and prevention of CVD note the role of biological markers as a fairly simple and powerful tool for diagnosing, stratifying risk and predicting CHF. However, it is unclear whether all of these biological markers are equally capable of predicting cardiovascular mortality and heart failure related outcomes in patients with acute and chronic heart failure, as well as in different phenotypes of heart failure. However, the results of numerous studies demonstrate scientific interest in the processes of angiogenesis among patients with CHF. There is an impressive body of evidence linking CHF to the level of markers such as vascular endothelial growth factor, pentraxin-3, and transforming growth factor beta. The review presents the data of domestic and foreign clinical studies devoted to the study of the level of angiogenesis markers among patients with CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. N. Shepel
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - O. M. Drapkina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
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13
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Hemanthakumar KA, Kivelä R. Angiogenesis and angiocrines regulating heart growth. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 2:R93-R104. [PMID: 32935078 PMCID: PMC7487598 DOI: 10.1530/vb-20-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner surface of all blood and lymphatic vessels throughout the body, making endothelium one of the largest tissues. In addition to its transport function, endothelium is now appreciated as a dynamic organ actively participating in angiogenesis, permeability and vascular tone regulation, as well as in the development and regeneration of tissues. The identification of endothelial-derived secreted factors, angiocrines, has revealed non-angiogenic mechanisms of endothelial cells in both physiological and pathological tissue remodeling. In the heart, ECs play a variety of important roles during cardiac development as well as in growth, homeostasis and regeneration of the adult heart. To date, several angiocrines affecting cardiomyocyte growth in response to physiological or pathological stimuli have been identified. In this review, we discuss the effects of angiogenesis and EC-mediated signaling in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy. Identification of the molecular and metabolic signals from ECs during physiological and pathological cardiac growth could provide novel therapeutic targets to treat heart failure, as endothelium is emerging as one of the potential target organs in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Amudhala Hemanthakumar
- Stem cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Stem cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Abstract
While clinical gene therapy celebrates its first successes, with several products already approved for clinical use and several hundreds in the final stages of the clinical approval pipeline, there is not a single gene therapy approach that has worked for the heart. Here, we review the past experience gained in the several cardiac gene therapy clinical trials that had the goal of inducing therapeutic angiogenesis in the ischemic heart and in the attempts at modulating cardiac function in heart failure. Critical assessment of the results so far achieved indicates that the efficiency of cardiac gene delivery remains a major hurdle preventing success but also that improvements need to be sought in establishing more reliable large animal models, choosing more effective therapeutic genes, better designing clinical trials, and more deeply understanding cardiac biology. We also emphasize a few areas of cardiac gene therapy development that hold great promise for the future. In particular, the transition from gene addition studies using protein-coding cDNAs to the modulation of gene expression using small RNA therapeutics and the improvement of precise gene editing now pave the way to applications such as cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction and gene correction for inherited cardiomyopathies that were unapproachable until a decade ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cannatà
- From the King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, United Kingdom (A.C., H.A., M.G.).,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy (A.C., G.S., M.G.)
| | - Hashim Ali
- From the King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, United Kingdom (A.C., H.A., M.G.).,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy (H.A., M.G.)
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy (A.C., G.S., M.G.)
| | - Mauro Giacca
- From the King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, United Kingdom (A.C., H.A., M.G.).,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy (A.C., G.S., M.G.).,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy (H.A., M.G.)
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15
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Lähteenvuo J, Hätinen OP, Kuivanen A, Huusko J, Paananen J, Lähteenvuo M, Nurro J, Hedman M, Hartikainen J, Laham-Karam N, Mäkinen P, Räsänen M, Alitalo K, Rosenzweig A, Ylä-Herttuala S. Susceptibility to Cardiac Arrhythmias and Sympathetic Nerve Growth in VEGF-B Overexpressing Myocardium. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1731-1740. [PMID: 32243833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGF-B gene therapy is a promising proangiogenic treatment for ischemic heart disease, but, unexpectedly, we found that high doses of VEGF-B promote ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). VEGF-B knockout, alpha myosin heavy-chain promoter (αMHC)-VEGF-B transgenic mice, and pigs transduced intramyocardially with adenoviral (Ad)VEGF- B186 were studied. Immunostaining showed a 2-fold increase in the number of nerves per field (76 vs. 39 in controls, p < 0.001) and an abnormal nerve distribution in the hypertrophic hearts of 11- to 20-month-old αMHC-VEGF-B mice. AdVEGF-B186 gene transfer (GT) led to local sprouting of nerve endings in pig myocardium (141 vs. 78 nerves per field in controls, p < 0.05). During dobutamine stress, 60% of the αMHC-VEGF-B hypertrophic mice had arrhythmias as compared to 7% in controls, and 20% of the AdVEGF-B186-transduced pigs and 100% of the combination of AdVEGF-B186- and AdsVEGFR-1-transduced pigs displayed VAs and even ventricular fibrillation. AdVEGF-B186 GT significantly increased the risk of sudden cardiac death in pigs when compared to any other GT with different VEGFs (hazard ratio, 500.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 46.4-5,396.7; p < 0.0001). In gene expression analysis, VEGF-B induced the upregulation of Nr4a2, ATF6, and MANF in cardiomyocytes, molecules previously linked to nerve growth and differentiation. Thus, high AdVEGF-B186 overexpression induced nerve growth in the adult heart via a VEGFR-1 signaling-independent mechanism, leading to an increased risk of VA and sudden cardiac death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lähteenvuo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli-Pekka Hätinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Kuivanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Huusko
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi Paananen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Markku Lähteenvuo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi Nurro
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marja Hedman
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Puijonlaaksontie 2, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha Hartikainen
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Puijonlaaksontie 2, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nihay Laham-Karam
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Markus Räsänen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Puijonlaaksontie 2, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
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16
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Shang R, Lal N, Puri K, Hussein B, Rodrigues B. Involvement of Heparanase in Endothelial Cell-Cardiomyocyte Crosstalk. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1221:721-745. [PMID: 32274734 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34521-1_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, the management of diabetes has focused mainly on controlling high blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, despite valiant efforts to normalize this blood glucose, poor medication management predisposes these patients to heart failure. Following diabetes, how the heart utilizes different sources of fuel for energy is key to the development of heart failure. The diabetic heart switches from using both glucose and fats, to predominately using fats as an energy resource for maintaining its activities. This transformation to using fats as an exclusive source of energy is helpful in the initial stages of the disease and is tightly controlled. However, over the progression of diabetes, there is a loss of this controlled supply and use of fats, which ultimately has terrible consequences since the uncontrolled use of fats produces toxic by-products which weaken heart function and cause heart disease. Heparanase is a key player that directs how much fats are provided to the heart and does so in association with several partners like LPL and VEGFs. Together, they regulate the amount of fats supplied, and their subsequent breakdown to provide energy. Following diabetes, there is a disruption in this network resulting in fat oversupply and cell death. Understanding how the heparanase-LPL-VEGFs "ensemble" cooperates, and its dysfunction in the diabetic heart would be useful in restoring metabolic equilibrium and limiting diabetes-related cardiac damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Lal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karanjit Puri
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bahira Hussein
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian Rodrigues
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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17
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Dukinfield M, Maniati E, Reynolds LE, Aubdool A, Baliga RS, D'Amico G, Maiques O, Wang J, Bedi KC, Margulies KB, Sanz‐Moreno V, Hobbs A, Hodivala‐Dilke K. Repurposing an anti-cancer agent for the treatment of hypertrophic heart disease. J Pathol 2019; 249:523-535. [PMID: 31424556 PMCID: PMC6900130 DOI: 10.1002/path.5340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronary microvascular dysfunction combined with maladaptive cardiomyocyte morphology and energetics is a major contributor to heart failure advancement. Thus, dually enhancing cardiac angiogenesis and targeting cardiomyocyte function to slow, or reverse, the development of heart failure is a logical step towards improved therapy. We present evidence for the potential to repurpose a former anti-cancer Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-mimetic pentapeptide, cilengitide, here used at low doses. Cilengitide targets αvβ3 integrin and this protein is upregulated in human dilated and ischaemic cardiomyopathies. Treatment of mice after abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) surgery with low-dose cilengitide (ldCil) enhances coronary angiogenesis and directly affects cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with an associated reduction in disease severity. At a molecular level, ldCil treatment has a direct effect on cardiac endothelial cell transcriptomic profiles, with a significant enhancement of pro-angiogenic signalling pathways, corroborating the enhanced angiogenic phenotype after ldCil treatment. Moreover, ldCil treatment of Angiotensin II-stimulated AngII-stimulated cardiomyocytes significantly restores transcriptomic profiles similar to those found in normal human heart. The significance of this finding is enhanced by transcriptional similarities between AngII-treated cardiomyocytes and failing human hearts. Taken together, our data provide evidence supporting a possible new strategy for improved heart failure treatment using low-dose RGD-mimetics with relevance to human disease. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dukinfield
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Eleni Maniati
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Louise E Reynolds
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Aisah Aubdool
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Reshma S Baliga
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Gabriela D'Amico
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Jun Wang
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Kenneth C Bedi
- Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of Pennsylvania, Translational Research CenterPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Kenneth B Margulies
- Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of Pennsylvania, Translational Research CenterPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Victoria Sanz‐Moreno
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Adrian Hobbs
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala‐Dilke
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse SquareLondonUK
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18
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Paradies P, Carlucci L, Woitek F, Staffieri F, Lacitignola L, Ceci L, Romano D, Sasanelli M, Zentilin L, Giacca M, Salvadori S, Crovace A, Recchia FA. Intracoronary Gene Delivery of the Cytoprotective Factor Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B 167 in Canine Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Short-Term Feasibility Study. Vet Sci 2019; 6:vetsci6010023. [PMID: 30845635 PMCID: PMC6466215 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial disease of dogs and humans characterized by progressive ventricular dilation and depressed contractility and it is a frequent cause of heart failure. Conventional pharmacological therapy cannot reverse the progression of the disease and, in humans, cardiac transplantation remains the only option during the final stages of heart failure. Cytoprotective gene therapy with vascular endothelial growth factor-B167 (VEGF-B167) has proved an effective alternative therapy, halting the progression of the disease in experimental studies on dogs. The aim of this work was to test the tolerability and feasibility of intracoronary administration, under fluoroscopic guidance, of VEGF-B167 carried by adeno-associated viral vectors in canine DCM patients. Ten patients underwent the gene delivery procedure. The intraoperative phase was well tolerated by all dogs. Clinical and echocardiographic assessments at 7- and 30-days post-procedure showed stable conditions compared to the pre-procedure phase. The results of this work indicate that intracoronary VEGF-B167 gene delivery is feasible and tolerated in dogs with DCM. Further monitoring/investigations are ongoing to evaluate the effects of this therapy on disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Paradies
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production; University of Bari, 70010 Bari; Italy.
| | - Lucia Carlucci
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Felix Woitek
- Heart Center, Dresden at the Technical University of Dresden, 01067 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Francesco Staffieri
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production; University of Bari, 70010 Bari; Italy.
| | - Luca Lacitignola
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production; University of Bari, 70010 Bari; Italy.
| | - Luigi Ceci
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production; University of Bari, 70010 Bari; Italy.
| | - Daniela Romano
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production; University of Bari, 70010 Bari; Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Sasanelli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production; University of Bari, 70010 Bari; Italy.
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Stefano Salvadori
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Area della Ricerca, 56121 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Antonio Crovace
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production; University of Bari, 70010 Bari; Italy.
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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19
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Chen R, Lee C, Lin X, Zhao C, Li X. Novel function of VEGF-B as an antioxidant and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2019; 143:33-39. [PMID: 30851357 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress, due to insufficiency of antioxidants or over-production of oxidants, can lead to severe cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs constantly and has been shown to be involved in innumerable diseases, such as degenerative, cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic disorders, cancer, and aging, thus highlighting the vital need of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) was discovered a long time ago, and is abundantly expressed in most types of cells and tissues. VEGF-B remained functionally mysterious for many years and later on has been shown to be minimally angiogenic. Recently, VEGF-B is reported to be a potent antioxidant by boosting the expression of key antioxidant enzymes. Thus, one major role of VEGF-B lies in safeguarding tissues and cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. VEGF-B may therefore have promising therapeutic utilities in treating oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the newly discovered antioxidant function of VEGF-B and the related molecular mechanisms, particularly, in relationship to some oxidative stress-related diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chunsik Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xianchai Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry (Fudan University) and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 200023, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuri Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current knowledge of pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms responsible for the genesis and development of heart failure (HF) is absolutely vast. Nonetheless, the hiatus between experimental findings and therapeutic options remains too deep, while the available pharmacological treatments are mostly seasoned and display limited efficacy. The necessity to identify new, non-pharmacological strategies to target molecular alterations led investigators, already many years ago, to propose gene therapy for HF. Here, we will review some of the strategies proposed over the past years to target major pathogenic mechanisms/factors responsible for severe cardiac injury developing into HF and will provide arguments in favor of the necessity to keep alive research on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS After decades of preclinical research and phases of enthusiasm and disappointment, clinical trials were finally launched in recent years. The first one to reach phase II and testing gene delivery of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase did not yield encouraging results; however, other trials are ongoing, more efficient viral vectors are being developed, and promising new potential targets have been identified. For instance, recent research is focused on gene repair, in vivo, to treat heritable forms of HF, while strong experimental evidence indicates that specific microRNAs can be delivered to post-ischemic hearts to induce regeneration, a result that was previously thought possible only by using stem cell therapy. Gene therapy for HF is aging, but exciting perspectives are still very open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatia Gabisonia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Liberta` 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Liberta` 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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21
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Treatment with placental growth factor attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202772. [PMID: 30212490 PMCID: PMC6136704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have established that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathology of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) activation was reported to reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the activation of VEGFR1 by placental growth factor (PlGF) could reduce MIRI by regulating oxidative stress. Mouse hearts and neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD), respectively. PlGF pretreatment markedly ameliorated I/R injury, as demonstrated by reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function. The protection was associated with a reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Similarly, our in vitro study showed that PlGF treatment improved cell viability and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Also, activation of VEGFR1 by PlGF suppressed intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. However, VEGFR1 neutralizing monoclonal antibody, which preventing PlGF binding, totally blocked this protective effect. In conclusion, activation of VEGFR1 could protect heart from I/R injury by suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis.
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22
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Bulysheva AA, Burcus N, Lundberg CG, Francis MP, Heller R. VEGF-B electrotransfer mediated gene therapy induces cardiomyogenesis in a rat model of cardiac ischemia. Bioelectrochemistry 2018; 124:105-111. [PMID: 30015266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis induced myocardial infarction (MI) continues to be a major public health concern. Regenerative therapies that restore cardiac muscle cells are largely absent. The rate of cardiomyogenesis in adults is insufficient to compensate for MI damage. In this study, we explored the capacity of a gene therapy approach to promote cardiomyogenesis. We hypothesized that VEGF-B, critical during fetal heart development, could promote cardiomyogenesis in adult ischemic hearts. Gene electrotransfer (GET), a physical method of in vivo gene delivery, was adapted to the rat model of MI. Favorable pulsing parameters were then used for delivery of pVEGF-B and compared to a sham control in terms of infarct size, cardiomyocyte proliferation and presence of new cardiomyocytes. Ki67 immunoreactivity was used for proliferation analysis. Newly synthetized DNA was labeled with BrdU to identify new cells post-infarction. Cardiac troponin co-localization indicated proliferating and new cardiomyocytes histologically. Eight weeks post-treatment, GET pVEGF-B treated hearts had significantly smaller infarcts than the sham control group (p < 0.04). Proliferating and new cardiomyocytes were only present in the GET of pVEGF-B group, and absent in the controls. In summary, GET pVEGF-B promoted cardiomyogenesis post-MI, demonstrating for the first time direct evidence of myocardial regeneration post-infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Bulysheva
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America.
| | - Nina Burcus
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
| | - Cathryn G Lundberg
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
| | - Michael P Francis
- Embody LLC, Norfolk, VA, United States of America; Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America; School of Medical Diagnostics and Translational Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
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Touyz RM, Herrmann J. Cardiotoxicity with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor therapy. NPJ Precis Oncol 2018; 2:13. [PMID: 30202791 PMCID: PMC5988734 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-018-0056-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway (VSP) have been important additions in the therapy of various cancers, especially renal cell carcinoma and colorectal cancer. Bevazicumab, the first VSP to receive FDA approval in 2004 targeting all circulating isoforms of VEGF-A, has become one of the best-selling drugs of all times. The second wave of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which target the intracellular site of VEGF receptor kinases, began with the approval of sorafenib in 2005 and sunitinib in 2006. Heart failure was subsequently noted, in 2-4% of patients on bevacizumab and in 3-8% of patients on VSP-TKIs. The very fact that the single-targeted monoclonal antibody bevacizumab can induce cardiotoxicity supports a pathomechanistic role for the VSP and the postulate of the "vascular" nature of VSP inhibitor cardiotoxicity. In this review we will outline this scenario in greater detail, reflecting on hypertension and coronary artery disease as risk factors for VSP inhibitor cardiotoxicity, but also similarities with peripartum and diabetic cardiomyopathy. This leads to the concept that any preexisting or coexisting condition that reduces the vascular reserve or utilizes the vascular reserve for compensatory purposes may pose a risk factor for cardiotoxicity with VSP inhibitors. These conditions need to be carefully considered in cancer patients who are to undergo VSP inhibitor therapy. Such vigilance is not to exclude patients from such prognostically extremely important therapy but to understand the continuum and to recognize and react to any cardiotoxicity dynamics early on for superior overall outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian M. Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joerg Herrmann
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
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Lal N, Puri K, Rodrigues B. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B and Its Signaling. Front Cardiovasc Med 2018; 5:39. [PMID: 29732375 PMCID: PMC5920039 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In diabetes, compromised glucose utilization leads the heart to use FA almost exclusively for ATP generation. Chronically, this adaptation unfortunately leads to the conversion of FA to potentially toxic FA metabolites. Paired with increased formation of reactive oxygen species related to excessive mitochondrial oxidation of FA, can provoke cardiac cell death. To protect against this cell demise, intrinsic mechanisms must be available to the heart. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) may be one growth factor that plays an important role in protecting against heart failure. As a member of the VEGF family, initial studies with VEGFB focused on its role in angiogenesis. Surprisingly, VEGFB does not appear to play a direct role in angiogenesis under normal conditions or even when overexpressed, but has been implicated in influencing vascular growth indirectly by affecting VEGFA action. Intriguingly, VEGFB has also been shown to alter gene expression of proteins involved in cardiac metabolism and promote cell survival. Conversely, multiple models of heart failure, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, have indicated a significant drop in VEGFB. In this review, we will discuss the biology of VEGFB, and its relationship to diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Lal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karanjit Puri
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian Rodrigues
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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25
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The Anti-Cancer Multikinase Inhibitor Sorafenib Impairs Cardiac Contractility by Reducing Phospholamban Phosphorylation and Sarcoplasmic Calcium Transients. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5295. [PMID: 29593308 PMCID: PMC5871797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23630-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy in recent years. Although more targeted than conventional chemotherapy, TKIs exhibit substantial cardiotoxicity, often manifesting as hypertension or heart failure. Here, we assessed myocyte intrinsic cardiotoxic effects of the TKI sorafenib and investigated underlying alterations of myocyte calcium homeostasis. We found that sorafenib reversibly decreased developed force in auxotonically contracting human myocardia (3 µM: -25 ± 4%, 10 µM: -29 ± 7%, 30 µM: -43 ± 12%, p < 0.01), reduced peak cytosolic calcium concentrations in isolated cardiomyocytes (10 µM: 52 ± 8.1% of baseline, p < 0.001), and slowed cytosolic calcium removal kinetics (RT50, RT10, Tau, p < 0.05). Beta-adrenergic stimulation induced augmentation of calcium transient (CaT) amplitude was attenuated in sorafenib-treated cells (2.7 ± 0.3-fold vs. 3.6 ± 0.2-fold in controls, p < 0.001). Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium content was reduced to 67 ± 4% (p < 0.01), and SR calcium re-uptake slowed (p < 0.05). Sorafenib significantly reduced serine 16 phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLN, p < 0.05), while PLN threonine 17 and CaMKII (T286) phosphorylation were not altered. Our data demonstrate that sorafenib acutely impairs cardiac contractility by reducing S16 PLN phosphorylation, leading to reduced SR calcium content, CaT amplitude, and slowed cytosolic calcium removal. These results indicate myocyte intrinsic cardiotoxicity irrespective of effects on the vasculature and chronic cardiac remodeling.
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Kant RJ, Coulombe KLK. Integrated approaches to spatiotemporally directing angiogenesis in host and engineered tissues. Acta Biomater 2018; 69:42-62. [PMID: 29371132 PMCID: PMC5831518 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The field of tissue engineering has turned towards biomimicry to solve the problem of tissue oxygenation and nutrient/waste exchange through the development of vasculature. Induction of angiogenesis and subsequent development of a vascular bed in engineered tissues is actively being pursued through combinations of physical and chemical cues, notably through the presentation of topographies and growth factors. Presenting angiogenic signals in a spatiotemporal fashion is beginning to generate improved vascular networks, which will allow for the creation of large and dense engineered tissues. This review provides a brief background on the cells, mechanisms, and molecules driving vascular development (including angiogenesis), followed by how biomaterials and growth factors can be used to direct vessel formation and maturation. Techniques to accomplish spatiotemporal control of vascularization include incorporation or encapsulation of growth factors, topographical engineering, and 3D bioprinting. The vascularization of engineered tissues and their application in angiogenic therapy in vivo is reviewed herein with an emphasis on the most densely vascularized tissue of the human body - the heart. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Vascularization is vital to wound healing and tissue regeneration, and development of hierarchical networks enables efficient nutrient transfer. In tissue engineering, vascularization is necessary to support physiologically dense engineered tissues, and thus the field seeks to induce vascular formation using biomaterials and chemical signals to provide appropriate, pro-angiogenic signals for cells. This review critically examines the materials and techniques used to generate scaffolds with spatiotemporal cues to direct vascularization in engineered and host tissues in vitro and in vivo. Assessment of the field's progress is intended to inspire vascular applications across all forms of tissue engineering with a specific focus on highlighting the nuances of cardiac tissue engineering for the greater regenerative medicine community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev J Kant
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kareen L K Coulombe
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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27
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Chen YC, Chung CC, Lin YK, Chen YJ. Genetic and ethnic modulation of cardiovascular toxicity of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Ann Med 2018; 50:46-56. [PMID: 28929822 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2017.1383629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are important as anticancer treatments through curbing tumour angiogenesis and growth. VEGF inhibitors have significant cardiovascular effects. By blocking VEGF receptors, ligands, or signal pathways, VEGF inhibitors disturb the balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction, undermine endothelial cell integrity, and activate cardiomyocyte apoptosis. VEGF inhibitors increase risks of hypertension, heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmia. Genetic and geographic studies showed that genetic polymorphisms likely play significant predictive or prognostic roles in cardiovascular toxicity associated with VEGF inhibitors. This review updates current understandings of VEGF inhibitors on cardiovascular toxicity, explores potential mechanisms, and clarifies whether genetic or ethnic factors contribute to their adverse effects. Key Messages VEGF inhibitors disturb the balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction, undermine endothelial cell integrity and activate cardiomyocyte apoptosis. VEGF inhibitors increase risks of hypertension, heart failure, thromboembolism and arrhythmia. Genetic and geographic studies showed that genetic polymorphisms likely play significant predictive or prognostic roles in cardiovascular toxicity associated with VEGF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chou Chen
- a Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine , Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chih Chung
- a Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine , Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan.,b Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine , Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Yung-Kuo Lin
- a Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine , Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- a Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine , Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan.,b Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine , Taipei Medical University , Taipei , Taiwan
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Abstract
Tachypacing-induced heart failure is a well-established large animal model that recapitulates numerous pathophysiological, structural and molecular features of dilated cardiomyopathy and, more in general, of end-stage congestive heart failure. The left or the right ventricle is instrumented with pacing electrodes to impose supernormal heart rates, usually three times higher than baseline values, for a length of time that typically ranges between 3 and 5 weeks. The animal of choice is the dog, although this protocol has been successfully implemented also in pigs, sheep, and rabbits. This chapter provides detailed methodology and description of the dog model utilized in our laboratory, which is one of the variants described in literature. Chronic instrumentation is completed by adding probes and catheters necessary to obtain measures of cardiac function and hemodynamics and to withdraw blood samples from various vascular districts. The progression from compensated to decompensated heart failure is highly reproducible, therefore, due also to the phylogenetic proximity of dogs to humans, tachypacing-induced heart failure is considered a highly clinically relevant model for testing the efficacy of novel pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic agents. This model typically produces heart failure as defined by an LV dP/dt max <1500 mmHg/s, end-diastolic pressure >25 mmHg, mean arterial pressure <85 mmHg, and an ejection fraction <35%. One can expect a mortality rate of 5-10% due to fatal arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery C Powers
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fabio Recchia
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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29
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Seidl MD, Stein J, Hamer S, Pluteanu F, Scholz B, Wardelmann E, Huge A, Witten A, Stoll M, Hammer E, Völker U, Müller FU. Characterization of the Genetic Program Linked to the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in CREM-IbΔC-X Mice. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2017; 10:CIRCEP.117.005075. [DOI: 10.1161/circep.117.005075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background—
Reduced expression of genes regulated by the transcription factors CREB/CREM (cAMP response element-binding protein/modulator) is linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility in patients. Cardiomyocyte-directed expression of the inhibitory CREM isoform CREM-IbΔC-X in transgenic mice (TG) leads to spontaneous-onset AF preceded by atrial dilatation and conduction abnormalities. Here, we characterized the altered gene program linked to atrial remodeling and development of AF in CREM-TG mice.
Methods and Results—
Atria of young (TGy, before AF onset) and old (TGo, after AF onset) TG mice were investigated by mRNA microarray profiling in comparison with age-matched wild-type controls (WTy/WTo). Proteomic alterations were profiled in young mice (8 TGy versus 8 WTy). Annotation of differentially expressed genes revealed distinct differences in biological functions and pathways before and after onset of AF. Alterations in metabolic pathways, some linked to altered peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor signaling, muscle contraction, and ion transport were already present in TGy. Electron microscopy revealed significant loss of sarcomeres and mitochondria and increased collagen and glycogen deposition in TG mice. Alterations in electrophysiological pathways became prominent in TGo, concomitant with altered gene expression of K
+
-channel subunits and ion channel modulators, relevant in human AF.
Conclusions—
The most prominent alterations of the gene program linked to CREM-induced atrial remodeling were identified in the expression of genes related to structure, metabolism, contractility, and electric activity regulation, suggesting that CREM transgenic mice are a valuable experimental model for human AF pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias D. Seidl
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Juliane Stein
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Sabine Hamer
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Florentina Pluteanu
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Beatrix Scholz
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Eva Wardelmann
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Andreas Huge
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Anika Witten
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Monika Stoll
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Elke Hammer
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Uwe Völker
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
| | - Frank U. Müller
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Germany (M.D.S., J.S., S.H., F.P., B.S., F.U.M.); Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Germany (A.H., A.W., M.S.); Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Germany (E.W.); Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (E.H., U.V.); and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site
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Katz MG, Fargnoli AS, Weber T, Hajjar RJ, Bridges CR. Use of Adeno-Associated Virus Vector for Cardiac Gene Delivery in Large-Animal Surgical Models of Heart Failure. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2017; 28:157-164. [PMID: 28726495 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2017.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancement of gene therapy-based approaches to treat heart disease represents a need for clinically relevant animal models with characteristics equivalent to human pathologies. Rodent models of cardiac disease do not precisely reproduce heart failure phenotype and molecular defects. This has motivated researchers to use large animals whose heart size and physiological processes more similar and comparable to those of humans. Today, adeno-associated viruses (AAV)-based vectors are undoubtedly among the most promising DNA delivery vehicles. Here, AAV biology and technology are reviewed and discussed in the context of their use and efficacy for cardiac gene delivery in large-animal models of heart failure, using different surgical approaches. The remaining challenges and opportunities for the use of AAV-based vector delivery for gene therapy applications in the clinic are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Katz
- Cardiovascular Research Center , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anthony S Fargnoli
- Cardiovascular Research Center , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Weber
- Cardiovascular Research Center , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Roger J Hajjar
- Cardiovascular Research Center , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Charles R Bridges
- Cardiovascular Research Center , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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31
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Lal N, Chiu APL, Wang F, Zhang D, Jia J, Wan A, Vlodavsky I, Hussein B, Rodrigues B. Loss of VEGFB and its signaling in the diabetic heart is associated with increased cell death signaling. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 312:H1163-H1175. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00659.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) is highly expressed in metabolically active tissues, such as the heart and skeletal muscle, suggesting a function in maintaining oxidative metabolic and contractile function in these tissues. Multiple models of heart failure have indicated a significant drop in VEGFB. However, whether there is a role for decreased VEGFB in diabetic cardiomyopathy is currently unknown. Of the VEGFB located in cardiomyocytes, there is a substantial and readily releasable pool localized on the cell surface. The immediate response to high glucose and the secretion of endothelial heparanase is the release of this surface-bound VEGFB, which triggers signaling pathways and gene expression to influence endothelial cell (autocrine action) and cardiomyocyte (paracrine effects) survival. Under conditions of hyperglycemia, when VEGFB production is impaired, a robust increase in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1 expression ensues as a possible mechanism to enhance or maintain VEGFB signaling. However, even with an increase in VEGFR1 after diabetes, cardiomyocytes are unable to respond to VEGFB. In addition to the loss of VEGFB production and signaling, evaluation of latent heparanase, the protein responsible for VEGFB release, also showed a significant decline in expression in whole hearts from animals with chronic or acute diabetes. Defects in these numerous VEGFB pathways were associated with an increased cell death signature in our models of diabetes. Through this bidirectional interaction between endothelial cells (which secrete heparanase) and cardiomyocytes (which release VEGFB), this growth factor could provide the diabetic heart protection against cell death and may be a critical tool to delay or prevent cardiomyopathy. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We discovered a bidirectional interaction between endothelial cells (which secrete heparanase) and cardiomyocytes [which release vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB)]. VEGFB promoted cell survival through ERK and cell death gene expression. Loss of VEGFB and its downstream signaling is an early event following hyperglycemia, is sustained with disease progression, and could explain diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Lal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Amy Pei-Ling Chiu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Fulong Wang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Dahai Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Jocelyn Jia
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | | | - Israel Vlodavsky
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Bahira Hussein
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Brian Rodrigues
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
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32
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VEGF-B gene therapy inhibits doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by endothelial protection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:13144-13149. [PMID: 27799559 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616168113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Congestive heart failure is one of the leading causes of disability in long-term survivors of cancer. The anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin (DOX) is used to treat a variety of cancers, but its utility is limited by its cumulative cardiotoxicity. As advances in cancer treatment have decreased cancer mortality, DOX-induced cardiomyopathy has become an increasing problem. However, the current means to alleviate the cardiotoxicity of DOX are limited. We considered that vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B), which promotes coronary arteriogenesis, physiological cardiac hypertrophy, and ischemia resistance, could be an interesting candidate for prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and congestive heart failure. To study this, we administered an adeno-associated viral vector expressing VEGF-B or control vector to normal and tumor-bearing mice 1 wk before DOX treatment, using doses mimicking the concentrations used in the clinics. VEGF-B treatment completely inhibited the DOX-induced cardiac atrophy and whole-body wasting. VEGF-B also prevented capillary rarefaction in the heart and improved endothelial function in DOX-treated mice. VEGF-B also protected cultured endothelial cells from apoptosis and restored their tube formation. VEGF-B increased left ventricular volume without compromising cardiac function, reduced the expression of genes associated with pathological remodeling, and improved cardiac mitochondrial respiration. Importantly, VEGF-B did not affect serum or tissue concentrations of DOX or augment tumor growth. By inhibiting DOX-induced endothelial damage, VEGF-B could provide a novel therapeutic possibility for the prevention of chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.
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Yang Y, Bu P. Progress on the cardiotoxicity of sunitinib: Prognostic significance, mechanism and protective therapies. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 257:125-31. [PMID: 27531228 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are multi-targeted anti-cancer agents effective in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and pancreatic cancer (PC). Targeting and inhibiting a wide range of oncogenically relevant receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), TKIs have been the golden standard treatment of several types of cancer. The cardiotoxicity of TKIs, however, has also emerged alongside their anti-cancer potencies and has attracted research attention. Over the past few years significant progress has been made in developing a deeper understanding of aspects such as extent of cardiotoxicity, prognostic implications and survival predictions, toxicological mechanisms, and potential cardioprotective therapies. In this review we focus on a typical TKI sunitinib and summarize the up-to-date knowledge of sunitinib-induced cardiac abnormalities reported in clinical studies, weighing their implications of prognostic values. We also examine recent findings in underlying mechanisms, and development of potential cardioprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health; The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peili Bu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health; The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Robciuc MR, Kivelä R, Williams IM, de Boer JF, van Dijk TH, Elamaa H, Tigistu-Sahle F, Molotkov D, Leppänen VM, Käkelä R, Eklund L, Wasserman DH, Groen AK, Alitalo K. VEGFB/VEGFR1-Induced Expansion of Adipose Vasculature Counteracts Obesity and Related Metabolic Complications. Cell Metab 2016; 23:712-24. [PMID: 27076080 PMCID: PMC5898626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Impaired angiogenesis has been implicated in adipose tissue dysfunction and the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Here, we report the unexpected finding that vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) gene transduction into mice inhibits obesity-associated inflammation and improves metabolic health without changes in body weight or ectopic lipid deposition. Mechanistically, the binding of VEGFB to VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1, also known as Flt1) activated the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway and increased capillary density, tissue perfusion, and insulin supply, signaling, and function in adipose tissue. Furthermore, endothelial Flt1 gene deletion enhanced the effect of VEGFB, activating the thermogenic program in subcutaneous adipose tissue, which increased the basal metabolic rate, thus preventing diet-induced obesity and related metabolic complications. In obese and insulin-resistant mice, Vegfb gene transfer, together with endothelial Flt1 gene deletion, induced weight loss and mitigated the metabolic complications, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of the VEGFB/VEGFR1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius R Robciuc
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ian M Williams
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jan Freark de Boer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo H van Dijk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Harri Elamaa
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Biocenter Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Feven Tigistu-Sahle
- Department of Biosciences and Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dmitry Molotkov
- Biomedicum Imaging Unit, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reijo Käkelä
- Department of Biosciences and Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Biocenter Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - David H Wasserman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Albert K Groen
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Liver Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
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Novel molecular mechanisms and regeneration therapy for heart failure. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 92:46-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Sorrentino A, Signore S, Qanud K, Borghetti G, Meo M, Cannata A, Zhou Y, Wybieralska E, Luciani M, Kannappan R, Zhang E, Matsuda A, Webster A, Cimini M, Kertowidjojo E, D'Alessandro DA, Wunimenghe O, Michler RE, Royer C, Goichberg P, Leri A, Barrett EG, Anversa P, Hintze TH, Rota M. Myocyte repolarization modulates myocardial function in aging dogs. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H873-90. [PMID: 26801307 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00682.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies of myocardial aging are complex and the mechanisms involved in the deterioration of ventricular performance and decreased functional reserve of the old heart remain to be properly defined. We have studied a colony of beagle dogs from 3 to 14 yr of age kept under a highly regulated environment to define the effects of aging on the myocardium. Ventricular, myocardial, and myocyte function, together with anatomical and structural properties of the organ and cardiomyocytes, were evaluated. Ventricular hypertrophy was not observed with aging and the structural composition of the myocardium was modestly affected. Alterations in the myocyte compartment were identified in aged dogs, and these factors negatively interfere with the contractile reserve typical of the young heart. The duration of the action potential is prolonged in old cardiomyocytes contributing to the slower electrical recovery of the myocardium. Also, the remodeled repolarization of cardiomyocytes with aging provides inotropic support to the senescent muscle but compromises its contractile reserve, rendering the old heart ineffective under conditions of high hemodynamic demand. The defects in the electrical and mechanical properties of cardiomyocytes with aging suggest that this cell population is an important determinant of the cardiac senescent phenotype. Collectively, the delayed electrical repolarization of aging cardiomyocytes may be viewed as a critical variable of the aging myopathy and its propensity to evolve into ventricular decompensation under stressful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sorrentino
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sergio Signore
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Khaled Qanud
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Giulia Borghetti
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marianna Meo
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Antonio Cannata
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yu Zhou
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ewa Wybieralska
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marco Luciani
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ramaswamy Kannappan
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric Zhang
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex Matsuda
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Webster
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Cimini
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Oriyanhan Wunimenghe
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; and
| | - Robert E Michler
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; and
| | | | - Polina Goichberg
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Annarosa Leri
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edward G Barrett
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Piero Anversa
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas H Hintze
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Marcello Rota
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York;
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Woitek F, Zentilin L, Hoffman NE, Powers JC, Ottiger I, Parikh S, Kulczycki AM, Hurst M, Ring N, Wang T, Shaikh F, Gross P, Singh H, Kolpakov MA, Linke A, Houser SR, Rizzo V, Sabri A, Madesh M, Giacca M, Recchia FA. Intracoronary Cytoprotective Gene Therapy: A Study of VEGF-B167 in a Pre-Clinical Animal Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 66:139-53. [PMID: 26160630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B activates cytoprotective/antiapoptotic and minimally angiogenic mechanisms via VEGF receptors. Therefore, VEGF-B might be an ideal candidate for the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, which displays modest microvascular rarefaction and increased rate of apoptosis. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated VEGF-B gene therapy in a canine model of tachypacing-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS Chronically instrumented dogs underwent cardiac tachypacing for 28 days. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 viral vectors carrying VEGF-B167 genes were infused intracoronarily at the beginning of the pacing protocol or during compensated heart failure. Moreover, we tested a novel VEGF-B167 transgene controlled by the atrial natriuretic factor promoter. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, VEGF-B167 markedly preserved diastolic and contractile function and attenuated ventricular chamber remodeling, halting the progression from compensated to decompensated heart failure. Atrial natriuretic factor-VEGF-B167 expression was low in normally functioning hearts and stimulated by cardiac pacing; it thus functioned as an ideal therapeutic transgene, active only under pathological conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our results, obtained with a standard technique of interventional cardiology in a clinically relevant animal model, support VEGF-B167 gene transfer as an affordable and effective new therapy for nonischemic heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Woitek
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Leipzig-Heart Center, Department of Cardiology/Internal Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicholas E Hoffman
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffery C Powers
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Isabel Ottiger
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Leipzig-Heart Center, Department of Cardiology/Internal Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Suraj Parikh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anna M Kulczycki
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marykathryn Hurst
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nadja Ring
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tao Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Farah Shaikh
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Polina Gross
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Harinder Singh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mikhail A Kolpakov
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Axel Linke
- University of Leipzig-Heart Center, Department of Cardiology/Internal Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steven R Houser
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Victor Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Abdelkarim Sabri
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Muniswamy Madesh
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.
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Bang C, Antoniades C, Antonopoulos AS, Eriksson U, Franssen C, Hamdani N, Lehmann L, Moessinger C, Mongillo M, Muhl L, Speer T, Thum T. Intercellular communication lessons in heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2015; 17:1091-103. [PMID: 26398116 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell or inter-organ communication allows the exchange of information and messages, which is essential for the coordination of cell/organ functions and the maintenance of homeostasis. It has become evident that dynamic interactions of different cell types play a major role in the heart, in particular during the progression of heart failure, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Heart failure is associated with compensatory structural and functional changes mostly in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, which finally lead to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis. Intercellular communication within the heart is mediated mostly via direct cell-cell interaction or the release of paracrine signalling mediators such as cytokines and chemokines. However, recent studies have focused on the exchange of genetic information via the packaging into vesicles as well as the crosstalk of lipids and other paracrine molecules within the heart and distant organs, such as kidney and adipose tissue, which might all contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure. In this review, we discuss emerging communication networks and respective underlying mechanisms which could be involved in cardiovascular disease conditions and further emphasize promising therapeutic targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Charalambos Antoniades
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Alexios S Antonopoulos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Ulf Eriksson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tissue Biology Group, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Constantijn Franssen
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nazha Hamdani
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Lorenz Lehmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Moessinger
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tissue Biology Group, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lars Muhl
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tissue Biology Group, Division of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thimoteus Speer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology and Hypertension, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Excellence Cluster REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
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Moulay G, Ohtani T, Ogut O, Guenzel A, Behfar A, Zakeri R, Haines P, Storlie J, Bowen L, Pham L, Kaye D, Sandhu G, O'Connor M, Russell S, Redfield M. Cardiac AAV9 Gene Delivery Strategies in Adult Canines: Assessment by Long-term Serial SPECT Imaging of Sodium Iodide Symporter Expression. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1211-1221. [PMID: 25915925 PMCID: PMC4817780 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and cardiac gene delivery has the potential to provide novel therapeutic approaches. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) transduces the rodent heart efficiently, but cardiotropism, immune tolerance, and optimal delivery strategies in large animals are unclear. In this study, an AAV9 vector encoding canine sodium iodide symporter (NIS) was administered to adult immunocompetent dogs via epicardial injection, coronary infusion without and with cardiac recirculation, or endocardial injection via a novel catheter with curved needle and both end- and side-holes. As NIS mediates cellular uptake of clinical radioisotopes, expression was tracked by single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging in addition to Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Direct epicardial or endocardial injection resulted in strong cardiac expression, whereas expression after intracoronary infusion or cardiac recirculation was undetectable. A threshold myocardial injection dose that provides robust nonimmunogenic expression was identified. The extent of transmural myocardial expression was greater with the novel catheter versus straight end-hole needle delivery. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate that cardiac NIS reporter gene expression and duration can be quantified using serial noninvasive SPECT imaging up to 1 year after vector administration. These data are relevant to efforts to develop cardiac gene delivery as heart failure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Philip Haines
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Linh Pham
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - David Kaye
- Baker Heart Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Ishikawa K, Hajjar RJ. Revisiting Old Players in the Revitalized Field of Cardiovascular Gene Therapy∗. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 66:166-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Zhao T, Zhao W, Meng W, Liu C, Chen Y, Gerling IC, Weber KT, Bhattacharya SK, Kumar R, Sun Y. VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 pathway promotes myocyte hypertrophy and survival in the infarcted myocardium. Am J Transl Res 2015; 7:697-709. [PMID: 26064438 PMCID: PMC4455345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown that in addition to angio/lymphangiogenesis, the VEGF family is involved in other cellular actions. We have recently reported that enhanced VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in the infarcted rat myocardium, suggesting the paracrine/autocrine function of VEGF-C on cardiac remodeling. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that VEGF-C regulates cardiomyocyte growth and survival in the infarcted myocardium. METHODS AND RESULTS Gene profiling and VEGFR-3 expression of cardiomyocytes were assessed by laser capture microdissection/microarray and immunohistochemistry in the normal and infarcted myocardium. The effect of VEGF-C on myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis during normoxia and hypoxia was detected by RT-PCR and western blotting in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. VEGFR-3 was minimally expressed in cardiomyocytes of the normal and noninfarcted myocardium, while markedly elevated in the surviving cardiomyocytes of the infarcted myocardium and border zone. Genes altered in the surviving cardiomyocytes were associated with the networks regulating cellular growth and survival. VEGF-C significantly increased the expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANP), brain natriuretic factor (BNP), and β-myosin heavy chain (MHC), markers of hypertrophy, in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Hypoxia caused neonatal cardiomyocyte atrophy, which was prevented by VEGF-C treatment. Hypoxia significantly enhanced apoptotic mediators, including cleaved caspase 3, 8, and 9, and Bax in neonatal cardiomyocytes, which were abolished by VEGF-C treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 pathway exerts a beneficial role in the infarcted myocardium by promoting compensatory cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tieqiang Zhao
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Wenyuan Zhao
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Weixin Meng
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yuanjian Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ivan C Gerling
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Karl T Weber
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Syamal K Bhattacharya
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yao Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphis, TN 38163, USA
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Zacchigna S, Zentilin L, Giacca M. Adeno-associated virus vectors as therapeutic and investigational tools in the cardiovascular system. Circ Res 2014; 114:1827-46. [PMID: 24855205 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.302331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of vectors based on the small parvovirus adeno-associated virus has gained significant momentum during the past decade. Their high efficiency of transduction of postmitotic tissues in vivo, such as heart, brain, and retina, renders these vectors extremely attractive for several gene therapy applications affecting these organs. Besides functional correction of different monogenic diseases, the possibility to drive efficient and persistent transgene expression in the heart offers the possibility to develop innovative therapies for prevalent conditions, such as ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic genes are not only restricted to protein-coding complementary DNAs but also include short hairpin RNAs and microRNA genes, thus broadening the spectrum of possible applications. In addition, several spontaneous or engineered variants in the virus capsid have recently improved vector efficiency and expanded their tropism. Apart from their therapeutic potential, adeno-associated virus vectors also represent outstanding investigational tools to explore the function of individual genes or gene combinations in vivo, thus providing information that is conceptually similar to that obtained from genetically modified animals. Finally, their single-stranded DNA genome can drive homology-directed gene repair at high efficiency. Here, we review the main molecular characteristics of adeno-associated virus vectors, with a particular view to their applications in the cardiovascular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Zacchigna
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Mauro Giacca
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.).
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Bry M, Kivelä R, Leppänen VM, Alitalo K. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B in Physiology and Disease. Physiol Rev 2014; 94:779-94. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B), discovered over 15 years ago, has long been seen as one of the more ambiguous members of the VEGF family. VEGF-B is produced as two isoforms: one that binds strongly to heparan sulfate in the pericellular matrix and a soluble form that can acquire binding via proteolytic processing. Both forms of VEGF-B bind to VEGF-receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and the neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) coreceptor, which are expressed mainly in blood vascular endothelial cells. VEGF-B-deficient mice and rats are viable without any overt phenotype, and the ability of VEGF-B to induce angiogenesis in most tissues is weak. This has been a puzzle, as the related placenta growth factor (PlGF) binds to the same receptors and induces angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in a variety of tissues. However, it seems that VEGF-B is a vascular growth factor that is more tissue specific and can have trophic and metabolic effects, and its binding to VEGFR-1 shows subtle but important differences compared with that of PlGF. VEGF-B has the potential to induce coronary vessel growth and cardiac hypertrophy, which can protect the heart from ischemic damage as well as heart failure. In addition, VEGF-B is abundantly expressed in tissues with highly active energy metabolism, where it could support significant metabolic functions. VEGF-B also has a role in neuroprotection, but unlike other members of the VEGF family, it does not have a clear role in tumor progression. Here we review what is hitherto known about the functions of this growth factor in physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Bry
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Leppänen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Kooij V, Venkatraman V, Tra J, Kirk JA, Rowell J, Blice-Baum A, Cammarato A, Van Eyk JE. Sizing up models of heart failure: Proteomics from flies to humans. Proteomics Clin Appl 2014; 8:653-64. [PMID: 24723306 PMCID: PMC4282793 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201300123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the western world. Heart failure is a heterogeneous and complex syndrome, arising from various etiologies, which result in cellular phenotypes that vary from patient to patient. The ability to utilize genetic manipulation and biochemical experimentation in animal models has made them indispensable in the study of this chronic condition. Similarly, proteomics has been helpful for elucidating complicated cellular and molecular phenotypes and has the potential to identify circulating biomarkers and drug targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, the use of human samples and animal model systems (pig, dog, rat, mouse, zebrafish, and fruit fly) in cardiac research is discussed. Additionally, the protein sequence homology between these species and the extent of conservation at the level of the phospho-proteome in major kinase signaling cascades involved in heart failure are investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Kooij
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hahn VS, Lenihan DJ, Ky B. Cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity: basic mechanisms and potential cardioprotective therapies. J Am Heart Assoc 2014; 3:e000665. [PMID: 24755151 PMCID: PMC4187516 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.113.000665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Shalkey Hahn
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (V.S.H., B.K.)
| | - Daniel J. Lenihan
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (D.J.L.)
| | - Bonnie Ky
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (V.S.H., B.K.)
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (B.K.)
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (B.K.)
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Oka T, Akazawa H, Naito AT, Komuro I. Angiogenesis and cardiac hypertrophy: maintenance of cardiac function and causative roles in heart failure. Circ Res 2014; 114:565-71. [PMID: 24481846 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.300507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive response to physiological and pathological overload. In response to the overload, individual cardiac myocytes become mechanically stretched and activate intracellular hypertrophic signaling pathways to re-use embryonic transcription factors and to increase the synthesis of various proteins, such as structural and contractile proteins. These hypertrophic responses increase oxygen demand and promote myocardial angiogenesis to dissolve the hypoxic situation and to maintain cardiac contractile function; thus, these responses suggest crosstalk between cardiac myocytes and microvasculature. However, sustained pathological overload induces maladaptation and cardiac remodeling, resulting in heart failure. In recent years, specific understanding has increased with regard to the molecular processes and cell-cell interactions that coordinate myocardial growth and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of coordinated myocardial growth and angiogenesis in the pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Oka
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan (T.O., A.T.N., I.K.); Departments of Advanced Clinical Science and Therapeutics (H.A.) and Cardiovascular Medicine (H.A., A.T.N., I.K.), The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; and Japan Science and Technology Agency, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (T.O., H.A., A.T.N., I.K.)
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47
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Csiszár A, Csiszar A, Pinto JT, Gautam T, Kleusch C, Hoffmann B, Tucsek Z, Toth P, Sonntag WE, Ungvari Z. Resveratrol encapsulated in novel fusogenic liposomes activates Nrf2 and attenuates oxidative stress in cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells from aged rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2014; 70:303-13. [PMID: 24642904 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glu029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) is a plant-derived polyphenolic trans-stilbenoid, which exerts multifaceted antiaging effects. Here, we propose a novel delivery system for resveratrol, which significantly increases its cellular uptake into aged cells. Combination of resveratrol with a positively charged lipid component to "conventional" liposomes converts these lipid vesicles to a robust fusogenic system. To study their cellular uptake and cellular effects, we treated primary cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells isolated from aged F344xBN rats with resveratrol encapsulated in fusogenic liposomes (FL-RSV). To demonstrate effective cellular uptake of FL-RSV, accumulation of the lipophilic tracer dye, DiR, and resveratrol in cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells was confirmed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography electrochemical detection. Treatment of aged cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells with FL-RSV activated Nrf2 (assessed with a reporter gene assay), significantly decreased cellular production of reactive oxygen species (assessed by a flow cytometry-based H2DCFDA fluorescence method), and inhibited apoptosis. Taken together, encapsulation of resveratrol into novel fusogenic liposomes significantly enhances the delivery of resveratrol into aged cells, which subsequently results in rapid activation of cellular Nrf2-driven antioxidant defense mechanisms. Our studies provide proof-of-concept for the development of a novel, translationally relevant interventional strategy for prevention and/or control of oxidative stress-related pathophysiological conditions in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Csiszár
- Institute of Complex Systems, ICS-7: Biomechanics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
| | | | - John T Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla
| | - Tripti Gautam
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine
| | - Christian Kleusch
- Institute of Complex Systems, ICS-7: Biomechanics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Complex Systems, ICS-7: Biomechanics, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Tucsek
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine
| | - Peter Toth
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine
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48
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Tarone G, Balligand JL, Bauersachs J, Clerk A, De Windt L, Heymans S, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Hirsch E, Iaccarino G, Knöll R, Leite-Moreira AF, Lourenço AP, Mayr M, Thum T, Tocchetti CG. Targeting myocardial remodelling to develop novel therapies for heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2014; 16:494-508. [DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Tarone
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Molecolari e Scienze per la Salute; Università di Torino; Torino Italy
| | - Jean-Luc Balligand
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pole de Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique (UCL-FATH) and Department of Medicine, Cliniques Saint-Luc; Université catholique de Louvain; Bruxelles Belgium
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology; Medizinische Hochschule-Hannover; Hannover Germany
| | - Angela Clerk
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Reading; Reading UK
| | - Leon De Windt
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases; Maastricht University; Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Center for Heart Failure Research, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM); Maastricht University; The Netherlands
| | - Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology; Medizinische Hochschule-Hannover; Hannover Germany
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Molecolari e Scienze per la Salute; Università di Torino; Torino Italy
| | - Guido Iaccarino
- Facoltà di Medicina; Università di Salerno; Salerno Italy
- IRCCS ‘Multimedica’; Milano Italy
| | - Ralph Knöll
- National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - Adelino F. Leite-Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine; University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - André P. Lourenço
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine; University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Manuel Mayr
- King's British Heart Foundation Centre; King's College London; London UK
| | - Thomas Thum
- National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London UK
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies; Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
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49
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Milani-Nejad N, Janssen PML. Small and large animal models in cardiac contraction research: advantages and disadvantages. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 141:235-49. [PMID: 24140081 PMCID: PMC3947198 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian heart is responsible for not only pumping blood throughout the body but also adjusting this pumping activity quickly depending upon sudden changes in the metabolic demands of the body. For the most part, the human heart is capable of performing its duties without complications; however, throughout many decades of use, at some point this system encounters problems. Research into the heart's activities during healthy states and during adverse impacts that occur in disease states is necessary in order to strategize novel treatment options to ultimately prolong and improve patients' lives. Animal models are an important aspect of cardiac research where a variety of cardiac processes and therapeutic targets can be studied. However, there are differences between the heart of a human being and an animal and depending on the specific animal, these differences can become more pronounced and in certain cases limiting. There is no ideal animal model available for cardiac research, the use of each animal model is accompanied with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this review, we will discuss these advantages and disadvantages of commonly used laboratory animals including mouse, rat, rabbit, canine, swine, and sheep. Since the goal of cardiac research is to enhance our understanding of human health and disease and help improve clinical outcomes, we will also discuss the role of human cardiac tissue in cardiac research. This review will focus on the cardiac ventricular contractile and relaxation kinetics of humans and animal models in order to illustrate these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Milani-Nejad
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and D. Davis Heart Lung Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, OH, USA
| | - Paul M L Janssen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and D. Davis Heart Lung Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, OH, USA.
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50
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Lacchini R, Luizon MR, Gasparini S, Ferreira-Sae MC, Schreiber R, Nadruz W, Tanus-Santos JE. Effect of genetic polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with systemic hypertension. Am J Cardiol 2014; 113:491-6. [PMID: 24321896 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a cytokine involved in angiogenesis and upregulated during adaptive heart hypertrophy. Downregulation of VEGF seems to trigger the transition from adaptive to dilated cardiac hypertrophy. We investigated for the first time whether 3 clinically relevant polymorphisms in the VEGFA gene are associated with altered echocardiographic parameters in hypertensive patients. We determined genotypes for 3 polymorphisms in VEGFA promoter in 179 hypertensive patients and 169 healthy controls: g.-2578C>A (rs699947), g.-1154G>A (rs1570360), and g.-634G>C (rs2010963). Although the variant genotypes of the g.-634G>C (GC + CC) were associated with reduced left ventricular mass index (p = 0.030), the variant genotypes for the g.-1154G>A (GA + AA) were associated with reduced ejection fraction (p = 0.008). In addition, we found that VEGFA haplotypes were associated with altered ejection fraction (p = 0.024). The AAG haplotype was associated with reduced ejection fraction (p = 0.006), whereas the AGG haplotype was associated with increased ejection fraction (p = 0.010). Our results suggest that VEGF polymorphisms affect cardiac remodeling. Genotypes for VEGFA polymorphisms can be useful to help to identify hypertensive patients at greater intrinsic risk for heart failure.
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