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Romero G, Martin B, Gabris B, Salama G. Relaxin suppresses atrial fibrillation, reverses fibrosis and reduces inflammation in aged hearts. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116407. [PMID: 38969298 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Healthy aging results in cardiac structural and electrical remodeling that increase susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Relaxin has shown broad cardioprotective effects including anti-fibrotic, anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory outcomes in multiple models. This paper focuses on the cardioprotective effects of Relaxin in a rat model of aging. Sustained atrial or ventricular fibrillation are readily induced in the hearts of aged but not young control animals. Treatment with Relaxin suppressed this arrhythmogenic response by increasing conduction velocity, decreasing fibrosis and promoting substantial cardiac remodeling. Relaxin treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of: Nav1.5, Cx43, βcatenin and Wnt1 in rat hearts. In isolated cardiomyocytes, Relaxin increased Nav1.5 expression. These effects were mimicked by CHIR 99021, a pharmacological activator of canonical Wnt signaling, but blocked by the canonical Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf1. Relaxin prevented TGF-β-dependent differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts while increasing the expression of Wnt1; the effects of Relaxin on cardiac fibroblast differentiation were blocked by Dickkopf1. RNASeq studies demonstrated reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in the expression of α- and β-globin in Relaxin-treated aged males. Relaxin reduces arrhythmogenicity in the hearts of aged rats by reduction of fibrosis and increased conduction velocity. These changes are accompanied by substantial remodeling of the cardiac tissue and appear to be mediated by increased canonical Wnt signaling. Relaxin also exerts significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in the hearts of aged rodents. The mechanisms by which Relaxin increases the expression of Wnt ligands, promotes Wnt signaling and reprograms gene expression remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Romero
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Brian Martin
- Departments of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Beth Gabris
- Departments of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Guy Salama
- Departments of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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2
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Wingert J, Meinhardt E, Sasipong N, Pott M, Lederer C, de la Torre C, Sticht C, Most P, Katus HA, Frey N, Raake PWJ, Schlegel P. Cardiomyocyte-specific RXFP1 overexpression protects against pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction independently of relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116305. [PMID: 38768763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116305] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) prevalence is rising due to reduced early mortality and demographic change. Relaxin (RLN) mediates protective effects in the cardiovascular system through Relaxin-receptor 1 (RXFP1). Cardiac overexpression of RXFP1 with additional RLN supplementation attenuated HF in the pressure-overload transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model. Here, we hypothesized that robust transgenic RXFP1 overexpression in cardiomyocytes (CM) protects from TAC-induced HF even in the absence of RLN. Hence, transgenic mice with a CM-specific overexpression of human RXFP1 (hRXFP1tg) were generated. Receptor functionality was demonstrated by in vivo hemodynamics, where the administration of RLN induced positive inotropy strictly in hRXFP1tg. An increase in phospholamban-phosphorylation at serine 16 was identified as a molecular correlate. hRXFP1tg were protected from TAC without additional RLN administration, presenting not only less decline in systolic left ventricular (LV) function but also abrogated LV dilation and pulmonary congestion compared to WT mice. Molecularly, transgenic hearts exhibited not only a significantly attenuated fetal and fibrotic gene activation but also demonstrated less fibrotic tissue and CM hypertrophy in histological sections. These protective effects were evident in both sexes. Similar cardioprotective effects of hRXFP1tg were detectable in a RLN-knockout model, suggesting an alternative mechanism of receptor activation through intrinsic activity, alternative endogenous ligands or crosstalk with other receptors. In summary, CM-specific RXFP1 overexpression provides protection against TAC even in the absence of endogenous RLN. This suggests RXFP1 overexpression as a potential therapeutic approach for HF, offering baseline protection with optional RLN supplementation for specific activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wingert
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
| | - E Meinhardt
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - N Sasipong
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - M Pott
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - C Lederer
- Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg and German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C de la Torre
- Core Facility Platform Mannheim, NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - C Sticht
- Core Facility Platform Mannheim, NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - P Most
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
| | - H A Katus
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
| | - N Frey
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
| | - P W J Raake
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg University, Germany
| | - P Schlegel
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany.
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Somanader DVN, Zhao P, Widdop RE, Samuel CS. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in fibrosis progression and its therapeutic targeting by relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116130. [PMID: 38490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116130] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Organ scarring, referred to as fibrosis, results from a failed wound-healing response to chronic tissue injury and is characterised by the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Once established, fibrosis is recognised as a hallmark of stiffened and dysfunctional tissues, hence, various fibrosis-related diseases collectively contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite this, these diseases are ineffectively treated by currently-available medications. The pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, has emerged as the master regulator of fibrosis progression, owing to its ability to promote various factors and processes that facilitate rapid ECM synthesis and deposition, whilst negating ECM degradation. TGF-β1 signal transduction is tightly controlled by canonical (Smad-dependent) and non-canonical (MAP kinase- and Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent) intracellular protein activity, whereas its pro-fibrotic actions can also be facilitated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review outlines the pathological sequence of events and contributing roles of TGF-β1 in the progression of fibrosis, and how the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to tissue repair in acute disease settings, but to fibrosis and related tissue dysfunction in synergy with TGF-β1 in chronic diseases. It also outlines the anti-fibrotic and related signal transduction mechanisms of the hormone, relaxin, that are mediated via its negative modulation of TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but through the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in acute disease settings. Collectively, this highlights that the crosstalk between TGF-β1 signal transduction and the Wnt/β-catenin cascade may provide a therapeutic target that can be exploited to broadly treat and reverse established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidree V N Somanader
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology Program, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Gabris-Weber B, Forghani R, Bernd Dschietzig T, Romero G, Salama G. Periodic injections of Relaxin 2, its pharmacokinetics and remodeling of rat hearts. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116136. [PMID: 38494063 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin-2 (RLX), a critical hormone in pregnancy, has been investigated as a therapy for heart failure. In most studies, the peptide was delivered continuously, subcutaneously for 2 weeks in animals or intravenously for 2-days in human subjects, for stable circulating [RLX]. However, pulsatile hormone levels may better uncover the normal physiology. This premise was tested by subcutaneously injecting Sprague Dawley rats (250 g, N = 2 males, 2 females/group) with human RLX (0, 30, 100, or 500 µg/kg), every 12 h for 1 day, then measuring changes in Nav1.5, connexin43, and β-catenin, 24 h later. Pulsatile RLX was measured by taking serial blood draws, post-injection. After an injection, RLX reached a peak in ∼ 60 min, fell to 50 % in 5-6 h; injections of 0, 30, 100 or 500 µg/kg yielded peak levels of 0, 11.26 ± 3.52, 58.33 ± 16.10, and 209.42 ± 29.04 ng/ml and residual levels after 24-hrs of 0, 4.9, 45.1 and 156 pg/ml, respectively. The 30 µg/kg injections had no effect and 100 µg/kg injections increased Nav1.5 (25 %), Cx43 (30 %) and β-catenin (90 %). The 500 µg/kg injections also increased Nav1.5 and Cx43 but were less effective at upregulating β-catenin (up by 25 % vs. 90 %). Periodic injections of 100 µg/kg were highly effective at increasing the expression of Nav1.5 and Cx43 which are key determinants of conduction velocity in the heart and the suppression of arrhythmias. Periodic RLX is effective at eliciting changes in cardiac protein expression and may be a better strategy for its longer-term delivery in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Gabris-Weber
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Rameen Forghani
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Thomas Bernd Dschietzig
- Relaxera Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Stubenwald-Allee 8a, 64625 Bensheim, Germany
| | - Guillermo Romero
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Guy Salama
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
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Nemtsova V, Burkard T, Vischer AS. Hypertensive Heart Disease: A Narrative Review Series-Part 2: Macrostructural and Functional Abnormalities. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5723. [PMID: 37685790 PMCID: PMC10488346 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) remains a major global public health concern despite the implementation of new approaches for the management of hypertensive patients. The pathological changes occurring during HHD are complex and involve the development of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. HHD describes a broad spectrum ranging from uncontrolled hypertension and asymptomatic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), either a concentric or an eccentric pattern, to the final development of clinical heart failure. Pressure-overload-induced LVH is recognised as the most important predictor of heart failure and sudden death and is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmias are considered to be one of the most important comorbidities affecting hypertensive patients. This is the second part of a three-part set of review articles. Here, we focus on the macrostructural and functional abnormalities associated with chronic high pressure, their involvement in HHD pathophysiology, and their role in the progression and prognosis of HHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Nemtsova
- Medical Outpatient Department and Hypertension Clinic, ESH Hypertension Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Internal Diseases and Family Medicine Department, Educational and Scientific Medical Institute, National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, 61002 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Thilo Burkard
- Medical Outpatient Department and Hypertension Clinic, ESH Hypertension Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annina S. Vischer
- Medical Outpatient Department and Hypertension Clinic, ESH Hypertension Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Liu K, Sun T, Xu W, Song J, Chen Y, Ruan Y, Li H, Cui K, Zhang Y, Feng Y, Pan J, Liang E, Xin Z, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Luan Y. Relaxin-2 Prevents Erectile Dysfunction by Cavernous Nerve, Endothelial and Histopathological Protection Effects in Rats with Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:434-445. [PMID: 36047071 PMCID: PMC10042645 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cavernous nerve injury induced erectile dysfunction (ED) is a refractory complication with high incidence in person under radical prostatectomy. Studies have shown that relaxin-2 (RLX-2) plays a vital role of endothelial protection, vasodilation, anti-fibrosis and neuroprotection in a variety of diseases. However, whether penile cavernous erection can benefit from RLX-2 remains unknown. The purpose of the experiment was to explore the effects of RLX-2 on ED in the rat suffering with bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). MATERIALS AND METHODS The rats were divided into three groups: Sham group was underwent sham operation, BCNI+RLX group or BCNI group was underwent bilateral cavernous nerve crush and then randomly treated with RLX-2 (0.4 mg/kg/d) or saline by continuous administration using a subcutaneously implanted micro pump for 4 weeks respectively. Then, erectile function was evaluated by electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves. Cavernous nerves and penile tissues and were collected for histological evaluation. RESULTS Erectile function of rats with BCNI was partially improved after RLX-2 treatment. The BCNI group had lower expression of relaxin family peptide receptor (RXFP) 1, p-AKT/AKT, p-eNOS/eNOS ratios than sham operation rats, but RLX-2 could partially reversed these changes. Histologically, the BCNI+RLX group had a significant effect on preservation of neurofilament, neuronal glial antigen 2 of penile tissue and nNOS of cavernous nerves when compared with BCNI group. RLX-2 could inhibited the lever of BCNI induced corporal fibrosis and apoptosis via regulating TGFβ1-Smad2/3-CTGF pathway and the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase3. CONCLUSIONS RLX-2 could improve erectile function of BCNI rats by protecting cavernous nerve and endothelial function and suppressing corporal fibrosis and apoptosis via RXFP1 and AKT/eNOS pathway. Our findings may provide a promising treatment for refractory BCNI induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiancheng Pan
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Enli Liang
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Xin
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Luan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Sykora M, Andelova K, Szeiffova Bacova B, Egan Benova T, Martiskova A, Knezl V, Tribulova N. Hypertension Induces Pro-arrhythmic Cardiac Connexome Disorders: Protective Effects of Treatment. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020330. [PMID: 36830700 PMCID: PMC9953310 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020330] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged population aging and unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the progressive prevalence of arterial hypertension. This is accompanied by low-grade inflammation and over time results in heart dysfunction and failure. Hypertension-induced myocardial structural and ion channel remodeling facilitates the development of both atrial and ventricular fibrillation, and these increase the risk of stroke and sudden death. Herein, we elucidate hypertension-induced impairment of "connexome" cardiomyocyte junctions. This complex ensures cell-to-cell adhesion and coupling for electrical and molecular signal propagation. Connexome dysfunction can be a key factor in promoting the occurrence of both cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. However, the available literature indicates that arterial hypertension treatment can hamper myocardial structural remodeling, hypertrophy and/or fibrosis, and preserve connexome function. This suggests the pleiotropic effects of antihypertensive agents, including anti-inflammatory. Therefore, further research is required to identify specific molecular targets and pathways that will protect connexomes, and it is also necessary to develop new approaches to maintain heart function in patients suffering from primary or pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Li Y, Zheng G, Salimova E, Broughton BRS, Ricardo SD, de Veer M, Samuel CS. Simultaneous late-gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping of fibrosis and a novel cell-based combination therapy in hypertensive mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114069. [PMID: 36502754 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic hypertension and disrupts the viability of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) post-transplantation. This study thus, determined whether the anti-fibrotic drug, serelaxin (RLX), could enhance the therapeutic effects of BM-MSCs or BM-MSC-derived exosomes (BM-MSC-EXO) in hypertensive mice. Left ventricular (LV) fibrosis in particular was assessed using conventional histological staining and non-invasive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). CMRI was employed using a novel magnetisation prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP2RAGE) sequence to simultaneously perform late gadolinium enhancement imaging and T1 mapping. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were uninephrectomised, received deoxycorticosterone acetate and saline to drink (1 K/DOCA/salt) for 21 days, whilst control mice were given normal drinking water for the same time-period. On day 14 post-injury, subgroups of 1 K/DOCA/salt-hypertensive mice were treated with RLX alone or in combination with BM-MSCs or BM-MSC-EXO; or the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, spironolactone. At day 21 post-injury, LV and kidney histopathology was assessed, whilst LV fibrosis and function were additionally analysed by CMRI and echocardiography. 1 K/DOCA/salt-hypertensive mice developed kidney tubular injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and more moderate LV hypertrophy, fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. RLX and BM-MSCs combined provided optimal protection against these pathologies and significantly reduced picrosirius red-stained organ fibrosis and MP2RAGE analysis of LV fibrosis. A significant correlation between MP2RAGE analysis and histologically-stained interstitial LV fibrosis was detected. It was concluded that the MP2RAGE sequence enhanced the non-invasive CMRI detection of LV fibrosis. Furthermore, combining RLX and BM-MSCs may represent a promising treatment option for hypertensive cardiorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Li
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gang Zheng
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ekaterina Salimova
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brad R S Broughton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon D Ricardo
- Stem Cells and Development Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael de Veer
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Stem Cells and Development Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Relaxin-2 plasma levels in atrial fibrillation are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22287. [PMID: 36566255 PMCID: PMC9789945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26836-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin-2 exerts many favourable cardiovascular effects in pathological circumstances such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure, but the mechanisms underlying its actions are not completely understood. Since inflammation and fibrosis are pivotal processes in the pathogenesis of AF, our aim was to study the relationship between relaxin-2 plasma levels in left atrium (LA) and peripheral vein with molecules implicated in fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in AF patients, and to evaluate the anti-fibrotic ability of relaxin-2 in normal human atrial cardiac fibroblasts (NHCF-A). Peripheral vein relaxin-2 plasma levels were higher than LA relaxin-2 plasma levels in men while, in women, peripheral vein relaxin-2 levels were increased compared to men. AF patients with higher levels of relaxin-2 exhibited a reduction in H2O2 plasma levels and in mRNA levels of alpha-defensin 3 (DEFA3) and IL-6 in leucocytes from LA plasma. Relaxin-2-in-vitro treatment inhibited NHCF-A migration and decreased mRNA and protein levels of the pro-fibrotic molecule transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Our results support an association between relaxin-2 and molecules involved in fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in AF patients, and reinforce an anti-fibrotic protective role of this hormone in NHCF-A; strengthening the relevance of relaxin-2 in AF physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment.
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Martinez-Hernandez E, Kanaporis G, Blatter LA. Mechanism of carvedilol induced action potential and calcium alternans. Channels (Austin) 2022; 16:97-112. [PMID: 35501948 PMCID: PMC9067505 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2022.2055521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Carvedilol is a nonspecific β-blocker clinically used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases but has also been shown to have profound effects on excitation-contraction coupling and Ca signaling at the cellular level. We investigate the mechanism by which carvedilol facilitates Ca transient (CaT) and action potential duration (APD) alternans in rabbit atrial myocytes. Carvedilol lowered the frequency threshold for pacing-induced CaT alternans and facilitated alternans in a concentration-dependent manner. Carvedilol prolonged the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release refractoriness by significantly increasing the time constant τ of recovery of SR Ca release; however, no changes in L-type calcium current recovery from inactivation or SR Ca load were found after carvedilol treatment. Carvedilol enhanced the degree of APD alternans nearly two-fold. Carvedilol slowed the APD restitution kinetics and steepened the APD restitution curve at the pacing frequency (2 Hz) where alternans were elicited. No effect on the CaT or APD alternans ratios was observed in experiments with a different β-blocker (metoprolol), excluding the possibility that the carvedilol effect on CaT and APD alternans was determined by its β-blocking properties. These data suggest that carvedilol contributes to the generation of CaT and APD alternans in atrial myocytes by modulating the restitution of CaT and APD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giedrius Kanaporis
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lothar A. Blatter
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA,CONTACT Lothar A. Blatter Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL60612, USA
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11
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Lee CC, Chang SN, Tehrani B, Liu SSH, Chan CY, Hsu WT, Huang TY, Huang PS, Hwang JJ, Chen JJ, Tsai CT. Use of nicorandil is associated with increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:6975-6992. [PMID: 36084950 PMCID: PMC9512508 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nicorandil will activate ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP). However, activation of potassium channels plays an important role in the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL). Whether use of nicorandil might contribute to initiation and/or perpetuation of AF/AFL remained unknown. We determined the relationship between use of nicorandil and risk of atrial fibrillation and determined its molecular mechanism. Methods: We performed a nested case-control study using a cohort from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. The association between nicorandil use and risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter was estimated by logistic regression model. We also performed molecular, cellular and animal studies to explain the association. Results: A total of 715 individuals who experienced AF/atrial flutter were matched to 72,215 controls. New use of nicorandil was found to be associated with increased risk for AF/AFL (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% CI 1.07–5.13) compared to nitrate use. We found the expression of KATP subunits Kir6.2 and SUR2A in human and rat left atrial tissues. Furthermore, nicorandil directly shortened action potential duration (APD) in rat left atrium and shortened the QT interval of cultured human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). Conclusions: Use of nicorandil was found to be associated with increased risk of AF/AFL. We also showed the expression of KATP subunits in human atria, and a possible mechanism that use of nicorandil increases the risk of AF through activation of KATP and shortening of atrial APD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chang Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center of Intelligent Healthcare, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Babak Tehrani
- Department of Medicine, Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Sot Shih-Hung Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Chan
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Hsu
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tzu-Yun Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pang-Shuo Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Juey-Jen Hwang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jien-Jiun Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ti Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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12
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Angiotensin II Mediates Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy in Atrial Cardiomyopathy via Epigenetic Transcriptional Regulation. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6312100. [PMID: 35756425 PMCID: PMC9232324 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6312100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Aims European Heart Rhythm Association established an expert consensus to define, characterize, and classify atrial cardiomyopathy into four subgroups based on their histopathological features. The predominant pathological feature of classes I and III is the hypertrophy of atrial cardiomyocytes. Here, we aim to investigate the mechanism of epigenetic transcriptional regulation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in atrial cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results Compared with that of sinus rhythm control individuals, the myocardium of patients with atrial fibrillation exhibited increased levels of angiotensin II (AngII), chromatin-bound myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), acetylated histone H4 (H4ac), and H3K27ac; upregulation of hypertrophy-related genes; and decreased levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 4 and HDAC5 bound to the promoters of hypertrophy-related genes. Furthermore, incubation of atrial cardiomyocytes with AngII increased their cross-sectional area and improved the expression of hypertrophy-related genes. AngII also promoted the phosphorylation of HDAC4 and HDAC5 and induced their nuclear export. RNA sequencing analyses revealed that AngII significantly upregulated genes associated with cardiac hypertrophy. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that this correlated with increased levels of chromatin-bound MEF2, H4ac, and H3K27ac and decreased HDAC4 and HDAC5 enrichment in the promoters of hypertrophy-related genes. Moreover, these AngII-induced prohypertrophic effects could be partially reverted by treatment with the AngII receptor blocker losartan. Conclusions AngII had a prohypertrophic effect on atrial cardiomyopathy which was epigenetic-dependent. Patients with atrial fibrillation manifest an increased susceptibility to hypertrophy and exhibit epigenetic characteristics that are permissive for the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes. AngII induces histone acetylation via the cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling of HDACs, which constitutes a novel mechanism of atrial hypertrophy regulation and might provide a promising therapeutic strategy for atrial cardiomyopathy.
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13
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Relaxin-2 as a Potential Biomarker in Cardiovascular Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071021. [PMID: 35887517 PMCID: PMC9317583 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pleiotropic hormone relaxin-2 plays a pivotal role in the physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system. Relaxin-2 exerts relevant regulatory functions in cardiovascular tissues through the specific receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) in the regulation of cardiac metabolism; the induction of vasodilatation; the reversion of fibrosis and hypertrophy; the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis; and the stimulation of angiogenesis, with inotropic and chronotropic effects as well. Recent preclinical and clinical outcomes have encouraged the potential use of relaxin-2 (or its recombinant form, known as serelaxin) as a therapeutic strategy during cardiac injury and/or in patients suffering from different cardiovascular disarrangements, especially heart failure. Furthermore, relaxin-2 has been proposed as a promising biomarker of cardiovascular health and disease. In this review, we emphasize the relevance of the endogenous hormone relaxin-2 as a useful diagnostic biomarker in different backgrounds of cardiovascular pathology, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, aortic valve disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, which could be relevant in daily clinical practice and could contribute to comprehending the specific role of relaxin-2 in cardiovascular diseases.
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14
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Chunduri P, Patel SA, Levick SP. Relaxin/serelaxin for cardiac dysfunction and heart failure in hypertension. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2022; 94:183-211. [PMID: 35659372 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pregnancy related hormone relaxin is produced throughout the reproductive system. However, relaxin also has important cardiovascular effects as part of the adaptation that the cardiovascular system undergoes in response to the extra demands of pregnancy. These effects are primarily mediated by the relaxin family peptide receptor 1, which is one of four known relaxin receptors. The effects of relaxin on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, as well as its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, have led to extensive studies into the potential of relaxin therapy as an approach to treat heart failure. Cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells all possess relaxin family peptide receptor 1, allowing for direct effects of therapeutic relaxin on the heart. Many pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of exogenous relaxin on adverse cardiac remodeling including inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, as well as effects on cardiac contractile function. Despite this, clinical studies have yielded disappointing results for the synthetic seralaxin, even though seralaxin was well tolerated. This article will provide background on relaxin in the context of normal physiology, as well as the role of relaxin in pregnancy-related adaptations of the cardiovascular system. We will also present evidence from pre-clinical animal studies that demonstrate the potential benefits of relaxin therapy, as well as discussing the results from clinical trials. Finally, we will discuss possible reasons for the failure of these clinical trials as well as steps being taken to potentially improve relaxin therapy for heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Chunduri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shrey A Patel
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott P Levick
- Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
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15
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Younes R, LeBlanc CA, Hiram R. Evidence of Failed Resolution Mechanisms in Arrhythmogenic Inflammation, Fibrosis and Right Heart Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050720. [PMID: 35625647 PMCID: PMC9138906 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a complex program of active processes characterized by the well-orchestrated succession of an initiation and a resolution phase aiming to promote homeostasis. When the resolution of inflammation fails, the tissue undergoes an unresolved inflammatory status which, if it remains uncontrolled, can lead to chronic inflammatory disorders due to aggravation of structural damages, development of a fibrous area, and loss of function. Various human conditions show a typical unresolved inflammatory profile. Inflammatory diseases include cancer, neurodegenerative disease, asthma, right heart disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, or atrial fibrillation. New evidence has started to emerge on the role, including pro-resolution involvement of chemical mediators in the acute phase of inflammation. Although flourishing knowledge is available about the role of specialized pro-resolving mediators in neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, obesity, or hepatic fibrosis, little is known about their efficacy to combat inflammation-associated arrhythmogenic cardiac disorders. It has been shown that resolvins, including RvD1, RvE1, or Mar1, are bioactive mediators of resolution. Resolvins can stop neutrophil activation and infiltration, stimulate monocytes polarization into anti-inflammatory-M2-macrophages, and activate macrophage phagocytosis of inflammation-debris and neutrophils to promote efferocytosis and clearance. This review aims to discuss the paradigm of failed-resolution mechanisms (FRM) potentially promoting arrhythmogenicity in right heart disease-induced inflammatory status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rim Younes
- Montreal Heart Institute (MHI), Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (R.Y.); (C.-A.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Charles-Alexandre LeBlanc
- Montreal Heart Institute (MHI), Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (R.Y.); (C.-A.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Roddy Hiram
- Montreal Heart Institute (MHI), Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (R.Y.); (C.-A.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-376-3330 (ext. 5015)
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16
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Samuel CS, Bennett RG. Relaxin as an anti-fibrotic treatment: Perspectives, challenges and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114884. [PMID: 34968489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the scarring and hardening of tissues, which results from a failed immune system-coordinated wound healing response to chronic organ injury and which manifests from the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix components (ECM), primarily collagen. Despite being a hallmark of prolonged tissue damage and related dysfunction, and commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, there are currently no effective cures for its regression. An emerging therapy that meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic treatment, is the recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, relaxin (also referred to as serelaxin, which is bioactive in several other species). This review outlines the broad anti-fibrotic and related organ-protective roles of relaxin, mainly from studies conducted in preclinical models of ageing and fibrotic disease, including its ability to ameliorate several aspects of fibrosis progression and maturation, from immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine secretion, oxidative stress, organ hypertrophy, cell apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, to its ability to facilitate established ECM degradation. Studies that have compared and/or combined these therapeutic effects of relaxin with current standard of care medication have also been discussed, along with the main challenges that have hindered the translation of the anti-fibrotic efficacy of relaxin to the clinic. The review then outlines the future directions as to where scientists and several pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the therapeutic potential of relaxin are working towards, to progress its development as a treatment for human patients suffering from various fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4130, USA.
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17
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Li Y, Chakraborty A, Broughton BRS, Ferens D, Widdop RE, Ricardo SD, Samuel CS. Comparing the renoprotective effects of BM-MSCs versus BM-MSC-exosomes, when combined with an anti-fibrotic drug, in hypertensive mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112256. [PMID: 34607108 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD), impairs the viability of human bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) post-transplantation. To address this, we demonstrated that combining BM-MSCs with the anti-fibrotic drug, serelaxin (RLX), enhanced BM-MSC-induced renoprotection in preclinical CKD models. Given the increased interest and manufacturing advantages to using stem cell-derived exosomes (EXO) as therapeutics, this study determined whether RLX could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of BM-MSC-EXO, and compared the renoprotective effects of RLX and BM-MSC-EXO versus RLX and BM-MSCs in mice with hypertensive CKD. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were uninephrectomised, received deoxycorticosterone acetate and given saline to drink (1K/DOCA/salt) for 21 days. Control mice were uninephrectomised and given normal drinking water for the same time-period. Subgroups of 1K/DOCA/salt-hypertensive mice were then treated with either RLX (0.5 mg/kg/day) or BM-MSC-EXO (25 μg/mouse; equivalent to 1-2 × 106 BM-MSCs/mouse) alone; combinations of RLX and BM-MSC-EXO or BM-MSCs (1 × 106/mouse); or the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, spironolactone (20 mg/kg/day), from days 14-21. 1K/DOCA/salt-hypertensive mice developed kidney tubular damage, inflammation and fibrosis, and impaired kidney function 21 days post-injury. Whilst RLX alone attenuated the 1K/DOCA/salt-induced fibrosis, BM-MSC-EXO alone only diminished measures of tissue inflammation post-treatment. Comparatively, the combined effects of RLX and BM-MSC-EXO or BM-MSCs demonstrated similar anti-fibrotic efficacy, but RLX and BM-MSCs offered broader renoprotection over RLX and/or BM-MSC-EXO, and comparable effects to spironolactone. Only RLX and BM-MSCs, but not RLX and/or BM-MSC-EXO, also attenuated the 1K/DOCA/salt-induced hypertension. Hence, although RLX improved the renoprotective effects of BM-MSC-EXO, combining RLX with BM-MSCs provided a better therapeutic option for hypertensive CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Li
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Amlan Chakraborty
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Brad R S Broughton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Dorota Ferens
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Sharon D Ricardo
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Stem Cells and Development Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Stem Cells and Development Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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18
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Papathanasiou KA, Giotaki SG, Vrachatis DA, Siasos G, Lambadiari V, Iliodromitis KE, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Raisakis K, Deftereos G, Papaioannou TG, Giannopoulos G, Avramides D, Deftereos SG. Molecular Insights in Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis and Therapeutics: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091584. [PMID: 34573926 PMCID: PMC8470040 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is bound to increase globally in the following years, affecting the quality of life of millions of people, increasing mortality and morbidity, and beleaguering health care systems. Increasingly effective therapeutic options against AF are the constantly evolving electroanatomic substrate mapping systems of the left atrium (LA) and ablation catheter technologies. Yet, a prerequisite for better long-term success rates is the understanding of AF pathogenesis and maintenance. LA electrical and anatomical remodeling remains in the epicenter of current research for novel diagnostic and treatment modalities. On a molecular level, electrical remodeling lies on impaired calcium handling, enhanced inwardly rectifying potassium currents, and gap junction perturbations. In addition, a wide array of profibrotic stimuli activates fibroblast to an increased extracellular matrix turnover via various intermediaries. Concomitant dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and the humoral function of increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are established mediators in the pathophysiology of AF. Local atrial lymphomononuclear cells infiltrate and increased inflammasome activity accelerate and perpetuate arrhythmia substrate. Finally, impaired intracellular protein metabolism, excessive oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction deplete atrial cardiomyocyte ATP and promote arrhythmogenesis. These overlapping cellular and molecular alterations hinder us from distinguishing the cause from the effect in AF pathogenesis. Yet, a plethora of therapeutic modalities target these molecular perturbations and hold promise in combating the AF burden. Namely, atrial selective ion channel inhibitors, AF gene therapy, anti-fibrotic agents, AF drug repurposing, immunomodulators, and indirect cardiac neuromodulation are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos A. Papathanasiou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Sotiria G. Giotaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Dimitrios A. Vrachatis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | | | - Charalampos Kossyvakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Theodore G. Papaioannou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | | | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Spyridon G. Deftereos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-21-0583-2355
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19
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Aragón-Herrera A, Feijóo-Bandín S, Moraña-Fernández S, Anido-Varela L, Roselló-Lletí E, Portolés M, Tarazón E, Lage R, Moscoso I, Barral L, Bani D, Bigazzi M, Gualillo O, González-Juanatey JR, Lago F. Relaxin has beneficial effects on liver lipidome and metabolic enzymes. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21737. [PMID: 34143495 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002620rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin is an insulin-like hormone with pleiotropic protective effects in several organs, including the liver. We aimed to characterize its role in the control of hepatic metabolism in healthy rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with human recombinant relaxin-2 for 2 weeks. The hepatic metabolic profile was analyzed using UHPLC-MS platforms. Hepatic gene expression of key enzymes of desaturation (Fads1/Fads2) of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) N-methyltransferase (Pemt), of fatty acid translocase Cd36, and of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi) were quantified by Real Time-PCR. Activation of 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was analyzed by Western Blot. Relaxin-2 significantly modified the hepatic levels of 19 glycerophospholipids, 2 saturated (SFA) and 1 monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids (FA), 3 diglycerides, 1 sphingomyelin, 2 aminoacids, 5 nucleosides, 2 nucleotides, 1 carboxylic acid, 1 redox electron carrier, and 1 vitamin. The most noteworthy changes corresponded to the substantially decreased lysoglycerophospholipids, and to the clearly increased FA (16:1n-7/16:0) and MUFA + PUFA/SFA ratios, suggesting enhanced desaturase activity. Hepatic gene expression of Fads1, Fads2, and Pemt, which mediates lipid balance and liver health, was increased by relaxin-2, while mRNA levels of the main regulator of hepatic FA uptake Cd36, and of the essential glycolysis enzyme Gpi, were decreased. Relaxin-2 augmented the hepatic activation of the hepatoprotector and master regulator of energy homeostasis AMPK. Relaxin-2 treatment also rised FADS1, FADS2, and PEMT gene expression in cultured Hep G2 cells. Our results bring to light the hepatic metabolic features stimulated by relaxin, a promising hepatoprotective molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Aragón-Herrera
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Feijóo-Bandín
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Moraña-Fernández
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Cardiology Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Anido-Varela
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Esther Roselló-Lletí
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Institute La Fe University Hospital (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Portolés
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Institute La Fe University Hospital (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Estefanía Tarazón
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Institute La Fe University Hospital (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Lage
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiology Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Isabel Moscoso
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiology Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Luis Barral
- Polymers Research Group, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of A Coruña, Polytechnic University School of Serantes, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Daniele Bani
- Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Bigazzi
- Endocrine Section, Prosperius Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Oreste Gualillo
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saúde) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago) NEIRID Lab (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), Research Laboratory 9, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Ramón González-Juanatey
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Lago
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Martin B, Vanderpool RR, Henry BL, Palma JB, Gabris B, Lai YC, Hu J, Tofovic SP, Reddy RP, Mora AL, Gladwin MT, Romero G, Salama G. Relaxin Inhibits Ventricular Arrhythmia and Asystole in Rats With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:668222. [PMID: 34295927 PMCID: PMC8290063 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.668222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) leads to right ventricular cardiomyopathy and cardiac dysfunctions where in the clinical setting, cardiac arrest is the likely cause of death, in ~70% of PAH patients. We investigated the cardiac phenotype of PAH hearts and tested the hypothesis that the insulin-like hormone, Relaxin could prevent maladaptive cardiac remodeling and protect against cardiac dysfunctions in a PAH animal model. PAH was induced in rats with sugen (20 mg/kg), hypoxia then normoxia (3-weeks/each); relaxin (RLX = 0, 30 or 400 μg/kg/day, n ≥ 6/group) was delivered subcutaneously (6-weeks) with implanted osmotic mini-pumps. Right ventricle (RV) hemodynamics and Doppler-flow measurements were followed by cardiac isolation, optical mapping, and arrhythmia phenotype. Sugen-hypoxia (SuHx) treated rats developed PAH characterized by higher RV systolic pressures (50 ± 19 vs. 22 ± 5 mmHg), hypertrophy, reduced stroke volume, ventricular fibrillation (VF) (n = 6/11) and bradycardia/arrest (n = 5/11); both cardiac phenotypes were suppressed with dithiothreitol (DTT = 1 mM) (n = 0/2/group) or RLX (low or high dose, n = 0/6/group). PAH hearts developed increased fibrosis that was reversed by RLX-HD, but not RLX-LD. Relaxin decreased Nrf2 and glutathione transferases but not glutathione-reductase. High-dose RLX improved pulmonary arterial compliance (measured by Doppler flow), suppressed VF even after burst-pacing, n = 2/6). Relaxin suppressed VF and asystole through electrical remodeling and by reversing thiol oxidative stress. For the first time, we showed two cardiac phenotypes in PAH animals and their prevention by RLX. Relaxin may modulate maladaptive cardiac remodeling in PAH and protect against arrhythmia and cardiac arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Martin
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca R Vanderpool
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Brian L Henry
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joshua B Palma
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Beth Gabris
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yen-Chun Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Stevan P Tofovic
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rajiv P Reddy
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ana L Mora
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mark T Gladwin
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Guillermo Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Guy Salama
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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21
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Zhang T, Wu Y, Hu Z, Xing W, Lv K, Wang D, Hu N. Small molecule ISRIB reduces susceptibility to postinfarct atrial fibrillation in rats via inhibition of integrated stress responses. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 378:197-206. [PMID: 34215702 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α-subunit (eIF2ɑ),which subsequently upregulates activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), is the core event in the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway. Previous studies indicate phosphorylation of eIF2ɑ in atrial tissue in response to atrial fibrillation (AF). This study investigated the role of ISR pathway in experimental AF by using a small-molecule ISR inhibitor (ISRIB). Accordingly, rats were subjected to coronary artery occlusion to induce myocardial infarction (MI), or sham operation, and received either trans-ISRIB (2 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle for seven days. Thereafter, animals were subjected to the AF inducibility test by transesophageal rapid burst pacing followed by procurement of left atrium (LA) for assessment of atrial fibrosis, inflammatory indices, autophagy-related proteins, ISR activation, ion channel, and connexin43 expression. Results showed a significant increase in the AF vulnerability and the activation of ISR in LA as evidenced by enhanced eIF2α phosphorylation. ISRIB treatment suppressed upregulation of ATF4, fibrosis as indexed by determination of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen levels, inflammatory macrophage infiltration (i.e., CD68 and iNOS/CD68-positive macrophage) and autophagy as determined by expression of LC3. Further, ISRIB treatment reversed the expression of relevant ion channel (i.e., Nav1.5, Cav1.2, and Kv4.3) and Cx43 remodeling. Collectively, the results suggest that the ISR is a key pathway in pathogenesis of AF, post-MI, and represents a novel target for treatment of AF. Significance Statement Activation of integrated stress response (ISR) pathway as evidenced by enhanced eIF2α phosphorylation in left atrium plays a key role in atrial fibrillation (AF). A small-molecule ISR inhibitor (ISRIB) reduces AF and atrial arrhythmogenic substrate. The mechanism of ISRIB may be mediated by suppressing ISR pathway-related cardiac fibrosis, inflammatory macrophage infiltration, autophagy, and restoring the expression of ion channel and Cx43. This study suggests a key dysfunctional role for ISR in pathogenesis of AF with implications for novel treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Psychology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Zhengtao Hu
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Wen Xing
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Kun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Deguo Wang
- Department of Gerontology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, China
| | - Nengwei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College,Dublin university, Ireland
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22
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Ramlugun GS, Sands GB, Zhao J, LeGrice IJ, Smaill BH. A novel system for mapping regional electrical properties and characterizing arrhythmia in isolated intact rat atria. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 321:H412-H421. [PMID: 34213393 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00185.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Detailed global maps of atrial electrical activity are needed to understand mechanisms of atrial rhythm disturbance in small animal models of heart disease. To date, optical mapping systems have not provided enough spatial resolution across sufficiently extensive regions of intact atrial preparations to achieve this goal. The aim of this study was to develop an integrated platform for quantifying regional electrical properties and analyzing reentrant arrhythmia in a biatrial preparation. Intact atria from 6/7-mo-old female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs; n = 6) were isolated and secured in a constant flow superfusion chamber at 37°C. Optical mapping was performed with the membrane-voltage dye di-4-ANEPPS using LED excitation and a scientific complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (sCMOS) camera. Programmed stimulus trains were applied from right atrial (RA) and left atrial (LA) sites to assess rate-dependent electrical behavior and to induce atrial arrhythmia. Signal-to-noise ratio was improved by sequential processing steps that included spatial smoothing, temporal filtering, and, in stable rhythms, ensemble-averaging. Activation time, repolarization time, and action potential duration (APD) maps were constructed at high spatial resolution for a wide range of coupling intervals. These data were highly consistent within and between experiments. They confirmed preferential atrial conduction pathways and demonstrated distinct medial-to-lateral APD gradients. We also showed that reentrant arrhythmias induced in this preparation were explained by the spatial variation of these electrical properties. Our new methodology provides a robust means of 1) quantifying regional electrical properties in the intact rat atria at higher spatiotemporal resolution than previously reported, and 2) characterizing reentrant arrhythmia and analyzing mechanisms that give rise to it.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Despite wide-ranging optical mapping studies, detailed information on regional atrial electrical properties in small animal models of heart disease and how these contribute to reentrant arrhythmia remains limited. We have developed a novel experimental platform that enables both to be achieved in a geometrically intact isolated rat bi-atrial preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish S Ramlugun
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory B Sands
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jichao Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ian J LeGrice
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bruce H Smaill
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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23
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Analgesic effect of central relaxin receptor activation on persistent inflammatory pain in mice: behavioral and neurochemical data. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e937. [PMID: 34159282 PMCID: PMC8213244 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Relaxin peptide analogues produce strong but transient analgesia in inflammatory pain in mouse. Relaxin and its RXFP1 receptor represent a new peptidergic system that modulates pain processing in the forebrain areas. Introduction: The relaxin peptide signaling system is involved in diverse physiological processes, but its possible roles in the brain, including nociception, are largely unexplored. Objective: In light of abundant expression of relaxin receptor (RXFP1) mRNA/protein in brain regions involved in pain processing, we investigated the effects of central RXFP1 activation on nociceptive behavior in a mouse model of inflammatory pain and examined the neurochemical phenotype and connectivity of relaxin and RXFP1 mRNA-positive neurons. Methods: Mice were injected with Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) into a hind paw. After 4 days, the RXFP1 agonist peptides, H2-relaxin or B7-33, ± the RXFP1 antagonist, B-R13/17K-H2, were injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle, and mechanical and thermal sensitivity were assessed at 30 to 120 minutes. Relaxin and RXFP1 mRNA in excitatory and inhibitory neurons were examined using multiplex, fluorescent in situ hybridization. Relaxin-containing neurons were detected using immunohistochemistry and their projections assessed using fluorogold retrograde tract-tracing. Results: Both H2-relaxin and B7-33 produced a strong, but transient, reduction in mechanical and thermal sensitivity of the CFA-injected hind paw alone, at 30 minutes postinjection. Notably, coinjection of B-R13/17K-H2 blocked mechanical, but not thermal, analgesia. In the claustrum, cingulate cortex, and subiculum, RXFP1 mRNA was expressed in excitatory neurons. Relaxin immunoreactivity was detected in neurons in forebrain and midbrain areas involved in pain processing and sending projections to the RXFP1-rich, claustrum and cingulate cortex. No changes were detected in CFA mice. Conclusion: Our study identified a previously unexplored peptidergic system that can control pain processing in the brain and produce analgesia.
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24
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Martins RC, Pintalhão M, Leite-Moreira A, Castro-Chaves P. Relaxin and the Cardiovascular System: from Basic Science to Clinical Practice. Curr Mol Med 2021; 20:167-184. [PMID: 31642776 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666191023121607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin was originally linked to reproductive physiology, where it is believed to mediate systemic and renal hemodynamic adjustments to pregnancy. Recently, its broad range of effects in the cardiovascular system has been the focus of intensive research regarding its implications under pathological conditions and potential therapeutic potential. An understanding of the multitude of cardioprotective actions prompted the study of serelaxin, recombinant human relaxin-2, for the treatment of acute heart failure. Despite early promising results from phase II studies, recently revealed RELAX-AHF-2 outcomes were rather disappointing and the treatment for acute heart failure remains an unmet medical need. This article reviews the physiologic actions of relaxin on the cardiovascular system and its relevance in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. We summarize the most updated clinical data and discuss future directions of serelaxin for the treatment of acute heart failure. This should encourage additional work to determine how can relaxin's beneficial effects be exploited for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Clara Martins
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Pintalhão
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adelino Leite-Moreira
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Castro-Chaves
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
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25
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Wang C, Gaspari TA, Ferens D, Spizzo I, Kemp-Harper BK, Samuel CS. Simultaneous targeting of oxidative stress and fibrosis reverses cardiomyopathy-induced ventricular remodelling and dysfunction. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2424-2442. [PMID: 33660265 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Oxidative stress and fibrosis are hallmarks of cardiomyopathy-induced heart failure yet are not effectively targeted by current frontline therapies. Here, the therapeutic effects of the anti-oxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), were compared and combined with an acute heart failure drug with established anti-fibrotic effects, serelaxin (RLX), in a murine model of cardiomyopathy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Adult male 129sv mice were subjected to repeated isoprenaline (25 mg·kg-1 )-induced cardiac injury for five consecutive days and then left to undergo fibrotic healing until Day 14. Subgroups of isoprenaline-injured mice were treated with RLX (0.5 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ), NAC (25 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) or both combined, given subcutaneously via osmotic minipumps from Day 7 to 14. Control mice received saline instead of isoprenaline. KEY RESULTS Isoprenaline-injured mice showed increased left ventricular (LV) inflammation (~5-fold), oxidative stress (~1-2.5-fold), cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (~25%), cardiac remodelling, fibrosis (~2-2.5-fold) and dysfunction by Day 14 after injury. NAC alone blocked the cardiomyopathy-induced increase in LV superoxide levels, to a greater extent than RLX. Additionally, either treatment alone only partly reduced several measures of LV inflammation, remodelling and fibrosis. In comparison, the combination of RLX and NAC prevented the cardiomyopathy-induced LV macrophage infiltration, remodelling, fibrosis and cardiomyocyte size, to a greater extent than either treatment alone after 7 days. The combination therapy also restored the isoprenaline-induced reduction in LV function, without affecting systolic BP. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These findings demonstrated that the simultaneous targeting of oxidative stress and fibrosis is key to treating the pathophysiology and dysfunction induced by cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracey A Gaspari
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dorota Ferens
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Iresha Spizzo
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barbara K Kemp-Harper
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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26
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Noubiap JJ, Sanders P, Nattel S, Lau DH. Biomarkers in Atrial Fibrillation: Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2021; 13:221-233. [PMID: 33516400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biomarkers derived from the key components of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its complications have the potential to play an important role in earlier characterization of AF phenotype and in risk prediction of adverse clinical events, which may translate into improved management strategies. C-reactive protein, natriuretic peptides, cardiac troponins, growth differentiation factor-15, and fibroblast growth factor-23 have been shown to be the most promising biomarkers in AF. Some biomarkers have already been included in clinical risk scores to predict postoperative AF, thromboembolism, major bleeding, and death. Considerably more work is needed to bring these novel biomarkers into routine clinical management of patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
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27
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Romero G, Salama G. Relaxin abrogates genomic remodeling of the aged heart. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 115:419-448. [PMID: 33706957 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
"Healthy" aging drives structural and functional changes in the heart including maladaptive electrical remodeling, fibrosis and inflammation, which lower the threshold for cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite mixed results in clinical trials, Relaxin-therapy for 2-days reduced mortality by 37% at 180-days post-treatment, in patients with acute decompensated HF. Relaxin's short lifespan (2-3h) but long-lasting protective actions suggested that relaxin acts at a genomic level to reverse maladaptive remodeling in AF, HF and aging. Our recent studies showed that a 2-week treatment with Relaxin (0.4mg/kg/day) of aged (24months old F-344 rats) increases the expression of voltage-gated Na+ channels (mRNA, Nav1.5 and INa), connexin-43, abrogates inflammatory and immune responses and reverses myocardial fibrosis and cellular hypertrophy of the aged hearts. Relaxin acts directly at a wide range of cell types in the cardiovascular system that express its cognate GPCR receptor, RXFP1. RNA-seq analysis of young and aged hearts with and without Relaxin treatment revealed that "normal" aging altered the expression of ~10% of genes expressed in the ventricles, including: ion channels, components of fibrosis, hemodynamic biomarkers, immune and inflammatory responses which were reversed by Relaxin. The extensive cardiovascular remodeling caused by Relaxin was mediated through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway which was otherwise suppressed by in adult cardiomyocytes intracellular by cytosolic Dickkopf1 (Dkk1). Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a mechanism that can explain the pleiotropic actions of Relaxin and the marked reversal of genomic changes that occur in aged hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Romero
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | - Guy Salama
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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28
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Lv W, Zhang L, Cheng X, Wang H, Qin W, Zhou X, Tang B. Apelin Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Atrial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation via TGF-β1/Smad2/α-SMA Pathway. Front Physiol 2020; 11:583570. [PMID: 33329030 PMCID: PMC7711167 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.583570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin II (Ang II) could promote the development of atrial fibrosis in atrial fibrillation (AF). Apelin can inhibit the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis. However, the effect of apelin on Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis and subsequent AF still remains unknown. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we examined the effect of apelin on the suppression of atrial fibrosis and subsequent AF, and investigated its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 2 weeks with Ang II (1080 μg/kg/24 h) and apelin-13 (140 μg/kg/24 h) using implantable mini-pumps. The incidence of AF induced by atrial pacing was determined. Atrial electrophysiological mapping was recorded by a 32-electrode microelectrode array. Blood was collected to measure the levels of Ang II and apelin. Atrial tissue samples were preserved to assess the pathohistological changes, DDR2 and α-SMA co-staining were performed, and the protein expression of Smad2 phosphorylation was evaluated. RESULTS Apelin significantly inhibited Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis (HE:1.45 ± 0.11 vs 6.12 ± 0.16, P < 0.001; Masson:1.49 ± 0.25 vs 8.15 ± 0.23, P < 0.001; Picrosirius Red:1.98 ± 0.64 vs 9.59 ± 0.56, P < 0.001, respectively) and decreased the vulnerability of AF (inducibility of AF: z = -4.40, P < 0.001; total AF duration: z = -4.349, P < 0.001). Left atrial epicardial mapping studies demonstrated preservation of atrial conduction homogeneity by apelin. The protective effects of apelin from fibrotic remodeling were mediated by suppression of Smad2-dependent fibrosis. CONCLUSION Apelin potently inhibited Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis and subsequent vulnerability to AF induction via suppression TGF-β/Smad2/α-SMA pathway. Our results indicated that apelin might be an effective up-stream therapy for atrial fibrosis and AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkui Lv
- Heart Failure Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiac Remodeling, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiac Remodeling, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Department of Pacing and Electrophysiological, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xinchun Cheng
- Geriatrics Center, The People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Hongli Wang
- Department of Pacing and Electrophysiological, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Wen Qin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xianhui Zhou
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiac Remodeling, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Department of Pacing and Electrophysiological, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Baopeng Tang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiac Remodeling, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Department of Pacing and Electrophysiological, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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29
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Wong CK, Tse HF. New methodological approaches to atrial fibrillation drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:319-329. [PMID: 33016154 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1826432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice and rhythm control using pharmacological agents is required in selected patients. Nonetheless, current medication is only modestly efficacious and associated with significant cardiovascular and systemic side effects. More efficacious and safe drugs are required to restore and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with AF. AREAS COVERED In this review, several potential drug targets are discussed including trans-membrane ion channels, intracellular calcium signaling, gap junction signaling, atrial inflammation and fibrosis, and the autonomic nervous system. New tools and methodologies for AF drug development are also reviewed including gene therapy, genome-guided therapy, stem cell technologies, tissue engineering, and optogenetics. EXPERT OPINION In recent decades, there has been an increased understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of AF. As a result, there is a gradual paradigm shift from focusing only on trans-membrane ion channel inhibition to developing therapeutic agents that target other underlying arrhythmogenic mechanisms. Gene therapy and genome-guided therapy are emerging as novel treatments for AF with some success in proof-of-concept studies. Recent advances in stem cell technology, tissue engineering, and optogenetics may allow more effective in-vitro drug screening than conventional methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ka Wong
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Hung-Fat Tse
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
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30
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Zhang YL, Teng F, Han X, Li PB, Yan X, Guo SB, Li HH. Selective blocking of CXCR2 prevents and reverses atrial fibrillation in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11272-11282. [PMID: 32812337 PMCID: PMC7576251 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Recently, we demonstrated that the chemokine‐receptor CXCR2 plays a critical role in the recruitment of monocytes/macrophages and the development of hypertension and cardiac remodelling. However, the role of CXCR2 in the pathogenesis of hypertensive AF remains unclear. AF was induced in Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKYs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) administered with the CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002. Atrial remodelling, pathological changes and electrophysiology were examined. Our results showed that the chemokine CXCL1 and its receptor CXCR2 were markedly increased in atrial tissue of SHRs compared with WKYs. The administration of SB225002 to SHRs significantly reduced the elevation of blood pressure, AF inducibility and duration, atrial remodelling, recruitment of macrophages, superoxide production and conduction abnormalities compared with vehicle treatment. The administration of SB225002 to SHRs also reversed pre‐existing AF development, atrial remodelling, inflammation and oxidative stress. These effects were associated with the inhibition of multiple signalling pathways, including TGF‐β1/Smad2/3, NF‐κB‐P65, NOX1, NOX2, Kir2.1, Kv1.5 and Cx43. In conclusion, this study provides new evidence that blocking CXCR2 prevents and reverses the development of AF in SHRs, and suggests that CXCR2 may be a potential therapeutic target for hypertensive AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Long Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Teng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pang-Bo Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Yan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Bin Guo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Hua Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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31
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Zhang J, Fu X, Yang L, Wen H, Zhang L, Liu F, Lou Y, Yang Q, Ding Y. Neohesperidin inhibits cardiac remodeling induced by Ang II in vivo and in vitro. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110364. [PMID: 32531678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling are among the major health challenges facing countries around the world today. Neohesperidin plays an important role in influencing cell apoptosis, cell growth, tumorigenesis and tumor microenvironment, but the mechanism and role of Neohesperidin in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling caused by Angiotensin II has not been fully elucidated. This study used Angiotensin II to induce cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac remodeling in mice. Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function, H&E and Masson trichrome staining were used to detect myocardial histological changes. Cardiac cell size was determined by WGA staining. The protein content of the signaling pathway was detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of fibrosis and hypertrophy markers was detected by qPCR. DHE staining was used to detect oxidative stress. We also observed the effect of Neohesperidin on Ang II-induced NRCMs. The results showed that neohesperidin can significantly inhibit Ang II-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, myocardial oxidative stress and inflammation. These results suggest that Neohesperidin can alleviate cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling caused by Ang II, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of multiple signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology V, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaodan Fu
- Department of Cardiology V, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Operating Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hongxin Wen
- Department of Operating Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lijiao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology V, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fengyi Liu
- Department of Cardiology V, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Lou
- Department of Cardiology V, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Cardiology V, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanchun Ding
- Department of Cardiology V, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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32
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Ashton JL, Argent L, Smith JEG, Jin S, Sands GB, Smaill BH, Montgomery JM. Evidence of structural and functional plasticity occurring within the intracardiac nervous system of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H1387-H1400. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00020.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We have developed intracardiac neuron whole cell recording techniques in atrial preparations from control and spontaneous hypertensive rats. This has enabled the identification of significant synaptic plasticity in the intracardiac nervous system, including enhanced postsynaptic current frequency, increased synaptic terminal density, and altered postsynaptic receptors. This increased synaptic drive together with altered cardiac neuron electrophysiology could increase intracardiac nervous system excitability and contribute to the substrate for atrial arrhythmia in hypertensive heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L. Ashton
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Liam Argent
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joscelin E. G. Smith
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sangjun Jin
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory B. Sands
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Bioengineering Institute, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bruce H. Smaill
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Bioengineering Institute, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M. Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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33
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Jansen HJ, Bohne LJ, Gillis AM, Rose RA. Atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation in acquired forms of cardiovascular disease. Heart Rhythm O2 2020; 1:147-159. [PMID: 34113869 PMCID: PMC8183954 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent in common conditions and acquired forms of heart disease, including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. AF is also prevalent in aging. Although acquired heart disease is common in aging individuals, age is also an independent risk factor for AF. Importantly, not all individuals age at the same rate. Rather, individuals of the same chronological age can vary in health status from fit to frail. Frailty can be quantified using a frailty index, which can be used to assess heterogeneity in individuals of the same chronological age. AF is thought to occur in association with electrical remodeling due to changes in ion channel expression or function as well as structural remodeling due to fibrosis, myocyte hypertrophy, or adiposity. These forms of remodeling can lead to triggered activity and electrical re-entry, which are fundamental mechanisms of AF initiation and maintenance. Nevertheless, the underlying determinants of electrical and structural remodeling are distinct in different conditions and disease states. In this focused review, we consider the factors leading to atrial electrical and structural remodeling in human patients and animal models of acquired cardiovascular disease or associated risk factors. Our goal is to identify similarities and differences in the cellular and molecular bases for atrial electrical and structural remodeling in conditions including DM, hypertension, hypertrophy, heart failure, aging, and frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey J Jansen
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Loryn J Bohne
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne M Gillis
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert A Rose
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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34
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Recombinant human H2 relaxin (serelaxin) as a cardiovascular drug: aiming at the right target. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1239-1244. [PMID: 32360533 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Serelaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2 hormone; RLX-2) had raised expectations as a new medication for cardiovascular diseases. Evidence from preclinical studies indicated that serelaxin has chronotropic, inotropic, and anti-arrhythmic actions on the myocardium and cardioprotective effects mediated by vasodilation, angiogenesis, and inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis. However, clinical trials with serelaxin in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) gave inconclusive results. A critical reappraisal of the comprehensive cardiovascular actions of serelaxin clearly delineates acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as a feasible therapeutic target. Serelaxin acts at multiple levels on the pathogenic mechanisms of AMI and previous in vivo studies suggest that its administration at reperfusion affords myocardial salvage. Thus, serelaxin could be an effective adjunctive medical therapy to coronary angioplasty.
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35
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Bredeloux P, Findlay I, Pasqualin C, Hocini M, Bernus O, Maupoil V. Selective inhibition of electrical conduction within the pulmonary veins by α1-adrenergic receptors activation in the Rat. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5390. [PMID: 32214185 PMCID: PMC7096464 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary veins (PV) are involved in the pathophysiology of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In the rat, left atrium (LA) and PV cardiomyocytes have different reactions to α1-adrenergic receptor activation. In freely beating atria-PV preparations, we found that electrical field potential (EFP) originated from the sino-atrial node propagated through the LA and the PV. The α1-adrenergic receptor agonist cirazoline induced a progressive loss of EFP conduction in the PV whereas it was maintained in the LA. This could be reproduced in preparations electrically paced at 5 Hz in LA. During pacing at 10 Hz in the PV where high firing rate ectopic foci can occur, cirazoline stopped EFP conduction from the PV to the LA, which allowed the sino-atrial node to resume its pace-making function. Loss of conduction in the PV was associated with depolarization of the diastolic membrane potential of PV cardiomyocytes. Adenosine, which reversed the cirazoline-induced depolarization of the diastolic membrane potential of PV cardiomyocytes, restored full over-shooting action potentials and EFP conduction in the PV. In conclusion, selective activation of α1-adrenergic receptors results in the abolition of electrical conduction within the PV. These results highlight a potentially novel pharmacological approach to treat paroxysmal atrial fibrillation by targeting directly the PV myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bredeloux
- EA7349, Laboratoire STIM, Groupe Physiologie des Cellules Cardiaques et Vasculaires, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Ian Findlay
- EA7349, Laboratoire STIM, Groupe Physiologie des Cellules Cardiaques et Vasculaires, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Côme Pasqualin
- EA7349, Laboratoire STIM, Groupe Physiologie des Cellules Cardiaques et Vasculaires, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mélèze Hocini
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM U1045, Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiac Stimulation Team, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Bernus
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Véronique Maupoil
- EA7349, Laboratoire STIM, Groupe Physiologie des Cellules Cardiaques et Vasculaires, Université de Tours, Tours, France
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36
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Chen TY, Li X, Hung CH, Bahudhanapati H, Tan J, Kass DJ, Zhang Y. The relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1): An emerging player in human health and disease. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1194. [PMID: 32100955 PMCID: PMC7196478 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relaxin/relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) signaling is important for both normal physiology and disease. Strong preclinical evidence supports relaxin as a potent antifibrotic molecule. However, relaxin‐based therapy failed in clinical trial in patients with systemic sclerosis. We and others have discovered that aberrant expression of RXFP1 may contribute to the abnormal relaxin/RXFP1 signaling in different diseases. Reduced RXFP1 expression and alternative splicing transcripts with potential functional consequences have been observed in fibrotic tissues. A relative decrease in RXFP1 expression in fibrotic tissues—specifically lung and skin—may explain a potential insensitivity to relaxin. In addition, receptor dimerization also plays important roles in relaxin/RXFP1 signaling. Methods This review describes the tissue specific expression, characteristics of the splicing variants, and homo/heterodimerization of RXFP1 in both normal physiological function and human diseases. We discuss the potential implications of these molecular features for developing therapeutics to restore relaxin/RXFP1 signaling and to harness relaxin's potential antifibrotic effects. Results Relaxin/RXFP1 signaling is important in both normal physiology and in human diseases. Reduced expression of RXFP1 in fibrotic lung and skin tissues surrenders both relaxin/RXFP1 signaling and their responsiveness to exogenous relaxin treatments. Alternative splicing and receptor dimerization are also important in regulating relaxin/RXFP1 signaling. Conclusions Understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive aberrant expression of RXFP1 in disease and the functional roles of alternative splicing and receptor dimerization will provide insight into therapeutic targets that may restore the relaxin responsiveness of fibrotic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yun Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ching-Hsia Hung
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Harinath Bahudhanapati
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jiangning Tan
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and the Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Scardigli M, Cannazzaro S, Coppini R, Crocini C, Yan P, Loew LM, Sartiani L, Cerbai E, Pavone FS, Sacconi L, Ferrantini C. Arrhythmia susceptibility in a rat model of acute atrial dilation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 154:21-29. [PMID: 32063273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure. Acute AF occurs in response to sudden increases of atrial hemodynamic load, leading to atrial stretch. The mechanisms of stretch-induced AF were investigated in large mammals with controversial results. We optimized an approach to monitor rat atrial electrical activity using a red-shifted voltage sensitive dye (VSD). The methodology includes cauterization of the main ventricular coronary arteries, allowing improved atrial staining by the VSD and appropriate atrial perfusion for long experiments. Next, we developed a rat model of acute biatrial dilation (ABD) through the insertion of latex balloons into both atria, which could be inflated with controlled volumes. A chronic model of atrial dilation (spontaneous hypertensive rats; SHR) was used for comparison. ABD was performed on atria from healthy Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (WKY-ABD). The atria were characterized in terms of arrhythmias susceptibility, action potential duration and conduction velocity. The occurrence of arrhythmias in WKY-ABD was significantly higher compared to non-dilated WKY atria. In WKY-ABD we found a reduction of conduction velocity, similar to that observed in SHR atria, while action potential duration was unchanged. Low-dose caffeine was used to introduce a drop of CV in WKY atria (WKY-caff), quantitatively similar to the one observed after ABD, but no increased arrhythmia susceptibility was observed with caffeine only. In conclusion, CV decrease is not sufficient to promote arrhythmias; enlargement of atrial surface is essential to create a substrate for acute reentry-based arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Scardigli
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - S Cannazzaro
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - R Coppini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department "NeuroFarBa,", University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - C Crocini
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - P Yan
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - L M Loew
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - L Sartiani
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - E Cerbai
- R. D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - F S Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, 50125, Florence, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - L Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - C Ferrantini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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38
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Sun J, Hao W, Fillmore N, Ma H, Springer D, Yu ZX, Sadowska A, Garcia A, Chen R, Muniz-Medina V, Rosenthal K, Lin J, Kuruvilla D, Osbourn J, Karathanasis SK, Walker J, Murphy E. Human Relaxin-2 Fusion Protein Treatment Prevents and Reverses Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophy and Fibrosis in Mouse Heart. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e013465. [PMID: 31818212 PMCID: PMC6951077 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death in Western countries, and there is a need for new therapeutic approaches. Relaxin‐2 is a peptide hormone that mediates pleiotropic cardiovascular effects, including antifibrotic, angiogenic, vasodilatory, antiapoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Methods and Results We developed RELAX10, a fusion protein composed of human relaxin‐2 hormone and the Fc of a human antibody, to test the hypothesis that extended exposure of the relaxin‐2 peptide could reduce cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. RELAX10 demonstrated the same specificity and similar in vitro activity as the relaxin‐2 peptide. The terminal half‐life of RELAX10 was 7 days in mouse and 3.75 days in rat after subcutaneous administration. We evaluated whether treatment with RELAX10 could prevent and reverse isoproterenol‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice. Isoproterenol administration in mice resulted in increased cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis compared with vehicle. Coadministration with RELAX10 significantly attenuated the cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis compared with untreated animals. Isoproterenol administration significantly increased transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1)–induced fibrotic signaling, which was attenuated by RELAX10. We found that RELAX10 also significantly increased protein kinase B/endothelial NO synthase signaling and protein S‐nitrosylation. In the reversal study, RELAX10‐treated animals showed significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and collagen levels. Conclusions These findings support a potential role for RELAX10 in the treatment of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Sun
- Cardiac Physiology Section/Cardiovascular Branch National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD
| | | | - Natasha Fillmore
- Cardiac Physiology Section/Cardiovascular Branch National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD
| | - Hanley Ma
- Cardiac Physiology Section/Cardiovascular Branch National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD
| | - Danielle Springer
- Murine Phenotyping Core National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- Pathology Core National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Cardiac Physiology Section/Cardiovascular Branch National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institutes of Health Bethesda MD
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39
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Martin B, Gabris B, Barakat AF, Henry BL, Giannini M, Reddy RP, Wang X, Romero G, Salama G. Relaxin reverses maladaptive remodeling of the aged heart through Wnt-signaling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18545. [PMID: 31811156 PMCID: PMC6897890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy aging results in cardiac structural and electrical remodeling that increases susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Relaxin, an insulin-like hormone, suppresses atrial fibrillation, inflammation and fibrosis in aged rats but the mechanisms-of-action are unknown. Here we show that relaxin treatment of aged rats reverses pathological electrical remodeling (increasing Nav1.5 expression and localization of Connexin43 to intercalated disks) by activating canonical Wnt signaling. In isolated adult ventricular myocytes, relaxin upregulated Nav1.5 (EC50 = 1.3 nM) by a mechanism inhibited by the addition of Dickkopf-1. Furthermore, relaxin increased the levels of connexin43, Wnt1, and cytosolic and nuclear β-catenin. Treatment with Wnt1 or CHIR-99021 (a GSK3β inhibitor) mimicked the relaxin effects. In isolated fibroblasts, relaxin blocked TGFβ-induced collagen elevation in a Wnt dependent manner. These findings demonstrate a close interplay between relaxin and Wnt-signaling resulting in myocardial remodeling and reveals a fundamental mechanism of great therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Martin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.,Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Beth Gabris
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Amr F Barakat
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Brian L Henry
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Marianna Giannini
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.,Scuola Superiore Sant' Anna, Institute of Life Sciences, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rajiv P Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Xuewen Wang
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Guillermo Romero
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Guy Salama
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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40
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Leo CH, Ng HH, Marshall SA, Jelinic M, Rupasinghe T, Qin C, Roessner U, Ritchie RH, Tare M, Parry LJ. Relaxin reduces endothelium-derived vasoconstriction in hypertension: Revealing new therapeutic insights. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:217-233. [PMID: 31479151 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endothelium-derived vasoconstriction is a hallmark of vascular dysfunction in hypertension. In some cases, an overproduction of endothelium-derived prostacyclin (PGI2 ) can cause contraction rather than relaxation. Relaxin is well known for its vasoprotective actions, but the possibility that this peptide could also reverse endothelium-derived vasoconstriction has never been investigated. We tested the hypothesis that short-term relaxin treatment mitigates endothelium-derived vasoconstriction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR were subcutaneously infused with either vehicle (20 mmol·L-1 sodium acetate) or relaxin (13.3 μg·kg-1 ·hr-1 ) using osmotic minipumps for 3 days. Vascular reactivity to the endothelium-dependent agonist ACh was assessed in vitro by wire myography. Quantitative PCR and LC-MS were used to identify changes in gene expression of prostanoid pathways and PG production, respectively. KEY RESULTS Relaxin treatment ameliorated hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction by increasing NO-dependent relaxation and reducing endothelium-dependent contraction. Notably, short-term relaxin treatment up-regulated mesenteric PGI2 receptor (IP) expression, permitting PGI2 -IP-mediated vasorelaxation. In the aorta, reversal of contraction was accompanied by suppression of the hypertension-induced increase in prostanoid-producing enzymes and reduction in PGI2 -evoked contractions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Relaxin has region-dependent vasoprotective actions in hypertension. Specifically, relaxin has distinct effects on endothelium-derived contracting factors and their associated vasoconstrictor pathways in mesenteric arteries and the aorta. Taken together, these observations reveal the potential of relaxin as a new therapeutic agent for vascular disorders that are associated with endothelium-derived vasoconstriction including hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huei Leo
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hooi Hooi Ng
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria Jelinic
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Thusitha Rupasinghe
- Metabolomics Australia, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chengxue Qin
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ute Roessner
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Metabolomics Australia, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca H Ritchie
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Diabetes, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Marianne Tare
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Churchill, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura J Parry
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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41
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Serelaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2) treatment affects the endogenous synthesis of long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids and induces substantial alterations of lipidome and metabolome profiles in rat cardiac tissue. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:51-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Dschietzig TB. Relaxin-2 for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): Rationale for future clinical trials. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:54-58. [PMID: 30659842 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), a distinct sub-entity of chronic heart failure characterized by generalized inflammatory non-compliance of the cardio-vascular system, is associated with high mortality and still an unmet medical need. Many novel and promising therapeutic approaches have failed in large studies. This review focuses on basic research, pre-clinical and clinical findings that may account for the potential benefit of relaxin-2 in HFpEF. The peptide combines short-term hemodynamic advantages, such as moderate blood pressure decline and functional endothelin-1 antagonism, with a wealth of protective effects harboring long-term benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-oxidative actions. These pleiotropic effects are exerted through a complex and intricate signaling cascade involving the relaxin-family peptide receptor-1, the glucocorticoid receptor, the nitric oxide system, and a cell type-dependent variety of down-stream mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bernd Dschietzig
- Relaxera Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Stubenwald-Allee 8a, 64625, Bensheim, Germany.
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43
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Martin B, Romero G, Salama G. Cardioprotective actions of relaxin. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:45-53. [PMID: 30625345 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin is a hormone of pregnancy first discovered for its ability to induce ligament relaxation in nonpregnant guinea pig and is important for softening of the birth canal during parturition, decidualization, implantation, nipple development and increased maternal renal perfusion, glomerular filtration, and cardiac output. Subsequently, relaxin has been shown to exert multiple beneficial cardiovascular effects during pathological events such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and myocardial infarction, including suppression of arrhythmia and inflammation, and reversal of fibrosis. Despite extensive studies, the mechanisms underlying relaxin's effects are not well understood. Relaxin signals primarily through its G protein coupled receptor, the relaxin family peptide receptor-1, to activate multiple signaling pathways and this review summarizes our understanding of these pathways as they relate to the cardioprotective actions of relaxin, focusing on relaxin's anti-fibrotic, anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory properties. Further, this review includes a brief overview of relaxin in clinical trials for heart failure and progress in the development of relaxin mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Martin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Guillermo Romero
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Guy Salama
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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44
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Chen J, Guo Y, Chen Q, Cheng X, Xiang G, Chen M, Wu H, Huang Q, Zhu P, Zhang J. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts and are involved in atrial remodelling in patients with rheumatic heart disease. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3032-3039. [PMID: 30697920 PMCID: PMC6433664 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in human atrial fibroblasts, and to explore the relationship of these factors in atrial fibrosis and atrial anatomical remodelling (AAR) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS Fresh right auricular appendix tissue of 20 patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery was collected during surgeries, 10 patients had sinus rhythm(SR), and 10 patients had chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). Atrial fibroblasts were then cultured from the tissues with differential attachment technique and treated with either TGFβ1 (10 ng/mL) or HGF (100 ng/mL). CTGF mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR, and CTGF protein content was determined using immunofluorescence and Western blotting assays. RESULTS CAF group had higher left atrial diameters (LADs) and higher CTGF mRNA expression in atrial fibroblasts compared with SR group. The CTGF protein content in CAF group was higher than that of SR group and positively correlated with LAD and AF duration. After CAF group was treated with TGFβ1, CTGF mRNA and protein expression were significantly down-regulated, whereas when treated with HGF, expression was up-regulated compared with SR group. CONCLUSIONS Increased CTGF expression was associated with enlarged LAD, atrial fibrosis and AAR in patients with AF. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts with up-regulation of mRNA and down-regulation of protein, therefore, either promote or inhibit atrial fibrosis, which could be related to the incidence and persistence of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian‐Quan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Yan‐Song Guo
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qian Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Critical Care Medicine Division FourFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Xian‐Lu Cheng
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Guo‐Jian Xiang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Mei‐Yan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Anesthesiology Division TwoFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Hong‐Lin Wu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qi‐Lei Huang
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Peng‐Li Zhu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of Geriatric MedicineFujian Provincial HospitalFujian Provincial Center for GeriatricsFuzhouPR China
| | - Jian‐Cheng Zhang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
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45
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Serum relaxin level predicts recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Heart Vessels 2019; 34:1543-1551. [PMID: 30937522 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-019-01386-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin, an emerging biomarker in heart failure, is involved in fibrosis and inflammation. The value of relaxin in predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is unknown and the subject of this study. We prospectively enrolled 248 consecutive patients with AF (paroxysmal in 127 and persistent in 121) who underwent RFCA at our center after measurement of circulating levels of relaxin by ELISA. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test and multivariate analysis were used to assess the association between pre-RFCA relaxin levels and post-RFCA AF recurrence at 18 months follow-up. At mean 16.3 ± 3.8 months post-RFCA, 195 (78.6%) patients maintained sinus rhythm, and their pre-RFCA relaxin level was lower than that in patients with AF recurrence (P < 0.001). From lowest to highest pre-RFCA relaxin level tertiles (T1; 82.10-< 234.36; T2; 234.36-< 342.26; and T3; 342.26-740.63 ng/L), AF recurrence rate increased significantly (8.5%, 20.5% and 34.9%, respectively; Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test, χ2 = 18.44, P < 0.001). Using a cutoff of 285.4 ng/L, pre-RFCA relaxin level predicted AF recurrence during follow-up with sensitivity of 77.4% and specificity of 55.9% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.71). On multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, relaxin level by tertile (T2, hazard ratio 2.678; 95% confidence interval 1.110-6.460; P = 0.028, and T3, hazard ratio 4.745; 95% confidence interval 2.075-10.854; P < 0.001, respectively compared with the T1) was the independent factor predicting recurrence. Elevated pre-RFCA relaxin level is associated with post-RFCA AF recurrence. A simple measurement of relaxin level therefore might help identify patients at high risk of AF recurrence after RFCA.Clinical Trial Registration chictr.org.cn identifier: ChiCTR-OOC-15006130.
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46
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Taha MF, Javeri A, Karimipour M, Yamaghani MS. Priming with oxytocin and relaxin improves cardiac differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:5825-5834. [PMID: 30362159 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified the heart as a source and a target tissue for oxytocin and relaxin hormones. These hormones play important roles in the regulation of cardiovascular function and repair of ischemic heart injury. In the current study, we examined the impact of oxytocin and relaxin on the development of cardiomyocytes from mesenchymal stem cells. For this purpose, mouse adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were treated with different concentrations of oxytocin or relaxin for 4 days. Three weeks after initiation of cardiac induction, differentiated ADSCs expressed cardiac-specific genes, Gata4, Mef2c, Nkx2.5, Tbx5, α- and β-Mhc, Mlc2v, Mlc2a and Anp, and cardiac proteins including connexin 43, desmin and α-actinin. 10 -7 M oxytocin and 50 ng/mL relaxin induced the maximum upregulation in the expression of cardiac markers. A combination of oxytocin and relaxin induced cardiomyocyte differentiation more potently than the individual factors. In our experiment, oxytocin-relaxin combination increased the population of cardiac troponin I-expressing cells to 6.84% as compared with 2.36% for the untreated ADSCs, 3.7% for oxytocin treatment and 3.41% for relaxin treatment groups. In summary, the results of this study indicated that oxytocin and relaxin hormones individually and in combination can improve cardiac differentiation of ADSCs, and treatment of the ADSCs and possibly other mesenchymal stem cells with these hormones may enhance their cardiogenic differentiation and survival after transplantation into the ischemic heart tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Fakhr Taha
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Javeri
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Karimipour
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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47
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Stiles MK, Sanders P, Lau DH. Targeting the Substrate in Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Recent Lessons and Future Directions. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1158. [PMID: 30279660 PMCID: PMC6154526 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While isolation of the pulmonary veins is firmly established as effective treatment for the majority of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, there is recognition that patients with persistent AF have substrate for perpetuation of arrhythmia existing outside of the pulmonary veins. Various computational approaches have been used to identify targets for effective ablation of persistent AF. This paper aims to discuss the clinical aspects of computational approaches that aim to identify critical sites for treatment. Various analyses of electrogram characteristics have been performed with this aim. Leading techniques for electrogram analysis are Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms (CFAE) and Dominant Frequency (DF). These techniques have been the subject of clinical trials of which the results are discussed. Evaluation of the activation patterns of atria in AF has been another avenue of research. Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation (FIRM) mapping and forms of Body Surface Mapping aim to characterize multiple atrial wavelets, macro-reentry and focal sources which have been proposed as basic mechanisms perpetuating AF. Both invasive and non-invasive activation mapping techniques are reviewed. The presence of atrial fibrosis causes non-uniform anisotropic impulse propagation. Therefore, identification of fibrosis by imaging techniques is an avenue of potential research. The leading contender for imaging-based techniques is Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR). As this technology advances, improvements in resolution and scar identification have positioned CMR as the mode of choice for analysis of atrial structure. AF has been demonstrated to be associated with obesity, inactivity and diseases of modern life. An opportunity exists for detailed computational analysis of the impact of risk factor modification on atrial substrate. This ranges from microstructural investigation through to examination at a population level via registries and public health interventions. Computational analysis of atrial substrate has moved from basic science toward clinical application. Future directions and potential limitations of such analyses are examined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin K Stiles
- Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand.,Department of Cardiology, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), The University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders (CHRD), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), The University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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48
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Lian X, Beer-Hammer S, König GM, Kostenis E, Nürnberg B, Gollasch M. RXFP1 Receptor Activation by Relaxin-2 Induces Vascular Relaxation in Mice via a Gα i2-Protein/PI3Kß/γ/Nitric Oxide-Coupled Pathway. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1234. [PMID: 30233409 PMCID: PMC6131674 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Relaxins are small peptide hormones, which are novel candidate molecules that play important roles in cardiometablic syndrome. Relaxins are structurally related to the insulin hormone superfamily, which provide vasodilatory effects by activation of G-protein-coupled relaxin receptors (RXFPs) and stimulation of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) generation. Recently, relaxin could be demonstrated to activate Gi proteins and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways in cultured endothelial cells in vitro. However, the contribution of the Gi-PI3K pathway and their individual components in relaxin-dependent relaxation of intact arteries remains elusive. Methods: We used Gαi2- (Gnai2-/-) and Gαi3-deficient (Gnai3-/-) mice, pharmacological tools and wire myography to study G-protein-coupled signaling pathways involved in relaxation of mouse isolated mesenteric arteries by relaxins. Human relaxin-1, relaxin-2, and relaxin-3 were tested. Results: Relaxin-2 (∼50% relaxation at 10-11 M) was the most potent vasodilatory relaxin in mouse mesenteric arteries, compared to relaxin-1 and relaxin-3. The vasodilatory effects of relaxin-2 were inhibited by removal of the endothelium or treatment of the vessels with N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor) or simazine (RXFP1 inhibitor). The vasodilatory effects of relaxin-2 were absent in arteries of mice treated with pertussis toxin (PTX). They were also absent in arteries isolated from Gnai2-/- mice, but not from Gnai3-/- mice. The effects were not affected by FR900359 (Gαq protein inhibitor) or PI-103 (PI3Kα inhibitor), but inhibited by TGX-221 (PI3Kβ inhibitor) or AS-252424 (PI3Kγ inhibitor). Simazine did not influence the anti-contractile effect of perivascular adipose tissue. Conclusion: Our data indicate that relaxin-2 produces endothelium- and NO-dependent relaxation of mouse mesenteric arteries by activation of RXFP1 coupled to Gi2-PI3K-eNOS pathway. Targeting vasodilatory Gi-protein-coupled RXFP1 pathways may provide promising opportunities for drug discovery in endothelial dysfunction and cardiometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Lian
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - University Medicine Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Beer-Hammer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, and Interfaculty Center of Pharmacogenomics and Drug Research (ICePhA), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gabriele M König
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd Nürnberg
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, and Interfaculty Center of Pharmacogenomics and Drug Research (ICePhA), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - University Medicine Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Medical Clinic for Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
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49
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Maruyama S, Wu CL, Yoshida S, Zhang D, Li PH, Wu F, Parker Duffen J, Yao R, Jardin B, Adham IM, Law R, Berger J, Di Marchi R, Walsh K. Relaxin Family Member Insulin-Like Peptide 6 Ameliorates Cardiac Fibrosis and Prevents Cardiac Remodeling in Murine Heart Failure Models. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:e008441. [PMID: 29887522 PMCID: PMC6220528 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.008441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The insulin/insulin-like growth factor/relaxin family represents a group of structurally related but functionally diverse proteins. The family member relaxin-2 has been evaluated in clinical trials for its efficacy in the treatment of acute heart failure. In this study, we assessed the role of insulin-like peptide 6 (INSL6), another member of this protein family, in murine heart failure models using genetic loss-of-function and protein delivery methods. METHODS AND RESULTS Insl6-deficient and wild-type (C57BL/6N) mice were administered angiotensin II or isoproterenol via continuous infusion with an osmotic pump or via intraperitoneal injection once a day, respectively, for 2 weeks. In both models, Insl6-knockout mice exhibited greater cardiac systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation. Cardiac dysfunction in the Insl6-knockout mice was associated with more extensive cardiac fibrosis and greater expression of fibrosis-associated genes. The continuous infusion of chemically synthesized INSL6 significantly attenuated left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis induced by isoproterenol infusion. Gene expression profiling suggests liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor signaling is activated in the isoproterenol-challenged hearts treated with INSL6 protein. CONCLUSIONS Endogenous Insl6 protein inhibits cardiac systolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis in angiotensin II- and isoproterenol-induced cardiac stress models. The administration of recombinant INSL6 protein could have utility for the treatment of heart failure and cardiac fibrosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibrosis
- Heart Failure/metabolism
- Heart Failure/pathology
- Heart Failure/physiopathology
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/pathology
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/physiopathology
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/prevention & control
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/deficiency
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Liver X Receptors/genetics
- Liver X Receptors/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Myocardium/pathology
- Retinoid X Receptors/genetics
- Retinoid X Receptors/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/pathology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/physiopathology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/prevention & control
- Ventricular Function, Left
- Ventricular Remodeling
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonomi Maruyama
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Chia-Ling Wu
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Sumiko Yoshida
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Dongying Zhang
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Pei-Hsuan Li
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Fangzhou Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Jennifer Parker Duffen
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Rouan Yao
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Blake Jardin
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Ibrahim M Adham
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ronald Law
- New Frontier Science, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co, Cambridge, MA
| | - Joel Berger
- New Frontier Science, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Kenneth Walsh
- Molecular Cardiology, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Center for Hematovascular Biology, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
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50
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Ng HH, Leo CH, Parry LJ, Ritchie RH. Relaxin as a Therapeutic Target for the Cardiovascular Complications of Diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:501. [PMID: 29867503 PMCID: PMC5962677 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of mortality in patients with diabetes. This is closely associated with both macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes, which lead to organ injuries in diabetic patients. Previous studies have consistently demonstrated the beneficial effects of relaxin treatment for protection of the vasculature, with evidence of antioxidant and anti-remodeling actions. Relaxin enhances nitric oxide, prostacyclin and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-type-mediated relaxation in various vascular beds. These effects of relaxin on the systemic vasculature, coupled with its cardiac actions, reduce pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and pulmonary artery pressure. This results in an overall decrease in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance in heart failure patients. The anti-fibrotic actions of relaxin are well established, a desirable property in the context of diabetes. Further, relaxin ameliorates diabetic wound healing, with accelerated angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Relaxin-mediated stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor 1-α, as well as regulation of metalloproteinase expression, ameliorates cardiovascular fibrosis in diabetic mice. In the heart, relaxin is a cardioprotective molecule in several experimental animal models, exerting anti-fibrotic, anti-hypertrophy and anti-apoptotic effects in diabetic pathologies. Collectively, these studies provide a foundation to propose the therapeutic potential for relaxin as an adjunctive agent in the prevention or treatment of diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of relaxin, and identifies its therapeutic possibilities for alleviating diabetes-related cardiovascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooi Hooi Ng
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Science and Math Cluster, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laura J. Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca H. Ritchie
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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