1
|
Curry BA, Drane AL, Atencia R, Feltrer Y, Calvi T, Milnes EL, Moittié S, Weigold A, Knauf-Witzens T, Sawung Kusuma A, Howatson G, Palmer C, Stembridge MR, Gorzynski JE, Eves ND, Dawkins TG, Shave RE. Left ventricular trabeculation in Hominidae: divergence of the human cardiac phenotype. Commun Biol 2024; 7:682. [PMID: 38877299 PMCID: PMC11178792 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the gross morphology of the heart is conserved across mammals, subtle interspecific variations exist in the cardiac phenotype, which may reflect evolutionary divergence among closely-related species. Here, we compare the left ventricle (LV) across all extant members of the Hominidae taxon, using 2D echocardiography, to gain insight into the evolution of the human heart. We present compelling evidence that the human LV has diverged away from a more trabeculated phenotype present in all other great apes, towards a ventricular wall with proportionally greater compact myocardium, which was corroborated by post-mortem chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hearts. Speckle-tracking echocardiographic analyses identified a negative curvilinear relationship between the degree of trabeculation and LV systolic twist, revealing lower rotational mechanics in the trabeculated non-human great ape LV. This divergent evolution of the human heart may have facilitated the augmentation of cardiac output to support the metabolic and thermoregulatory demands of the human ecological niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryony A Curry
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Aimee L Drane
- International Primate Heart Project, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Rebeca Atencia
- Jane Goodall Institute, Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre, Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo
| | - Yedra Feltrer
- International Primate Heart Project, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK
| | - Thalita Calvi
- Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, Solwesi Road, Chingola, Zambia
| | - Ellie L Milnes
- Wildlife Health, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Sophie Moittié
- Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Congo Dam Access Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Annika Weigold
- Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Gardens, Wilhelma 13, Stuttgart, 70376, Germany
| | | | - Arga Sawung Kusuma
- Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, Central Kalimantan Orangutan Reintroduction Project at Nyaru Menteng, Jalan Cilik Riwut km 28, Palangkaraya, 73111, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
- Water Research Group, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Christopher Palmer
- Biological Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mike R Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK
| | - John E Gorzynski
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Neil D Eves
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Tony G Dawkins
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Rob E Shave
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Serrano-Finetti E, Hornero G, Mainar S, López F, Crailsheim D, Feliu O, Casas O. A non-invasive, concealed electrocardiogram and bioimpedance measurement system for captive primates. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245783. [PMID: 37599599 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Captive housed non-human primates, specifically great apes such as chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are frequently reported to have died from or are diagnosed with potentially fatal heart conditions that require the monitoring of physiological signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) or respiratory rate. ECG screening must be conducted after applying full anaesthesia, causing potential physical and emotional stress as well as risk for the animal. Here, we present an electronic system that simultaneously measures the ECG and the electrical bioimpedance for the early detection of abnormal cardiovascular activity. Modified gloves whose fingers are equipped with electrodes enable the caregiver to obtain three cardiovascular signals (ECG, pulse rate and respiratory rate) by placing the fingertips on specific parts of the non-human primate without needing any prior physical preparations. Validation (ECG and bioimpedance) was performed both on humans and on captive housed chimpanzees, where all the signals of interest were correctly acquired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Serrano-Finetti
- Instrumentation, Sensor and Interfaces Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08860 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Hornero
- Instrumentation, Sensor and Interfaces Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08860 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Mainar
- Instrumentation, Sensor and Interfaces Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08860 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco López
- Instrumentation, Sensor and Interfaces Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08860 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Olga Feliu
- Research Department, Fundació Mona, 17457 Girona, Spain
| | - Oscar Casas
- Instrumentation, Sensor and Interfaces Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08860 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The evolution of human step counts and its association with the risk of chronic disease. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R1206-R1214. [PMID: 36347224 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Walking - humans' most fundamental form of moderate intensity physical activity - is associated with reduced risks of morbidity and mortality. Evolutionary perspectives have contributed much to understanding the effects of walking and other physical activities on health; however, we know comparatively little about how step counts (steps taken per day) changed over the course of human evolution, potentially affecting how selection operated on physiological responses to moderate intensity physical activity that influence morbidity and mortality. Here, we compare step counts across humans and our closest living relatives, the great apes. Compiling data from epidemiology and comparative physiology, we show how step counts more than tripled during human evolution, potentially linking higher levels of moderate intensity physical activity with reduced morbidity and mortality, and we highlight how recent decreases in step counts are an evolutionary mismatch. We raise the hypothesis that the dose-response relationship between moderate intensity physical activity and health was shifted in humans to require more steps per day to promote extended healthspan and lifespan.
Collapse
|
4
|
THE INFLUENCE OF ANESTHESIA WITH AND WITHOUT MEDETOMIDINE ON CARDIAC STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN SANCTUARY CAPTIVE CHIMPANZEES ( PAN TROGLODYTES). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:986-996. [PMID: 34687514 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dependent on timing of assessment, anesthetic agents and specifically medetomidine negatively affect cardiac function in great apes. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) with and without medetomidine on cardiac structure and function in healthy chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) during a period of relative blood pressure stability. Twenty-four chimpanzees living in an African wildlife sanctuary undergoing routine health assessments were stratified by age, sex, and body mass and randomized to be anesthetized using either TZ (6 mg/kg; n = 13; seven males and six females) or a combination of TZ (2 mg/kg) and medetomidine (TZM; 0.02 mg/kg; n = 11; five males and six females). During health checks, regular heart rate and blood pressure readings were taken and a standardized echocardiogram was performed 20-30 min after induction. Data were compared between the two anesthetic groups using independent-samples t or Mann-Whitney U tests. Although heart rate (mean ± SD; TZ: 76 ± 10 bpm; TZM: 65 ± 14 bpm, P = 0.027), cardiac output (TZ: 3.0 ± 0.7 L/min; TZM: 2.4 ± 0.7 L/min, P = 0.032), and mitral A-wave velocities (TZ: 0.51 ± 0.16 cm/s; TZM: 0.36 ± 0.10 cm/s, P = 0.013) were lower in the TZM group, there were no statistically significant differences in cardiac structure or the remaining functional variables between groups. Furthermore, there were no statistical differences in systolic (TZ 114.6 ± 14.9 mmHg; TZM: 123.0 ± 28.1 mmHg; P = 0.289) or diastolic blood pressure (TZ: 81.8 ± 22.3 mmHg, TZM: 83.8 ± 20.1 mmHg; P = 0.827) between the groups during the echocardiogram. This study has shown that during a period of relative blood pressure stability, during the first 20-30 min after induction there are few differences in measures of cardiac structure and function between protocols using TZ with or without medetomidine in healthy chimpanzees.
Collapse
|
5
|
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AND DIRECT ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT IN CAPTIVE CHIMPANZEES ( PAN TROGLODYTES) DURING TWO PHASES OF AN ANESTHETIC PROTOCOL. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:479-489. [PMID: 34130390 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of α-2 agonists on echocardiographic findings in great apes are not well documented, and knowledge of these effects would expand the understanding of cardiac examinations of chimpanzees under anesthesia with protocols using these drugs. Ten adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), four males and six females, underwent echocardiographic examinations after anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and ketamine (phase 1). Four animals required isoflurane to achieve an adequate plane of anesthesia. Atipamezole was used to antagonize dexmedetomidine, and all remaining animals were placed on isoflurane (phase 2), and then a second echocardiogram was performed. Direct arterial blood pressure was monitored during the anesthetic event. Measurements and recordings were assessed for statistically significant differences between the two phases and sex. There were no significant differences between phases or sex for any two-dimensional echocardiographic measurement of systolic function, although interventricular septum thickness at end systole approached a significant decrease from phase 1 to phase 2 (P = 0.058) when sex was considered a between-subject factor. Left ventricular outflow tract (P = 0.017) and pulmonary artery (P = 0.028) velocities increased after reversal of the dexmedetomidine. Diastolic transmitral flow was consistent with grade 3 diastolic dysfunction (median early to late ventricular filling velocities (E/A) of 2.02, interquartile range [IQR], 1.53-2.13) with a nonsignificant decrease of E velocity and increase in A velocity and decreased E/A after reversal. Trace mitral and tricuspid regurgitation were common findings in the sample population. Arterial blood pressure significantly decreased between phase 1 and phase 2 (P < 0.01). All chimpanzees entered a hypotensive state (mean arterial pressure < 60 mm Hg) during phase 2. Although limited by the small number of chimpanzees, this study showed an increase in afterload, potential diastolic dysfunction, and a decrease in blood pressure after the antagonism of dexmedetomidine. Additional studies to further assess the effects of α-2 agonists in chimpanzees are warranted.
Collapse
|
6
|
Cole MF, Cantwell A, Rukundo J, Ajarova L, Fernandez-Navarro S, Atencia R, Rosati AG. Healthy cardiovascular biomarkers across the lifespan in wild-born chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes). Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190609. [PMID: 32951545 PMCID: PMC7540951 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are a crucial model for understanding the evolution of human health and longevity. Cardiovascular disease is a major source of mortality during ageing in humans and therefore a key issue for comparative research. Current data indicate that compared to humans, chimpanzees have proatherogenic blood lipid profiles, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in humans. However, most work to date on chimpanzee lipids come from laboratory-living populations where lifestyles diverge from a wild context. Here, we examined cardiovascular profiles in chimpanzees living in African sanctuaries, who range semi-free in large forested enclosures, consume a naturalistic diet, and generally experience conditions more similar to a wild chimpanzee lifestyle. We measured blood lipids, body weight and body fat in 75 sanctuary chimpanzees and compared them to publicly available data from laboratory-living chimpanzees from the Primate Aging Database. We found that semi-free-ranging chimpanzees exhibited lower body weight and lower levels of lipids that are risk factors for human cardiovascular disease, and that some of these disparities increased with age. Our findings support the hypothesis that lifestyle can shape health indices in chimpanzees, similar to effects observed across human populations, and contribute to an emerging understanding of human cardiovascular health in an evolutionary context. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution of the primate ageing process'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan F. Cole
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Averill Cantwell
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joshua Rukundo
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Lilly Ajarova
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Rebeca Atencia
- Jane Goodall Institute Congo, Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo
| | - Alexandra G. Rosati
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Drane AL, Atencia R, Cooper SM, Feltrer Y, Calvi T, Strike T, Palmer C, Simcox S, Rodriguez P, Sanchez C, van Bolhuis H, Peck B, Eng J, Moittie S, Unwin S, Howatson G, Oxborough D, Stembridge MR, Shave RE. Evaluation of relationships between results of electrocardiography and echocardiography in 341 chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes). Am J Vet Res 2020; 81:488-498. [PMID: 32436790 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.81.6.488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine potential relationships between ECG characteristics and echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). ANIMALS 341 chimpanzees (175 males and 166 females) from 5 sanctuaries and 2 zoological collections. PROCEDURES Chimpanzees were anesthetized for routine health examinations between May 2011 and July 2017 as part of the International Primate Heart Project and, during the same anesthetic events, underwent 12-lead ECG and transthoracic echocardiographic assessments. Relationships between results for ECG and those for echocardiographic measures of atrial areas, left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd), and mean left ventricular wall thicknesses (MLVWT) were assessed with correlational analysis, then multiple linear regression analyses were used to create hierarchical models to predict cardiac structure from ECG findings. RESULTS Findings indicated correlations (r = -0.231 to 0.310) between results for ECG variables and echocardiographic measures. The duration and amplitude of P waves in lead II had the strongest correlations with atrial areas. The Sokolow-Lyon criteria, QRS-complex duration, and R-wave amplitude in leads V6 and II had the strongest correlations with MLVWT, whereas the Sokolow-Lyon criteria, QRS-complex duration, and S-wave amplitude in leads V2 and V1 had the strongest correlations with LVIDd. However, the ECG predictive models that were generated only accounted for 17%, 7%, 11%, and 8% of the variance in the right atrial end-systolic area, left atrial end-systolic area, MLVWT, and LVIDd, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that relationships existed between ECG findings and cardiac morphology in the chimpanzees of the present study; however, further research is required to examine whether the predictive models generated can be modified to improve their clinical utility.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
While non-human primate studies have long been conducted in laboratories, and more recently at zoological parks, sanctuaries are increasingly considered a viable setting for research. Accredited sanctuaries in non-range countries house thousands of primates formerly used as subjects of medical research, trained performers or personal pets. In range countries, however, sanctuaries typically house orphaned primates confiscated from illegal poaching and the bushmeat and pet trafficking trades. Although the primary mission of these sanctuaries is to rescue and rehabilitate residents, many of these organizations are increasingly willing to participate in non-invasive research. Notably, from a scientific standpoint, most sanctuaries provide potential advantages over traditional settings, such as large, naturalistic physical and social environments which may result in more relevant models of primates' free-ranging wild counterparts than other captive settings. As a result, an impressive scope of research in the fields of primate behaviour, cognition, veterinary science, genetics and physiology have been studied in sanctuaries. In this review, we examine the range and form of research that has been conducted at accredited sanctuaries around the world. We also describe the potential challenges of sanctuary-based work and the considerations that external researchers may face when deciding to collaborate with primate sanctuaries on their research projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Ross
- Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | - Jesse G Leinwand
- Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Reply to Jensen and Wang: Chimpanzees under pressure—Selection of a left ventricular structural and functional phenotype. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:5574-5575. [DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922202117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|