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Pestiaux C, Pyka G, Quirynen L, De Azevedo D, Vanoverschelde JL, Lengelé B, Vancraeynest D, Beauloye C, Kerckhofs G. 3D histopathology of stenotic aortic valve cusps using ex vivo microfocus computed tomography. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1129990. [PMID: 37180789 PMCID: PMC10167041 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1129990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent heart valve disease in developed countries. The aortic valve cusps progressively thicken and the valve does not open fully due to the presence of calcifications. In vivo imaging, usually used for diagnosis, does not allow the visualization of the microstructural changes associated with AS. Methods Ex vivo high-resolution microfocus computed tomography (microCT) was used to quantitatively describe the microstructure of calcified aortic valve cusps in full 3D. As case study in our work, this quantitative analysis was applied to normal-flow low-gradient severe AS (NF-LG-SAS), for which the medical prognostic is still highly debated in the current literature, and high-gradient severe AS (HG-SAS). Results The volume proportion of calcification, the size and number of calcified particles and their density composition was quantified. A new size-based classification considering small-sized particles that are not detected with in vivo imaging was defined for macro-, meso- and microscale calcifications. Volume and thickness of aortic valve cusps, including the complete thickness distribution, were also determined. Moreover, changes in the cusp soft tissues were also visualized with microCT and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images of the same sample. NF-LG-SAS cusps contained lower relative amount of calcifications than HG-SAS. Moreover, the number and size of calcified objects and the volume and thickness of the cusps were also lower in NF-LG-SAS cusps than in HG-SAS. Conclusions The application of high-resolution ex vivo microCT to stenotic aortic valve cusps provided a quantitative description of the general structure of the cusps and of the calcifications present in the cusp soft tissues. This detailed description could help in the future to better understand the mechanisms of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Pestiaux
- Mechatronic, Electrical Energy and Dynamic Systems, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Grzegorz Pyka
- Mechatronic, Electrical Energy and Dynamic Systems, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Louise Quirynen
- Mechatronic, Electrical Energy and Dynamic Systems, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - David De Azevedo
- Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Louis Vanoverschelde
- Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoît Lengelé
- Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Vancraeynest
- Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Beauloye
- Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Mechatronic, Electrical Energy and Dynamic Systems, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division for Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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van der Velden J, Asselbergs FW, Bakkers J, Batkai S, Bertrand L, Bezzina CR, Bot I, Brundel BJJM, Carrier L, Chamuleau S, Ciccarelli M, Dawson D, Davidson SM, Dendorfer A, Duncker DJ, Eschenhagen T, Fabritz L, Falcão-Pires I, Ferdinandy P, Giacca M, Girao H, Gollmann-Tepeköylü C, Gyongyosi M, Guzik TJ, Hamdani N, Heymans S, Hilfiker A, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Hoekstra AG, Hulot JS, Kuster DWD, van Laake LW, Lecour S, Leiner T, Linke WA, Lumens J, Lutgens E, Madonna R, Maegdefessel L, Mayr M, van der Meer P, Passier R, Perbellini F, Perrino C, Pesce M, Priori S, Remme CA, Rosenhahn B, Schotten U, Schulz R, Sipido KR, Sluijter JPG, van Steenbeek F, Steffens S, Terracciano CM, Tocchetti CG, Vlasman P, Yeung KK, Zacchigna S, Zwaagman D, Thum T. Animal models and animal-free innovations for cardiovascular research: current status and routes to be explored. Consensus document of the ESC Working Group on Myocardial Function and the ESC Working Group on Cellular Biology of the Heart. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:3016-3051. [PMID: 34999816 PMCID: PMC9732557 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating research to improve diagnostics, and to discover and test novel preventive and curative therapies, all of which warrant experimental models that recapitulate human disease. The translation of basic science results to clinical practice is a challenging task, in particular for complex conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, which often result from multiple risk factors and comorbidities. This difficulty might lead some individuals to question the value of animal research, citing the translational 'valley of death', which largely reflects the fact that studies in rodents are difficult to translate to humans. This is also influenced by the fact that new, human-derived in vitro models can recapitulate aspects of disease processes. However, it would be a mistake to think that animal models do not represent a vital step in the translational pathway as they do provide important pathophysiological insights into disease mechanisms particularly on an organ and systemic level. While stem cell-derived human models have the potential to become key in testing toxicity and effectiveness of new drugs, we need to be realistic, and carefully validate all new human-like disease models. In this position paper, we highlight recent advances in trying to reduce the number of animals for cardiovascular research ranging from stem cell-derived models to in situ modelling of heart properties, bioinformatic models based on large datasets, and state-of-the-art animal models, which show clinically relevant characteristics observed in patients with a cardiovascular disease. We aim to provide a guide to help researchers in their experimental design to translate bench findings to clinical routine taking the replacement, reduction, and refinement (3R) as a guiding concept.
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Grants
- R01 HL150359 NHLBI NIH HHS
- RG/16/14/32397 British Heart Foundation
- FS/18/37/33642 British Heart Foundation
- PG/17/64/33205 British Heart Foundation
- PG/15/88/31780 British Heart Foundation
- FS/RTF/20/30009, NH/19/1/34595, PG/18/35/33786, CS/17/4/32960, PG/15/88/31780, and PG/17/64/33205 British Heart Foundation
- NC/T001488/1 National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research
- PG/18/44/33790 British Heart Foundation
- CH/16/3/32406 British Heart Foundation
- FS/RTF/20/30009 British Heart Foundation
- NWO-ZonMW
- ZonMW and Heart Foundation for the translational research program
- Dutch Cardiovascular Alliance (DCVA)
- Leducq Foundation
- Dutch Research Council
- Association of Collaborating Health Foundations (SGF)
- UCL Hospitals NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, and the DCVA
- Netherlands CardioVascular Research Initiative CVON
- Stichting Hartekind and the Dutch Research Counsel (NWO) (OCENW.GROOT.2019.029)
- National Fund for Scientific Research, Belgium and Action de Recherche Concertée de la Communauté Wallonie-Bruxelles, Belgium
- Netherlands CardioVascular Research Initiative CVON (PREDICT2 and CONCOR-genes projects), the Leducq Foundation
- ERA PerMed (PROCEED study)
- Netherlands Cardiovascular Research Initiative
- Dutch Heart Foundation
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHH)
- Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
- Tenovus Scotland
- Friends of Anchor and Grampian NHS-Endowments
- National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research
- European Research Council (ERC-AG IndivuHeart), the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- European Union Horizon 2020 (REANIMA and TRAINHEART)
- German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
- Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)
- European Union Horizon 2020
- DFG
- National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary
- Research Excellence Program—TKP; National Heart Program
- Austrian Science Fund
- European Union Commission’s Seventh Framework programme
- CVON2016-Early HFPEF
- CVON She-PREDICTS
- CVON Arena-PRIME
- European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- Volkswagenstiftung
- French National Research Agency
- ERA-Net-CVD
- Fédération Française de Cardiologie, the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale
- French PIA Project
- University Research Federation against heart failure
- Netherlands Heart Foundation
- Dekker Senior Clinical Scientist
- Health Holland TKI-LSH
- TUe/UMCU/UU Alliance Fund
- south African National Foundation
- Cancer Association of South Africa and Winetech
- Netherlands Heart Foundation/Applied & Engineering Sciences
- Dutch Technology Foundation
- Pie Medical Imaging
- Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
- Dr. Dekker Program
- Netherlands CardioVascular Research Initiative: the Dutch Heart Foundation
- Dutch Federation of University Medical Centres
- Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences for the GENIUS-II project
- Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) (VICI grant); the European Research Council
- Incyte s.r.l. and from Ministero dell’Istruzione, Università e Ricerca Scientifica
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (Junior Research Group & Translational Research Project), the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant NORVAS),
- Swedish Heart-Lung-Foundation
- Swedish Research Council
- National Institutes of Health
- Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care through the research project DigiMed Bayern
- ERC
- ERA-CVD
- Dutch Heart Foundation, ZonMw
- the NWO Gravitation project
- Ministero dell'Istruzione, Università e Ricerca Scientifica
- Regione Lombardia
- Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development
- ITN Network Personalize AF: Personalized Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation: a translational network
- MAESTRIA: Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Early Detection Stroke Atrial Fibrillation
- REPAIR: Restoring cardiac mechanical function by polymeric artificial muscular tissue
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation)
- European Union H2020 program to the project TECHNOBEAT
- EVICARE
- BRAV3
- ZonMw
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiac Regeneration
- British Heart Foundation studentship
- NC3Rs
- Interreg ITA-AUS project InCARDIO
- Italian Association for Cancer Research
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanda van der Velden
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Folkert W Asselbergs
- Division Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jeroen Bakkers
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandor Batkai
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luc Bertrand
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover, Germany
| | - Connie R Bezzina
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilze Bot
- Heart Center, Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca J J M Brundel
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lucie Carrier
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steven Chamuleau
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Odontology, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Dana Dawson
- Department of Cardiology, Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sean M Davidson
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, 67 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Andreas Dendorfer
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- University Center of Cardiovascular Sciences and Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Germany and Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Ines Falcão-Pires
- UnIC - Cardiovascular Research and Development Centre, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Cardiometabolic Research Group and MTA-SE System Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences and Cardiovascular Department, Centre for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Henrique Girao
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Mariann Gyongyosi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Instutute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland
| | - Nazha Hamdani
- Division Cardiology, Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andres Hilfiker
- Department for Cardiothoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
- Department for Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Complications in Pregnancy and in Oncologic Therapies, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
| | - Alfons G Hoekstra
- Computational Science Lab, Informatics Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Sébastien Hulot
- Université de Paris, INSERM, PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France
- CIC1418 and DMU CARTE, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Diederik W D Kuster
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda W van Laake
- Division Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandrine Lecour
- Department of Medicine, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa and Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tim Leiner
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang A Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27B, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Joost Lumens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Experimental Vascular Biology Division, Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- DZHK, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Department of Pathology, Cardiology Division, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, University of Texas Medical School in Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- DZHK, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manuel Mayr
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Peter van der Meer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Passier
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Filippo Perbellini
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cinzia Perrino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pesce
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale Cardiovascolare, Centro cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Priori
- Molecular Cardiology, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bodo Rosenhahn
- Institute for information Processing, Leibniz University of Hanover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karin R Sipido
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Circulatory Health Laboratory, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank van Steenbeek
- Division Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Steffens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- DZHK, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Carlo Gabriele Tocchetti
- Cardio-Oncology Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), Interdepartmental Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CIRCET), Interdepartmental Hypertension Research Center (CIRIAPA), Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Patricia Vlasman
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kak Khee Yeung
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Surgery, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences and Cardiovascular Department, Centre for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Dayenne Zwaagman
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Thum
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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3
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Gollmann-Tepeköylü C, Nägele F, Engler C, Stoessel L, Zellmer B, Graber M, Hirsch J, Pölzl L, Ruttmann E, Tancevski I, Tiller C, Barbieri F, Stastny L, Reinstadler SJ, Oezpeker UC, Semsroth S, Bonaros N, Grimm M, Feuchtner G, Holfeld J. Different calcification patterns of tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves and their clinical impact. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2022; 35:ivac274. [PMID: 36383200 PMCID: PMC10906007 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivac274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mechanical strain plays a major role in the development of aortic calcification. We hypothesized that (i) valvular calcifications are most pronounced at the localizations subjected to the highest mechanical strain and (ii) calcification patterns are different in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. METHODS Multislice computed tomography scans of 101 patients with severe aortic stenosis were analysed using a 3-dimensional post-processing software to quantify calcification of tricuspid aortic valves (n = 51) and bicuspid aortic valves (n = 50) after matching. RESULTS Bicuspid aortic valves exhibited higher calcification volumes and increased calcification of the non-coronary cusp with significantly higher calcification of the free leaflet edge. The non-coronary cusp showed the highest calcium load compared to the other leaflets. Patients with annular calcification above the median had an impaired survival compared to patients with low annular calcification, whereas patients with calcification of the free leaflet edge above the median did not (P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS Calcification patterns are different in patients with aortic stenosis with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. Patients with high annular calcification might have an impaired prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felix Nägele
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Engler
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Leon Stoessel
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Berit Zellmer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Graber
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jakob Hirsch
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Leo Pölzl
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elfriede Ruttmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ivan Tancevski
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christina Tiller
- Deparment of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Fabian Barbieri
- Deparment of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas Stastny
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Severin Semsroth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaos Bonaros
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Grimm
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gudrun Feuchtner
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Holfeld
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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4
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The Haemodynamic and Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061317. [PMID: 35740339 PMCID: PMC9220142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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5
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Pham DH, Dai CR, Lin B, Butcher JT. Local fluid shear stress operates a molecular switch to drive fetal semilunar valve extension. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:481-497. [PMID: 34535945 PMCID: PMC8891031 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While much is known about the genetic regulation of early valvular morphogenesis, mechanisms governing fetal valvular growth and remodeling remain unclear. Hemodynamic forces strongly influence morphogenesis, but it is unknown whether or how they interact with valvulogenic signaling programs. Side-specific activity of valvulogenic programs motivates the hypothesis that shear stress pattern-specific endocardial signaling controls the elongation of leaflets. RESULTS We determined that extension of the semilunar valve occurs via fibrosa sided endocardial proliferation. Low OSS was necessary and sufficient to induce canonical Wnt/β-catenin activation in fetal valve endothelium, which in turn drives BMP receptor/ligand expression, and pSmad1/5 activity essential for endocardial proliferation. In contrast, ventricularis endocardial cells expressed active Notch1 but minimal pSmad1/5. Endocardial monolayers exposed to LSS attenuate Wnt signaling in a Notch1 dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Low OSS is transduced by endocardial cells into canonical Wnt signaling programs that regulate BMP signaling and endocardial proliferation. In contrast, high LSS induces Notch signaling in endocardial cells, inhibiting Wnt signaling and thereby restricting growth on the ventricular surface. Our results identify a novel mechanically regulated molecular switch, whereby fluid shear stress drives the growth of valve endothelium, orchestrating the extension of the valve in the direction of blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc H. Pham
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Charles R. Dai
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Belle Lin
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan T. Butcher
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA,Corresponding author:
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New Concepts in the Development and Malformation of the Arterial Valves. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7040038. [PMID: 32987700 PMCID: PMC7712390 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7040038] [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: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although in many ways the arterial and atrioventricular valves are similar, both being derived for the most part from endocardial cushions, we now know that the arterial valves and their surrounding structures are uniquely dependent on progenitors from both the second heart field (SHF) and neural crest cells (NCC). Here, we will review aspects of arterial valve development, highlighting how our appreciation of NCC and the discovery of the SHF have altered our developmental models. We will highlight areas of research that have been particularly instructive for understanding how the leaflets form and remodel, as well as those with limited or conflicting results. With this background, we will explore how this developmental knowledge can help us to understand human valve malformations, particularly those of the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Controversies and the current state of valve genomics will be indicated.
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Kamo Y, Fujimoto S, Aoshima C, Kawaguchi YO, Nozaki Y, Kudo A, Takahashi D, Takamura K, Hiki M, Tomizawa N, Kumamaru KK, Aoki S, Daida H. A study on the prevalence, distribution and related factors of heart valve calcification using coronary CT angiography. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2020; 29:100571. [PMID: 32642552 PMCID: PMC7334460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2020.100571] [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: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background The concept of active atherosclerotic disease has been accepted for heart valve calcification (HVC). We investigated prevalence, distribution and related factors of HVC in patients who had undergone coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods Subjects were consecutive 200 patients who underwent CCTA. The prevalence and the distribution of HVC using ECG gated non-contrast CT were investigated. Logistic regression analysis and simple regression analysis for factors associated with presence of the calcification and quantitative calcification in the aortic and mitral valve were conducted. Results HVC was detected in 48.0%. Aortic valve calcification (AVC) was found in 92 cases, the most, followed by mitral valve calcification (MVC) in 25 cases, pulmonary valve in 3 cases, and tricuspid valve in 1 case. Although the left coronary cusp showed the most in 65.2%, no statistic significant difference for Agatston score was detected among each cusp in AVC. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR:1.211, 95%C.I.:1.0716-1.1728, p < 0.0001) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) grade (grade2 OR:7.3393, 95%C.I.:1.7699-30.4349, p = 0.0060, grade3 OR:7.2214, 95%C.I.:1.4376-36.2762, p = 0.0164) were significant factors associated with presence of AVC. The significant factors associated with quantitative AVC were age (p = 0.0043), dyslipidemia (p = 0.0117), and statin use (p = 0.0221). Only age (OR:1.1589, 95%C.I.:1.0726-1.2520, p = 0.0002) was significant factor related to presence of MVC. No significant related factor was found in quantitative MVC. Conclusions There was an association between presence of AVC and CACS, but not a significant association with presence of MVC. Neither quantitative AVC nor MVC had a significant association with CACS or coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kamo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Fujimoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Aoshima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko O Kawaguchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yui Nozaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Kudo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daigo Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Takamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Hiki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuo Tomizawa
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako K Kumamaru
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Daida
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Ohukainen P, Ruskoaho H, Rysa J. Cellular Mechanisms of Valvular Thickening in Early and Intermediate Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Curr Cardiol Rev 2018; 14:264-271. [PMID: 30124158 PMCID: PMC6300797 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x14666180820151325] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Calcific aortic valve disease is common in an aging population. It is an ac-tive atheroinflammatory process that has an initial pathophysiology and similar risk factors as athero-sclerosis. However, the ultimate disease phenotypes are markedly different. While coronary heart dis-ease results in rupture-prone plaques, calcific aortic valve disease leads to heavily calcified and ossi-fied valves. Both are initiated by the retention of low-density lipoprotein particles in the subendotheli-al matrix leading to sterile inflammation. In calcific aortic valve disease, the process towards calcifica-tion and ossification is preceded by valvular thickening, which can cause the first clinical symptoms. This is attributable to the accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells and subsequently disturbances in the valvular extracellular matrix. Fibrosis is also increased but the innermost extracellular matrix layer is simultaneously loosened. Ultimately, the pathological changes in the valve cause massive calcifica-tion and bone formation - the main reasons for the loss of valvular function and the subsequent myo-cardial pathology. Conclusion: Calcification may be irreversible, and no drug treatments have been found to be effec-tive, thus it is imperative to emphasize lifestyle prevention of the disease. Here we review the mecha-nisms underpinning the early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauli Ohukainen
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Rysa
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Masjedi S, Amarnath A, Baily KM, Ferdous Z. Comparison of calcification potential of valvular interstitial cells isolated from individual aortic valve cusps. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 25:185-194. [PMID: 26874039 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is one of the most prevalent disorders among the elderly in developed countries. CAVD develops via cell-mediated processes, and clinical data show that CAVD initiates mostly in the noncoronary cusp of the aortic valve. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) populate the inside of heart valves and are a heterogeneous cell population. The goal of this study is to elucidate the difference in calcification potential among VICs isolated from the left, right, and noncoronary cusps of porcine aortic valves. METHODS AND RESULTS VICs were isolated from each of the aortic valve cusps and cultured in calcifying medium for 14days to induce calcification. The samples were assessed for calcium deposits, nodule formation, and calcific markers using alizarin red and Von Kossa staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP enzyme activity assay, and Western blot. Extracellular matrix production and degradation were measured using collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) assay and gelatin zymography. We observed that VICs isolated from the noncoronary cusp expressed greatest amount of the above calcific markers as compared to the coronary cusps. Also, collagen and GAG content was the greatest in noncoronary VICs. However, our zymography results showed significant difference only for active matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression between right and noncoronary VICs. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that VICs among the three cusps within aortic valve might be inherently different, where a subpopulation of VICs might be predisposed to calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Masjedi
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - Adithi Amarnath
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - Katherine M Baily
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - Zannatul Ferdous
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.
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Koshkelashvili N, Codolosa JN, Goykhman I, Romero-Corral A, Pressman GS. Distribution of Mitral Annular and Aortic Valve Calcium as Assessed by Unenhanced Multidetector Computed Tomography. Am J Cardiol 2015; 116:1923-7. [PMID: 26517948 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with calcium deposits in various cardiovascular structures, but patterns of calcium deposition, if any, are unknown. In search of such patterns, we performed quantitative assessment of mitral annular calcium (MAC) and aortic valve calcium (AVC) in a broad clinical sample. Templates were created from gated computed tomography (CT) scans depicting the aortic valve cusps and mitral annular segments in relation to surrounding structures. These were then applied to CT reconstructions from ungated, clinically indicated CT scans of 318 subjects, aged ≥65 years. Calcium location was assigned using the templates and quantified by the Agatston method. Mean age was 76 ± 7.3 years; 48% were men and 58% were white. Whites had higher prevalence (p = 0.03) and density of AVC than blacks (p = 0.02), and a trend toward increased MAC (p = 0.06). Prevalence of AVC was similar between men and women, but AVC scores were higher in men (p = 0.008); this difference was entirely accounted for by whites. Within the aortic valve, the left cusp was more frequently calcified than the others. MAC was most common in the posterior mitral annulus, especially its middle (P2) segment. For the anterior mitral annulus, the medial (A3) segment calcified most often. In conclusion, AVC is more common in whites than blacks, and more intense in men, but only in whites. Furthermore, calcium deposits in the mitral annulus and aortic valve favor certain locations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose N Codolosa
- The Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Igor Goykhman
- Department of Radiology, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Abel Romero-Corral
- The Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregg S Pressman
- The Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, Department of Internal Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Halevi R, Hamdan A, Marom G, Mega M, Raanani E, Haj-Ali R. Progressive aortic valve calcification: Three-dimensional visualization and biomechanical analysis. J Biomech 2015; 48:489-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Godby RC, Munjal C, Opoka AM, Smith JM, Yutzey KE, Narmoneva DA, Hinton RB. Cross Talk between NOTCH Signaling and Biomechanics in Human Aortic Valve Disease Pathogenesis. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2014; 1:237-256. [PMID: 29552567 PMCID: PMC5856658 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd1030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve disease is a burgeoning public health problem associated with significant mortality. Loss of function mutations in NOTCH1 cause bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and calcific aortic valve disease. Because calcific nodules manifest on the fibrosa side of the cusp in low fluidic oscillatory shear stress (OSS), elucidating pathogenesis requires approaches that consider both molecular and mechanical factors. Therefore, we examined the relationship between NOTCH loss of function (LOF) and biomechanical indices in healthy and diseased human aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs). An orbital shaker system was used to apply cyclic OSS, which mimics the cardiac cycle and hemodynamics experienced by AVICs in vivo. NOTCH LOF blocked OSS-induced cell alignment in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whereas AVICs did not align when subjected to OSS under any conditions. In healthy AVICs, OSS resulted in decreased elastin (ELN) and α-SMA (ACTA2). NOTCH LOF was associated with similar changes, but in diseased AVICs, NOTCH LOF combined with OSS was associated with increased α-SMA expression. Interestingly, AVICs showed relatively higher expression of NOTCH2 compared to NOTCH1. Biomechanical interactions between endothelial and interstitial cells involve complex NOTCH signaling that contributes to matrix homeostasis in health and disorganization in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Godby
- Division of Cardiology, the Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Charu Munjal
- Division of Cardiology, the Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Amy M. Opoka
- Division of Cardiology, the Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - J. Michael Smith
- TriHealth Heart Institute, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA
| | - Katherine E. Yutzey
- Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, the Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Daria A. Narmoneva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Robert B. Hinton
- Division of Cardiology, the Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +1-513-636-0389; Fax: +1-513-636-5958
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Review of Molecular and Mechanical Interactions in the Aortic Valve and Aorta: Implications for the Shared Pathogenesis of Aortic Valve Disease and Aortopathy. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2014; 7:823-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s12265-014-9602-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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14
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Movva R, Murthy K, Romero-Corral A, Seetha Rammohan HR, Fumo P, Pressman GS. Calcification of the Mitral Valve and Annulus: Systematic Evaluation of Effects on Valve Anatomy and Function. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2013; 26:1135-1142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2013.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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15
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Bäck M, Gasser TC, Michel JB, Caligiuri G. Biomechanical factors in the biology of aortic wall and aortic valve diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2013; 99:232-41. [PMID: 23459103 PMCID: PMC3695745 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvt040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomechanical factors that result from the haemodynamic load on the cardiovascular system are a common denominator of several vascular pathologies. Thickening and calcification of the aortic valve will lead to reduced opening and the development of left ventricular outflow obstruction, referred to as aortic valve stenosis. The most common pathology of the aorta is the formation of an aneurysm, morphologically defined as a progressive dilatation of a vessel segment by more than 50% of its normal diameter. The aortic valve is exposed to both haemodynamic forces and structural leaflet deformation as it opens and closes with each heartbeat to assure unidirectional flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. The arterial pressure is translated into tension-dominated mechanical wall stress in the aorta. In addition, stress and strain are related through the aortic stiffness. Furthermore, blood flow over the valvular and vascular endothelial layer induces wall shear stress. Several pathophysiological processes of aortic valve stenosis and aortic aneurysms, such as macromolecule transport, gene expression alterations, cell death pathways, calcification, inflammation, and neoangiogenesis directly depend on biomechanical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Bäck
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Liu F, Coursey CA, Grahame-Clarke C, Sciacca RR, Rozenshtein A, Homma S, Austin JHM. Aortic Valve Calcification as an Incidental Finding at CT of the Elderly: Severity and Location as Predictors of Aortic Stenosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2006; 186:342-9. [PMID: 16423936 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.04.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to correlate the severity and location of aortic valve calcifications, as an incidental finding at chest CT of elderly persons, with pressure gradients across the valve. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred fifteen subjects who were 60 years old or older and who showed aortic valve calcification on chest CT (5-mm reconstructed section width, no IV contrast material) and who had also undergone transthoracic echocardiography within 3 months of the CT examination were identified retrospectively. Aortic valve calcification scores (Agatston and volumetric) and subjective calcification pattern scores (based on a 9-point scale) were calculated and correlated with echocardiographic gradients. RESULTS Thirty patients (26%) (median age, 81 years) were identified who showed an increased pressure gradient across the aortic valve at echocardiography. Eighty-five subjects (74%), including 30 age-matched but otherwise randomly selected control subjects, showed no increase in pressure gradient. The severity of aortic valve calcification was greater for the 30 subjects with an increased gradient than for the control subjects (p < 0.0001). Increased mean and peak gradients across the aortic valve correlated with the subjective scores for aortic valve calcification (r = 0.69 and 0.65, respectively; p < 0.0001), with Agatston scores (r = 0.76 and 0.70, respectively; p < 0.0001), and with volumetric scores (r = 0.78 and 0.73, respectively; p < 0.0001). In terms of specific commissures, the greatest correlation with mean and peak gradients was for peripheral left-posterior commissural calcification (r = 0.71 and 0.65, respectively; p < 0.0001) and central right-left commissural calcification (r = 0.69 and 0.66, respectively; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The severity of aortic valve calcifications on chest CT, as assessed either subjectively or objectively, correlated with increased pressure gradients across the aortic valve, particularly for calcification of the peripheral left-posterior commissure and the central right-left commissure. These results indicate that the severity and location of aortic valve calcifications on chest CT are associated with an increased pressure gradient across the aortic valve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
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