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Wohlgemuth RP, Feitzinger RM, Henricson KE, Dinh DT, Brashear SE, Smith LR. The extracellular matrix of dystrophic mouse diaphragm accounts for the majority of its passive stiffness and is resistant to collagenase digestion. Matrix Biol Plus 2023; 18:100131. [PMID: 36970609 PMCID: PMC10036937 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2023.100131] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The healthy skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) has several functions including providing structural integrity to myofibers, enabling lateral force transmission, and contributing to overall passive mechanical properties. In diseases such as Duchenne Muscular dystrophy, there is accumulation of ECM materials, primarily collagen, which results in fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that fibrotic muscle is often stiffer than healthy muscle, in part due to the increased number and altered architecture of collagen fibers within the ECM. This would imply that the fibrotic matrix is stiffer than the healthy matrix. However, while previous studies have attempted to quantify the extracellular contribution to passive stiffness in muscle, the outcomes are dependent on the type of method used. Thus, the goals of this study were to compare the stiffness of healthy and fibrotic muscle ECM and to demonstrate the efficacy of two methods for quantifying extracellular-based stiffness in muscle, namely decellularization and collagenase digestion. These methods have been demonstrated to remove the muscle fibers or ablate collagen fiber integrity, respectively, while maintaining the contents of the extracellular matrix. Using these methods in conjunction with mechanical testing on wildtype and D2.mdx mice, we found that a majority of passive stiffness in the diaphragm is dependent on the ECM, and the D2.mdx diaphragm ECM is resistant to digestion by bacterial collagenase. We propose that this resistance is due to the increased collagen cross-links and collagen packing density in the ECM of the D2.mdx diaphragm. Taken altogether, while we did not find increased stiffness of the fibrotic ECM, we did observe that the D2.mdx diaphragm conveyed resistance against collagenase digestion. These findings demonstrate how different methods for measuring ECM-based stiffness each have their own limitations and can produce different results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P. Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Ryan M. Feitzinger
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Kyle E. Henricson
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Daryl T. Dinh
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Sarah E. Brashear
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
| | - Lucas R. Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis, USA
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2
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Brashear SE, Wohlgemuth RP, Hu LY, Jbeily EH, Christiansen BA, Smith LR. Collagen cross-links scale with passive stiffness in dystrophic mouse muscles, but are not altered with administration of a lysyl oxidase inhibitor. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271776. [PMID: 36302059 PMCID: PMC9612445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lack of functional dystrophin leads to myofiber instability and progressive muscle damage that results in fibrosis. While fibrosis is primarily characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, there are changes in ECM architecture during fibrosis that relate more closely to functional muscle stiffness. One of these architectural changes in dystrophic muscle is collagen cross-linking, which has been shown to increase the passive muscle stiffness in models of fibrosis including the mdx mouse, a model of DMD. We tested whether the intraperitoneal injections of beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), an inhibitor of the cross-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase, would reduce collagen cross-linking and passive stiffness in young and adult mdx mice compared to saline-injected controls. We found no significant differences between BAPN treated and saline treated mice in collagen cross-linking and stiffness parameters. However, we observed that while collagen cross-linking and passive stiffness scaled positively in dystrophic muscles, collagen fiber alignment scaled with passive stiffness distinctly between muscles. We also observed that the dystrophic diaphragm showed the most dramatic fibrosis in terms of collagen content, cross-linking, and stiffness. Overall, we show that while BAPN was not effective at reducing collagen cross-linking, the positive association between collagen cross-linking and stiffness in dystrophic muscles still show cross-linking as a viable target for reducing passive muscle stiffness in DMD or other fibrotic muscle conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Brashear
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ross P. Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Lin-Ya Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Elias H. Jbeily
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Blaine A. Christiansen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Lucas R. Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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3
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Demonbreun AR, Fallon KS, Oosterbaan CC, Vaught LA, Reiser NL, Bogdanovic E, Velez MP, Salamone IM, Page PGT, Hadhazy M, Quattrocelli M, Barefield DY, Wood LD, Gonzalez JP, Morris C, McNally EM. Anti-latent TGFβ binding protein 4 antibody improves muscle function and reduces muscle fibrosis in muscular dystrophy. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabf0376. [PMID: 34516828 PMCID: PMC9559620 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy, like other muscular dystrophies, is a progressive disorder hallmarked by muscle degeneration, inflammation, and fibrosis. Latent transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) binding protein 4 (LTBP4) is an extracellular matrix protein found in muscle. LTBP4 sequesters and inhibits a precursor form of TGFβ. LTBP4 was originally identified from a genome-wide search for genetic modifiers of muscular dystrophy in mice, where there are two different alleles. The protective form of LTBP4, which contains an insertion of 12 amino acids in the protein’s hinge region, was linked to increased sequestration of latent TGFβ, enhanced muscle membrane stability, and reduced muscle fibrosis. The deleterious form of LTBP4 protein, lacking 12 amino acids, was more susceptible to proteolysis and promoted release of latent TGF-β, and together, these data underscored the functional role of LTBP4’s hinge. Here, we generated a monoclonal human anti-LTBP4 antibody directed toward LTBP4’s hinge region. In vitro, anti-LTBP4 bound LTBP4 protein and reduced LTBP4 proteolytic cleavage. In isolated myofibers, the LTBP4 antibody stabilized the sarcolemma from injury. In vivo, anti-LTBP4 treatment of dystrophic mice protected muscle against force loss induced by eccentric contraction. Anti-LTBP4 treatment also reduced muscle fibrosis and enhanced muscle force production, including in the diaphragm muscle, where respiratory function was improved. Moreover, the anti-LTBP4 in combination with prednisone, a standard of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, further enhanced muscle function and protected against injury in mdx mice. These data demonstrate the potential of anti-LTBP4 antibodies to treat muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis R Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Katherine S Fallon
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Claire C Oosterbaan
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lauren A Vaught
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nina L Reiser
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elena Bogdanovic
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Matthew P Velez
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Isabella M Salamone
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick G T Page
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michele Hadhazy
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mattia Quattrocelli
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David Y Barefield
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | | | | | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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4
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Brashear SE, Wohlgemuth RP, Gonzalez G, Smith LR. Passive stiffness of fibrotic skeletal muscle in mdx mice relates to collagen architecture. J Physiol 2021; 599:943-962. [PMID: 33247944 PMCID: PMC9926974 DOI: 10.1113/jp280656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The amount of fibrotic material in dystrophic mouse muscles relates to contractile function, but not passive function. Collagen fibres in skeletal muscle are associated with increased passive muscle stiffness in fibrotic muscles. The alignment of collagen is independently associated with passive stiffness in dystrophic skeletal muscles. These outcomes demonstrate that collagen architecture rather than collagen content should be a target of anti-fibrotic therapies to treat muscle stiffness. ABSTRACT Fibrosis is prominent in many skeletal muscle pathologies including dystrophies, neurological disorders, cachexia, chronic kidney disease, sarcopenia and metabolic disorders. Fibrosis in muscle is associated with decreased contractile forces and increased passive stiffness that limits joint mobility leading to contractures. However, the assumption that more fibrotic material is directly related to decreased function has not held true. Here we utilize novel measurement of extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen architecture to relate ECM form to muscle function. We used mdx mice, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy that becomes fibrotic, and wildtype mice. In this model, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was significantly stiffer, but with similar total collagen, while the soleus muscle did not change stiffness, but increased collagen. The stiffness of the EDL was associated with increased collagen crosslinking as determined by collagen solubility. Measurement of ECM alignment using polarized light microscopy showed a robust relationship between stiffness and alignment for wildtype muscle that broke down in mdx muscles. Direct visualization of large collagen fibres with second harmonic generation imaging revealed their relative abundance in stiff muscles. Collagen fibre alignment was linked to stiffness across all muscles investigated and the most significant factor in a multiple linear regression-based model of muscle stiffness from ECM parameters. This work establishes novel characteristics of skeletal muscle ECM architecture and provides evidence for a mechanical function of collagen fibres in muscle. This finding suggests that anti-fibrotic strategies to enhance muscle function and excessive stiffness should target large collagen fibres and their alignment rather than total collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Brashear
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis
| | - Ross P. Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis
| | - Gabriella Gonzalez
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis
| | - Lucas R. Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis
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5
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Chowdhury SAK, Warren CM, Simon JN, Ryba DM, Batra A, Varga P, Kranias EG, Tardiff JC, Solaro RJ, Wolska BM. Modifications of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Function Prevent Progression of Sarcomere-Linked Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Despite a Persistent Increase in Myofilament Calcium Response. Front Physiol 2020; 11:107. [PMID: 32210830 PMCID: PMC7075858 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in different genes mainly encoding myofilament proteins and therefore called a “disease of the sarcomere.” Despite the discovery of sarcomere protein mutations linked to HCM almost 30 years ago, the cellular mechanisms responsible for the development of this disease are not completely understood and likely vary among different mutations. Moreover, despite many efforts to develop effective treatments for HCM, these have largely been unsuccessful, and more studies are needed to better understand the cellular mechanisms of the disease. In experiments reported here, we investigated a mouse model expressing the mutant cTnT-R92Q, which is linked to HCM and induces an increase in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and diastolic dysfunction. We found that early correction of the diastolic dysfunction by phospholamban knockout (PLNKO) was able to prevent the development of the HCM phenotype in troponin T (TnT)-R92Q transgenic (TG) mice. Four groups of mice in FVB/N background were generated and used for the experiments: (1) non-transgenic (NTG)/PLN mice, which express wild-type TnT and normal level of PLN; (2) NTG/PLNKO mice, which express wild-type TnT and no PLN; (3) TG/PLN mice, which express TnT-R92Q and normal level of PLN; (4) TG/PLNKO mice, which express TnT-R92Q and no PLN. Cardiac function was determined using both standard echocardiographic parameters and speckle tracking strain measurements. We found that both atrial morphology and diastolic function were altered in TG/PLN mice but normal in TG/PLNKO mice. Histological analysis showed a disarray of myocytes and increased collagen deposition only in TG/PLN hearts. We also observed increased Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylation only in TG/PLN hearts but not in TG/PLNKO hearts. The rescue of the HCM phenotype was not associated with differences in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity between TG/PLN and TG/PLNKO mice. Moreover, compared to standard systolic echo parameters, such as ejection fraction (EF), speckle strain measurements provided a more sensitive approach to detect early systolic dysfunction in TG/PLN mice. In summary, our results indicate that targeting diastolic dysfunction through altering Ca2+ fluxes with no change in myofilament response to Ca2+ was able to prevent the development of the HCM phenotype and should be considered as a potential additional treatment for HCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamim A K Chowdhury
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cardiovascular Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chad M Warren
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cardiovascular Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jillian N Simon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cardiovascular Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - David M Ryba
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cardiovascular Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ashley Batra
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cardiovascular Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Peter Varga
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Evangelia G Kranias
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jil C Tardiff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - R John Solaro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cardiovascular Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Beata M Wolska
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Center for Cardiovascular Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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6
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Demonbreun AR, Wyatt EJ, Fallon KS, Oosterbaan CC, Page PG, Hadhazy M, Quattrocelli M, Barefield DY, McNally EM. A gene-edited mouse model of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2C for testing exon skipping. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm040832. [PMID: 31582396 PMCID: PMC6906631 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the γ-sarcoglycan (SGCG) gene. The most common SGCG mutation is a single nucleotide deletion from a stretch of five thymine residues in SGCG exon 6 (521ΔT). This founder mutation disrupts the transcript reading frame, abolishing protein expression. An antisense oligonucleotide exon-skipping method to reframe the human 521ΔT transcript requires skipping four exons to generate a functional, internally truncated protein. In vivo evaluation of this multi-exon skipping, antisense-mediated therapy requires a genetically appropriate mouse model. The human and mouse γ-sarcoglycan genes are highly homologous in sequence and gene structure, including the exon 6 region harboring the founder mutation. Herein, we describe a new mouse model of this form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to introduce a single thymine deletion in murine exon 6, recreating the 521ΔT point mutation in Sgcg These mice express the 521ΔT transcript, lack γ-sarcoglycan protein and exhibit a severe dystrophic phenotype. Phenotypic characterization demonstrated reduced muscle mass, increased sarcolemmal leak and fragility, and decreased muscle function, consistent with the human pathological findings. Furthermore, we showed that intramuscular administration of a murine-specific multiple exon-directed antisense oligonucleotide cocktail effectively corrected the 521ΔT reading frame. These data demonstrate a molecularly and pathologically suitable model for in vivo testing of a multi-exon skipping strategy to advance preclinical development of this genetic correction approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis R Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eugene J Wyatt
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Katherine S Fallon
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Claire C Oosterbaan
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick G Page
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michele Hadhazy
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mattia Quattrocelli
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David Y Barefield
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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7
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Biochemical and Functional Comparisons of mdx and Sgcg(-/-) Muscular Dystrophy Mouse Models. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:131436. [PMID: 26064876 PMCID: PMC4433636 DOI: 10.1155/2015/131436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models have provided an essential platform to investigate facets of human diseases, from etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis, to potential treatments. Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the most common human genetic disease occurring in approximately 1 in 2500 births. The mdx mouse, which is dystrophin-deficient, has long been used to model this disease. However, this mouse strain displays a rather mild disease course compared to human patients. The mdx mice have been bred to additional genetically engineered mice to worsen the disease. Alternatively, other genes which cause human MD have been genetically disrupted in mice. We are now comparing disease progression from one of these alternative gene disruptions, the γ-sarcoglycan null mouse Sgcg−/− on the DBA2/J background, to the mdx mouse line. This paper aims to assess the time-course severity of the disease in the mouse models and determine which is best for MD research. The Sgcg−/− mice have a more severe phenotype than the mdx mice. Muscle function was assessed by plethysmography and echocardiography. Histologically the Sgcg−/− mice displayed increased fibrosis and variable fiber size. By quantitative Evan's blue dye uptake and hydroxyproline content two key disease determinants, membrane permeability and fibrosis respectively, were also proven worse in the Sgcg−/− mice.
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Smith LR, Barton ER. Collagen content does not alter the passive mechanical properties of fibrotic skeletal muscle in mdx mice. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 306:C889-98. [PMID: 24598364 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00383.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Many skeletal muscle diseases are associated with progressive fibrosis leading to impaired muscle function. Collagen within the extracellular matrix is the primary structural protein providing a mechanical scaffold for cells within tissues. During fibrosis collagen not only increases in amount but also undergoes posttranslational changes that alter its organization that is thought to contribute to tissue stiffness. Little, however, is known about collagen organization in fibrotic muscle and its consequences for function. To investigate the relationship between collagen content and organization with muscle mechanical properties, we studied mdx mice, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) that undergoes skeletal muscle fibrosis, and age-matched control mice. We determined collagen content both histologically, with picosirius red staining, and biochemically, with hydroxyproline quantification. Collagen content increased in the mdx soleus and diaphragm muscles, which was exacerbated by age in the diaphragm. Collagen packing density, a parameter of collagen organization, was determined using circularly polarized light microscopy of picosirius red-stained sections. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscle had proportionally less dense collagen in mdx muscle, while the diaphragm did not change packing density. The mdx muscles had compromised strength as expected, yet only the EDL had a significantly increased elastic stiffness. The EDL and diaphragm had increased dynamic stiffness and a change in relative viscosity. Unexpectedly, passive stiffness did not correlate with collagen content and only weakly correlated with collagen organization. We conclude that muscle fibrosis does not lead to increased passive stiffness and that collagen content is not predictive of muscle stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elisabeth R Barton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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9
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Sikkel MB, Hayward C, MacLeod KT, Harding SE, Lyon AR. SERCA2a gene therapy in heart failure: an anti-arrhythmic positive inotrope. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:38-54. [PMID: 24138023 PMCID: PMC3874695 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options that directly enhance cardiomyocyte contractility in chronic heart failure (HF) therapy are currently limited and do not improve prognosis. In fact, most positive inotropic agents, such as β-adrenoreceptor agonists and PDE inhibitors, which have been assessed in HF patients, cause increased mortality as a result of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2)(+) -ATPase2a (SERCA2a) is a key protein involved in sequestration of Ca(2)(+) into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during diastole. There is a reduction of SERCA2a protein level and function in HF, which has been successfully targeted via viral transfection of the SERCA2a gene into cardiac tissue in vivo. This has enhanced cardiac contractility and reduced mortality in several preclinical models of HF. Theoretical concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of arrhythmogenic adverse effects of SERCA2a gene therapy due to enhanced SR Ca(2)(+) load and induction of SR Ca(2)(+) leak as a result. Contrary to these concerns, SERCA2a gene therapy in a wide variety of preclinical models, including acute ischaemia/reperfusion, chronic pressure overload and chronic myocardial infarction, has resulted in a reduction in ventricular arrhythmias. The potential mechanisms for this unexpected beneficial effect, as well as mechanisms of enhancement of cardiac contractile function, are reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus B Sikkel
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial CollegeLondon, UK
| | - Carl Hayward
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial CollegeLondon, UK
- NIHR Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton HospitalLondon, UK
| | - Kenneth T MacLeod
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial CollegeLondon, UK
| | - Sian E Harding
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial CollegeLondon, UK
| | - Alexander R Lyon
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial CollegeLondon, UK
- NIHR Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton HospitalLondon, UK
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10
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Whaley-Connell A, Habibi J, Rehmer N, Ardhanari S, Hayden MR, Pulakat L, Krueger C, Ferrario CM, DeMarco VG, Sowers JR. Renin inhibition and AT(1)R blockade improve metabolic signaling, oxidant stress and myocardial tissue remodeling. Metabolism 2013; 62:861-72. [PMID: 23352204 PMCID: PMC3640616 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2012.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Strategies that block angiotensin II actions on its angiotensin type 1 receptor or inhibit actions of aldosterone have been shown to reduce myocardial hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis in states of insulin resistance. Thereby, we sought to determine if combination of direct renin inhibition with angiotensin type 1 receptor blockade in vivo, through greater reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and aldosterone would attenuate left ventricular hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis to a greater extent than either intervention alone. MATERIALS/METHODS We utilized the transgenic Ren2 rat which manifests increased tissue expression of murine renin which, in turn, results in increased renin-angiotensin system activity, aldosterone secretion and insulin resistance. Ren2 rats were treated with aliskiren, valsartan, the combination (aliskiren+valsartan), or vehicle for 21 days. RESULTS Compared to Sprague-Dawley controls, Ren2 rats displayed increased systolic blood pressure, elevated serum aldosterone levels, cardiac tissue hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis and ultrastructural remodeling. These biochemical and functional alterations were accompanied by increases in the NADPH oxidase subunit Nox2 and 3-nitrotyrosine content along with increases in mammalian target of rapamycin and reductions in protein kinase B phosphorylation. Combination therapy contributed to greater reductions in systolic blood pressure and serum aldosterone but did not result in greater improvement in metabolic signaling or markers of oxidative stress, fibrosis or hypertrophy beyond either intervention alone. CONCLUSIONS Thereby, our data suggest that the greater impact of combination therapy on reductions in aldosterone does not translate into greater reductions in myocardial fibrosis or hypertrophy in this transgenic model of tissue renin overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Whaley-Connell
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201, USA.
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11
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Heydemann A, Swaggart KA, Kim GH, Holley-Cuthrell J, Hadhazy M, McNally EM. The superhealing MRL background improves muscular dystrophy. Skelet Muscle 2012; 2:26. [PMID: 23216833 PMCID: PMC3534636 DOI: 10.1186/2044-5040-2-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mice from the MRL or “superhealing” strain have enhanced repair after acute injury to the skin, cornea, and heart. We now tested an admixture of the MRL genome and found that it altered the course of muscle pathology and cardiac function in a chronic disease model of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Mice lacking γ-sarcoglycan (Sgcg), a dystrophin-associated protein, develop muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy similar to their human counterparts with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. With disruption of the dystrophin complex, the muscle plasma membrane becomes leaky and muscles develop increased fibrosis. Methods MRL/MpJ mice were bred with Sgcg mice, and cardiac function was measured. Muscles were assessed for fibrosis and membrane leak using measurements of hydroxyproline and Evans blue dye. Quantitative trait locus mapping was conducted using single nucleotide polymorphisms distinct between the two parental strains. Results Introduction of the MRL genome reduced fibrosis but did not alter membrane leak in skeletal muscle of the Sgcg model. The MRL genome was also associated with improved cardiac function with reversal of depressed fractional shortening and the left ventricular ejection fraction. We conducted a genome-wide analysis of genetic modifiers and found that a region on chromosome 2 was associated with cardiac, diaphragm muscle and abdominal muscle fibrosis. Conclusions These data are consistent with a model where the MRL genome acts in a dominant manner to suppress fibrosis in this chronic disease setting of heart and muscle disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlke Heydemann
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, 5841 S, Maryland, MC 6088, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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Linz D, Hohl M, Mahfoud F, Reil JC, Linz W, Hübschle T, Juretschke HP, Neumann-Häflin C, Rütten H, Böhm M. Cardiac remodeling and myocardial dysfunction in obese spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Transl Med 2012; 10:187. [PMID: 22963383 PMCID: PMC3508805 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The additive effects of obesity and metabolic syndrome on left ventricular (LV) maladaptive remodeling and function in hypertension are not characterized. Methods We compared an obese spontaneously hypertensive rat model (SHR-ob) with lean spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-lean) and normotensive controls (Ctr). LV-function was investigated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and invasive LV-pressure measurements. LV-interstitial fibrosis was quantified and protein levels of phospholamban (PLB), Serca2a and glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT4) were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results Systolic blood pressure was similar in SHR-lean and SHR-ob (252 ± 7 vs. 242 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.398) but was higher when compared to Ctr (155 ± 2 mmHg, p < 0.01 for both). Compared to SHR-lean and Ctr, SHR-ob showed impaired glucose tolerance and increased body-weight. In SHR-ob, LV-ejection fraction was impaired vs. Ctr (46.2 ± 1.1 vs. 59.6 ± 1.9%, p = 0.007). LV-enddiastolic pressure was more increased in SHR-ob than in SHR-lean (21.5 ± 4.1 vs. 5.9 ± 0.81 mmHg, p = 0.0002) when compared to Ctr (4.3 ± 1.1 mmHg, p < 0.0001 for both), respectively. Increased LV-fibrosis together with increased myocyte diameters and ANF gene expression in SHR-ob were associated with increased GLUT1-protein levels in SHR-ob suggestive for an upregulation of the GLUT1/ANF-axis. Serca2a-protein levels were decreased in SHR-lean but not altered in SHR-ob compared to Ctr. PLB-phosphorylation was not altered. Conclusion In addition to hypertension alone, metabolic syndrome and obesity adds to the myocardial phenotype by aggravating diastolic dysfunction and a progression towards systolic dysfunction. SHR-ob may be a useful model to develop new interventional and pharmacological treatment strategies for hypertensive heart disease and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Linz
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar 66421, Germany.
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13
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DeMarco VG, Johnson MS, Habibi J, Pulakat L, Gul R, Hayden MR, Tilmon RD, Dellsperger KC, Winer N, Whaley-Connell AT, Sowers JR. Comparative analysis of telmisartan and olmesartan on cardiac function in the transgenic (mRen2)27 rat. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2010; 300:H181-90. [PMID: 21057043 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00883.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Telmisartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, may have unique benefits as it possesses partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonist activity in addition to antihypertensive effects. In this study, we test whether treatment with telmisartan ameliorates cardiovascular abnormalities to a greater extent than olmesartan, which has little PPAR-γ activity. The hypertensive rodent model of tissue renin-angiotensin system activation, transgenic (mRen2)27 (Ren2) rats and their littermate Sprague-Dawley controls were used. Rats were treated with telmisartan (2 mg · kg(-1) · day(-1)), olmesartan (2.5 mg · kg(-1) · day(-1)), or vehicle via drinking water for 3 wk; these doses achieved similar blood pressure control, as measured by telemetry. Ren2 rats displayed impaired diastolic and systolic function using left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume (P-V) analysis. Load-independent diastolic indexes, including the time constant of isovolumic relaxation and the slope of the end-diastolic P-V relationship, as well as systolic indexes, including preload recruitable stroke work, the dP/dt(max)-end-diastolic volume (EDV) relationship, and the P-V area-EDV relationship, were elevated in Ren2 rats compared with Sprague-Dawley controls (P < 0.05). The Ren2 myocardium exhibited parallel increases in the oxidant markers NADPH oxidase and 3-nitrotyrosine. The increase in the prohypertrophic protein Jak2 in Ren2 rats was associated with cardiac structural abnormalities using light microscopic and ultrastructural analysis, which included interstitial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte and LV hypertrophy, and mitochondrial derangements. Both angiotensin receptor blockers attenuate these abnormalities to a similar extent. Our data suggest that the beneficial effect of telmisartan and olmesartan on cardiac structure and function may be predominantly pressor-related or angiotensin type 1 receptor dependent in this model of renin-angiotensin system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent G DeMarco
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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14
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Swaggart KA, Heydemann A, Palmer AA, McNally EM. Distinct genetic regions modify specific muscle groups in muscular dystrophy. Physiol Genomics 2010; 43:24-31. [PMID: 20959497 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00172.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic expression in the muscular dystrophies is variable, even with the identical mutation, providing strong evidence that genetic modifiers influence outcome. To identify genetic modifier loci, we used quantitative trait locus mapping in two differentially affected mouse strains with muscular dystrophy. Using the Sgcg model of limb girdle muscular dystrophy that lacks the dystrophin-associated protein γ-sarcoglycan, we evaluated chromosomal regions that segregated with two distinct quantifiable characteristics of muscular dystrophy, membrane permeability and fibrosis. We previously identified a single major locus on murine chromosome 7 that influences both traits of membrane permeability and fibrosis in the quadriceps muscle. Using a larger cohort, we now found that this same interval strongly associated with both traits in all limb skeletal muscle groups studied, including the gastrocnemius/soleus, gluteus/hamstring, and triceps muscles. In contrast, the muscles of the trunk were modified by distinct genetic loci, possibly reflecting the embryological origins and physiological stressors unique to these muscle groups. A locus on chromosome 18 was identified that modified membrane permeability of the abdominal muscles, and a locus on chromosome 3 was found that regulated diaphragm and abdominal muscle fibrosis. Fibrosis in the heart associated with a region on chromosome 9 and likely reflects differential function between cardiac and skeletal muscle. These data underscore the complexity of inheritance and penetrance of single-gene disorders.
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15
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Peña JR, Szkudlarek AC, Warren CM, Heinrich LS, Gaffin RD, Jagatheesan G, del Monte F, Hajjar RJ, Goldspink PH, Solaro RJ, Wieczorek DF, Wolska BM. Neonatal gene transfer of Serca2a delays onset of hypertrophic remodeling and improves function in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2010; 49:993-1002. [PMID: 20854827 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Revised: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder linked to numerous mutations in the sarcomeric proteins. The clinical presentation of FHC is highly variable, but it is a major cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults with no specific treatments. We tested the hypothesis that early intervention in Ca(2+) regulation may prevent pathological hypertrophy and improve cardiac function in a FHC displaying increased myofilament sensitivity to Ca(2+) and diastolic dysfunction. A transgenic (TG) mouse model of FHC with a mutation in tropomyosin at position 180 was employed. Adenoviral-Serca2a (Ad.Ser) was injected into the left ventricle of 1-day-old non-transgenic (NTG) and TG mice. Ad.LacZ was injected as a control. Serca2a protein expression was significantly increased in NTG and TG hearts injected with Ad.Ser for up to 6 weeks. Compared to TG-Ad.LacZ hearts, the TG-Ad.Ser hearts showed improved whole heart morphology. Moreover, there was a significant decline in ANF and β-MHC expression. Developed force in isolated papillary muscle from 2- to 3-week-old TG-Ad.Ser hearts was higher and the response to isoproterenol (ISO) improved compared to TG-Ad.LacZ muscles. In situ hemodynamic measurements showed that by 3 months the TG-Ad.Ser hearts also had a significantly improved response to ISO compared to TG-Ad.LacZ hearts. The present study strongly suggests that Serca2a expression should be considered as a potential target for gene therapy in FHC. Moreover, our data imply that development of FHC can be successfully delayed if therapies are started shortly after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Peña
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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16
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Heydemann A, Ceco E, Lim JE, Hadhazy M, Ryder P, Moran JL, Beier DR, Palmer AA, McNally EM. Latent TGF-beta-binding protein 4 modifies muscular dystrophy in mice. J Clin Invest 2009; 119:3703-12. [PMID: 19884661 DOI: 10.1172/jci39845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most single-gene diseases, including muscular dystrophy, display a nonuniform phenotype. Phenotypic variability arises, in part, due to the presence of genetic modifiers that enhance or suppress the disease process. We employed an unbiased mapping approach to search for genes that modify muscular dystrophy in mice. In a genome-wide scan, we identified a single strong locus on chromosome 7 that influenced two pathological features of muscular dystrophy, muscle membrane permeability and muscle fibrosis. Within this genomic interval, an insertion/deletion polymorphism of 36 bp in the coding region of the latent TGF-beta-binding protein 4 gene (Ltbp4) was found. Ltbp4 encodes a latent TGF-beta-binding protein that sequesters TGF-beta and regulates its availability for binding to the TGF-beta receptor. Insertion of 12 amino acids into the proline-rich region of LTBP4 reduced proteolytic cleavage and was associated with reduced TGF-beta signaling, decreased fibrosis, and improved muscle pathology in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy. In contrast, a 12-amino-acid deletion in LTBP4 was associated with increased proteolysis, SMAD signaling, and fibrosis. These data identify Ltbp4 as a target gene to regulate TGF-beta signaling and modify outcomes in muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlke Heydemann
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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17
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Abstract
LVDD as an early measure of myocardial end-organ damage is commonly associated with hypertension and may well precede development of LVH in hypertension. About half of the patients presenting with heart failure have a normal ejection fraction, a clinical syndrome that is commonly referred to as HFPEF or diastolic heart failure and is commonly associated with impaired LV relaxation and increased diastolic stiffness. DD and HFPEF are commonly associated with advancing age and hypertension and increase in prevalence in association with these conditions, but there is a paucity of data on any specific therapeutic regimen. Hypertension control appears to be the most effective strategy in improving diastolic function and possibly for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with HFPEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Verma
- Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA
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18
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Abnormal calcium “Sparks” in cardiomyocytes of post-myocardial infarction heart. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 28:401-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-008-0407-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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19
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Ouzounian M, Lee DS, Liu PP. Diastolic heart failure: mechanisms and controversies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 5:375-86. [PMID: 18542106 DOI: 10.1038/ncpcardio1245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 03/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental studies have documented both the rising burden of diastolic heart failure (DHF) and several mechanisms that distinguish this disease from systolic heart failure (SHF). Controversies continue to surround the term 'DHF' as well as its existence as a pathophysiological entity distinct from SHF. Approximately half of all patients who present with heart failure have near-normal systolic function and predominately abnormal diastolic function. Recent reports counter the commonly held belief that survival of patients with DHF is better than that of patients with SHF. The challenges associated with managing the DHF phenotype arise from the heterogeneous etiologies of the condition that include aging, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and ischemia. Lack of diastolic distensibility in DHF has been attributed primarily to hypertrophy and fibrosis. Extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal components including matrix metalloproteinases, titin isoforms, and the quality and quantity of collagen are implicated in DHF development. Impaired active relaxation of the contractile apparatus also contributes to DHF. Novel therapeutic targets that address the pathophysiology of this disease are being actively explored, although as yet there are no proven therapies for DHF. New epidemiologic and mechanistic data regarding DHF highlight the urgency with which the scientific community must address this important public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maral Ouzounian
- Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health, CIHR, NCSB 11-1266, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
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20
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Zobel C, Zavidou-Saroti P, Bölck B, Brixius K, Reuter H, Frank K, Diedrichs H, Müller-Ehmsen J, Bloch W, Schwinger RHG. Altered tension cost in (TG(mREN-2)27) rats overexpressing the mouse renin gene. Eur J Appl Physiol 2006; 99:121-32. [PMID: 17063360 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-006-0323-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to characterize cardiac hypertrophy induced by activation of the renin-angiotensin system in terms of functional alterations on the level of the contractile proteins, employing transgenic rats harboring the mouse renin gene (TGR(mREN2)27). Ca2+-dependent tension and myosin ATPase activity were measured in skinned fiber preparations obtained from TGR(mREN2)27 and from age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats (SPDR). Western blots for troponin I (TnI) and troponin T (TnT) were performed and the phosphorylation status of TnI were evaluated in myocardial preparations. TnT and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms were analyzed by RT-PCR. The pCa/tension relationship was shifted to the right in TGR(mREN2)27 compared to SPDR as indicated by increased Ca2+-concentrations required for half maximal activation of tension (SPDR 5.80, 95% confidence limits 5.77-5.82 vs. TGR(mREN2)27 5.69, 95% confidence limits 5.67-5.72, pCa units), while maximal developed tension was unaltered. Even more pronounced was the shift in the relationship between pCa and myosin-ATPase (SPDR 6.01, 95% confidence limits 5.99-6.03 vs. TGR(mREN2)27 5.77, 95% confidence limits 5.73-5.79, pCa units). The maximal myosin-ATPase activity was reduced in TGR(mREN2)27 compared to SPDR, respectively (211.0 +/- 28.77 micromol ADP/s vs. 271.6 +/- 43.66 micromol ADP/s, P < 0.05). Tension cost (ATPase activity/tension) was significantly reduced in TGR(mREN2)27. The beta-MHC expression was significantly increased in TGR(mREN2)27. There was no isoform shift for TnT (protein and mRNA), as well as TnI, and no alteration of the phosphorylation of TnI in TGR(mREN2)27 compared to SPRD. The present study demonstrates that cardiac hypertrophy, induced by an activation of the renin-angiotensin system, leads to adapting alterations on the level of the contractile filaments, which reduce tension cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Zobel
- Laboratory of Muscle Research and Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
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21
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Abstract
Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is very common, particularly among hypertensives. The presence of LV hypertrophy profoundly affects morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and is now recognized as the most important predictor of chronic heart failure. Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are important determinants of LV hypertrophy, but they fail to identify many individuals with the condition, suggesting that other factors, likely genetic in origin, play a role. Although much research has been undertaken to understand the causes of hypertrophy and the medical treatments that can lead to its regression, much remains unknown about its genetic basis. LV hypertrophy is considered a complex genetic disease, likely representing an interaction of several genes with the environment. The heritability of LV mass, measured as a quantitative trait, falls between 0.3 and 0.7 in different populations, suggesting it has a familial component. Genes encoding proteins involved in LV structure, as well as genes encoding cell signal transduction, hormones, growth factors, calcium homeostasis, substrate metabolism, and blood pressure are likely candidates for the development of common forms of LV hypertrophy. An overview of the pathophysiology of LV hypertrophy and dysfunction is provided, in addition to evidence of the genetic basis for LV hypertrophy in humans and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna K Arnett
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
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22
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Seccia TM, Belloni AS, Kreutz R, Paul M, Nussdorfer GG, Pessina AC, Rossi GP. Cardiac fibrosis occurs early and involves endothelin and AT-1 receptors in hypertension due to endogenous angiotensin II. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003; 41:666-73. [PMID: 12598081 DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(02)02860-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated if endothelin (ET)-1 and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play a role in cardiac fibrosis. BACKGROUND Angiotensin II (Ang II) can induce cardiac fibrosis, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. METHODS Four-week-old transgenic (mRen2)27 rat (TGRen2) received for four weeks a placebo, the mixed ET(A)/ET(B) endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan, the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT-1) antagonist irbesartan, the ET(A) endothelin receptor antagonist BMS-182874, and a combined treatment with irbesartan plus BMS-182874. We measured collagen density on Sirius red-stained serial sections of the left ventricle (LV) with a photomicroscope equipped with specific software and assessed the gene expression of procollagen alpha1(I), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFbeta1), endothelin converting enzyme, and ET(B) receptor. RESULTS In the placebo group, hypertension was associated with LV hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis (LV weight: 4.0 +/- 0.3 mg/g body weight; collagen density: 2.21 +/- 0.16%), which were all prevented with irbesartan (2.3 +/- 0.1, 1.30 +/- 0.13, p < 0.001), but not with BMS-182874 (4.0 +/- 0.2, 2.41 +/- 0.22). Bosentan also prevented fibrosis (1.39 +/- 0.18) but not hypertension and LV hypertrophy (3.38 +/- 0.27). Combined irbesartan and BMS-182874 treatment prevented LV hypertrophy (2.9 +/- 0.1) but not fibrosis (2.52 +/- 0.16). Collagen density correlated (r = 0.414, p < 0.05) with plasma aldosterone levels. In TGRen2 with LV hypertrophy, the gene expression of ANP and ET(B) but not that of TGFbeta1 and procollagen alpha1(I) was increased. CONCLUSIONS In Ang II-dependent hypertension, cardiac fibrosis was associated with LV hypertrophy and was hindered by both mixed ET(A)/ET(B) blockade and AT-1 blockade. Only the latter treatment prevented both hypertension and LV hypertrophy. Thus, there is a dissociation between the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis and hypertension, which do and do not entail ET-1, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Seccia
- Department of Clinical Methodology and Clinical-Surgical Technologies, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Brum PC, Kosek J, Patterson A, Bernstein D, Kobilka B. Abnormal cardiac function associated with sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity in mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2002; 283:H1838-45. [PMID: 12384461 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01063.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
alpha(2A)-Adrenergic receptors (ARs) in the midbrain regulate sympathetic nervous system activity, and both alpha(2A)-ARs and alpha(2C)-ARs regulate catecholamine release from sympathetic nerve terminals in cardiac tissue. Disruption of both alpha(2A)- and alpha(2C)-ARs in mice leads to chronically elevated sympathetic tone and decreased cardiac function by 4 mo of age. These knockout mice have increased mortality, reduced exercise capacity, decreased peak oxygen uptake, and decreased cardiac contractility relative to wild-type controls. Moreover, we observed significant abnormalities in the ultrastructure of cardiac myocytes from alpha(2A)/alpha(2C)-AR knockout mice by electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate that chronic elevation of sympathetic tone can lead to abnormal cardiac function in the absence of prior myocardial injury or genetically induced alterations in myocardial structural or functional proteins. These mice provide a physiologically relevant animal model for investigating the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the development and progression of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Brum
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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24
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Zhang X, Azhar G, Chai J, Sheridan P, Nagano K, Brown T, Yang J, Khrapko K, Borras AM, Lawitts J, Misra RP, Wei JY. Cardiomyopathy in transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of serum response factor. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2001; 280:H1782-92. [PMID: 11247792 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2001.280.4.h1782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF), a member of the MCM1, agamous, deficiens, SRF (MADS) family of transcriptional activators, has been implicated in the transcriptional control of a number of cardiac muscle genes, including cardiac alpha-actin, skeletal alpha-actin, alpha-myosin heavy chain (alpha-MHC), and beta-MHC. To better understand the in vivo role of SRF in regulating genes responsible for maintenance of cardiac function, we sought to test the hypothesis that increased cardiac-specific SRF expression might be associated with altered cardiac morphology and function. We generated transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of the human SRF gene. The transgenic mice developed cardiomyopathy and exhibited increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio, increased heart weight, and four-chamber dilation. Histological examination revealed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, collagen deposition, and interstitial fibrosis. SRF overexpression altered the expression of SRF-regulated genes and resulted in cardiac muscle dysfunction. Our results demonstrate that sustained overexpression of SRF, in the absence of other stimuli, is sufficient to induce cardiac change and suggest that SRF is likely to be one of the downstream effectors of the signaling pathways involved in mediating cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Division on Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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Clausmeyer S, Reinecke A, Farrenkopf R, Unger T, Peters J. Tissue-specific expression of a rat renin transcript lacking the coding sequence for the prefragment and its stimulation by myocardial infarction. Endocrinology 2000; 141:2963-70. [PMID: 10919285 DOI: 10.1210/endo.141.8.7623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
An alternative transcript of the rat renin gene was recently characterized in the adrenal gland, in addition to the known messenger RNA (mRNA) coding for preprorenin. In the alternative transcript, exon 1 is replaced by exon 1A, a domain originating in intron 1. The reading frame of this mRNA, termed exon 1A-renin transcript, codes for a truncated prorenin that presumably remains intracellular, in contrast to preprorenin, which is targeted to the secretory pathway by its prefragment. We here demonstrate the tissue-specific regulation of expression of both transcripts by RT and PCR. In many tissues both transcripts are present, for example in the adrenal gland, spleen, liver, and hypothalamus. In some organs, however, only one of the renin mRNAs is found. In the kidney only the full-length mRNA coding for preprorenin is detected. In the heart exclusively the exon 1A-mRNA is expressed, but not the preprorenin transcript. After myocardial infarction, which is known to activate the intracardiac renin-angiotensin system, expression of exon 1A-renin mRNA in the left ventricle was stimulated about 4-fold, compared with that in sham-operated animals, whereas no mRNA corresponding to preprorenin was detectable. These findings may have implications for the current concepts of local extrarenal renin-angiotensin systems, as they provide the molecular basis for a possible intracellular function of renin and exclude a role for locally produced secretory renin in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Clausmeyer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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26
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Abstract
Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a common condition that profoundly affects morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Noninvasive imaging methods have greatly expanded our ability to evaluate cardiac structural and functional characteristics, and enhanced our understanding of the natural history of LV hypertrophy. The etiology of LV hypertrophy is likely due to the effects of multiple genes interacting with other genes and the environment. Although hypertension is recognized as a strong determinant of LV hypertrophy, blood pressure explains only a limited amount of the interindividual variation in LV mass. Moreover, LV hypertrophy occurs in the absence of hypertension, and in some cases precedes its development. Genes encoding proteins involved in the structure of the LV, as well as genes encoding cell signal transduction, hormones, growth factors, calcium homeostasis, and blood pressure, are likely candidates for the development of common forms of LV hypertrophy. An overview of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of LV hypertrophy and dysfunction is provided, in addition to evidence of the genetic basis for LV hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Arnett
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
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Luo JD, Zhang WW, Zhang GP, Guan JX, Chen X. Simvastatin inhibits cardiac hypertrophy and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in rats with aortic stenosis. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1999; 26:903-8. [PMID: 10561812 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1681.1999.03165.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
1. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that long-term administration of the hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor simvastatin may regress hypertrophy and the possible effect of simvastatin on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in rats with pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy. 2. Pressure-overload left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of rats was induced by part coarctation of the abdominal aorta; a sham-operated group served as the control. Six weeks after operation, animals were divided into three groups and an 8 week treatment period was insitgated as follows: (i) the simvastatin treatment group received simvastatin at 3.6 mg/kg per day, p.o.; (ii) the ACE inhibitor group received captopril at 50 mg/kg per day, p.o.; and (iii) the LVH control group received no drug treatment. 3. At the end of the treatment period, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were monitored in vivo. Diastolic pressure-volume relationships were evaluated in a Langendorff preparation with a balloon-in-left ventricle (LV) heart. Myocyte cell width was measured. Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and angiotensin (Ang)II and hydroxyproline contents of the LV were determined. 4. At the end of the experiments, LVH was established in the LVH control group by increases in LV weight, LV weight/body-weight ratio, LV weight/right ventricle weight ratio, LV myocyte cell width, LVSP and LVEDP by 40, 26, 19, 61, 56 and 59%, respectively (all P < 0.01), compared with the sham-operated group. In the simvastatin-treated and ACE inhibitor groups all these parameters were significantly reduced compared with sham-operated controls. In the LVH control group, ACE activity and AngII and hydroxyproline contents of LV tissue increased by 180, 123 and 70, respectively (all P < 0.01), compared with the sham-operated group. Compared with the LVH group, in the simvastatin-treated and ACE inhibitor groups ACE activity was reduced by 36 (P < 0.05) and 48% (P < 0.01), respectively, AngII content was reduced by 11 (P < 0.05) and 43% (P < 0.01), respectively, and hydroxyproline content was reduced by 23 (P < 0.01) and 10% (P < 0.05), respectively. 5. For the first time, the results of the present study demonstrate that simvastatin significantly reduces LVH, cardiac tissue ACE activity and improves LV performance in pressure-overloaded rats. Because, compared with captopril, simvastatin is more potent in its reduction of LVH and less potent in its inhibition of ACE activity, the mechanism of its antihypertrophic action, in addition to ACE inhibition, may involve inhibition of the mevalonic acid pathway, the main target of action of statins. Thus, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may be beneficial for the clinical treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangzhou Medical College, China.
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McConnaughey MM, McConnaughey JS, Ingenito AJ. Practical considerations of the pharmacology of angiotensin receptor blockers. J Clin Pharmacol 1999; 39:547-59. [PMID: 10354958 DOI: 10.1177/00912709922008155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A review of the drug class of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) as well as the ARBs currently available by prescription in the United States is presented. The importance of angiotensin II production by non-angiotensin-converting enzyme (non-ACE) pathways, particularly human chymase, is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism of action of ARBs and the different binding kinetics of these agents. Although all ARBs, as a group, block the AT1 receptor, they may differ in the pharmacological characteristics of their binding and be classified as either surmountable or insurmountable antagonists. Mechanisms of surmountable and insurmountable antagonism as well as possible benefits of these blocking characteristics are discussed in relation to the various ARBs. The cardiovascular effects of activation of the two main subtypes of angiotensin receptors (AT1 and AT2) are presented. In addition to their treatment of hypertension, ACE inhibitors are recognized as being effective in the management of heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, recurrent myocardial infarctions, and renal disease. ARBs are currently indicated only for the treatment of hypertension; however, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies as well as preliminary clinical data suggest that ARBs, like ACE inhibitors, may also provide effective protection against end-organ damage in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M McConnaughey
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA
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