Silencing of the Na+/H+ exchanger 1(NHE-1) prevents cardiac structural and functional remodeling induced by angiotensin II.

Chronic activation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) favors several cardiac diseases, among which myocardial hypertrophy occupies an outstanding place. In this context, the hyperactivity of the cardiac Na+/H+ (NHE-1) exchanger plays a key role. The pathologic remodeling of the myocardium constitutes an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality with continuously increasing healthcare cost. Therefore, the development of better therapeutic strategies emerges as highly mandatory. Our goal was to prevent angiotensin II (ANGII)-induced cardiac hypertrophy by NHE-1 gene silencing in Wistar rats. The intramyocardial injection of a lentivirus coding a specific small interference RNA (l-shNHE1) significantly reduced NHE-1 expression exclusively in the heart (~ 50%) and prevented cardiac remodeling in rats exposed to chronic infusion of ANG II (heart weigh/tibia length: 24,03 ±â€¯0,7915 mg/mm vs 28,45 ±â€¯0,9779 mg/mm and collagen volume fraction 2526 ±â€¯0,5003 vs 5982 ±â€¯1043 in l-shNHE1 + ANGII and ANGII, respectively). Interestingly, this was accompanied by an improvement in cardiac function determined by echocardiography even though blood pressure remained elevated (Fractional shortening 0,5960 ±â€¯0,4228 vs -0,9567 ±â€¯0,06888 and blood pressure at the end of ANGII treatment 141,2 ±â€¯6117 mmHg vs 134,1 ±â€¯6723 mmHg; in l-shNHE1 + ANGII and ANGII, respectively). ANGII infusion increased myocardial NADPH oxidase activity but the l-shNHE1 injection prevented oxidative stress as revealed by the normalization of lipid peroxidation (T-BARS 12,40 ±â€¯2887.vs 23,05 ±â€¯1537 in l-shNHE1 + ANGII and ANGII, respectively). These results allow as to propose the partial silencing of the cardiac NHE-1 through lentiviral injection as a promising tool in the prevention of ANGII-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce cardiac dysfunction after sustained coronary artery ligation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Two potent carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors with widely differing membrane permeability, poorly diffusible benzolamide (BZ), and highly diffusible ethoxzolamide (ETZ) were assessed to determine whether they can reduce cardiac dysfunction in rats subjected to coronary artery ligation (CAL)-induced myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rats with evidence of heart failure (HF) at 32 weeks following a permanent left anterior coronary artery occlusion were treated with placebo, BZ, or ETZ (4 mg kgday-1) for 4 weeks at which time left ventricular function and structure were evaluated. Lung weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio increased in CAL rats by 17±1% vs. control, suggesting pulmonary edema. There was a trend for BZ and ETZ to ameliorate the increase in LW/BW by almost 50% (9±5% and 9±8%, respectively, versus CAL) (P=.16, NS). Echocardiographic assessment showed decreased left ventricular midwall shortening in HF rats, 21±1% vs. control 32±1%, which was improved by BZ to 29±1% and ETZ to 27±1%, and reduced endocardial shortening in HF rats 38±3% vs. control 62±1%, partially restored by BZ and ETZ to ~50%. Expression of the hypoxia-inducible membrane-associated CAIX isoform increased by ~60% in HF rat hearts, and this effect was blocked by ETZ. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that CAL-induced myocardial interstitial fibrosis and associated decline in left ventricular function were diminished with BZ or ETZ treatment. The reductions in cardiac remodeling in HF with both ETZ and BZ CA inhibitors suggest that inhibition of a membrane-bound CA appears to be the critical site for this protection.

Activated macrophages as a feeder layer for growth of resident cardiac progenitor cells.

The adult heart contains a population of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs). Growing and collecting an adequate number of CPCs demands complex culture media containing growth factors. Since activated macrophages secrete many growth factors, we investigated if activated isolated heart cells seeded on a feeder layer of activated peritoneal macrophages (PM) could result in CPCs and if these, in turn, could exert cardioprotection in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). Heart cells of inbred Wistar rats were isolated by collagenase digestion and cultured on PM obtained 72 h after intraperitoneal injection of 12 ml thioglycollate. Cells (1 × 10(6)) exhibiting CPC phenotype (immunohistochemistry) were injected in the periphery of rat MI 10 min after coronary artery occlusion. Control rats received vehicle. Three weeks later, left ventricular (LV) function (echocardiogram) was assessed, animals were euthanized and the hearts removed for histological studies. Five to six days after seeding heart cells on PM, spherical clusters composed of small bright and spherical cells expressing mostly c-Kit and Sca-1 antigens were apparent. After explant, those clusters developed cobblestone-like monolayers that expressed smooth muscle actin and sarcomeric actin and were successfully transferred for more than ten passages. When injected in the MI periphery, many of them survived at 21 days after coronary ligature, improved LV ejection fraction and decreased scar size as compared with control rats. CPC-derived cells with cardiocyte and smooth muscle phenotypes can be successfully grown on a feeder layer of activated syngeneic PM. These cells decreased scar size and improved heart function in rats with MI.

Sex-related difference in left ventricular mass in nonhypertensive young adults: role of arterial pressure.

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure (BP) is higher in men than in women at similar ages through adult life. Interestingly, a similar pattern is detected in left ventricular mass (LVM), classically attributed to differences in body size. However, the existing difference in BP between sexes might be relevant in determining LVM and it has been not fully investigated. Therefore, we set out to determine the impact of nonhypertensive levels of BP on the sex-associated LVM difference. METHODS: We conducted population-based study including 283 young students (52% male; age 20.62 ± 1.31 years). BP was determined twice using standard mercury sphygmomanometers in 2 occasions. LVM was determined with M-mode echocardiography. To dissect the relative contribution of BP, volume load, and body size to the sex-related difference in LVM, an analysis of covariance was performed. RESULTS: Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 10.00 ± 0.96 and 4.59 ± 0.78 mm Hg higher and LVM was 34.87 ± 3.12 g larger in men than in women, respectively (P < 0.01, t test). When LVM was adjusted to mean BP, the sex difference was reduced by 16%. When LVM was adjusted to body size and hemodynamic load, this difference was reduced by 68.5%. CONCLUSIONS: We report in a sample of young nonhypertensive students a difference in LVM between women and men that is partially explained (16%) by sex differences in BP, supporting an early effect of BP on cardiac mass even in the absence of hypertension. A more relevant effect could be expected as the population ages.

[Echocardiographic study of left ventricular geometry in spontaneously hypertensive rats]. / Análisis ecocardiográfico de la geometría ventricular izquierda en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas.

The purpose of this study was to analyze by echocardiogram left ventricular (LV) geometry in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Echocardiographic study, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were obtained in 114 male, 4-month old rats, 73 SHR and 41 Wistar (W). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), stroke volume, and mid ventricular shortening were calculated with echocardiographic parameters. Normal LV was defined considering the mean plus 2 SD of LVMI and RWT in W. Patterns of abnormal LV geometry were: LV concentric remodeling, LVMI < 2.06 mg/g - RWT > 0.71; eccentric, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), LVMI > 2.06 mg/g - RWT < 0.71; and concentric LVH, LVMI > 2.06 mg/g - RWT > 0.71. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiac output (CO) were used to obtain total peripheral resistance (TPR). twelve % of SHR had normal LV geometry; 18% LV concentric remodeling; 33% concentric LVH and 37% eccentric LVH. LV concentric remodeling showed the smallest CO and highest TPR of any group. Eccentric LVH presented similar SBP as the other SHR groups and high CO with lower TPR. Our findings in SHR exhibit different patterns of LV geometry like in humans. These results strengthen the similarities between SHR and human essential hypertension.

Análisis ecocardiográfico de la geometría ventricular izquierda en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas / Echocardiographic study of left ventricular geometry the in spontaneously hypertensive rats

El presente trabajo fue diseñado para analizar ecocardiográficamente la geometría del ventrículo izquierdo en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas (SHR). Se estudiaron 114 ratas macho de 4 meses de edad, 73 SHR y 41 Wistar (W) a las que se les registró la presión arterial, la frecuencia cardíaca y se les realizó un ecocardiograma. Con las mediciones de diámetros y espesores de la pared ventricular izquierda se calcularon el espesor parietal relativo (h/r), el índice de masa del ventrículo izquierdo (IMVI), el volumen minuto, y el acortamiento medio ventricular. La geometría ventricular izquierda normal fue definida analizando el grupo de ratas normotensas y fijando los límites de IMVI y h/r a partir de la media más 2 desvíos estándar. Los patrones de geometría anormal se definieron como: remodelado concéntrico (RC): IMVI < 2.06 mg/g - h/r > 0.71; hipertrofia excéntrica (HE): IMVI>2.06 mg/g - h/r<0.71 e hipertrofia concéntrica (HC): IMVI > 2.06 mg/g - h/r > 0.71. La presión arterial sistólica y el volumen minuto se utilizaron para estimar la resistencia periférica total (RPT). Doce por ciento de SHR presentaron geometría ventricular izquierda normal; 18% RC; 33% HC y 37% HE. El RC mostró el volumen latido más pequeño y la RPT más alta de cualquier grupo. HE presentó presión arterial sistólica similar a la de los otros grupos de SHR, volumen latido más alto y la RPT más baja. Estos hallazgos en SHR exhibiendo diferentes patrones de geometría ventricular izquierda, similares a los referidos en humanos, intensifican las similitudes entre la hipertensión esencial humana y las SHR.

The purpose of this study was to analyze by echocardiogram left ventricular (LV) geometry in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Echocardiographic study, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were obtained in 114 male, 4-month old rats, 73 SHR and 41 Wistar (W). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), stroke volume, and mid ventricular shortening were calculated with echocardiographic parameters. Normal LV was defined considering the mean plus 2 SD of LVMI and RWT in W. Patterns of abnormal LV geometry were: LV concentric remodeling, LVMI < 2.06 mg/g - RWT > 0.71; eccentric, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), LVMI > 2.06 mg/g - RWT < 0.71; and concentric LVH, LVMI > 2.06 mg/g - RWT > 0.71. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiac output (CO) were used to obtain total peripheral resistance (TPR). twelve % of SHR had normal LV geometry; 18% LV concentric remodeling; 33% concentric LVH and 37% eccentric LVH. LV concentric remodeling showed the smallest CO and highest TPR of any group. Eccentric LVH presented similar SBP as the other SHR groups and high CO with lower TPR. Our findings in SHR exhibit different patterns of LV geometry like in humans. These results strengthen the similarities between SHR and human essential hypertension.

Endurance training in the spontaneously hypertensive rat: conversion of pathological into physiological cardiac hypertrophy.

The effect of endurance training (swimming 90 min/d for 5 days a week for 60 days) on cardiac hypertrophy was investigated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Sedentary SHRs (SHR-Cs) and normotensive Wistar rats were used as controls. Exercise training enhanced myocardial hypertrophy assessed by left ventricular weight/tibial length (228+/-7 versus 251+/-5 mg/cm in SHR-Cs and exercised SHRs [SHR-Es], respectively). Myocyte cross-sectional area increased approximately 40%, collagen volume fraction decreased approximately 50%, and capillary density increased approximately 45% in SHR-Es compared with SHR-Cs. The mRNA abundance of atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain 2 was decreased by the swimming routine (100+/-19% versus 41+/-10% and 100+/-8% versus 61+/-9% for atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain 2 in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively). The expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump was significantly augmented, whereas that of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger was unchanged (93+/-7% versus 167+/-8% and 158+/-13% versus 157+/-7%, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05). Endurance training inhibited apoptosis, as reflected by a decrease in caspase 3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 cleavage, and normalized calcineurin activity without inducing significant changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. The swimming routine improved midventricular shortening determined by echocardiography (32.4+/-0.9% versus 36.9+/-1.1% in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05) and decreased the left ventricular free wall thickness/left ventricular cavity radius toward an eccentric model of cardiac hypertrophy (0.59+/-0.02 versus 0.53+/-0.01 in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05). In conclusion, we present data demonstrating the effectiveness of endurance training to convert pathological into physiological hypertrophy improving cardiac performance. The reduction of myocardial fibrosis and calcineurin activity plus the increase in capillary density represent factors to be considered in determining this beneficial effect.

[Echocardiographic analysis of the effect of different Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitors on left ventricular structure and function in spontaneously hypertensive rats]. / Análisis ecocardiográfico del efecto de diferentes inhibidores del intercambiador Na+/H+ sobre la estructura y función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas.

The aim of this study was to analyze by echocardiogram, the action of two Na+/H+ exchange, inhibitors, HOE 642 (HOE) and BIIB 723 (BIIB) on left ventricular (LV) mass and LV systolic function. We studied 16 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 8 treated with HOE 30 mg/kg/day, 8 with 30 mg/kg/day of BIIB during 30 days and 4 SHR as controls during those 30 days. Results are expressed as mean values +/- SEM. The systolic blood pressure and the echocardiograpic parameters examined did not evidence changes during that period in the controls rats. Even though HOE determined a slight decrease in blood pressure (HOE C: 184 +/- 1.75 mm Hg; HOE 30d: 176.20 +/- 2.60 mm Hg - p < 0.01) which was not detected with BIIB, both drugs provoked an increase of peak systolic stress (HOE C: 166 +/- 29 kdynes/cm2; HOE 30d: 204 +/- 34 kdynes/cm2, p < 0.04; BIIB C: 164 +/- 25.90 kdynes/ cm2; BIIB 30d: 234 +/- 29.30 kdynes/cm2, p < 0.02). HOE and BIIB reduced LV mass after 30 days of administration (HOE C: 612.50 +/- 50 mg; 30d: 452 +/- 37 mg, p < 0.01. BIIB C: 544 +/- 16mg; 30d: 374 +/- 25 mg, p < 0.01). LV endocardial shortening was similar independently of the NHE inhibitors used (HOE C: 62.30 +/- 2.75%; 30d: 65.50 +/- 2.40%, ns. BIIB C: 63.20 +/- 2,39%; 30d 67,20 +/- 1.62%, ns). These data demonstrate that long-treatment with HOE or BIIB produced similar LV mass regression without changes in endocardial fractional shortening in spite of the increase of peak systolic stress. This finding could represent an increased inotropism previously depressed by the development of hypertrophy.

Analisis ecocardiografico del efecto de diferentes inhibidores del intercambiador Na+/H+ sobre la estructura y funcion sistolica del ventriculo izquierdo en ratas espontaneamente hipertensas / Echocardiographic analysis of the effect of different Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitors on left

El presente estudio fue proyectado para analizar mediante ecocardiograma los efectos del HOE 642 (cariporide) (HOE) y del BIIB 723 (BIIB) sobre la estructura y función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas (SHR)- 8 con 30 mg/kg/día de HOE, 8 con 30 mg/kg/día de BIIB durante 30 días y 4 sin tratamiento (grupo control) durante esos 30 días. Los distintos parámetros analizados no mostraron cambios durante ese período en las ratas controles. Si bien el HOE determinó un leve descenso de la presión arterial (C: 184 ± 1.75 mm Hg; 30d:176.20 ± 2.60 mm Hg, p <0.01), no detectada con BIIB,ambas drogas provocaron un aumento del estrés sistólico pico (HOE C:166 ± 29 kdinas/cm2; 30d: 204 ± 34kdinas/cm2, p <0.04. BIIB C: 164 ± 25.90 kdinas/cm2; 30d: 234 ± 29.30 kdinas/cm2, p<0.02).Tanto HOE comoBIIB redujeron significativamente la masa ventricular izquierda (MVI) (HOE C: 612.50±50 mg; 30d:452 ± 37 mg,p <0.01; BIIB C: 544 ± 16mg; 30 d: 374 ± 25 mg, p<0.01). El porcentaje de acortamiento endocárdico no semodificó luego del tratamiento con HOE (C: 62.30 ± 2.75; 30d 65.50 ± 2.40%, ns) y BIIB (C: 63.20 ± 2.39%;30d 67.20 ± 1.62%, ns). Los resultados analizados permiten concluir que ambos inhibidores determinaron similarreducción de la MVI. Esa reducción se acompañó de mejoría en los índices de evaluación de la función sistólica ventricular izquierda, pese al incremento del estrés sistólico pico. Estas evidencias sugieren que independientemente del inhibidor utilizado se encuentra un aumento del inotropismo, previamente comprometidodurante el desarrollo de la hipertrofia

The aim of this study was to analyze by echocardiogram, the action of two Na+/H+ exchange, inhibitors, HOE 642 (HOE) and BIIB 723 (BIIB) on left ventricular (LV) mass and LV systolic function. We studied 16 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 8 treated with HOE 30 mg/kg/day, 8 with 30 mg/kg/day of BIIB during 30 days and 4 SHR as controls during those 30 days. Results are expressed as mean values ± SEM. The systolic blood pressure and theechocardiograpic parameters examined did not evidence changes during that period in the controls rats. Eventhough HOE determined a slight decrease in blood pressure (HOE C: 184 ± 1.75 mm Hg; HOE 30d: 176.20 ±2.60 mm Hg - p <0.01) which was not detected with BIIB, both drugs provoked an increase of peak systolic stress (HOE C: 166 ± 29 kdynes/cm2; HOE 30d: 204 ± 34 kdynes/cm2, p <0.04; BIIB C: 164 ± 25.90 kdynes/cm2; BIIB 30d: 234 ± 29.30 kdynes/cm2, p <0.02). HOE and BIIB reduced LV mass after 30 days of administration (HOE C: 612.50 ± 50 mg; 30d: 452 ± 37 mg, p <0.01. BIIB C: 544 ± 16mg; 30d: 374 ± 25 mg, p <0.01). LV endocardial shortening was similar independently of the NHE inhibitors used (HOE C: 62.30 ± 2.75%; 30d: 65.50 ± 2.40%, ns. BIIB C: 63.20 ± 2,39%; 30d 67,20 ± 1.62%, ns). These data demonstrate that long-treatment with HOE or BIIB produced similar LV mass regression without changes in endocardial fractional shortening in spite of the increase of peak systolic stress. This finding could represent an increased inotropism previously depressed by the development of hypertrophy