RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Aortic regurgitation is a prevalent, detrimental complication of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The altered hemodynamics of LVADs results in aortic valves (AVs) having distinct mechanical stimulation. Our hypothesis was that the altered AV hemodynamics modulates the valve cells and matrix, resulting in changes in valvular mechanical properties that then can lead to regurgitation. METHODS: AVs were collected from 16 LVAD and 6 non-LVAD patients at time of heart transplant. Standard demographic and preoperative data were collected and comparisons between the two groups were calculated using standard statistical methods. Samples were analyzed using biaxial mechanical tensile testing, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, and transmission electron microscopy to assess ultrastructure. RESULTS: The maximum circumferential leaflet strain in LVAD patients was less than in non-LVAD patients (0.35 ± 0.10MPa versus 0.52 ± 0.18 MPa, p = 0.03) with a trend of reduced radial strain (p = 0.06) and a tendency for the radial strain to decrease with increasing LVAD duration (p = 0.063). Numerous proteins associated with actin and myosin, immune signaling and oxidative stress, and transforming growth factor ß were increased in LVAD patients. Ultrastructural analysis showed a trend of increased fiber diameter in LVAD patients (46.2 ± 7.2 nm versus 45.1 ± 6.9 nm, p = 0.10), but no difference in fiber density. CONCLUSIONS: AVs in LVAD patients showed decreased compliance and increased expression of numerous proteins related to valve activation and injury compared to non-LVAD patients. Further knowledge of AV changes leading to regurgitation in LVAD patients and the pathways by which they occur may provide an opportunity for interventions to prevent and/or reverse this detrimental complication.