scholarly journals Urocortin-2 improves right ventricular function and attenuates pulmonary arterial hypertension

2018 ◽  
Vol 114 (8) ◽  
pp. 1165-1177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Adão ◽  
Pedro Mendes-Ferreira ◽  
Diana Santos-Ribeiro ◽  
Carolina Maia-Rocha ◽  
Luís D Pimentel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

Abstract Aims Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease and treatment options are limited. Urocortin-2 (Ucn-2) has shown promising therapeutic effects in experimental and clinical left ventricular heart failure (HF). Our aim was to analyse the expression of Ucn-2 in human and experimental PAH, and to investigate the effects of human Ucn-2 (hUcn-2) administration in rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods and results Tissue samples were collected from patients with and without PAH and from rats with MCT-induced PH. hUcn-2 (5 μg/kg, bi-daily, i.p., for 10 days) or vehicle was administered to male wistar rats subjected to MCT injection or to pulmonary artery banding (PAB) to induce right ventricular (RV) overload without PAH. Expression of Ucn-2 and its receptor was increased in the RV of patients and rats with PAH. hUcn-2 treatment reduced PAH in MCT rats, resulting in decreased morbidity, improved exercise capacity and attenuated pulmonary arterial and RV remodelling and dysfunction. Additionally, RV gene expression of hypertrophy and failure signalling pathways were attenuated. hUcn-2 treatment also attenuated PAB-induced RV hypertrophy. Conclusions Ucn-2 levels are altered in human and experimental PAH. hUcn-2 treatment attenuates PAH and RV dysfunction in MCT-induced PH, has direct anti-remodelling effects on the pressure-overloaded RV, and improves pulmonary vascular function.

Abstract 20669: Urocortin-2 Improves Right Ventricular Function in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Santos-Ribeiro ◽  
Rui Adão ◽  
Carolina Maia-Rocha ◽  
Bárbara Alves ◽  
Pedro Mendes-Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Volume Measurements ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

Introduction: Urocortin (UCN)-2 is a peptide highly expressed in the cardiovascular system and it has shown promising therapeutic effects in several studies in both humans and animal models of heart failure (HF). However, the role of UCN-2 in right ventricular (RV) failure is still unknown. Hypothesis: This study analyzed the effects of UCN-2 treatment in an animal model of RV HF, secondary to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: Male Wistar rats (180-200g) randomly received monocrotaline (MCT, 60mg/Kg, s.c.) or vehicle. After 14 days, animals from these groups were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either UCN-2 (2.5μg/Kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle. The study resulted in 4 groups: control (CTRL) (n=12); CTRL+UCN-2 (n=10); MCT (n=9); MCT+UCN-2 (n=8). RV Pressure-Volume measurements were performed 24-25 days after MCT administration. Only significant results (mean±SEM, p<0.05) are given. Results: MCT group developed PAH, as shown by: increased RV end-systolic pressure (MCT vs CTRL: 59±3 vs 26±1 mmHg) and end-diastolic pressure (MCT vs CTRL: 6.7±0.9 vs 3.5±0.7 mmHg), RV dilatation (MCT vs CTRL: 270±17 vs 215±12 μL), and decreased cardiac output (MCT vs CTRL: 29±3 vs 63±3 mL/min) and ejection fraction (MCT vs CTRL: 37±6 vs 72±2%). UCN-2 treatment resulted in attenuation of RV pressure increase (RVESP: 42±2 mmHg; RVEDP: 4.7±0.6 mmHg), dilatation (RVEDV: 212±4 μL), and in improved cardiac function (CO: 48±2 mL/min; EF: 58±2%). Conclusions: UCN-2 chronic treatment significantly reduced the worsening of RV function in PAH. These findings suggest that the UCN-2 pathway has a relevant role on the pathophysiology of PAH and RV failure, representing a potential therapeutic target.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis on the anti-inflammatory/immune effect of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyeon Oh ◽  
Albert Y. Jang ◽  
Sehyun Chae ◽  
Seungbum Choi ◽  
Jeongsik Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Function ◽  
Right Ventricular Function ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy ◽  
Adaptive Immune Cells ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

AbstractDespite the advancement of targeted therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), poor prognosis remains a reality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most clinically feasible alternative treatment options. We compared the treatment effects of adipose tissue (AD)-, bone marrow (BD)-, and umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived MSCs in the rat monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) model. The greatest improvement in the right ventricular function was observed in the UCB-MSCs treated group. The UCB-MSCs treated group also exhibited the greatest improvement in terms of the largest decrease in the medial wall thickness, perivascular fibrosis, and vascular cell proliferation, as well as the lowest levels of recruitment of innate and adaptive immune cells and associated inflammatory cytokines. Gene expression profiling of lung tissue confirmed that the UCB-MSCs treated group had the most notably attenuated immune and inflammatory profiles. Network analysis further revealed that the UCB-MSCs group had the greatest therapeutic effect in terms of the normalization of all three classical PAH pathways. The intravenous injection of the UCB-MSCs, compared with those of other MSCs, showed superior therapeutic effects in the PH model for the (1) right ventricular function, (2) vascular remodeling, (3) immune/inflammatory profiles, and (4) classical PAH pathways.

Why septal motion is a marker of right ventricular failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension: mechanistic analysis using a computer model

2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (4) ◽  
pp. H691-H700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Palau-Caballero ◽  
John Walmsley ◽  
Vanessa Van Empel ◽  
Joost Lumens ◽  
Tammo Delhaas
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Contractile Dysfunction ◽  
Ventricular Relaxation ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Rv Function ◽  
Septal Motion

Rapid leftward septal motion (RLSM) during early left ventricular (LV) diastole is observed in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). RLSM exacerbates right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction and impairs LV filling. Increased RV wall tension caused by increased RV afterload has been suggested to cause interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM in PAH. Simulations using the CircAdapt computational model were used to unravel the mechanism underlying RLSM by mechanistically linking myocardial tissue and pump function. Simulations of healthy circulation and mild, moderate, and severe PAH were performed. We also assessed the effects on RLSM when PAH coexists with RV or LV contractile dysfunction. Our results showed prolonged RV shortening in PAH causing interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM. RLSM was observed in both moderate and severe PAH. A negative transseptal pressure gradient only occurred in severe PAH, demonstrating that negative pressure gradient does not entirely explain septal motion abnormalities. PAH coexisting with RV contractile dysfunction exacerbated both interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM. LV contractile dysfunction reduced both interventricular relaxation dyssynchrony and RLSM. In conclusion, dyssynchrony in ventricular relaxation causes RLSM in PAH. Onset of RLSM in patients with PAH appears to indicate a worsening in RV function and hence can be used as a sign of RV failure. However, altered RLSM does not necessarily imply an altered RV afterload, but it can also indicate altered interplay of RV and LV contractile function. Reduction of RLSM can result from either improved RV function or a deterioration of LV function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel approach describes the mechanism underlying abnormal septal dynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Change in motion is not uniquely induced by altered right ventricular afterload, but also by altered ventricular relaxation dyssynchrony. Extension or change in motion is a marker reflecting interplay between right and left ventricular contractility.

scholarly journals Icariin Attenuates Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension via the Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smads Pathway in Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Yijia Xiang ◽  
Changhong Cai ◽  
Yonghui Wu ◽  
Lebing Yang ◽  
Shiyong Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
The Right ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background. Pulmonary artery remodeling is important in the development of pulmonary artery hypertension. The TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway is activated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in rats. Icariin (ICA) suppresses the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway in myocardial fibrosis in rats. Therefore, we investigated the role of icariin in PAH by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. Methods. Rats were randomly divided into control, monocrotaline (MCT), MCT + ICA-low, and MCT + ICA-high groups. MCT (60 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected to induce PAH, and icariin (50 or 100 mg/kg.d) was orally administered for 2 weeks. At the end of the fourth week, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was obtained and the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RI) was determined as the ratio of the right ventricular weight to the left ventricular plus septal weight (RV/LV + S). Western blots were used to determine the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, P-Smad2/3, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) in lung tissues. Results. Compared to the control group, RVSP and RI were increased in the MCT group (ρ < 0.05). Additionally, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, P-Smad2/3, and MMP2 expressions were obviously increased (ρ < 0.01). Compared to the MCT group, RVSP and RI were decreased in the MCT + ICA group (ρ < 0.05). TGF-β1, Smad2/3, P-Smad2/3, and MMP2 expressions were also inhibited in the icariin treatment groups (ρ < 0.05). Conclusions. Icariin may suppress MCT-induced PAH via the inhibition of the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway.

Right ventricular free wall pacing improves cardiac pump function in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension: a computer simulation analysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (6) ◽  
pp. H2196-H2205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joost Lumens ◽  
Theo Arts ◽  
Bernard Broers ◽  
Karin A. Boomars ◽  
Pieter van Paassen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Free Wall ◽  
Pump Function ◽  
Cardiac Pump Function ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), duration of myofiber shortening is prolonged in the right ventricular (RV) free wall (RVfw) compared with that in the interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall. This interventricular mechanical asynchrony eventually leads to right heart failure. We investigated by computer simulation whether, in PAH, early RVfw pacing may improve interventricular mechanical synchrony and, hence, cardiac pump function. A mathematical model of the human heart and circulation was used to simulate left ventricular and RV pump mechanics and myofiber mechanics. First, we simulated cardiovascular mechanics of a healthy adult at rest. Size and mass of heart and blood vessels were adapted so that mechanical tissue load was normalized. Second, compensated PAH was simulated by increasing mean pulmonary artery pressure to 32 mmHg while applying load adaptation. Third, decompensated PAH was simulated by increasing mean pulmonary artery pressure further to 79 mmHg without further adaptation. Finally, early RVfw pacing was simulated in severely decompensated PAH. Time courses of circumferential strain in the ventricular walls as simulated were similar to the ones measured in healthy subjects (uniform strain patterns) and in PAH patients (prolonged RVfw shortening). When simulating pacing in decompensated PAH, RV pump function was best upon 40-ms RVfw preexcitation, as evidenced by maximal decrease of RV end-diastolic volume, reduced RVfw myofiber work, and most homogeneous distribution of workload over the ventricular walls. Thus our simulations indicate that, in decompensated PAH, RVfw pacing may improve RV pump function and may homogenize workload over the ventricular walls.

scholarly journals Acetazolamide Improves Right Ventricular Function and Metabolic Gene Dysregulation in Experimental Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fotios Spyropoulos ◽  
Zoe Michael ◽  
Benjamin Finander ◽  
Sally Vitali ◽  
Kosmas Kosmas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Beta Oxidation ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Rv Function

Background: Right ventricular (RV) performance is a key determinant of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). RV failure is characterized by metabolic dysregulation with unbalanced anaerobic glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid oxidation (FAO). We previously found that acetazolamide (ACTZ) treatment modulates the pulmonary inflammatory response and ameliorates experimental PAH.Objective: To evaluate the effect of ACTZ treatment on RV function and metabolic profile in experimental PAH.Design/Methods: In the Sugen 5416/hypoxia (SuHx) rat model of severe PAH, RV transcriptomic analysis was performed by RNA-seq, and top metabolic targets were validated by RT-PCR. We assessed the effect of therapeutic administration of ACTZ in the drinking water on hemodynamics by catheterization [right and left ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP and LVSP, respectively)] and echocardiography [pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT), RV wall thickness in diastole (RVWT), RV end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)] and on RV hypertrophy (RVH) by Fulton's index (FI) and RV-to-body weight (BW) ratio (RV/BW). We also examined myocardial histopathology and expression of metabolic markers in RV tissues.Results: There was a distinct transcriptomic signature of RVH in the SuHx model of PAH, with significant downregulation of metabolic enzymes involved in fatty acid transport, beta oxidation, and glucose oxidation compared to controls. Treatment with ACTZ led to a pattern of gene expression suggestive of restored metabolic balance in the RV with significantly increased beta oxidation transcripts. In addition, the FAO transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (Pgc-1α) was significantly downregulated in untreated SuHx rats compared to controls, and ACTZ treatment restored its expression levels. These metabolic changes were associated with amelioration of the hemodynamic and echocardiographic markers of RVH in the ACTZ-treated SuHx animals and attenuation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and RV fibrosis.Conclusion: Acetazolamide treatment prevents the development of PAH, RVH, and fibrosis in the SuHx rat model of severe PAH, improves RV function, and restores the RV metabolic profile.

scholarly journals Left ventricular torsion rate and the relation to right ventricular function in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 204589401879135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie J. Dufva ◽  
Uyen Truong ◽  
Pawan Tiwari ◽  
Dunbar D. Ivy ◽  
Robin Shandas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Interventricular Septum ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Torsion ◽  
Ventricular Torsion ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

The right ventricle and left ventricle are physically coupled through the interventricular septum. Therefore, changes in the geometry and mechanics of one ventricle can directly affect the function of the other. In treatment of pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension, the left ventricle is often overlooked, with clinical focus primarily on improving right ventricular function. Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension represents a disease distinct from adult pulmonary arterial hypertension based on etiology and survival rates. We aimed to assess left ventricular torsion rate in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension and its role in right ventricular dysfunction. Cardiac magnetic resonance images with tissue tagging were prospectively acquired for 18 pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO class I) patients and 17 control subjects with no known cardiopulmonary disease. The pulmonary arterial hypertension cohort underwent cardiac magnetic resonance within 48 hours of clinically indicated right heart catheterization. Using right heart catheterization data, we computed single beat estimation of right ventricular end-systolic elastance (as a measure of right ventricular contractility) and ventricular vascular coupling ratio (end-systolic elastance/arterial afterload). Left ventricular torsion rate was quantified from harmonic phase analysis of tagged cardiac magnetic resonance images. Ventricular and pulmonary pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance were derived from right heart catheterization data. Right ventricular ejection fraction and interventricular septum curvature were derived from cardiac magnetic resonance. Left ventricular torsion rate was significantly reduced in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients compared to control subjects (1.40 ± 0.61° vs. 3.02 ± 1.47°, P < 0.001). A decrease in left ventricular torsion rate was significantly correlated with a decrease in right ventricular contractility (end-systolic elastance) ( r = 0.61, P = 0.007), and an increase in right ventricular systolic pressure in pulmonary arterial hypertension kids ( r = –0.54, P = 0.021). In both pulmonary arterial hypertension and control subjects, left ventricular torsion rate correlated with right ventricular ejection fraction (controls r = 0.45, P = 0.034) (pulmonary arterial hypertension r = 0.57, P = 0.032). In the pulmonary arterial hypertension group, interventricular septum curvature demonstrated a strong direct relationship with right ventricular systolic pressure ( r = 0.7, P = 0.001) and inversely with left ventricular torsion rate ( r = –0.57, P = 0.013). Left ventricular torsion rate showed a direct relationship with ventricular vascular coupling ratio ( r = 0.54, P = 0.021), and an inverse relationship with mean pulmonary arterial pressure ( r = –0.60, P = 0.008), and pulmonary vascular resistance ( r = –0.47, P = 0.049). We conclude that in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension, reduced right ventricular contractility is associated with decreased left ventricular torsion rate.

scholarly journals Resveratrol Prevents Right Ventricle Remodeling and Dysfunction in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with a Limited Improvement in the Lung Vasculature

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Eduardo Vázquez-Garza ◽  
Judith Bernal-Ramírez ◽  
Carlos Jerjes-Sánchez ◽  
Omar Lozano ◽  
Edgar Acuña-Morín ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricle ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Function ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
The Right

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease that is characterized by an increase in pulmonary vascular pressure, leading to ventricular failure and high morbidity and mortality. Resveratrol, a phenolic compound and a sirtuin 1 pathway activator, has known dietary benefits and is used as a treatment for anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Its therapeutic effects have been published in the scientific literature; however, its benefits in PAH are yet to be precisely elucidated. Using a murine model of PAH induced by monocrotaline, the macroscopic and microscopic effects of a daily oral dose of resveratrol in rats with PAH were evaluated by determining its impact on the lungs and the right and left ventricular function. While most literature has focused on smooth muscle cell mechanisms and lung pathology, our results highlight the relevance of therapy-mediated improvement of right ventricle and isolated cardiomyocyte physiology in both ventricles. Although significant differences in the pulmonary architecture were not identified either micro- or macroscopically, the effects of resveratrol on right ventricular function and remodeling were observed to be beneficial. The values for the volume, diameter, and contractility of the right ventricular cardiomyocytes returned to those of the control group, suggesting that resveratrol has a protective effect against ventricular dysfunction and pathological remodeling changes in PAH. The effect of resveratrol in the right ventricle delayed the progression of findings associated with right heart failure and had a limited positive effect on the architecture of the lungs. The use of resveratrol could be considered a future potential adjunct therapy, especially when the challenges to making a diagnosis and the current therapy limitations for PAH are taken into consideration.

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