scholarly journals A novel traditional Chinese medicine ameliorates fatigue-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction via regulation of energy metabolism

2019 ◽  
Vol 316 (6) ◽  
pp. H1378-H1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Huang ◽  
Yuan-Chen Cui ◽  
Xiao-Hong Wei ◽  
Chun-Shui Pan ◽  
Quan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Prolonged Exercise ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Heart Weight

Prolonged exercise and exercise training can adversely affect cardiac function in some individuals. QiShenYiQi Pills (QSYQ), which are a compound Chinese medicine, have been previously shown to improve pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. We hypothesized that QSYQ can ameliorate as well the fatigue-induced cardiac hypertrophy. This study was to test this hypothesis and underlying mechanism with a focus on its role in energy regulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish exercise adaptation and fatigue model on a motorized rodent treadmill. Echocardiographic analysis and heart function test were performed to assess heart systolic function. Food-intake weight/body weight and heart weight/body weight were assessed, and hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence staining of myocardium sections were performed. ATP synthase expression and activity and ATP, ADP, and AMP levels were assessed using Western blot and ELISA. Expression of proteins related to energy metabolism and IGF-1R signaling was determined using Western blot. QSYQ attenuated the food-intake weight/body weight decrease, improved myocardial structure and heart function, and restored the expression and distribution of myocardial connexin 43 after fatigue, concomitant with an increased ATP production and a restoration of metabolism-related protein expression. QSYQ upgraded the expression of IGF-1R, P-AMPK/AMPK, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, nuclear respiratory factor-1, P-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/PI3K, and P-Akt/Akt thereby attenuated the dysregulation of IGF-1R signaling after fatigue. QSYQ relieved fatigue-induced cardiac hypertrophy and enhanced heart function, which is correlated with its potential to improve energy metabolism by regulating IGF-1R signaling. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Prolonged exercise may impact some people leading to pathological cardiac hypertrophy. This study using an animal model of fatigue-induced cardiac hypertrophy provides evidence showing the potential of QiShenYiQi Pills, a novel traditional Chinese medicine, to prevent the cardiac adaptive hypertrophy from development to pathological hypertrophy and demonstrates that this effect is correlated with its capacity for regulating energy metabolism through interacting with insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor.

scholarly journals Bawei Chenxiang Wan Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Activating AMPK/PPAR-α Signaling Pathway Improving Energy Metabolism

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoying Zhang ◽  
Zhiying Zhang ◽  
Pengxiang Wang ◽  
Yiwei Han ◽  
Lijun Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Tibetan Medicine ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Body Weight Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional

Bawei Chenxiang Wan (BCW), a well-known traditional Chinese Tibetan medicine formula, is effective for the treatment of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BCW in cardiac hypertrophy and underlying mechanisms. The dose of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 g/kg BCW treated cardiac hypertrophy in SD rat model induced by isoprenaline (ISO). Our results showed that BCW (0.4 g/kg) could repress cardiac hypertrophy, indicated by macro morphology, heart weight to body weight ratio (HW/BW), left ventricle heart weight to body weight ratio (LVW/BW), hypertrophy markers, heart function, pathological structure, cross-sectional area (CSA) of myocardial cells, and the myocardial enzymes. Furthermore, we declared the mechanism of BCW anti-hypertrophy effect was associated with activating adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) signals, which regulate carnitine palmitoyltransferase1β (CPT-1β) and glucose transport-4 (GLUT-4) to ameliorate glycolipid metabolism. Moreover, BCW also elevated mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1(ND1), cytochrome b (Cytb), and mitochondrially encoded cytochrome coxidase I (mt-co1) expression, which was associated with mitochondria function and oxidative phosphorylation. Subsequently, knocking down AMPK by siRNA significantly can reverse the anti-hypertrophy effect of BCW indicated by hypertrophy markers and cell surface of cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, BCW prevents ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by activating AMPK/PPAR-α to alleviate the disturbance in energy metabolism. Therefore, BCW can be used as an alternative drug for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.

scholarly journals Mice Exposed to Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Simulate Clinical Features of Deficiency of both Qi and Yin Syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengzhi Chai ◽  
Junping Kou ◽  
Danni Zhu ◽  
Yongqing Yan ◽  
Boyang Yu
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Bleeding Time ◽  
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Locomotive Activity

Deficiency of both Qi and Yin Syndrome (DQYS) is one of the common syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mainly characterized by tiredness, emaciation, anorexia, fidget, palpitation and rapid pulse, and so forth. Currently, there is no available animal model which can reflect the clinical features of this syndrome. In the present paper, we observed the time-course changes of whole behavior, body weight, food intake, locomotive activity and electrocardiogram in mice exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia for 6 weeks, and measured bleeding time at last according to the clinical features of DQYS and one key pathological factor. The results showed that the mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia for certain time presented lackluster hair, dull looking hair, resistance, attacking, body weight loss, food intake decline, locomotive activity decrease, heart rate quickening and T wave elevating, which were similar to the major clinical features of DQYS. Meanwhile, bleeding time shortening was also found, which was consistent with the clinical fact that DQYS often accompanied with blood stasis. The possible explanation was also outlined according to the available literature. Such findings suggested chronic intermittent hypoxia could induce similar symptoms and signs in mice accorded with the clinical features of DQYS, which provided a suitable animal model for evaluation of drugs for the treatment of this syndrome and further exploration of pathological process or correlation of the syndrome and related diseases.

Cardiovascular Modulating Effects of Magnolol and Honokiol, Two Polyphenolic Compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine-Magnolia Officinalis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 559-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yuan ◽  
Xiaocui Zhou ◽  
Yuanyuan Wang ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Xiangyan Teng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Polyphenolic Compounds ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Magnolia Officinalis

Honokiol and its isomer magnolol are poly-phenolic compounds isolated from the Magnolia officinalis that exert cardiovascular modulating effects via a variety of mechanisms. They are used as blood-quickening and stasis-dispelling agents in Traditional Chinese Medicine and confirmed to have therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This comprehensive review summarizes the current data regarding the cardioprotective mechanisms of those compounds and identifies areas for further research.

scholarly journals KLK11 promotes the activation of mTOR and protein synthesis to facilitate cardiac hypertrophy

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wang ◽  
Hongjuan Liao ◽  
Yueheng Wang ◽  
Jinlin Zhou ◽  
Feng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Mtor Signaling ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Quantitative Real Time Pcr

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death worldwide, and cardiac hypertrophy is the core mechanism underlying cardiac defect and heart failure. However, the underlying mechanisms of cardiac hypertrophy are not fully understood. Here we investigated the roles of Kallikrein 11 (KLK11) in cardiac hypertrophy. Methods Human and mouse hypertrophic heart tissues were used to determine the expression of KLK11 with quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Mouse cardiac hypertrophy was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC), and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was induced by angiotensin II. Cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiography. The signaling pathway was analyzed by western blot. Protein synthesis was monitored by the incorporation of [3H]-leucine. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results The mRNA and protein levels of KLK11 were upregulated in human hypertrophic hearts. We also induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice and observed the upregulation of KLK11 in hypertrophic hearts. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that KLK11 overexpression promoted whereas KLK11 knockdown repressed cardiomyocytes hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II, as evidenced by cardiomyocyte size and the expression of hypertrophy-related fetal genes. Besides, we knocked down KLK11 expression in mouse hearts with adeno-associated virus 9. Knockdown of KLK11 in mouse hearts inhibited TAC-induced decline in fraction shortening and ejection fraction, reduced the increase in heart weight, cardiomyocyte size, and expression of hypertrophic fetal genes. We also observed that KLK11 promoted protein synthesis, the key feature of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, by regulating the pivotal machines S6K1 and 4EBP1. Mechanism study demonstrated that KLK11 promoted the activation of AKT-mTOR signaling to promote S6K1 and 4EBP1 pathway and protein synthesis. Repression of mTOR with rapamycin blocked the effects of KLK11 on S6K1 and 4EBP1 as well as protein synthesis. Besides, rapamycin treatment blocked the roles of KLK11 in the regulation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that KLK11 promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by activating AKT-mTOR signaling to promote protein synthesis.

scholarly journals A Reduction in ADAM17 Expression Is Involved in the Protective Effect of the PPAR-α Activator Fenofibrate on Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

PPAR Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Si-Yu Zeng ◽  
Hui-Qin Lu ◽  
Qiu-Jiang Yan ◽  
Jian Zou
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Protective Action ◽  
Pressure Overload ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Hypertensive Rats ◽  
Protein Levels

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist fenofibrate ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy; however, its mechanism of action has not been completely determined. Our previous study indicated that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17 (ADAM17) is required for angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. This study aimed to determine whether ADAM17 is involved in the protective action of fenofibrate against cardiac hypertrophy. Abdominal artery constriction- (AAC-) induced hypertensive rats were used to observe the effects of fenofibrate on cardiac hypertrophy and ADAM17 expression. Primary cardiomyocytes were pretreated with fenofibrate (10 μM) for 1 hour before being stimulated with angiotensin II (100 nM) for another 24 hours. Fenofibrate reduced the ratios of left ventricular weight to body weight (LVW/BW) and heart weight to body weight (HW/BW), left ventricular anterior wall thickness (LVAW), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPW), and ADAM17 mRNA and protein levels in left ventricle in AAC-induced hypertensive rats. Similarly, in vitro experiments showed that fenofibrate significantly attenuated angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and diminished ADAM17 mRNA and protein levels in primary cardiomyocytes stimulated with angiotensin II. In summary, a reduction in ADAM17 expression is associated with the protective action of PPAR-α agonists against pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

scholarly journals Allylmethylsulfide, a Sulfur Compound Derived from Garlic, Attenuates Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Soheb Anwar Mohammed ◽  
Bugga Paramesha ◽  
Yashwant Kumar ◽  
Ubaid Tariq ◽  
Sudheer Kumar Arava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Chronic Administration ◽  
The Body ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Serum Biochemical ◽  
Enalapril Treatment ◽  
Histopathological Investigation

Allylmethylsulfide (AMS) is a novel sulfur metabolite found in the garlic-fed serum of humans and animals. In the present study, we have observed that AMS is safe on chronic administration and has a potential antihypertrophic effect. Chronic administration of AMS for 30 days did not cause any significant differences in the body weight, electrocardiogram, food intake, serum biochemical parameters, and histopathology of vital organs. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of AMS suggests that AMS is rapidly metabolized into Allylmethylsulfoxide (AMSO) and Allylmethylsulfone (AMSO2). To evaluate the efficacy of AMS, cardiac hypertrophy was induced by subcutaneous implantation of ALZET® osmotic minipump containing isoproterenol (~5 mg/kg/day), cotreated with AMS (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) and enalapril (10 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. AMS and enalapril significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy as studied by the heart weight to body weight ratio and mRNA expression of fetal genes (ANP and β-MHC). We have observed that TBARS, a parameter of lipid peroxidation, was reduced and the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) were improved in the AMS and enalapril-cotreated hypertrophic hearts. The extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) were significantly upregulated in the diseased hearts; however, with the AMS and enalapril, it was preserved. Similarly, caspases 3, 7, and 9 were upregulated in hypertrophic hearts, and with the AMS and enalapril treatment, they were reduced. Further to corroborate this finding with in vitro data, we have checked the nuclear expression of caspase 3/7 in the H9c2 cells treated with isoproterenol and observed that AMS cotreatment reduced it significantly. Histopathological investigation of myocardium suggests AMS and enalapril treatment reduced fibrosis in hypertrophied hearts. Based on our experimental results, we conclude that AMS, an active metabolite of garlic, could reduce isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and stabilizing ECM components.

scholarly journals The Effect of a 2-Week Red Ginseng Supplementation on Food Efficiency and Energy Metabolism in Mice

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1726
Author(s):  
Hyejung Hwang ◽  
Jisu Kim ◽  
Kiwon Lim
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Fat Oxidation ◽  
Substrate Utilization ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Red Ginseng ◽  
Energy Substrate ◽  
Metabolism Regulation

Red ginseng (RG) ingestion reportedly affects body weight, food intake, and fat accumulation reduction. It also induces changes in energy metabolism regulation and glycemic control. Previously, 2-week RG ingestion with endurance training was found to enhance fat oxidation during exercise. However, such effects on energy metabolism and the expression of mRNAs related to energy substrate utilization in resting mice (untrained mice) are still unclear. Here, we determined the effect of RG on energy metabolism and substrate utilization in untrained male mice. Twenty-four mice were separated into an RG group that received a daily dosage of 1 g/kg RG for 2 weeks, and a control (CON). Energy expenditure, blood and tissue glycogen levels, and expression of mRNAs related to energy substrate utilization in muscles were measured before and 2 weeks after treatment. Total food intake was significantly lower in the RG than in the CON group (p < 0.05), but final body weights did not differ. Carbohydrate and fat oxidation over 24 h did not change in either group. There were no significant differences in gastrocnemius GLUT4, MCT1, MCT4, FAT/CD36, and CPT1b mRNA levels between groups. Thus, the effects of RG ingested during rest differ from the effects of RG ingestion in combination with endurance exercise; administering RG to untrained mice for 2 weeks did not change body weight and energy metabolism. Therefore, future studies should consider examining the RG ingestion period and dosage for body weight control and improving energy metabolism.

scholarly journals Regulation of food intake and body weight by recombinant proghrelin

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (6) ◽  
pp. E1269-E1275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weizhen Zhang ◽  
Arundhati Majumder ◽  
Xiaobin Wu ◽  
Michael W. Mulholland
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Normal Saline ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Intraperitoneal Administration ◽  
Fat Consumption ◽  
Regulate Food Intake ◽  
Cumulative Food Intake

Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid hormone derived from the endoproteolytic processing of its prehormone proghrelin. Although ghrelin has been reported to regulate food intake and body weight, it is still unknown whether proghrelin exercises any biological function. Here we show that recombinant proghrelin alters food intake and energy metabolism in mice. After intraperitoneal administration of recombinant proghrelin (100 nmol/kg body wt), cumulative food intake was significantly increased at days 1, 2, and 3 (6 ± 0.3, 13 ± 0.5, and 20 ± 0.8 g vs. 5 ± 0.2, 10 ± 0.2, and 16 ± 0.3 g of the control mice receiving normal saline, respectively, n = 6, P < 0.05). Twelve-hour cumulative food intake in the light photo period in mice treated with proghrelin increased significantly relative to the control (2.1 ± 0.04 vs. 1.3 ± 0.2 g, n = 6, P < 0.05). No change in 12-h cumulative food intake in the dark photo period was observed between mice treated with proghrelin and vehicle (4.2 ± 0.6 vs. 4.3 ± 0.6 g, n = 6, P > 0.05). This is associated with a decrease in body weight (0.42 ± 0.04 g) for mice treated with proghrelin, whereas control animals gained body weight (0.31 ± 0.04 g). Mice treated with proghrelin demonstrate a significant decrease in respiratory quotient, indicating an increase in fat consumption. Recombinant proghrelin is functionally active with effects on food intake and energy metabolism.

Endocrine and cardiac paracrine actions of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) during thyroid dysfunction in the rat: is IGF-I implicated in the mechanism of heart weight/body weight change during abnormal thyroid function?

1993 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
M R Thomas ◽  
J P Miell ◽  
A M Taylor ◽  
R J M Ross ◽  
J R Arnao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Primary Defect ◽  
Anabolic Hormone ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Paracrine Actions

ABSTRACT Thyroid hormones are essential for the normal growth and development of many tissues. In the rat, hypothyroidism is associated with growth impairment, and hyperthyroidism with the development of a hypercatabolic state and skeletal muscle wasting but, paradoxically, cardiac hypertrophy. The mechanism by which thyroid hormone produces cardiac hypertrophy and myosin isoenzyme changes remains unclear. The role of IGF-I, an anabolic hormone with both paracrine and endocrine actions, in producing cardiac hypertrophy was investigated during this study in hyperthyroid, hypothyroid and control rats. A treated hypothyroid group was also included in order to assess the effect of acute normalization of thyroid function. Body weight was significantly lower in the hyperthyroid (mean±s.e.m.; 535·5±24·9 g, P<0·05), hypothyroid (245·3±9·8 g, P<0·001) and treated hypothyroid (265·3±9·8 g, P<0·001) animals when compared with controls (618·5±28·6 g). Heart weight/body weight ratios were, however, significantly increased in the hyperthyroid (2·74 ± 0·11×10−3, P<0·01) and treated hypothyroid (2·87±0·07 ×10−3, P<0·001) animals when compared with controls (2·26±0·03 × 10−3). Serum IGF-I concentrations were similar in the control and hyperthyroid rats (0·91±0·07 vs 0·78±0·04 U/ml, P=0·26), but bioactivity was reduced by 70% in hyperthyroid serum, suggesting a circulating inhibitor of IGF. Serum IGF-I levels (0·12±0·03 U/ml, P<0·001) and bioactivity (0·12±0·04 U/ml, P<0·001) were significantly lower in the hypothyroid group. Liver IGF-I mRNA levels were not statistically different in the control and hyperthyroid animals, but were significantly reduced in the hypothyroid animals (P<0·05 vs control). Heart IGF-I mRNA levels were similar in the control and hypothyroid rats, but were significantly increased in the hyperthyroid and treated hypothyroid animals (increased by 32% in hyperthyroidism, P<0·05; increased by 57% in treated hypothyroidism, P<0·01). Cardiac IGF-I was significantly elevated in hyperthyroidism (0·16±0·01 U/mg heart tissue, P<0·01), was low in hypothyroidism (0·08±0·01 U/mg, P<0·01) and was normalized in the treated hypothyroid group (0·11 ± 0·01 U/mg vs control, 0·13±0·01 U/mg). Low body mass during both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is therefore associated with reduced systemic IGF bioactivity. In hypothyroidism there is a primary defect in the endocrine function of IGF-I, while in hyperthyroidism serum IGF bioactivity is reduced in the presence of normal endocrine production of this anabolic hormone. In contrast, the paracrine actions of IGF-I are increased in the heart during hyperthyroidism, and this hormone appears to play a part in the development of hyperthyroid cardiac hypertrophy.

Abstract 20118: Defining the Sufficiency of Atg7 to Suppress Phenylephrine-induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Tjeerdsma ◽  
Levi Froke ◽  
Jessica Freeling ◽  
Scott Pattison
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Autophagic Flux ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Hypertrophic Growth ◽  
Fractional Shortening

Introduction: Macroautophagy is a process of bulk protein degradation. Our prior work showed that Atg7 expression is sufficient to induce autophagic flux in vitro and in vivo . When Atg7 was co-expressed with CryAB R120G in the heart, cardiac hypertrophy was blunted in heart weight/body weight ratios and fetal gene expression markers. To determine if Atg7 expression is sufficient to limit hypertrophic growth in another model, we tested the effects of Atg7 overexpression with phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy both in vitro and in vivo . Hypothesis: Atg7 will blunt the hypertrophic effects of phenylephrine. Methods: Rat neonatal cardiomyocytes were infected with adenoviruses expressing either LacZ or Atg7 and treated with phenylephrine to induce cardiomyocytes hypertrophy. Osmotic pumps were surgically implanted into control mice and mice with cardiac-specific expression of Atg7 to infuse phenylephrine (PE) or vehicle (saline) for four weeks. Results: PE treatment significantly increased neonatal cardiomyocyte areas in LacZ-expressing cells, while Atg7-expressing cardiomyocytes showed no growth. In mice, all genotypes responded to PE treatment with significantly increased heart weight/body weight ratios and increased fiber size. However, Atg7-expressing hearts differed significantly from control hearts in normalized heart mass following PE delivery. Vehicle treated Atg7-expressing hearts had 17% smaller myofiber cross-sectional areas than those from control genotypes and had a reduced hypertrophic response to PE, relative to controls. Echocardiography showed that Atg7-expressing hearts had significantly elevated cardiac function (% fractional shortening) prior to and throughout the experiment over control hearts (33% vs. 29%). PE significantly increased fractional shortening) from 29% to 36% in control hearts, but failed to significantly elevate cardiac function in Atg7-expressing hearts further (33% vs 35%). Additional assays are underway to understand the Atg7-dependent adaptations to PE. Conclusion: Atg7 expression yields modestly smaller hearts with enhanced cardiac function which may protect them from hypertrophic stresses like phenylephrine.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document