scholarly journals In vivo combinatory gene therapy synergistically promotes cardiac function and vascular regeneration following myocardial infarction

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204173142095341
Author(s):  
Sunghun Lee ◽  
Bong-Woo Park ◽  
Yong Jin Lee ◽  
Kiwon Ban ◽  
Hun-Jun Park
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Capillary Density ◽  
Cardiac Repair ◽  
Vascular Regeneration ◽  
Intramyocardial Delivery

Since myocardial infarction (MI) excessively damage the myocardium and blood vessels, the therapeutic approach for treating MI hearts should simultaneously target these two major components in the heart to achieve comprehensive cardiac repair. Here, we investigated a combinatory platform of ETV2 and Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5 (GMT) transcription factors to develop a strategy that can rejuvenate both myocardium and vasculatures together in MI hearts. Previously ETV2 demonstrated significant effects on neovascularization and GMT was known to directly reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes under in vivo condition. Subsequently, intramyocardial delivery of a combination of retroviral GMT and adenoviral ETV2 particles into the rat MI hearts significantly increased viable myocardium area, capillary density compared to ETV2 or GMT only treated hearts, leading to improved heart function and reduced scar formation. These results demonstrate that this combinatorial gene therapy can be a promising approach to enhance the cardiac repair in MI hearts.

scholarly journals Author Correction: In vivo transduction of ETV2 improves cardiac function and induces vascular regeneration following myocardial infarction

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunghun Lee ◽  
Dong Hun Lee ◽  
Bong-Woo Park ◽  
Ri Youn Kim ◽  
Anh Duc Hoang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Vascular Regeneration

scholarly journals Myocardial fibrosis reversion via rhACE2-electrospun fibrous patch for ventricular remodeling prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeping Qiu ◽  
Jingwen Zhao ◽  
Fanyi Huang ◽  
Luhan Bao ◽  
Yanjia Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Myocardial Fibrosis ◽  
Ventricular Remodeling ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Intramyocardial Injection ◽  
Undesirable Consequence ◽  
Adverse Remodeling

AbstractMyocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling were the key pathology factors causing undesirable consequence after myocardial infarction. However, an efficient therapeutic method remains unclear, partly due to difficulty in continuously preventing neurohormonal overactivation and potential disadvantages of cell therapy for clinical practice. In this study, a rhACE2-electrospun fibrous patch with sustained releasing of rhACE2 to shape an induction transformation niche in situ was introduced, through micro-sol electrospinning technologies. A durable releasing pattern of rhACE2 encapsulated in hyaluronic acid (HA)—poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) core-shell structure was observed. By multiple in vitro studies, the rhACE2 patch demonstrated effectiveness in reducing cardiomyocytes apoptosis under hypoxia stress and inhibiting cardiac fibroblasts proliferation, which gave evidence for its in vivo efficacy. For striking mice myocardial infarction experiments, a successful prevention of adverse ventricular remodeling has been demonstrated, reflecting by improved ejection fraction, normal ventricle structure and less fibrosis. The rhACE2 patch niche showed clear superiority in long term function and structure preservation after ischemia compared with intramyocardial injection. Thus, the micro-sol electrospun rhACE2 fibrous patch niche was proved to be efficient, cost-effective and easy-to-use in preventing ventricular adverse remodeling.

Abstract 58: AT2 Receptor Agonism Regulates TIMP1/MMP9 Axis in the Heart Preventing Cardiac Fibrosis and Improving Heart Function After Experimental Myocardial Infarction

Hypertension ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilyara Lauer ◽  
Svetlana Slavic ◽  
Manuela Sommerfeld ◽  
Christa Thöne-Reineke ◽  
Yuliya Sharkovska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Left Ventricle ◽  
Late Stage ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Collagen Content ◽  
Vehicle Group ◽  
At2 Receptor ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Tgf Β1

Aims: A selective nonpeptide agonist for the angiotensin AT2 receptor compound 21 (C21) improved cardiac functions 7 days after myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we aimed to investigate what are the cellular mechanisms underlying cardiac protection in the late stage after MI. Methods and Results: MI was induced in Wistar rats by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery. Treatment with C21 (0.03mg/kg i.p. daily) started 6h after MI and continued for 6 weeks. Hemodynamic parameters were measured via transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and intracardiac Samba catheter. The expression of MMP9, TIMP1, TGF-β1 and collagen content were determined in left ventricle. Anti-proteolytic effects were additionally studied in primary cardiac fibroblasts. C21 significantly improved systolic and diastolic function 6 weeks after MI in comparison with the vehicle group as shown by ejection fraction (71.2±4.7 % vs. 53.4±7.0%; p<0.001), fractional shortening (40.8±2.3% vs. 30.9±3.1%; p<0.05), LVIDs (4.4±0.5mm vs. 5.2±0.8mm; p<0.05), LV EDP (16.9±1.2mmHg vs. 22.1±1.4mmHg; p<0.05), E/A ratio, dP/dt max and dP/dt min (p<0.05). Moreover, C21 improved arterial stiffness parameter (AIx) (18±1.2% vs. 25%±1.8, p<0.05) and reduced collagen content (15%; p<0.05) in postinfarcted myocardium. TIMP1 protein expression in the left ventricle was strongly up-regulated (17.7-fold; p<0.05) whereas MMP9 and TGF-β1 were significantly down-regulated (1.5-fold, p<0.05; 3.4-fold p<0.001, respectively) in the treated group. In cardiac fibroblasts, C21 primarily induced TIMP1 expression followed by attenuated MMP9 secretion and TGF-β1 down-regulation. Conclusion: C21 improves heart function in the late stage after MI and prevents cardiac remodeling. Activation of TIMP1 and subsequent inhibition of MMP9-mediated proteolysis as well as down-regulation of TGF-β1 followed by decreased collagen accumulation may attenuate disintegration of the extracellular matrix and reduce fibrosis.

Abstract P485: Loss Of Acta2 In Cardiac Fibroblasts Does Not Prevent The Myofibroblast Differentiation Or Affect The Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Infarction

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxia Li ◽  
Chaoyang Li ◽  
Qianglin Liu ◽  
Leshan Wang ◽  
Adam X Bao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Cardiac Repair ◽  
Fiber Formation ◽  
Stress Fibers ◽  
Myofibroblast Differentiation ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Actin Isoforms ◽  
Cytoplasmic Actin ◽  
Cardiac Myofibroblasts

In response to myocardial infarction (MI), quiescent cardiac fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts mediating tissue repair in the infarcted area. One of the most widely accepted markers of myofibroblast differentiation is the expression of Acta2 which encodes smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMαA) that is assembled into stress fibers. However, the requirement of Acta2 / SMαA in the myofibroblast differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts and its role in post-MI cardiac repair remained largely unknown. To answer these questions, we generated a tamoxifen-inducible cardiac fibroblast-specific Acta2 knockout mouse line. Surprisingly, mice that lacked Acta2 in cardiac fibroblasts had a normal survival rate after MI. Moreover, Acta2 deletion did not affect the function or overall histology of infarcted hearts. No difference was detected in the proliferation, migration, or contractility between WT and Acta2 -null cardiac myofibroblasts. It was identified that Acta2 -null cardiac myofibroblasts had a normal total filamentous actin level and total actin level. Acta2 deletion caused a unique compensatory increase in the transcription level of Actg2 and an increase in the protein level of sarcomeric actin isoform(s). In addition, the specific muscle actin isoforms that were upregulated in Acta2 -null cardiac myofibroblasts varied between individual cells. Moreover, the formation of stress fibers by cytoplasmic actin isoforms, especially the cytoplasmic gamma-actin, was enhanced in Acta2 -null cardiac myofibroblasts despite their unchanged RNA and protein expression. In conclusion, the deletion of Acta2 does not prevent the myofibroblast differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts or affect the post-MI cardiac repair, and the increased expression and stress fiber formation of non-SMαA actin isoforms and the functional redundancy between actin isoforms are able to compensate for the loss of Acta2 in cardiac myofibroblasts.

scholarly journals CineCT imaging platform for in-vivo and ex-vivo measurement of myocardial biomechanics post myocardial infarction and following intramyocardial delivery of theranostic hydrogel

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Midgett ◽  
RA Ricardo Avendano ◽  
IM Inga Melvinsdottir ◽  
SU Selen Uman ◽  
SLT Stephanie Thorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Myocardial Strain ◽  
Perfused Heart ◽  
Active Deformation ◽  
Intramyocardial Injection ◽  
Passive Deformation ◽  
Intramyocardial Delivery ◽  
Yorkshire Pigs

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute of Health (NIH) Purpose Myocardial infarction (MI) induces acute regional changes in myocardial strain and stiffness in the infarct and the remote areas of the left ventricle (LV), which lead to adverse changes in LV geometry and function. We hypothesize that cineCT imaging could evaluate these biomechanical changes along with the effects of intramyocardial delivery of theranostic hydrogels.  Introduction We present an experimental platform to assess changes in the deformation of the LV myocardium using contrast cineCT (CCT) imaging of the beating porcine heart (active deformation) before and after acute MI and intramyocardial delivery of an imageable theranostic hydrogel. We then assess the acute effects of hydrogel delivery early post-MI on biomechanics (passive deformation) using an ex vivo perfused heart preparation.  Methods Contrast cineCT imaging was performed using 64-slice CT on 5 Yorkshire pigs without MI (n = 3) or with MI (n = 2). MI pigs had serial imaging performed before and 1 hour after acute surgical coronary occlusion to induce anterolateral MI. One MI pig was also imaged 1 hour after intramyocardial injection of a novel imageable theranostic iodinated hydrogel within the MI region. Post euthanasia, excised hearts were flushed with chilled UW cardioplegic solution and mounted on a custom inflation apparatus for cineCT imaging during LV inflation by external pump. LV pressure was cycled between 10 and 60 mmHg at 35 bpm. Dilute iohexol was injected into aortic root and UW perfusate (15 ml, 1 ml/sec). CineCT image series were reconstructed, contrast enhanced, resampled to the LV long axis (Z), and exported as a series of 10 CT volumes covering 0-90% of the cardiac/inflation cycle. Volumes were registered incrementally using nonlinear image registration (BioImageSuite) and the calculated displacement at each time point was exported at a resolution of 1 mm. A custom Matlab program was used to fit the displacement field to local trilinear polynomials and then calculate the displacement gradients and 3D Lagrangian strains. To estimate the accuracy of this approach, cardiac volumes were also numerically deformed using a 10 pixel translation and 5% triaxial stretch. Results We successfully acquired serial in-vivo and ex-vivo 3D CineCT images for assessment of the active and passive LV myocardial deformation and tracked deformation through the full cardiac/inflation cycle (Figure 2). Numerical deformation tests showed average tracking errors of &lt; 0.2 mm (1/4 pixel) in the X,Y,Z directions of the volume. These resulted in Lagrangian strain errors of &lt; 0.47% for the in-plane strains EXX and EYY (radial and circumferential plane) and &lt; 0.5% for EZZ (long axis).  Conclusions We have developed a novel CineCT imaging platform that allows for high resolution in-vivo and ex-vivo measurement of myocardial biomechanics post-MI and following intramyocardial delivery of imageable theranostic hydrogels, which may improve early active and passive biomechanics.

scholarly journals Network pharmacology-based identification of major component of Angelica sinensis and its action mechanism for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaowei Niu ◽  
Jingjing Zhang ◽  
Jinrong Ni ◽  
Runqing Wang ◽  
Weiqiang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Angelica Sinensis ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Multiple Targets

Background: To decipher the mechanisms of Angelica sinensis for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using network pharmacology analysis. Methods: Databases were searched for the information on constituents, targets, and diseases. Cytoscape software was used to construct the constituent–target–disease network and screen the major targets, which were annotated with the DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery) tool. The cardioprotective effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), a major component of A. sinensis, were validated both in H9c2 cells subjected to simulated ischemia by oxygen and glucose deprivation and in rats with AMI by ligation of the left anterior coronary artery. Results: We identified 228 major targets against AMI injury for A. sinensis, which regulated multiple pathways and hit multiple targets involved in several biological processes. ASP significantly decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced cell death both in vitro and in vivo. In ischemia injury rats, ASP treatment reduced infarct size and preserved heart function. ASP enhanced activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) activity, which improved ER-protein folding capacity. ASP activated the expression of p-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α). Additionally, ASP attenuated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and maintained a balance in the oxidant/antioxidant levels after AMI. Conclusion:In silico analysis revealed the associations between A. sinensis and AMI through multiple targets and several key signaling pathways. Experimental data indicate that ASP protects the heart against ischemic injury by activating ATF6 to ameliorate the detrimental ER stress. ASP’s effects could be mediated via the activation of AMPK-PGC1α pathway.

Abstract 33: Unlocking Reprogramming Capability: Silencing Antiplasticity Gene p63 Enhances the Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes

2016 ◽  
Vol 119 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivekkumar Patel ◽  
Austin Cooney ◽  
Elsa Flores ◽  
Vivek Singh ◽  
Megumi Mathison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Troponin T ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Embryonic Fibroblasts ◽  
Reprogramming Efficiency ◽  
Cardiac Transcription Factors

Objective: In situ cellular reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into (induced) cardiomyocytes (iCMs) represents a promising new potential intervention for the treatment of heart failure. Despite encouraging in vivo data in rodent myocardial infarction models, the relative resistance of human cells to reprogramming may be a significant barrier to the clinical application of this new therapy. We hypothesized that knockdown of the anti-plasticity gene p63 could therefore be used to enhance cellular reprogramming efficiency. Methods: p63 knockout (KO) murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and MEFs treated with p63 silencing shRNA were assessed for expression of the cardiomyocyte marker Cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) and pro-cardiogenic genes, with or without the treatment with known cardiac transcription factors Hand2 and Myocardin (HM). Results: After 3 wks in culture, expression of the cardiomyocyte marker cTnT (FACS) was significantly greater in p63 KO MEFs than in wild-type (WT) MEFs or WT MEFs treated with transcription factors Hand2 and Myocardin (39% ± 8%, 2.0% ± 1% and 2.7 ± 0.3%, respectively, p < 0.05). Treatment of p63 KO MEFs with Hand2 and Myocardin further increased cTnT expression up to 74% ± 3%. Treatment of WT MEFs with p63 shRNA likewise yielded a 20-fold increase in cTnT expression (qPCR) without HM and a 600-fold increase with HM when compared to non-silencing shRNA treated MEFs. Consistent with these findings, p63 KO or p63 shRNA-treated MEFs demonstrated increased expression (qPCR) of pro-cardiogenic genes Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5 compared to naïve or non-silencing shRNA treated MEFs. After treatment with p63 shRNA, adult human epidermal cells also demonstrated increased expression of cTnT, myosin heavy chain and pro-cardiogenic genes when analyzed by qPCR. Conclusions: Downregulation of the anti-plasticity gene p63 enhances cellular reprogramming efficiency and iCM generation, as reflected in the increased expression of the cardiomyocyte marker cTnT and pro-cardiogenic genes Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5. Use of such cellular plasticity enhancing strategies may be a useful strategy to overcome barriers to cellular reprogramming in the clinical arena.

Abstract 543: Clinical Development of Cardiac Reprogramming Gene Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 127 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanyu Zhou ◽  
Laura M Lombardi ◽  
Christopher A Reid ◽  
Jin Yang ◽  
Chetan Srinath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Clinical Application ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Treat Heart Failure ◽  
Ability To Regenerate

Heart failure affects an estimated 38 million people worldwide and is typically caused by cardiomyocyte (CM) loss or dysfunction. Although CMs have limited ability to regenerate, a large pool of non-myocytes, including cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), exist in the postnatal heart. In vivo reprogramming of non-myocytes into functional CMs is emerging as a potential new approach to treat heart failure and substantial proof-of-concept has been achieved in this new field. However, challenges remain in terms of clinical application. First, reported human reprogramming cocktails often consist of five to seven factors that require multiple AAV vectors for delivery. Thus, a less complex cocktail that is able to fit into one AAV vector is needed for this technology to impact human health. Second, the lack of specificity in AAV tropism further complicates the safety and regulatory landscape. A means to limit the expression of reprogramming factors to target cells is critical for maximizing long-term safety. Lastly, although promising studies in small animals have already been reported, safety and efficacy results in large animal MI models are critical to justify cardiac reprogramming in human clinical trials. We have developed a novel human cardiac reprogramming cocktail that consists of only two transcription factors and one miRNA. This new cocktail has been engineered into a single AAV cassette to efficiently reprogram human CFs into cardiomyocytes. We also substantially improved transduction of hCFs through AAV capsid engineering and eliminated CMs expression through a microRNA de-targeting method. Moreover, our novel cardiac reprogramming gene therapy improved cardiac function in both rat and swine MI models upon delivery at various time-points after MI without inducing arrhythmias. Given these promising safety and efficacy results in larger animals, we endeavor to translate direct cardiac reprogramming for clinical application.

scholarly journals In vivo transduction of ETV2 improves cardiac function and induces vascular regeneration following myocardial infarction

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunghun Lee ◽  
Dong Hun Lee ◽  
Bong-Woo Park ◽  
Riyoun Kim ◽  
Anh Duc Hoang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Vascular Regeneration
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