• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.43-56
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: The therapeutic strategy for inflammation and degenerative calcification is of utmost importance for bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV) implanted patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification effects of Entelon150^® (grape seed extract), losartan, and rosuvastatin, in a rabbit model of intravascular BHV leaflet implantation in bovine pericardium. Methods: A total of 28 rabbits were implanted with BHV leaflet in the external jugular veins. The Entelon150^® group was administered 7.7 mg/kg Entelon150^® twice daily for 6 weeks after surgery. The losartan and rosuvastatin groups received 5.14 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively, once per day. The control group received 1 ml of saline once daily. And then, calcium concentration was measured in the implanted BHV, and histological and molecular analyses were performed on the surrounding tissues. Results: The calcium content of the implanted tissue in the Entelon150^® group (0.013±0.004 mg/g) was lower than that in the control group (0.066±0.039 mg/g) (p=0.008). The losartan (0.024±0.016 mg/g, p=0.032) and rosuvastatin (0.022±0.011 mg/g, p=0.032) groups had lower calcium content than the control group, and higher tendency than the Entelon150^® group. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expressions of bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), S-100, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor in the Entelon150^® group showed lower tendency than those in the control group. The protein expression levels of BMP2 were reduced in the Entelon150^® group compared with those in the control group. Conclusions: Entelon150^® exhibited a significant effect, similar to other drugs, in reducing calcification and inflammation in the intravascular bovine pericardium.