• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.129-143
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• 2024

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), a novel endogenous gas signaling molecule, is involved in the regulation of cardiac function. Exerting a key role in progression of hyperthyroidism-induced cardiomyopathy (HTC), myocardial fibrosis is mainly caused by myocardial apoptosis, leading to poor treatment outcomes and prognoses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SO₂ on the hyperthyroidism-induced myocardial fibrosis and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Elisa, Masson staining, Western-Blot, transmission electron microscope, and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the myocardial interstitial collagen deposition, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, changes in endogenous SO₂, and Hippo pathways from in vitro and in vivo experiments. The study results indicated that the hyperthyroidism-induced myocardial fibrosis was accompanied by decreased cardiac function, and down-regulated ERS, apoptosis, and endogenous SO₂-producing enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AAT)1/2 in cardiac myocytes. In contrast, exogenous SO₂ donors improved cardiac function, reduced myocardial interstitial collagen deposition, up-regulated AAT1/2, antagonized ERS and apoptosis, and inhibited excessive activation of Hippo pathway in hyperthyroid rats. In conclusion, the results herein suggested that SO₂ inhibited the overactivation of the Hippo pathway, antagonized ERS and apoptosis, and alleviated myocardial fibrosis in hyperthyroid rats. Therefore, this study was expected to identify intervention targets and new strategies for prevention and treatment of HTC.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.433-435
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• 1998

Recent progress of technology permits us to assess ventricular function and wall motion as well as myocardial perfusion using electrocardiographic gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (GM-SPECT). It is interesting that echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are moving in the same direction with the use of contrast medium to assess myocardial perfusion. A valid fundamental basis for a new technology is essential for a successful competition. Lee et al. report in this issue the reproducibility of serial measurement of left ventricular function including systolic wall thickening using a novel statistical method. It has important implications such as nitroglycerin or dobutamine application during GM-SPECT. The field of nuclear cardiology must continue to strive toward more sophisticated but straightforward evaluation of cardiac diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.87-94
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• 2022

Myocardial infarction promotes cardiac remodeling and myocardial fibrosis, thus leading to cardiac dysfunction or heart failure. Peiminine has been regarded as a traditional anti-fibrotic Chinese medicine in pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of peiminine in myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis remained elusive. Firstly, rat model of myocardial infarction was established using ligation of the left coronary artery, which were then intraperitoneally injected with 2 or 5 mg/kg peiminine once a day for 4 weeks. Echocardiography and haemodynamic evaluation results showed that peiminine treatment reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and enhanced maximum rate of increase/decrease of left ventricle pressure (± dP/dt max) and left ventricular systolic pressure, which ameliorate the cardiac function. Secondly, myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and infarct size were also attenuated by peiminine. Moreover, peiminine inhibited myocardial infarction-induced increase of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production, as well as the myocardial cell apoptosis, in the rats. Thirdly, peiminine also decreased the myocardial fibrosis related protein expression including collagen I and collagen III. Lastly, peiminine reduced the expression of p38 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in rat model of myocardial infarction. In conclusion, peiminine has a cardioprotective effect against myocardial infarction-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis, which can be attributed to the inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.285-294
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• 2024

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of mortality globally. Currently, the pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is considered to be intimately related to the severity of myocardial injury during myocardial infarction. Interventions targeting IL-6 are a promising therapeutic option for myocardial infarction, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we report the novel role of IL-6 in regulating adverse cardiac remodeling mediated by fibroblasts in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. It was found that the elevated expression of IL-6 in myocardium and cardiac fibroblasts was observed after myocardial infarction. Further, fibroblast-specific knockdown of Il6 significantly attenuated cardiac fibrosis and adverse cardiac remodeling and preserved cardiac function induced by myocardial infarction. Mechanistically, the role of Il6 contributing to cardiac fibrosis depends on signal transduction and activation of transcription (STAT)3 signaling activation. Additionally, Stat3 binds to the Il11 promoter region and contributes to the increased expression of Il11, which exacerbates cardiac fibrosis. In conclusion, these results suggest a novel role for IL-6 derived from fibroblasts in mediating Stat3 activation and substantially augmented Il11 expression in promoting cardiac fibrosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.979-983
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• 1988

Calcium channel blockers may prevent myocardial injury during cardioplegia and reperfusion. This study was done to evaluate the effects of diltiazem cardioplegia on myocardial protection during ischemic arrest and recovery of myocardial function after reperfusion. Four formulations of crystalloid cardioplegic solutions, GIK solution[group I, n=12], diltiazem[lug/ml GIK] in GIK solution[group II, n=7], ],diltiazem[2ug/ml GIK] in GIK solution[group III, n=6] and diltiazem[4ug/ml GIK] in GIK solution[group IV, n=6] were compared in isolated working rat heart subjected to a long period [2 hours] of hypothermic arrest with multi-dose infusion. Diltiazem cardioplegia[group II, III and IV]was found to be superior in nearly all aspects. Diltiazem cardioplegia showed faster recovery of regular rhythm and lower incidence of ventricular fibrillation than group I did. In comparing mechanical function in all experimental hearts, the mean postischemic recoveries of aortic flow, cardiac output, peak aortic pressure, stroke volume and stroke work[expressed as a percentage of its preischemic control] were significantly greater in group II, III and IV[diltiazem cardioplegia] than in group I. The infused amount of cardioplegic solution was more increased by the addition of diltiazem to GI K solution. [p < 0.01] Creatine kinase leakage tended to be lower in hearts receiving diltiazem cardioplegia, especially in group III and IV[p<0.05] than in those receiving GIK solution only[group I]. Diltiazem cardioplegia results in the increased flow of cardioplegic solution and the decreased ischemic injury of myocardium during ischemic arrest and the improved recovery of myocardial function after reperfusion, and a dose-response relation must be established before clinical use.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.70-79
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• 2024

The efficacy of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on myocardial infarction is limited due to poor survival and engraftment. Integrin-mediated cell adhesion is a prerequisite for its survival and homing. ASCs expressed insufficient integrin 𝛼₄, limiting their homing capacity. This study aims to characterize integrin 𝛼₄⁺ ASC subpopulation and investigate their therapeutic efficacy in myocardial infarction. We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting to harvest integrin 𝛼₄⁺ ASCs subpopulation, which were characterized in vitro and transplanted into myocardial infarction model. Positron emission tomography imaging were performed to measure infarction size. Cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate heart contractile function. Compared with the unfractionated ASCs, integrin 𝛼₄⁺ ASCs subpopulation secreted a higher level of angiogenic growth factors, migrated more rapidly, and exhibited a stronger anti-apoptotic capacity. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was obviously up-regulated at 3 days after myocardial infarction, which interacted with integrin α₄ receptor on the surface of ASCs to enhance the survival and adhesion. Thus, we implanted unfractionated ASCs or integrin α₄⁺ ASCs subpopulation into the 3-day infarcted myocardium. Integrin α₄⁺ ASCs subpopulation exhibited more robust engraftment into the infarcted myocardium. Integrin α₄⁺ ASCs subpopulation more effectively decreased infarct size and strengthen cardiac function recovery than did the unfractionated ASCs. Integrin α₄⁺ ASCs subpopulation is superior to unfractionated ASCs in ameliorating ischemic myocardial damage in animal model. Mechanistically, their more robust engraftment into the infarct area, higher migratory capacity and their increased release of paracrine factors contribute to enhanced tissue repair.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1090-1106
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• 1990

This study was undertaken to investigate whether adenosine administered during cardioplegic arrest could enhance myocardial protection and improve recovery of function after ischemia. Isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were subjected to 40 minutes of normothermic [37oC] ischemia. Control hearts [n=10] received modified St. Thomas’ cardioplegic solution, and the remaining hearts received modified St. Thomas’ cardioplegic solution with either 20 \ulcornerM [n=10], 200 \ulcornerM [n=10] adenosine. After ischemia of 40 minutes and 30 minutes of reperfusion, left ventricular contractility was superior in all groups of adenosine-treated hearts compared with control hearts. Furthermore, there was a significant incremental increase in functional recovery with increasing dose of adenosine. Post-ischemic diastolic stiffness was significantly better in all adenosine groups compared with controls. No differences were noted in coronary flow or myocardial water content between adenosine-treated and control hearts. These data demonstrate that adenosine administered in these concentrations provides myocardial protection, preservation of myocardial ATP and creatine phosphokinase and improved post-ischemic functional hemodynamic recovery after normothermic ischemia, presumably metabolically by reducing depletion of adenosine triphosphate, inducing rapid cardiac arrest and enabling improved post-ischemic recovery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.605-612
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• 2000

Background: Ischemic preconditioning enhances the tolerance of myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion injury, with the enhancement of the recovery of post-ischemic myocardial function. This study was disigned to assess whether the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning could provide one additional hour of myocardial preservation in four hour myocardial ischemia in a rate heart. Material and method: Fourty four Spargue-Dawley rats, weighing 300~450gm, were divided into four groups. Group 1(n=7) and group 3(n=12) were subjected to 30 minutes of aerobic Langendorff perfusion without ischemic preconditioning and then preserved in saline solution at 2~4$^{\circ}C$ for 4 hours and 5 respectively. Group 2(n=7) and group 4(n=18) were perfused in the same way for 20 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of global mormothermic ischemia and 10 minutes of perfusion and then preserved in the same cold saline solution for 4 hours and 5 hours respectively. Heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure(LVDP), and coronary flow were measured at 15 minutes during perfusion as baseline. Spontaneous defibrillation time was measured after reperfusion. Heart rate, LVDP, and coronary flow were also recorded at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes during reperfusion. Samples of the apical left ventricular wall were studied using a transmission electron microscope. Result: Time of spontaneous defibrillation(TSD) was significantly longer in group 4 than in group 1(p<0.001), and TSD in group 1 was significantly longer in comparision to that of group 2(p<0.05). Heart rate at 45 minutes was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 4(p<0.05). Heart rate at 15 min was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1(p<0.001) and in group 4 than in group 3(p<0.05). Left ventricular developed pressure(LVDP) at 30 minutes and 45 minutes was higher in group 1 than in group 4(p<0.01), LVDP at 45 minutes was higher in group 4 than in group 3(p<0.05). Rate-pressure product(RPP) at 30 minutes and 45 minutes was higher in group 1 than in group 4(p<0.05). RPP at 15 minutes was higher in group 2 than in group 1(p<0.01). RPP at 30 minutes and 45 minutes was higher in group 4 than in group 3(p<0.05). Group 2 showed relatively less sarcoplasmic edema and less nuclear chromatin clearance than group 1. Group 4 showed less myocardial cell damage than group 3, group 4 showed less myocardial cell damage than group 3, group 4 showed more myocardial cell edema than group 1. Conclusion: Ischemic preconditioning enhanced the recovery of postischemic myocardial function after 4 hours and 5 hours preservation. However, it was not demonstrated that ischemic preconditioning could definitely provide one additional hour of myocardial preservation in four hour myocardial ischemia in a rat heart.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 1995

This study investigates a simple mathematical model for the quantitative estimation of regional myocardial blood flow in experimental canine coronary artery thrombosis using Rb-82 dynamic myocardial positron emission tomography. The coronary thrombosis was induced using the new catheter technique by narrowing the lumen of coronary vessel gradually, which finally led to partial obstruction of coronary artery. Ten Rb-82 dynamic myocardial PET scans were performed sequentially for each experiment using our 5, 10 and 20 second acquisition protocol, respectively, and three regions of interest were drawn on the transaxial slices, one on left ventricular chamber for input function and the other two on normal and decreased perfusion segments for the flow estimation in those regions. Single compartment model has been applied to the measured sets of regional PET data, and the rate constants of influx to myocardial tissue were calculated for regional myocardial flow estimates with the three parameter fits of raw data by the Levenberg-Marquardt method. The results showed that, (1) single compartment model suggested by Kety-Schmidt could be used for the simple estimation of regional myocardial blood flow, (2) the calculated regional myocardial blood flow estimates were dependent on the selection of input function, which reflected partial volume effect and left ventricular wall motion, and (3) mathematically fitted input and tissue time activity curves were more suitable than the direct application of the measured data in terms of convergence.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.743-754
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• 2023

Background: Myocardial fibrosis post-myocardial infarction (MI) can induce maladaptive cardiac remodeling as well as heart failure. Although 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has been applied to cardiovascular diseases, its efficacy and specific molecular mechanism in myocardial fibrosis are largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to explore whether TGFBR1 signaling was involved in Rg3's anti-fibrotic effect post-MI. Methods: Left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation-induced MI mice and TGF-β1-stimulated primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were adopted. Echocardiography, hematoxlin-eosin and Masson staining, Western-blot and immunohistochemistry, CCK8 and Edu were used to study the effects of Rg3 on myocardial fibrosis and TGFBR1 signaling. The combination mechanism of Rg3 and TGFBR1 was explored by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). Moreover, myocardial Tgfbr1-deficient mice and TGFBR1 adenovirus were adopted to confirm the pharmacological mechanism of Rg3. Results: In vivo experiments, Rg3 ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy and enhanced cardiac function. Rg3-TGFBR1 had the 1.78×10^-7 M equilibrium dissociation constant based on SPRi analysis, and Rg3 inhibited the activation of TGFBR1/Smads signaling dose-dependently. Cardiac-specific Tgfbr1 knockdown abolished Rg3's protection against myocardial fibrosis post-MI. In addition, Rg3 downregulated the TGF-β1-mediated CFs growth together with collagen production in vitro through TGFBR1 signaling. Moreover, TGFBR1 adenovirus partially blocked the inhibitory effect of Rg3. Conclusion: Rg3 improves myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function through suppressing CFs proliferation along with collagen deposition by inactivation of TGFBR1 pathway.