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Biomedical subjects

Gerd Hasenfuss

Publications and source records attributed to Gerd Hasenfuss.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Evidence for altered interleukin 18 (IL)-18 pathway in human heart failure.

Interleukin (IL)-18 is the interferon-gamma-inducing factor and has potent proinflammatory activities. IL-18 has been recently implicated in atherosclerotic plaque instability and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, it is unknown whether IL-18 expression is increased in human myocardium or if it has any role in heart failure. We analyzed the expression of IL-18, its receptor IL-18Ralpha, and its endogenous inhibitor, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) in myocardial tissue from patients with end-stage heart failure (ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy) and controls by use of quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot or immunohistochemical techniques. Plasma levels of IL-18 were also determined in 48 patients with heart failure. IL-18 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in the myocardium of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Both ischemic and dilated myocardium showed increased IL-18Ralpha levels, suggesting potential biological effects. In addition, mRNA levels of IL-18 BP were down-regulated in the failing myocardium. Finally, plasma IL-18 levels were significantly elevated in patients with heart failure and were higher in those who died at follow-up than in survivors. The results suggest a potential role for the immunoinflammatory IL-18 signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of heart failure and identify novel therapeutic targets for future testing.

Cardiac Output, Low↗

FKBP12.6 overexpression decreases Ca2+ spark amplitude but enhances [Ca2+]i transient in rat cardiac myocytes.

Ryanodine receptors/Ca2+-release channels (RyR2) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) provide the Ca2+ required for contraction at each cardiac twitch. RyR2 are regulated by a variety of proteins, including the immunophilin FK506 binding protein (FKBP12.6). FKBP12.6 seems to be important for coupled gating of RyR2 and its deficit and alteration may be involved in heart failure. The role of FKBP12.6 on Ca2+ release has not been analyzed directly, but rather it was inferred from the effects of immunophilins, such us FK506 and rapamycin, which, among other effects, dissociates FKBP12.6 from the RyR2. Here, we investigated directly the effects of FKBP12.6 on local (Ca2+ sparks) and global [intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients] Ca2+ release in single rat cardiac myocytes. The FKBP12.6 gene was transfected in single myocytes using the adenovirus technique with a reporter gene strategy based on green fluorescent protein (GFP) to check out the success of transfections. Control myocytes were transfected with only GFP (Ad-GFP). Rhod-2 was used as the Ca2+ indicator, and cells were viewed with a confocal microscope. We found that overexpression of FKBP12.6 decreases the occurrence, amplitude, duration, and width of spontaneous Ca2+ sparks. FK506 had diametrically opposed effects. However, overexpression of FKBP12.6 increased the [Ca2+]i transient amplitude and accelerated its decay in field-stimulated cells. The associated cell shortening was increased. SR Ca2+ load, estimated by rapid caffeine application, was increased. In conclusion, FKBP12.6 overexpression decreases spontaneous Ca2+ sparks but increases [Ca2+]i transients, in relation with enhanced SR Ca2+ load, therefore improving excitation-contraction coupling.

Animals↗

Increased neuronal nitric oxide synthase-derived NO production in the failing human heart.

Experimental data suggest that nitric oxide (NO) generated from neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) modulates the myocardial inotropic state. To assess the contribution of NO, derived from endothelial and neuronal isoforms, to the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure in human beings, we compared expression, localisation, and specific activity of NOS isoforms in myocardium from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with those in controls who had died from head trauma or intracranial bleeds. Diseased hearts had a significant increase in nNOS mRNA and protein expression, and activity associated with the translocation of nNOS to the sarcolemma through interactions with caveolin 3. Enhanced nNOS activity counteracted a decrease in eNOS expression and activity. Our results provide evidence of increased nNOS-derived NO in the failing human heart. Such altered regulation may be important in the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction in human congestive heart failure.

Blotting, Western↗

Improved systolic and diastolic myocardial function with intracoronary pyruvate in patients with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Pyruvate increases myocardial performance in isolated myocardium and improves hemodynamics in patients with congestive heart failure. AIMS: To investigate the influence of pyruvate on detailed parameters of systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function. METHODS AND RESULTS: In patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (LVEF 30+/-4%, n=9) pyruvate was infused intracoronarily. LV function was analysed before, during and after application of different pyruvate concentrations using a LV-micromanometer catheter. LV volumes were determined using cine ventriculography. Pyruvate increased maximum rate of LV isovolumic pressure rise (Peak +dP/dt) from 802+/-106 to 1125+/-103 mmHg/s (P<0.05). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure declined in parallel from 17+/-2 to 12+/-2 mmHg (P<0.05) and heart rate decreased from 79+/-4 to 72+/-5 min(-1) (P<0.05). Stroke volume index increased from 34+/-4 to 43+/-6 ml/m(2) (P<0.05), end-diastolic LV volume remained unchanged, thus left ventricular ejection fraction increased with pyruvate from 30+/-4 to 39+/-4% (P<0.05). Maximum rate of LV isovolumic pressure decline (Peak -dP/dt) was significantly increased with pyruvate (from 794+/-94 to 980+/-108 mmHg/s; P<0.05) and mean arterial pressure increased from 80+/-5 to 88+/-4 mmHg (P<0.05). Discontinuation of pyruvate resulted in immediate reversibility of its effects. CONCLUSION: Intracoronary pyruvate improves systolic and diastolic myocardial function and increases ejection fraction without increasing heart rate. Pyruvate thus exhibits the profile of a favourable inotropic agent, however, further investigation for the treatment of patients with acute heart failure is mandatory.

Adult↗

[Dyspnea and normal systolic function].

30-50% of patients presenting with symptoms of congestive heart failure exhibit a near normal left ventricular systolic function at rest, and an impaired diastolic function of the heart may be causative. Despite a better prognosis than in systolic heart failure, frequency of hospitalizations due to diastolic heart failure is comparable with systolic heart failure. According to the criteria of Vasan and Levy diagnosis of diastolic heart failure is probable, if symptoms and signs of heart failure are accompanied in proximity (within 72 h) by objective evidence of normal left ventricular systolic function. Newer echocardiographic techniques (e. g., tissue Doppler) aid to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the severity of dysfunction and may substitute invasive demonstration of impaired left ventricular relaxation, filling, compliance or stiffness for standardized diagnosis. Incorporation of biochemical test (BNP [brain natriuretic peptide]) allows differential diagnosis and may increase the accuracy of diagnosis. Due to inconsistent diagnostic criteria, data from prospective randomized controlled trials for the treatment of diastolic heart failure are rare. Basic principles include treatment of the underlying disease, i. e., control of hypertension, diabetes, or obstructive airway disease. Angiotensin 1 antagonists (ARB) have proven effective in regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LIFE) and may reduce morbidity, but not mortality (CHARM). Maintenance of sinus rhythm, heart rate control (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) and anti-ischemic therapy may be indicated in view of pathophysiological aspects. Diuretics should be administered with caution in patients with symptoms of congestion, digitalis is not useful in the treatment of isolated diastolic heart failure. The results of ongoing trials (e. g., I-Preserve) may offer new therapeutic options, and evidence-based guidelines for the so far often unsatisfactory treatment of diastolic dysfunction/heart failure are awaited.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Cellular repopulation of myocardial infarction in patients with sex-mismatched heart transplantation.

AIMS: Recent studies have suggested that human extracardiac progenitor cells are capable of differentiating into cardiomyocytes. In animal studies, myocardial infarction attracted bone marrow stem cells and enhanced their differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Based on these findings, we hypothesised that myocardial infarction stimulates the invasion of progenitor cells and their differentiation into endothelial and cardiac cells in the human heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared autopsy samples from male control patients who had received a female donor heart with samples from such patients who developed myocardial infarction after transplantation. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) for detection of the Y-chromosome was combined with immunofluorescence staining for CD45 and CD68 to distinguish host-derived inflammatory cells. Additionally, we used a 3D-confocal imaging technique to indisputably assign Y-chromosome-positive nuclei to their cytoplasm. In patients with myocardial infarction after heart transplantation (n=5), host-derived non-inflammatory progenitor and endothelial cells were significantly increased compared to non-infarcted patients (n=9). Yet, by using this novel multi-step approach, only 0.02% of all cells were estimated to be male cardiomyocytes and their increase in infarcted regions to 0.07% was not significant. CONCLUSION: Myocardial infarction enhances the invasion of extracardiac progenitor cells and their regeneration of endothelial cells. However, a significant differentiation into cardiomyocytes as a physiological mechanism of postischaemic regeneration does not occur in transplanted patients.

Aged↗

Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger overexpression predisposes to reactive oxygen species-induced injury.

OBJECTIVE: In heart failure (HF), the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is enhanced. It was shown that failing cardiac myocytes are more susceptible to ROS-induced damage, possibly due to increased expression of the sarcolemmal Na-Ca exchanger (NCX). METHODS: We investigated the consequences of increased expression levels of NCX in adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes (via adenovirus-mediated gene transfer, Ad-NCX1-GFP) with respect to tolerance towards ROS. After 48-h incubation, cells were monitored for morphological changes on an inverted microscope. ROS were generated via hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (100 micromol/l) and Fe(3+)/nitrilotriacetate (Fe(3+)/NTA, 100/200 micromol/l) for 4 min and cell morphology was followed over 30 min. [Na(+)](i) and [Ca(2+)](i) in native cells were measured using SBFI-AM and Indo1-AM, respectively. RESULTS: In native myocytes, exposure to ROS induced hypercontracture. This was accompanied by a 1.3-fold increase in diastolic Indo1 fluorescence ratio (P<0.05). Overexpression of NCX significantly enhanced development of hypercontracture. After 15 min, the percentage of cells that had undergone hypercontracture (F(hyper)) was 85+/-4% vs. only 44+/-10% in control cells (P<0.05). Inhibition of NCX-mediated Ca(2+) entry with KB-R7943 (5 micromol/l) reduced F(hyper) to 33+/-11% (P<0.05). [Na(+)](i) was increased 2.9-fold 1 min prior to hypercontracture (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ROS-induced hypercontracture is due to Ca(2+) entry via NCX which could be triggered by a concomitant substantial increase in [Na(+)](i). Elevated NCX levels predispose to ROS-induced injury, a mechanism likely contributing to myocyte dysfunction and death in heart failure.

Adenoviridae↗

Mechanical load-dependent regulation of gene expression in monocrotaline-induced right ventricular hypertrophy in the rat.

Rats treated with monocrotaline (MCT) develop pulmonary hypertension. Their right ventricles (RVs) exhibit severe pressure overload-induced hypertrophy, whereas the left ventricles (LVs) are normally loaded. In contrast, enhanced neuroendocrine stimulation during the transition to heart failure affects both ventricles. We assessed gene expression levels of Ca2+-regulating proteins in RVs and LVs of control and MCT rats in transition to heart failure to identify biomechanical load-regulated genes. In MCT RVs, both mRNA and protein levels of the Ca2+-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SERCA2a) were reduced by 36% (P=0.001) and 17% (P=0.016), respectively, compared with control RVs. Phospholamban and ryanodine receptor mRNA levels likewise were reduced (by 27% [P=0.05] and 21% [P=0.011], respectively) in MCT RVs, whereas sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger expression was not altered. MCT LVs exhibited no significant expression changes compared with control LVs. Isometrically contracting MCT intact RV trabeculae showed enhanced baseline force development. Although control RV preparations exhibited a positive force-frequency relationship, MCT RVs showed a negative force-frequency relationship and blunted postrest potentiation. Contractile function of MCT LV trabeculae was normal. Maximum Ca2+-activated tension was enhanced by 64% in permeabilized RV MCT preparations (P=0.013). beta-Myosin heavy chain protein was upregulated in MCT RVs (P<0.001) but unaltered in MCT LVs. Degradation of troponin T was prominent in MCT RVs, a phenomenon not observed in the LV. Enhanced biomechanical load is necessary to induce the gene expression changes associated with the hypertrophic phenotype of the pressure-overloaded RV. Neuroendocrine factors, which equally affect both chambers, are not sufficient to alter the expression of Ca2+-cycling proteins.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Increased myocardial NADPH oxidase activity in human heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate whether nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3-phosphate (reduced form) (NADPH) oxidase is expressed in the human heart and whether it contributes to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in heart failure. BACKGROUND: A phagocyte-type NADPH oxidase complex is a major source of ROS in the vasculature and is implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension and atherosclerosis. An increase in myocardial oxidative stress due to excessive production of ROS may be involved in the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure. Recent studies have suggested an important role for myocardial NADPH oxidase in experimental models of cardiac disease. However, it is unknown whether NADPH oxidase is expressed in the human myocardium or if it has any role in human heart failure. METHODS: Myocardium of explanted nonfailing (n = 9) and end-stage failing (n = 13) hearts was studied for the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits and oxidase activity. RESULTS: The NADPH oxidase subunits p22(phox), gp91(phox), p67(phox), and p47(phox) were all expressed at messenger ribonucleic acid and protein level in cardiomyocytes of both nonfailing and failing hearts. NADPH oxidase activity was significantly increased in end-stage failing versus nonfailing myocardium (5.86 +/- 0.41 vs. 3.72 +/- 0.39 arbitrary units; p < 0.01). The overall level of oxidase subunit expression was unaltered in failing compared with nonfailing hearts. However, there was increased translocation of the regulatory subunit, p47(phox), to myocyte membranes in failing myocardium. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the presence of NADPH oxidase in human myocardium. The increase in NADPH oxidase activity in the failing heart may be important in the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction by contributing to increased oxidative stress.

Adult↗

Effects of adenovirus-mediated sorcin overexpression on excitation-contraction coupling in isolated rabbit cardiomyocytes.

To evaluate the effect of sorcin on cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, adult rabbit ventricular myocytes were transfected with a recombinant adenovirus coding for human sorcin (Ad-sorcin). A beta-galactosidase adenovirus (Ad-LacZ) was used as a control. Fractional shortening in response to 1-Hz field stimulation (at 37 degrees C) was significantly reduced in Ad-sorcin-transfected myocytes compared with control myocytes (2.10+/-0.05% [n=311] versus 2.42+/-0.06% [n=312], respectively; P<0.001). Action potential duration (at 20 degrees C) was significantly less in the Ad-sorcin group (458+/-22 ms, n=11) compared with the control group (520+/-19 ms, n=10; P<0.05). In voltage-clamped, fura 2-loaded myocytes (20 degrees C), a reduced peak-systolic and end-diastolic [Ca2+]i was observed after Ad-sorcin transfection. L-type Ca2+ current amplitude and time course were unaffected. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the accompanying inward Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current revealed a significantly lower SR Ca2+ content and faster Ca2+-extrusion kinetics in Ad-sorcin-transfected cells. Higher NCX activity after Ad-sorcin transfection was confirmed by measuring the NCX current-voltage relationship. beta-Escin-permeabilized rabbit cardiomyocytes were used to study the effects of sorcin overexpression on Ca2+ sparks imaged with fluo 3 at 145 to 160 nmol/L [Ca2+] using a confocal microscope. Under these conditions, caffeine-mediated SR Ca2+ release was not different between the two groups. Spontaneous spark frequency, duration, width, and amplitude were lower in sorcin-overexpressing myocytes. In summary, sorcin overexpression in rabbit cardiomyocytes decreased Ca2+-transient amplitude predominantly by lowering SR Ca2+ content via increased NCX activity. The effect of sorcin overexpression on Ca2+ sparks indicates an effect on the ryanodine receptor that may also influence excitation-contraction coupling.

Adenoviridae↗

Different mechanisms of increased luminal stenosis after arterial injury in mice deficient for urokinase- or tissue-type plasminogen activator.

BACKGROUND: Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) are thought to play critical roles in vascular remodeling after injury, with tPA mediating intravascular clot lysis and uPA modulating cell migration within the vessel wall. In human vascular disease, however, thrombus organization and neointimal formation are closely interrelated processes. This study examines the differential roles of tPA and uPA in these processes in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Carotid artery injury and thrombosis were induced in wild-type (WT), uPA-deficient (uPA(-/-)), and tPA-deficient (tPA(-/-)) mice with the use of ferric chloride. The expression of uPA and tPA was significantly upregulated in the vessel wall of WT mice 1 week after injury, and compared with WT mice, uPA(-/-) and tPA(-/-) mice had lower carotid patency rates after injury. At 3 weeks, only 55% of uPA(-/-) mouse vessels were patent compared with 81% in tPA(-/-) mice and 100% in WT mice (P=0.014). Morphometric analysis of injured arterial segments revealed severe luminal stenosis (62+/-28%) in uPA(-/-) mice compared with their tPA(-/-) (16+/-12%) and WT (6.3+/-3.6%, P<0.001) counterparts. Moreover, although the vascular walls of WT mice and, particularly, tPA(-/-) mice developed a cell-rich multilayered neointima and media, the lumen of uPA(-/-) vessels remained obstructed with acellular unorganized thrombotic material, and their medial areas did not expand. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the roles of uPA and tPA in the arterial response to injury are different and more complex than previously assumed and emphasize the critical role of thrombus organization and resolution in neointimal formation and vascular pathology.

Animals↗

Intracellular beta-blockade: overexpression of Galpha(i2) depresses the beta-adrenergic response in intact myocardium.

OBJECTIVE: Increased levels of inhibitory G proteins have been observed in heart failure, but their physiological relevance in mediating the reduced beta-adrenergic response is largely unknown. METHODS: To evaluate the functional consequences of Galpha(i2) overexpression, we studied myocardial contraction in intact isometric contracting cardiac rabbit trabeculae and isolated myocytes after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of Galpha(i2). RESULTS: Neither Galpha(i2) nor lacZ (control) overexpression altered baseline contractile force. After 72 h of continuous contractions, developed force (F(dev)) increased after addition of 1 microM isoproterenol by 28.5+/-9.7 mN/mm(2) in the control group, which was unchanged from the initial response at t=0 h (23.7+/-3.8 mN/mm(2)). In sharp contrast, in preparations transfected with AdGalpha(i2), the response to isoproterenol was significantly attenuated (5.9+/-2.0 vs. 27.6+/-4.2 mN/mm(2), t=72 vs. 0 h, respectively, P<0.01). In a primary culture of transfected isolated myocytes from a nearly identical baseline, isoproterenol increased cell shortening by 3.1+/-0.6% in the lacZ transfected myocytes, but only by 1.3+/-0.5% in Galpha(i2) transfected myocytes (t=72 h, P<0.01). In Galpha(i2) transfected myocytes, pertussis toxin restored beta-adrenergic responsiveness, indicating specificity of attenuation by the transgene. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of Galpha(i2) attenuates the positive inotropic effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation in myocardium. In addition, the method we developed allows investigation of a causal link between altered protein expression and subsequent alterations in contractile function in a physiological relevant in vitro manner.

Adenoviridae↗

Rate dependence of [Na+]i and contractility in nonfailing and failing human myocardium.

BACKGROUND: In the failing human heart, altered Ca2+ homeostasis causes contractile dysfunction. Because Ca2+ and Na+ homeostasis are intimately linked through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, we compared the regulation of [Na+]i in nonfailing (NF) and failing human myocardium. METHODS AND RESULTS: [Na+]i was measured in SBFI-loaded muscle strips. At slow pacing rates (0.25 Hz, 37 degrees C), isometric force was similar in NF (n=6) and failing (n=12) myocardium (6.4+/-1.2 versus 7.2+/-1.9 mN/mm2), but [Na+]i and diastolic force were greater in failing (22.1+/-2.6 mmol/L and 15.6+/-3.2 mN/mm2) than in NF (15.9+/-3.1 mmol/L and 3.50+/-0.55 mN/mm2; P<0.05) myocardium. In NF hearts, increasing stimulation rates resulted in a parallel increase in force and [Na+]i without changes in diastolic tension. At 2.0 Hz, force increased to 136+/-17% of the basal value (P<0.05), and [Na+]i to 20.5+/-4.2 mmol/L (P<0.05). In contrast, in failing myocardium, force declined to 45+/-3%, whereas [Na+]i increased to 27.4+/-3.2 mmol/L (both P<0.05), in association with significant elevations in diastolic tension. [Na+]i was higher in failing than in NF myocardium at every stimulation rate. [Na+]i predicted in myocytes from Na+ (pipette)-contraction relations was 8.0 mmol/L in NF (n=9) and 12.1 mmol/L in failing (n=57; P<0.05) myocardium at 0.25 Hz. Reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange induced significant Ca2+ influx in failing but not NF myocytes, compatible with higher [Na+]i in failing myocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Na+i homeostasis is altered in failing human myocardium. At slow heart rates, the higher [Na+]i in failing myocardium appears to enhance Ca2+ influx through Na+/Ca2+ exchange and maintain sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) load and force development. At faster rates, failing myocytes with high [Na+]i cannot further increase sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load and are prone to diastolic Ca2+ overload.

Benzofurans↗

Hydroxyl radical-induced acute diastolic dysfunction is due to calcium overload via reverse-mode Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange.

Hydroxyl radicals (OH) are involved in the development of reperfusion injury and myocardial failure. In the acute phase of the OH-mediated diastolic dysfunction, increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels and alterations of myofilaments may play a role, but the relative contribution of these systems to myocardial dysfunction is unknown. Intact contracting cardiac trabeculae from rabbits were exposed to OH, resulting in an increase in diastolic force (F(dia)) by 540%. Skinned fiber experiments revealed that OH-exposed preparations were sensitized for Ca(2+) (EC(50): 3.27+/-0.24 x 10(-6) versus 2.69+/-0.15 x 10(-6) mol/L; P<0.05), whereas maximal force development was unaltered. Western blots showed a proteolytic degradation of troponin T (TnT) with intact troponin I (TnI). Blocking of calpain I by MDL-28.170 inhibited both TnT-proteolysis and Ca(2+) sensitization, but failed to prevent the acute diastolic dysfunction in the intact preparation. The OH-induced diastolic dysfunction was similar in preparations with intact (540+/-93%) and pharmacologically blocked sarcoplasmic reticulum (539+/-77%), and was also similar in presence of the L-type Ca(2+)-channel antagonist verapamil. In sharp contrast, inhibition of the reverse-mode sodium-calcium exchange by KB-R7943 preserved diastolic function completely. Additional experiments were performed in rat myocardium; the rise in diastolic force was comparable to rabbit myocardium, but Ca(2+) sensitivity was unchanged and maximal force development was reduced. This was associated with a degradation of TnI, but not TnT. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that OH did not cause irreversible membrane damage. We conclude that OH-induced acute diastolic dysfunction is caused by Ca(2+) influx via reverse mode of the sodium-calcium exchanger. Degradation of troponins appears to be species-dependent but does not contribute to the acute diastolic dysfunction.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗