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BACKGROUND: A recent study suggests that systemic hypoxemia in adult male mice can induce cardiac myocytes to proliferate. The goal of the present experiments was to confirm these results, provide new insights on the mechanisms that induce adult cardiomyocyte cell cycle reentry, and to determine if hypoxemia also induces cardiomyocyte proliferation in female mice. METHODS: EdU-containing mini pumps were implanted in 3-month-old, male and female C57BL/6 mice. Mice were placed in a hypoxia chamber, and the oxygen was lowered by 1% every day for 14 days to reach 7% oxygen. The animals remained in 7% oxygen for 2 weeks before terminal studies. Myocyte proliferation was also studied with a mosaic analysis with double markers mouse model. RESULTS: Hypoxia induced cardiac hypertrophy in both left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) myocytes, with LV myocytes lengthening and RV myocytes widening and lengthening. Hypoxia induced an increase (0.01±0.01% in normoxia to 0.11±0.09% in hypoxia) in the number of EdU+ RV cardiomyocytes, with no effect on LV myocytes in male C57BL/6 mice. Similar results were observed in female mice. Furthermore, in mosaic analysis with double markers mice, hypoxia induced a significant increase in RV myocyte proliferation (0.03±0.03% in normoxia to 0.32±0.15% in hypoxia of RFP+ myocytes), with no significant change in LV myocyte proliferation. RNA sequencing showed upregulation of mitotic cell cycle genes and a downregulation of Cullin genes, which promote the G1 to S phase transition in hypoxic mice. There was significant proliferation of nonmyocytes and mild cardiac fibrosis in hypoxic mice that did not disrupt cardiac function. Male and female mice exhibited similar gene expression following hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic hypoxia induces a global hypertrophic stress response that was associated with increased RV proliferation, and while LV myocytes did not show increased proliferation, our results minimally confirm previous reports that hypoxia can induce cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity in vivo.

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BACKGROUND: Developmental cardiac tissue holds remarkable capacity to regenerate after injury and consists of regenerative mononuclear diploid cardiomyocytes. On maturation, mononuclear diploid cardiomyocytes become binucleated or polyploid and exit the cell cycle. Cardiomyocyte metabolism undergoes a profound shift that coincides with cessation of regeneration in the postnatal heart. However, whether reprogramming metabolism promotes persistence of regenerative mononuclear diploid cardiomyocytes enhancing cardiac function and repair after injury is unknown. Here, we identify a novel role for RNA-binding protein LIN28a, a master regulator of cellular metabolism in cardiac repair after injury. METHODS: LIN28a overexpression was tested using mouse transgenesis on postnatal cardiomyocyte numbers, cell cycle, and response to apical resection injury. With the use of neonatal and adult cell culture systems and adult and Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers myocardial injury models in mice, the effect of LIN28a overexpression on cardiomyocyte cell cycle and metabolism was tested. Last, isolated adult cardiomyocytes from LIN28a and wild-type mice 4 days after myocardial injury were used for RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing. RESULTS: LIN28a was found to be active primarily during cardiac development and rapidly decreases after birth. LIN28a reintroduction at postnatal day (P) 1, P3, P5, and P7 decreased maturation-associated polyploidization, nucleation, and cell size, enhancing cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity in LIN28a transgenic pups compared with wild-type littermates. Moreover, LIN28a overexpression extended cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity beyond P7 concurrent with increased cardiac function 30 days after apical resection. In the adult heart, LIN28a overexpression attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enhanced cell cycle activity, cardiac function, and survival in mice 12 weeks after myocardial infarction compared with wild-type littermate controls. Instead, LIN28a small molecule inhibitor attenuated the proreparative effects of LIN28a on the heart. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes overexpressing LIN28a mechanistically showed increased glycolysis, ATP production, and levels of metabolic enzymes compared with control. LIN28a immunoprecipitation followed by RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing in cardiomyocytes isolated from LIN28a-overexpressing hearts after injury identified long noncoding RNA-H19 as its most significantly altered target. Ablation of long noncoding RNA-H19 blunted LIN28a-induced enhancement on cardiomyocyte metabolism and cell cycle activity. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, LIN28a reprograms cardiomyocyte metabolism and promotes persistence of mononuclear diploid cardiomyocytes in the injured heart, enhancing proreparative processes, thereby linking cardiomyocyte metabolism to regulation of ploidy/nucleation and repair in the heart.

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Objective: Analyze the effects of aerobic and anaerobic training on different ergometers on muscle and cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Methods: The animals were separated into the following groups: Control (C), Aerobic Training in Water (ATW), Resistance Training in Water (RTW), Aerobic Training on Treadmill (ATT), and Resistance Training in Climbing (RTC). All training protocols were carried out for 4 weeks, 3 times/week. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastrocnemius muscle cells and the areas of the cardiomyocytes were measured. Results: In the fast-twitch fibers, there was an increase in CSA in the RTW and RTC groups compared to the ATW (p<0.01 and p<0.01) and ATT groups (p<0.01 and p<0.01). In the slow-twitch fibers, the ATW and ATT groups demonstrated a lower CSA compared to the RTW (p=0.03 and p<0.00) and RTC groups (p<0.01 and p<0.01). In the cardiomyocytes, there was an increase in the area of the RTW and RTC groups compared to groups C (p<0.01; p<0.01), ATW (p=0.02; p<0.01), and ATT (p<0.01; p<0.01). Conclusion: The anaerobic training effectively promotes hypertrophy in the fast-twitch fibers and the cardiomyocytes. Level of Evidence V; Animal experimental study .

Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos dos treinamentos aeróbios e anaeróbios em diferentes ergômetros na hipertrofia muscular e cardíaca de ratos. Métodos: Os animais foram separados nos grupos controle (C), treinamento aeróbio em natação (ATW), treinamento resistido em meio aquático (RTW), treinamento aeróbio em esteira rolante (ATT) e treinamento resistido em escalada (RTC). Os protocolos de treinamento foram realizados por 4 semanas, 3 x/semana. Foram mensurados a área de secção transversa (CSA) das células do músculo gastrocnêmio e as áreas dos cardiomiócitos. Resultados: Nas fibras de contração rápida houve aumento da CSA dos grupos RTW e RTC em relação aos grupos ATW (p<0,01 e p<0,01) e ATT (p<0,01 e p<0,01). Nas fibras de contração lenta os grupos ATW e ATT demonstraram menor CSA comparado aos grupos RTW (p=0,03 e p<0,00) e RTC (p<0,01 e p<0,01). Nos cardiomiócitos houve aumento da área dos grupos RTW e RTC em comparação com os grupos C (p<0,01 e p<0,01), ATW (p=0,02 e p<0,01) e ATT (p<0,01 e p<0,01). Conclusão: Os treinamentos anaeróbios promoveram hipertrofia nas fibras de contração rápida e nos cardiomiócitos. Nível de Evidência V; Estudo experimental em animais .

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Resumo Fundamento O período neonatal é marcado por muitas alterações importantes no sistema cardiovascular, principalmente na primeira semana de vida. Diferentemente da população adulta, estudos sobre dados de eletrocardiograma (ECG) no período neonatal são escassos. Este é o primeiro estudo a descrever alterações eletrocardiográficas em uma coorte de recém-nascidos com ecocardiogramas normais. Objetivos Analisar padrões eletrocardiográficos de uma população de recém-nascidos a termo, sem anomalias morfológicas ou funcionais cardíacas, e comparar os resultados com a literatura. Métodos Neste estudo observacional, ecocardiogramas e resultados de ECG de 94 neonatos divididos em três grupos etários (até 24 horas, entre 25 e 72 horas, e entre 73 e 168 horas de vida) foram avaliados e comparados com aqueles descritos por Davignon et al. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Diferenças significativas na direção da onda T foram detectadas nas derivações V1 (p= 0,04), V2 (p= 0,02), V3 (p= 0,008) e V4 (p= 0,005). Houve diferenças entre nossos resultados e a literatura atual na maioria dos parâmetros. Conclusão Recém-nascidos a termo com menos de 24 horas de vida apresentaram significativamente mais ondas T positivas que aqueles com mais horas de vida. Encontramos muitas diferenças nos parâmetros de ECG em comparação aos descritos por Davignon et al., particularmente nas amplitudes de P, Q, R, S, duração do QRS, R/S e R+S. Esses achados indicam a necessidade de mais estudos para uma interpretação definitiva do ECG em recém-nascidos.

Abstract Background The neonatal period is marked by major changes in the cardiovascular system, especially in the first week of life. Unlike the adult population, studies on electrocardiogram (ECG) data in the neonatal period are scarce. This is the first study to describe electrocardiographic changes in a cohort of newborns with normal echocardiograms. Objectives To analyze the electrocardiographic patterns of a population of full-term NB, without any cardiac morphological or functional anomalies, and compare the results with the literature. Methods In this observational study, echocardiograms and ECG results from 94 newborns divided in three age groups (up to 24 hours, between 25 and 72 hours, and between 73 and 168 hours of life) were evaluated and compared with those reported by Davignon et al. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were significant differences in T-wave direction in leads V1 (p= 0.04), V2 (p= 0.02), V3 (p= 0.008) and V4 (p= 0.005) between the three age groups. There were differences between our findings and the current literature in most of the parameters. Conclusion Term newborns within 24 hours of life showed significantly more positive T waves than older ones. Many differences from the Davignon's ECG parameters were found, particularly in the P, Q, R, S amplitudes, QRS duration, R/S and R+S. These findings indicate that more studies are needed for a definitive interpretation of the ECG in newborns.

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Resumo Fundamento A hipertrofia e a dilatação do ventrículo direito observadas na hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) prejudicam a dinâmica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) achatando o septo interventricular. Objetivo Investigar se o treinamento físico resistido (TFR) de intensidade baixa a moderada é benéfico para funções contráteis do VE e de cardiomiócitos em ratos durante o desenvolvimento de HAP induzida por monocrotalina (MCT). Métodos Foram usados ratos Wistar machos (Peso corporal: ~ 200 g). Para avaliar o tempo até o possível surgimento de insuficiência cardíaca (ou seja, ponto de desfecho), os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos, hipertensão com sedentarismo até a insuficiência (HSI, n=6) e hipertensão com treinamento até a insuficiência (HTI, n=6). Para testar os efeitos do TFR, os ratos foram divididos entre grupos de controle sedentários (CS, n=7), hipertensão com sedentarismo (HS, n=7) e hipertensão com treinamento (HT, n=7). A HAP foi induzida por duas injeções de MCT (20 mg/kg, com um intervalo de 7 dias). Os grupos com treinamento foram submetidos a um protocolo de TFR (subir escadas; 55-65% da máxima carga carregada), 5 dias por semana. A significância estatística foi definida em p <0,05. Resultados O TFR prolongou o ponto de desfecho (~25%), melhorou a tolerância ao esforço físico (~55%) e atenuou as disfunções de contratilidade de VE e de cardiomiócitos promovidas pela MCT preservando a fração de ejeção e o encurtamento fracional, a amplitude do encurtamento, e as velocidades de contração e relaxamento nos cardiomiócitos. O TFR também preveniu os aumentos de fibrose e colágeno tipo I no ventrículo esquerdo causados pela MCT, além de manter as dimensões de miócitos e colágeno tipo III reduzidas por MCT. Conclusão O TFR de intensidade baixa a moderada é benéfico para funções contráteis de VE e cardiomiócitos em ratos durante o desenvolvimento de HAP induzida por MCT.

Abstract Background The right ventricular hypertrophy and dilation observed in pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) damages the left ventricle (LV) dynamics by flattening the interventricular septum. Objective To investigate whether low- to moderate-intensity resistance exercise training (RT) is beneficial to LV and cardiomyocyte contractile functions in rats during the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. Methods Male Wistar rats (Body weight: ~ 200 g) were used. To assess the time to potential heart failure onset (i.e., end point), rats were divided into sedentary hypertension until failure (SHF, n=6) and exercise hypertension until failure (EHF, n=6) groups. To test RT effects, rats were divided into sedentary control (SC, n = 7), sedentary hypertension (SH, n=7), and exercise hypertension (EH, n=7) groups. PAH was induced by two MCT injections (20 mg/kg, with 7 days interval). Exercise groups were submitted to an RT protocol (Ladder climbing; 55-65% of carrying maximal load), 5 times/week. Statistical significance was assumed at P < 0.05. Results RT prolonged the end point (~25 %), enhanced the physical effort tolerance (~ 55%), and mitigated the LV and cardiomyocyte contractility dysfunctions promoted by MCT by preserving the ejection fraction and fractional shortening, the amplitude of shortening, and the velocities of contraction and relaxation in cardiomyocytes. RT also prevented increases in left ventricle fibrosis and type I collagen caused by MCT, and maintained the type III collagen and myocyte dimensions reduced by MCT. Conclusion Low- to moderate-intensity RT benefits LV and cardiomyocyte contractile functions in rats during the development of MCT-induced PAH.

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ABSTRACT Objective Analyze the effects of aerobic and anaerobic training on different ergometers on muscle and cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Methods The animals were separated into the following groups: Control (C), Aerobic Training in Water (ATW), Resistance Training in Water (RTW), Aerobic Training on Treadmill (ATT), and Resistance Training in Climbing (RTC). All training protocols were carried out for 4 weeks, 3 times/week. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastrocnemius muscle cells and the areas of the cardiomyocytes were measured. Results In the fast-twitch fibers, there was an increase in CSA in the RTW and RTC groups compared to the ATW (p<0.01 and p<0.01) and ATT groups (p<0.01 and p<0.01). In the slow-twitch fibers, the ATW and ATT groups demonstrated a lower CSA compared to the RTW (p=0.03 and p<0.00) and RTC groups (p<0.01 and p<0.01). In the cardiomyocytes, there was an increase in the area of the RTW and RTC groups compared to groups C (p<0.01; p<0.01), ATW (p=0.02; p<0.01), and ATT (p<0.01; p<0.01). Conclusion The anaerobic training effectively promotes hypertrophy in the fast-twitch fibers and the cardiomyocytes. Level of Evidence V; Animal experimental study.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar os efeitos dos treinamentos aeróbios e anaeróbios em diferentes ergômetros na hipertrofia muscular e cardíaca de ratos. Métodos Os animais foram separados nos grupos controle (C), treinamento aeróbio em natação (ATW), treinamento resistido em meio aquático (RTW), treinamento aeróbio em esteira rolante (ATT) e treinamento resistido em escalada (RTC). Os protocolos de treinamento foram realizados por 4 semanas, 3 x/semana. Foram mensurados a área de secção transversa (CSA) das células do músculo gastrocnêmio e as áreas dos cardiomiócitos. Resultados Nas fibras de contração rápida houve aumento da CSA dos grupos RTW e RTC em relação aos grupos ATW (p<0,01 e p<0,01) e ATT (p<0,01 e p<0,01). Nas fibras de contração lenta os grupos ATW e ATT demonstraram menor CSA comparado aos grupos RTW (p=0,03 e p<0,00) e RTC (p<0,01 e p<0,01). Nos cardiomiócitos houve aumento da área dos grupos RTW e RTC em comparação com os grupos C (p<0,01 e p<0,01), ATW (p=0,02 e p<0,01) e ATT (p<0,01 e p<0,01). Conclusão Os treinamentos anaeróbios promoveram hipertrofia nas fibras de contração rápida e nos cardiomiócitos. Nível de Evidência V; Estudo experimental em animais.

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Resumo Fundamento: É sabido que a resistência à insulina e a hiperglicemia são causas patológicas importantes no desenvolvimento de cardiomiopatia diabética (CMD). Entretanto, seus mecanismos moleculares precisos na patogênese da CMD ainda não estão claros. Objetivos: Estudos recentes revelam que os microRNAs (miRNAs) desempenham papéis essenciais na patogênese da CMD. Este projeto tem o objetivo de determinar os papéis de miR-34a e miR-125b na morte celular de cardiomiócitos causada por hiperglicemia. Métodos: Cardiomiócitos primários de ratos foram isolados e expostos a concentrações de glicose normais e altas. A viabilidade das células foi medida utilizando-se o ensaio MTT. As expressões de miR-34a e miR-125b foram detectadas por qRT-PCR. Alvos potenciais de miR-34a e miR-125b foram previstos pelo www.Targetscan.org, e validados a partir de tecidos cardíacos humanos. Um p<0,05 foi considerado significância estatística. Resultados: Demonstra-se neste estudo que o miR-34a e o miR-125b têm resposta celular reduzida no coração humano diabético. Além disso, os dados in vitro de cardiomiócitos primários de ratos demonstraram que o tratamento com glicose alta em curto prazo estimula a expressão de miR-34a e miR-125b. Demonstrou-se que, em condições de glicose alta, os cardiomiócitos de ratos apresentaram metabolismo de glicose intracelular, e a captação de glicose e a produção de lactato aumentaram significativamente. Foi identificado que as principais enzimas metabólicas da glicose, hexoquinase 2 (HK2) e lactato desidrogenase-A (LDHA) eram alvos diretos de miR-125b e miR-34a, respectivamente. A superexpressão de miR-125b e miR-34a poderia evitar a morte de celular de cardiomiócitos causada por hiperglicemia. Por fim, a recuperação de HK2 e LDHA em cardiomiócitos com superexpressão de miR-125b e miR-34a restaurou a sensibilidade de cardiomiócitos à hiperglicemia. Conclusões: Nossos resultados propõem um mecanismo molecular para proteção cardiovascular diabética mediada por microRNA e contribuirão para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de tratamento de disfunção cardiovascular associada a diabetes.

Abstract Background: It is well-known that insulin resistance and hyperglycemia are important pathological causes for the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, its precise molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of DCM remain unclear. Objectives: Recent studies reveal that microRNAs (miRNA) play essential roles in the pathogenesis of DCM. This project aimed to determine the roles of miR-34a and miR-125b in hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte cell death. Methods: Rat primary cardiomyocytes were isolated and exposed to normal and high concentrations of glucose. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Expressions of miR-34a and miR-125b were detected by qRT-PCR. Potential targets of miR-34a and miR-125b were predicted from www.Targetscan.org and validated from human heart tissues. A statistical significance of p<0.05 was considered. Results: The present study shows that miR-34a and miR-125b are downregulated in a human diabetic heart. Moreover, in vitro data from rat primary cardiomyocytes showed that short-term high glucose treatment stimulates miR-34a and miR-125b expressions. Under high glucose, it was found that rat cardiomyocytes displayed increased intracellular glucose metabolism, and glucose uptake and lactate production were significantly increased. It was also found that the key glucose metabolic enzymes, Hexokinase 2 (HK2) and Lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDHA), were direct targets of miR-125b and miR-34a, respectively. Overexpression of miR-125b and miR-34a could prevent hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte cell death. Finally, the restoration of HK2 and LDHA in miR-125b and miR-34a overexpressed cardiomyocytes recovered the cardiomyocytes' sensitivity to hyperglycemia. Conclusion: Our results proposed a molecular mechanism for the microRNA-mediated diabetic cardiovascular protection and will contribute to developing treatment strategies for diabetes-associated cardiovascular dysfunction.

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Shenfu (SF) injection on donor heart preservation. METHODS: Twelve pigs were randomly divided into SF group (n=6) and control group (n=6). After eight hours of perfusion, the differences in hemoglobin, the expression of Bcl-2 and BAX, and changes in the myocardial ultrastructure were compared to illustrate the effects of SF injection in heart preservation. RESULTS: The differences in free hemoglobin between the SF group and the control group were statistically significant (P=0.001), and there was significant interaction of groups with times (P=0.019), but the perfusion time may not be associated with the hemoglobin concentration (P=0.616). According to Western blotting analysis, the expression of Bcl-2 was higher in the SF group than in the control group, while the expression of BAX was not different between the two groups. As to ultrastructural changes, both groups exhibited mitochondrial swelling and myofilament lysis, but the degree of damage in the SF group was smaller. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the application of SF injection for heart preservation may protect against cardiomyocytes and erythrocytes apoptosis, and Bcl-2 protein may play a role in these physiological processes.

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Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of Shenfu (SF) injection on donor heart preservation. Methods: Twelve pigs were randomly divided into SF group (n=6) and control group (n=6). After eight hours of perfusion, the differences in hemoglobin, the expression of Bcl-2 and BAX, and changes in the myocardial ultrastructure were compared to illustrate the effects of SF injection in heart preservation. Results: The differences in free hemoglobin between the SF group and the control group were statistically significant (P=0.001), and there was significant interaction of groups with times (P=0.019), but the perfusion time may not be associated with the hemoglobin concentration (P=0.616). According to Western blotting analysis, the expression of Bcl-2 was higher in the SF group than in the control group, while the expression of BAX was not different between the two groups. As to ultrastructural changes, both groups exhibited mitochondrial swelling and myofilament lysis, but the degree of damage in the SF group was smaller. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the application of SF injection for heart preservation may protect against cardiomyocytes and erythrocytes apoptosis, and Bcl-2 protein may play a role in these physiological processes.

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Abstract Objective: To determine the role of the dishevelled binding antagonist of beta catenin 1 (DACT1) in the cytoskeletal arrangement of cardiomyocytes in atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: The DACT1 expression and its associations with the degree of fibrosis and β-catenin in valvular disease patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Masson's staining. DACT1 was overexpressed in the atrial myocyte cell line (HL-1) and the cardiac cell line (H9C2) by adenoviral vectors. Alterations in the fibrous actin (F-actin) content and organization and the expression of β-catenin were detected by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Additionally, the association of DACT1 with gap junctions connexin 43 (Cx43) was detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Results: Decreased cytoplasmic DACT1 expression in the myocardium was associated with AF (P=0.037) and a high degree of fibrosis (weak vs. strong, P=0.028; weak vs. very strong, P=0.029). A positive association was observed between DACT1 and β-catenin expression in clinical samples (P=0.028, Spearman's rho=0.408). Furthermore, overexpression of DACT1 in HL-1 and H9C2 cells induced an increase in β-catenin and subsequent partial colocalization of DACT1 and β-catenin. In addition, F-actin content and organization were enhanced. Interestingly, DACT1 was positively correlated with the Cx43 expression in clinical samples (P=0.048, Spearman's rho=0.370) and changed the Cx43 distribution in cardiac cell lines. Conclusion: DACT1 proved to be a novel AF-related gene by regulating Cx43 via cytoskeletal organization induced by β-catenin accumulation in cardiomyocytes. DACT1 could thus serve as a potential therapeutic marker for AF.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of the dishevelled binding antagonist of beta catenin 1 (DACT1) in the cytoskeletal arrangement of cardiomyocytes in atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: The DACT1 expression and its associations with the degree of fibrosis and ß-catenin in valvular disease patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Masson's staining. DACT1 was overexpressed in the atrial myocyte cell line (HL-1) and the cardiac cell line (H9C2) by adenoviral vectors. Alterations in the fibrous actin (F-actin) content and organization and the expression of ß-catenin were detected by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Additionally, the association of DACT1 with gap junctions connexin 43 (Cx43) was detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Decreased cytoplasmic DACT1 expression in the myocardium was associated with AF (P=0.037) and a high degree of fibrosis (weak vs. strong, P=0.028; weak vs. very strong, P=0.029). A positive association was observed between DACT1 and ß-catenin expression in clinical samples (P=0.028, Spearman's rho=0.408). Furthermore, overexpression of DACT1 in HL-1 and H9C2 cells induced an increase in ß-catenin and subsequent partial colocalization of DACT1 and ß-catenin. In addition, F-actin content and organization were enhanced. Interestingly, DACT1 was positively correlated with the Cx43 expression in clinical samples (P=0.048, Spearman's rho=0.370) and changed the Cx43 distribution in cardiac cell lines. CONCLUSION: DACT1 proved to be a novel AF-related gene by regulating Cx43 via cytoskeletal organization induced by ß-catenin accumulation in cardiomyocytes. DACT1 could thus serve as a potential therapeutic marker for AF.

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Abstract Purpose To investigate the effect of tanshinone IIA (TIIA) on ventricular remodeling in rats with pressure overload-induced heart failure. Methods Pressure overload-induced heart failure model (abdominal aortic coarctation) was established in 40 rats, which were divided into model and 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg TIIA groups. Ten rats receiving laparotomy excepting abdominal aortic coarctation were enrolled in sham-operated group. The 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg TIIA groups were treated with 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg TIIA, respectively, for 8 weeks. Results Compared with model group, in 20 mg/kg TIIA group the left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, left ventricular systolic pressure, ±maximum left ventricular pressure rising and dropping rate, and myocardial B-cell lymphoma-2 and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 protein levels were increased, respectively (P<0.05), and the left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular end systolic diameter, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, heart weight index, left ventricular weight index, serum B-type brain natriuretic peptide, interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein levels and myocardial B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein level were decreased, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion TIIA may alleviate ventricular remodeling in rats with pressure overload-induced heart failure heart by reducing inflammatory response and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

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Abstract Background: Pioglitazone has been widely used as an insulin-sensitizing agent for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, cardiovascular risk and protective effects of pioglitazone remain controversial. Objectives: In this study, we investigated whether pioglitazone affects cardiomyocyte apoptosis and hypertrophy by regulating the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway. Methods: Cardiomyocytes were enzymatically isolated from 1- to 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat ventricles. Effects of pioglitazone and the VEGFR-2-selective inhibitor apatinib on cardiomyocyte apoptotic rate was determined using flow cytometry, and hypertrophy was evaluated using [3H]-leucine incorporation. The protein expressions of unphosphorylated and phosphorylated VEGFR-2, Akt, P53, and mTOR were determined by Western-Blotting. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the differences between groups. Results: Pioglitazone and VEGFR-2-selective inhibitor apatinib reduced rat cardiomyocyte viability and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II in vitro. Furthermore, in the same in vitro model, pioglitazone and apatinib significantly increased the expression of Bax and phosphorylated P53 and decreased the expression of phosphorylated VEGFR-2, Akt, and mTOR, which promote cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Conclusions: These findings indicate that pioglitazone induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inhibits cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by modulating the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway.

Resumo Fundamento: A pioglitazona tem sido amplamente utilizada como droga sensibilizadora da insulina para melhorar o controle glicêmico em pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2. No entanto, o risco cardiovascular bem como os efeitos protetores da pioglitazona ainda são controversos. Objetivos: Neste estudo, investigamos se os efeitos da pioglitazona sobre a apoptose e a hipertrofia de cardiomiócitos ocorrem via regulação da via de sinalização do VEGFR-2. Métodos: os cardiomiócitos foram isolados enzimaticamente dos ventrículos de ratos Sprague-Dawley de 1-3 anos de vida. Os efeitos da pioglitazona e do inibidor seletivo de VEGFR-2 apatinib sobre a taxa de apoptose dos cardiomiócitos foram avaliados por citometria de fluxo, e a hipertrofia avaliada por incorporação de leucina-[3H]. As expressões de VEGFR-2, Akt, P53, e mTOR fosforiladas e não fosforiladas foram determinadas por Western Blotting. Análise de variância (ANOVA) foi usada para avaliar diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: a pioglitazona e o apatinib reduziram a viabilidade e a hipertrofia de cardiomiócitos induzida por angiotensina II in vitro. Além disso, no mesmo modelo in vitro, a pioglitazona e o apatinib aumentaram significativamente a expressão de Bax e P53 fosforilada, e diminuiu a expressão de VEGFR-2, Akt, e mTOR, que promove hipertrofia de cardiomiócitos. Conclusões: Esses resultados indicam que a pioglitazona induz a apoptose e inibe a hipertrofia de cardiomiócitos pela modulação da via de sinalização de VEGFR-2.

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Abstract Purpose: To investigate the impact of different hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) times on autophagy of rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2). Methods: Rat cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into normal control group (group A), hypoxia group (group B), 2 h HR group (group C), 12 h HR group (group D), and 24 h HR group (group E). LC3 II/LC3 I was determined via western blotting, and cell viabilities of cardiomyocytes were measured using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results: Cell viabilities in HR model groups were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0.05). LC3 II/LC3 I levels in groups B to D were significantly higher than those of group A (P<0.05), and group D showed the highest LC3 II/LC3 I levels. Cell viabilities in groups B to D were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0.05), with group D showing the lowest cell viabilities (P<0.05). Conclusions: Hypoxia can induce autophagy in rat cardiomyocytes, which can be further activated by reoxygenation; most notable after 12 h. Hypoxia-induced cell injury can be aggravated by reoxygenation. The lowest cell viability was observed at 12 h after reoxygenation; however, cell viability can be recovered after 24 h.

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Abstract Background: The lack of cardiac β1-adrenergic receptors (β1-AR) negatively affects the regulation of both cardiac inotropy and lusitropy, leading, in the long term, to heart failure (HF). Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (MCAE) is recommended as an adjunctive therapy for patients with HF. Objective: We tested the effects of MCAE on the contractile properties of left ventricular (LV) myocytes from β1 adrenergic receptor knockout (β1ARKO) mice. Methods: Four- to five-month-old male wild type (WT) and β1ARKO mice were divided into groups: WT control (WTc) and trained (WTt); and β1ARKO control (β1ARKOc) and trained (β1ARKOt). Animals from trained groups were submitted to a MCAE regimen (60 min/day; 60% of maximal speed, 5 days/week) on a treadmill, for 8 weeks. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant in all comparisons. Results: The β1ARKO and exercised mice exhibited a higher (p < 0.05) running capacity than WT and sedentary ones, respectively. The β1ARKO mice showed higher body (BW), heart (HW) and left ventricle (LVW) weights, as well as the HW/BW and LVW/BW than WT mice. However, the MCAE did not affect these parameters. Left ventricular myocytes from β1ARKO mice showed increased (p < 0.05) amplitude and velocities of contraction and relaxation than those from WT. In addition, MCAE increased (p < 0.05) amplitude and velocities of contraction and relaxation in β1ARKO mice. Conclusion: MCAE improves myocyte contractility in the left ventricle of β1ARKO mice. This is evidence to support the therapeutic value of this type of exercise training in the treatment of heart diseases involving β1-AR desensitization or reduction.

Resumo Fundamento: A falta de receptores β1-adrenérgicos (β1-AR) cardíacos afeta negativamente a regulação de inotropismo e lusitropismo cardíacos, levando, no longo prazo, a insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Recomenda-se exercício aeróbico contínuo de intensidade moderada (EACM) como adjuvante no tratamento de pacientes com IC. Objetivo: Testar os efeitos do EACM nas propriedades contráteis de miócitos do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) de camundongos com nocaute para o receptor β1-adrenérgico (β1ARKO). Método: Camundongos machos com 4 a 5 meses de idade, wild-type (WT) e β1ARKO foram divididos em grupos: WT controle (WTc) e treinado (WTt); e β1ARKO controle (β1ARKOc) e treinado (β1ARKOt). Os grupos treinados foram submetidos a regime de EACM (60 min/dia; 60% da velocidade máxima, 5 dias/semana) em esteira rolante, por 8 semanas. Adotou-se P ≤ 0,05 como nível de significância em todas as comparações. Resultados: Os animais β1ARKO (β1ARKOc + β1ARKOt) correram uma distância maior do que os animais WT (WTc + WTt) (p < 0,05). Os camundongos β1ARKO apresentaram maiores pesos corporal (PC), do coração (PCo) e do ventrículo esquerdo (PVE), assim como PCo/PC e PVE/PC do que os camundongos WT. Entretanto, o EACM não afetou tais parâmetros. Os miócitos do VE de camundongos β1ARKO apresentaram maiores (p < 0,05) amplitude e velocidades de contração e relaxamento do que os dos camundongos WT. Além disso, o EACM aumentou (p < 0,05) a amplitude e as velocidades de contração e relaxamento nos camundongos β1ARKO. Conclusão: O EACM melhora a contratilidade do miócito do VE de camundongos β1ARKO. Tal achado confirma o valor terapêutico desse tipo de treinamento físico para o tratamento de doenças cardíacas envolvendo dessensibilização ou redução de β1-AR.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: Polypeptide hormones (natriuretic peptides, NPs) are secreted by the cardiac atria and play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. Objective: To evaluate the effects of aerobic training on the secretory apparatus of NPs in cardiomyocytes of the right atrium. Methods: Nine-month-old mice were divided in two groups (n=10): control group (CG) and trained group (TG). The training protocol was performed on a motor treadmill for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured at the beginning of the experiment (9 months of age) and at moment of the sacrifice (11 months of age). Electron micrographs were used to quantify the following variables: the quantitative density and area of NP granules, the relative volumes of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi complex and the relative volume of euchromatin in the nucleus and the number of pores per 10 µm of the nuclear membrane. The results were compared by Student's t test (p< 0.05). Results: The cardiomyocytes obtained from TG mice showed increased density and sectional area of secretory granules of NP, higher relative volume of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and Golgi complex compared with the CG mice. Furthermore, the quantitative density of nuclear pores and the relative volume of euchromatin in the nucleus were significantly higher compared with the CG mice. Conclusion: Aerobic training caused hypertrophy of the secretory apparatus in the cardiomyocytes of right atrium, which could explain the intense synthesis of natriuretic peptides in trained mice with respect to the untrained mice.

RESUMO Introdução: Os hormônios polipeptídicos (peptídeos natriuréticos, PN) são secretados pelos átrios cardíacos e desempenham um papel importante na regulação da pressão arterial. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do treinamento aeróbico sobre o aparelho secretor de PN nos cardiomiócitos do átrio direito. Métodos: Camundongos com nove meses de idade foram divididos em dois grupos (n = 10): grupo controle (GC) e grupo treinado (GT). O protocolo de treinamento foi realizado em esteira motorizada durante 8 semanas. A pressão sistólica dos animais foi medida no início do experimento (9 meses de idade) e no momento do sacrifício (11 meses). Foram usadas eletromicrografias para quantificar as seguintes variáveis densidade quantitativa e área dos grânulos de PN; volumes relativos (%) de mitocôndrias, retículo endoplasmático e aparelho de Golgi e o volume relativo de eucromatina no núcleo e o número de poros por 10 µm de membrana nuclear. Os resultados foram comparados pelo teste t de Student (p < 0,05). Resultados: Os cardiomiócitos obtidos dos camundongos GT apresentaram maior densidade e área seccional de grânulos secretórios de PN, aumento do volume relativo do retículo endoplasmático, das mitocôndrias e do complexo de Golgi, em comparação com os camundongos GC. Além disso, a densidade quantitativa dos poros nucleares e o volume relativo da eucromatina nuclear foram significantemente superiores em comparação com os camundongos GC. Conclusão: O treinamento aeróbico causou hipertrofia do aparelho secretor dos cardiomiócitos do átrio direito, o que poderia explicar a síntese intensa de peptídeos natriuréticos em camundongos treinados, quando comparados aos não treinados.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las hormonas polipeptídicas (péptidos natriuréticos, PN) son secretadas por las aurículas cardíacas y juegan un papel importante en la regulación de la presión arterial. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del entrenamiento aeróbico sobre el aparato secretor de PN en cardiomiocitos de la aurícula derecha. Métodos: Ratones de nueve meses de edad fueron divididos en dos grupos (n = 10): grupo control (GC) y grupo entrenado (GE). El protocolo de entrenamiento se realizó en cinta caminadora durante 8 semanas. La presión arterial sistólica se midió al inicio del experimento (9 meses de edad) y en el momento del sacrificio (11 meses de edad). Las electromicrografías se utilizaron para cuantificar las siguientes variables: la densidad cuantitativa y el área de gránulos de PN; los volúmenes relativos (%) de mitocondrias, del retículo endoplásmico y del aparato de Golgi y el volumen relativo de eucromatina en el núcleo y el número de poros por 10 µm de la membrana nuclear. Los resultados se compararon mediante la prueba t de Student (p < 0,05). Resultados: Los cardiomiocitos obtenidos de los ratones GE mostraron aumento de la densidad y del área seccional de gránulos secretorios de PN, aumento del volumen relativo de retículo endoplásmico, mitocondrias y aparato de Golgi en comparación con los ratones GC. Además, la densidad cuantitativa de los poros nucleares y el volumen relativo de la eucromatina nuclear fueron significativamente mayores en comparación con los ratones CG. Conclusión: El entrenamiento aeróbico causó hipertrofia del aparato secretor en los cardiomiocitos de la aurícula derecha, lo que podría explicar la intensa síntesis de péptidos natriuréticos en ratones entrenados con respecto a los ratones no entrenados.

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RESUMO Introdução: A capacidade intrínseca para o exercício aeróbico está relacionada com o inotropismo cardíaco. Por outro lado, a participação do óxido nítrico (NO) como mensageiro intracelular sobre a dinâmica do Ca2+ ainda permanece desconhecida em ratos com diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para o exercício. Objetivo: Avaliar se o NO modula diferentemente o transiente intracelular de Ca2+ e liberações espontâneas de Ca2+(sparks) em cardiomiócitos de ratos com diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para o exercício. Métodos: Ratos machos Wistar foram selecionados como desempenho padrão (DP) e alto desempenho (AD), de acordo com a capacidade de exercício até a fadiga, mensurada através de teste de esforço progressivo em esteira. Os cardiomiócitos dos ratos foram utilizados para determinar o transiente intracelular de Ca2+ e Ca2+sparks em microscópio confocal. Para estimar a contribuição do NO foi utilizado o inibidor das sínteses do NO (L-NAME, 100 µM). Os dados foram analisados através de ANOVA two-way seguido do pós-teste de Tukey e apresentados como médias ± EPM. Resultados: Os cardiomiócitos de ratos AD exibiram aumentos na amplitude do transiente de Ca2+ em comparação aos DP. Entretanto, o L-NAME aumentou a amplitude do transiente de Ca2+ somente em ratos DP. Não foram encontradas diferenças na constante de tempo de decaimento do transiente de Ca2+ (t) em cardiomiócitos de ratos com DP e AP, contudo, a administração do L-NAME diminuiu o t em cardiomiócitos em ambos os grupos. cardiomiócitos de ratos AD apresentaram menor amplitude e frequência de Ca2+sparks em comparação ao grupo DP. A administração de L-NAME aumentou a amplitude de Ca2+sparks em cardiomiócitos do grupo AD. Conclusão: O NO modula o transiente de Ca2+ e as sparks de Ca2+ em cardiomiócitos de ratos com diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para o exercício.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The intrinsic capacity to aerobic exercise is associated with cardiac inotropism. On the other hand, the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) as an intracellular messenger on Ca2+ dynamics remains unknown in rats with different intrinsic capacities to exercise. Objective: To evaluate whether NO modulates differently Ca2+ intracellular transient and spontaneous Ca2+ releases (sparks) in cardiomyocytes of rats with different intrinsic capacities to exercise. Methods: Male Wistar rats were selected as standard-performance (SP) and high-performance (HP), according to the exercise capacity until fatigue, assessed through a treadmill progressive stress test. Cardiomyocytes of rats were used to determine Ca2+ intracellular transient and Ca2+ sparks evaluated using confocal microscope. To estimate NO contribution, a NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME, 100 µM) was used. Data were analyzed through two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test and expressed as means ± SEM. Results: Cardiomyocytes of HP rats exhibited higher Ca2+ transient amplitude compared to SP. However, L-NAME increased Ca2+ transient amplitude only in SP rats. No differences were found in Ca2+ transient decay time constant ( t) in cardiomyocytes of SP and HP rats. However, administration of L-NAME caused reduction of tin cardiomyocytes of both groups. Lower amplitude and frequency of Ca2+ sparks were found in cardiomyocytes of HS rats compared to SP group. Administration of L-NAME increased the amplitude of Ca2+ sparks in cardiomyocytes of the HP group. Conclusion: NO modulates Ca2+ transient and Ca2+ sparks in cardiomyocytes of rats with different intrinsic exercise capacities.

RESUMEN Introducción: La capacidad intrínseca para el ejercicio aeróbico está relacionada con el inotropismo cardiaco. Por otro lado, todavía se desconoce la contribución del óxido nítrico (ON) como mensajero intracelular sobre la dinámica del Ca2+ en ratones con diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para el ejercicio. Objetivo: Evaluar si el ON modula diferencialmente la variación transitoria intracelular de Ca2+ y las liberaciones espontaneas de Ca2+ (sparks) en cardiomiocitos de ratones con diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para el ejercicio. Métodos: Ratones machos Wistar fueron seleccionados como desempeño estándar (DE) y alto desempeño (AD), de acuerdo con la capacidad de ejercicio hasta la fatiga, medida a través del test de fuerza progresiva en la caminadora o cinta eléctrica. Los cardiomiocitos de los ratones fueron utilizados para determinar el tránsito intracelular y sparks de Ca2+ evaluados en microscopio confocal. Para estimar la contribución del ON fue utilizado un inhibidor de síntesis del ON (L-NAME, 100 µM). Los datos fueron analizados a través de un ANOVA two-way seguido de un post-test Tukey y presentados como promedios ± EPM. Resultados: Los cardiomiocitos de ratones AD mostraron aumento en la amplitud de la variación transitoria de Ca2+ en comparación con los DE. Así mismo, el L-NAME incremento la amplitud transitoria de Ca2+ solamente en ratones DE. No se encontraron diferencias en la constante del tiempo de decaimiento de la variación transitoria ( t ) de Ca2+ en cardiomiocitos de ratones DE e AD. Todavía, la administración de L-NAME mostro una reducción en el t en cardiomiocitos de ambos los grupos. Cardiomiocitos de ratones AD presentaron menor amplitud y frecuencia de sparks de Ca2+ en comparación al grupo DE. La administración de L-NAME incrementó la amplitud de sparks de Ca2+ en cardiomiocitos del grupo AD. Conclusión: El ON modula la variación de Ca2+ y sparks de Ca2+ en cardiomiocitos de ratones con diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para el ejercicio.