Tem sido sugerido que combinar o treinamento de força (TF) com o treinamento com vibração (TV) pode ser mais vantajoso do que realizar o TF isolado. OBJETIVOS: Foi objetivo deste estudo avaliar os efeitos da combinação do TF com o TV (TF+V) sobre o desenvolvimento de hipertrofia e os desempenhos da força máxima dinâmica de membros inferiores (FMD) e do salto vertical (SV). Investigou-se também se os benefícios proporcionados pelo treinamento são acompanhados por alterações agudas e crônicas na excitabilidade das vias reflexas. METÓDOS: Foram realizados dois experimentos. No primeiro, foram avaliados os efeitos de uma sessão de treinamento sobre o desempenho do SV e excitabilidade das vias reflexas. Doze sujeitos do sexo masculino foram submetidos a quatro condições experimentais. Na condição TF, realizaram cinco séries de 10 repetições do exercício agachamento, com 90% da massa corporal. Nas condições TF+V30 e TF+V50, o TF foi realizado sobre a plataforma vibratória nas freqüências de 30 Hz (2-4 mm) e 50 Hz (4-6 mm), respectivamente. Na condição controle (C), os sujeitos permaneceram em repouso. Antes e depois de todas as condições experimentais, foram mensurados o desempenho do SV, e os reflexos de Hoffmann (H com amplitude de 20% da onda M máxima, H20%) e tendíneo máximo (Tmáx), no músculo sóleo. No segundo experimento, 29 sujeitos do sexo masculino foram divididos aleatoriamente nos grupos TF, TF+V30 e TF+V50. Os três grupos realizaram entre 3-5 séries de 6-12 RM do exercício agachamento, duas vezes por semana, durante dez semanas. Os grupos TF+V30 e TF+V50 fizeram o agachamento sobre a plataforma vibratória nas freqüências de 30 Hz (amplitude de 2-4 mm) e 50 Hz (amplitude de 4-6 mm), respectivamente. Antes e depois do período de treinamento, foram avaliados a área de secção transversa do quadríceps femoral (ASTQ), os desempenhos da FMD e do SV, os reflexos H e T máximos (Hmáx e Tmáx) e a onda M máxima (Mmáx), no músculo sóleo. RESULTADOS: No primeiro experimento, não foram verificadas alterações significantes na amplitude de H20% em nenhuma das condições (p>0,05). Houve diminuições significantes na amplitude das ondas Tmáx, nas condições TF (-7,4%) e TF+V50 (-11,1%), no primeiro minuto, em comparação ao período antes da intervenção (p<0,001). Foram verificadas diminuições significantes na altura do SV após a realização de todas as condições (C= -11,8%, TF= -6,6%, TF+V30= -7,7% e TF+V50= -7,4%) (p<0, 001). Não houve diferenças significantes entre grupos em nenhuma das variáveis (p>0,05). No segundo experimento, após as dez semanas de treinamento, foram verificados aumentos significantes na ASTQ (TF= 9,8%, TF+V30= 11,7%, TF+V50= 12,9%); na FMD (TF= 16,9%, TF+V30= 15,2%, TF+V50= 16,6%) e na altura do SV (TF= 6,0%, TF+V30= 7,2%, TF+V50= 6,0%) para os três grupos (p<0,05). Não houve diferença significante entre grupos em nenhuma das três variáveis. O período de treinamento não causou alterações significantes nas razões Hmáx/Mmáx (TF = +28%, TF+V30 = -16,3%, TF+V50 = -14%) e Tmáx/Mmáx (TF = -30,3%, TF+V30 = -38,2%, TF+V50 = -28,1%) (p>0,05). Contudo, foi verificado efeito principal de tempo significante para a razão Tmáx/Mmáx (-48,9%) (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A realização de uma sessão de treinamento de força causa uma breve redução da atividade dos fusos musculares. Essa redução não é ampliada quando o TF é combinado com vibração. Realizar um período de TF sobre a plataforma de vibração não proporciona qualquer aumento adicional na ASTQ ou nos desempenhos da FMD e do SV, em relação ao que pode ser conseguido através do TF / It has been suggested that the combination of strength and vibration training may be advantageous when compared with strength training alone. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of combined strength training and vibration (ST+V) on lower limb hypertrophy and on maximal dynamic strength (MDS) and vertical jump (VJ) performances. In addition, we investigate if the training-induced adaptations were in agreement to acute and chronic changes on spinal reflex excitability. METHODS: Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, the effects of a single training session on VJ performance and spinal reflexes excitability were assessed. Twelve young male undertook four experimental conditions. On ST condition, subjects performed five sets with 10 repetitions on squat exercise with load of 90% body mass. On both ST+V30 and ST+V50 conditions, subjects performed the ST on a vibration platform at 30 Hz (2-4 mm) and 50 Hz (4-6 mm), respectively. In C condition, subjects were only assessed. Vertical jumping performance and Hoffman (at 20% of maximal M wave, H20%) and maximal tendon soleus reflexes (Tmáx) were measured before and after all experimental conditions. In the second experiment, twenty nine young male were randomized into three groups. All groups performed 3-5 sets with 6-12 RM on squat exercise, twice a week, for ten weeks. The ST+V30 and ST+V50 groups performed the squat exercise on the vibration platform at 30 Hz (2-4 mm) and 50 Hz (4-6 mm), respectively. Quadriceps cross sectional area (QCSA), MDS and VJ performances, maximal soleus H- and T- reflexes and maximal M wave (Mmáx) were assessed before and after the 10-week training period. RESULTS: in the first experiment, no significant changes were found in H20% amplitude in any experimental condition (p>0,05). Significant decrease on Tmáx amplitude was found after ST+V30 (-7.4%) and ST+V50 (-11.1%) conditions, after the first minute, compared to before intervention assessment. VJ decreased in all experimental conditions (C= -11.8%, ST= -6.6%, ST+V30= -7.7% and ST+V50= -7.4%) (p<0.001). There were no significant changes between groups in any variable measured (p>0.05). In the second experiment, significant increases were found in QCSA (ST= 9.8%, ST+V30= 11.7%, ST+V50= 12.9%); MDS (ST= 16.9%, ST+V30= 15.2%, ST+V50= 16.6%) and VJ height (ST= 6.0%, ST+V30= 7.2%, ST+V50= 6.0%) in all groups (p<0.05). There were no significant changes between groups in any variable measured (p>0.05). The training period did not induce significant changes in Hmáx/ Mmáx (ST = +28%, ST+V30 = -16,3%, ST+V50 = -14%) and Tmáx/ Mmáx ratios (ST = -30,3%, ST+V30 = -38,2%, ST+V50 = -28,1%) (p>0.05). However it was found a significant time effect for Tmáx/ Mmáx ratio (-48.9%) (p<0,05).CONCLUSION: A single strength training session induces a brief impairment on muscle spindle activity. This impairment is not greater if ST is combined with vibration. Performing ST on a vibration platform did not additionally increase QCSA, MDS and VJ performance compared with ST alone

A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é importante fator de risco cardiovascular. O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi verificar a associação de critérios eletrocardiográficos de HVE com as características anatômicas e histológicas do coração, em 51 pacientes submetidos à necropsia. Procedeu-se à medição do diâmetro transverso dos cardiomiócitos e da porcentagem de fibrose do ventrículo esquerdo e direito. Entre os pacientes que apresentavam HVE anatômica, o critério de Romhilt foi positivo em 92,3%, sendo superior aos demais critérios avaliados, com especificidade de 89,5% e sensibilidade de 68,8%, Foi o único que se associou a características anatômicas e histológicas do coração / The left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor. The purpose of the present retrospective paper is to examine the association of LVH electrocardiographic criteria with both anatomical and histological characteristics of the heart on 51 patients submitted to the necropsy. The study carried out the measurement of the transverse diameter of cardiomyocytes, as well as the percentage of fibrosis at both left and right ventriculi. Among those patients who presented anatomic LVH, the Romhilt criterium resulted positive in 92.3% of the cases, thus surpassing the other criteria evaluated, with specificity and sensibility up to 89.5% and 68.8% respectively. This was the only criterium associated to both anatomic and histological characteristics of the heart

Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, Mechanismen zu identifizieren, die an der Induktion von Zellwachstum und/oder Zelltod von Kardiomyozyten beteiligt sind. Zunächst wurde ein Modell entwickelt, das es erlaubt, genregulatorische Elemente in vivo zu identifizieren. Es wurden die verschiedenen Variablen, die die Expression in vivo ins Myokard injizierter Reportergenplasmide regulieren, analysiert. Es stellte sich heraus, daß die Injektion von Reportergenkonstrukten ins Myokard des Hundes ein ausgezeichnetes Modell darstellt zur Analyse der Genregulation im Myokard großer Säugetierspezies. Mit Hilfe dieses Modells gelang durch Injektion von ANF (atrialer natriuretischer Faktor)-Promotorkonstrukten mit anschließendem aortic banding die Identifizierung einer AP1-Bindungsstelle im Promotor des ANF-Gens als cis-regulatorisches Element, das für die Aktivierung des ANF-Gens bei der Druckhypertrophie verantwortlich ist. Zur Identifizierung von Faktoren, die für den Zellzyklusarrest von Kardiomyozyten verantwortlich sind, wurde der ubiquitär exprimierte Transkriptionsfaktor E2F-1 in isolierte Kardiomyozyten mittels adenoviralem Gentransfer eingebracht. Die Überexpression von E2F-1 in Kardiomyozyten führte zur Induktion von programmiertem Zelltod (Apoptose). Die Apoptose wurde in Anwesenheit von Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) supprimiert und es konnte nun gesteigerte DNA-Synthese beobachtet werden. Es zeigte sich weiterhin, daß die Zellzyklusinhibitoren p21CIP1 und p27KIP1 eine besondere Rolle bei der Aufrechterhaltung des Zellzyklusarrestes von Kardiomyozyten spielen, denn in der Anwesenheit von IGF-I verschwanden in Kardiomyozyten, die E2F-1 exprimierten, diese Faktoren aus den Komplexen, die sie mit Zyklinen und zyklin-abhängigen Kinasen (cdks) bilden. Um zu verstehen, über welche Faktoren Apoptose in Kardiomyozyten induziert und über welche intrazellulären Signalwege sie vermittelt wird, wurden isolierte Kardiomyozyten mit freien Sauerstoffradikalen (ROS) exponiert, von denen bekannt ist, daß sie in bestimmten Zellen in einem bestimmten Dosisbereich Apoptose erzeugen können. Obwohl beides, H2O2 und O2-, zur Induktion von Apoptose in Kardiomyozyten führt, werden jeweils unterschiedliche intrazelluläre Signalwege aktiviert. So führt H2O2 zur Freisetzung von mitochondrialem Cytochrom C, was mit einer Translokation von Bax an die Mitochondrien und seiner Interaktion mit dem anti-apoptotischen Faktor Bcl-2 einhergeht. Dies führt zur Aktivierung der Caspase 3. O2- hingegen führt zur Aktivierung der Caspase 6 und Spaltung von Lamin A. / The aim of the study was to elucidate mechanisms controlling death and growth of cardiomyocytes. First, a model was developed suitable to identify regulatory gene sequences in vivo. Multiple variables controlling expression of reportergene constructs injected into the heart were investigated. The results showed that injection of reportergene constructs into the heart of dogs is an appropriate model to analyse regulation of gene expression in vivo in large mammals. Using this approach reportergene constructs harboring the promoter of the ANF (atrial natriuretic factor)-gene were injected in dog hearts which were subjected to pressure overload by aortic banding. Serial mutations of the promoter region revealed an AP-1 like sequence to be of importance for the induction of this gene in pressure overload hypertrophy. In order to identify factors responsible for the cell cycle arrest of cardiomyocytes the transcription factor E2F-1 was overexpressed in isolated cardiomyocytes using adenoviral gene transfer. In cardiomyoccytes the overexpression of E2F1- was followed by apoptosis. Apoptosis was suppressed in the presence of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and the re-induction of DNA synthesis could be observed. Cyclin dependent inhibitors (cdi) p21CIP1 and p27KIP1 appear to play an important role in the maintenance of the cell cycle arrest in cardiomyocytes, since these factors dissappeared from cyclin complexes in the presence of IGF-I. In order to understand how apoptosis is induced in cardiomyocytes and which intracellular signalling cascades may be involved, isolated cardiomyocytes were exposed to reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion (O2-) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)). Both O2- and H2O2 induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes dose-dependently. However, different intracellular signalling cascades were activated. Cytochrome C was released by H2O2, but not by O2-. Release of cytochrome c was followed by translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria where it was interacting with anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 leading to the subsequent activation of caspase-3. O2- lead to an activation of caspase-6 which was followed by the cleavage of lamin A.

L’obésité et le surpoids ont été décrits comme une pandémie. L’obésité et le vieillissement vont conduire à des complications cardiovasculaires. De plus, l’obésité favoriserait un vieillissement cardiaque prématuré chez les adultes jeunes. L’hypothèse de ce travail est qu’un régime riche en graisses, démarré avant l’âge adulte, poursuivi sur une longue durée, pourrait entraîner un vieillissement « accéléré » cardiovasculaire et métabolique. Nous avons démontré, dans un modèle murin vieillissant, qu’un régime riche en graisses conduit à des troubles métaboliques ainsi qu’à une augmentation de la masse grasse et à une détérioration du métabolisme au niveau du tissu adipeux blanc. Ces troubles sont associés à des altérations au niveau cardiaque, malgré l’absence de modifications de la pression artérielle et de la fréquence cardiaque. Le vieillissement, chez les souris obèses, va conduire à un remodelage du ventricule gauche accompagné par une dysfonction systolique. Au niveau tissulaire cardiaque, le vieillissement et le régime précoce conduisent à l’augmentation de l’expression de gènes de fibrose confirmant ainsi le phénotype hypertrophique. Le vieillissement associé à un régime riche en graisses précoce conduit également à une up-régulation de GDF11. GDF11 peut alors être considéré comme un marqueur de vieillissement cardiaque accéléré. Ces résultats peuvent suggérer des voies thérapeutiques ou préventives, où l’inhibition de GDF11 améliorerait le pronostic et la survie cardiovasculaire des sujets obèses. L’étude de ce modèle nous a ainsi permis de mettre en évidence qu’un régime riche en graisses conduit à un vieillissement accéléré au niveau cardiaque / Obesity and being overweight have been described as a global pandemic. Both obesity and aging will lead to cardiovascular complications. In addition, it has been highlighted that obesity promotes premature cardiac aging in young adults. The hypothesis of this work is that a high fat diet begun before adulthood, pursued over a long period of time, could lead to “accelerated” cardiovascular and metabolic aging. We have demonstrated, in an aging mouse model, that an early high fat diet leads to metabolic disorders and to an increase in fat mass and a deterioration in metabolism of white adipose tissue. These disorders are associated with alterations in cardiac morphology and function, despite an absence of changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Ageing, in obese mice, leads to ventricular remodeling accompanied by systolic dysfunction. In cardiac tissue, aging and early diet lead to an increased expression of fibrosis genes confirming the hypertrophic phenotype. Aging associated with an early high fat diet led also to an up-regulation of GDF11. GDF11 may then be considered as a marker of accelerated cardiac aging. These results may suggest therapeutic or preventive pathways, where inhibition of GDF11 improves prognosis and survival in obese subjects with cardiovascular disease. The study of this model has allowed us to demonstrate that a high fat diet leads to accelerated aging at the level of the heart

Background: Recent research has demonstrated the presence of heat being an effective stimulus for increasing skeletal muscle and strength. The exposure of increased environmental temperature combined with resistance training has been shown to amplify muscle adaptation for hypertrophy and strength. However, research into the potential effects of using heat stress combined with resistance training to increase performance criteria, such as speed and agility, are minimal. Utilizing a hot environment coupled with an intense exercise regime has been considered as a potential aid for sport preparation given the evidence that heat stress has on promoting hypertrophy and strength. The desired result is to enhance athletic performance. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine if (a) performing resistance training in a hot environment for 10 weeks induces greater increases in muscle mass and (b) whether this combination improves performance in speed, agility and strength compared to resistance training in a standard temperate environment. Methods: 17 healthy male adults, who have undergone a consistent regime of resistance training in the six months leading up to the study, were distributed at random into two groups; (1) Intervention group (Heat n=8) training in 40°C and (2) control group (Con, n=9) training in 23°C. Each group would follow a 10-week resistance exercise protocol. To monitor time-course adaptations, lean body mass, speed, agility and strength were measured at baseline, week 5 and week 10. Results: Over the selected training period, there was no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups or time x group interaction, over the 10-week exercise duration with respect to lean body mass, speed, agility or strength. Conclusion: Compared to the resistance training regime in the standard temperature condition of 23°C (group two), training results suggest heat stress in the hot environment at 40°C (group one) had no effective stimulus in amplifying hypertrophic adaptations in skeletal muscle nor in increasing performance in speed, agility or strength. Certain hypothetical factors were implicated for heat stress being ineffective such as potential counter-productive aspects from heat exposure or flawed methodology. / Heat Effects on Adaptations to Resistance Training, Victoria University

Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Identifizierung von Geschlechterunterschieden (GU) in der Expression von miRNAs im späten Stadium der Myokardhypertrophie, sowie der möglichen Rolle von ERbeta bei der Regulierung dieser GU. Unsere früheren Studien identifizierten ERβ als determinierenden Faktor für die beobachteten GU bei Druckbelastung. Unter anderem führte eine Deletion des ERbeta zur Aufhebung der zuvor beobachteten GU auf physiologischer und fibrotischer Ebene, sowie in der Genexpression. In dieser Studie wurden insgesamt 30 miRNAs mit Geschlechter- und/oder Geschlecht*Operation-Interaktionseffekten 9 Wochen nach TAC in WT Mäusen identifiziert. Die gleichen Effekte waren in ERbeta-/- Tieren nicht zu beobachten, teilweise aufgrund einer höheren Expression dieser miRNAs in ERbeta-/- Weibchen als bei den Männchen. Die vorliegende Studie zeigt eine Hemmung vieler miRNAs durch Östrogen (E2) und seine Rezeptoren in weiblichen Kardiomyozyten, welches somit die in vivo-Ergebnisse bestätigt und die protektive Rolle von E2 und ERβ im weiblichen Herzen unterstreicht. Sechs der miRNAs mit GU in WT-, aber nicht in ERbeta-/- Hypertrophie-Modellen wurden als mögliche Fibroseregulatoren identifiziert, da ihnen gemeinsame Inhibitoren des ERK-MAPK-Signalwegs als Zielgene vorhergesagt wurden. Die Expression dieser miRNAs, miR-106a, miR-106b, miR-21, miR-24, miR-27a und miR-27b, war in kardialen Fibroblasten durch E2 geschlechterabhängig reguliert. Zusammengefasst bestätigt diese Arbeit die schützende Rolle von E2 und ERbeta im weiblichen Herzen. E2 und seine Rezeptoren hemmen die Expression vieler miRNAs in weiblichen Kardiomyozyten und kardialen Fibroblasten, sowie in vivo. In männlichen Herzen und kardialen Fibroblasten scheint ERalpha der Hauptakteur zu sein, welcher insbesondere mögliche Fibrose-bezogene miRNAs reguliert. Die verschiedenen Rollen der ERs in weiblichen und männlichen Herzen sind ein bestimmender Faktor der beobachteten GU bei Myokardhypertrophie. / The present study aimed to identify sex-differently expressed miRNAs in a late stage of hypertrophy (9 weeks) and the possible role of ERs in the regulation of these differences. Our previous studies identified ERbeta as an important determinant factor of the observed sex differences in pressure overload, playing different roles in males and females. This report identified a total of 30 miRNAs with sex and/or sex*surgery interaction effect 9 weeks after TAC in WT mice. The same effects were not observed in ERbeta-/- animals partially due to the higher expression of these miRNAs in ERbeta-/- females than in their WT counterparts. This study reveals a repression of a number of miRNAs by estradiol and its receptors alpha and beta in female cardiomyocytes, confirming the in vivo results and accentuating the important protective role of oestrogen and ERbeta in the female heart. Six of the miRNAs with sex differences in WT but not in ERbeta-/- hypertrophy models were found to be possible fibrosis regulators by putatively targeting common ERK/MAPK pathway inhibitors. MiR-106a, miR-106b, miR-21, miR-24, miR-27a and miR-27b were subjected to a different regulation by estradiol in cardiac fibroblasts in a sex-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study reinforces the oestrogen and ERbeta protective roles in the female hearts. Estradiol and ERs repress many miRNAs’ expression in both female cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, as well as in vivo. In male hearts and cardiac fibroblasts, ERalpha is apparently the major player, regulating in particular potential fibrosis –related miRNAs. The different roles of ERs in male and female hearts are a determinant factor of the observed sex differences in cardiac hypertrophy.

Hypertrophie bezeichnet eine zelluläre Anpassungsleistung, die durch vermehrte Arbeitsbelastung ausgelöst wird und durch Zunahme von Zellgröße und Proteinsynthese sowie durch Veränderungen der Genexpression bei konstanter Zellzahl gekennzeichnet ist. Beim Ubiquitin-Proteasom-System handelt es sich um den wichtigsten intrazellulären Proteinabbaumechanismus eukaryontischer Zellen. Darüber hinaus spielt es eine wichtige Rolle im regulierten Abbau zellulärer Signalmediatoren und Transkriptionsfaktoren. In einem Hypertrophiemodell mit neonatalen Rattenkardiomyozyten wurde die Wirkung von Proteasominhibitoren auf die Ausbildung einer Hypertrophie untersucht. Behandlung mit Proteasominhibitoren (MG132, MG262) führte dabei zu einer dosisabhängigen Reduktion des Effekts der eingesetzten hypertrophieinduzierenden Agonisten (Isoproterenol, Angiotensin II, Phenylephrin). So konnte mit Hilfe morphometrischer Analysen Phalloidin-gefärbter Kardiomyozyten eine Verringerung des Zellwachstums gezeigt werden. Western Blots belegten eine verringerte Expression von Hypertrophiemarkerproteinen (beta-myosin heavy chain, alpha-sarcomeric actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin). Analog zu diesen Befunden konnte in einem Reportergenassay die Abnahme der Expression des brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gezeigt werden. Eine reduzierte RNA- und Proteinsynthese konnte mit Hilfe der Inkorporation radioaktiver Substrate nachgewiesen werden. Als Nachweis für die effiziente Inhibition des Proteasoms durch MG132 dienten Western Blots akkumulierter, polyubiquitinierter Proteine, die reduzierte proteasomale Degradation fluorogener Substrate sowie die Akkumulation eines grün fluoreszierenden Proteins nach Transfektion mit einem Ubiquitin-GFP-Konstrukt. Als mögliche Mechanismen des antihypertrophen Effekts der Proteasominhibitoren konnten eine verringerte Aktivierbarkeit der MAP Kinasen ERK 1/2 (Western Blots) sowie eine reduzierte Aktivität des Transkriptionsfaktor NFkappaB (Reportergenassay) identifiziert werden. / Myocardial hypertrophy is an important adaptive response of the heart to increased workload. It is characterized by an increase in cell size and protein synthesis, and alterations in gene expression. The ubiquitin-proteasome-system is the major pathway for intracellular protein degradation in eucaryotic cells. It plays a major role in the regulated degradation of central signal mediators and transcription factors. In a model system of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes we investigated the effects of proteasome inhibitors on myocardial hypertrophy. Treatment with specific proteasome inhibitors reduced the hypertrophic effects of all used agonists (e.g. isoproterenol, phenylephrin) dose-dependently: 0.05-1 µM MG132 resulted in a marked reduction of cell size as determined by morphometric analysis of phalloidin-stained myocytes. Moreover, western blot analysis showed a concentration-dependently reduced expression of hypertrophic marker proteins (beta-myosin heavy chain, alpha-sarcomeric actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin). This correlated well with a suppressed expression of brain natriuretic peptide in reportergene assays. Reduced RNA and protein synthesis was determined by incorporation of radioactively labeled substrates. Efficient inhibition of the proteasome by MG132 was confirmed by increased accumulation of multi-ubiquitinated proteins in western blot analysis, by reduced degradation of fluorogenic substrates and by accumulation of a ubiquitin-conjugated variant of the green fluorescent protein. Suppression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by proteasome inhibition corresponded to reduced ERK 1/2 activation (determined by phospho-specific antibodies) and decreased NFkappaB activation (determined by luciferase assays).

Die Hypertrophe Kardiomyopathie (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, HCM) ist eine Erkrankung des Herzens, die durch eine Hypertrophie des Myokards und einem erhöhten Risiko für den plöztlichen Herztod charakteriziert ist. Die Erkrankung wird autosomal-dominant vererbt. Neun HCM-assozierte Genen wurden bisher beschrieben, die alle für Sarkomer-Proteine kodierend. Mutationen in den Genen für die essentielle (ELC) und regulatorische (RLC) leichte Myosin-Kette sind für ca. 1% bzw. 1-7% aller HCM-Fälle verantwortlich. Bisher gibt es nur wenige Informationen zum Krankheitsverlauf und zur Prognose bei HCM-Formen, die durch Mutationen in diesen Genen verursacht werden. Ziel dieser Studie war daher, das ELC- bzw. RLC-Gen in einem Kollektiv klinisch gut charakterisierter HCM-Patienten hinsichtlich möglicher krankheitsverursachender Mutationen zu analysieren. Darüber hinaus sollte untersucht werden, ob die hier identifizierten Mutationen mit einem malignen bzw. benignen Phönotyp assoziiert sind. Methoden: 71 unverwandete Patienten mit primärer HCM wurden mittels körperlicher Untersuchung, EKG und Echokardiographie evaluiert. Die aus Blutlymphozyten extrahierte DNA wurde mittels exonspezifischer PCR-Amplifikation und Single-strand-conformation-polymorphism (SSCP) Analyse auf Mutationen in den 6 Exons des ELC- und 7 Exons des RLC-Gens untersucht. Proben mit auffälligen Bandenmustern wurden direkt sequenziert. Ergebnisse: Die systematische Analyse ergab zwei krankheitsassoziierte Mutationen im RLC-Gen, die zu einem Aminosäurenaustausch führen. Im ELC-Gen wurden keine Mutationen gefunden. Die erste Mutation im RLC-Gen ist ein G zu A-Basenaustausch an Position c.64 im Exon 2, der zu einem Austausch von Glutamat durch Lysin im Codon 22 führt. Die zweite Variante verursacht eine Argininsubstitution durch Glutamin im Codon 58 aufgrund eines Basenpaaraustausches an Position c.173 im Exon 4 (G zu A). Beide Mutationen betreffen hoch-konservierte Aminosäuren in der amino-terminalen Domöne des RLC in der Nähe von möglichen Phosphorylierungs- bzw. Kalcium-Bindungsstellen. Zusätzlich wird die elektrische Ladung dieser Proteinregion durch den Aminosäurenaustausch verändert. Die Glu22Lys-Mutationen konnte in sieben Individuen der Familie K identifiziert werden und ist mit einer geringen septalen Hypertrophie, einer späten klinischen Manifestation sowie einem benignen Verlauf und einer guten Prognose assoziiert. Die Arg58Gln-Mutation ist ebenfalls mit einer moderaten Septumhypertrophie aber mit einem frühen Krankheitsbeginn und einem vorzeitigen Auftreten eines plätzlichen Herztodes in der Familie B assoziiert. Zusätzlich wurden mehrere Abweichungen von der Referenz-Sequenz, eine stumme Mutation sowie zwei "Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms" (SNPs) während des Screenings in beiden Genen identifiziert. Die SNPs verursachen keinen Aminosäureaustausch und beeinflussen nicht den Splei§vorgang, soweit dies durch ihre Lokalisation vorhersagbar ist. Schlussfolgerung: Zwei missense Mutationen konnten in der regulatorischen leichten Myosinkette identifiziert und sowohl mit einem benignen als auch einem malignen HCM-Phänotyp assoziiert werden. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Genotypisierung wertvolle Informationen für die Risikostratifizierung, die genetische Beratung sowie für Therapiestrategien in der Hypertrophe Kardiomyopathie liefern kann. / Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart disorder characterized by unexplained ventricular myocardial hypertrophy and a high risk of sudden cardiac death. The disease is inherited as an autosomal-dominant trait. Nine disease-causing genes have been described all encoding for sarcomeric proteins. Mutations in the ventricular myosin essential (ELC) and regulatory (RLC) light chain genes are responsible approximately for 1% and 1 - 7% of all HCM cases, respectively. Limited data are available on the disease course and prognosis in HCM caused by mutations in these genes. Therefore, the present study was aimed to analyse the ELC and RLC genes for disease-causing mutations in a group of clinically well-characterized HCM patients. Further purpose was to assess whether the detected mutations are associated with malignant or benign phenotype in the respective families. Methods: 71 unrelated patients with HCM and 14 family members were evaluated using physical examination, ECG and echocardiography. DNA was extracted from blood lymphocytes. Screening of the 6 exons of the ELC gene and the 7 exons of the RLC gene was done by using PCR and single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP). Samples with aberrant band patterns were directly sequenced. Results: Systematic analysis revealed no mutation in the ELC gene but two disease-associated mutations leading to an amino acid exchange in the RLC gene. The first mutation was found in exon 2 of the RLC gene: a G>A nucleotide substitution at position c.64 caused a replacement of glutamic acid by lysine at codon 22. The second mutation was in exon 4 of the RLC gene: a G>A substitution at nucleotide c.173 led to a change of arginine to glutamine at codon 58. Both mutations affected highly conserved amino acids and were located in the amino terminal half of the RLC close to the putative phosphorylation and calcium-binding sites. They also changed overall electrical charge of this protein region. The Glu22Lys mutation was identified in seven individuals of family K and was associated with moderate septal hypertrophy, a late onset of clinical manifestation, benign disease course, and good prognosis. The mutation Arg58Gln showed also moderate septal hypertrophy, but, in contrast, it was associated with an early onset of clinical manifestation and premature sudden cardiac death in family B. Additionally, a number of sequence differences from reference genomic sequences, one silent mutation, and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified while screening the ELC and RLC genes. Detected SNPs did not cause an amino acid exchange and did not affect splicing process proceeding from their localisation. Conclusions: Two missense mutations were identified in the ventricular myosin regulatory light chain gene and associated with either benign or malignant HCM phenotypes. These findings show that genotyping could give valuable information for risk stratification, genetic counselling, and treatment strategies in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Die vorliegende Untersuchung sollte die kontraktile Funktion von humanen Vorhoftrabekeln und linksventrikulären Papillarmuskeln der Ratte während Hypoxie / Reoxygenierung als Hauptkomponenten von Ischämie / Reperfusion charakterisieren. Weitere Merkmale der Ischämie wurden durch erhöhte extrazelluläre K+-Konzentration und Azidose simuliert. Einblicke in die zelluläre Ca2+-Regulation ergaben sich aus Aktionspotential-(AP)-messungen, der SR- Ca2+-ATPase-Aktivität und Kraft-Intervall- Beziehungen. Die Rolle des Energiestoffwechsels und der endogenen antioxidativen Kapazität für die kontraktile Funktion von infarktbedingt hypertrophiertem Rattenmyokard während Hypoxie / Reoxygenierung ist durch Messung der Kreatinkinase-(CK)-Aktivität, ihrer Isoenzymverteilung und der Aktivitäten von Superoxiddismutase (SOD) und Glutathionperoxidase (GSH-Px) charakterisiert worden. Der Einsatz der Radikalfänger Histidin und Butylhydroxytoluen während Hypoxie und schneller Reoxygenierung an Rattenpapillarmuskeln sollte zur Protektion gegen den toxischen Effekt unterschiedlicher reaktiver Sauerstoffspezies dienen. In den durchgeführten Experimenten zeigte sich eine geringere Empfindlichkeit des humanen Vorhofmyokards gegenüber reduzierter O2-Versorgung und Reoxygenierung als im Rattenmyokard. Die während simulierter Ischämie im humanen Myokard auftretende Azidose hat einen günstigen Effekt auf die Wiederherstellung der isometrischen Kontraktionskraft nach Reoxygenierung, was jedoch mit einer gestörten Regulation der kontraktilen Funktion verbunden ist. Hypertrophiertes Myokard in der chronischen Phase nach Infarkt zeigt eine verminderte Empfindlichkeit gegenüber Hypoxie / Reoxygenierung, was auf adaptive Veränderungen im Energiestoffwechsel (erhöhte CK-MB und CK-BB Isoenzyme mit kleinerem Km-Wert für Kreatinphosphat), in der endogenen antioxidativen Kapazität (Erhöhung der Aktivitäten von SOD und GSH-Px um 40% bzw. 50%) und in der Regulation der kontraktilen Funktion (verminderte SR Ca2+-ATPase-Aktivität und Isomyosinverschiebung von V1 nach V3) zurückgeführt werden kann. Eine bessere Erholung der kontraktilen Funktion nach Reoxygenierung kann durch schnellen pO2- Wiederanstieg erreicht werden. Der Einsatz von Pharmaka mit verschiedenen Angriffspunkten im Radikalstoffwechsel und besonders deren Kombination während Hypoxie / Reoxygenierung ermöglicht zusätzlich eine verbesserte Kardioprotektion. / This study characterizes the contractile function of human atrial trabeculae and rat left ventricular papillary muscles during hypoxia / reoxygenation as the major components of ischemia / reperfusion. Further characteristics of ischemia were simulated by increased extracellular K+ concentration and acidosis during hypoxia. Insights into the cellular Ca2+ regulation were obtained from action potential recordings, from measurements of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ transport, and from force-interval relations. We examined changes in SR calcium transport, creatine kinase (CK) system, the antioxidant enzymes glutathionperoxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxiddismutase (SOD) 6 wks. after infarction (MI) due to coronary ligation in rats. Phenotypic modifications vs. sham operation (SHAM) were related to the contractile response of hypertrophied papillary muscle to hypoxia / reoxygenation. The oxygen radical scavengers histidine and butylhydroxytoluene were applied during hypoxia and rapid reoxygenation to protect the myocardium against oxygen radical damage. Generally, human atrial trabeculae were less sensitive to reduced oxygen supply and reoxygenation when compared to rat papillary muscles. In human atrial trabeculae, isometric peak force development recovered better after simulated ischemia than after hypoxia but the regulation of contractile function was clearly disturbed. In rat papillary muscles, rapid reoxygenation caused a better recovery of contractile function after hypoxia. Application of the oxygen radical scavengers histidine, butylhydroxytoluene, and especially their combination during hypoxia / reoxygenation had additional cardioprotective effects. In MI vs. SHAM we observed under aerobic control conditions: decreses in isometric contraction and relaxation rate, a reduced Vmax-equivalent of sarcomeric shortening, a faster twitch-to- twitch decay of post-rest potentiation (PRC) which correlated closely to the decrease in SR Ca2+ uptake (-25%), a decrease in CK activity (-20%), reduced CK-MI and CK-MM, increased CK-MB and CK-BB, and enhanced activities of SOD (+40%) and GSH-Px (+50%). During hypoxia, an initial increase in peak force (PF) was followed by a slower PF decline in MI vs. SHAM. During reoxygenation, rates of contraction and relaxation recovered better in MI. In SHAM but not MI, twitch-to-twitch decay of PRC was accelerated after reoxygenation vs. aerobic control. The results suggest that adaptive changes in SR Ca2+ handling, CK isoenzymes, and antioxidant enzymes may contribute to higher resistance against reduced O2 supply and reoxygenation in hypertrophy due to MI.

Introdução: A hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por sobrecarga hemodinâmica crônica (HC) é caracterizada por espessamento das paredes do ventrículo esquerdo e do tecido intersticial. As atividades aumentadas de calpaína-1 e metaloproteinase de matriz(MMP)-2 são observadas em diferentes modelos de hipertensão arterial e estão relacionadas com as mudanças fisiopatológicas na HC. Por outro lado, a atividade de MMP-2 parece ser modulada positivamente por ativação de calpaína-1 em diferentes modelos. O objetivo deste trabalho é analizar se a calpaína-1 contribui para o aumento da atividade de MMP-2 no coração e se esse mecanismo resulta nas mudanças crônicas cardíacas na hipertensão renovascular. Métodos: Ratos Wistar submetidos ao modelo de 2-rins-1 clipe (2R-1C)(180-200g) e seus respectivos controles (Sham) foram tratados com verapamil (VRP), um bloqueador de canais para cálcio tipo L (BCCL, 8mg/kg/bid) ou veículo durante 8 semanas. O BCCL reduz as concentrações intracelulares de cálcio, o que leva à diminuição da ativação de calpaína-1, e então à possível modulação da atividade e expressão proteica de MMP-2. Pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) dos ratos foi monitorada durante 10 semanas de hipertensão por pletismografia de cauda. O ventrículo esquerdo (VE) foi analisado por histologia e ecocardiografia para avaliação das dimensões ventriculares. A atividade de calpaína-1 e MMP-2 foi avaliada por zimografia em gel. A expessão proteica de calpaína-1 e MMP-2 foi avaliada por western blot e imunofluorescência. Os corações foram submetidos à avaliação funcional por Langendorff. Todos os protocolos foram aprovados pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa Animal da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (43/2017). Resultados: Após 10 semanas, a PAS teve um aumento sustentado nos animais 2R-1C e o tratamento com VRP não foi capaz de reduzí-la em nenhum tempo de hipertensão. O peso corporal não apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos. O grupo hipertenso teve um aumento da massa cardíaca quando comparado ao sham e o tratamento com verapamil reduziu esse parâmetro. A análise da espessura do ventrículo esquerdo demonstra que o VRP é capaz de reverter a HC induzida por sobrecarga pressórica nos animais hipertensos. Os animais 2R-1C apresentaram um aumento singificativo na expressão proteica e atividade de calpaína-1 e o VRP foi capaz de diminuir esses níveis. Foi observado aumento da atividade das isoformas de MMP-2 nos ratos 2R-1C quando comparados aos controles e o VRP foi capaz de reduzir a atividade da isoforma de 64kDa. A contratilidade cardíaca intrínseca dos animais 2R-1C sugere uma disfunção cardíaca quando comparados aos controles sham, embora a fração de ejeção desses animais esteja preservada. O VRP não foi capaz de alterar esses parâmetros. Conclusão: O VRP pode contribuir para a redução da hipertrofia cardíaca por diminuir a expressão proteica de calpaína-1 e MMP-2 na hipertensão renovascular. Apoio financeiro: Capes, CNPq, FAPESP / Introduction: The chronic hemodynamic overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is characterized by thickening of the left ventricle walls and hypertrophy of the cardiomyocytes and interstitial tissue. Increased activity of calpain-1 and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 was observed in different models of arterial hypertension models and contributes to the pathophysiologic changes shown in CH. On the other hand, MMP-2 activity is also positively modulated by activation of calpain-1 in different animal models of cardiovascular diseases. The objectives here are to analyze whether calpain-1 contributes to increase the activity of MMP-2 in the heart and whether this mechanism results in chronic cardiac changes in the renovascular hypertension. Methods: Two kidney-one clip (2K1C) hypertensive male Wistar rats (180-200g) and their respective controls (Sham) were orally treated with verapamil (VRP), a L-type calcium channels blocker (LCCB, 8mg/kg/bid), or vehicle during 8 weeks. The LCCB reduces the intracellular concentration of calcium, thus decreasing the activation of calpain-1, and then may modulate the activity of MMP-2. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored in the rats during 10 weeks of hypertension. Left ventricle (LV) was analyzed by histology and echocardiography to evaluate ventricle thickening. Calpain- 1 and MMP-2 activities were analyzed by zymography and their expression by immunofluorescence and western blot. Hearts were submitted to functional evaluation by Langendorff. All the protocols were approved by the Ethical Committee in Animal Research of Ribeirao Preto Medical School (43/2017). Results: After 10 weeks, the systolic blood pressure had sustained increase and treatment with VRP was not able to decrease it in any time of hypertension. The body weight did not present significant changes between the groups. Hypertensive group had significant increase in the ventricle/body weight ratio (VW/BW) when compared to sham and treatment with VRP decreased it. Analysis of ventricle thickening showed that VRP is able to revert CHinduced pressure overload. The 2K-1C rats showed a significant increase in the activity and expression of calpain-1 in the heart and VRP reverted it. It was also observed increased activity of MMP-2 forms in the hypertensive rats and VRP decreased the 64kDa MMP-2 activity. The 2K-1C group had cardiac dysfunction when compared to controls groups, and VRP did not alter it. The ejection fraction was not changed in 2K- 1C rats. Conclusion: VRP decreased expression and activity of calpain-1 and MMP-2 in the hearts of 2K-1C rats and then contributed to ameliorate hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy