Introdução: Em pacientes com fibrose cística (FC), as infecções pulmonares de repetição e a inflamação com acúmulo de secreções causam obstrução aérea e hiperinsuflação. Com a progressão da doença, esses pacientes desenvolvem doença pulmonar incapacitante, falência respiratória, hipertensão pulmonar (HP) e cor pulmonale. Os avanços no tratamento propiciaram uma melhora acentuada na sobrevida dos pacientes: atualmente expectativa de vida média é de mais de 40 anos. Essa modificação demográfica resultou na necessidade de programas e protocolos de cuidados específicos para os pacientes adultos com FC. Objetivos: Este estudo visa avaliar desfechos clínicos e fatores prognósticos em uma coorte de pacientes adultos com FC durante sete anos de seguimento. Secundariamente, objetivou-se avaliar alterações no escore clínico, na espirometria, no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M) e na pressão arterial pulmonar pela pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar (PSAP) estimada por ecocardiograma Doppler. Métodos: Observou-se uma coorte prospectiva de pacientes com FC, acompanhados por programa para adultos em 2004-2005. Realizaram-se avaliação clínica, Doppler ecocardiografia, espirometria, TC6M, raio X de tórax, e culturas de escarro. Os desfechos foram definidos como favorável (sobreviventes) e desfavorável (sobreviventes com transplante pulmonar e óbitos). Em 2011-2012, os desfechos foram avaliados, e os sobreviventes reexaminados. Resultados: De 40 pacientes (média de idade 23,7 ± 6,3 anos) estudados, 32 (80%) foram sobreviventes, 2 (5%) sobreviventes com transplante pulmonar e 6 (15%) morreram. Análise de regressão logística identificou volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) % previsto (odds ratio - OR=0,83, intervalo de confiança - IC=0,67-1,03, p=0,09) e PSAP (OR=0,70, IC=1,02-2,01, p=0,038) associados ao desfecho desfavorável. VEF1 ≤ 30% previsto teve sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos, respectivamente de 50%, 93,8%, 66,7% e 88,2%; e PSAP ≥ 42mmHg, respectivamente, de 62,5%, 93,1%, 71,4% e 90%. Após sete anos, houve deterioração no escore clínico (p=0,027), na capacidade vital forçada (CVF) (p=0,024), no VEF1 (p<0,001), na distância percorrida no TC6M (p=0,002), na saturação de oxigênio periférica (SpO2) basal (p<0,001) e na SpO2 final (p<0,001). Conclusão: Após sete anos de seguimento, observou-se desfecho desfavorável em 20% dos pacientes. Os preditores prognósticos mais significativos foram PSAP ≥ 42mmHg e VEF1 ≤ 30% do previsto. Ocorreu expressiva deterioração clínica e funcional nos sobreviventes. / Introduction: In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the continuous pulmonary infection and inflammation with thickened secretions cause airways obstruction and hyperinflation. As the disease progresses, these patients develop disabling lung disease and eventually respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and cor pulmonale. Advances in medical therapy have resulted in a dramatic improvement in survival such that nowadays the median survival is predicted to be greater than 40 years. This demographic shift has resulted in the need for adult-specific CF care programs and protocols. Objectives: To evaluate clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in a cohort of adult CF patients during a seven years follow-up. Secondarily, to evaluate changes in clinical score, spirometry, six minute walk test (6MWT) and pulmonary arterial pressure by pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) estimated by Doppler ecochardiography. Methods: a prospective cohort of CF patients attending to an adult program during 2004-2005. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, Doppler echocardiography, spirometry, 6MWT, chest X rays and sputum cultures. Outcomes were defined as good outcome (survival) and poor outcome (survival with lung transplantation and death). In 2011-2012 outcomes were evaluated and survivors were reexamined. Results: Out of 40 patients (mean age of 23.7 ± 6.3 years) studied, 32 (80%) were survivors, 2 (5%) were survivors with lung transplantation and 6 (15%) died. Logistic regression analysis identified forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) % predicted (odds ratio - OR=0.83, confidence interval - CI=0.67-1.03, p=0.09) and PASP (OR=0.70, CI=1.02-2.01, p=0.038) associated with poor outcome. The FEV1 ≤ 30% predicted had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of, respectively, 50%, 93.8%, 66.7%, and 88.2%; and the PASP ≥ 42mmHg, respectively, 62.5%, 93.1%, 71.4%, and 90%. In 7 years follow-up, deterioration was observed in clinical score (p=0.027), forced vital capacity (p=0.024), FEV1 (p<0.001), distance walked in 6MWT (p=0.002), basal peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) (p<0.001) and final SpO2 (p<0.001). Conclusion: After seven years of follow-up, poor outcome was reported in 20% of CF patients. PASP ≥ 42 mmHg and FEV1 ≤ 30% predicted were the most significant prognostic predictors. Clinical and functional deterioration was observed in survivors.

Schistosomiasis is probably the main cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in the world. Splenectomy is used as treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to rupture of gastroesophageal varices secondary to schistosomal portal hypertension. However, it is a risk factor to PAH in others clinical scenarios, being possible that it increases the risk of PAH in mansonic schistosomiasis. The risk factors that determine the expression of PAH in some individuals with schistosomiasis are unknown. A role of the interleukyn (IL)-13 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is suggested in the pulmonary vascular changes found in animal models of schistosomiasis. This thesis had the main objectives: verify the association of splenectomy and others risk factors with PAH in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and assess the seric levels of TGF-β and interleukin IL-13 in patients with schistosomal periportal fibrosis with and without PAH. The first article (Splenectomy and others risk factors to pulmonary hypertension associated to mansonic schistosomiasis) describes one case-control study that recruted patients evaluated in outpatient clinic of schistosomiasis in Hospital das Clínicas – Universidade Federal de Pernambuco and outpatient clinic of PAH reference center of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco. Sixty four patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiaisis splenectomized or not with PAH defined by cardiac catheterization (mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥25mmHg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤ 15mmHg) and 173 patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiaisis splenectomized or not, without PAH by transthoracic Doppler echocardiogram (pulmonary arterial systolic pressure ≤ 36mmHg) were enrolled. In the multivariate logistic regression model, splenectomy, thyroid disease increased levels of D dimer were independently associated with an increased risk of PAH. Adrenergic blockers use, previous schistosomal treatment and previous upper gastrointestinal bleeding were associated with a decreased risk of PAH. The second article (TGF-β and interleukin-13 in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with mansonic schistosomiasis) describes a study conducted with 34 patients without PAH by transthoracic Doppler echocardiogram and 34 patients with PAH by right cardiac catheterization and both groups with schistosomal periportal fibrosis on abdominal ultrasound. They were submitted to assessment of seric dosage of TGF-β and IL-13 by ELISA. A significantly increased median of TGF-β in patients with PAH was found compared to patients without PAH (p=0.006). There was no significant difference regarding the difference between the median of IL-13 in patients with and without PAH (p>0.05). Conclusion: splenectomy and increased levels of D-dimer were independently associated with an increased risk of PAH, suggesting that a pro-thrombotic state occurs in these patients. Thyroid disease was other risk factor. However, previous schistosomal treatment, history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and use of adrenergic blockers were associated with a decreased risk of PAH. TGF-β may contribute to PAH pathogenesis in schistosomiasis and could be a target of treatment in PAH associated with schistosmisiasis / Submitted by Ramon Santana (ramon.souza@ufpe.br) on 2015-03-10T17:56:58Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese Rita de Cassia Ferreira.pdf: 1872861 bytes, checksum: 4e248d94fe004ff410acc217cf930086 (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-10T17:56:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese Rita de Cassia Ferreira.pdf: 1872861 bytes, checksum: 4e248d94fe004ff410acc217cf930086 (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-05-24 / CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico) / A esquistossomose é provavelmente a maior causa de hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) no mundo. A esplenectomia é utilizada no tratamento da hemorragia digestiva secundária à ruptura de varizes gastroesofágicas decorrente da hipertensão portal esquistossomótica, mas, é um fator de risco para HAP em outras situações, sendo possível que aumente o risco de HAP na esquistossomose. Não se sabe quais são os fatores de risco que determinam o aparecimento de HAP em alguns indivíduos com esquistossomose. Estudos em camundongos sugerem um papel para a interleucina (IL)-13 e o transforming growth factor (TGF)-β nas alterações vasculares pulmonares encontradas na HAP esquistossomótica. Esta tese teve como objetivos principais: verificar a associação da esplenectomia e outros fatores de risco com HAP em pacientes com esquistossomose hepatoesplênica e dosagem de TGF-β e IL-13 em pacientes com fibrose periportal esquistossomótica com e sem HAP. O primeiro artigo (Esplenectomia e outros fatores de risco para hipertensão arterial pulmonar associada à esquistossomose mansônica) descreve um estudo caso controle onde foram recrutados pacientes do ambulatório de esquistossomose do Hospital das Clínicas – Universidade Federal de Pernambuco e do ambulatório de HAP do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco. Foram selecionados 64 pacientes com esquistossomose hepatoesplênica esplenectomizados ou não com HAP diagnosticada pelo cateterismo cardíaco (pressão média de artéria pulmonar ≥25mmHg e pressão diastólica final de ventrículo esquerdo ≤ 15mmHg) e 173 pacientes com esquistossomose hepatoesplênica esplenectomizados ou não, sem HAP no ecodopplercardiograma transtorácico (pressão sistólica de artéria pulmonar ≤ 36mmHg). As variáveis independentemente associadas com risco aumentado de HAP no modelo multivariado de regressão logística foram: esplenectomia, tireoidopatia e níveis aumentados de D-dímeros. O uso de bloqueadores adrenérgicos, história de tratamento prévio para esquistossomose e história de hemorragia digestiva alta foram associados com um risco reduzido de HAP. O segundo artigo (TGF-β e interleucina-13 na hipertensão arterial pulmonar associada à esquistossomose mansônica) descreve um estudo onde foram recrutados 34 pacientes sem HAP no ecodopplercardiograma transtorácico e 34 pacientes com HAP confirmada pelo cateterismo cardíaco direito e todos com fibrose periportal na ultrassonografia de abdome que tiveram as dosagens séricas de TGF-β e IL-13 realizadas através de ELISA. Uma mediana significativamente maior de TGF-β foi encontrada em pacientes com HAP em relação aos pacientes sem HAP (p=0,006). Não houve diferença significativa entre a mediana de IL-13 nos pacientes com ou sem HAP (p>0,05). Conclusões: Esplenectomia e elevação de Ddímeros foram associados a um risco aumentado de HAP, sugerindo um estado prótrombótico nestes pacientes. História de tireoidopatia também foi fator de risco. Pacientes com história de tratamento para esquistossomose, história de hemorragia digestiva alta e uso de bloqueadores adrenérgicos tiveram menor chance de desenvolver HAP. TGF-β tem um possível papel na patogênese da HAP na esquistossomose e pode vir a ser alvo de terapia na HAP associada à esquistossomose.

La voie RhoA/Rho-kinases (ROCK) joue un rôle important dans la physiopathologie de l’hypertension pulmonaire (HTP) par son implication dans le dysfonctionnement endothélial, la constriction et le remodelage des vaisseaux pulmonaires. Selon les classifications internationales, la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO) et la pneumopathie infiltrante diffuse (PID) sont deux causes fréquentes d’HTP ayant en commun plusieurs mécanismes physiopathologiques dont le dysfonctionnement endothélial, le remodelage vasculaire et la fibrose parenchymateuse. Les objectifs de ce travail étaient d’étudier le rôle de la voie RhoA/ROCK dans la physiopathologie de la BPCO et de la PID avec ou sans HTP et de préciser les anomalies moléculaires liées à la perturbation de la signalisation de cette voie dans chacune de ces situations.Le dysfonctionnement endothélial est un événement essentiel dans l’initiation et la progression de la BPCO. L’activation de la voie RhoA/ROCK dans le dysfonctionnement endothélial systémique et pulmonaire a été mise en évidence chez les tabagiques avec ou sans BPCO. Les résultats de notre première étude montrent l’existence d’une activation de la voie RhoA/ROCK au niveau des artères pulmonaires chez les patients BPCO ayant un dysfonctionnement endothélial, et une corrélation entre l’activité de la RhoA et l’expression génique et l’activité de la NO synthase endothéliale (NOS-3).L’HTP est une complication grave des PID. Nous avons montré dans notre deuxième étude l’implication de la voie RhoA/ROCK dans la réponse inflammatoire et la fibrose pulmonaire (FP) dans un modèle murin de PID induite par injection intratrachéale de bléomycine (BLM). Nous avons ensuite testé l’effet préventif du fasudil, un inhibiteur des ROCK, sur l’apparition de la FP et l’HTP expérimentales induites par la BLM. Les résultats de cette deuxième étude montrent que la FP et l’HTP sont associées à une activation de la voie RhoA/ROCK dans ce modèle murin et que le fasudil inhibe la réponse inflammatoire, la FP et l’HTP, via l’inhibition de la phosphorylation de Smad2/3 de la voie de signalisation par le TGF-β1.La FP et l’HTP représentent deux causes principales de mortalité liée à la sclérodermie systémique (ScS). Nous avons étudié le rôle de la voie RhoA/ROCK dans la physiopathologie de la fibrose cutanée et l’atteinte pulmonaire dans un modèle murin de ScS induite par injection intradermique d’acide hypochloreux (HOCl). Les résultats de cette troisième étude montrent l’association entre la fibrose cutanée induite par l’HOCl et l’activation de la voie RhoA/ROCK au niveau de la peau, et l’effet préventif du fasudil sur la fibrose cutanée et pulmonaire, en partie via l’inhibition de la phosphorylation de Smad2/3 et de l’activation des protéines ERK1/2. Ces résultats suggèrent l’implication de la voie RhoA/ROCK dans la physiopathologie de la BPCO et de la PID avec ou sans HTP. La voie RhoA/ROCK pourrait de ce fait représenter une nouvelle cible thérapeutique dans la BPCO et la PID avec ou sans HTP.Mots-clés : RhoA, Rho-kinases, fasudil, BPCO, fibrose pulmonaire, hypertension pulmonaire. / The RhoA/Rho-kinases (ROCK) pathway plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH) as its abnormal activation leads to endothelial dysfunction, sustained vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling. According to the international classification of PH, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) represent two main causes of PH associated with chronic respiratory diseases. These two causes have in common major pathophysiological mechanisms such as endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling and interstitial fibrosis. The aims of the present study were to investigate the role of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the pathophysiology of lung vascular and interstitial injuries in COPD and ILD with or without development of PH, and to study the molecular mechanisms associated with regulation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in each of these situations.The pulmonary endothelial dysfunction is an essential event in the initiation and progression of COPD. Although the role of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway in pulmonary endothelial dysfunction has been demonstrated in smokers with normal lung function, little is known about its role in patients with COPD. The results of our first study demonstrated an increase in RhoA and ROCK activity in pulmonary arteries of patients with COPD, simultaneously with an altered pulmonary endothelial-dependent vasodilation. The increased RhoA activity in patients with COPD was correlated with an impairment of the gene expression and activity of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS).PH associated with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) considerably worsens prognosis of ILD. The results of our second study showed an activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in lung tissues of mice intoxicated by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM). BLM induced severe PF and PH in mice, associated with an increased RhoA and ROCK activity in the lung. We further demonstrated that long-term treatment with fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, reduced BLM-induced lung inflammation, lung fibrosis and PH in mice, at least in part, via inhibition of Smad2/3 phosphorylation in TGF-β1 signaling.PF and PH represent two leading causes of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In our third study, we investigated the role of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the pathophysiology of skin fibrosis and lung injuries in a murine model of SSc induced by intradermal injection of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). We demonstrated that HOCl-induced skin fibrosis was associated with an activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the fibrotic skin, and that long-term treatment with fasudil reduced both skin and lung fibrosis through inhibition of the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 in the fibrotic skin.These results suggest the implications of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the pathophysiology of lung vascular and interstitial injuries in COPD and ILD with and without development of PH. The RhoA/ROCK pathway might be a promising therapeutic target for patients with COPD or ILD with and without PH.

La dysplasie broncho-pulmonaire (DBP), complication fréquente de la prématurité, atteint 30% des nouveau-nés de faible poids de naissance. L’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire persistante du nouveau-né (HTAPP), associé ou non à la DBP, résulte d’une mauvaise adaptation à la vie extra-utérine et survient dans diverses situations pathologiques (prématurité, sepsis, inhalation de méconium, hernie diaphragmatique congénitale…). Ces 2 pathologies sont grevées d’une morbidité et d’une mortalité importante en période périnatale. En effet, certaines situations d’HTAPP ou de DBP sévères restent réfractaires aux thérapeutiques actuelles.Les acides gras polyinsaturés oméga 3 (AGPI ω-3) sont des nutriments aux propriétés bénéfiques sur le système circulatoire et pulmonaire, mais également sur le développement fœtal, démontrés par de nombreuses études expérimentales et cliniques. La déhydroépiandrostérone (DHEA) est une hormone stéroïdienne dont le taux de sécrétion chez l’homme diminue avec l’âge. Des études récentes ont démontré un effet cardio-protecteur mais également un effet vasodilatateur pulmonaire et préventif de lésions de DBP dans des modèles expérimentaux.Les buts de notre travail étaient 1) d’étudier l’effet d’une supplémentation en AGPI ω-3 dans un modèle expérimental de DBP induite par hyperoxie chez le raton, 2) d’étudier l’effet circulatoire d’injection d’AGPI ω-3 (in vivo) dans un modèle d’étude de la circulation pulmonaire chez le fœtus de brebis chroniquement instrumenté, et d’étudier les mécanismes d’action AGPI ω-3 (anneaux vasculaires isolés) , enfin 3) d’étudier l’effet circulatoire de la DHEA (in vivo) dans le modèle de fœtus de brebis et d’étudier les mécanismes d’actions de la DHEA sur la circulation pulmonaire fœtale (in vivo)._x000D_Nous avons démontré que la supplémentation par voie orale en AGPI ω-3 de rates gestantes à la fin de la gestation et après la naissance permettait de prévenir, chez les ratons nouveau-nés, les lésions de DBP induites par une exposition chronique à l’hyperoxie. Ces lésions étaient retrouvées dans les groupes contrôles (eau et AGPI ω-6). Cette étude n’avait pas retrouvée d’effet bénéfique des AGPI ω-3 sur le remodelage vasculaire induit.L’injection d’acide eicosapentaènoique (EPA) chez le fœtus de brebis a révélé un effet vasodilatateur pulmonaire puissant avec une baisse significative et prolongée des résistances vasculaires pulmonaires (RVP), en comparaison à l’injection d’acide docosahéxaènoique (DHA) ou de l’excipient (faible dose d’éthanol). L’effet vasorelaxant de l’EPA sur des anneaux isolés pré-contractés était plus important que celui du DHA à dose équivalente, et il était dose- et endothélium-dépendent. Enfin, cet effet impliquait la voie de production du NO puisqu’il était diminué lors du traitement des anneaux par le L-Nitro-Arginine (LNA), inhibant la NO synthase.L’étude de perfusion en bolus de DHEA dans le lit pulmonaire vasculaire chez le fœtus de brebis instrumenté mettait en évidence un effet vasodilatateur bref. Cet effet était dose-dépendant avec une baisse plus prononcée des RVP et une durée plus importante pour des doses de DHEA plus importantes. Enfin l’étude des mécanismes d’action retrouvait une inhibition de l’effet de la DHEA par le LNA, démontrant une action vasodilatatrice par activation de production du NO.L’ensemble de ces travaux permet de suggérer que les AGPI ω-3 représentent des nutriments intéressants en période périnatale (grossesse, allaitement et per os), notamment en traitement préventif dans les situations à risque de DBP, ou curatif en cas d’HTAPP. La DHEA reste une piste dans le traitement de l’HTAP, mais semble pour l’instant plus difficile à instaurer en clinique humaine. / Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common complication of prematurity, reached in 30% of newborns with very low birth weight. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), with or without BPD, results in poor adaptation to extrauterine life and occurs in various pathological conditions such as prematurity, sepsis, inhaled meconium, or diaphragmatic hernia Congenital. The mortality and morbidities of these two diseases are high in the perinatal period. Severe PPHN or BPD are refractory to current treatment.Polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 (ω-3 PUFA) are nutrients with beneficial properties on the circulatory and pulmonary system, but also on fetal development, demonstrated by many experimental and clinical studies. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone whose secretion levels in humans decreases with age. Recent studies have demonstrated a cardio-protective effect of diet DHEA supplementation but also a pulmonary vasodilator and preventive effect of DBP injury in experimental models.The aims of our study were : 1) to study the effect of PUFA ω-3 supplementation in an experimental model of hyperoxia-induced DBP in pups; 2) to study effect on pulmonary circulation of infusion of ω-3 PUFAs (in vivo) in model of chronically instrumented fetal sheep, and to analyze the mechanisms of action of ω-3 PUFA (isolated vascular rings); and finally 3) to study the in vivo effect of DHEA in fetal pulmonary circulation in the same model of fetal sheep and to understand the mechanisms of action of DHEA._x000D_We have demonstrated that supplementation with diet PUFA ω-3 on pregnant rats at the end of gestation and after birth prevent BPD injuries induced by chronic exposure to hyperoxia in pups. These lesions were found in the control groups (water and ω-6 PUFA). ω-3 PUFA supplementation did not prevent vascular remodeling.Infusion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in sheep fetus showed a potent pulmonary vasodilator effect as compared to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or excipient (low dose of ethanol). Vasorelaxant effect of EPA on pre-contracted isolated rings was more important than DHA at equivalent dose, and was dose- and endothelium-dependent. This effect involves NO production.Bolus DHEA perfusion in the pulmonary vascular bed study on instrumented fetal sheep highlighted an acute vasodilator effect. This effect was dose-dependent with a more pronounced and sustained decrease in PVR at highest doses of DHEA. Finally, mechanisms of action study found an inhibition of the effect of DHEA by the LNA, indicating that DHEA-induced vasodilation is NO dependant.Taken together, our results suggest that supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs and DHEA within the perinatal period may prevent BPD and PPHN in high risk conditions including preterm birth, premature rupture of the membrane or intrauterine growth restriction.

Résumé français manquant / Résumé anglais manquant

L’hypertension pulmonaire (HTP) est la principale pathologie de la circulation pulmonaire et a un très mauvais pronostic. Elle se caractérise par une hyperréactivité et un remodelage des petites artères pulmonaires (AP) entraînant une augmentation progressive des résistances vasculaires pulmonaires, qui, ultimement, aboutit à une insuffisance cardiaque droite et au décès du patient. Il est admit que le calcium joue un rôle très important aussi bien dans les mécanismes de remodelage que dans l’hyperréactivité des AP observés dans l’HTP. Dans le présent travail, nous avons étudié l’expression et le rôle d’une famille particulière de canaux calciques, les TRPV, dans les AP de rats contrôles (normoxiques) et souffrant d’hypertension pulmonaire (rats hypoxiques chroniques et traités à la monocrotaline). Nous montrons que (1) les canaux TRPV1, V2 et V4 sont exprimés dans les AP et que cette expression est augmentée au cours de l’HTP ; (2) la stimulation de ces canaux par des agonistes spécifiques induit une augmentation de la concentration calcique intracellulaire dans les cellules musculaires lisses (CML) ; (3) le récepteur à la ryanodine de type 2 (RRy 2) du réticulum sarcoplasmique est impliqué dans la voie de signalisation dépendante de TRPV4 et que son expression est également augmentée au cours de l’HTP ; (4) les canaux TRPV1 et TRPV4 sont impliqués dans la migration des CML, processus fondamental du remodelage ; (5) les contractions induites par l’activation de TRPV2 et TRPV4 dans les AP de rats hypertendus sont significativement diminuées par la streptomycine, un inhibiteur des canaux SAC (stretch activated channels). Ce travail démontre donc l’implication des canaux TRPV à la fois dans l’hyperréactivté et le remodelage des AP. De nouveaux traitements ciblant les canaux TRPV pourraient constituer une approche thérapeutique innovante de l’hypertension pulmonaire. / Pulmonary hypertension (PH)) is the primary pathology of the pulmonary circulation and has a very bad prognostic. This disease is characterized by a hyperreactivity and remodelling of small pulmonary arteries (PA) leading to a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance which ultimately leads to right heart failure and death of the patient. It is admitted that calcium plays an important role both in the mechanisms of remodelling and in the hyperresponsiveness of PA observed in PH. In the present work, we studied the expression and the role of a particular family of calcium channels, TRPV channels, in PA from control rats (normoxic) and pulmonary hypertensive rats (chronically hypoxic and monocrotaline-treated rats). We show that (1) TRPV1, V2 and V4 channels are expressed in the PA and that their expression are increased in PH; (2) stimulation of these channels by specific agonists induces an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration in smooth muscle cells (SMC), (3) the ryanodine receptor type 2 (RRy2) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum is involved in the TRPV4-dependent signaling pathway and its expression is also increased in PH, (4) TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels are involved in the migration of SMC, the fundamental process of remodelling, (5) contractions induced by activation of TRPV2 and TRPV4 in the PA from hypertensive rats are significantly decreased by streptomycine, an inhibitor of stretch activated channels (SAC). This work thus demonstrates the involvement of TRPV channels in both the hyperreactivity and remodelling of PA. New treatments targeting TRPV channels could be an innovative therapeutic approach for pulmonary hypertension.

L’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire (HTAP) correspond à une augmentation des résistances artérielles pulmonaires, avec dans les formes les plus graves, une défaillance cardiaque droite. L’HTAP persistante du nouveau-né (HTAPP) est estimée à 2/100 naissances en France. L’adaptation cardio-respiratoire à la naissance implique le déclenchement simultané de plusieurs phénomènes non complètements compris. Notre travail avait pour but d’approfondir les connaissances sur la régulation pulmonaire périnatale et d’envisager de nouvelles possibilités thérapeutiques. Ainsi, nous avons mis en évidence in vivo une vasoconstriction pulmonaires chez le fœtus lors du tabagisme passif maternel, par blocage de la voie du NO. De même, nous avons pu montrer l’effet vasoconstricteur de l’apeline sur les artères pulmonaires de fœtus de brebis. Cet effet semble dose dépendant, inhibé par l’action des inhibiteurs calciques. Au contraire nous avons mis en évidence un effet vasodilatateur de la Déhydroépiandrostérone (DHEA). Cette action est médiée par la voie du NO. Parallèlement, nous avons montré que les acides gras poly insaturés &#969; 3 (AGPI&#969;3) entrainaient une vasodilatation pulmonaire, se prolongeant au delà d’une heure après l’arrêt de la perfusion. Cet effet est médié par l’ouverture des canaux potassiques et indépendant de la voie du NO. Parmi les AGPI&#969;3, nous avons établi que l’acide eicosapentaénoïque (EPA) qui induit cette réponse sans effet délétère sur la circulation systémique, ni l’oxygénation tissulaire. Enfin, nous avons établi que l’occlusion trachéale (OT) anténatale, traitement proposé pour certaine hypoplasie pulmonaire malformative, n’altère pas le débit pulmonaire, en favorisant la dilatation pulmonaire. Mais en cas d’OT prolongée, ces effets sont en partie masqués par les effets mécaniques de la pression intraluminale. Ainsi grâce à ces travaux, nous avons avancé dans la compréhension de l’adaptation de la circulation pulmonaire de la vie intra à la vie extra utérine. Ils permettent aussi de proposer de nouvelles thérapeutiques comme la supplémentation en AGPI&#969; 3 des femmes attendant un enfant à risque d’HTAP, et d’envisager de nouvelles voies de recherche thérapeutique comme la voie de l’apeline. / Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) corresponds to an increase in pulmonary arterial resistance, with in the most severe forms, right heart failure. The persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is estimated at 2/100 births in France. The cardiorespiratory adaptation at birth involves the simultaneous triggering of several phenomena including non completions. Our work aimed to increase knowledge on the regulation of perinatal pulmonary and consider new therapeutic possibilities. Thus, we have demonstrated in vivo pulmonary vasoconstriction in the fetus when maternal passive smoking, by blocking the NO pathway. Similarly, we demonstrated the vasoconstrictor effect of apelin infusion on the pulmonary arteries of fetal sheep. This effect appears dose dependent, inhibited by the action of calcium channel blockers. Instead we have shown a vasodilatory effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This action is mediated by the NO pathway. In parallel, we have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids &#969; 3 (AGPI&#969;3) would cause pulmonary vasodilation, extending beyond an hour after stopping the infusion. This effect is mediated by the opening of potassium channels and independent of the NO pathway. Among AGPI&#969;3, we found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that induces this response without deleterious effect on the systemic circulation or tissue oxygenation. Finally, we established that the antenatal tracheal occlusion (TO), treatment proposed for some malformative pulmonary hypoplasia, does not alter pulmonary blood flow, promoting lung expansion. But in case of prolonged OT, these effects are partly masked by the mechanical effects of intraluminal pressure. And through this work, we have made progress in understanding the adaptation of the pulmonary circulation of the intra to extrauterine life. They also suggest new therapeutic, like supplementation as AGPI&#969; for women expecting a child at risk for PAH, and to consider new possibility of therapeutic research like the way of apelin.

A condição de hipertensão pulmonar é definida como a presença de pressão arterial pulmonar média acima de 25 mmHg em repouso. Esta é a resultante hemodinâmica de vários processos nosológicos que acometem a circulação nos pulmões, notadamente os pequenos vasos pré e intraacinares. A microcirculação pulmonar pode se alterar na presença de enfermidades cardíacas, pulmonares, tromboembólicas, infecto-parasitárias e do tecido conectivo, entre outras. Na ausência dessas condições, o diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial pulmonar idiopática se impõe. Com respeito especificamente à doença cardíaca levando a alterações vasculares pulmonares, temos as situações que acarretam aumento de fluxo sangüíneo pulmonar (cardiopatias congênitas que cursam com defeitos de septação das câmaras ou dos grandes vasos) ou dificuldade de drenagem venosa (disfunção sistólica ou diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo, valvopatia mitral e doenças do átrio esquerdo ou veias pulmonares). As alterações vasculares pulmonares que ocorrem nessas circunstâncias podem dificultar ou impedir o reparo cirúrgico de um defeito congênito de septação cardíaca, ou o encaminhamento de pacientes com doença miocárdica para o transplante. Por essas razões, a avaliação de pacientes com defeitos septais cardíacos ou miocardiopatia deve ser criteriosa. Na maioria das vezes a avaliação não invasiva é suficiente para o planejamento terapêutico. Entretanto, em pacientes com cardiopatia congênita e suspeita clínica de hipertensão pulmonar, assim como naqueles portadores de miocardiopatia candidatos ao transplante, a medida direta da resistência vascular pulmonar, através de procedimento invasivo, se faz necessária. Nas últimas décadas, tem havido interesse progressivo de se ampliar a indicação da avaliação não invasiva, omitindo-se a invasiva, sobretudo com o uso de parâmetros avaliados pela ecocardiografia com Doppler e pela ressonância magnética. O uso dessas medidas, na prática clínica, ainda é restrito, mas tende a ampliar-se. O presente estudo foi idealizado no sentido de se verificar, em portadores de defeitos septais cardíacos ou de miocardiopatia na faixa etária pediátrica, se dados ecocardiográficos poderiam ser preditivos de determinadas condições hemodinâmicas, a ponto de isentar certos pacientes da avaliação invasiva pré-operatória. Esta verificação foi feita nos dois grupos de indivíduos (cardiopatias congênitas ou miocardiopatia), com o exame ecocardiográfico realizado simultaneamente ao cateterismo cardíaco. Foram estudados 30 pacientes com defeitos septais cardíacos (idade entre 0,41 a 58,2 anos) e 23 pacientes com miocardiopatia candidatos a transplante (idade entre 0,40 a 15 anos). Para avaliação comparativa entre o ecocardiograma e o cateterismo foram utilizadas várias medidas. Do ponto de vista ecocardiográfico procurou-se analisar variáveis derivadas do fluxo pulmonar ao Doppler: tempo de aceleração (TAc), tempo de ejeção (TEj), período pré-ejetivo (PPE), integral velocidade-tempo do fluxo sistólico da via de saída do ventrículo direito (VTIVSVD) e índices envolvendo essas variáveis). Além disso, avaliou-se a integral velocidade-tempo do componente sistólico e diastólico da veia pulmonar superior direita (VTIVP) e a razão entre o fluxo pulmonar e o sistêmico (Qp/Qs). Do ponto de vista do cateterismo foram obtidas medidas de pressões, razão entre fluxos pulmonar e sistêmico (Qp/Qs) e razão entre a resistência vascular pulmonar e sistêmica (RVP/RVS). No grupo de indivíduos com cardiopatias congênitas, fundamentalmente foram observadas associações: entre a razão PPE/TEj e a pressão arterial pulmonar diastólica, assim como o índice RVP/RVS; entre a razão PPE/VTIVSVD e RVP/RVS; entre as razões Qp/Qs pelos dois métodos; entre a variável VTIVSVD e a razão das resistências; entre a variável VTIVP e a razão das resistências. No grupo de indivíduos com miocardiopatia foram observadas associações: entre a razão PPE/VTIVSVD e a pressão arterial pulmonar sistólica; entre a razão PPE/TEj e a pressão arterial pulmonar diastólica; entre a variável TAc e a pressão arterial pulmonar média e razão das resistências. Apesar de ter sido possível o desenvolvimento de modelos preditivos para dados hemodinâmicos a partir destas variáveis ecocardiográficas, a dispersão dos valores foi considerável, não permitindo recomendar a adoção dos modelos para a predição pontual na prática clínica. No entanto, os dados mostraram ser possível, a partir da avaliação não invasiva, estimar, com especificidade adequada, valores de Qp/Qs, ao cateterismo, acima de 3,0. Isto foi possível a partir, de valores de Qp/Qs igual ou superiores a 2,89 no exame ecocardiográfico. Alem disso, as variáveis VTIVSVD (igual ou superior a 22 cm) e VTIVP (igual ou superior a 20 cm), para o grupo de pacientes com cardiopatia congênita, mostraram-se capazes de predizer a ocorrência de RVP/RVS 0,1 (cateterismo), com especificidade superior a 0,80. No grupo dos pacientes com miocardiopatia, a variável TAc (igual ou superior a 95 ms) mostrou-se capaz de predizer a ocorrência de RVP/RVS 0,1 (cateterismo) com especificidade também acima de 0,80. Assim sendo, nesses pacientes, o ecocardiograma pôde ser útil na identificação de um subgrupo de indivíduos em situação mais favorável com respeito à hemodinâmica pulmonar, para os quais o cateterismo cardíaco poderia ser considerado desnecessário. Futuros estudos serão importantes para se avaliar os resultados tardios (notadamente pós-operatório) nos pacientes avaliados de forma não invasiva, reforçando, a adequação desse tipo de avaliação. / Pulmonary hypertension is defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of > 25 mmHg registered at rest, during cardiac catheterization. A number of conditions have been demonstrated to cause pulmonary hypertension, including congenital (septal defects) and acquired heart diseases, chronic lung disease, connective-tissue disease, thromboembolic disorders, schistosomosiasis, HIV infection, use of anorexigens, etc. In the absence of all these conditions, a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is established. In the specific setting of the cardiac disorders, either increased pulmonary blood flow (congenital cardiac septal defects) or altered pulmonary venous drainage ( left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, mitral valve disease, abnormalities of the left atrium) can cause pulmonary vascular abnormalities leading to pulmonary hypertension. Moderate to severe pulmonary vascular abnormalities lead to increased risk of postoperative complications and/or poor long-term outcomes in patients with septal defects undergoing surgical repair or those with cardiomyopathy undergoing heart transplantation. Thus, for these patients, preoperative measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance by cardiac catheterization is mandatory. In general, those with a pulmonary vascular resistance index of > 6 Wood units·m2 (pulmonary to systemic vascular resistance ratio of > 0,3) are not assigned to operation. In the last decades, there has been growing interest on the development of noninvasive methods/parameters that could allow for decision about the therapeutic strategies without cardiac catheterization. In this way, several parameters derived from Doppler-echocardiographic analysis or magnetic resonance has been used to predict hemodynamic data. In the present study, we used echocardiographic parameters to determine which patients with congenital cardiac septal defects or cardiomyopathy could theoretically be assigned to surgical treatments without catheterization. In order to correlate echocardiographic information with data derived from cardiac catheterization, both procedures were carried out simultaneously. Catheterization was performed as part of the routine evaluation, not specifically for research purposes. Thirty consecutive patients with congenital septal defects (aged 0,41 to 58,2 years) and 23 consecutive patients with cardiomyopathy (aged 0,40 to 15 years) were enrolled Doppler-echocardiographic evaluation consisted of flow analysis at the right and left ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary vein. The following parameters were recorded: right ventricular ejection time (RVET), acceleration time (AcT); right ventricular pre-ejection period (RVPEP); velocity time integral of the right ventricular systolic flow (VTIRVOT); velocity time integral of pulmonary venous flow (VTIPV); indexes involving these variables (AcT/RVET, RVPEP/RVET, RVPEP/VTIRVOT); pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs). The parameters derived from cardiac catheterization included pulmonary and systemic pressures, blood flow and vascular resistance. Blood flow and vascular resistance were expressed as ratios Qp/Qs and PVR/SVR, respectively pulmonary to systemic blood flow and vascular resistance ratios). In patients with congenital septal defects, a Qp/Qs of 2,89 by Doppler-echocardiographic analysis was predictive of Qp/Qs > 3,0 by cardiac catheterization, with specificity > 0.78. For values of 4.0 (echocardiography), the specificity was > 0.91. A VTIRVOT of 22 cm or VTIPV 20 cm could predict PVR/SVR ratios 0.1 with specificity > 0.81. For values of 27 cm and 24 cm respectively, the specificity was > 0.93. In patients with cardiomyopathy, a AcT of 95 msec was predictive of PVR/SVR 0.1 with specificity > 0.85. Doppler-echocardiographic parameters could not predict absolute values of hemodynamic variables with acceptable accuracy. Based on these results we conclude that Doppler-echocardiographic analysis can be used to identify patients with low levels of pulmonary vascular resistance (those with septal defects or cardiomyopathy) and increased pulmonary blood flow (septal defects).These patients could be safely assigned surgical treatments with no need for invasive evaluation. In view of the relatively low levels of sensitivity that we observed (< 0.65), some patients with favourable pulmonary hemodynamics would still be assigned to catheterization in case of adoption of the cut-off levels used in the study. Prediction of absolute values of hemodynamic parameters was not considered sufficiently accurate for decision making. Further studies are obviously necessary to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients treated on the basis of noninvasive evaluation only.

Positron emission tomography (PET) visualizes increased cellular [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) uptake. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is conceived of a proliferative disease of the lung vessels. Increased glucose uptake can be quantified as pulmonary [18F]FDG uptake via PET imaging. Because the angioproliferative mechanisms in PH are still in need of further description, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging can elucidate these pathophysiologic mechanisms in different etiologies of PH. Patients (n = 109) with end-stage pulmonary disease being evaluated for lung transplant were included in this observational study. Mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) of predefined regions of interest in lung parenchyma (LP), left (LV), and right ventricle (RV) of the heart, and SUVmax in pulmonary artery (PA) were determined and normalized to liver uptake. These SUV ratios (SUVRs) were compared with results from right heart catheterization (mean pulmonary artery pressure [mPAP], pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR]), and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Group comparisons were performed and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated. The [18F]FDG uptake ratios in LP, RV, RV/LV, and PA, but not in LV, were found to be significantly higher in both patients with mPAP ≥25 mm Hg (P = 0.013, P = 0.006, P = 0.049, P = 0.002, P = 0.68, respectively) and with PVR ≥480 dyn·s/cm5 (P < 0.001, P = 0.045, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.26, respectively). The [18F]FDG uptake in these regions positively correlated also with mPAP, PVR, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. The SUVR of PA positively correlated with the SUVR of LP and RV (r=0.55, r=0.42, respectively). Pulmonary and cardiac [18F]FDG uptake in PET imaging positively correlated with the presence and severity of PH in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease. Increased glucose metabolism in the central PAs seems to play a certain role in terms of severity of PH. These results suggest that [18F]FDG-PET imaging can help understand the pathophysiology of PH as a proliferative pulmonary disease.

L’insuffisance cardiaque droite est la première cause de morbi-mortalité chez les patients atteints d’hypertension pulmonaire. Améliorer le phénotypage de l’adaptation du coeur droit en imagerie non-invasive est essentiel afin de mieux comprendre les mécanismes favorisant la transition d’un état adapté à un état maladapté.Le premier chapitre a démontré la fiabilité de l’échographie cardiaque pour la détection de l’hypertension pulmonaire, fournissant des conseils méthodologiques pratiques.Le second chapitre a permis d’identifier les indices télé-systoliques de remodelage du ventricule droit comme les plus puissants paramètres pronostiques en imagerie chez les patients atteints d’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire (HTAP), en association avec la classe NYHA et le taux de NT-proBNP.Le troisième chapitre est dédié à l’étude des biomarqueurs immunitaires en hypertension pulmonaire, en mettant en utilisant la méthode de phénotypage approfondi du coeur droit pour déterminer le profile circulant protéomique associé à la défaillance droite chez les patiens atteints d’HTAP. Cette étude a permis de montrer que des taux élevés plasmatiques d’hepatic growth factor, de nerve grwoth factor et de stem cell growth factor beta sont associés à la défaillance droite dans deux cohortes d’HTAP. Le rôle direct de ces biomarqueurs dans le ventricule droit reste à être élucidé. / Right heart failure is the major cause of morbi-mortality in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Improving right heart adaptive phenotyping using non-invasive imaging is needed in order to better understand the transition from right ventricular (RV) adaptation to maladaptation in PH.The first chapter of this thesis has been dedicated to demonstrate the reliability of echocardiography to detect PH in patients with group 1 or 3 PH, providing methodology pearls and pitfalls.The second chapter has enabled to identify, among the multiple right heart non-invasive imaging metrics, RV end-systolic remodeling indices as the strongest prognostic biomarkers in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), combined with the NYHA class and NT-proBNP levels.The third chapter has explored the role of immune biomarkers in PH, providing a practical application of right heart deep phenotyping to determine the circulating immune proteomic profile associated with right heart failure in patients with PAH. This screening proteomics study has identified high plasmatic levels of hepatic growth factor, nerve growth factor and stem cell growth factor beta to be associated with right heart maladaptation in two cohorts with PAH. The role of these biomarkers within the right ventricle itself remains to be fully explored.