Introdução: Dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos à estratificação de risco e manejo, ainda persistem hoje muitas lacunas e debates sobre a miocardiopatia não compactada (MNC). Recentemente, a ressonância magnética cardiovascular (RMC) vem sendo amplamente utilizada para aumentar a precisão do diagnóstico de MNC em pacientes com alta probabilidade clínica pré-teste, com valor prognóstico e alta relevância na tomada de decisões clínicas. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o mapeamento T1 e o volume extracelular (VEC) miocárdico por RMC em pacientes com MNC e investigar como esses marcadores teciduais relacionam-se com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) e arritmias ventriculares (AV). Métodos: Foram recrutados prospectivamente 36 pacientes com MNC e 18 controles saudáveis para realizarem uma RMC com mapeamento T1 entre julho de 2013 e setembro de 2016. O VEC foi avaliado apenas para os segmentos do ventrículo esquerdo sem áreas de fibrose macroscópica pela técnica do realce tardio (RT), objetivando-se investigar a presença de fibrose miocárdica intersticial difusa. Para avaliar as diferenças entre os parâmetros de RMC nos pacientes e controles, foram usados o teste t entre as amostras pareadas (Wilcoxon) e um modelo de regressão linear foi construído para investigar a relação entre a FEVE e os achados clínicos e de imagem (inclusive o VEC). Resultados: Os pacientes com MNC apresentaram maiores valores de T1 nativo (1.024 ± 43ms versus 995 ± 22ms, p = 0,01) e VEC (28,0 ± 4,5% vs. 23,5 ± 2,2%, p < 0,001) em relação aos controles. Apenas o VEC foi associado independentemente com a FEVE (beta = -1,3, p = 0,003) na regressão multivariada. Houve uma interessante tendência para a terapia betabloqueadora modificar positivamente a relação entre ECV e LVEF (beta = 4,1, intervalo de confiança de 95%, -0,6 a 8,8), porém com p alto (0,08). Além disso, entre pacientes com MNC e RT ausente (negativo), AV foram associadas com maior VEC (27,7% em pacientes com AV vs 25,8% em pacientes sem AV, p = 0,002). Conclusão: Nos pacientes com MNC, a caracterização tecidual miocárdica por mapeamento T1 sugere uma expansão extracelular por fibrose intersticial difusa no miocardio sem fibrose focal pelo RT, o que foi associada à disfunção ventricular e AV. Tais achados podem dar suporte a um potencial valor do mapeamento T1 no refino da estratificação de risco de pacientes com MNC / Background: From pathophysiological mechanisms to risk stratification and management, much debate and discussion persist regarding non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC). Recently, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has been widely used to more accurately diagnose NCC in patients with high clinical pre-test probability, with prognostic value and high relevance in the clinical decision making process. Purpose: This study aimed to characterize myocardial T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), as well as investigate how these tissue markers relate to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with NCC. Methods: We prospectively recruited 36 patients with NCC and 18 controls to perform a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with T1 mapping between July 2013 and September 2016. ECV was quantified in LV segments without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) areas to investigate diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Differences in CMR parameters between patients and controls were assessed using t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and a linear regression model was built for LVEF to test the association with ECV and clinical characteristics. Results: Patients with NCC had higher native T1 (1024±43ms vs. 995±22ms, p=0.01) and expanded ECV (28.0±4.5% vs. 23.5±2.2%, p < 0.001) compared to controls. ECV was independently associated with LVEF (beta=-1.3, p=0.003). There was a trend for beta-blocker therapy to modify the relationship between ECV and LVEF (beta=4.1, 95% confidence interval, 0.6 to 8.8, p=0.08). Moreover, among patients without LGE, VA were associated with higher ECV (27.7% with VA vs 25.8% without VA, p=0.002). Conclusion: In NCC patients, tissue characterization by T1 mapping suggests an extracellular expansion by diffuse fibrosis in myocardium without LGE, which was associated with myocardial dysfunction and VA. These findings lend support to the potential role of T1 mapping in refining NCC risk stratification

Introdução: A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) está freqüentemente associada a comorbidades crônicas como a doença cardiovascular, o diabetes mellitus e a hipertensão. O presente estudo tem por objetivo investigar as alterações morfológicas e funcionais no coração secundárias ao enfisema pulmonar em ratos diabéticos. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos adultos (200 ± 20 g, n = 36) foram destinados à avaliação ecocardiográfica, análise morfométrica do coração e pulmões e análise da taxa de sobrevida. O diabetes mellitus foi induzido por aloxana (42 mg/kg, iv) 10 dias antes da indução do enfisema pulmonar por instilação de elastase (0,25 UI/100 g de peso corpóreo). Um grupo de ratos diabéticos recebeu tratamento com insulina NPH (4 UI antes da elastase, seguido de 2 UI/dia, 50 dias). Os experimentos foram realizados 50 dias após a instilação. Resultados: Ratos diabéticos e respectivos controles instilados com elastase apresentaram aumentos similares no diâmetro médio alveolar, cujos valores correlacionam-se positivamente com aumentos na espessura da parede (p=0,0022), na área da cavidade (p=0,0001) e espessura dos cardiomiócitos (p=0,0001) do ventriculo direito (VD). Ratos tornados diabéticos por injeção de aloxana exibiram redução na espessura da parede do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), no septo interventricular (IV) e na espessura dos cardiomiócitos. Estas variáveis morfométricas associaram-se à redução da fração de encurtamento do VE (p < 0,05) e a aumento no tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico do VE (p < 0,05). A taxa de sobrevida reduziu-se de 80% em ratos diabéticos a 40% em ratos diabéticos instilados com elastase (p < 0,05). Conclusões: O diabetes por aloxana em ratos não modifica a hipertrofia do VD secundária ao enfisema pulmonar, porém induz disfunção ventricular esquerda. A manifestação de ambas as doenças, diabetes mellitus e enfisema pulmonar, reduz substancialmente a taxa de sobrevida, enfatizando a condição de comorbidade na coexistência de diabetes e DPOC / Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often associated with chronic comorbid conditions of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. This study aimed to investigate morphological and functional alterations of the heart secondary to chronic emphysema in diabetic rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g, n=36) were used for echocardiographic measurements, morphometric analyses of the heart and lungs, and survival rate. Diabetes mellitus was induced by alloxan (42 mg/kg, iv) 10 days before the induction of pulmonary emphysema by the instillation of elastase (0.25 IU/100 g body weight). A group of diabetic rats was treated with NPH insulin (4 IU before elastase, plus 2 IU/day, 50 days). Experiments were performed 50 days after instillation. Results: Both elastase-instilled diabetic rats and matching controls exhibited similar increases in mean alveolar diameter, which are positively correlated with increases in RV wall thickness (p=0.0022), cavity area (p=0.0001), and cardiomyocyte thickness (p=0.0001). Alloxan-diabetic rats demonstrated a reduction in left ventricular (LV) wall, IV septum, and cardiomyocyte thickness, associated with a reduction in LV fractional shortening (p<0.05), and an increase in LViv relaxation time (p < 0.05). Survival rate decreased from 80% in diabetic rats to 40% in elastase-instilled diabetic rats. Conclusions: Alloxan diabetes did not affect RV hypertrophy secondary to chronic emphysema, but induced LV dysfunction. The association of diabetes and emphysema substantially reduced the survival rate, emphasizing the comorbid condition of the coexistence of diabetes and COPD

Está bem documentada a importância da disfunção autonômica na evolução das complicações do Diabetes. Adicionalmente, novas e consistentes evidências indicam que o controle reflexo da circulação comandado pelos baroreceptores poderia ser um marcador prognóstico precoce no Diabete melito, clínico e experimental. No presente projeto, testamos a hipótese de que a disfunção barorreflexa interfere no desenvolvimento da nefropatia e cardiomiopatia diabética por alterar a modulação autonômica comandada pelos barorreceptores arteriais sobre vasos e coração. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos (230 a 260g) divididos em 4 grupos experimentais: controle (GC, n=9), diabético (GD, n=11), desnervado (GCD, n=9) e desnervado diabético (GDD, n=8). Após 7 dias de desnervação sinoaórtica, foi realizada a indução do diabetes (DM) por estreptozotocina (STZ). Foram realizadas avaliações metabólicas, teste de tolerância a glicose e avaliações ecocardiográficas durante a terceira semana do protocolo. A partir dos 28 dias de protocolo foram realizados registros diretos da pressão arterial (PA) e avaliações da sensibilidade barorreflexas, da modulação autonômica cardiovascular (variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca e da PA sistólica), análise dos fluxos sanguíneos regionais e avaliações renais ex vivo. Os grupos diabéticos (GD e GDD) apresentaram aumento da glicemia e redução do peso corporal, da PA e da freqüência cardíaca quando comparados com os grupos não diabéticos (GC e GCD). Os grupos diabéticos apresentaram uma maior área de resposta sob a curva de resposta glicêmica quando comparados aos grupos controle, indicando assim uma intolerância maior a glicose. Nos parâmetros morfométricos, o septo interventricular (SIVDIA) mostrou-se menor nos grupos diabéticos quando comparados ao GC. A parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (PPDIA) mostrou-se diminuída somente no grupo diabético. Com relação ao tamanho da cavidade do ventrículo esquerdo na diástole (VEDIA), observou-se uma tendência a aumento em todos os grupos quando comparados ao controle. A massa do ventrículo esquerdo (MVE) foi menor no grupo diabético em relação ao controle e maior nos grupos submetidos à DSA quando comparados ao GC. A função sistólica foi avaliada pela fração de ejeção (FE), na qual não foi observada diferença entre os grupos estudados. A função diastólica foi avaliada pelo tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV) que foi maior no grupo diabético quando comparado ao controle. Já o grupo desnervado apresentou valores próximos ao do GC. Entretanto, o grupo desnervado diabético apresentou valores menores de TRIV quando comparado aos animais apenas diabéticos. Disfunção autonômica, avaliada pela sensibilidade barorreflexa, pela variabilidade da FC (VFC) e da PA sistólica (VPAS), foram observadas nos grupos GD, GCD e GDD em relação ao grupo C. Os fluxos sanguíneos analisados nesse protocolo (coronariano, pulmonar, renal e muscular) apresentaram-se reduzidos em todos os grupos experimentais quando comparados ao GC. O grupo submetido à SAD mostrou uma redução mais acentuada em todos os fluxos sanguíneos estudados. A resistência vascular periférica total encontra-se aumentada em todos os grupos analisados com um aumento maior nos grupos diabéticos. O débito cardíaco mostrou-se reduzido em todos os grupos estudados, em especial no grupo desnervado diabético, quando comparados com o GC. Com relação ao índice cardíaco, também observamos uma redução em todos os grupos, com uma redução maior nos grupos diabéticos sendo que a desnervação não foi capaz de atenuar essa redução no grupo desnervado diabético. A avaliação renal mostrou um aumento da pressão de perfusão do GD, acompanhado por um aumento significativo na resistência vascular renal, no fluxo urinário, no ritmo de filtração glomerular. Dessa forma, os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho fornecem evidencias de que o papel homeostático do baroreflexo é essencial no curso das alterações cardíacas e renais tanto em animais normoglicêmicos como nos hiperglicêmicos, por sua ação não só no controle das variações momento a momento (labilidade) como também interferindo em alterações sustentadas da PA, como observado nesse trabalho. Esses resultados poderão dar suporte a estudos populacionais que associam maior sensibilidade do baroreflexo com melhor prognóstico e sobrevida após evento cardiovascular em indivíduos diabéticos / It is well documented the importance of autonomic dysfunction in microvascular complications of diabetes. Additionally, new and consistent evidence indicates that the reflex control of movement is controlled by the baroreceptors could be an early prognostic marker in diabetes mellitus, clinical and experimental. In this project, we tested the hypothesis that baroreflex dysfunction interferes with the development of nephropathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy by altering the autonomic modulation controlled by the arterial baroreceptors on heart and blood vessels. We used male Wistar rats (230 to 260g) were divided into four groups: control group (n = 9), diabetic (GD, n = 11), denervated (GCD, n = 9) and diabetic denervated (GDD, n = 8). After 7 days of sinoaortic denervation was performed we induced diabetes (DM) by streptozotocin (STZ). We evaluated metabolic, glucose tolerance test and echocardiographic evaluations during the third week of the protocol. After 28 days of protocol records were taken direct blood pressure (BP) and baroreflex sensitivity assessments of cardiovascular autonomic (heart rate variability and systolic BP), regional blood flow analysis and evaluations kidney ex vivo. Diabetic groups (GD and GDD) had higher blood glucose and reduced body weight, blood pressure and heart rate when compared with non-diabetic groups (GC and GCD). Diabetic groups showed a larger response area under the glycemic response curve when compared to control groups, thus indicating an increased glucose intolerance. The morphometric parameters, interventricular septum (IVSD) was lower in both diabetic groups compared to CG. The back wall of the left ventricle (PPDIA) was reduced only in diabetic mice. Regarding the size of the cavity of the left ventricle during diastole (Vedia), there was a tendency to increase in all groups compared to control. The left ventricular mass (LVM) was lower in the diabetic group compared to control, and higher in the groups submitted to DSA when compared to CG. Systolic function was evaluated by ejection fraction (EF), in which there was no difference between groups. Diastolic function was evaluated by isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was greater in the diabetic group compared to control. The denervated group showed similar to the CG. However, the denervated diabetic group showed lower values of IVRT as compared to diabetic animals only. Autonomic dysfunction, as assessed by baroreflex sensitivity by HR variability (HRV) and systolic (VPAS) were observed in groups GD, GCD and GDD than in group C. The blood flows analyzed in this protocol (coronary, pulmonary, kidney and muscle) were reduced in all experimental groups compared to CG. The group submitted to SAD showed a marked reduction in all blood flows studied. The total peripheral vascular resistance is increased in all groups with a greater increase in the diabetic group. Cardiac output was reduced in all groups, especially in denervated diabetic group compared with the GC. With respect to cardiac index, we also observed a reduction in all groups, with a greater reduction in the diabetic group and that denervation was not able to mitigate this reduction in denervated diabetic group. The evaluation showed an increase in renal perfusion pressure of the GD, accompanied by a significant increase in renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, the glomerular filtration rate. Thus, the results obtained in this study provide evidence that the homeostatic role of the baroreflex is essential in the course of changes in both heart and kidney as in hyperglycemic animals normoglycemic by acting not only in control of changes moment to moment (lability) as well as interfering with sustained changes in BP, as observed in this study. These results could support population studies linking higher sensitivity of the baroreflex with a better prognosis and survival after a cardiovascular event in diabetic subjects

Está bem documentada a importância da disfunção autonômica na evolução das complicações do Diabetes. Adicionalmente, novas e consistentes evidências indicam que o controle reflexo da circulação comandado pelos baroreceptores poderia ser um marcador prognóstico precoce no Diabete melito, clínico e experimental. No presente projeto, testamos a hipótese de que a disfunção barorreflexa interfere no desenvolvimento da nefropatia e cardiomiopatia diabética por alterar a modulação autonômica comandada pelos barorreceptores arteriais sobre vasos e coração. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos (230 a 260g) divididos em 4 grupos experimentais: controle (GC, n=9), diabético (GD, n=11), desnervado (GCD, n=9) e desnervado diabético (GDD, n=8). Após 7 dias de desnervação sinoaórtica, foi realizada a indução do diabetes (DM) por estreptozotocina (STZ). Foram realizadas avaliações metabólicas, teste de tolerância a glicose e avaliações ecocardiográficas durante a terceira semana do protocolo. A partir dos 28 dias de protocolo foram realizados registros diretos da pressão arterial (PA) e avaliações da sensibilidade barorreflexas, da modulação autonômica cardiovascular (variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca e da PA sistólica), análise dos fluxos sanguíneos regionais e avaliações renais ex vivo. Os grupos diabéticos (GD e GDD) apresentaram aumento da glicemia e redução do peso corporal, da PA e da freqüência cardíaca quando comparados com os grupos não diabéticos (GC e GCD). Os grupos diabéticos apresentaram uma maior área de resposta sob a curva de resposta glicêmica quando comparados aos grupos controle, indicando assim uma intolerância maior a glicose. Nos parâmetros morfométricos, o septo interventricular (SIVDIA) mostrou-se menor nos grupos diabéticos quando comparados ao GC. A parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (PPDIA) mostrou-se diminuída somente no grupo diabético. Com relação ao tamanho da cavidade do ventrículo esquerdo na diástole (VEDIA), observou-se uma tendência a aumento em todos os grupos quando comparados ao controle. A massa do ventrículo esquerdo (MVE) foi menor no grupo diabético em relação ao controle e maior nos grupos submetidos à DSA quando comparados ao GC. A função sistólica foi avaliada pela fração de ejeção (FE), na qual não foi observada diferença entre os grupos estudados. A função diastólica foi avaliada pelo tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV) que foi maior no grupo diabético quando comparado ao controle. Já o grupo desnervado apresentou valores próximos ao do GC. Entretanto, o grupo desnervado diabético apresentou valores menores de TRIV quando comparado aos animais apenas diabéticos. Disfunção autonômica, avaliada pela sensibilidade barorreflexa, pela variabilidade da FC (VFC) e da PA sistólica (VPAS), foram observadas nos grupos GD, GCD e GDD em relação ao grupo C. Os fluxos sanguíneos analisados nesse protocolo (coronariano, pulmonar, renal e muscular) apresentaram-se reduzidos em todos os grupos experimentais quando comparados ao GC. O grupo submetido à SAD mostrou uma redução mais acentuada em todos os fluxos sanguíneos estudados. A resistência vascular periférica total encontra-se aumentada em todos os grupos analisados com um aumento maior nos grupos diabéticos. O débito cardíaco mostrou-se reduzido em todos os grupos estudados, em especial no grupo desnervado diabético, quando comparados com o GC. Com relação ao índice cardíaco, também observamos uma redução em todos os grupos, com uma redução maior nos grupos diabéticos sendo que a desnervação não foi capaz de atenuar essa redução no grupo desnervado diabético. A avaliação renal mostrou um aumento da pressão de perfusão do GD, acompanhado por um aumento significativo na resistência vascular renal, no fluxo urinário, no ritmo de filtração glomerular. Dessa forma, os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho fornecem evidencias de que o papel homeostático do baroreflexo é essencial no curso das alterações cardíacas e renais tanto em animais normoglicêmicos como nos hiperglicêmicos, por sua ação não só no controle das variações momento a momento (labilidade) como também interferindo em alterações sustentadas da PA, como observado nesse trabalho. Esses resultados poderão dar suporte a estudos populacionais que associam maior sensibilidade do baroreflexo com melhor prognóstico e sobrevida após evento cardiovascular em indivíduos diabéticos / It is well documented the importance of autonomic dysfunction in microvascular complications of diabetes. Additionally, new and consistent evidence indicates that the reflex control of movement is controlled by the baroreceptors could be an early prognostic marker in diabetes mellitus, clinical and experimental. In this project, we tested the hypothesis that baroreflex dysfunction interferes with the development of nephropathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy by altering the autonomic modulation controlled by the arterial baroreceptors on heart and blood vessels. We used male Wistar rats (230 to 260g) were divided into four groups: control group (n = 9), diabetic (GD, n = 11), denervated (GCD, n = 9) and diabetic denervated (GDD, n = 8). After 7 days of sinoaortic denervation was performed we induced diabetes (DM) by streptozotocin (STZ). We evaluated metabolic, glucose tolerance test and echocardiographic evaluations during the third week of the protocol. After 28 days of protocol records were taken direct blood pressure (BP) and baroreflex sensitivity assessments of cardiovascular autonomic (heart rate variability and systolic BP), regional blood flow analysis and evaluations kidney ex vivo. Diabetic groups (GD and GDD) had higher blood glucose and reduced body weight, blood pressure and heart rate when compared with non-diabetic groups (GC and GCD). Diabetic groups showed a larger response area under the glycemic response curve when compared to control groups, thus indicating an increased glucose intolerance. The morphometric parameters, interventricular septum (IVSD) was lower in both diabetic groups compared to CG. The back wall of the left ventricle (PPDIA) was reduced only in diabetic mice. Regarding the size of the cavity of the left ventricle during diastole (Vedia), there was a tendency to increase in all groups compared to control. The left ventricular mass (LVM) was lower in the diabetic group compared to control, and higher in the groups submitted to DSA when compared to CG. Systolic function was evaluated by ejection fraction (EF), in which there was no difference between groups. Diastolic function was evaluated by isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was greater in the diabetic group compared to control. The denervated group showed similar to the CG. However, the denervated diabetic group showed lower values of IVRT as compared to diabetic animals only. Autonomic dysfunction, as assessed by baroreflex sensitivity by HR variability (HRV) and systolic (VPAS) were observed in groups GD, GCD and GDD than in group C. The blood flows analyzed in this protocol (coronary, pulmonary, kidney and muscle) were reduced in all experimental groups compared to CG. The group submitted to SAD showed a marked reduction in all blood flows studied. The total peripheral vascular resistance is increased in all groups with a greater increase in the diabetic group. Cardiac output was reduced in all groups, especially in denervated diabetic group compared with the GC. With respect to cardiac index, we also observed a reduction in all groups, with a greater reduction in the diabetic group and that denervation was not able to mitigate this reduction in denervated diabetic group. The evaluation showed an increase in renal perfusion pressure of the GD, accompanied by a significant increase in renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, the glomerular filtration rate. Thus, the results obtained in this study provide evidence that the homeostatic role of the baroreflex is essential in the course of changes in both heart and kidney as in hyperglycemic animals normoglycemic by acting not only in control of changes moment to moment (lability) as well as interfering with sustained changes in BP, as observed in this study. These results could support population studies linking higher sensitivity of the baroreflex with a better prognosis and survival after a cardiovascular event in diabetic subjects

Πρόσφατες μελέτες παρέχουν ενδείξεις για τη συμμετοχή του οξειδωτικού στρες στην ανάπτυξη καρδιαγγειακών νοσημάτων. Το οξειδωτικό στρες έχει συσχετιστεί ισχυρά με τον κυτταρικό θάνατο και διαδικασίες καρδιακής αναδόμησης, που αποτελούν χαρακτηριστικά της καρδιακής ανεπάρκειας. Μύες χωρίς δεσμίνη, σημαντική πρωτεΐνη των μυϊκών ενδιαμέσων ινιδίων, αναπτύσσουν διατατική μυοκαρδιοπάθεια και καρδιακή ανεπάρκεια, η οποία χαρακτηρίζεται από μιτοχονδριακές ανωμαλίες και κυτταρικό θάνατο μαζί με εκτεταμένες εναποθέσεις ασβεστίου και ίνωση, προσφέροντας έτσι ένα πολύ καλό μοντέλο καρδιακής ανεπάρκειας.Διάφορες κυτταρικές και βιοχημικές αλλοιώσεις στην καρδιά των μυών αυτών υποδηλώνουν έντονα ότι το οξειδωτικό στρες είναι ένας σημαντικός μηχανισμός που συμβάλλει στην παθογένεση αυτού του φαινότυπου. Οι ανωμαλίες στη μιτοχονδριακή δομή και λειτουργία, οι οποίες χαρακτηρίζουν το φαινότυπο του μυός χωρίς δεσμίνη, προσφέρουν τις πιο σημαντικές ενδείξεις για την ύπαρξη οξειδωτικού στρες, καθώς η αναπνευστική αλυσίδα είναι η πιο σημαντική πηγή δραστικών Ενώσεων Οξυγόνου (ΔΕΟ ή Reactive Oxygen Species - ROS) στα μυοκαρδιοκύτταρα. Προκειμένου να διασαφηνιστεί η ύπαρξη οξειδωτικού στρες στο μυοκάρδιο απουσία δεσμίνης και συνεπώς η συμμετοχή του στην εξέλιξη του μυοεκφυλισμού, επιχειρήθηκαν τόσο in vitro, όσο και in vivo προσεγγίσεις. Η ύπαρξη οξειδωτικής καταπόνησης διερευνήθηκε σε πρωτογενείς καλλιέργειες ενήλικων μυοκαρδιοκυττάρων. Επιχειρήθηκε η ενίσχυση του αντιοξειδωτικού αμυντικού συστήματος, έτσι ώστε να αποτιμηθεί, τόσο η συμβολή του οξειδωτικού στρες στο μυοεκφυλισμό, όσο και η πιθανή θεραπευτική δράση των αντιοξειδωτικών στρατηγικών. Προκειμένου να αποτιμηθούν τα επίπεδα ενδοκυτταρικής οξειδωτικής καταπόνησης αναπτύχθηκε νέα μέθοδος απομόνωσης ενήλικων μυοκαρδιοκυττάρων από μυ. Επειδή τα μιτοχόνδρια αποτελούν το κύριο στόχο των παρατηρούμενων αλλοιώσεων, επιχειρήθηκε πρώτα ο προσδιορισμός των γενικών αλλαγών που παρατηρούνται στο μιτοχονδριακό πρωτέωμα. Πράγματι, οι παρατηρούμενες αλλαγές στα επίπεδα πρωτεϊνικής έκφρασης ενίσχυσαν την αρχική υπόθεση. Στη συνέχεια εκτιμήθηκαν τα ενδοκυτταρικά επίπεδα ROS σε καλλιέργειες ενήλικων 8 μυοκαρδιοκυττάρων χρησιμοποιώντας φθορίζοντες ιχνηθέτες. Ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων έδειξε ότι υπάρχουν αυξημένα επίπεδα ROS στα μυοκαρδιοκύτταρα απουσία δεσμίνης. Επιπλέον, διερευνήθηκε το μιτοχονδριακό μεμβρανικό δυναμικό, το οποίο είναι ενδεικτικό της σωστής μιτοχονδριακής λειτουργίας, χρησιμοποιώντας ειδικό φθορίζοντα ιχνηθέτη. Διαπιστώθηκε ότι υπάρχουν σημαντικές αλλοιώσεις σε αρκετά μυοκαρδιοκύτταρα απουσία δεσμίνης. Με σκοπό (1) να επιβεβαιωθεί η ύπαρξη οξειδωτικού στρες in vivo, (2) να αποτιμηθεί η συμβολή του στο φαινότυπο του μυός χωρίς δεσμίνη και (3) να εκτιμηθεί η θεραπευτική δυνατότητα της προστασίας έναντί του, το αντιοξειδωτικό αμυντικό σύστημα ενισχύθηκε in vivo, χρησιμοποιώντας το μυ χωρίς δεσμίνη ως μοντέλο καρδιακής ανεπάρκειας. Για το σκοπό αυτό δημιουργήθηκαν διαγονιδιακοί μύες που υπερεκφράζουν στο μυοκάρδιο τα αντιοξειδωτικά ένζυμα καταλάση και υπεροξειδική δυσμουτάση (MnSOD). Η καταλάση αποτοξινώνει τα κύτταρα από το H2O2 μετατρέποντας το σε νερό και οξυγόνο. Η μυοκαρδιακή υπερέκφραση καταλάσης μελετήθηκε σε υπόβαθρο απουσίας δεσμίνης. Το επίπεδο υπερέκφρασης αποτιμήθηκε σε επίπεδο τόσο πρωτεϊνικό, όσο και ενζυμικής ενεργότητας. Ο καρδιοπροστατευτικός ρόλος της καταλάσης αποτιμήθηκε ως συνιστώσα των επιπέδων ινωδών αλλοιώσεων, της υπερδομής και της καρδιακής συστολικής λειτουργίας. Η υπερέκφραση καταλάσης στο μυοκάρδιο μυών χωρίς δεσμίνη οδηγεί σε σημαντική μείωση των ενδοκυτταρικών επιπέδων ROS και της έκτασης ινωδών αλλοιώσεων, μειώνει το μυοεκφυλισμό και βελτιώνει την καρδιακή συστολική λειτουργία. Τα αποτελέσματα αυτά επιβεβαιώνουν τη συμβολή του οξειδωτικού στρες και ειδικά του H2O2 στην ανάπτυξη μυοκαρδιοπάθειας και καρδιακής ανεπάρκειας στο μυ χωρίς δεσμίνη και υπογραμμίζουν τη θεραπευτική δυνατότητα της υπερέκφρασης καταλάσης. Η MnSOD εντοπίζεται στη μιτοχονδριακή μήτρα και μετατρέπει το υπεροξειδικό ανιόν σε υπεροξείδιο του υδρογόνου. Η καρδιακή υπερέκφραση MnSOD μελετήθηκε σε υπόβαθρο απουσίας δεσμίνης. Υπερέκφραση της MnSOD μόνο σε ενδιάμεσα επίπεδα οδηγεί σε μείωση των επιπέδων του υπεροξειδικού ανιόντος και των ινωδών αλλοιώσεων στο μυοκάρδιο απουσία δεσμίνης. Επιπλέον, παρατηρήθηκε βελτίωση της μυοκαρδιακής υπερδομής, καθώς και μέτρια βελτίωση της καρδιακής συστολικής λειτουργίας. Η υποβολή μυών χωρίς δεσμίνη που υπερεκφράζουν MnSOD σε υποχρεωτική άσκηση είχε ως αποτέλεσμα το θάνατο. Αυτή η κατάληξη δεν παρατηρήθηκε όταν στο μυοκάρδιο χωρίς δεσμίνη 9 υπερεκφράζονταν τόσο η καταλάση, όσο και η MnSOD. Αυτό το αποτέλεσμα υποδηλώνει ότι το H2O2 είναι σημαντικός διαμεσολαβητής της παρατηρούμενης θνησιμότητας. Είναι ενδιαφέρον ότι η MnSOD έχει «μεικτή» συμβολή στην αποτοξίνωση από ΕΜΟ, καθώς διασπά μία δραστική ένωση δημιουργώντας ταυτόχρονα μία άλλη. Είναι συνεπώς πολύ σημαντικό η υπερέκφραση αυτού του αντιοξειδωτικού ενζύμου να πραγματοποιείται με επίγνωση των επιβλαβών συνέπειών του. Συνολικά, τα αποτελέσματα που παρουσιάζονται εδώ επιβεβαιώνουν τη συμβολή της οξειδωτικής καταπόνησης στην ανάπτυξη κληρονομικής μυοκαρδιοπάθειας και καρδιακής ανεπάρκειας, καθώς και τη θεραπευτική ικανότητα των διαφορετικών αντιοξειδωτικών στρατηγικών και του συνδυασμού τους. / Recent studies support the contribution of oxidative stress in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress has been strongly linked to cell death and cardiac remodeling processes, all hallmarks of heart failure. Mice null for desmin, which is the major muscle specific intermediate filament protein, develop dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure characterized by mitochondrial defects and cardiomyocyte death accompanied by extensive calcification and fibrosis, thus providing a very good model for heart failure. Several cellular and biochemical alterations in the hearts of these mice strongly suggested that oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of the phenotype. The defects in mitochondrial structure and function, hallmarks of the desmin null mouse phenotype, provide the most important indications for the existence of oxidative stress, as the respiratory chain is the most important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes. In order to delineate the existence of oxidative stress in the desmin null myocardium and therefore its participation in the development of the myocardial degeneration we sought both in vitro and in vivo approaches. The existence of oxidative stress was addressed in primary adult cardiomyocytes. The reinforcement of the antioxidant defense system was pursued, in order to assess the contribution of oxidative stress in the myocardial degeneration, as well as the therapeutic potential of antioxidant strategies. To assess intracellular oxidative stress a new method for the isolation of adult mouse cardiomyocytes was developed. Since mitochondria were the target of pathology, we wanted to first determine global changes in the mitochondrial proteome. The observed changes in protein levels reinforced the original hypothesis. Intracellular reactive oxygen species were measured using fluorescent probes in adult cardiomyocyte cultures. Analysis of the above data showed that there are increased levels of ROS in desmin null cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential, which is indicative of proper mitochondrial function, was investigated using a fluorescent probe. It was found altered in a subset of the desmin null cardiomyocytes. In order to (1) verify the existence of oxidative stress in vivo, (2) assess its contribution to the phenotype of desmin null mice and (3) evaluate the therapeutic 5 potential of protecting against it, the antioxidant defense system was fortified in vivo using the desmin null mouse as a heart failure model. Towards this goal transgenic mice overexpressing the antioxidant genes catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were created. Catalase detoxifies the cells from hydrogen peroxide by converting it to water and oxygen. Cardiac specific overexpression of catalase was brought to a desmin null background. The level of overexpression was assessed by measuring protein levels and enzyme activity. The cardioprotective effect of catalase was assessed in terms of fibrotic lesion extent, ultrastructure and cardiac systolic function. Overexpression of catalase in the heart of desmin null mice leads to marked decrease in intracellular ROS levels and significant decrease in fibrotic areas, ameliorates the myocardial degeneration and improves cardiac function. These data support the contribution of oxidative stress and in particular of the ROS hydrogen peroxide in the development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the desmin null mouse and underscore the therapeutic potential of catalase overexpression. MnSOD in localized in the mitochondrial matrix and converts superoxide anion to hydrogen peroxide. Cardiac specific overexpression of MnSOD was studied in a desmin null background. Overexpression of MnSOD only at moderate levels leads to a significant reduction of fibrotic lesion in the desmin null myocardium. Furthermore, an improvement of the myocardial ultrastructure was observed, as well as a moderate improvement of cardiac systolic function. These data suggest that another ROS, superoxide anion, contributes to the development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the desmin null mouse and that MnSOD, when overexpressed at moderate levels, offers cardioprotective effect. When the mice overexpressing MnSOD in the desmin null myocardium were challenged to exercise an absolute reduction of survival was observed. This defect was completely reversed when desmin null mice overexpressed both MnSOD and catalase. This suggests that hydrogen peroxide is an important mediator of the observed lethality. It is of note that MnSOD retains a contradictory antioxidant role, both breaking down and creating a specific ROS. It is therefore of paramount importance that this antioxidant enzyme is employed with caution and awareness of its deleterious effects. Overall, the data presented here demonstrate the contribution of oxidative stress in the development of inherited cardiomyopathy and heart failure, as well as the therapeutic potential of different antioxidant strategies, and their combination.

Les stress physiopathologiques cardiaques sont associés dans la plupart des cas à une production d’espèces réactives oxygénées (ROS). Les ROS entrent dans plusieurs mécanismes physiologiques, cependant, des niveaux élevés de production de ROS produisent généralement des changements délétères dans la performance contractile et conduisent à un remodelage cardiaque défavorable. Il est maintenant établit qu’un stress oxydant important entraîne une altération de l'expression et/ou la fonction des protéines sarcomériques contribuant aux dysfonctions contractiles observées dans les diverses pathologies cardiaques. Ce travail de thèse a consisté à étudier l’impact du stress oxydant sur la fonction contractile cardiaque in-vivo, ex-vivo, et in-vitro dans diffèrent modèles de stress physiopathologiques cardiaques. Plus précisément, nous avons étudié le remodelage précoce de la machinerie contractile in-vitro, notamment les modifications post-traductionnelles des protéines sarcomériques dépendantes directement ou indirectement des ROS, mais aussi, la conséquence de ces modifications sur la fonction contractile cardiaque in-vivo et ex-vivo. Pour cela, nous avons généré deux modèles animaux de stress physiopathologiques cardiaques (exercice physique et chimiothérapie) ayants des mécanismes moléculaires différents tout en étant reliés par une perturbation commune : une production importante de ROS. Ainsi, ce travail de thèse s’est intéressé à la compréhension des mécanismes physiopathologiques à l’origine de : i) la dysfonction diastolique résultante d’un exerce physique épuisant, ii) la cardiomyopathie résultante de la prise d’anthracyclines. Dans ces études, nous avons étudié les modifications post-traductionnelles induites par les ROS des protéines sarcomériques (MyBP-C et TnI), ainsi que les conséquences sur la fonction cardiaque in-vivo, ex-vivo, et in-vitro. Ce travail de thèse a permis de montrer l’importance de la voie oxydative dans la régulation/dérégulation de la fonction cardiaque, aussi bien à l’échelle de l’organe qu’à l’échelle de la cellule. Il démontre notamment, que la voie oxydative peut interagir avec la voie adrénergique pour modifier les propriétés contractiles (étude #1). De plus, ce travail a permis de mettre en évidence que la voie oxydative induit des modifications précoces des propriétés contractiles qui sont hétérogènes à travers le ventricule gauche (étude #2). / Cardiac pathophysiological stress is generally associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROSs are involved in several physiological mechanisms, however, high levels of ROS production induce deleterious changes in contractile performance and lead to adverse cardiac remodeling. It is now established that significant oxidative stress results in impaired expression and/or function of sarcomeric proteins and contribute to contractile dysfunctions observed in various cardiac pathologies.This work aim to study the oxidative stress impact on cardiac contractile function in-vivo, ex-vivo, and in-vitro, in different models of cardiac pathophysiological stress. Specifically, we studied the in-vitro contractile machinery early remodeling, including post-translational modifications of sarcomeric proteins directly or indirectly related to ROS, and the consequences of these modifications on cardiac contractile function in-vivo and ex-vivo. For this purpose, we used two animal models of cardiac pathophysiological stress (intense physical exercise and chemotherapy) having different molecular mechanisms but connected by an important ROS production.Thus, this thesis work focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in diastolic dysfunction induced by an exhausting physical exercise and the anthracyclines induced cardiomyopathy. In these studies, we investigated ROS-induced post-translational modifications of sarcomeric proteins (MyBP-C and TnI), as well as, the consequences on cardiac function in-vivo, ex-vivo, and in-vitro. This work has shown the oxidative pathway importance in the cardiac function regulation/deregulation. Especially, it demonstrates that the oxidative pathway can interfere with the adrenergic pathway to modify contractile properties (study #1). In addition, this work has shown that the oxidative pathway induces early heterogeneous changes across the left ventricle in contractile properties (study #2).

Introdução: Dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos à estratificação de risco e manejo, ainda persistem hoje muitas lacunas e debates sobre a miocardiopatia não compactada (MNC). Recentemente, a ressonância magnética cardiovascular (RMC) vem sendo amplamente utilizada para aumentar a precisão do diagnóstico de MNC em pacientes com alta probabilidade clínica pré-teste, com valor prognóstico e alta relevância na tomada de decisões clínicas. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o mapeamento T1 e o volume extracelular (VEC) miocárdico por RMC em pacientes com MNC e investigar como esses marcadores teciduais relacionam-se com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) e arritmias ventriculares (AV). Métodos: Foram recrutados prospectivamente 36 pacientes com MNC e 18 controles saudáveis para realizarem uma RMC com mapeamento T1 entre julho de 2013 e setembro de 2016. O VEC foi avaliado apenas para os segmentos do ventrículo esquerdo sem áreas de fibrose macroscópica pela técnica do realce tardio (RT), objetivando-se investigar a presença de fibrose miocárdica intersticial difusa. Para avaliar as diferenças entre os parâmetros de RMC nos pacientes e controles, foram usados o teste t entre as amostras pareadas (Wilcoxon) e um modelo de regressão linear foi construído para investigar a relação entre a FEVE e os achados clínicos e de imagem (inclusive o VEC). Resultados: Os pacientes com MNC apresentaram maiores valores de T1 nativo (1.024 ± 43ms versus 995 ± 22ms, p = 0,01) e VEC (28,0 ± 4,5% vs. 23,5 ± 2,2%, p < 0,001) em relação aos controles. Apenas o VEC foi associado independentemente com a FEVE (beta = -1,3, p = 0,003) na regressão multivariada. Houve uma interessante tendência para a terapia betabloqueadora modificar positivamente a relação entre ECV e LVEF (beta = 4,1, intervalo de confiança de 95%, -0,6 a 8,8), porém com p alto (0,08). Além disso, entre pacientes com MNC e RT ausente (negativo), AV foram associadas com maior VEC (27,7% em pacientes com AV vs 25,8% em pacientes sem AV, p = 0,002). Conclusão: Nos pacientes com MNC, a caracterização tecidual miocárdica por mapeamento T1 sugere uma expansão extracelular por fibrose intersticial difusa no miocardio sem fibrose focal pelo RT, o que foi associada à disfunção ventricular e AV. Tais achados podem dar suporte a um potencial valor do mapeamento T1 no refino da estratificação de risco de pacientes com MNC / Background: From pathophysiological mechanisms to risk stratification and management, much debate and discussion persist regarding non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC). Recently, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has been widely used to more accurately diagnose NCC in patients with high clinical pre-test probability, with prognostic value and high relevance in the clinical decision making process. Purpose: This study aimed to characterize myocardial T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), as well as investigate how these tissue markers relate to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with NCC. Methods: We prospectively recruited 36 patients with NCC and 18 controls to perform a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with T1 mapping between July 2013 and September 2016. ECV was quantified in LV segments without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) areas to investigate diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Differences in CMR parameters between patients and controls were assessed using t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and a linear regression model was built for LVEF to test the association with ECV and clinical characteristics. Results: Patients with NCC had higher native T1 (1024±43ms vs. 995±22ms, p=0.01) and expanded ECV (28.0±4.5% vs. 23.5±2.2%, p < 0.001) compared to controls. ECV was independently associated with LVEF (beta=-1.3, p=0.003). There was a trend for beta-blocker therapy to modify the relationship between ECV and LVEF (beta=4.1, 95% confidence interval, 0.6 to 8.8, p=0.08). Moreover, among patients without LGE, VA were associated with higher ECV (27.7% with VA vs 25.8% without VA, p=0.002). Conclusion: In NCC patients, tissue characterization by T1 mapping suggests an extracellular expansion by diffuse fibrosis in myocardium without LGE, which was associated with myocardial dysfunction and VA. These findings lend support to the potential role of T1 mapping in refining NCC risk stratification

Introdução: O melhor tratamento para a doença arterial coronariana (DAC) em pacientes com doença multiarterial é ainda objeto de debate. A revascularização coronária híbrida (RMH) é um procedimento que combina as vantagens da cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica convencional (CRM) com a anastomose da artéria interventricular anterior esquerda (IVA) usando o enxerto da artéria torácica interna esquerda (ATIE), sem o uso de circulação extracorpórea (CEC), com benefícios do tratamento percutâneo, minimamente invasivo, das artérias coronárias acometidas restantes. Objetivo: Avaliar, em um estudo piloto, a viabilidade e a segurança da RMH em pacientes com doença multiarterial e comparar os resultados iniciais (30 dias) e em um ano após, com a CRM. Métodos: estudo clínico prospectivo com 50 pacientes, randomizados em relação 2: 1 para tratamento híbrido (grupo RMH, n = 34) ou CRM convencional (grupo CRM, n = 16). Todos os pacientes eram portadores doença coronária triarterial, com SYNTAX escore intermediário ou alto ( > 22). Neste estudo foi analisada a viabilidade da RMH na ausência de eventos adversos maiores (um composto de mortalidade geral, infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) e revascularização não planejada). Resultados: Entre agosto de 2014 e novembro de 2017, 50 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo (RMH = 34 e CRM = 16). O desfecho primário foi observado em 3 pacientes (6%), todos pertencentes ao grupo RMH (8,8%), porém sem significância estatística (p = 0,54). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos (RMH vs CRM) em termos de mortalidade (5,9% vs 0%), IAM (5,9% vs 0%) ou qualquer dos desfechos secundários avaliados. Os pacientes que apresentaram alguma das complicações (4 pacientes 8,0%) tiveram uma tendência de ser mais velhos (62 vs 59 anos; p = NS), maior incidência de angina instável (5,9% vs 0%) e apresentar pontuações de risco cirúrgico mais elevadas (EuroSCORE 1,40 vs 0,70; p = 0,19) do que os pacientes sem complicações. Conclusões: O RMH é uma técnica viável e segura quando comparada à cirurgia convencional, com taxas de complicações semelhantes. No entanto, devido ao baixo número de pacientes incluídos faz-se necessária a realização de um estudo multicêntrico para obtermos uma melhor evidência clínica / Background: The best treatment for coronary artery disease in patients with multivessel disease is still subject of debate. The hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) is a procedure that combines both the advantages of conventional coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) with the revascularization of the left anterior descending artery using the left internal mammary artery graft, without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, with minimally invasive benefits of percutaneous treatment of remaining affect arteries. Objective: To assess, in a pilot study, feasibility and safety of hybrid coronary revascularization on patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and to compare early results (within 30 days) and one year of this approach to conventional surgery. Methods: Prospective clinical study, which included 50 patients, randomized in a 2:1 ratio for hybrid treatment (HCR group, n=34) or conventional CABG (CABG group, n=16). All patients had three-vessel disease, with an intermediate or high Syntax Score ( > 22). The primary endpoint of the study was the feasibility of HCR in the absence of major adverse events (a compound of overall mortality, acute myocardial infarction, stroke or unplanned revascularization). Results: Between August 2014 and November 2017, 50 patients were included in the study (HCR=34 and CABG =16). The primary endpoint was observed in 3 patients (6.0%), all belonging to HCR group (8.8%), however, without statistical significance (p=0.54). There was no statistical difference between the groups (HCR vs. CABG, respectively) in terms of mortality (5.9% vs 0%), myocardial infarction (5.9% vs 0%), or any of the secondary outcomes evaluated. Patients who presented any of the complications (4 patients 8.0%) had a tendency to be older (62 vs 59 years; p=NS), have more unstable angina (5.9% vs 0%) and to presented higher risk scores (EuroSCORE 1.40 vs 0.70; p=0.19) than patients without complications. Conclusions: HCR is a feasible and safe technique when compared to conventional surgery, with similar complications rates. However, the study is underpowered due to the low number of patients included and there is a need for a multicenter clinical trial

A doença de Chagas, descrita há quase 100 anos por Carlos Chagas, continua sendo um problema de saúde pública na América Latina, com 15 milhões de infectados e 28 milhões de indivíduos susceptíveis. Vários mecanismos fisiopatológicos foram propostos para a progressão da miocardiopatia chagásica crônica, entre eles a denervação simpática. O uso do betabloqueador na insuficiência cardíaca congestiva diminuiu morbidade e mortalidade. Entretanto, nenhum trabalho conclusivo incluiu a miocardiopatia chagásica como etiologia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel do carvedilol na sobrevida e remodelamento miocárdico na miocardiopatia chagásica experimental. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 55 Hamsters Sirius, divididos em grupo controle, grupo infectado com Trypanosoma cruzi com 105 formas tripomastigotas via intraperitoneal e grupo infectado, tratado inicialmente com carvedilol 10 mg/Kg/dia e após 6 meses com 15 mg/Kg/dia em dose única por gavagem. Foi analisado o peso do animal; os diâmetros ventriculares, função sistólica e diastólica obtidas pelo ecocardiograma; a freqüência cardíaca, a duração do QRS, a presença de extra-sístoles e o ritmo cardíaco usando o eletrocardiograma e a avaliação da mortalidade. Após 12 meses os animais sobreviventes foram sacrificados e realizada a quantificação da fração do volume de colágeno intersticial e perivascular no miocárdio. RESULTADO: A razão dos diâmetros diastólico e sistólico pelo tamanho da tíbia não mostrou diferenças estatísticas, apesar de maiores nos grupos infectados. A fração de encurtamento também não mostrou diferença estatística, apesar de menor nos grupos infectados. A fração do volume de colágeno do ventrículo esquerdo e perivascular mostrou maior acúmulo nos grupos infectado e carvedilol em relação ao controle de forma significativa (p<0,001), mas sem diferença nos grupos infectados tratados ou não. A mortalidade foi maior nos grupos infectado e carvedilol (p = 0,001) e não ocorreu diferença entre estes grupos após 12 meses. Na fase aguda (até 100 dias) o grupo carvedilol apresentou melhor sobrevida (p = 0,001) em relação ao infectado. CONCLUSÃO: O carvedilol não mostrou atenuação no remodelamento miocárdico e demonstrou benefício na mortalidade na fase aguda da doença nesse modelo de miocardiopatia chagásica crônica experimental. / Chagas\' disease was described 100 years ago by Carlos Chagas and nowadays it is a public health problem in Latin America yet. There are about 15 million infected people and another 28 million at risk to be infected. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms are suggested to be responsible for the progression of chronic Chagas\' cardiomyopathy. Among them the sympathetic denervation seems to be an important issue. The use of beta blockade regarding heart failure has been proving to improve morbidity and mortality. However, none of these papers included Chagas\' cardiomyopathy as etiology. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of carvedilol upon survival and myocardial remodeling in a Chagas\' cardiomyopathy animal model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 55 Hamsters Sirius were studied and divided into control group, intraperitoneously infected group with Trypanosoma cruzi and infected group treated with carvedilol 10 mg/Kg/day by gavage which was increased to 15 mg/Kg/day after 6 months. Ventricular diameters, systolic and diastolic left ventricular function were evaluated by 2D-echocardiogram. The heart rate, QRS lasting, premature ventricular complex and cardiac rhythm were analyzed by ECG. We evaluated clinical parameters as the case for body weight. The survival curve was also studied. After 12 months the survivors were sacrificed and the myocardial interstitial and perivascular collagen volume fraction were analyzed. RESULTS: The ratio of diastolic or systolic diameters over tibia length did not show statistical differences although it was larger on infected groups. The fractional shortening also did not show statistical differences although it was decreased on infected groups. The left ventricular collagen volume fraction at the interstitial and perivascular area showed a higher accumulation on infected groups compared to control (p<0.001) but no differences were observed between infected and carvedilol treated animals. The mortality was higher in the infected groups compared to control (p = 0.001) but no differences were observed between infected and carvedilol group during the total time of the experiment. However, when we divided in acute phase (until 100 days) the carvedilol significantly attenuated mortality compared to infected group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Carvedilol did not show benefits regarding myocardial remodeling or total mortality and it did demonstrate a mortality reduction on acute phase of the disease in this experimental model of Chagas\' cardiomyopathy.

Background: Different types of cardiomyopathies are associated with variable hypertrophic response. <p>A number of growth factors are thought to play a role in pathologic cardiac remodeling. <p>Aims: We compared the modulation of the TGF-ƒÒ superfamily and IGF-1 signaling pathways and their target genes, the cell cycle regulatory proteins in tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy, a model with no detectable hypertrophy and in ischemic cardiomyopathy, a model with a marked hypertrophic reaction. <p>Methods: In the first study, endomyocardial biopsies were obtained weekly in 15 dogs, during the development of tachycardiomyopaty. Genes involved in the myostatin-TGF-ƒÒ-Activin-A/Smad signaling pathway, p21 and cyclin D were quantified and correlated to echocardiographic measures of hypertrophy. In the second study, myocardial tissue samples were obtained in 8 dogs with a healed myocardial infarction, in 8 dogs with heart failure induced by overpacing and in 7 healthy dogs. We measured gene expression of IGF-1, its receptor (IGF-1R) and cyclins A, B, D1, D2, D3 and E and correlated them to the level of hypertrophy. <p>Results: Tachycardiomyopathy was characterized by chambers dilation with no identifiable hypertrophy. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was characterized by eccentric hypertrophy. In tachycardiomyopathy, Activin-A mRNA was 4-fold higher than at baseline. Smad7 was overexpressed in severe heart failure; p21, a direct target gene of the Smad pathway was upregulated 8-fold and cyclin D1 was down-regulated. In that model, IGF-1 was overexpressed but neither IGF-1R nor any of the cyclins studied.<p> In ischemic cardiomyopathy, IGF-1, IGF-R, and cyclins B, D1, D3 and E gene expression were upregulated.<p> In tachycardiomyopathy, Activin-A and p21 were inversely correlated to the thickness of the interventricular septum. In normal dogs and in the both models of cardiomyopathy, IGF-1R was correlated to the thickness of the interventricular septum and to cyclins. <p>Conclusions: Taken together, these results agree with the notion that Activin-A, IGF and cyclins are involved in the modulation of hypertrophic response observed in cardiomyopathies. <p> / Doctorat en Sciences médicales / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished