Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of deaths worldwide, but the fluid mechanics of many of these conditions and the devices used to treat them are only partially understood. This goal of this dissertation was to develop new experimental techniques that would enable translational research into two of these conditions. The first set of experiments examined <i>in-vitro</i> the changes in Wall Shear Stress (WSS) and Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI) caused by the implantation of coronary stents into the arteries of the heart using Particle Image Velocimetry. These experiments featured one-to-one scaling, commercial stents, and realistic flow and pressure waveforms, and are believed to be the most physiologically accurate stent experiments to date. This work revealed distinct differences in WSS and OSI between the different stent designs tested, and showed that changes in implantation configuration also affected these hemodynamic parameters. Also, the production of vortices near the stent struts during flow reversal was noted, and an inverse correlation between WSS and OSI was described. The second set of experiments investigated Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (LVDD) using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (pcMRI). Using this technique, ten patients with and without LVDD were scanned and a 2D portrait of blood flow through their heart was obtained. To augment this data, pressure fields were calculated from the velocity data using an omni-directional pressure integration scheme coupled with a proper-orthogonal decomposition-based smoothing. This technique was selected from a variety of methods from the literature based on an extensive error analysis and comparison. With this coupled information, it was observed that healthy patients exhibited different flow patterns than diseased patients, and had stronger pressure differences during early filling. In particular, the ratio of early filling pressure to late filling pressure was a statistically significant predictor of diastolic dysfunction. Based on these observations, a novel hypothesis was presented that related the motion of the heart walls to the observed flow patterns and pressure gradients, which may explain the differences observed clinically between healthy and diseased patients. / Ph. D.

Die ersten identifizierten Krankheitsgene der dilatativen Kardiomyopathie (DCM) kodierten alle für Proteine des Zytoskeletts. Deshalb wurde DCM als Erkrankung des Zytoskeletts bezeichnet. Bei der hypertrophen Kardiomyopathie (HCM) wurden bisher mehr als 250 Mutationen in neun Sarkomerprotein-Genen beschrieben. Deshalb wurde HCM als Erkrankung des Sarkomers bezeichnet. In den letzten Jahren wurde dieses Konzept durch Entdeckung von Mutationen in Sarkomerprotein-Genen bei DCM jedoch in Frage gestellt. Vor diesem Hintergrund haben wir die Sarkomerprotein-Gene beta-MHC und Troponin T bei 46 nicht verwandten DCM-Patienten untersucht. Das systematische Mutationsscreening wurde mit Hilfe von SSCP-Analyse und DNA-Sequenzierung durchgeführt. Im beta-MHC-Gen konnten wir die zwei Missense-Mutationen Ala223Thr und Ser642Leu bei zwei jungen Patienten identifizieren. Beide Mutationen wurden weder bei 136 HCM-Patienten noch bei 88 Kontrollen gefunden. Mit dem Editor for Structural Alignment of Proteins (STRAP) wurden die Mutationen auf die Proteinstruktur des Myosins projiziert. Hier ist erkennbar, dass Ala223Thr in der oberen 50 kDa Domäne und Ser642Leu in der Aktin-Myosin-Bindungsregion liegt. Der Austausch von Alanin zu Threonin könnte die Raumstruktur des Proteins verändern, Thermostabilität verringern und die Proteinfaltung und somit die Proteinmotilität beeinträchtigen. In der Aktin-Myosin-Bindungsregion liegt neben Ser642Leu die bereits bekannte DCM-assoziierte Mutation Ser532Pro. Durch eine Verminderung der Krafterzeugung könnten die beiden Mutationen zu DCM führen. Ferner wurden die zwei stummen Mutationen IVS11+23A>T und Asp376Asp und sechs Polymorphismen identifiziert. Im Troponin T-Gen wurden keine Mutationen, jedoch sechs Polymorphismen beobachtet. Es ergab sich kein Anhaltspunkt auf eine funktionelle Relevanz der stummen Mutationen oder Polymorphismen. Wir konnten also bestätigen, dass Mutationen in Sarkomerprotein-Genen sowohl zu HCM als auch zu DCM führen können. / All of the initially identified disease-causing genes in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) encoded proteins of the cytoskeleton. Therefore DCM has been termed a disease of the cytoskeleton. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) more than 250 mutations in nine sarcomeric protein genes have been identified so far. Therefore HCM has been termed a disease of the sarcomere. However, in the last few years this concept has been queried by findings of mutations in sarcomeric protein genes in DCM. According to this consideration we screened the sarcomeric protein genes beta-MHC and troponin T in 46 patients with DCM. Systematic mutation screening was done using SSCP analysis and DNA sequencing. In the beta-MHC gene we identified the two missense mutations Ala223Thr and Ser642Leu in two young patients. Both mutations were neither found in 136 HCM patients nor in 88 controls. Using the Editor for Structural Alignment of Proteins (STRAP) the mutations were projected onto the protein structure of myosin. Ala223Thr turned out to be localized in the upper 50 kDa domain and Ser642Leu in the actin-myosin-interface region. The exchange from alanine to threonine might alter the spatial structure of the protein, decrease its thermostability and affect the protein folding and thus the protein motility. Closely to Ser642Leu the DCM-associated mutation Ser532Pro is located in the actin-myosin-interface region. By a decrease in force production both mutations might cause DCM. Furthermore we identified the two silent mutations IVS11+23A>T and Asp376Asp and six polymorphisms. In the troponin T gene no mutations but six polymorphisms were detected. No evidence was found for functional relevance of the silent variants or polymorphisms. Thus, we could confirm that mutations in sarcomeric protein genes can lead to both HCM and DCM.

Les entérovirus du groupe B (EV-B) sont une cause majeure de myocardite aiguë, précurseur de la myocardite chronique et de la cardiomyopathie dilatée (CMD) chez l’homme. Les mécanismes moléculaires viraux impliqués dans la progression de la myocardite aiguë vers la phase chronique et la CMD restent inconnus. En utilisant une approche NGS, nous avons détecté des populations persistantes majoritaires d’EV-B tronquées en extrémité 5’, associées à des formes complètes mineures dans des cas de CMD. Afin évaluer leur impact sur la fonctionnalité des cardiomyocytes, nous avons transfecté dans des cardiomyocytes primaires (HCM) des ARN viraux clonés et identiques à ceux détectés dans les cas de CMD. Les formes EV-B majoritaires tronquées en extrémité 5’, seules ou associées à des populations complètes « auxiliaires » pourraient altérer les fonctions des HCM par des activités de la P2A virale. L'existence de mécanismes de recombinaison génomique entre les populations virales persistantes tronquées et complètes a été étudiée par un test de recombinaison d’ARN EV-B défectifs transfectés dans des HCM. Cette approche in vitro a produit majoritairement des recombinants non-homologues caractérisés par des échanges génétiques dans la région 5’NC (spacer1/2). Nos résultats indiquent l’existence d’événements de recombinaison génomique en région 5’ entre les populations d’EV-B tronquées et complètes qui pourraient contribuer au développement de la CMD. Une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes de persistance virale permettra le développement de nouvelles stratégies thérapeutiques pour lutter contre les infections chroniques par les EV-B. / Group-B Enteroviruses (EV-B) are a common cause of human acute myocarditis, a disease that is a precursor of chronic myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the viral molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of acute to chronic myocarditis and subsequently to DCM remain unknown. Using NGS approach, we detected persistent major EV-B populations characterized by 5’ terminal genomic deletions ranging from 17 to 50 nucleotides associated with minor complete viral forms in explanted hearts of DCM cases. To assess their impact on cardiomyocyte functions, we transfected viral RNA clones mimicking the viral genomes found in patients’ tissues into primary human cardiomyocytes (HCM). Our findings demonstrated that the major persistent 5’ deleted viral forms alone or associated with full-length populations of helper RNAs could impair cardiomyocyte functions by viral 2Apro activities in EV-DCM cases. To assess the existence of genomic recombination mechanisms between persistent deleted and full-length viral helper populations, we used a recombination assay based on the rescue of non-replicative EV-B RNAs transfected in HCM. This in vitro approach produced major (75%) non-homologous recombinants that nucleotides sequencing characterized modular exchanges into the spacers 1 & 2 of the 5’NC region. Our findings indicate the existence of genomic recombination events through which, 5’ deleted and complete collaborative EV-B populations could significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of unexplained DCM cases. A better understanding of these viral persistence mechanisms will stimulate new therapeutic strategies research for chronic infections caused by EV-B.

Introdução: A insuficiência cardíaca é uma síndrome clínica, complexa e progressiva, que pode resultar de qualquer distúrbio funcional ou estrutural do coração que altere sua capacidade de enchimento e/ou ejeção, sendo que a maior parte dos pacientes evolui com disfunção ventricular esquerda (DVE). O exercício físico é aceito como um importante coadjuvante no tratamento desta condição clínica por promover significativa melhora da capacidade funcional dos pacientes, entretanto os mecanismos pelos quais isto ocorre ainda não estão totalmente elucidados. Neste contexto, a Ecocardiografia com Perfusão Miocárdica em Tempo Real (EPMTR) pode ser um método bastante útil tanto na avaliação de parâmetros hemodinâmicos quanto de perfusão miocárdica, facilitando o melhor entendimento das alterações fisiopatológicas promovidas pela reabilitação cardiovascular por exercício físico supervisionado (RCVEFS) e conseqüentemente, seu impacto terapêutico no prognóstico deste grave grupo de pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar se a RCVEFS pode melhorar a reserva de fluxo miocárdico, medida pela ecocardiografia com perfusão miocárdica em tempo real, em pacientes com DVE de etiologia não isquêmica. Métodos: Avaliamos prospectivamente 40 pacientes maiores de 18 anos, com disfunção ventricular esquerda definida por fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) calculada pelo método de Simpson <45% e sem limitações para a prática de exercício físico, que foram convidados para um programa de RCVES por um período de 4 meses. Os pacientes foram randomizados para Grupo Treinamento ou Grupo Controle. Foram realizados, na sua entrada no estudo e após 04 meses de acompanhamento dos grupos, ergoespirometria e EPMTR. A análise da perfusão foi realizada por um examinador independente (cego), que verificou o pico de intensidade miocárdica normalizado pela intensidade acústica da cavidade (An), velocidade de repreenchimento das microbolhas após sua destruição completa com um feixe de alta energia ultrassônica (ß) e o fluxo sanguíneo miocárdico (An x ß), utilizando o programa Q-Lab Philips Ultrasson. Resultados: Dos 40 pacientes inicialmente selecionados, 23 concluíram o estudo, sendo 13 no Grupo Treinamento (idade média 53 ± 13 anos, sendo 09 do sexo masculino, 15% tabagistas, 38% dislipidemia, 85% Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS), 15% Diabetes Melito (DM) e 31% Doença de Chagas) e 10 no Grupo Controle (idade média 59 ± 12 anos, sendo 04 do sexo masculino, 10% tabagistas, 50% dislipidemia, 90% HAS, 30% DM e 10% Doença de Chagas). Não houve melhora da FEVE no Grupo Treinamento (26+14 para 26+13) e no Grupo Controle (26+6 para 27+6). No Grupo Treinamento houve aumento do An de 1,21 para 1,43 (p=0,02), do ß de 1,51 para 2,20 (p= ,0001) e do An x ß de 1,81 para 3,05 (p= 0,001); também houve melhora do VO2 Pico de 21,75ml/Kg/min para 24,76 ml/Kg/min (p= 0,0005). No Grupo Controle houve aumento do An de 1,14 para 1,15 (p=0,91), diminuição do ß de 1,72 para 1,46 (p= 0,03) e diminuição do An x ß de 1,89 para 1,55 (p= 0,01); também houve piora do VO2 Pico de 21,14 ml/Kg/min para 20,7 ml/Kg/min (p= 0,58). Conclusão: O programa de reabilitação cardiovascular por treinamento físico supervisionado melhorou a reserva de fluxo miocárdico em pacientes com Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda de etiologia não isquêmica. / Introduction: Heart failure is a clinical, complex and progressive syndrome, which may result from any structural or functional heart disorder that changes its capacity of filling and/or ejection, and the majority of patients perform evolution with left ventricular dysfunction (DVE). The exercise training is accepted as an important adjuvant in the treatment of this clinical condition by promoting significant improvement in patients functional capacity; however the mechanisms by which this occurs are still not fully elucidated. In this context, Echocardiography with Real Time Myocardial Perfusion (EPMTR) can be a very useful method as much the evaluation of hemodynamic parameters as myocardial perfusion, facilitating a better understanding of the physiopathologic changes promoted by the cardiovascular rehabilitation by supervised exercise training (RCVEFS) and consequently, its therapeutic impact on the prognosis of this critical group of patients. Objective: Evaluate if the RCVEFS can improve the myocardial flow reserve, measured by echocardiography with real time myocardial perfusion, in patients with non-ischemic etiology DVE. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 40 patients over 18 years old with left ventricular dysfunction defined by ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF) calculated by Simpson Method <45% and without limitations of physical exercise practice, that were invited to a RCVES program in a period of 4 months. Patients were randomly assigned to a training group or control group. There were performed in their study beginning and after 04 months of group attendance, ergo spirometry and EPMTR. The perfusion analysis was performed by an independent examiner (blind), that verified the myocardial peak intensity regularized by the acoustic cavity intensity (An), micro bubbles refilling speed after their complete destruction with a high ultrasonic energy beam (ß) and myocardial blood flow (An x ß), using Q-Lab Philips Ultrasound Program. Results: From 40 patients initially selected, 23 concluded the study, being 13 in training group (average age 53 ± 13 years, 09 male, 15% smokers, 38% Dyslipedemia, 85% high blood pressure (HBP), 15 % mellitus diabetes (DM) and 31% Chagas disease) and 10 in the control group (mean age 59 ± 12 years, 04 male, 10% smokers, 50% dyslipidemia, hypertension 90%, 30% and 10% DM Chagas disease). There was no LVEF improvement in the group training (26 + 14 to 26 + 13) and the control group (26 + 6 to 27 + 6). In the training group there was An increase of 1.21 to 1.43 (p = 0.02) of ß from 1.51 to 2.20 (p = 0.0001) and An x ß of 1.81 to 3.05 (p = 0001), there was also VO2 peak improvement of 21.75 ml / kg / min to 24.76 ml / kg / min (p = 0, 0005). In the control group there was An increase of 1.14 to 1.15 (p = 0.91), ß decrease from 1.72 to 1.46 (p = 0.03) and reduction in An x ß of 1.89 to 1.55 (p = 0.01), there was also VO2 peak deterioration 21.14 ml/kg/min to 20.7 ml/kg/min (p =0.58). Conclusion: The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program by Supervised Physical Training improved the myocardial flow reserve, in patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction of non-ischemic etiology.

Orientador: Rossano César Bonatto / Resumo: INTRODUÇÃO: Cardiomiopatia é uma alteração do miocárdio em que o músculo do coração é estruturalmente e/ou funcionalmente anormal, na ausência de doença de artérias coronárias, hipertensão arterial, doenças valvares e cardiopatias congênitas. A Cardiomiopatia dilatada é o tipo mais frequente na faixa etária pediátrica, caracterizando-se por apresentar dilatação do ventrículo esquerdo com disfunção sistólica na ausência de condições de carga anormais, com incidência de aproximadamente 0,57 casos/100.000 habitantes ao ano e maior prevalência no sexo masculino. Apresenta curso progressivo, elevado custo de tratamento e é a principal causa de transplante cardíaco em pediatria. Em cinco anos de acompanhamento, aproximadamente 2,5% evoluem com morte súbita e 29% tem indicação de transplante cardíaco. A etiologia ao diagnóstico é pouco conhecida, permanecendo a causa idiopática como a mais frequente, incluindo entre elas causas genéticas e familiares não identificadas, seguida das miocardites. O diagnóstico é baseado em sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC) ou alterações em exames de imagem na ausência de sinais de ICC. O exame complementar mais importante é o ecocardiograma com doppler colorido que permite a avaliação da dilatação do VE, fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE) <55% e/ou hipocinesia de VE. O tratamento na fase aguda da doença deve ser baseado na classificação hemodinâmica, sendo utilizados inibidores da enzima de conversão da angiotensina (IECA), betabloqueadore... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: INTRODUTION: Cardiomyopathy is a myocardial disorder in which the heart muscle is structurally and/or functionally abnormal, in the absence of coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension, valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease. Dilated Cardiomyopathy is the most common type in the pediatric age group, characterized by a dilation of the left ventricle with systolic dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions, with an incidence of approximately 0.57 cases/100,000 inhabitants per year and higher prevalence in the male gender. It is a progressive disease, with a high cost of treatment and is the major cause of heart transplantation in pediatrics. In five years of following up, nearly 2.5% evolve with sudden death and 29% have an indication for heart transplantation. The etiology to diagnosis is little known, and the idiopathic cause remains the most frequent one, including among them unidentified genetic and familial causes, followed by myocarditis. The diagnosis is based on symptoms of congestive heart failure (HF), or changes in imaging tests, in the absence of signs of HF. The most important complementary exam is the color Doppler echocardiography, which allows an assessment of the LV dilation, Left Ventricular ejection fraction (LVFE) < 55% and/or LV hypokinesis. Treatment in the acute phase of the disease should be based on hemodynamic classification, using angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics and positive ino... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Introdução: A insuficiência cardíaca é uma síndrome clínica, complexa e progressiva, que pode resultar de qualquer distúrbio funcional ou estrutural do coração que altere sua capacidade de enchimento e/ou ejeção, sendo que a maior parte dos pacientes evolui com disfunção ventricular esquerda (DVE). O exercício físico é aceito como um importante coadjuvante no tratamento desta condição clínica por promover significativa melhora da capacidade funcional dos pacientes, entretanto os mecanismos pelos quais isto ocorre ainda não estão totalmente elucidados. Neste contexto, a Ecocardiografia com Perfusão Miocárdica em Tempo Real (EPMTR) pode ser um método bastante útil tanto na avaliação de parâmetros hemodinâmicos quanto de perfusão miocárdica, facilitando o melhor entendimento das alterações fisiopatológicas promovidas pela reabilitação cardiovascular por exercício físico supervisionado (RCVEFS) e conseqüentemente, seu impacto terapêutico no prognóstico deste grave grupo de pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar se a RCVEFS pode melhorar a reserva de fluxo miocárdico, medida pela ecocardiografia com perfusão miocárdica em tempo real, em pacientes com DVE de etiologia não isquêmica. Métodos: Avaliamos prospectivamente 40 pacientes maiores de 18 anos, com disfunção ventricular esquerda definida por fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) calculada pelo método de Simpson <45% e sem limitações para a prática de exercício físico, que foram convidados para um programa de RCVES por um período de 4 meses. Os pacientes foram randomizados para Grupo Treinamento ou Grupo Controle. Foram realizados, na sua entrada no estudo e após 04 meses de acompanhamento dos grupos, ergoespirometria e EPMTR. A análise da perfusão foi realizada por um examinador independente (cego), que verificou o pico de intensidade miocárdica normalizado pela intensidade acústica da cavidade (An), velocidade de repreenchimento das microbolhas após sua destruição completa com um feixe de alta energia ultrassônica (ß) e o fluxo sanguíneo miocárdico (An x ß), utilizando o programa Q-Lab Philips Ultrasson. Resultados: Dos 40 pacientes inicialmente selecionados, 23 concluíram o estudo, sendo 13 no Grupo Treinamento (idade média 53 ± 13 anos, sendo 09 do sexo masculino, 15% tabagistas, 38% dislipidemia, 85% Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS), 15% Diabetes Melito (DM) e 31% Doença de Chagas) e 10 no Grupo Controle (idade média 59 ± 12 anos, sendo 04 do sexo masculino, 10% tabagistas, 50% dislipidemia, 90% HAS, 30% DM e 10% Doença de Chagas). Não houve melhora da FEVE no Grupo Treinamento (26+14 para 26+13) e no Grupo Controle (26+6 para 27+6). No Grupo Treinamento houve aumento do An de 1,21 para 1,43 (p=0,02), do ß de 1,51 para 2,20 (p= ,0001) e do An x ß de 1,81 para 3,05 (p= 0,001); também houve melhora do VO2 Pico de 21,75ml/Kg/min para 24,76 ml/Kg/min (p= 0,0005). No Grupo Controle houve aumento do An de 1,14 para 1,15 (p=0,91), diminuição do ß de 1,72 para 1,46 (p= 0,03) e diminuição do An x ß de 1,89 para 1,55 (p= 0,01); também houve piora do VO2 Pico de 21,14 ml/Kg/min para 20,7 ml/Kg/min (p= 0,58). Conclusão: O programa de reabilitação cardiovascular por treinamento físico supervisionado melhorou a reserva de fluxo miocárdico em pacientes com Disfunção Ventricular Esquerda de etiologia não isquêmica. / Introduction: Heart failure is a clinical, complex and progressive syndrome, which may result from any structural or functional heart disorder that changes its capacity of filling and/or ejection, and the majority of patients perform evolution with left ventricular dysfunction (DVE). The exercise training is accepted as an important adjuvant in the treatment of this clinical condition by promoting significant improvement in patients functional capacity; however the mechanisms by which this occurs are still not fully elucidated. In this context, Echocardiography with Real Time Myocardial Perfusion (EPMTR) can be a very useful method as much the evaluation of hemodynamic parameters as myocardial perfusion, facilitating a better understanding of the physiopathologic changes promoted by the cardiovascular rehabilitation by supervised exercise training (RCVEFS) and consequently, its therapeutic impact on the prognosis of this critical group of patients. Objective: Evaluate if the RCVEFS can improve the myocardial flow reserve, measured by echocardiography with real time myocardial perfusion, in patients with non-ischemic etiology DVE. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 40 patients over 18 years old with left ventricular dysfunction defined by ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF) calculated by Simpson Method <45% and without limitations of physical exercise practice, that were invited to a RCVES program in a period of 4 months. Patients were randomly assigned to a training group or control group. There were performed in their study beginning and after 04 months of group attendance, ergo spirometry and EPMTR. The perfusion analysis was performed by an independent examiner (blind), that verified the myocardial peak intensity regularized by the acoustic cavity intensity (An), micro bubbles refilling speed after their complete destruction with a high ultrasonic energy beam (ß) and myocardial blood flow (An x ß), using Q-Lab Philips Ultrasound Program. Results: From 40 patients initially selected, 23 concluded the study, being 13 in training group (average age 53 ± 13 years, 09 male, 15% smokers, 38% Dyslipedemia, 85% high blood pressure (HBP), 15 % mellitus diabetes (DM) and 31% Chagas disease) and 10 in the control group (mean age 59 ± 12 years, 04 male, 10% smokers, 50% dyslipidemia, hypertension 90%, 30% and 10% DM Chagas disease). There was no LVEF improvement in the group training (26 + 14 to 26 + 13) and the control group (26 + 6 to 27 + 6). In the training group there was An increase of 1.21 to 1.43 (p = 0.02) of ß from 1.51 to 2.20 (p = 0.0001) and An x ß of 1.81 to 3.05 (p = 0001), there was also VO2 peak improvement of 21.75 ml / kg / min to 24.76 ml / kg / min (p = 0, 0005). In the control group there was An increase of 1.14 to 1.15 (p = 0.91), ß decrease from 1.72 to 1.46 (p = 0.03) and reduction in An x ß of 1.89 to 1.55 (p = 0.01), there was also VO2 peak deterioration 21.14 ml/kg/min to 20.7 ml/kg/min (p =0.58). Conclusion: The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program by Supervised Physical Training improved the myocardial flow reserve, in patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction of non-ischemic etiology.

La maladie de Chagas est une maladie parasitaire causée par le protozoaire Trypanosoma cruzi et transmise par des insectes hématophages . Elle est composée de 2 phases : la phase aiguë et la phase chronique. Parmi les individus infectés, 30 % développent la forme chronique de la maladie. Les patients présentent des atteintes cardiaques, digestives (œsophage, côlon) et cardiodigestives. Notre étude a été focalisée sur les patients atteints de cardiomyopathie chagasique (CCC). Notre objectif est d’identifier des gènes de susceptibilité pouvant être impliqués dans le développement des formes chroniques. Notre étude a permis de mettre en évidence une variation d’expression de certains gènes entre les CCC et les contrôles. Nous nous sommes également intéressés aux processus épigénétiques pouvant réguler l’expression des gènes. Une étude de la méthylation de l’ADN croisée avec l’étude du transcriptome nous ont permis d’identifier des gènes présentant à la fois des variations d’expression et de méthylation. Pour certains de ces gènes, nous avons démontré que la méthylation est responsable de la variation d’expression observée. Enfin, nous avons étudié un ARN long non-codant, MIAT. Nous avons démontré qu’il est surexprimé chez les CCC par rapport aux contrôles et dans un modèle murin infecté par T. cruzi. De plus, l’analyse de l’expression de micro-ARNs couplée à une analyse de transcriptome nous a permis d'identifier plusieurs micro-ARNs indispensables à la régulation de l’expression des gènes. Enfin, une étude protéomique nous a permis de mettre en évidence une augmentation de la production de protéine pour certains gènes, en lien avec l’augmentation de l’expression observée. / Chagas disease is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by the hematophagous insects. The disease is composed by acute and chronic phases. Among the infected individuals, 30 % develop chronic form. They suffer from heart, digestive (esophagus, colon) and cardiodigestives injury. Our study was focused on patients with dilated chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC). Our goal is to identify susceptibility genes that may be involved in the development of chronic forms. Our study revealed a variation in the expression of certain genes between CCC group and controls. We are also interested in epigenetic processes that can regulate the expression of genes. A study of the DNA methylation crossed with the transcriptome allowed us to identify genes presenting both variations in expression and methylation. For some of these genes we demonstrated that methylation is responsible for the expression variation observed. Finally, we studied a long non-coding RNA called MIAT. Our study demonstrated that it is overexpressed in CCC compared to controls and in a murine model infected by T. cruzi. Furthermore, the analysis of the expression of micro-RNAs crossed with transcriptome analysis allowed us to identify several micro-RNAs whose functions are essential in the regulation of gene expression. Finally, a proteomic study allowed us to demonstrate an increase in the production of protein for certain genes, correlated with the increase in expression levels observed.

Les facteurs génétiques peuvent apporter des réponses à plusieurs questions que nous nous posons sur les traits humains, les maladies et la réaction aux médicaments, entre autres. Avec le temps, le développement continu d'outils d'analyse génétique nous a permis d'examiner ces facteurs et de trouver des explications pertinentes. Cette thèse explore plusieurs méthodes et outils génétiques, tels que le séquençage pan-exomique et le génotypage sur puce, dans un contexte d'analyse familial et populationnel pour étudier ces facteurs génétiques qui jouent un rôle dans une maladie rare, la cardiomyopathie dilatée (DCM), et dans deux traits complexes soient les globules rouges et les plaquettes. DCM est une maladie rare qui est définie par un ventricule gauche dilaté et une dysfonction systolique. Environ 30% des cas de DCM sont héréditaires, et plus de 50 gènes ont été associés à un rôle dans la pathogénicité de DCM. Le dépistage génétique est un outil de référence dans la gestion clinique de DCM familiale. Par contre, pour la majorité des patients, les tests génétiques ne parviennent pas à identifier une mutation causale dans un gène candidat. Les cellules sanguines remplissent une variété de fonctions biologiques, incluant le transport de l'oxygène, les fonctions immunologiques, ainsi que la guérison de plaies. Les niveaux de ces cellules et leurs paramètres auxiliaires sont mesurés par un test sanguin, et une différence avec les valeurs optimales peut signifier certains troubles. De plus, ces traits sont étudiés méticuleusement dans le contexte des maladies cardiovasculaires (CVD) où différents niveaux sont associés avec un risque variable de CVD ou sont des prédicteurs de complications de CVD. iii J'ai examiné la DCM et les traits sanguins avec comme objectif de découvrir des nouvelles associations de mutations génétiques. Pour la DCM, j'ai évalué la pertinence d'un séquençage pan-exomique dans un environnement clinique. Je rapporte plusieurs nouvelles mutations dans des gènes candidats (DSP, LMNA, MYH7, MYPN, RBM20, TNNT2) et des mutations nonsenses dans deux gènes nouvellement associés (TTN et BAG3), et je démontre que les mutations nonsenses influencent la maladie d'une manière différente des autres mutations causales. Je rapporte aussi une mutation dans un nouveau gène, FLNC, qui cause une forme rare et distincte de cardiomyopathie. Pour l'étude des traits complexes, dans le grand consortium Blood Cell Consortium (BCX), j'ai utilisé l’exomechip pour disséquer le rôle des variantes rares et communes dans les globules rouges et les plaquettes. J'ai identifié 16 nouvelles régions génomiques associées avec les globules rouges et 15 avec les plaquettes, parmi lesquelles se retrouvent plusieurs variantes de basses fréquences (MAP1A, HNF4A, ITGA2B, APOH), et j'ai démontré un chevauchement significatif de régions associées avec d'autres traits, incluant les lipides. Mes résultats sur la DCM ont mis en évidence le rôle de plusieurs gènes candidats, et suggèrent un traitement différent au niveau de la gestion clinique des patients qui portent des mutations dans BAG3 et FLNC. En ce qui concerne les traits sanguins, mes résultats contribuent à enrichir le répertoire de régions associées avec ces traits, soulignant l'importance de l'utilisation de grands ensembles de données pour détecter les variantes rares ou de basses fréquences. La découverte de gènes dans les maladies rares et les traits complexes contribue à la compréhension des mécanismes sous-jacents qui ultimement favorisera de meilleurs diagnostics, gestions et traitements de maladies. / Genetic factors hold within them the answers to many questions we have on human traits, disease, and drug response among others. With time, the continuously advancing genetic tools have enabled us to examine those factors and provided and continue to provide astonishing answers. This thesis utilizes various methods of genetic tools such as exome sequencing and chip-based genotyping data in the context of both family and population-based analyses to interrogate the genetic factors that play a role in a rare disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and in two complex traits, red blood cells and platelets. DCM is a rare disease that is defined by a dilated left ventricle and systolic dysfunction. It is estimated that 30% of DCM cases are hereditary and more than 50 genes have been linked to play a role in the pathogenesis of DCM. Genetic screening of known genes is a gold standard tool in the clinical management of familial DCM. However, in the majority of probands, genetic testing fails to identify the causal mutation. Blood cells play a variety of biological functions including oxygen transport, immunological functions, and wound healing. Levels of these cells and their associated indices are measured by a blood test, and deviation from optimal values may indicate certain disorders. Additionally, these traits are heavily studied in the context of cardiovascular disease (CVD) where different levels associate with a variable risk of CVD or are predictors of CVD complications or outcomes (for example, a higher level of white blood cells or lower level of hemoglobin). I examined both DCM and blood cell traits and aimed to discover new mutations and variants that are associated with each. For DCM, I evaluated the value of whole exome vi sequencing in a clinical setting, and I report a number of novel mutations in candidate genes (DSP, LMNA, MYH7, MYPN, RBM20, TNNT2) and truncating mutations in two newly established genes, TTN and BAG3, and I demonstrate that truncating mutations in the latter influence disease differently than other causal mutations. I also report a mutation in a novel gene, FLNC that causes a rare and distinct form of cardiomyopathy. In examining complex traits, I dissected the role of common and rare variants in red blood cells and platelets within a large consortium, the Blood Cell Consortium (BCX) using the ExomeChip, and identified 16 novel loci associated with red blood cell traits and 15 with platelet traits, some of which harbored low-frequency variants (MAP1A, HNF4A, ITGA2B, APOH), and demonstrated a substantial overlap with other phenotypes predominantly lipids. My results on DCM establish the role of a number of candidate genes in this disorder and suggest a different course of clinical management for patients that carry mutations in BAG3 and FLNC. As for blood cell traits, my results contributed to expanding the repertoire of loci associated with red blood cell and platelet traits and illustrate the importance of using large datasets to discover low-frequency or rare variants. Gene discovery in rare disease and complex traits gives insight into the underlying mechanisms which ultimately contributes to a better diagnosis, management, and treatment of disease.

L'évaluation de l'asynchronisme mécanique ventriculaire sous stress a soulevé une attention importante en tant que facteur prédictif de la réponse au traitement de resynchronisation cardiaque (CRT). De plus, il semble exister une relation significative entre le devenir du patient et la présence d’asynchronisme au repos. Plusieurs méthodes échocardiographiques peuvent être utilisées pour évaluer l’asynchronisme. Cependant, parmi toutes les différentes méthodologies ou index existant dans ce domaine, aucun critère ne fait l’unanimité. Cette thèse étudie l'importance des techniques d'imagerie nucléaire dans le cadre de l’évaluation de l’asynchronisme cardiaque induit par le stress en utilisant trois différents modèles canins expérimentaux. Le premier chapitre vise à examiner les effets du stress sur le synchronisme de la contraction du ventricule gauche (VG) en utilisant l'imagerie synchronisée de perfusion myocardique dans une cohorte canine normale. Le stress a été induit par différents niveaux d’infusion de dobutamine sur six sujets sains. Les paramètres hémodynamiques et l’asynchronisme ont été évalués par des mesures de pressions ventriculaires. L'analyse de phase sur l’imagerie s’est effectuée en utilisant un logiciel commercialement disponible (QGS) et un logiciel interne (MHI4MPI), basée sur le déplacement et l’épaississement des parois ventriculaires. L’augmentation de la concentration de dobutamine a démontré une amélioration de la capacité fonctionnelle et une réduction de l’asynchronisme ventriculaire. L’analyse de l’asynchronisme calculée à partir de l’épaississement de la paroi semble plus robuste et plus sensible que l’utilisation du déplacement des parois. (Salimian et. al., J Nucl Cardiol., 2014) Le second chapitre étudie les différents paramètres d’asynchronisme au repos et à différents niveaux de stress dans un modèle de cardiomyopathie dilatée et à QRS étroit. Ce modèle a été créé sur dix chiens par tachycardie via stimulation de l'apex du ventricule droit pendant 3-4 semaines, permettant d’atteindre une fraction d'éjection cible de 35% ou moins. Le stress a ensuite été induit par une perfusion de dobutamine jusqu'à un maximum de 20 μg/kg/min. Les données hémodynamiques et l’asynchronisme ont été analysés par des mesures de pression ventriculaire et l’analyse de l’imagerie dynamique du compartiment sanguin. L’importante variabilité individuelle des sujets inclus dans notre cohorte empêche toute conclusion définitive sur la mesure de l’asynchronisme interventriculaire. Cependant, les différents niveaux de stress, même dans des intervalles rapprochés, ont démontré un effet significatif sur les paramètres hémodynamiques et l’asynchronisme. (Salimian et. al., J Nucl Cardiol., 2015) La troisième section vise à déterminer si l’estimation du mode de stimulation optimal effectuée au repos demeure le choix optimal lorsque le niveau d’activité cardiaque s’intensifie pour des sujets avec bloc auriculo-ventriculaire (AV) et fonction ventriculaire normale. Cinq chiens ont été soumis à une ablation du nœud AV et des sondes de stimulation ont été insérées dans l'oreillette droite pour la détection, l’apex du ventricule droit (VD) et une veine postérolatérale du VG pour la stimulation. Cinq modes de stimulation ont été utilisés : LV pur, biventriculaire (BiV) avec pré-activation de 20 ms du LV (LVRV20), BiV pur, BiV avec pré-activation de 20 ms du VD (RVLV20), VD pur. Des niveaux jusqu’à 20 μg/kg/min de dobutamine ont été atteints. Le stress a modifié l’étendue de l’asynchronisme de base et ce, pour tous les modes de stimulation. De plus, les effets physiologiques intrinsèques du stress permettent une évaluation plus précise de l’asynchronisme ventriculaire, diminuant la variabilité inter-sujet. Le mode de stimulation LVRV20 semble le mode optimal dans ce modèle, supportant l’utilisation de la stimulation bi-ventriculaire. / Assessment of ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (MD) under stress has attracted a large amount of attention as a stronger predictor of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and as a parameter whose variation bears a greater relationship to clinical outcomes than resting-MD either in CRT candidates or another subset of patients. Several echocardiographic methods can be used to assess stress-MD. However, no standardized approach is currently used to explore stress-induced variations in inter- and intraventricular MD. This dissertation studies the importance of nuclear imaging techniques in assessing stress-induced MD variations by providing three different experimental canine models. The first chapter sought to examine the impacts of stress on the left ventricular (LV) synchrony with phase analysis of gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (GMPS) within a normal canine cohort. Stress was induced by different levels of dobutamine infusion in six healthy subjects. Hemodynamic and LV MD parameters were assessed by LV pressure measurements and phase analysis of GMPS using commercially available QGS software and in-house MHI4MPI software with thickening- and displacement-based methodology. The increase of dobutamine level was shown to be in accordance with the improvement of LV functional capacity and reduction of MD parameters. MD analysis based on wall thickening was more robust and sensitive than the global wall displacement. (Salimian et. al., J Nucl Cardiol., 2014) The second chapter investigated the range of difference in inter- and intraventricular MD parameters from rest to various levels of stress in a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and narrow QRS complex model. Ten large dogs were submitted to tachycardia-induced DCM by pacing the right ventricular apex for 3-4 weeks to reach a target ejection fraction of 35% or less. Stress was then induced by infusion of dobutamine up to a maximum of 20 μg/kg/min. Hemodynamic and MD data were analyzed by LV pressure measurements and gated-blood pool SPECT (GBPS) imaging. Individual differences in the magnitude and pattern of change in the various levels of stress precluded any definitive conclusion about interventricular MD. However, different levels of stress, even in close intervals, showed a significant positive impact on hemodynamic and intraventricular MD parameters. (Salimian et. al., J Nucl Cardiol., 2015) The third chapter sought to examine if the optimal pacing mode at rest could be the best one during the maximum stress level in terms of MD parameters in subjects with an atrioventricular (AV) block and normal function. Five dogs were submitted to AV node ablation and pacing leads were placed in the right atrium for sensing, in right ventricular (RV) apex, and in posterolateral LV vein for pacing in five modes of LV, biventricular (BiV) with 20 ms of LV pre-activation (LVRV20), BiV, BiV with 20 ms of RV pre-activation (RVLV20) and RV pacing. Stress was induced by dobutamine infusion up to a maximum of 20 μg/kg/min. Data analyses were the same as chapter one. Dobutamine stress changed the extent of resting-LV MD at all pacing modes. Intrinsic physiologic effects of stress resulted in more accurate MD assessment with lesser variability in subjects who underwent pacing. LVRV20 was the preferred site of stimulation in this model rather than single-site pacing.

Kürzlich wurde mithilfe von Ribo-seq Experimenten die Translation hunderter Mikroproteine in menschlichen Herzen entdeckt. Diese blieben zuvor aufgrund ihrer geringen Größe (< 100 Aminosäuren) unentdeckt, und ihre physiologische Rolle ist noch weitgehend unbekannt. Ziel dieser Promotionsarbeit ist es, potentielle Funktionen dieser neuartigen Mikroproteine zu entschlüsseln. Dabei sollen insbesondere die Aufklärung ihrer evolutionären Konservierungssignatur, subzellulären Lokalisierung und ihres Proteininteraktoms helfen. Die Konservierungsanalyse ergab, dass fast 90% der Mikroproteine nur in Primaten konserviert ist. Weiterhin konnte ich die Produktion von Mikroproteine in vitro und in vivo nachweisen, die subzelluläre Lokalisierung von 92 Mikroproteinen definieren, und Interaktionspartner für 60 Mikroproteine identifizieren. Dutzende dieser Mikroproteine lokalisieren in Mitochondrien. Dazu gehörte ein im Herzen angereichertes Mikroprotein, das aufgrund der Interaktions- und Lokalisationsdaten einen neuartigen Modulator der mitochondrialen Proteintranslation darstellen könnte. Der Interaktom-Screen zeigte außerdem, dass evolutionär junge Mikroproteine ähnliche Interaktionsfähigkeiten wie konservierte Kandidaten haben. Schließlich wurden kurze Sequenzmotive identifiziert, die Mikroprotein-Protein-Wechselwirkungen vermitteln, wodurch junge Mikroproteine mit zellulären Prozessen – wie z.B. Endozytose und Spleißen – in Verbindung gebracht werden konnten. Zusammenfassend wurde die Produktion vieler kleiner Proteine im menschlichen Herzen bestätigt, von denen die meisten lediglich in Primaten konserviert sind. Zusätzlich verknüpften umfangreiche Lokalisierungs- und Interaktionsdaten mehrere Mikroproteine mit Prozessen wie Spleißen, Endozytose und mitochondrialer Translation. Weitere Untersuchungen dieses zuvor verborgenen Teils des Herzproteoms werden zu einem besseren Verständnis von evolutionär jungen Proteinen und kardiologischen Prozessen beitragen. / Recently, the active translation of hundreds of previously unknown microproteins was detected using ribosome profiling on tissues of human hearts. They had remained undetected due to their small size (< 100 amino acids), and their physiological roles are still largely unknown. This dissertation aims to investigate these novel microproteins and validate their translation by independent methods. Particularly, elucidating their conservation signature, subcellular localization, and protein interactome shall aid in deciphering their potential biological role. Conservation analysis revealed that sequence conservation of almost 90% of microproteins was restricted to primates. I next confirmed microprotein production in vitro and in vivo by in vitro translation assays and mass spectrometry-based approaches, defined the subcellular localization of 92 microproteins, and identified significant interaction partners for 60 candidates. Dozens of these microproteins localized to the mitochondrion. These included a novel cardiac-enriched microprotein that may present a novel modulator of mitochondrial protein translation based on its interaction profile and subcellular localization. The interactome screen further revealed that evolutionarily young microproteins have similar interaction capacities to conserved candidates. Finally, it allowed identifying short linear motifs that may mediate microprotein-protein interactions and implicated several young microproteins in distinct cellular processes such as endocytosis and splicing. I conclude that many novel small proteins are produced in the human heart, most of which exhibit poor sequence conservation. I provide a substantial resource of microprotein localization and interaction data that links several to cellular processes such as splicing, endocytosis, and mitochondrial translation. Further investigation into this hidden part of the cardiac proteome will contribute to our understanding of recently evolved proteins and heart biology.