Reverse remodeling is associated with changes in extracellular matrix proteases and tissue inhibitors after mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment of pressure overload hypertrophy.

Changes in ventricular extracellular matrix (ECM) composition of pressure overload hypertrophy determine clinical outcomes. The effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation upon determinants of ECM composition in pressure overload hypertrophy have not been studied. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent aortic banding and were followed by echocardiography.

Right ventricular effects of intracoronary delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in an animal model of pressure overload heart failure.

In a rat model of left ventricular pressure overload hypertrophy with biventricular failure, we studied the effects of intracoronary delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MCS) upon right ventricular hemodynamic performance, profiles of local inflammation and apoptosis, and determinants of extracellular matrix remodeling. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent aortic banding and were followed by echocardiography. After a decrease in left ventricular fractional shortening of 25% from the baseline (relative 50% reduction), animals were randomized to an intracoronary injection of MSC (n=28) or PBS (n=20).

Right ventricular beneficial effects of beta adrenergic receptor kinase inhibitor (betaARKct) gene transfer in a rat model of severe pressure overload.

Heart failure is associated with abnormalities in betaAR cascade regulation, calcium cycling, expression of inflammatory mediators and apoptosis. Adenoviral mediated gene transfer of betaARKct has beneficial indirect effects on these pathologic processes upon the left ventricular myocardium. The concomitant biochemical changes that occur in the right ventricle have not been well characterized.

Novel experimental model of pressure overload hypertrophy in rats.

Background: We studied a novel animal model of pressure overload hypertrophy in transition to heart failure following ascending aortic constriction. We sought to assess chronologic changes in hemodynamic parameters, echocardiographic signs of left ventricular (LV) remodeling, exercise tolerance, and profiles of systemic and local inflammation.

Materials And Methods: A cohort of Sprague Dawley rats underwent aortic constriction proximal to the innominate artery and were followed by echocardiography.

Adenoviral beta-adrenergic receptor kinase inhibitor gene transfer improves exercise capacity, cardiac contractility, and systemic inflammation in a model of pressure overload hypertrophy.

Objective: We hypothesized that intracoronary adenoviral-mediated delivery of betaARKct would improve heart failure associated pathophysiologic abnormalities related to exercise capacity, cardiac contractility, systemic inflammation and volume overload.

Methods: After aortic banding, a cohort of Sprague-Dawley rats was followed by echocardiography. When an absolute decline of 25% in fractional shortening was detected, animals were randomized to intracoronary delivery of Ad.

Improved exercise capacity and reduced systemic inflammation after adenoviral-mediated SERCA-2a gene transfer.

Background: We hypothesized that sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump (SERCA-2a) gene delivery would have beneficial effects upon exercise capacity and markers of inflammation in the setting of heart failure.

Materials And Methods: A pressure-overload model of experimental heart failure was used in rats. Following a decrease in fractional shortening of >or=25%, animals underwent intracoronary adenoviral-mediated gene transfection using SERCA-2a.

Improvement in hemodynamic performance, exercise capacity, inflammatory profile, and left ventricular reverse remodeling after intracoronary delivery of mesenchymal stem cells in an experimental model of pressure overload hypertrophy.

Objectives: In a rat model of pressure overload hypertrophy, we studied the effects of intracoronary delivery of mesenchymal stem cells on hemodynamic performance, exercise capacity, systemic inflammation, and left ventricular reverse remodeling.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats underwent aortic banding and were followed up by echocardiographic scanning. After a decrease in fractional shortening of 25% from baseline, animals were randomized to intracoronary injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC group; n = 28) or phosphate-buffered saline solution (control group; n = 20).

Congenital heart disease manifested as acute abdominal pain.

We present a case of a 53-year-old man with complaints of severe abdominal pain and nausea. Emergency department abdominal workup was non-diagnostic. Physical examination revealed signs of right- and left-heart failure.

Massive right atrial myxoma presenting with syncope.

A 65-year-old man presented to the emergency room following an episode of syncope. His vital signs and physical examination were unremarkable. A chest X-ray and an ECG were also normal.