An altered pattern of myocardial histopathological and molecular changes underlies the different characteristics of type-1 and type-2 diabetic cardiac dysfunction.

Increasing evidence suggests that both types of diabetes mellitus (DM) lead to cardiac structural and functional changes. In this study we investigated and compared functional characteristics and underlying subcellular pathological features in rat models of type-1 and type-2 diabetic cardiomyopathy. Type-1 DM was induced by streptozotocin.

A novel culture device for the evaluation of three-dimensional extracellular matrix materials.

Cell-matrix interactions in a three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) are of fundamental importance in living tissue, and their in vitro reconstruction in bioartificial structures represents a core target of contemporary tissue engineering concepts. For a detailed analysis of cell-matrix interaction under highly controlled conditions, we developed a novel ECM evaluation culture device (EECD) that allows for a precisely defined surface-seeding of 3D ECM scaffolds, irrespective of their natural geometry. The effectiveness of EECD was evaluated in the context of heart valve tissue engineering.

The quest for an optimized protocol for whole-heart decellularization: a comparison of three popular and a novel decellularization technique and their diverse effects on crucial extracellular matrix qualities.

Decellularized cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) has been introduced as a template for cardiac tissue engineering, providing the advantages of a prevascularized scaffold that mimics native micro- and macroarchitecture to a degree difficult to achieve with synthetic materials. Nonetheless, the decellularization protocols used to create acellular myocardial scaffolds vary widely throughout the literature. In this study we performed a direct comparison of three previously described protocols while introducing and evaluating a novel, specifically developed fourth protocol, by decellularizing whole rat hearts through software-controlled automatic coronary perfusion.

Opposite effects of transforming growth factor-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor on the degeneration of aortic valvular interstitial cell are modified by the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin: implications for heart valve engineering.

The enhancement of valvular interstitial cell (VIC) calcification by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and the endothelial inducing effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been demonstrated. Here we report the modulating properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) modification on VIC calcification in the presence of TGF-β1 and VEGF. Ovine aortic VICs cultured on collagen, fibronectin, laminin, or uncoated surfaces were exposed to TGF-β1, VEGF, or left untreated.

In vivo functional performance and structural maturation of decellularised allogenic aortic valves in the subcoronary position.

Objective: Successful animal and clinical implantation of decellularised heart valves has been performed in the pulmonary position. Comparable results have not yet been achieved for the aortic position with the high haemodynamic demands of the systemic circulation and the challenging implantation procedure.

Methods: Allogenic aortic valves (n=10) were decellularised using detergents (decellularised aortic valves (dAoVs)).

The effect of the dual Src/Abl kinase inhibitor AZD0530 on Philadelphia positive leukaemia cell lines.

Background: Imatinib mesylate, a selective inhibitor of Abl tyrosine kinase, is efficacious in treating chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). However, most advanced-phase CML and Ph+ ALL patients relapse on Imatinib therapy. Several mechanisms of refractoriness have been reported, including the activation of the Src-family kinases (SFK).