Systemic γ-sarcoglycan AAV gene transfer results in dose-dependent correction of muscle deficits in the LGMD 2C/R5 mouse model.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) type 2C/R5 results from mutations in the γ-sarcoglycan () gene and is characterized by muscle weakness and progressive wasting. Loss of functional γ-sarcoglycan protein in the dystrophin-associated protein complex destabilizes the sarcolemma, leading to eventual myofiber death. The knockout mouse ( ) has clinical-pathological features that replicate the human disease, making it an ideal model for translational studies.

Exercise does not ameliorate cardiac dysfunction in obese mice exposed to fine particulate matter.

Background: Studies have demonstrated that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is exacerbated in patients with pre-existing conditions such as obesity. In the present study, we examined cardiac function of obese mice exposed to PM and determined if mild exercise affected cardiac function.

Methods: Obese mice (ob/ob) (leptin deficient, C57BL/6J background) were exposed to either filtered air (FA) or PM at an average concentration of 32 μg/m for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 9 months.

In Utero Particulate Matter Exposure Produces Heart Failure, Electrical Remodeling, and Epigenetic Changes at Adulthood.

Background: Particulate matter (PM; PM [PM with diameters of <2.5 μm]) exposure during development is strongly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes at adulthood. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that in utero PM exposure alone could alter cardiac structure and function at adulthood.

Chronic Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Treatment Variably Affects Cellular Repolarization in a Healed Post-MI Arrhythmia Model.

Introduction: Over the last 40 years omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to be anti-arrhythmic or pro-arrhythmic depending on the method and duration of administration and model studied. We previously reported that omega-3 PUFAs do not confer anti-arrhythmic properties and are pro-arrhythmic in canine model of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic omega-3 PUFA treatment in post-MI animals susceptible (VF+) or resistant (VF-) to ventricular tachyarrhythmias.