Abstract 4138606: Toll-like Receptor 4 Signaling Establishes Trained Innate Immunity Through Interferon-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications Leading to Cardioprotection in a Stress-induced Cardiomyopathy Model

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4138606-A4138606, November 12, 2024. Introduction:The mechanisms responsible for establishing preconditioning-induced cardioprotection remain unknown. We have shown that a high dose of isoproterenol (ISO) induces cardioprotection against a second ISO dose in mice. The durability of protection and the lack of an innate immune response suggests trained immunity as a novel cardioprotective mechanism.Hypothesis:We hypothesize that cardioprotection is conferred through trained immunity, by interferon signaling downstream of necrotic cardiac material-mediated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation.Methods:Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with TLR agonists or diluent, and challenged with 300 mg/kg ISO 7 days later. Mice were assessed by 2-D echocardiography, serum cardiac troponin levels, flow cytometry immune cell counts, and Multiome (single nuclei RNA+ATAC) sequencing.Results:The TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cardioprotection against ISO injury, with mice having enhanced survival (P=0.049) and no changes in cardiac troponin levels (P >0.99), cardiac neutrophil influx (P >0.99) or left ventricular motion (P=0.057) relative to baseline values before injury. Treating LPS-injected mice with β-glucan reversed the effects of LPS on immune cells and abolished cardioprotection. Multiome analysis of genes linked to chromatin peaks with increased accessibility in LPS+vehicle (protected) compared to LPS+β-glucan and diluent control (non-protected) hearts revealed the interferon pathway to be up-regulated across all major cell types. Modulation of interferon signaling with monoclonal antibodies against type 1+2 interferon receptors abolished cardioprotection in LPS-treated mice, whereas pre-treatment with recombinant type 1+2 interferons induced cardioprotection. Importantly, interferon-treated hearts shared similar chromatin accessibility features and enriched transcription factor motifs, including interferon-specific motifs, with LPS-protected hearts across cell types, particularly among non-cardiomyocytes.Conclusions:TLR4-induced interferon signaling is sufficient and in part necessary for cardioprotection against ISO injury. Moreover, our findings show that epigenetic modifications downstream of interferon signaling lead to cardioprotection consistent with trained innate immunity.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4143303: Association of Preeclampsia with Long-Term Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Utilizing Cardiac Stress Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143303-A4143303, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with cardiovascular disease. Systemic peripartum microvascular alternations have been implicated in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Whether coronary microvascular dysfunction is a potential mediator of preeclampsia-associated cardiovascular risk is unknown. We aimed to determine whether individuals with a history of preeclampsia have coronary microvascular dysfunction measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at least 5 years postpartum.Methods:Women with singleton pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and a comparator group with uncomplicated, normotensive deliveries were identified and prospectively enrolled to undergo regadenoson stress perfusion CMR (1.5T Signa Artist GE HealthCare) at least 5 years postpartum. Using the dual sequence technique, fully quantitative perfusion values were determined using Fermi deconvolution. Myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) was calculated as the ratio of stress to rest myocardial blood flow (MBF).Results:Twenty-three subjects (41.0 ± 6 years, 12.7 ± 5 years post-partum) were included. Women with a history of preeclampsia (n=11) were compared to a control group of women with prior normotensive pregnancy (n=12) (Figure 1A). Obesity and diabetes were more common with preeclampsia, but there was no significant difference in the presence of hypertension between the groups (Table 1A). There was no difference in stress MBF. However, preeclampsia was associated with higher rest MBF (1.47 ± 0.54 mL/g/min vs. 1.19 ± 0.29 mL/g/min; p=0.07) and MPR (1.96 ± 0.46 vs 2.66 ± 1.0; p=0.02) compared to normotensive pregnancy (Figure 1). Similarly, corrected MPR remained significantly lower with prior preeclampsia versus uncomplicated pregnancy (2.36 ± 1.0 vs 3.36 ± 1.46; p=0.03).Conclusions:In this study, we observed significantly reduced coronary microvascular function following a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia at least 5 years postpartum. Heightened cardiovascular risk factors may attenuate this association; however, these observations indicate that systemic microvascular dysfunction in preeclampsia also involves the coronary microcirculation. Further research is needed to better understand the timing and association of these microvascular changes concerning preeclampsia and later heart disease.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145174: Impact of chronic reductive stress on myocardial proteome turnover: Insights into proteotoxicity and predictive cardiac remodeling

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145174-A4145174, November 12, 2024. Background:Protein half-life and turnover are crucial for cellular function, especially under basal and stress conditions, often contributing to proteinopathies. While the impact of oxidative stress (OxS) on proteostasis is well-documented, the role of reductive stress, an overabundance of antioxidant status, in proteotoxic cardiac disease remains elusive.Hypothesis:Tested whether chronic reductive stress (cRS) impairs protein turnover and induce proteotoxic cardiac disease.Methods:In transgenic mice expressing constitutively active Nrf2 (caNrf2-TG) and non-transgenic controls (n=6/gp.), we examined the half-life and turnover rates of the myocardial proteome using D2O labeling and mass spectrometry.Results:We observed significant changes in the half-life of over 1,700 proteins, with approximately 1,200 proteins exhibiting increased half-life at 3 months, despite no noticeable defects in cardiac structure and function. Under OxS induced by isoproterenol (ISO), about 700 proteins showed reduced half-life, underscoring distinct regulatory mechanisms in protein turnover between cRS and OxS. Proteins with altered half-lives were involved in key cellular functions, including metabolism, signal transduction, immune response, transport, and cell cycle regulation under cRS, revealing novel targets undetected in an OxS context. Notably, distinct positive adaptive compensatory (59; p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4146754: The Prognostic Value of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Liver Pre-Transplant Evaluation

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4146754-A4146754, November 12, 2024. Background:Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a frequently used tool in cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment of liver transplantation (LT) candidates. Its prognostic value compared to traditional cardiac risk stratification remains unclear.Research Question:How does the prognostic value of pre-transplant DSE in LT candidates compare to the revised cardiac risk index (RCRI)?Aim:Compare DSE’s prognostic value to RCRI in LT patients and analyze post-transplant CV outcomes.Methods:This single-center study included adult patients undergoing pre-transplant DSE as part of LT evaluation from 2008-2021. DSE were categorized as positive, negative, or inadequate. Primary outcomes were post-operative ischemic cardiac events and mortality, with secondary outcome of transplant delays from inadequate DSE. Mann-Whitney U and Fischer’s exact tests compared variables; logistic regression assessed RCRI and DSE for 30-day mortality and cardiac events.Results:Of 981 LT candidates, 644 (66%) had pre-transplant DSE with minimum 2-year follow-up. Average age was 57 ± 7 years, with 33% women. Four and eleven patients experienced cardiac events and mortality 1 (p-value 0.50), 0.51 for DSE (p-value 0.82), and 0.52 for RCRI >1 and DSE combined (p-value 0.80) in predicting 30-day mortality and cardiac events.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates limited prognostic value of DSE above RCRI score alone for predicting post-transplant mortality. Inadequate DSE was frequent and extended LT wait times. Further research is necessary to define clinically relevant subgroups and refine CV risk assessment in LT candidates.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4142869: Heritable heart failure traits in mice undergoing early life stress

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4142869-A4142869, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Adverse childhood experiences, also known as early life stress (ELS), are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in later life, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recent evidence indicates that parental life experiences can be transmitted to the offspring.Aim:To investigate the effects of ELS on cardiac structure and function in exposed parents and in their offspring, across 3 generations.Methods:We used ELS mouse model based on unpredictable separation of mouse pups (F1) from their mother (F0) each day for 3 hours from postnatal day 1 (PND1) to PND14 combined with dams exposure to an additional unpredictable stressor (forced swim in 18°C water for 5 minutes or 20-minute physical restraint in a tube) during separation. Control litters were raised normally. Echocardiography was performed at 6, 12 and 18 months in exposed animals (F0), their unexposed offspring (F1) and grand-offspring (F2). Both male and female mice were studied. Heart weight/tibia length was used to assess cardiac mass while Masson’s Trichrome was employed to detect fibrosis. Lung congestion was assessed as lung wet/dry weight ratio. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) was performed in MSUS and control hearts. A 6-week environmental enrichment (EE) program (cages containing running wheels, maze) was employed to test the possible rescue of ELS effects in adult males and their offspring.Results:F1 MSUS mice displayed increased LV mass, impaired diastolic function (assessed by conventional and tissue Doppler analysis) myocardial fibrosis and lung congestion. Time-dependent worsening of cardiac performance was observed from 6 to 18 months, both in males and females. ScRNAseq unveiled dysregulation of transcriptional programs underlying inflammation and lipotoxicity in the cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell clusters. MSUS offsprings did not show changes of cardiac function at 6 months, however diastolic dysfunction and lung congestion were observed at 12 and 18 months. A similar impairment of cardiac function was observed in the MSUS grandoffspring (F3). Of interest, 6-week exposure to an environmental enrichment protocol was able to improve LV mass, diastolic function and lung congestion in 12 months-old MSUS mice.Conclusions:ELS induces a transgenerational transmission of cardiac phenotypic alterations which can be rescued by EE. Our results shed light on the potential role of ELS on heart failure development and potential mitigation strategies.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145955: In An Experimental Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Model Induced With Streptozotocin, The Combined Use of Finerenone and Exenatide Reduced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress In The Heart and Kidney Tissues and Improved The Health of The Heart

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145955-A4145955, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Cardiovascular problems are the primary cause of morbidity and death in people with diabetes mellitus.The whole nature of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM) is yet unknown.In order to investigate the pathogenesis of DCM and find possible treatment targets,animal models have proven invaluable.It has been common practice to create experimental models of type 2 diabetes(T2DM) using streptozotocin (STZ).Finerenone(F) is a selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and reduces cardiovascular and adverse renal outcomes in diabetes.Exenatide(E) has been approved by the FDA to improve glycemic control in T2DM.Aim:The aim of this study is to investigate the possible cardiorenal protective effects of potential heart failure and chronic kidney injury associated with T2DM and to assess the potential therapeutic roles of Finerenone and Exenatide.To understand the interactions on cardiorenal outcomes of heart failure and diabetes and to effectively manage these two conditions.Methodology:Wistarmale rats with streptozotocin-induced T2DM were used.Five different groups were established as 1)Control,2)STZ,3)STZ+F,4)STZ+E,5)STZ+F+E groups.During the 21-day experiment, blood glucose concentrations were measured in all animal experimental groups.The kidney, heart tissues, and blood serum were collected. Serum urea and creatinine were exanimated.Total antioxidant status(TAS) and total oxidant status(TOS) were examined from blood serum,kidney,heart tissues by spectrophotometric assays. Kidney, heart tissues and blood IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α gene expressions were examined by qPCR. Cardiac troponin T(cTnT) and troponin I(cTnI) gene expressions were examined by qPCR.p-STAT3 and p-NRF2 protein expressions in heart tissue were assessed by western blotting.Results:Serum urea and creatinine were significantly lower in STZ+E+F group than control group. TAS were significantly higher in STZ+E+F group than control group in serum,heart and kidney tissues.TOS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expressions were lower in STZ+E+F groups than control group significantly in serum, heart and kidney tissues.cTnT and cTnI gene expressions and p-STAT3 and p-NRF2 protein expressions were lower in STZ+E+F groups than control group significantly in heart tissues.Conclusion:This study demonstrates the potential beneficial effects of Finerenone and Exenatide on cardiorenal complications in T2DM. Evaluation of these drugs in treatment strategies and further clinical trials are recommended.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145148: The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Associated Junctophilin-2 E169K Variant Disrupts Mitofusin-2 Binding and Elicits a Pathological Cellular Response to Metabolic Stress

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145148-A4145148, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Junctophilin-2 (JPH2) plays essential roles in multiple cardiac processes including calcium handling, t-tubule structure, and gene regulation. We recently showed JPH2 also has a mitochondrial role as it binds the mitochondrial protein mitofusin-2 (MFN2) and modulates mitochondrial metabolic function. However, the impacts of JPH2 disease-causing variants on MFN2 binding and subsequent cellular responses to metabolic stressors are unknown.Methods:Disease-associated variants in the MFN2 binding domain of JPH2 were engineered and recombinantly expressed in E. coli cells. Purified proteins were then subjected to pulldown experiments to assess MFN2 protein binding. Alphafold3 modeled how MFN2 and JPH2 and JPH2 E169K mutants interacted in the presence or absence of fatty acids. Wildtype JPH2 or JPH2 E169K expression was directed by a doxycycline inducible promoter after being cloned into the AAVS1 locus in JPH2 knockout iPSC-cardiomyocytes. In vitro metabolic stress was induced by incubating iPSC-CM with 150 μM oleate, 150 μM palmitate, and 500 μM carnitine overnight. Super resolution confocal microscopy visualized mitochondria integrity, nuclei shape and size, and lipid droplet accumulation and morphology.Results:In pulldown experiments, the JPH2 E169K mutation disrupted MFN2 binding. Alphafold3-based modeling showed JPH2 E169K disrupted the interaction between the two proteins when modeled with or without lipids (A-D). Control, wild type JPH2, and JPH2 E169K iPSC-CM displayed divergent responses to in vitro metabolic stress. JPH2 E169K cells exhibited pathological mitochondrial network changes characterized by a lower mitochondrial footprint and less network branches (E-G). In addition, the JPH2 E169K iPSC-CM accumulated significantly more lipid droplets in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, and the JPH2 E169K lipid droplets were significantly larger than the other cell types (H-K). Finally, the accumulation of lipid droplets impacted nuclear morphology as the JPH2 E169K cells had nuclear hypertrophy and nuclei were more ellipse-shaped (L-N).Conclusion:The JPH2 E169K variant disrupts MFN2 binding, which results in heightened metabolic stress characterized by lipid droplet accumulation and mitochondrial and nuclear morphological changes. These results implicate a new pathophysiological mechanism for how the JPH2 E169K mutation causes cardiac dysfunction.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4141350: Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mediated by Mechanical Stress Prompts Atrial Fibrogenesis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4141350-A4141350, November 12, 2024. Background:Atrial fibrosis is crucial in developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Elevated atrial pressure may significantly mediate atrial fibrosis, yet its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Methods:Patients with AF who underwent radiofrequency ablation were recruited. Clinical data, including high-density mapping and imaging information, was analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for low-voltage areas in the atrium. The CS-CREM mouse model, an autonomic AF model, was previously developed by our research group. Millar pressure catheters were used to measure left ventricular, right ventricular, and right atrial pressures in CS-CREM mice. Single-nucleus sequencing was employed to map the single-cell transcriptomes of atrial samples in CS-CREM and wild-type mice at different disease stages. Human primary atrial endocardial endothelial cells (ACCE) and HUVEC cell lines were subjected to mechanical stretch using the Flexcell tension system, followed by in vitro validation experiments. Mg101, a calpain inhibitor, was administered to CS-CREM mice for in vivo validation experiments.Results:Elevated atrial pressure in AF patients was identified as a significant risk factor for atrial fibrosis. Atrial pressure-related indices were linearly correlated with atrial fibrosis. Compared to wild-type mice, CS-CREM heterozygous mice exhibited significantly higher atrial pressure and aggravated atrial fibrosis. Single-nucleus sequencing revealed that atrial endocardial endothelial cells in CS-CREM mice underwent endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) into fibroblasts, with mechanical stress protein Flna being a critical regulatory protein. In vitro experiments demonstrated mechanical stretch-induced EnMT in ACCE and HUVEC cell lines. Mechanical stretch-activated mechanosensitive receptors on ACCE cell membranes led to increased intracellular calcium levels and calpain activation, which cleaved Flna into Flna 90. Flna 90 facilitated the nuclear translocation of transcription factor Smad3/7 and TGF-β, promoting the expressions of EnMT genes. This EnMT process was reversible with Mg101. In vivo experiments showed that Mg101 reduced the incidence of AF and mitigated atrial fibrosis in CS-CREM mice.Conclusion:Mechanical stress induces cleaved Flna 90 from Flna in atrial endocardial endothelial cells, thus assisting transcription factors Smad3/7 and TGF-β in nuclear translocation, regulating EnMT and mediating atrial fibrosis.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4143635: Stress-related Sleep Disturbance Inflames Myocardial cGAS-STING Pathway through activating bone marrow macrophage

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143635-A4143635, November 12, 2024. Background/Introduction:Delayed bedtime following stress disorder is prevalent in waves of pandemics and modern life. Considered to be a specific and important contributor to cardiovascular health, stress-related sleep disturbance has an unmet need in steady preclinical models. We previously found exciting corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) area of mice could induce 3-hour-long wakefulness.Methods:The chemogenetic method of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) system was adopted to mimic stress-related sleep disturbance. We transfected PVH CRH neurons with rAAV-hSyn-DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry and rAAV-Crh-CRE. Prolonged CRH neuron activation was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection of clozapine N-oxide (CNO, 3mg/kg) at 9 am. Bulk RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted for mechanistic exploration.Results:2-week repeated chemogenetic activation of PVH CRH neurons induced a 5-fold corticosterone release, consistent with increased daily 3-hour wakefulness and corresponding decreases in both rapid eye movement (REM) as well as non-REM sleep. Over 30% of chronic CRH activation mice displayed difficulties in maintaining balance and experienced premature mortality. Mice subjected to prolonged CRH activation showed impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (67.9% versus 48.2%, p=0.0011), and immune cell infiltration demonstrated by histological staining. Intriguingly, the number of circulating monocytes increased. Then, we performed bulk RNA-sequencing of heart and bone marrow from CRH-activated and control mice. Differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated marked activation of interferon-beta-related pathways in both tissues. Cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway and related key effector genes (cGAS, Cxcl10, Ccl5) were found up-regulated in the heart, while the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway was suppressed. We further adopted the CIBERSORT tool to estimate immune infiltration in heart tissues and characterized M1 macrophage as the main pro-inflammatory cell. In our stress-related sleep disturbance mouse model, macrophages in the heart and bone marrow shared similar properties inducing interferon-stimulated genes.Conclusion(s):Taken together, we report a failing heart in a mouse model of stress-related sleep disturbance. The neuro-immune axis involvement and molecular mechanisms merit in-depth explorations.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4147667: Elevated Hsp70 Does Not Rescue BAG3 Levels After Hypoxia-Reperfusion Stress or Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4147667-A4147667, November 12, 2024. The co-chaperone BAG3 is critical for protein quality control at the cardiac sarcomere. BAG3 binds to Hsp70 and coordinates the assembly of the CASA (chaperone-assisted selective autophagy) complex, thus supporting proteostasis and cardiomyocyte contractility. BAG3 mutations and/or decreased BAG3 levels are associated with cardiomyopathies, whereas BAG3 overexpression rescues ventricular function after myocardial infarction in mice. Despite BAG3’s promise as a therapeutic target, the mechanisms underlying BAG3 regulation are largely unresolved. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of BAG3 downregulation after stress. We found that BAG3 protein is reduced in human dilated cardiomyopathy hearts compared to non-failing hearts, yet there is an increase inbag3mRNA transcript, suggesting BAG3’s downregulation in heart disease may be controlled post-transcriptionally. To identify these post-transcriptional pathways, we subjected neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) to prolonged hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) stress, which recapitulated the decrease in BAG3 levels observed in human heart disease. Notably, disrupting Hsp70 binding to BAG3 in NRVMs via the drug JG-98 decreases BAG3’s half-life by ~90%, suggesting that Hsp70 protects BAG3 from degradation. Loss of Hsp70-mediated protection could contribute to declining BAG3 levels, so we quantified Hsp70 abundance after H/R stress in NRVMs, finding no significant change. We also found that overexpressing inducible Hsp70 did not rescue BAG3 levels. To examine BAG3 regulationin vivo,we subjected wildtype mice to ischemia-reperfusion injury. After 24 hours, male mice had no change in Hsp70 abundance in the left ventricle, whereas Hsp70 was significantly upregulated in female mice. Despite this difference in Hsp70, BAG3 levels were decreased by ~20% in both sexes. Thus, ourin vivoandin vitrodata both suggest that BAG3 downregulation is not caused by loss of Hsp70 binding/protection. Interestingly, the decline in full-length BAG3 (85 kDa) was accompanied by an increase in a BAG3 cleavage product at 74 kDa. We analyzed this product via mass spectrometry, discovering that it lacks a third of the WW domain, which is involved in autophagy. In future experiments, BAG3 cleavage will be explored as a potential mechanism of BAG3 loss. Such mechanisms will provide insight into how to maintain BAG3 levels, and thus cardiac function, during stress.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4142206: Shear Stress-based Purification Method for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Endothelial Cells

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4142206-A4142206, November 12, 2024. Background:To apply human pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (hPSC-ECs) in regenerative medicine, exploring methods for highly purified ECs is desirable. Cell sorting is a versatile technique for isolating and purifying specific cell types, yet mechanical cell loss persists. Previously, we established a differentiation method for human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ECs (hiPSC-ECs) based on lineage control using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and 8-Bromo cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). However, achieving high hiPSC-ECs purity without cell sorting has not yet been possible.Hypothesis:We speculated that applying digital rocker-generated shear stress during a specific period of hiPSC-EC induction would yield highly purified hiPSC-ECs without cell sorting.Methods:We applied cyclic share stress to the cultured cells using a digital rocker. To optimize the frequency and duration of digital rocker application, ECs purity on day 13 of differentiation (d13) was analyzed by flow cytometry for vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin). Shear stress was measured using a simulation model. The functionality of ECs was evaluated through reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and angiogenesis assay.Results:The optimized protocol consisted of a rocking period from day 5 (representing the EC progenitor stage) to d13, at 30 cycles/min with 13° tilt (equivalent to 1.09 dyn/cm2), which significantly increased the purity of ECs (Control vs Rocking: VE-Cadherin; 69.25±17.43 vs 86.68±6.023 %, P = 0.0090). Examining the number of cells on d13 revealed rocking stimulation reduced both ECs and non-ECs. Non-ECs were nearly absent, suggesting EC purification occurs by removing non-ECs, indicating ECs are more resistant to being eliminated by the rocking stimulation. The rocking culture also led to increased eNOS mRNA expression on d13 (Control vs Rocking: 0.5574±0.4985 vs 1.056±0.1652, P = 0.0393). The angiogenesis assay showed a longer vascular structure length trend in the rocking group, indicating enhanced angiogenic capacity. (Control vs Rocking: 15407±2929 vs 18335±3568 Pixel, P= 0.4309).Conclusion:In this study, we developed a method where digital rocker-generated shear stress during a specific period of hiPSC-EC induction not only selectively purifies ECs without cell sorting, but also enhances endothelial function, demonstrating their therapeutic potential.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4140852: Total Burden of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Incident Cardiovascular Disease Among Women Veterans

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140852-A4140852, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor with high prevalence in women, particularly women veterans (WV). While the impact of PTSD on ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke has been well established, its impact on a comprehensive set of CVD outcomes has not been studied in WV, a growing population at high risk for CVD in the U.S. The goal of this project was to investigate the impact of PTSD on a comprehensive set of CVD conditions in WV.Methods:National Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) electronic health records were used to identify all women who visited any VAs from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2019. PTSD and CVD were identified based on International Classification of Disease versions 9 and 10 diagnoses ( 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient encounter documentations). Incident CVD outcomes included first onset of IHD, stroke, cardiomyopathy/heart failure (HF), pulmonary arterial hypertension/pulmonary hypertension (PH), atrial flutter/fibrillation (AF), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and aortic stenosis (AS). Propensity score matching and Cox survival analyses were performed to assess associations of PTSD with incident CVD outcomes.Results:We identified 622,312 WV, with 140,210 (22.53%) with PTSD. After 1:1 matching, 202,896 patients were included in the final analysis. WV had a mean age of 39.1 years, and the mean [MOU1] follow-up was 5.72 years. Table 1 reveals the association of PTSD with an incident CVD composite and the different component outcomes individually.Conclusion:In a large sample of WV, we demonstrate significant and clinically relevant associations of PTSD with a comprehensive set of incident CVD outcomes. The potential association with some of the specific outcomes warrant further investigation. Maybe more of a call to action for PTSD screening and treatment to potentially offset CVD risk instead?

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4140462: Effects of Right Ventricular vs. Conduction System Pacing on Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Function Reserve and Pulmonary Gas Exchange During Exercise Stress in Pacemaker Dependent Patients with Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140462-A4140462, November 12, 2024. Background:Right ventricular pacing (RVP) can have adverse cardiac effects and cause pacing induced cardiomyopathy (PiCM). His bundle pacing (HBP)&Left Bundle Branch area pacing (LBBAP) mimic physiologic conduction (PhysioP) and maintain biventricular synchrony.Hypothesis and Aims:Reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function reserve in the presence of normal baseline LV ejection fraction (EF) could precede development of RV PiCM. Our aim was to compare the effects of RVP vs. PhysioP on bicycle exercise cardiopulmonary performance in patients with normal LVEF who required pacing for bradyarrhythmias.Methods:Patients with sinus rhythm and RVP or PhysioP&ventricular pacing burden of >70% who completed cardiopulmonary exercise test and simultaneous stress echocardiography (SE) were included. Pulmonary gas exchange was calculated using Ventilation/CO2 production at rest and during exercise. Changes in LV size, EF, longitudinal strain and diastolic function and gas exchange parameters were compared post and pre exercise in the 2 groups.Results:25 of 29 patients completed the study [68 ± 23 yrs, 48% M; LVEF 56±5%, 11 RVP, 14 PhysioP]. There was no difference in baseline demographic&clinical variables, exercise duration, rest and peak heart rate and blood pressure between 2 groups. Pacing duration was 2.61±1.48 yrs in RVP vs. 0.84±0.67 yrs (p=0.003) in the Physio group. Resting echocardiographic parameters (Table 1A)were comparable. Compared to RVP, reduction in LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) 3.4±14.1 ml vs. -23.1±18.1ml, p=0.006)&LV end-systolic volume (ESV -5.7±11.6 ml vs. -18.0±9.5ml, p=0.01) was more pronounced in the PhysioP group. Changes in LVEF, LV strain&diastolic function were not different between the 2 groups (Table 1B). There were no significant differences in changes in pulmonary gas exchange parameters in the 2 groups.Conclusions:In patients with normal LVEF and pacemaker dependent, RVP is associated with impaired but PhysioP with preserved LV systolic function reserve, which can be detected by exercise SE. SE may help identify patients at risk for RV PiCM. Benefit of PhysioP needs to be determined by larger studies with longer follow-up.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4142510: Impact of Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio on Heart Failure and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4142510-A4142510, November 12, 2024. Background:An acute hyperglycemic status is reportedly associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute cardiovascular diseases. Although the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is a novel index to accurately represent the hyperglycemic condition on admission, relations between SHR and clinical outcomes are not fully evaluated in a setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI).Methods:This retrospective, multicenter registry study included 2,386 patients with acute MI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. SHR was calculated as a blood glucose level on admission divided by the estimated average glucose derived from a glycated hemoglobin level. The co-primary endpoints of this study included heart failure (HF)-related events (a composite of all-cause death and worsening and hospitalized HF) and major atherosclerotic cardiovascular events (MACE) (a composite of all-cause death, recurrent MI, and ischemic stroke), during the index hospitalization and after discharge.Results:Of the 2,386 patients, 890 (37.3%) had diabetes, and the median SHR was 1.17 [0.99, 1.45]. HF events and MACE occurred in 680 (28.5%) and 233 (9.8%) during hospitalization. SHR was identified as a factor significantly associated with both in-hospital HF events (adjusted odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.18-2.29, p=0.003) and MACE (adjusted odds ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.03, p=0.009). Among 2,017 patients who survived to discharge and had follow-up information, 195 (9.7%) and 214 (10.6%) experienced HF events and MACE during the median of 536 days after discharge. Patients with the high SHR ( >1.45, 4th quartile) had an increased risk of HF events than those with SHR ≤1.45, while the incidence of MACE after discharge did not differ significantly between the two groups (Figure). The multivariable analysis confirmed the association of SHR with long-term HF events.Conclusions:In patients with acute MI, SHR was predictive of in-hospital outcomes including HF events and MACE, while after discharge, the higher SHR was associated with a higher HF risk but not with MACE. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential incremental benefit of SHR in stratifying patient risks after MI.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4143744: Cross-talk between oxidized LDL, oxidative stress and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: Impact on endothelial function and atherosclerosis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143744-A4143744, November 12, 2024. Introduction/Background:Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are important risk factors of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Previous studies suggested a crosstalk between an activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in atherosclerosis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood.Research Question/Hypothesis:Can we identify novel signaling pathways controlling the molecular crosstalk of the RAAS with ROS and oxLDL in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis?Methods/Approach:The impact of AT1R blockade on oxLDL-induced superoxide anion formation and endothelial dysfunction was studied in human umbilical artery endothelial cells and aortic rings of wild-type mice by chemiluminescence and Mulvany myograph. We cloned 5’-terminal deletions of the AT1R promoter and assessed the luciferase activity in human endothelial cells. Oct-1 binding to the human AT1R promoter region was studied by EMSA. Further assays included real-time PCR, confocal microscopy, Western blotting, G protein reporter assays, phospho-ERK1/2 antibodies and specific siRNAs. The data were validated in heart of obese C57BL/6 mice and cardiac and aortic tissue of AT1a/AT1bdouble knockout micein vivo.Results/Data:AT1R promoter activation studies upon Ang II- and oxLDL-stimulation in endothelial cells revealed that Ang II and oxLDL activate AT1R signaling through G protein Gα12/13, followed by activation of ERK1/2 MAP kinases, and transcription and translation of Oct-1, resulting in up-regulation of AT1R, LOX-1 and NOX2 expression, which could be antagonized by specific inhibitors at each step of the identified signaling cascade. AT1R blockade improved oxLDL-induced endothelial dysfunction in aortic rings of wild-type mice. Male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited upregulation of Oct-1 levels in cardiac tissues, compared to normal controls, while AT1a/AT1bdouble knockout mice demonstrated downregulation of Oct-1, AT1R, LOX-1, and NOX2 on mRNA and protein level in cardiac and aorta tissue, thus confirming the identified signaling cascadein vivo.Conclusions:Oct-1 is an essential transcription factor for Ang II- and oxLDL-induced upregulation of AT1R and LOX-1 expression in endothelium, thus identifying a novel molecular cross-talk of oxLDL with ROS signaling and the RAAS contributing to development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract Or103: Thematic analysis of cardiac arrest survivor-caregiver dyads’ psychosocial intervention needs

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page AOr103-AOr103, November 12, 2024. Background:Emotional distress in cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers (dyads) is prevalent, persistent, and undermines clinical and quality of life outcomes. To date, there is an absence of interventions that address early distress to prevent chronicity.Aim:To inform psychosocial intervention content for new cardiac arrest survivor-caregiver dyads.Methods:Between September 2023 and March 2024, we conducted semi-structured interviews with consecutively admitted cardiac arrest survivor-caregiver dyads from Massachusetts General Hospital early after the survivor’s cardiac arrest (i.e., during the survivor’s index hospitalization or within 1 week of discharge). We audio recorded interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and conducted hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis of the transcripts. At least one member of the dyad must have screened positive for emotional distress (i.e., >8 on either subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). The survivor must have demonstrated sufficient cognitive status for meaningful participation (i.e., >4 on the Short Form Mini Mental State Exam). We prespecified 4 supraordinate domains of inquiry: 1) stressors and psychosocial treatment needs, 2) coping methods, 3) reactions to preliminary content that we presented during the interview, and 4) barriers and facilitators to participation in psychosocial interventions early after cardiac arrest.Results:Dyads (N=13; survivors: female 31%, non-Hispanic White 69%, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest 62%; caregivers: female 77%, non-Hispanic White 62%, spouse/romantic partner 77%) overwhelmingly reported a need for anticipatory guidance and coping skills to address uncertainty, trauma, existential distress, and post-arrest sequelae (Domain 1). To cope (Domain 2), dyads reported utilizing social support, distraction, mind-body techniques, gratitude, and meaning and purpose. After we previewed preliminary content (Domain 3), dyads recommended we prioritize anticipatory guidance and family distress throughout. Regarding barriers and facilitators (Domain 4), dyads suggested interventions be low burden and begin after medical stabilization.Conclusions:Early after cardiac arrest, distressed survivor-caregivers dyads recommend that psychosocial interventions include anticipatory guidance, coping skills training, be low-burden, and begin after medical stabilization. Our findings can inform various early psychosocial intervention approaches for survivors and caregivers.

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Novembre 2024