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Augmentation of left ventricular mechanics by recirculation‐mediated AAV2/1–SERCA2a gene delivery in experimental heart failure
Author(s) -
Mariani Justin A.,
Smolic Anka,
Preovolos Arthur,
Byrne Melissa J.,
Power John M.,
Kaye David M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
european journal of heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.149
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1879-0844
pISSN - 1388-9842
DOI - 10.1093/eurjhf/hfq234
Subject(s) - heart failure , medicine , cardiology
Aims Down‐regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2a) is a key molecular abnormality in heart failure (HF), which is not currently addressed by specific pharmacotherapy. We sought to evaluate, in detail, the impact of augmented SERCA2a expression on left ventricular (LV) mechanics in a large animal model of HF. Methods and results Heart failure was induced in adult sheep by rapid pacing (180 b.p.m.) for 1 month, followed by delivery of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) 2/1–SERCA, using a percutaneous, recirculating system for gene delivery over a 10 min period. Left ventricular mechanics was investigated by echocardiography and conductance catheter measurements in sheep receiving AAV2/1–SERCA2a after a further 4 weeks of pacing in comparison with untreated HF controls. Left ventricular function was significantly improved in the AAV2/1–SERCA2a‐treated group, despite continued pacing, as measured by fractional shortening (delta absolute FS, control −4.2 ± 1.5% vs. treatment 4.4 ± 1.5%; P < 0.01) and conductance catheterization (delta Ees, control −1.22 ± 0.60 vs. treatment 0.65 ± 0.51; P < 0.05). Western blots showed an increase in SERCA protein in AAV2/1–SERCA2a‐treated animals, and an analysis of gene delivery showed no evidence of regional myocardial heterogeneity in the distribution of AAV2/1–SERCA. Conclusion In a large animal model, AAV2/1‐mediated SERCA2a gene delivery using percutaneous, recirculating cardiac delivery leads to improved LV function.