Adrian Janiszewski

Effects of intracoronary delivery of allogenic bone marrow-derived stem cells expressing heme oxygenase-1 on myocardial reperfusion injury

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) decreases apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of intracoronary infusion of allogenic bone marrow cells (BMC) overexpressing HO-1 in the porcine model of myocardial infarction (MI). MI was produced by balloon occlusion of a coronary artery. BMC were transduced with adenoviruses encoding for HO-1 (HO-1 BMC) or GFP (GFP-BMC) genes. Prior to reperfusion animals received HO-1 BMC, control BMC (unmodified or GFP-BMC) or placebo. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), shortening fraction (SF), end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters (EDD, ESD) were assessed by echocardiography before, 30 minutes (min) and 14 days after reperfusion. BMC significantly improved LVEF and SF early (30 min) after reperfusion as well as after 14 days. Early after reperfusion HO-1 BMC were significantly more effective than control BMC, but after 14 days, there were no differences. There were no effect of cells on LV remodelling and diastolic function. Both HO-1 BMC and control BMC significantly reduced the infarct size vs. placebo (17.2 ± 2.7 and 18.8 ± 2.5, respectively, vs. 27.5 ± 5.1, p= 0.02) in histomorphometry. HO-1-positive donor BMC were detected in the infarct border area in pigs receiving HO-1-cells. No significant differences in expression of inflammatory genes (SDF-1, TNF-α, IL-6, miR21, miR29a and miR133a) in the myocardium were found. In conclusion, intracoronary delivery of allogeneic BMC immediately prior to reperfusion improved the LVEF and reduced the infarct size. HO-1 BMC were not superior to control cells after 14 days, however, produced faster recovery of LVEF. Transplanted cells survived in the peri-infarct zone.

Expression and Complex Formation of MMP9, MMP2, NGAL, and TIMP1 in Porcine Myocardium but Not in Skeletal Muscles in Male Pigs with Tachycardia-Induced Systolic Heart Failure

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the remodeling of extracellular matrix in various tissues. Their functioning could be related to the formation of complexes, containing MMP9, MMP2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases type 1 (TIMP1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Such complexes have not been investigated in either myocardial or skeletal muscles. We examined 20 male pigs with heart failure (HF), and 5 sham-operated animals. There were no differences in the mRNA expression of MMP9, MMP2, TIMP1, and NGAL between diseased and healthy animals, in either left ventricle (LV) myocardium or skeletal muscles. In LV from both diseased and healthy animals, in nonreducing and nondenaturing conditions, we demonstrated the presence of high molecular weight (HMW) complexes (130, 170, and 220 kDa) containing MMP9, TIMP1, and NGAL (also MMP2 in 220 kDa complex) without proteolytic activity, and a proteolytically active 115 kDa MMP9 form together with 72 and 68 kDa bands (proMMP2 and MMP2). Proteolytically active bands were also spontaneously released from HMW complexes. In skeletal muscles from both diseased and healthy animals, in nonreducing and nondenaturing conditions, we found no HMW complexes, and proteolytic activity was associated with the presence of 72 and 68 kDa bands (proMMP2 and MMP2).

Normal electrocardiographic and echocardiographic (M-mode and two-dimensional) values in Polish Landrace pigs

BackgroundSwine are recognized animal models of human cardiovascular diseases. Normal values of cardiac morphology and function have been published for swine but for smaller number of pigs and not for swine whose weights ranged up 100 kg. In order to improve the value of results of an investigation on cardiac morphology and function in swine when such data are extrapolated to humans, the aim of this study was to document electrocardiographic and echocardiographic measures of cardiac morphology and function in swine. The study comprised 170 single and repeated measurements that were made in 132 healthy domestic swine (Sus domesticus) whose weights ranged between 20-160 kg and were used as controls in three different experiments. All electrocardiographic and echocardiographic measurements in all swine were done under general anaesthesia.ResultsStatistically significant correlations were found between body weight and heart rate (HR), the duration of the P-wave, the duration of the QRS interval, the duration of the QT interval, and the corrected QT ratio (QTc). Since body weight was positively correlated with age, statistically significant correlations were also found between age and HR, the duration of the P-wave, the duration of the QRS interval, the duration of the QT interval, and the QTc. We found that the thickness of the left ventricular wall and the internal diameter of the left ventricle increased with age and body weight. We also found positive trends between body weight and ejection fraction and body weight and fractional shortening. We also found a positive relationship between age, body weight, and the ratio of the left ventricular internal diameter to its wall thickness, as well as the relative left atrial size.ConclusionMany electro- and echocardiographic measures of cardiac morphology and function of healthy swine are related to their body weight. When the electro- and echocardiographic measures of domestic swine and humans are compared, the most comparable electrocardiographic values are those that were determined in swine whose body weights are not greater than 70 kg. In contrast, the most comparable echocardiographic measures are those that were determined in swine with a body weight of 40–110 kg.

The Use of a Plastic Guide Improves the Safety and Reduces the Duration of Endotracheal Intubation in the Pig

ABSTRACT The successful endotracheal intubation of pigs using the standard orotracheal method is challenging and technically difficult, because of the pig’s oral anatomy and the presence of excess tissue in the oropharyngeal region. Hence, the operator, who is usually an anesthetist, requires extensive training in order to successfully perform the procedure in pigs. In this report, we describe a safe and quick method of successful endotracheal intubation in the pig using an 80-cm blunt-tipped plastic vascular catheter, when the pig is placed in ventral recumbency. Specifically, the use of this plastic guide wire shortened the duration of the procedure and reduced the risks of the procedure. Since the use of the guide wire also improves the ease of the procedure, its use will also enable inexperienced operators to perform successful first-time endotracheal intubation of pigs without causing injury.

Influence of Docosahexaenoic Acid Obtained from New Generation of Eggs on the Repolarisation of Ventricles in Pigs with Experimental Tachycardiomyopathy

Abstract The influence of docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid obtained from a new generation of eggs on ventricular electrical function of 24 pigs with experimentally induced tachycardiomyopathy was described. Two groups were formed, 12 pigs had experimentally evoked tachycardiomyopathy and were getting standard feed (control group TIC). Twelve pigs with tachycardiomyopathy received feed with an addition of a dietary supplement containing phospholipids isolated from new generation of eggs at a dose of 1,000 mg of DHA/animal/24 h (experimental group TIC). Electrophysiological study was carried out from an external programmer immediately after implantation of the pacemaker. All the tests were carried out in general anaesthesia. After 8 weeks of fast ventricular pacing at 170 bpm in pigs receiving phospholipids obtained from eggs, a statistically significant shortening of ventricular refraction time was observed during sinus rhythm and also during the ventricular pacing of 130 bpm, and 150 bpm in the group of pigs fed standard feed. The ventricular refraction time in the sinus rhythm was significantly longer after 12 weeks of fast pacing and in the pacing at 130 bpm and 150 bpm it was significantly longer after 8 weeks of fast pacing. Phospholipids containing high percentage of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) obtained from new generation of eggs may contribute to the shortening ventricular refraction period after its oral administration. The n-3 PUFA obtained from a new generation of hen eggs may be an alternative to fish oil source of DHA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Tricuspid Dysplasia in Dogs

Abstract The aim of the study was to estimate prevalence of tricuspid dysplasia (TD) in dogs with respect to breed, age, sex, clinical signs, and echocardiographic findings and to compare this data with literature. TD was found in 15 dogs (6.5% of congenital cardiac disease) of 215 dogs with congenital heart defects. All dogs had right heart enlargement on thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and electrocardiography. Doppler echocardiography revealed tricuspid valve regurgitation. Seven dogs presented no clinical symptoms to date. TD took the form of Ebstein anomaly in all Labrador Retrievers, one Boxer, and one German Shepherd dog. TD predominated in males (11 males vs. three females). The body weight of the affected dogs, with the exception of the Miniature Schnauzer, exceeded 20 kg. Two dogs (Boxer and Bull Terrier) had additional congenital cardiac lesions in the form of mitral valve dysplasia. The most affected breeds in the study were the Labrador Retriever and Boxer.

Changes in parasympathetic system in medulla oblongata in male pigs in the course of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND Autonomic imbalance constituting a fundamental feature of heart failure (HF) has been assessed mainly at the periphery. Changes in the functioning of autonomic centers in the brain remain unclear. We investigated the molecular elements of parasympathetic system, i.e. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and enzymes metabolizing acetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase, AChE, choline acetyltransferase, ChAT) in medulla oblongata (MO) of male pigs with chronic tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. METHODS The mRNA levels of AChE, ChAT, α7nAChR and X-box binding protein 1 (spliced form, XBP1s) in MO were analyzed using qPCR, AChE and ChAT activities using spectrophotometry, proteasome activity using fluorometry, and the protein level of α7nAChR using Western blotting. RESULTS The development of systolic HF was accompanied by an increase in circulating catecholamines, a decrease in the AChE and α7nAChR mRNA in MO, an increase in AChE activity (all p<0.05), and no change in either the mRNA or activity of ChAT. Both circulating catecholamine levels and AChE activity were inversely related to systolic function of left myocardial ventricle (p<0.05). The level of α7nAChR protein in MO and its cytoplasmatic fraction were higher in pigs with moderate and severe HF as compared to the other animals (p<0.01). There was no difference in proteasome activity in MO between diseased and healthy animals, whereas the XBP1s mRNA decreased during HF progression (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Molecular elements of parasympathetic system are changed within the medulla oblongata during the progression of systolic non-ischemic heart failure in male pigs, indicating a functional link between MO and heart in HF.

Analysis of haematological and biochemical blood parameters after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in dogs

Abstract Introduction Electrical cardioversion is a therapeutic procedure used to convert various types of arrhythmias back to sinus rhythm. It is used to restore the sinus rhythm in dogs with atrial fibrillation. The effect of the electrical energy used during cardioversion on red blood cells (RBC) is not fully understood. Studies on humans reported lysis of RBC following electrical cardioversion. Similar studies have not been carried out on dogs. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of electrical cardioversion on chosen RBC parameters. Material and Methods The study was carried out on 14 large and giant breed dogs weighing from 30 to 84 kg with lone atrial fibrillation (lone AF). Electrical cardioversion was carried out under general anaesthesia by biphasic shock with 70–360 J of energy. Blood was collected at T0 – during atrial fibrillation, prior to cardioversion, and at T1 – 30 min after electrical cardioversion. Complete blood counts as well as total and direct bilirubin concentrations were evaluated. A maximum output of 360 J was used. Results In all cases, electrical cardioversion was effective, and no significant changes in the number of RBC and RBC indices were noted. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of total and direct bilirubin. Conclusion Electrical cardioversion in dogs led neither to statistically nor clinically significant RBC lysis.

Intracardiac electrophysiological conduction parameters in adult dogs

ABSTRACT Background: Invasive electrophysiology study (EPS) is one of the most important adjunct tests for the evaluation of arrhythmias in human medicine. However, EPS is neither well known nor widely used in veterinary medicine. Objective: To define the values for intracardiac conduction parameters determined during invasive EPS in dogs. Animals and methods: The study included 16 admitted dogs of various breeds, sex and ages and 6 control Beagles. In the Beagles, EPS was performed twice at 6-month intervals in order to verify the reproducibility of the results. Results: No significant differences were found between the results of the baseline and repeated EPS performed in the Beagles. We found retrograde conduction in 13 (59%) out of 22 dogs and including 4 (31%) animals with concomitant ‘jumps’ in the atrioventricular node conduction curve, pointing to the presence of dual conduction in this node. The mean values of the AV and retrograde VA Wenckebach points equaled to 220 and 360 ms, respectively, suggesting that the capability of the descending route is higher than that of the ascending route. Conclusion: The values determined in this study may be helpful in early detection of abnormalities in the electrical conduction system of the heart.

Late Amplatzer device displacement after percutaneous PDA embolization: case description.

A 6-month-old, 17 kg, male Labrador Retriever was presented for an evaluation of a suspected patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Two weeks prior to presentation, the dog had an episode of weakness, dyspnea, and coughing. Thoracic radiographs showed left-sided cardiomegaly and mild pulmonary edema. Hence, the referring veterinarian administered furosemide at 3 mg/ kg PO q 12 h and benazepril at 0.6 mg/kg PO q 24 h. The examination performed at the cardiology unit of the Department of Internal Diseases with Clinic for Horses, Dogs, and Cats of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland, revealed a grade V/VI left basilar continuous murmur. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed a left-to-right shunting PDA with a minimal ductal diameter of 3.5 mm. Additionally, mitral regurgitation and an enlargement of the main pulmonary artery with mild pulmonary valve insufficiency was reported. Blood work did not show any abnormalities, so a decision was made to perform a transcatheter PDA occlusion. Case description