32 research outputs found
Recommended from our members
Comparative anatomy and angiography of the cardiac coronary venous system in four species: human, ovine, porcine, and canine.
INTRODUCTION: The coronary arterial system has been the subject of greater investigation than its venous system due to the importance of human coronary artery disease. With the advent of new percutaneous treatments, the anatomy of the coronary venous system has increasing relevancy. We compared the organization of the coronary venous circulation in three species commonly used in research and compared these to normal humans using both macroscopic anatomic and angiographic studies. ANIMALS: The anatomy of five explanted hearts from healthy dogs, pigs, and sheep were studied macroscopically, and 10 explanted hearts per animal species and 10 clinically normal human were examined by angiography. METHODS: Animal hearts were injected with latex and dissected macroscopically. The coronary venous system of humans was evaluated from clinical angiographic studies. In the animal hearts, a retrograde angiographic study was performed via a Foley catheter in the coronary sinus. RESULTS: The general organization of the coronary venous circulation was similar among humans, dogs, sheep, and pigs. Despite overall similarities to humans, animal hearts demonstrated the absence of the oblique vein of the left atrium and differences in position and organization of venous valves; venous diameters; number of tributary veins; and presence of an anastomosis between the left and right (human anterior and posterior) venous tree. The left azygos of the pig and sheep joined the coronary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical differences must be considered when planning biomedical and veterinary studies incorporating cardiac veins. This study provides baseline data regarding structure and organization of the cardiac venous system
Fibrous skeleton of the heart: Anatomic overview and evaluation of pathologic conditions with CT and MR imaging
Pharmacological Inhibition of Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1A Reduces Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice by a Mechanism Involving Decreased Oxidative Stress and Inflammation; Potential Implications in Human Atherosclerosis
Dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms promote transcriptomic and phenotypic alterations in cardiovascular diseases. The role of histone methylation-related pathways in atherosclerosis is largely unknown. We hypothesize that lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1/KDM1A) regulates key molecular effectors and pathways linked to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Human non-atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic tissue specimens, ApoE-/- mice, and in vitro polarized macrophages (Mac) were examined. Male ApoE-/- mice fed a normal/atherogenic diet were randomized to receive GSK2879552, a highly specific LSD1 inhibitor, or its vehicle, for 4 weeks. The mRNA and protein expression levels of LSD1/KDM1A were significantly elevated in atherosclerotic human carotid arteries, atherosclerotic aortas of ApoE-/- mice, and M1-Mac. Treatment of ApoE-/- mice with GSK2879552 significantly reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesions and the aortic expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (Nox1/2/4, p22phox) and 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts. Concomitantly, the markers of immune cell infiltration and vascular inflammation were significantly decreased. LSD1 blockade down-regulated the expression of genes associated with Mac pro-inflammatory phenotype. Nox subunit transcript levels were significantly elevated in HEK293 reporter cells overexpressing LSD1. In experimental atherosclerosis, LSD1 mediates the up-regulation of molecular effectors connected to oxidative stress and inflammation. Together, these data indicate that LSD1-pharmacological interventions are novel targets for supportive therapeutic strategies in atherosclerosis