Risk Stratification and Prognosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Current guidelines for managing pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)recommend a risk strati-fication approach.However,the applicability and accuracy of these strategies for PAH associated with congenital heart disease(PAH-CHD)require further validation.This study aims to validate the reliability and predictive accuracy of a simplified stratification strategy for PAH-CHD patients over a three-year follow-up.Additionally,new prognostic variables are identified and novel risk stratification methods are developed for assessing and managing PAH-CHD patients.Methods:This retrospective study included 126 PAH-CHD patients.Clinical and biochemical variables across risk groups were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher’s exact tests.Indepen-dent risk factors were identified using ordered logistic regression,while Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses evaluated their impact on all-cause mortality.A new stratification model for the PAH-CHD population was constructed based on these analyses.Results:Significant survival differences across stratified risk groups were observed(p<0.001),validating the effectiveness of the simplified risk stratification method in PAH-CHD patients.Prothrombin activity was a strong independent predictor of adverse outcomes of PAH-CHD patients(Hazard ratio 0.95,p<0.001,C-index 0.70).A model combining N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide,prothrombin activity,albumin,and right atrial area achieved an area under the curve of 0.89 and a C-index of 0.85.Conclusions:The simplified risk stratification method is applicable to PAH-CHD patients.Prothrombin activity is a strong independent predictor of adverse outcomes.A comprehensive risk stratification approach,incorporating both established and novel biomarkers,enhances accessibility and offers predictive efficacy during follow-up for PAH-CHD patients,comparable to established models.

Mufangji tang ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension through improving vascular remodeling,inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress,and inducing apoptosis

Background:Mufangji tang(MFJT)is composed of Ramulus Cinnamomi,Radix Ginseng,Cocculus orbiculatus(Linn.)DC.,and Gypsum.In clinical settings,MFJT has been effectively employed in addressing a range of respiratory disorders,notably including pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).However,the mechanism of action of MFJT on PAH remains unknown.Methods:In this study,a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model was established and treated with MFJT.The therapeutic effects of MFJT on PAH rat model were evaluated.Network pharmacology was conducted to screen the possible targets for MFJT on PAH,and the molecular docking between the main active components and the core targets was carried out.The key targets identified from network pharmacology were tested.Results:Results showed significant therapeutic effects of MFJT on PAH rat model.Analysis of network pharmacology revealed several potential targets related to apoptosis,inflammation,oxidative stress,and vascular remodeling.Molecular docking showed that the key components were well docked with the core targets.Further experimental validation results that MFJT treatment induced apoptosis(downregulated Bcl-2 levels and upregulated Bax levels in lung tissue),inhibited inflammatory response and oxdative stress(decreased the levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,inducible NOS,and malondialdehyde,and increased the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase,nitric oxide,glutathione and superoxide dismutase),reduced the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells(downregulated ET-1 andβ-catenin levels and ERK1/2 phosphorylation,increased GSK3βlevels).Conclusion:Our study revealed MFJT treatment could alleviate PAH in rats via induction of apoptosis,inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress,and the prevention of vascular remodeling.

Rutaecarpine attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in a Sprague-Dawley rat model

Background:Pulmonary arterial hypertension presents with obliterative remodeling of the pulmonary arteries and progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance,which increase the risk of right ventricular failure and death.It has been reported in previous studies that rutaecarpine plays a crucial role in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities,which may help regulate cell apoptosis and cell proliferation.The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of rutaecarpine in the rat model of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension.Methods:We induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting monocrotaline(60 mg/kg)and then treated with rutaecarpine(40 mg/kg·d)or sildenafil(30 mg/kg·d)(positive control).Subsequently,pulmonary function,inflammation,cytokines and pulmonary vascular remodeling or proliferation were assessed.Results:Rutaecarpine was found to improve monocrotaline-induced mean pulmonary artery pressure,cardiac index,right heart index,right ventricular hypertrophy index,pulmonary artery remodeling and pulmonary function.reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated a decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β,whereas western blots a significantly decrease in the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B,endothelin-1,extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2,B cell lymphoma-2,Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein1 light chain 3-II protein,and increase in the expression of Bax,caspase-3 and p62 protein.Conclusion:Rutaecarpine attenuated pulmonary arterial hypertension by inhibiting inflammation,oxidative stress,cell proliferation and autophagy,while promoting apoptosis.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterization following COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a disease of the arterioles resulting in an increased resistance in pulmonary circulation with associated high pressures in the pulmonary arteries,causing irreversible remodeling of the pulmonary arterial walls.Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been associated with development of new onset PAH in the literature leading to symptoms of dyspnea,cough and fatigue that persist in spite of resolution of acute COVID-19 infection.However,the majority of these cases of COVID related PAH were diagnosed using echocardiographic data or via right heart catheterization in mechanically ventilated patients.CASE SUMMARY Our case is the first reported case of COVID related PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterization in a non-mechanically ventilated patient.Right heart catheterization has been the gold standard for diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.Our patient had right heart catheterization four months after her initial COVID-19 infection due to persistent dyspnea.CONCLUSION This revealed new onset PAH that developed following her infection with COVID-19,an emerging sequela of the infection.

Intervention control of aerobic exercise in maintaining quality of life and pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension is a serious complication in the treatment of maintenance hemodialysis patients,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and threatens their life safety.Prevention,treatment and improvement of pulmonary hypertension are of great significance to improve the quality of life of patients.AIM To investigate the intervention and control of pedal-powered bicycle in maintaining quality of life and pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients.METHODS 73 patients with maintenance hemadialysis combined with pulmonary arterial hypertension at a hemodialysis center in a certain hospital from May 2021 to May 2022 are selected.Patients are divided into two groups,37 cases in the control group(group C)and 36 cases in the intervention group(group I).Patients are divided into two groups,group C is treated with oral administration of betaglandin sodium combined with routine nursing care.Based on group C,group I conducts power cycling exercises.RESULTS After treatment,group I patients had higher muscle strength,36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores,and Kidney Disease Targets Areas scores;The 6-minute walk distance test index level was higher and the Borg score was lower;The group I had lower systolic blood pressure,greater vital capacity,higher positive emotion,lower systolic pulmonary artery pressure index level,higher arterial partial oxygen pressure level,lower pulmonary vascular resistance index level,and higher blood oxygen saturation level[158.91±11.89 vs 152.56±12.81,1795.01±603.18 vs 1907.20±574.15,24.00(22.00,29.00)vs 24.00(22.00,28.00),P<0.001].CONCLUSION Aerobic exercise combined with Western medicine treatment can effectively improve patients'pulmonary hypertension,alleviate their negative emotions,and enable them to achieve a higher level of quality of life.

Prognostic value of the echocardiographic right/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ratio in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background Previous studies have shown that an echocardiographic right/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ratio(RV/LV ratio)≥0.9 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. The prognostic value of the RV/LV ratio in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension(IPAH) is still unknown. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 95 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed IPAH and 16 of them were reevaluated by echocardiography at 3-12 months following targeted therapy.Follow-up data were obtained by telephone interviews and review of the patients’ records.Results The RV/LV ratio was in parallel with the severity of World Health Orgnization(WHO) functional class and mean right atrial pressure.The RV/LV ratio was positively correlated with total pulmonary resistance(P P P 2 saturation(P P = 0.001),weight and absence of targeted therapy were independent predictors of death.No significant changes in the RV/LV ratio before and after targeted therapy were observed. A baseline RV/LV ratio≥0.84 or a further increase in the RV/LV ratio during targeted therapy indicated a poor prognosis. Conclusions The RV/LV ratio helps to assess the severity of IPAH and serves as an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with IPAH.

Contribution of oxidative stress to pulmonary arterial hypertension

Recent data implicate oxidative stress as a mediator of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and of the associated pathological changes to the pulmonary vasculature and right ventricle (RV). Increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered redox state, and elevated oxidant stress have been demonstrated in the lungs and RV of several animal models of PH, including chronic hypoxia, monocrotaline toxicity, caveolin-1 knock-out mouse, and the transgenic Ren2 rat which overexpresses the mouse renin gene. Generation of ROS in these models is derived mostly from the activities of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases, xanthine oxidase, and uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase. As disease progresses circulating monocytes and bone marrow-derived monocytic progenitor cells are attracted to and accumulate in the pulmonary vasculature. Once established, these inflammatory cells generate ROS and secrete mitogenic and fibrogenic cytokines that induce cell proliferation and fibrosis in the vascular wall resulting in progressive vascular remodeling. Deficiencies in antioxidant enzymes also contribute to pulmonary hypertensive states. Current therapies were developed to improve endothelial function, reduce pulmonary artery pressure, and slow the progression of vascular remodeling in the pulmonary vasculature by targeting deficiencies in either NO (PDE-type 5 inhibition) or PGI 2 (prostacyclin analogs), or excessive synthesis of ET-1 (ET receptor blockers) with the intent to improve patient clinical status and survival. New therapies may slow disease progression to some extent, but long term management has not been achieved and mortality is still high. Although little is known concerning the effects of current pulmonary arterial hypertension treatments on RV structure and function, interest in this area is increasing. Development of therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target pathology in the pulmonary vasculature and RV may be beneficial in reducing mortality associated with RV failure.

Transgelin as a potential target in the reversibility of pulmonary arterial hypertension second to congenital heart disease

Background The reversibility of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)in congenital heart disease(CHD)is of great importance for the operability of CHD.Proteomics analysis found that transgelin was significantly upregulated in the lung tissue of CHD-PAH patients,especially in the irreversible group.However,how exactly it participated in CHD-PAH development is unknown.

Prevalence of Anti-endothelial Cell Antibodies in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Connective Tissue Diseases

Objective To investigate the prevalence of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) in the sera of connective tissue diseases (CTD) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and its correlation with clinical manifestations. Methods AECAs in sera of 39 CTD patients with PAH,22 CTD patients without PAH,and 10 healthy donors as controls were detected with Western blotting. The prevalence of different AECAs in different groups was compared and its correlation with clinical manifestations was also investigated. Results The prevalence of AECAs was 82.1% in CTD patients with PAH,72.7% in CTD patients without PAH,and 20.0% in healthy donors. Anti-22 kD AECA was only detected in CTD patients with PAH (15.4%). Anti-75 kD AECA was more frequently detected in CTD patients with PAH than in those without PAH (51.3% vs. 22.7%,P<0.05). In CTD patients with PAH,anti-75 kD AECA was more frequently detected in those with Raynaud’s phenomenon or with positive anti-RNP antibody. Conclusion AECAs could be frequently detected in CTD patients with or without PAH,while anti-22 kD and anti-75 kD AECA might be specific in CTD patients with PAH.

Proteomic analysis of the serum in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension(IPAH) is a rare disease of unknown etiology.The exact pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension is still not well known.In the past decades,many protein molecules have been found to be in-volved in the development of IPAH.With proteomic techniques,profiling of human plasma proteome becomes more feasible in searching for disease-related markers.In present study,we showed the protein expression profiles of the serum of IPAH and healthy controls after depleting a few high-abundant proteins in serum.Thirteen spots had changed significantly in IPAH com-pared with healthy controls and were identified by LC-MS/MS.Alpha-1-antitrypsin and vitronectin were down-regulated in IPAH and may be valuable candidates for further explorations of their roles in the development of IPAH.

Home-made fenestrated amplatzer occluder for atrial septal defect and pulmonary arterial hypertension

We report the management of a patient with secundum atrial septal defect （ASD） and severe pulmonary hypertension. A 65-year-old male with recently diagnosed atrial septal defect was referred to our centre for decompensated right heart failure with rest and exercise induced dispnea and severe pulmonary hypertension. Right heart catheterization confirmed a mean pulmonary pressure of about 55 mmHg and a Qp/Qs of 2.7. An occlusion test with a compliant large balloon demonstrated partial fall of pulmonary arterial pressure. The implantation of a home-made fenestrated Amplatzer ASD Occluder （ASO） was planned in order to decrease left-to-right shunt and promote further decrease of pulmonary arterial pressure in the long-term. Thus, by means of mechanical intracardiac echocardiography study with a 9F 9 MHz Ultralce catheter （Boston Scientific Corp.）, we selected a 34 mm ASO for implantation. Four millimeter fenestration was made inflating a 4 mm non-compliant coronary balloon throughout the waist of the ASO, which was successfully implanted under intmcardiac echocardiography. After six months, a decrease of pulmonary arterial pressure to 24 mmHg and full compensated right heart failure was observed on transthoracic echocardiography and clinical examination. This case suggests that Wanscatheter closure with home-made fenestrated ASD in elderly patients with severe pulmonary hypertension is feasible.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Medical Management of the Adult Patient with Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease(CHD)-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)includes a heterogeneous patient population that can be characterized by the underlying cardiac malformation.CHD-associated PAH has an estimated prevalence of 5– 10% in adult patients,with an increasing number of patients surviving to adulthood because of advances in the surgical management and the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)-targeted pharmacotherapy.Although limited data exist,targeted PAH pharmacotherapy has proven to be benefi cial in patients with CHD-associated PAH,with observed improvement in functional class,increase in exercise capacity,and improvement in quality of life and cardiopulmonary hemodynamics.Additionally,there has been increasing interest in the“treat-to-close”strategy.PAH-targeted pharmacotherapy may be used to optimize cardiopulmonary hemodynamics so as to improve patients’operability in repairing the cardiac defect.Although there have been signifi cant advances in the management of this disease state in the past 2 decades,mortality remains high,and ongoing clinical trials are needed to better understand the treat-to-close strategy.

Why there is a need to discuss pulmonary hypertension other than pulmonary arterial hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension(PH) is a condition characterized by the elevation of the mean pulmonary artery pressure above 25 mm Hg and the pulmonary vascular resistance above 3 wood units. Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH) is an uncommon conditionwith severe morbidity and mortality, needing early recognition and appropriate and specific treatment. PH is frequently associated with hypoxemia, mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and DPLD and/or left heart diseases(LHD), mainly heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Although in the majority of patients with PH the cause is not PAH, a significant number of published studies are still in regard to group Ⅰ PH, leading to a logical assumption that PH due to other causes is not such an important issue. So, is there a reason to discuss PH other than PAH? Chronic lung diseases, mainly chronic obstructive lung disease and DPLD, are associated with a high incidence of PH which is linked to exercise limitations and a worse prognosis. Although pathophysiological studies suggest that specific PAH therapy may benefit such patients, the results presented from small studies in regard to the safety and effectiveness of the specific PAH therapy are discouraging. PH is a common complication of left heart disease and is related to disease severity, especially in patients with reduced ejection fraction. There are two types of PH related to LHD based on diastolic pressure difference(DPD, defined as diastolic pulmonary artery pressure- mean PAWP): Isolated post-capillary PH, defined as PAWP > 15 mm Hg and DPD < 7 mm Hg, and combined post-capillary PH and pre-capillary PH, defined as PAWP > 15 mm Hg and DPD ≥ 7 mm Hg. The potential use of PAH therapies in patients with PH related to left heart disease is based on a logical pathobiological rationale. In patients with heart failure, endothelial dysfunction has been proposed as a cause of PH and hence as a target for treatment, supported by the presence of increased endothelin-1 activity and impaired nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation. Unfortunately, so far, there is no evidence supporting the use of specific PAH therapies in patients with PH related to left heart disease. In conclusion, the presence of PH in patients with conditions other than PAH contributes to the severity of the disease, affecting the outcome and quality of life. The disappointing results regarding the effectiveness of specific PAH therapies in patients withchronic lung diseases and LHD underline the need for seeking new underlying mechanisms and thus novel therapies targeting PH due to left heart disease and/or lung diseases.

Selexipag as Add-on Therapy for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease:A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Purpose:This study examined the efficacy and safety of selexipag in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)associated with congenital heart disease(CHD).Materials and Methods:We conducted a retrospective study of patients with CHD-associated PAH,treated with selexipag since December 2017.Thirteen adult patients(mean age,45.4 years;women,77%)were treated with selexipag as add-on therapy.Baseline characteristics,World Health Organization functional class,6-minute walking distance(6MWD)test results,N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels,echocardiographic data,and incidence of side effects were assessed.Results:The majority of patients(12/13,92.3%)experienced more than one treatment-associated complication;one patient dropped out of the study due to intolerable myalgia.The results of 6MWD test(from 299.2±56.2 m to 363.8±86.5 m,p=0.039)and tricuspid regurgitation(TR)pressure gradient(from 84.7±20.5 mmHg to 61.6±24.0 mmHg,p=0.018)improved and remained improved after selexipag treatment in 12 patients.Based on the results of a non-invasive risk assessment,8(66.7%)patients showed improvement,3(25.0%)showed no interval change,and the status of one patient(8.3%)deteriorated.Moreover,compared to patients treated with a low dosage,patients treated with a medium-to-high dosage showed a greater increase in 6MWD results(88.3±26.4 m vs.55.3±27.6 m,p=0.043)and a greater reduction in the TR pressure gradient(-33.7±10.9 mmHg vs.-12.5±12.0 mmHg,p=0.015).Conclusion:Selexipag is an efficient pulmonary vasodilator as add-on therapy in treating CHD-associated PAH.

NOTCH3 Mutations and CADASIL Phenotype in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease

Background:The etiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease(PAHCHD)is complicated and the phenotype is heterogeneous.Genetic defects of NOTCH3 were associated withcerebral disease and pulmonary hypertension.However,the relationship between NOTCH3 mutations and theclinical phenotype has not been reported in CHD-PAH.Methods:We eventually enrolled 142 PAH-CHD patientsfrom Fuwai Hospital.Whole exome sequencing(WES)was performed to screen the rare deleterious variants ofNOTCH3 gene.Results:This PAH-CHD cohort included 43(30.3%)men and 99(69.7%)women with the meanage 29.8±10.9 years old.The pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations of NOTCH3 were identified in five cases.Patients 2,5,8 and 11 carried the same NOTCH3 mutation c.1630C>T(pArg544Cys),which is the hot-spotmutation for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy(CADASIL).Patient 3 carried the NOTCH3 mutation p.Arg75Gln that has also been reported to be associatedwith the CADASIL.Patients 2,5,8,11 took the examination of the cerebral magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and confirmed the phenotype of CADASIL.Conclusions:We first reported the NOTCH3 rare mutationsand CADASIL phenotypes in CHD-PAH patients.The NOTCH3 rare variants were with a relatively high positiverate and CADASIL phenotypes were likely enriched in PAH-CHD patients.The preoperative neurological examinationmight be recommended for PAH-CHD patients to determine the surgical contraindications and reduceintraoperative neurological complications.

Perioperative Nursing for Adult Congenital Heart Disease with Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Objectives: To explore the main points of perioperative nursing for adult congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods: A retrospective study of 13 patients with congenital heart disease and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension who admitted to the perioperative period of care from January 2018 to December 2019. To prevent perioperative complications of the patients, the focus is on respiratory and circulatory system care, followed by blood coagulation monitoring, digestive system protection and psychological care. Results: All 13 patients passed the perioperative period and were discharged from ICU. Conclusion: Adult congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension has high perioperative risk, respiratory and circulatory system care is the key.

Screening key target genes for pulmonary arterial hypertension based on bioinformatics

Background:Screening key target genes for pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)based on bioinformatics to provide a reference for the clinical development of drugs to cure PAH.Methods:The keyword“pulmonary arterial hypertension”was used to search related genes in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database(NCBI).The obtained genes data was input to the database of Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)(Version 6.8)to collect relevant information about pathways and genes.And the data of genes were enriched in 37 pathways and genes with occurrence frequency≥10 were respectively imported into the String database to construct protein-protein interaction(PPI)network diagrams,and the two network diagrams were compared.Results:VEGFA,MAPK1,MAPK3,IL6,JUN and TNF were among the highest-ranked genes in two network diagrams.Conclusion:The pathogenesis of PAH is associated with multiple pathways such as the TGF-βsignaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway and so on.The study of VEGFA,MAPK1,MAPK3,IL6,JUN and TNF are closely related to PAH is necessary for us to study further.Through gene interaction network and pathway analysis of disease-associated genes,which will help us to screen the critical target genes of PAH and provide a reference for clinical development of effective drugs for PAH.

Treatment with neurohormonal inhibitors and prognostic outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension with risk factors for left heart disease

BACKGROUND Despite major advances in pharmacologic treatment,patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)still have a considerably reduced life expectancy.In this context,chronic hyperactivity of the neurohormonal axis has been shown to be detrimental in PAH,thus providing novel insights on the role of neurohormonal blockade as a potential therapeutic target.AIM To evaluate the application and prognostic effect of neurohormonal inhibitors(NEUi)in a single-center sample of patients with idiopathic PAH and risk factors for left heart disease.METHODS We analyzed data retrospectively collected from our register of right heart catheterizations performed consecutively from January 1,2005 to October 31,2018.Patients on beta-blocker,angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor,angiotensin receptor blocker or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist at the time of right heart catheterization were classified as NEUi users and compared to NEUi nonrecipients.RESULTS Complete data were available for 57 PAH subjects:27 of those(47.4%)were taking at least one NEUi at the time of right heart catheterization and were compared with the remaining 36 NEUi non-recipients.NEUi users were older and had a higher cardiovascular risk profile compared to non-recipients.Additionally,NEUi non-users had a higher probability of dying during the course of follow-up than NEUi recipients(56.7%vs 25.9%,log-rank P=0.020).CONCLUSION The above data highlighted a subgroup of patients with PAH and comorbidities for left heart disease in which NEUi use has shown to be associated with improved survival.Future prospective studies are needed to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategies in this subset population.

Salvianolic acid A attenuates vascular remodeling in a pulmonary arterial hypertension rat model

OBJECTIVE The current therapeutic approaches have a limited effect on the dysregulated pulmonary vascular remodeling,which is characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).In this study we exam-ined whether salvianolic acid A(SAA)extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine′Dan Shen′attenuated vascular remodeling in a PAH rat model,and elucidated the underlying mechanisms.METHODS PAH was induced in rats by injecting a single dose of monocrotaline(MCT 60 mg·kg-1,sc).The rats were orally treated with either SAA(0.3,1,3 mg·kg-1·d-1)or a positive control bosentan(30 mg·kg-1·d-1)for 4 weeks.Echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements were performed on d 28.Then the hearts and lungs were harvested,the organ indices and pulmonary artery wall thickness were calculated,and biochemical and histochemical analysis were conducted.The levels of apoptotic and signaling proteins in the lungs were measured using immunoblotting.RESULTS Treatment with SAA or bosentan effectively ameliorated MCTinduced pulmonary artery remodeling,pulmonary hemodynamic abnormalities and the subsequent increases of right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP).Furthermore,the treatments significantly attenuated MCT-induced hypertrophic damage of myocardium,parenchymal injury and collagen deposition in the lungs.Moreover,the treatments attenuated MCT-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in the lungs.The treatments partially restored MCT-induced reductions of bone morphogenetic protein typeⅡreceptor(BMPRⅡ)and phosphorylated Smad1/5 in the lungs.CONCLUSION SAA ameliorates the pulmonary arterial remodeling in MCT-induced PAH rats most likely via activating the BMPRⅡ-Smad pathway and inhibiting apoptosis.Thus,SAA may have therapeutic potential for the patients at high risk of PAH.

Sodium dichloroacetate could inhibit the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition:a novel treatment target for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background and Purpose Recent studies found endothelialto-mesenchymal transition(EndoMT)played an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension.Our pilot research demonstrated the existence of Warburg effect in the lung tissue of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.However the relationships and the underlying mechanisms between EndoMT and Warburg effect have not been elucidated.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to determine whether metabolic reprogramming happens in EndoMT cells.We also want to investigate whether sodium dichloroacetate(DCA),a metabolic modulator,could prevent EndoMT by inhibiting Warburg effect.