Protective effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy in a canine model with experimental heart failure by

Xue Gong1,2, Ziqing Yu2,3, Zheyong Huang2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, DeltaHealth Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves heart failure by downregulating Calpain-1 (CAPN1), enhancing mitochondrial function, and reducing fibrosis. This molecular insight clarifies CRT

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Heart failure is often associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy metabolism.
  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for heart failure, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changes in mitochondria-associated proteins and signaling pathways in heart failure and following CRT.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CRT's therapeutic effects.

Main Methods:

  • Proteomic analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with 2D-LC-MS/MS was performed on myocardial mitochondria from beagle dogs.
  • Dogs were assigned to control, heart failure (HF), or CRT groups.

Main Results:

  • 2190 proteins were identified; 234 were differentially expressed in HF vs. control, and 151 in CRT vs. HF.
  • CRT treatment reversed the expression of 192 HF-related proteins and 128 CRT-specific proteins.
  • Calpain-1 (CAPN1), a mitochondria-localized protein involved in calcium signaling, was upregulated in HF and downregulated by CRT, correlating with improved mitochondrial function and reduced fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • CRT improves cardiac function and reduces myocardial fibrosis in heart failure.
  • Downregulation of Calpain-1 (CAPN1) is a key molecular mechanism by which CRT enhances mitochondrial function and improves cardiac outcomes.