Carotid Occlusion Accentuates Aortic Stenosis and Cardiac Remodeling With Preserved Systolic Function in LDL
Yandong Liu1, Jiawei Cai1, Lefeng Qu1
1Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Carotid artery disease worsens aortic stenosis and causes heart changes in mice. Atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery may drive these cardiac conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Atherosclerosis Studies
- Cardiac Pathology
Background:
- Carotid atherosclerotic disease frequently co-occurs with aortic stenosis and diminished cardiac function.
- The causal relationship between carotid and cardiac conditions remains unclear.
- Investigating the impact of carotid stenosis/occlusion on cardiac structure and function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effects of carotid stenosis or occlusion on cardiac pathology and function in an animal model.
- To explore the potential role of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in the development of aortic stenosis and ventricular remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Atherogenic mice (n=36) underwent carotid obstruction or stenosis via 150-μm or 300-μm tandem surgery or sham procedures.
- Cardiac structure and function were evaluated using histology and animal ultrasound.
- Assessment included plaque burden, aortic valve leaflet thickness, left ventricular wall thickness, internal diameter, myocardial fibrosis, and systolic function.
Main Results:
- The 150-μm carotid stenosis group exhibited increased aortic root plaque burden and thicker aortic valve leaflets compared to controls.
- Both surgical groups showed a thicker left ventricular posterior wall and reduced internal diameter.
- Myocardial fibrosis was elevated in the 150-μm group, yet systolic function remained preserved in all surgical groups relative to controls.
Conclusions:
- Carotid occlusion in this mouse model exacerbated aortic stenosis and induced ventricular remodeling.
- Cardiac function, specifically systolic function, was maintained despite structural changes.
- Carotid atherosclerotic plaque emerges as a potential pathogenic factor contributing to aortic stenosis and ventricular remodeling.
Abstract:
Background: Carotid atherosclerotic disease is associated with aortic stenosis and reduced cardiac function. The causality between carotid and cardiac pathologies is unknown. We aim to explore the effects of carotid stenosis or occlusion on cardiac pathology and function. Methods and Results: We produced carotid obstruction or stenosis in 36 atherogenic mice with 150- or 300-μm tandem surgery or sham surgery. The structure and function of the heart were assessed by histology and animal ultrasound. The 150-μm group had larger plaque burden and thicker valve leaflets in the aortic root than did the control group. Also, the two surgery groups had a thicker left ventricular posterior wall and smaller internal diameter compared with controls. Increased myocardial fibrosis was also found in the 150-μm group compared with controls, although the surgery groups had preserved systolic function compared with that of controls. Conclusions: In a mouse model, carotid occlusion accentuated the formation of aortic stenosis and promoted ventricular remodeling without impairing systolic function. Carotid atherosclerotic plaque may be a pathogenic factor for aortic stenosis and ventricular remodeling.
