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Sacubitril/Valsartan Improves Diastolic Function But Not Skeletal Muscle Function in a Rat Model of HFpEF

Antje Schauer1, Volker Adams1, Antje Augstein1

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, TU Dresden, Heart Center Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) improved heart function and reduced stiffness in a rat model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The drug did not impact skeletal muscle function but slightly improved blood vessel function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) is established for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
  • Its efficacy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains uncertain.
  • HFpEF presents unique challenges in myocardial, skeletal muscle, and vascular function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) on cardiac, skeletal muscle, and vascular function in a rat model of HFpEF.
  • To assess the drug's impact on myocardial structure and hemodynamics.
  • To evaluate changes in endothelial and skeletal muscle function.

Main Methods:

  • Obese ZSF-1 rats, a model for HFpEF, received daily oral Sac/Val for 12 weeks.
  • Echocardiography assessed left ventricular (LV) function bi-weekly.
  • Invasive hemodynamics, carotid artery function, and skeletal muscle function were measured.

Main Results:

  • Sac/Val treatment significantly reduced E/é ratios, LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), myocardial stiffness, fibrosis, and heart weight.
  • A modest improvement in endothelial function of the carotid artery was observed.
  • Skeletal muscle function remained unaffected by the treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) demonstrates significant beneficial effects on myocardial structure and function in an HFpEF rat model.
  • The drug shows potential in improving cardiac hemodynamics and reducing cardiac remodeling.
  • While vascular endothelial function was slightly enhanced, skeletal muscle function was not impacted.

Keywords:
HFpEFSacubitril/ValsartanZSF-1diastolic dysfunctionskeletal muscle dysfunction

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