Nicotinic-acid derivative BGP-15 improves diastolic function in a rabbit model of atherosclerotic cardiomyopathy

The small molecule BGP-15 has been reported to alleviate symptoms of heart failure and improve muscle function in murine models. Here, we investigated the acute and chronic effects of BGP-15 in a rabbit model of atherosclerotic cardiomyopathy.

Rabbits were maintained on standard chow (control) or atherogenic diet (hypercholesterolemic) for 16 weeks. BGP-15 was administered intravenously (once) or orally (for 16 weeks), to assess acute and chronic effects. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was assessed and key molecules in the protein kinase G (PKG) pathway were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot. Passive force generation was investigated in skinned cardiomyocytes.

Both acute and chronic BGP-15 treatments improved the diastolic performance of the diseased heart. However, vasorelaxation and serum lipid markers were unaffected. Myocardial cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were elevated in the BGP-15-treated group, along with preserved PKG activity and increased phospholamban Ser16-phosphorylation. PDE5 expression decreased in the BGP-15-treated group and PDE1 was inhibited. Cardiomyocyte passive tension reduced in BGP-15-treated rabbits, the ratio of titin N2BA/N2B isoforms increased and PKG-dependent N2B-titin phosphorylation elevated.

BGP-15 treatment improves diastolic function, reduces cardiomyocyte stiffness and restores titin compliance in a rabbit model of atherosclerotic cardiomyopathy by increasing the activity of the cGMP-PKG pathway. As BGP-15 has been proven to be safe, it may be clinically useful in the treatment of diastolic dysfunction.