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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Murine Left Anterior Descending LAD Coronary Artery Ligation: An Improved and Simplified Model for Myocardial Infarction
Published on: April 2, 2017
Edoxaban treatment in a post-infarction experimental model
Javier Martínez-Fernández1, Cristina Almengló2, Borja Babarro2
1Servicio de Radiología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS). SERGAS, Travesía da Choupana s/n, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Spain.
Edoxaban, an oral anticoagulant, demonstrated safety and improved physical recovery in rats after myocardial infarction (MI). While not significantly altering cardiac remodelling, it showed potential in reducing heart fibrosis, suggesting further research is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Experimental Medicine
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) sequelae necessitate pharmacological interventions to mitigate adverse cardiac remodelling and prevent cardiovascular complications.
- Post-MI cardiac remodelling is a significant concern, often leading to heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of edoxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, on cardiac recovery following permanent coronary artery ligation in a rat model.
- To assess the potential of edoxaban in minimizing post-MI remodelling and improving cardiac function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat model of permanent coronary artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction.
- Employed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis over 4 weeks to evaluate post-MI remodelling.
- Administered daily oral edoxaban (20 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 28 days post-MI.
Main Results:
- Edoxaban was found to be safe in the experimental model, with minimal bleeding observed.
- Animals treated with edoxaban exhibited improved body weight recovery compared to the vehicle group (38.6 ± 2.9 g vs. 29.9 ± 3.1 g).
- Edoxaban mitigated cardiac fibrosis, evidenced by reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the peri-infarct zone, although pronounced effects on overall cardiac remodelling were not observed.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac MRI is a feasible method for studying cardiac function and characterizing myocardial scarring in a rat MI model.
- Edoxaban demonstrated safety and suggested improved post-MI recovery, likely through fibrosis reduction.
- Further investigation into the mid-term cardiac recovery effects of edoxaban after myocardial infarction is justified.
