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Fucoidan preserves endothelial glycocalyx and reduces microvascular obstruction after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion
Pedro Lucas Moreira Fernandes1, Patrícia Alves de Castro Silva1, Carlos Henrique Miranda1
1Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Introduction:
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury induces microvascular obstruction (MVO). The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is crucial for maintaining microvascular homeostasis. Fucoidan (FCD), a heparan sulfate mimetic, may protect the eGC. This study investigated whether FCD preserves the eGC and attenuates MVO following myocardial I/R.
Methods:
Isolated rat hearts were perfused using a Langendorff apparatus and allocated to four groups: Sham (S), perfused with Krebs-Henseleit (KH) solution for 80 min; Sham + FCD (S + F), with FCD added during the final 40 min; I/R, consisting of 10 min perfusion, 30 min global no-flow ischemia, and 40 min reperfusion; and I/R + FCD (I/R + F), treated as I/R with FCD administered throughout reperfusion.
Results:
FCD administration during reperfusion significantly reduced MVO compared with I/R alone. Transmission electron microscopy revealed preservation of the eGC in the I/R + F group. Pericapillary edema was significantly decreased with FCD treatment. Additionally, nitrite levels were significantly higher in the I/R + F group during both early and late reperfusion.
Conclusion:
FCD attenuates MVO after myocardial I/R injury by preserving the eGC, reducing pericapillary edema, and restoring nitric oxide bioavailability.
Insights
Fucoidan (FCD) protects the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) and reduces microvascular obstruction (MVO) after heart ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. This treatment preserves eGC structure and function, mitigating I/R damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a significant cause of microvascular obstruction (MVO).
- The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) plays a vital role in maintaining microvascular integrity.
- Fucoidan (FCD), a heparan sulfate mimetic, shows potential for eGC protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Fucoidan (FCD) on the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.
- To determine if FCD can attenuate microvascular obstruction (MVO) following I/R.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat hearts were subjected to global no-flow ischemia followed by reperfusion using a Langendorff system.
- Hearts were divided into four groups: Sham, Sham + FCD, I/R, and I/R + FCD.
- Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess eGC integrity and pericapillary edema.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan (FCD) administration significantly reduced microvascular obstruction (MVO) in the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group.
- Preservation of the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) was observed in hearts treated with FCD.
- FCD treatment led to decreased pericapillary edema and increased nitrite levels.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan (FCD) effectively attenuates microvascular obstruction (MVO) following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.
- FCD preserves the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC), reduces pericapillary edema, and enhances nitric oxide bioavailability.
- These findings highlight FCD as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating I/R injury.
