[HTML][HTML] Activation of Sonic hedgehog signaling in ventricular cardiomyocytes exerts cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion injuries

L Paulis, J Fauconnier, O Cazorla, J Thireau, R Soleti… - Scientific reports, 2015 - nature.com
L Paulis, J Fauconnier, O Cazorla, J Thireau, R Soleti, B Vidal, A Ouillé, M Bartholome…
Scientific reports, 2015nature.com
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a conserved protein involved in embryonic tissue patterning and
development. SHH signaling has been reported as a cardio-protective pathway via muscle
repair–associated angiogenesis. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of SHH
signaling pathway in the adult myocardium in physiological situation and after ischemia-
reperfusion. We show in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion that stimulation of SHH
pathway, either by a recombinant peptide or shed membranes microparticles harboring SHH …
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a conserved protein involved in embryonic tissue patterning and development. SHH signaling has been reported as a cardio-protective pathway via muscle repair–associated angiogenesis. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of SHH signaling pathway in the adult myocardium in physiological situation and after ischemia-reperfusion. We show in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion that stimulation of SHH pathway, either by a recombinant peptide or shed membranes microparticles harboring SHH ligand, prior to reperfusion reduces both infarct size and subsequent arrhythmias by preventing ventricular repolarization abnormalities. We further demonstrate in healthy animals a reduction of QTc interval mediated by NO/cGMP pathway leading to the shortening of ventricular cardiomyocytes action potential duration due to the activation of an inward rectifying potassium current sharing pharmacological and electrophysiological properties with ATP-dependent potassium current. Besides its effect on both angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction we demonstrate here a novel cardio-protective effect of SHH acting directly on the cardiomyocytes. This emphasizes the pleotropic effect of SHH pathway as a potential cardiac therapeutic target.
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