Abstract 16434: IL-6 Signaling is Crucial for Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy and Left Ventricular Dysfunction Induced by Pressure Overload

Abstract

Introduction: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in ischemic cardiac pathologies. Very little is currently known regarding the role of IL-6 signaling in pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and LV dysfunction. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that IL-6 signaling plays a central role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and exerts a deleterious impact on LV remodeling induced by pressure overload. Methods: In vitro, adult cardiomyocytes from C57BL/6 (WT, control) and IL-6 knockout (KO) mice were stimulated by IL-6 and pro-hypertrophic agent angiotensin II (Ang II). The expression of hypertrophy markers and related signaling molecules were examined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. In vivo, weight-matched male WT and IL-6 KO mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or a sham procedure. Serial echocardiograms and a terminal hemodynamic study were performed. Results: After exposure to IL-6 and hypertrophic agonists, the expression of hypertrophy related genes, BNP, GATA-4, αSK actin, and β-MHC increased significantly in WT cardiomyocytes (Fig). These effects were significantly attenuated in IL-6 knockout cardiomyocytes (Fig), indicating an essential role of IL-6 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In vivo, the worsening in LV contraction as well as relaxation after TAC was significantly attenuated in IL-6 KO mice, indicating superior preservation of LV function in the setting of pressure overload in the absence of IL-6 signaling. Conclusions: The protection against Ang II-induced hypertrophy observed in IL-6 KO adult cardiomyocytes in vitro, and in hearts of IL-6 KO mice after TAC in vivo illustrates a crucial role played by IL-6 in pathogenesis of pressure overload-induced LV hypertrophy. Modulation of IL-6 signaling may have preventive therapeutic potential for countless hypertensive patients at risk for LV hypertrophy and failure.