Long-term T3 and T4 treatment as an alternative to aerobic exercise training in improving cardiac function post-myocardial infarction

Abstract

Here we aimed to compare the beneficial effects of T3 and T4 hormone treatment to those provided by aerobic exercise training in Wistar rats post-myocardial infarction (MI). Rats in one group were SHAM-operated and in the other group were subjected to MI surgery. One week after surgery, the MI group animals either received T3 and T4 hormones by gavage or underwent a low intensity aerobic exercise training protocol on a treadmill, and both treatments lasted until 10 weeks after MI. Untreated SHAM-operated and MI groups were also followed for the same duration. The cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and catheterization, followed by blood collection (to measure T3, T4, and TSH hormones), and euthanasia. The lung, liver, heart, and tibia were collected (to assess hypertrophy and congestion indices). The left ventricle homogenate (without a scar) was used for the analyses of calcium handling proteins. Results showed that enhanced cardiac function was promoted by both interventions, with infarct size reduction, increased ejection fraction, and diastolic posterior wall thickness, but no alterations in heart rate, cardiac output, or T3, T4, and TSH levels. There was a positive force-frequency relationship accompanied by increased α-MHC, as well as decreased HSP70 protein expression. In conclusion, the effects of T3 and T4 hormone treatments were similar, and in some parameters superior, to those provided by the aerobic exercise training. Thus, lower doses of thyroid hormones could be more suitable as a coadjuvant treatment after MI, as a plausible alternative for patients who are intolerant to aerobic exercise training.