Vascular Ring Research Articles

COVID-19 impairs oxygen delivery by altering red blood cell hematological, hemorheological, and oxygen transport properties.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by impaired oxygen (O2) homeostasis, including O2 sensing, uptake, transport/delivery, and consumption. Red blood cells (RBCs) are central to maintaining O2 homeostasis and undergo direct exposure to coronavirus in vivo. We thus hypothesized that COVID-19 alters RBC properties relevant to O2 homeostasis, including the hematological profile, Hb O2 transport characteristics, rheology, and the hypoxic vasodilatory (HVD) reflex. Methods: RBCs from 18 hospitalized COVID-19 subjects and 20 healthy controls were analyzed as follows: (i) clinical hematological parameters (complete blood count; hematology analyzer); (ii) O2 dissociation curves (p50, Hill number, and Bohr plot; Hemox-Analyzer); (iii) rheological properties (osmotic fragility, deformability, and aggregation; laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer (LORRCA) ektacytometry); and (iv) vasoactivity (the RBC HVD; vascular ring bioassay). Results: Compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls, COVID-19 subjects demonstrated 1) significant hematological differences (increased WBC count-with a higher percentage of neutrophils); RBC distribution width (RDW); and reduced hematocrit (HCT), Hb concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); 2) impaired O2-carrying capacity and O2 capacitance (resulting from anemia) without difference in p50 or Hb-O2 cooperativity; 3) compromised regulation of RBC volume (altered osmotic fragility); 4) reduced RBC deformability; 5) accelerated RBC aggregation kinetics; and (6) no change in the RBC HVD reflex. Discussion: When considered collectively, homeostatic compensation for these RBC impairments requires that the cardiac output in the COVID cohort would need to increase by ∼135% to maintain O2 delivery similar to that in the control cohort. Additionally, the COVID-19 disease RBC properties were found to be exaggerated in blood-type O hospitalized COVID-19 subjects compared to blood-type A. These data indicate that altered RBC features in hospitalized COVID-19 subjects burden the cardiovascular system to maintain O2 delivery homeostasis, which appears exaggerated by blood type (more pronounced with blood-type O) and likely plays a role in disease pathogenesis.

Ранні маркери гострої доксорубіциніндукованої кардіотоксичності та механізми її розвитку

Arrhythmias and congestive heart failure, which pose the greatest risk of toxic cardiomyopathy, are the clinically limiting side effects of doxorubicin, the main highly active anticancer agent. The difficulty of early diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and timely detection of cardiac dysfunction associated with chemotherapy remains a significant medical problem. The aim of our study was to identify early signs of acute doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in adult rats by assessing ECG changes and biochemical parameters. Acute cardiotoxicity was modelled by short-term intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin at a total dose of 15 mg/kg. On the 5th day of the experiment, visual fluctuations of electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms, duration and amplitude of the main teeth and intervals, as well as heart rate (HR) in the control and experimental groups of rats were studied to determine early ECG signs of cardiotoxicity. The most significant ECG changes were a doubling of the QT interval duration and significant ST-segment elevation in the rats of the experimental group. In experiments on isolated aortic rings, we demonstrated doxorubicin-induced disruption of both vascular relaxation and contraction mechanisms. The endothelium-dependent relaxation of vascular preparations of animals after administration of doxorubicin to acetylcholine (0.1 μmol/l) was 47% less than in the control group. The vascular ring contractions in rats under the influence of norepinephrine (10 μmol/l) were 59% lower than in control rats. After doxorubicin administration, oxidative stress developed against the background of cardiovascular disorders. Thus, the content of diene conjugates and malondialdehyde increased by 4 and 2.5 times, respectively. At the same time, in isolated cardiac mitochondria, the activity of inducible NO synthase increased 3.7-fold with a simultaneous significant 4.8-fold inhibition of constitutive NO synthase. An increase in the content of acute-phase biochemical parameters that are markers of damage, namely alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine phosphokinase myocardial fraction (CPK MB) by 2.2, 1.4 and 1.5 times, respectively, was detected. Thus, the acute cardiotoxic effect of doxorubicin results in changes in the systolic-diastolic function of the left ventricle of the heart and its conduction, automaticity and contractility, as well as impaired relaxation and contraction of isolated preparations of the aorta against the background of increased activity of inducible and decreased constitutive NO synthesis, accompanied by oxidative stress and increased content of biochemical markers of myocardial damage.

Can Echocardiography Aid in Diagnosing Vascular Rings?

Even though cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the gold standard for evaluating the aortic arch in the context of vascular rings in children, echocardiography is usually the first-line modality. The echocardiographic evaluation of the aortic arch in the context of vascular rings in children has received little attention. This article details the step-by-step echocardiographic assessment of the aortic arch in vascular ring patients.

Persistent right aortic arch in the cat: a case report from a late surgical approach

Aortic arch anomalies can give rise to vascular rings, such as persistent right aortic arch (PRAA), a rare vascular anomaly in cats with significant health implications. Here, we report late surgical correction in a case of PRAA, an almost 12-month-old cat with the clinical syndrome of dysphagia and postprandial regurgitation. The patient was presented to the veterinary hospital at FMVZ-USP with a history of chronic regurgitation since puppyhood after weaning, with a significant worsening of the clinical condition 10 days ago. Computed tomography had a potential role in diagnosing and detecting complications of PRAA, allowing surgical planning. Approach via left thoracotomy and section of the arteriosus ligament resulted in the successful resolution of extrinsic esophageal compression due to PRAA with the restoration of normal swallowing of a dry diet by the cat and absence of esophageal sequelae on radiographic assessment in a six-month clinical follow-up.

3D Printed Cardiac Models as an Adjunct to Traditional Teaching of Anatomy in Congenital Heart Disease—A Randomised Controlled Study

Three-dimensional (3D) printed cardiac models are increasingly being used for medical education, simulation and training, communication, surgical planning and research. Given the complexities of congenital cardiac anatomy, 3D printing is well suited as an adjunct to traditional teaching methods. This study aims to explore the influence of 3D printed cardiac models as a teaching aid for nurses and paediatric trainees. We hypothesise that using 3D models as an adjunct to didactic teaching methods improves knowledge and confidence levels of participants, regardless of their cardiology experience. A prospective randomised study was performed recruiting paediatric nurses and doctors at a tertiary paediatric hospital. All participants undertook traditional congenital cardiac teaching describing normal cardiac anatomy and seven congenital lesions of increasing complexity (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, vascular ring, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and double outlet right ventricle). The intervention group received an additional recorded demonstration while handling 3D printed models of a normal heart and the same lesions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were completed using a subjective Likert-scale questionnaire and objective multiple-choice examination. A total of 73 health practitioners (30 cardiac nurses and 43 paediatric trainees) were included. Subjective knowledge and confidence levels substantially improved in the intervention group (both p<0.001), with no differences observed in the control group. Greater improvement in both subjective and objective post-test scores was observed in the intervention group. A pronounced difference between pre- and post-teaching objective examination scores was found in both groups (p=0.002), with larger improvements observed in the intervention group. The mean score in the intervention group after teaching increased by 4.27 (21.4% improvement), as opposed to 2.28 (11.4% improvement) in the control group. There was no difference in pre-test score or post-test improvement based on previous cardiology experience. Three-dimensional (3D) printed cardiac models, when used as an adjunct to traditional teaching methods, substantially improve knowledge and confidence levels of health professionals on a range of congenital cardiac lesions. These models enhance the learners' educational experience and understanding of cardiac anatomy by overcoming the limitation of two-dimensional representations of 3D structures.

Vascular dysfunction caused by loss of Brn-3b/POU4F2 transcription factor in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells is linked to deregulation of calcium signalling pathways

Phenotypic and functional changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) but factors driving early adverse vascular changes are poorly understood. We report on novel and important roles for the Brn-3b/POU4F2 (Brn-3b) transcription factor (TF) in controlling VSMC integrity and function. Brn-3b protein is expressed in mouse aorta with localisation to VSMCs. Male Brn-3b knock-out (KO) aortas displayed extensive remodelling with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, elastin fibre disruption and small but consistent narrowing/coarctation in the descending aortas. RNA sequencing analysis showed that these effects were linked to deregulation of genes required for calcium (Ca2+) signalling, vascular contractility, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (S/ER) stress responses and immune function in Brn-3b KO aortas and validation studies confirmed changes in Ca2+ signalling genes linked to increased intracellular Ca2+ and S/ER Ca2+ depletion [e.g. increased, Cacna1d Ca2+ channels; ryanodine receptor 2, (RyR2) and phospholamban (PLN) but reduced ATP2a1, encoding SERCA1 pump] and chaperone proteins, Hspb1, HspA8, DnaJa1 linked to increased S/ER stress, which also contributes to contractile dysfunction. Accordingly, vascular rings from Brn-3b KO aortas displayed attenuated contractility in response to KCl or phenylephrine (PE) while Brn-3b KO-derived VSMC displayed abnormal Ca2+ signalling following ATP stimulation. This data suggests that Brn-3b target genes are necessary to maintain vascular integrity /contractile function and deregulation upon loss of Brn-3b will contribute to contractile dysfunction linked to CVD.

The selective Rho Kinase 2 inhibitor Chroman-1, is a potent vasodilator but does not compromise left ventricular function in-vivo

Abstract Background In the field of cardioprotection, focus is turning to limiting microvascular obstruction (MVO) post myocardial infarction. The development of MVO carries a poor prognosis, which is independent of infarct burden [1]. Commonly used vasodilators in the treatment of MVO e.g., Ca2+ blockers, beta-blockers can induce negatively inotropic effects. This is a serious problem as hypotension and shock during acute MI are harmful. Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors induce vasodilation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase (MLC2) in vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) [2]. ROCK1/2 inhibitors are known to cause transient negative inotropic effects [3]. However, the potential side-effects of the selective ROCK2i, Chroman-1 (Ch1) are unknown. Purpose We aimed to i) Confirm the expression of ROCK2 mRNA in aorta and coronary vasculature, ii) To investigate the vasodilatory properties of Ch1 iii) To confirm that Ch1 does not acutely impair left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) and blood pressure in-vivo. Methods RNA scope in-situ hybridisation was performed with a fluorescent, multiplex assay for ROCK1/2 &amp; VSMC mRNA in whole hearts, coronary vasculature and aorta from male SD rats. Thoracic aorta was dissected and 3mm segments suspended into a tissue bath. Vascular rings were constricted with 1µM PE and treated with [10-12]-[10-5]mM Ch1. In a separate set of in-vivo experiments, male SD rats 250-300g were anaesthetised with isoflurane, intubated and ventilated. LVEF% was measured in a closed chest model, following the addition of Ch1 (30-300µg/kg) or DMSO vehicle, administered i.p at 15-minute intervals. Mean arterial pressure (MAP, mmHg) and heart rate (BPM) were measured throughout. Results ROCK2 mRNA was localised to myocardium, aorta and coronary circulation VSMC. Figure 1 demonstrates that Ch1 induced dose dependent vasodilation of PE constricted aortic rings vs control (EC50 Ch1 95% CI [5.1e-008, 2.2e-007] n=6). In-vivo, Ch1 at all doses (30-300µg/kg) did not significantly affect LVEF% (p&amp;gt;0.05, n=5) nor average MAP at doses 30-100µg/kg (p&amp;gt;0.05, n=5). At the highest dose, i.e 300µg/kg, Ch1 decreased average MAP (mmHg) compared to control +/-SEM (76+/-7.1 vs 92+/-2.8, p=0.02, n=5), but not below 70mmHg threshold. Ch1 did not significantly affect mean heart rate at any dose (p&amp;gt;0.05, n=5). Conclusion The selective ROCK2 inhibitor Ch1, induces potent arterial vasodilation, without compromising LVEF% or haemodynamics. It is therefore, a suitable drug for further preclinical studies of MVO in ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R).Figure 1:Ch1 induces dose dependent vasodilation of aortic rings, **p&amp;lt;0.005, ***p&amp;lt;0.001

An experimental study for quantitative assessment of fatty infiltration and blood flow perfusion in quadriceps muscle of rats using IDEAL-IQ and BOLD-MRI for early diagnosis of sarcopenia

BackgroundSevere sarcopenia may result in severe disability. Early diagnosis is currently the key to enhancing the treatment of sarcopenia, and there is an urgent need for a highly sensitive and dependable tool to evaluate the course of early sarcopenia in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate longitudinally the early diagnosability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based fat infiltration and blood flow perfusion technology in sarcopenia progression. Methods48 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups that were based on different periods of dexamethasone (DEX) injection (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 days). Multimodal MRI was scanned to assess muscle mass. Grip strength and swimming exhaustion time of rats were measured to assess muscle strength and function. Immunofluorescence staining for CD31 was employed to assess skeletal muscle capillary formation, and western blot was used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and muscle ring finger-1 (MuRF-1) protein expression. Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation between imaging and histopathologic parameters. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of quantitative MRI parameters for discriminating diagnosis in both pre- and post-modeling of DEX-induced sarcopenic rats. ResultsSignificant differences were found in PDFF, R2* and T2 values on day 2 of DEX-induction compared to the control group, occurring prior to the MRI-CSA values and limb grip strength on day 6 of induction and swimming exhaustion time on day 8 of induction. There is a strong correlation between MRI-CSA with HE-CSA values (r = 0.67; p < 0.001), oil red O (ORO) area with PDFF (r = 0.67; p < 0.001), microvascular density (MVD) (r = −0.79; p < 0.001) and VEGF-A (r = −0.73; p < 0.001) with R2*, MuRF-1 with MRI-CSA (r = −0.82; p < 0.001). The AUC of PDFF, R2*, and T2 values used for modeling evaluation are 0.81, 0.93, and 0.98, respectively. ConclusionImaging parameters PDFF, R2*, and T2 can be used to sensitively evaluate early pathological changes in sarcopenia. The successful construction of a sarcopenia rat model can be assessed when PDFF exceeds 1.25, R2* exceeds 53.85, and T2 exceeds 33.88.

Diagnostic Challenges of Vascular Rings: Insights from a Case Report

The vascular ring (VR) is a rare congenital anomaly that can cause compression of the trachea or esophagus, resulting in respiratory and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. The severity of symptoms depends on the type of VR, with patients who have anatomically complete VRs typically presenting earlier in life. The diagnosis of VR has advanced with the availability of improved imaging modalities. Prenatal diagnosis is possible with fetal echocardiogram, while non-invasive multidetector CT and MRA can be utilized for later diagnosis. These imaging modalities allow for the delimitation of the defect and the identification of the anatomy for treatment planning. This case report presents the evaluation and management of a male neonate who was diagnosed with VR after initially presenting with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms that were suspected to be related to gastroesophageal reflux. This case highlights the importance of considering VR in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with these symptomatologies.

Association Between Airway Stenosis Degree and Respiratory Distress in Infants With a Vascular Ring.

Background Although the number of cases of prenatally diagnosed vascular rings is increasing, some cases may remain asymptomatic, and no indicator of the appearance of dyspnea has been established. Thus, we aimed to determine the relationship between the degree of airway compression by the vascular ring on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and respiratory distress. Methods This is a retrospective study of nine patients diagnosed with vascular rings at a single hospital from July 2010 to December 2019. Data regarding the patient's clinical characteristics, such as prenatal diagnosis, vascular ring type, complicated cardiac disease, and presence or absence of surgery, were recorded. Airway assessment on contrast-enhanced CT was measured in the axial cross-section. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (version 25.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results Five of the eight patients had respiratory distress. Patients with respiratory distress were less likely to have been diagnosed prenatally (p = 0.04) and had smaller stenosis degree of anteroposterior diameter (p = 0.03). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced CT is useful in patients with vascular rings. Our study suggests that the stenosis degree of the anterior-posterior diameter of the airway is related to dyspnea.

Morphogenetic processes in the development and evolution of the arteries of the pharyngeal arches: their relations to congenital cardiovascular malformations.

The heart and aortic arch arteries in amniotes form a double circulation, taking oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs. These major vessels are formed in embryonic development from a series of paired and symmetrical arteries that undergo a complex remodelling process to form the asymmetric arch arteries in the adult. These embryonic arteries form in the pharyngeal arches, which are symmetrical bulges on the lateral surface of the head. The pharyngeal arches, and their associated arteries, are found in all classes of vertebrates, but the number varies, typically with the number of arches reducing through evolution. For example, jawed vertebrates have six pairs of pharyngeal arch arteries but amniotes, a clade of tetrapod vertebrates, have five pairs. This had led to the unusual numbering system attributed to each of the pharyngeal arch arteries in amniotes (1, 2, 3, 4, and 6). We, therefore, propose that these instead be given names to reflect the vessel: mandibular (1st), hyoid (2nd), carotid (3rd), aortic (4th) and pulmonary (most caudal). Aberrant arch artery formation or remodelling leads to life-threatening congenital cardiovascular malformations, such as interruption of the aortic arch, cervical origin of arteries, and vascular rings. We discuss why an alleged fifth arch artery has erroneously been used to interpret congenital cardiac lesions, which are better explained as abnormal collateral channels, or remodelling of the aortic sac.

Left pulmonary artery sling: why is virtual CT bronchoscopy important? Case report

BackgroundMany causes of vascular rings may present as stridor among children. Co-occurrence of tracheal anomaly in left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS) is very common and needs special attention.Case presentationWe report a case of an infant who presented with expiratory stridor and wheezing. A preliminary chest x-ray revealed no significant findings. CT and virtual bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of LPAS with associated distal tracheal stenosis. He underwent surgical correction with good results in the follow-up period.ConclusionsVirtual bronchoscopy may help to decide the type of operation and to avoid a potentially invasive bronchoscopy in LPAS.

Narrowing Down the Symptomatology of Isolated Vascular Rings in Children.

Vascular rings may cause respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms due to compression of the trachea and/or esophagus. Advances in imaging have enabled early detection in asymptomatic patients posing new management dilemmas. Surgery is expected to relieve symptoms, although this has not been well studied. We sought to evaluate the presence and pattern of symptoms associated with vascular rings before surgical intervention and todetail symptom resolution after surgery. A10-year retrospective review of patients diagnosed with an isolated vascular ring was performedbetween January 2010 and December 2019. 100 patients were identified; 35 double aortic arch (DAA) and 65 right aortic arch and left ligamentum arteriosum (RALL). 73 patients were symptomatic on presentation; 47 had respiratory, 5 had gastrointestinal, and 21 had both types of symptoms. Surgical repair was performed in 75 patients; 74 were symptomatic. Respiratory symptoms were more likely in patients with preoperative tracheal narrowing (p < 0.001). Moderate-severe respiratory symptoms led to surgery in RALL patients (OR 10.6, p = 0.0001). DAA patients were more likely to undergo surgery (p < 0.001) irrespective of symptom severity. At a median post-surgical follow-up of 4months, there was a significant reduction in symptom burden (p < 0.001), except for asthma symptoms (p = 0.131). Symptom resolution was not dependent on the vascular ring anatomy (p = 0.331) or the age at operation (p = 0.158). Vascular rings are typically accompanied by respiratory symptoms and less commonly GI symptoms, both of which resolve in most patients after surgery. Those who present predominantly with asthma-like symptoms may not achieve resolution after surgery.

EP03.01: Evaluation of the trachea in fetuses with vascular ring using prenatal ultrasound

EP03.01: Evaluation of the trachea in fetuses with vascular ring using prenatal ultrasound

EP24.24: When does ARSA create a vascular ring?

EP24.24: When does ARSA create a vascular ring?

Quality evaluation of Angelica Sinensis Radix dispensing granules by integrating microvascular activity and chemical analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs a new form of crude slices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), traditional Chinese medicine dispensing granules (TCMDGs) have been used for clinical formula. It is necessary to evaluate whether the chemical composition and biological activity are consistent among the different batches. Angelica Sinensis Radix (ASR), the root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, is one of the most frequently used medicinal materials in gynecology, senile and cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, the quality of TCMDGs is examined taking the Angelica Sinensis Radix dispensing granules (ASRDGs) as a typical case. Aim of the studyIn this study, integrating bioequivalence and chemical analysis was used to evaluate the quality of dispensing granules taking ASRDGs as a typical case. Materials and methodsAccording to the clinical efficacy of ASR, the intestinal absorption liquid of ASRDGs (IAL-ASRDGs) in 15 batches prepared by the everted gut sac (EGS) method was used to evaluate its effects of vasodilatation on isolated vascular rings. Then, the chemical profiling analysis of IAL-ASRDGs from the 15 batches was carried out by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The components in IAL-ASRDGs were identified using mass spectrometry data and the obtained reference standards. Pearson correlation analysis was further performed for the selection of quality control markers based on the extracted ion chromatograms of the identified compounds and vasodilatory activities of different batches of IAL-ASRDGs. Moreover, the selected chemical components in ASRDGs were further verified by vasodilatory activities and quantitatively analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS). ResultsThe IAL-ASRDGs showed favorable vasodilatory activities. There were significant differences among the 15 batches. The ranges of maximum vasodilation rate (%) and EC50 were 69.33 ± 7.16 to 19.52 ± 5.05 and 0.07–25.58 g raw materials/mL, respectively. A total of 46 compounds in IAL-ASRDGs were identified based on accurate mass measurements, fragmentation behavior and the reference standards. Among them, 8 compounds including butylidenephthalide, butylphthalide and senkyunolide A showed positive correlation with vasodilatory effect of IAL-ASRDGs. The 8 compounds were further verified, showing obvious vasodilatory activities. The content of the 8 compounds also showed some differences in 15 batches of ASRDGs. Among them, the content of ferulic acid, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide H varied the most in different batches of ASRDGs. By Pearson correlation analysis, the total content of senkyunolides (senkyunolide A, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide H) in ASRDGs was found to reflect the vasodilatory activity of ASRDGs mostly. ConclusionThis study provides new strategies for the quality assessment by bioequivalence and explore the chemical quality control markers for ASRDGs.

Adipose-derived stem cells significantly increases collagen level and fiber maturity in patient-specific biological engineered blood vessels.

Tissue engineering has driven significant research in the strive to create a supply of tissues for patient treatment. Cell integration into engineered tissues maximizes functional capabilities, however, issues of rejection remain. Autologous cell sources able to solve this issue are difficult to identify for tissue engineering purposes. Here, we present the efficacy of patient-sourced cells derived from adipose (adipose-derived stem cells, ASCs) and skin tissue (dermal fibroblasts, PtFibs) to build a combined engineered tunica media and adventitia graft, respectively. Patient cells were integrated into our lab's vascular tissue engineering technique of forming vascular rings that are stacked into a tubular structure to create the vascular graft. For the media layer, ASCs were successfully differentiated into the smooth muscle phenotype using angiotensin II followed by culture in smooth muscle growth factors, evidenced by significantly increased expression of αSMA and myosin light chain kinase. Engineered media vessels composed of differentiated ASCs (ASC-SMCs) exhibited an elastic modulus (45.2 ± 18.9 kPa) between that of vessels of undifferentiated ASCs (71.8 ± 35.3 kPa) and control human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs; 18.7 ± 5.49 kPa) (p<0.5). Tensile strength of vessels composed of ASCs (41.3 ± 15.7 kPa) and ASC-SMCs (37.3 ± 17.0 kPa) were higher compared to vessels of HASMCs (28.4 ± 11.2 kPa). ASC-based tissues exhibited a significant increase in collagen content and fiber maturity- both factors contribute to tissue strength and stability. Furthermore, vessels gained stability and a more-uniform single-tubular shape with longer-term 1-month culture. This work demonstrates efficacy of ASCs and PtFibs to create patient-specific vessels.

A case report of prenatal diagnostics and surgical correction of pulmonary agenesis associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and vascular ring

Abstract Pulmonary agenesis is a rare malformation associated with congenital heart disease and may lead to a life-threatening condition and death without pre-planned surgical and medical support. We report an unusual case of unilateral pulmonary agenesis in combination with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, complete vascular ring, retroaortic, retroesophageal innominate vein, secondary atrial septal defect, which was prenatally identified by fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, later confirmed by postnatal computed tomography.

A compressive vascular ring: A case report and review of literature

A compressive vascular ring: A case report and review of literature

Rosuvastatin Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes by Normalizing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Calpain-1 Inhibition.

Rosuvastatin contributes to the improvement of vascular complications in diabetes, but the protective mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of rosuvastatin on endothelial dysfunction induced by diabetes. Calpain-1 knockout (Capn1 EK684-/-) and C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ to induce type 1 diabetes. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with high glucose in this study. The function of isolated vascular rings, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) indicators were measured in this experiment. The results showed that rosuvastatin (5 mg/kg/d) and calpain-1 knockout improved impaired vasodilation in an endothelial-dependent manner, and this effect was abolished by an ERS inducer. Rosuvastatin administration inhibited calpain-1 activation and ERS induced by high glucose, as well as apoptosis and oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, an ERS inducer (tunicamycin) offset the beneficial effect of rosuvastatin on endothelial dysfunction and ERS, which was accompanied by increased calpain-1 expression. The ERS inhibitor showed a similar improvement in endothelial dysfunction with rosuvastatin but could not increase the improvement in endothelial function of rosuvastatin. These results suggested that rosuvastatin improves endothelial dysfunction by suppressing calpain- 1 and normalizing ERS, subsequently decreasing apoptosis and oxidative stress.