DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/XSCE-8J96

Defense Date

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Physiology and Biophysics

First Advisor

Dr. Fadi N. Salloum

Second Advisor

Dr. Antonio Abbate

Third Advisor

Dr. Roland Pittman

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the newest member of the gasotransmitter family and is becoming well known for its cardioprotective effects in preclinical trials. Many recent studies have shown the benefits of exogenous H2S in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and pressure overload-induced heart failure, but current formulations are derived from inorganic salts which have shortcomings in the precision and control of release of H2S. The main objective of this thesis was to determine if the novel, orally active, slow-releasing compound, SG1002, can attenuate the severity of damage and adverse remodeling caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury through an induction of angiogenesis. A traditional sodium salt, Na2S, which has been previously shown to be cardioprotective, was used as a positive control. SG1002 improved overall left ventricular function as measured by increased ejection fraction from echocardiography and decreased QRS interval from electrocardiography compared to untreated animals following MI. SG1002 therapy was also associated with an induction of angiogenesis, which was determined through qRT-PCR, western blot, and histological methods. SG1002 increased VEGF protein levels, which was paralleled with an increase in capillary density in the infarct region. SG1002 also upregulated microRNA-126, which is thought to repress the inhibitor of VEGF, Spred-1. It is possible that this “angiomiR” plays a key role in the angiogenesis-related cardioprotection of H2S. The combination of increased pro-angiogenic factors along with greater vascular density resulting from SG1002 therapy indicates the therapeutic potential for this drug in the prevention and/or treatment of ischemic heart failure.

Rights

© Om Evani

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-9-2018

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