Investigation of mesalazine as an antifibrotic drug following myocardial infarction in male mice

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Objectives: Myocardial infarction (MI) initiates a complex reparative response during which damaged cardiac muscle is replaced by connective tissue. While the initial repair is essential for survival, excessive fibrosis post-MI is a primary contributor to progressive cardiac dysfunction, and ultimately heart failure. Currently, there are no approved drugs for the prevention or the reversal of cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, we tested the therapeutic potential of repurposed mesalazine as a post-MI therapy, as distinct antifibrotic effects have recently been demonstrated. Methods: At 8 weeks of age, MI was induced in male C57BL/6J mice by LAD ligation. Mesalazine was administered orally at a dose of 100 μg/g body weight in drinking water. Fluid intake, weight development, and cardiac function were monitored for 28 days post intervention. Fibrosis parameters were assessed histologically and via qPCR. Results: Compared to controls, mesalazine treatment offered no survival benefit. However, no adverse effects on heart and kidney function and weight development were observed, either. While total cardiac fibrosis remained largely unaffected by mesalazine treatment, we found a distinct reduction of perivascular fibrosis alongside reduced cardiac collagen expression. Conclusions: Our findings warrant further studies on mesalazine as a potential add-on therapy post-MI, as perivascular fibrosis development was successfully prevented.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere15809
JournalPhysiological reports
Volume11
Issue number17
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85170213753
ORCID /0009-0008-1895-4538/work/144110723
ORCID /0000-0003-2514-9429/work/151982627
PubMed 37688424

Keywords

Keywords

  • Heart, Animals, Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Myocardium, Male, Mice, Mesalamine/pharmacology