The Role of Tenascin C in Cardiac Reverse Remodeling Following Banding-Debanding of the Ascending Aorta

BACKGROUND: Tenascin-C (TN-C) plays a maladaptive role in left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy following pressure overload. However, the role of TN-C in LV regression following mechanical unloading is unknown.

METHODS: LV hypertrophy was induced by transverse aortic constriction for 10 weeks followed by debanding for 2 weeks in wild type (Wt) and TN-C knockout (TN-C KO) mice. Cardiac function was assessed by serial magnetic resonance imaging. The expression of fibrotic markers and drivers (angiotensin-converting enzyme-1, ACE-1) was determined in LV tissue as well as human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) after TN-C treatment.

RESULTS: Chronic pressure overload resulted in a significant decline in cardiac function associated with LV dilation as well as upregulation of TN-C, collagen 1 (Col 1), and ACE-1 in Wt as compared to TN-C KO mice. Reverse remodeling in Wt mice partially improved cardiac function and fibrotic marker expression; however, TN-C protein expression remained unchanged. In HCF, TN-C strongly induced the upregulation of ACE 1 and Col 1.

CONCLUSIONS: Pressure overload, when lasting long enough to induce HF, has less potential for reverse remodeling in mice. This may be due to significant upregulation of TN-C expression, which stimulates ACE 1, Col 1, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) upregulation in fibroblasts. Consequently, addressing TN-C in LV hypertrophy might open a new window for future therapeutics.