Rationale Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-28 regulates the inflammatory and extracellular matrix (ECM) responses in cardiac aging, but the roles of MMP-28 after myocardial infarction (MI) have not been explored. Objective To determine the impact of MMP-28 deletion on post-MI remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) Methods and Results Adult C57BL/6J wild type (WT, n=76) and MMP null (MMP-28−/−, n=86) mice of both sexes were subjected to permanent coronary artery ligation to create MI. MMP-28 expression decreased post-MI, and its cell source shifted from myocytes to macrophages. MMP-28 deletion increased day 7 mortality as a result of increased cardiac rupture post-MI. MMP-28−/− mice exhibited larger LV volumes, worse LV dysfunction, a worse LV remodeling index, and increased lung edema. Plasma MMP-9 levels were unchanged in the MMP-28−/− mice but increased in WT mice at day 7 post-MI. The mRNA levels of inflammatory and ECM proteins were attenuated in the infarct regions of MMP-28−/− mice, indicating reduced inflammatory and ECM responses. M2 macrophage activation was impaired when MMP-28 was absent. MMP-28 deletion also led to decreased collagen deposition and fewer myofibroblasts. Collagen cross-linking was impaired, due to decreased expression and activation of lysyl oxidase in the infarcts of MMP-28−/− mice. The LV tensile strength at day 3 post-MI, however, was similar between the two genotypes Conclusions MMP-28 deletion aggravated MI induced LV dysfunction and rupture, due to defective inflammatory response and scar formation by suppressing M2 macrophage activation.

. Cardiac aging is initiated by matrix metalloproteinase-9-mediated endothelial dysfunction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 306: H1398 -H1407, 2014. First published March 21, 2014; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00090.2014Aging is linked to increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and extracellular matrix turnover, as well as a decline in function of the left ventricle (LV). Previously, we demonstrated that C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice Ͼ 18 mo of age show impaired diastolic function, which was attenuated by MMP-9 deletion. To evaluate mechanisms that initiate the development of cardiac dysfunction, we compared the LVs of 6 -9-and 15-18-mo-old WT and MMP-9 null (Null) mice. All groups showed similar LV function by echocardiography, indicating that dysfunction had not yet developed in the older group. Myocyte nuclei numbers and cross-sectional areas increased in both WT and Null 15-18-mo mice compared with young controls, indicating myocyte hypertrophy. Myocyte hypertrophy leads to an increased oxygen demand, and both WT and Null 15-18-mo mice showed an increase in angiogenic signaling. Plasma proteomic profiling and LV analysis revealed a threefold increase in von Willebrand factor and fivefold increase in vascular endothelial growth factor in WT 15-18-mo mice, which were further elevated in Null mice. In contrast to the upregulation of angiogenic stimulating factors, actual LV vessel numbers increased only in the 15-18-mo Null LV. The 15-18-mo WT showed amplified expression of inflammatory genes related to angiogenesis, including C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)7, CCR10, interleukin (IL)-1f8, IL-13, and IL-20 (all, P Ͻ 0.05), and these increases were blunted by MMP-9 deletion (all, P Ͻ 0.05). To measure vascular permeability as an index of endothelial function, we injected mice with FITC-labeled dextran. The 15-18-mo WT LV showed increased vascular permeability compared with young WT controls and 15-18-mo Null mice. Combined, our findings revealed that MMP-9 deletion improves angiogenesis, attenuates inflammation, and prevents vascular leakiness in the setting of cardiac aging.aging; inflammation; angiogenesis; MMP-9; proteomics; extracellular matrix AGING IS A MAJOR RISK FACTOR for cardiac mortality and morbidity (11, 30). Elderly patients with acute cardiovascular disease have poor clinical outcomes. Aging is associated with alterations in homeostatic mechanisms that make the vasculature more susceptible to damaging effects of pathophysiological conditions (35). Aging impairs diastolic function in humans, independent of existing comorbidities such as hypertension (18). In mice, aging associates with a subtle but significant decline in function of the left ventricle (LV) (21). Altered LV function is characterized by the development of diastolic dysfunction, as systolic function remains relatively unchanged (7). The cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates LV diastolic properties, provides structural support for the myocardium, and incorporates homeostatic elements such as growth factors (16). Matrix metal...

PurposeTo model the sensitivity of the optic nerve head (ONH) biomechanical environment to acute variations in IOP, cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP), and central retinal artery blood pressure (BP).MethodsWe extended a previously published numerical model of the ONH to include 24 factors representing tissue anatomy and mechanical properties, all three pressures, and constraints on the optic nerve (CON). A total of 8340 models were studied to predict factor influences on 98 responses in a two-step process: a fractional factorial screening analysis to identify the 16 most influential factors, followed by a response surface methodology to predict factor effects in detail.ResultsThe six most influential factors were, in order: IOP, CON, moduli of the sclera, lamina cribrosa (LC) and dura, and CSFP. IOP and CSFP affected different aspects of ONH biomechanics. The strongest influence of CSFP, more than twice that of IOP, was on the rotation of the peripapillary sclera. CSFP had similar influence on LC stretch and compression to moduli of sclera and LC. On some ONHs, CSFP caused large retrolamina deformations and subarachnoid expansion. CON had a strong influence on LC displacement. BP overall influence was 633 times smaller than that of IOP.ConclusionsModels predict that IOP and CSFP are the top and sixth most influential factors on ONH biomechanics. Different IOP and CSFP effects suggest that translaminar pressure difference may not be a good parameter to predict biomechanics-related glaucomatous neuropathy. CON may drastically affect the responses relating to gross ONH geometry and should be determined experimentally.

The heart pumps blood to maintain circulation and ensure the delivery of oxygenated blood to all the organs of the body. Mechanics play a critical role in governing and regulating heart function under both normal and pathological conditions. Biological processes and mechanical stress are coupled together in regulating myocyte function and extracellular matrix structure thus controlling heart function. Here we offer a brief introduction to the biomechanics of left ventricular function and then summarize recent progress in the study of the effects of mechanical stress on ventricular wall remodeling and cardiac function as well as the effects of wall mechanical properties on cardiac function in normal and dysfunctional hearts. Various mechanical models to determine wall stress and cardiac function in normal and diseased hearts with both systolic and diastolic dysfunction are discussed. The results of these studies have enhanced our understanding of the biomechanical mechanism in the development and remodeling of normal and dysfunctional hearts. Biomechanics provide a tool to understand the mechanism of left ventricular remodeling in diastolic and systolic dysfunction and guidance in designing and developing new treatments.