Could ARNI have an Effect on LV Fibrosis and Inflammatory Parameters in an Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis Model?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of sacubitril-valsartan treatment in the early period of Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis (EAM) model, under the perspective of fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines. Methods: The study was performed using 18 rats in three groups of EAM (n=6), EAM treatment (n=6) and control (n=6). EAM was induced by footpad injections of porcine cardiac myosin and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA). The EAM group was not given any medical care. 20 mg/kg sacubitril-valsartan was given to EAM treatment (marked as treatment) group twice a day beginning from the 21st day to the 42nd day. No procedure was applied to the control group. Histopathological, biochemical and RT-PCR analyses were performed on the heart tissues taken after the 42nd day of sacrificing. Results: Significant congestion, fibrosis, and cellular changes were observed in the EAM and treatment groups. There was 50% less severe fibrosis,which is 3rd degree, in the Treatment group compared to EAM. Severe congestion rate was lower in the treatment group compared to EAM; with the percentage of 16,6% to 50%. Though the average values of treatment group were lower than EAM group, there was obvious difference in TNF ?, TGF ?1 and NT-proBNP levels (p>0.05) between the EAM and the treatment groups. There was no significant difference in IL-6 levels between the three groups. Conclusion: In view of findings, the treatment of ARNI in acute autoimmune myocarditis may be promising on cardiac risk markers (cytokine, BNP values) and fibrosis parameters. Studies to be conducted in high-numbered groups will reveal more statistical significance.