Intercalated disk remodeling in delta-sarcoglycan-deficient hamsters fed with an alpha-linolenic acid-enriched diet.
Cardiomyocyte intercalated disks of delta-sarcoglycan-deficient cardiomyopathic hamsters (CMPHs) exhibit a pathological accumulation of the N-cadherin/catenin complex. CMPHs fed with an alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)-enriched diet (CMPH/FS) display an extended longevity compared to those fed with a standard diet (CMPH/PT) owing to, among others, the amelioration of both cardiac tissue structure and myocardial function. The present investigation was aimed at evaluating whether and to what extent the ALA-enriched diet affects the remodeling of CMPH cardiomyocyte intercalated disks and the expression of molecules, including N-cadherin, catenins and connexin 43 (CX43), involved in their organization. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the expression of N-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin is significantly reduced in cardiomyocyte intercalated disks of CMPH/FS vs. CMPH/PT and is lowered to levels similar to those found in healthy hamsters (GSH/PT), as well as transmission electron microscopy indicated that the cardiomyocyte intercalated disk ultrastructure is also re-established in CMPH/FS. In addition, the delocalization of CX43 as well as the presence of gap junctions were detectable at the lateral plasmamembrane of CMPH/FS cardiomyocytes, while the expression of myocardial CX43 was markedly reduced in both CMPH/PT and CMPH/FS, as compared to GSH/PT. Collectively, the present results demonstrate a substantial effect of an ALA-enriched diet on cardiomyocyte intercalated disk structure and molecular composition and further supports the beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of potentially dangerous arrhythmias in cardiac diseases.
Masuelli
Laura
L
Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Trono
Paola
P
Marzocchella
Laura
L
Mrozek
Marie-Agnes
MA
Palumbo
Camilla
C
Minieri
Marilena
M
Carotenuto
Felicia
F
Fiaccavento
Roberta
R
Nardi
Alessandra
A
Galvano
Fabio
F
Di Nardo
Paolo
P
Modesti
Andrea
A
Bei
Roberto
R
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism; D051177:Catenins / Q000378:metabolism; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000378:metabolism; D006224:Cricetinae; D004032:Diet; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D049031:Sarcoglycans / Q000172:deficiency*; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015820:Cadherins; D051177:Catenins; D018031:Connexin 43; D049031:Sarcoglycans; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid