Overexpression of Glutathione Peroxidase Prevents Left Ventricular Remodeling and Failure After Myocardial Infarction in Mice

Abstract

Background— Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. We determined whether the overexpression of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) could attenuate left ventricular (LV) remodeling and failure after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods and Results— We created MI in 12- to 16-week-old, male GSHPx transgenic mice (TG+MI) and nontransgenic wild-type littermates (WT+MI) by ligating the left coronary artery. GSHPx activity was increased in the hearts of TG mice, with no significant changes in other antioxidant enzymes. LV concentrations of thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances measured in TG+MI at 4 weeks were significantly lower than those in WT+MI. The survival rate during 4 weeks of MI was significantly higher in TG+MI than in WT+MI, although the infarct size was comparable. LV cavity dilatation and dysfunction were significantly attenuated in TG+MI. LV end-diastolic pressure was increased in WT+MI and reduced in TG+MI. Improvement of LV function in TG+MI was accompanie...