The effect of hyperglycaemic and hyperlipidemic conditions on cardiac cells in vitro

A simple cell culture model has captured biomechanical effects similar to those observed in myocardial tissue during the onset of diabetic cardiomyopathy.   Cardiac myocytes were co-cultured with cardiac fibroblasts in bilayers mimicking the layered structure of the heart and then exposed to hyperglycaemic or hyperlipidemic conditions associated with diabetes.  In both cases, particle-tracking microrheology revealed myocyte (but not fibroblast) stiffening; AFM measurements supported the microrheological data.  Excess fatty acid also led to increased cFOS expression – and indicator of hypertrophy.   Further experiments hinted at a possible mediating role for reactive oxygen species but more work is required to understand the complex mechanisms underlying the observations.

Hyperglycemic and Hyperlipidemic Conditions Alter Cardiac Cell

Biomechanical Properties; J. Michaelson et al; Biophysical Journal; Volume 106 June 2014 2322–2329

http://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(14)00458-5