Investigation of mesalazine as an antifibrotic drug following myocardial infarction in male mice

• Published in: Physiological Reports
• Main Authors: Stephan R. Künzel, Luise Winter, Maximilian Hoffmann, Theresa A. Kant, Jessica Thiel, Romy Kronstein‐Wiedemann, Erik Klapproth, Kristina Lorenz, Ali El‐Armouche, Susanne Kämmerer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2023-09-01
• Subjects: drug repurposing; fibrosis; mesalazine; myocardial infarction
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.15809

Abstract Objectives Myocardial infarction (MI) initiates a complex reparative response during which damaged cardiac muscle is replaced by connective tissue. While the initial repair is essential for survival, excessive fibrosis post‐MI is a primary contributor to progressive cardiac dysfunction, and ultimately heart failure. Currently, there are no approved drugs for the prevention or the reversal of cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, we tested the therapeutic potential of repurposed mesalazine as a post‐MI therapy, as distinct antifibrotic effects have recently been demonstrated. Methods At 8 weeks of age, MI was induced in male C57BL/6J mice by LAD ligation. Mesalazine was administered orally at a dose of 100 μg/g body weight in drinking water. Fluid intake, weight development, and cardiac function were monitored for 28 days post intervention. Fibrosis parameters were assessed histologically and via qPCR. Results Compared to controls, mesalazine treatment offered no survival benefit. However, no adverse effects on heart and kidney function and weight development were observed, either. While total cardiac fibrosis remained largely unaffected by mesalazine treatment, we found a distinct reduction of perivascular fibrosis alongside reduced cardiac collagen expression. Conclusions Our findings warrant further studies on mesalazine as a potential add‐on therapy post‐MI, as perivascular fibrosis development was successfully prevented.