Influence of pentoxiphylline on heart remodeling induced by tobacco smoke

Abstract

Smoking has been considered one of the most important cardiovascular risk factor. In generally, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation are related to the damage induced by tobacco.In experimental studies, Wistar rats exposed to tobacco smoke presented with left ventricular chamber dilation, and left and right ventricular hypertrophy, followed by impair in diastolic and systolic function.The role of oxidative stress on cardiac remodeling has been studied, however the influence of inflammation in this process are not well established. The attenuating effect of remodeling induced by some medicines has had important area of resources.Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with a wide range of immunomodulatory properties. Of significant importance, PTX has inhibitory effects on TNF-alfa and on other cytochines transcription and action. Also, PTX inhibits peripheral blood mononuclear, citotoxicity, expression of adhesion molecules, apoptosis and others.Considering the role of inflammation and cytokines, on heart remodeling due to many injury patterns, it's possible that they are also involved in tobacco smoking damage. Therefore, it's possible that PTX, a strong immunomodulator and anti-inflamatory, could attenuate remodeling induced by tobacco smoke in rats.The objectives of this study are to evaluate: 1) the participation of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis 2) the role of PTX in attenuating cardiac remodeling induced by tobacco smoking.In this study there will be used 40 Wistar male rats divided in 4 groups: Control (C), smokers control (EFC/C), treated with PTX (PTX), smokers and treated with PTX (EFC/PTX). After two month of observation, the animals will be submitted to ecochardiography, isolated heart study, tissue morphometry and biochemistry evaluation of cytokines, oxidative stress and apoptosis. (AU)