Assessing the therapeutic effects of plasmalogen supplementation in a mouse model of heart failure

Summary Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 60% of men and 45% of women with heart failure die within five years of diagnosis. Additional therapies are required to address this major unmet need. Lipids are a major component of all cell membranes including heart muscle cells. Recent studies have shown that lipids (molecules such as fats) are altered in various pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease. Plasmalogens are a specific type of lipid that are enriched in the heart. Previous studies have demonstrated that plasmalogen levels were reduced in settings of type 2 diabetes. I have recently published results that demonstrate an association of reduced plasmalogen levels to heart failure in mice. The role of plasmalogens in the heart however, is currently unclear. This study aims to assess the potential of treating a surgical mouse model of heart failure(Ischemia reperfusion) by using a dietary supplement that increases plasmalogens levels in the heart.

Project Details

>Assessing the therapeutic effects of plasmalogen supplementation in a mouse model of heart failure

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 60% of men and 45% of women with heart failure die within five years of diagnosis. Additional therapies are required to address this major unmet need. Lipids are a major component of all cell membranes including heart muscle cells. Recent studies have shown that lipids (molecules such as fats) are altered in various pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease. Plasmalogens are a specific type of lipid that are enriched in the heart. Previous studies have demonstrated that plasmalogen levels were reduced in settings of type 2 diabetes. I have recently published results that demonstrate an association of reduced plasmalogen levels to heart failure in mice. The role of plasmalogens in the heart however, is currently unclear.The aim of this research project is to non-invasively increase plasmalogens levels in the hearts of a mouse model of heart failure via dietary supplementation that increases plasmalogens levels and to assess how modulating plasmalogens may benefit the failing heart.

Key skillsets that could be obtained through this project include animal handling, exposure to echocardiography imaging and electrocardiography, molecular biology techniques such as lipid/DNA/RNA extractions and qPCR and analyses of lipidomic datasets.