Tricuspid valve leaflet remodeling in sheep with biventricular heart failure: A comparison between leaflets

Kostelnik CJ, Meador WD, et al.

Acta Biomaterialia

The University of Texas at Austin, Corewell Health, Medical University of Silesia, University of Rzeszow

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study investigated differential remodeling of tricuspid valve leaflets in a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy sheep model of biventricular heart failure. Leaflet-specific changes in geometry, stiffness, and collagen organization were quantified using biaxial mechanical testing, histology, and two-photon microscopy. The anterior leaflet exhibited the most pronounced thickening and stiffening, while the septal leaflet showed reduced anisotropy and enhanced collagen dispersion near the atrial surface. Remodeling markers including α-SMA, Ki67, MMP13, and TGF-β1 were upregulated in leaflet-specific patterns, revealing regionally distinct fibrosis and extracellular matrix turnover.

Biaxial mechanical testing of septal, anterior, and posterior leaflet samples was performed using a CellScale BioTester submerged in 37°C PBS. Tissue samples (7×7 mm) were preconditioned through ten equibiaxial cycles to 300 mN before being tested under force-controlled biaxial extension. The BioTester’s optical tracking system enabled quantification of anisotropy, stiffness, and nonlinear stress–strain behavior across tricuspid valve leaflets from control and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy animals.

AUTHORS

Colton J. Kostelnik, William D. Meador, Chien-Yu Lin, Mrudang Mathur, Marcin Malinowski, Tomasz Jazwiec, Zuzanna Malinowska, Magda L. Piekarska, Boguslaw Gaweda, Tomasz A. Timek, Manuel K. Rausch.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Acta Biomaterialia

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

The University of Texas at Austin, Corewell Health, Medical University of Silesia, University of Rzeszow

COUNTRIES

Poland, United States

INSTRUMENT USED

BioTester

TESTING METHODS

Biaxial TestingDigital Image Correlation (DIC)Hydrated and Temperature Controlled TestingTensile Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Cardiac Tissue Engineering & MechanicsFibrosis & Tissue RemodelingHeart Valve Tissue Engineering & MechanicsMechanotransduction

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