Enhanced ADAM17 expression is associated with cardiac remodeling in rats with acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Aim This study aimed to investigate the dynamic expression of A-disintegrin-and-metalloproteinase-17 (ADAM17) during cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Main methods Forty male Wistar rats with a permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery were equally divided into four groups based on predefined sacrifice time: MI1d, MI1w, MI4w and MI12w. As controls, 36 rats only with left thoracotomy were equally divided into four groups. Cardiac remodeling was assessed by echocardiography and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. ADAM17 mRNA was detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression of ADAM17, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) and TNF-α was analyzed by western blotting. Key findings The systolic function was sharply worsened in the MI1w group ( versus the Con1w group, P P versus the MI1d group, all P P  = 0.001, P  = 0.003) and negatively with LVEF ( P  = 0.039) in AMI rats. Significance Enhanced ADAM17 expression, along with decreased TIMP-3 and increased TNF-α expression, especially within one week after AMI, is associated with cardiac remodeling.