Heart Failure (HF)
Heart failure (HF) in its simplest forms refers to the impairment of the heart’s ability to pump blood due to congestion. We work to create innovative diagnostics and therapeutics to target the management of heart failure. We are a trusted collaborator in heart failure research so we provide complete and uncomplicated solutions to all your scientific research needs.
Introduction to Heart Failure
Heart failure is a multifactorial condition that is chronic and progressive caused by the undermined potency of the heart to effectively pump blood, which in turn diminishes the output the heart makes as well as the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to precious body organs and tissues. The disease impacts over 6 million individuals in the US and remains the single largest cause of hospital admissions in those aged 65 years and over.
Fig. 1 Four major causes and time course of heart failure (HF). (Katagiri, Mikako, et al., 2022)Pathogenesis of Heart Failure
In heart failure, there are alterations in the structure or function of the heart, and in some cases, both. Heart failure can be considered the potential final stage of various heart diseases. The following are common causes of heart failure:
- Coronary artery disease
- Hypertension
- Cardiomyopathy
- Myocardial infarction
- Congenital heart defects
- Atrial fibrillation
- Valvular heart disease
- Myocarditis
- Excessive drinking
- Viral infection
- Use of chemotherapy drugs
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Targets of Heart Failure Therapy
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
RAAS is the key modulator of blood pressure and fluid homeostasis but can also promote heart failure if dysregulated. The work of the RAAS is commonly inhibited and sustained through the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and blockers of the angiotensin receptor (ARBs). These therapies make it possible to decrease heart effort.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Individuals with heart failure have an inappropriate level of sympathetic nervous system activity, which is shown by over activity of this system which causes an increase in heart rate, vasoconstriction, along with sodium and water retention. Beta blockers, namely metoprolol and carvedilol, are routinely employed to vent block sympathetic outflow and strengthen the heart’s performance.
Our Services
Our company has established comprehensive platforms for developing rare disease diagnostics and therapies, encompassing small molecule drug, cell therapy, gene therapy, therapeutic antibody, therapeutic peptide, and therapeutic protein. Through our dedicated platforms, we are fully devoted to advancing the development of innovative diagnostic tools and therapies for heart failure.
Recognizing the significance of animal disease models in the therapy development for heart failure, we offer our expertise in establishing animal models specifically tailored for heart failure. These models serve as invaluable tools to facilitate the safety evaluation and pharmacokinetics study of your drug candidates.
Animal Models of Heart Failure
| Induced Models | |||
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| Induced heart failure models are created by subjecting animals to specific interventions or manipulations that mimic the pathological processes observed in human heart failure. Examples include surgical procedures, such as coronary artery ligation or transverse aortic constriction, which induce myocardial infarction or pressure overload, respectively. | |||
| Genetically Engineered Models | |||
| Our company is committed to the construction of genetically engineered models of heart failure. For example, our scientists use advanced gene-editing techniques to overexpress or delete genes involved in cardiac remodeling, contractility, or signaling pathways in animals to mimic certain aspects of heart failure. | |||
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| Spontaneous Models | |||
| Spontaneous models of heart failure occur naturally in certain animal species and closely resemble human heart failure. For instance, certain dog breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that often leads to heart failure. These models allow researchers to study the natural progression of heart failure and potential genetic factors contributing to the disease. | |||
| Optional Species | Mice, Rats, Pigs, Dogs, Sheep, Non-Human Primates (Monkeys), Others | ||
Regardless of your current stage of research, we offer comprehensive research services tailored to your needs. If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information and a detailed quotation regarding the specific services you require.
References
- Katagiri, Mikako, et al. "Heart Failure Pathogenesis Elucidation and New Treatment Method Development." JMA Journal 5.4 (2022): 399-406.
- Schwinger, Robert HG. "Pathophysiology of heart failure." Cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy 11.1 (2021): 263.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.