Mathematics

Report summarizes differential equations study findings from Leiden University

  2008 NOV 3 - (VerticalNews.com) -- According to a study from Netherlands, "The epicardium is embryologically formed by outgrowth of proepicardial cells over the naked heart tube. Epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) migrate into the myocardium, contributing to myocardial architecture, valve development, and the coronary vasculature."

  "Defective EPDC formation causes valve malformations, myocardial thinning, and coronary defects. In the atrioventricular (AV) valves and the fibrous heart skeleton isolating atrial from ventricular myocardium, EPDCs colocalize with periostin, a matrix molecule involved in remodeling. We investigated whether proepicardial outgrowth inhibition affected periostin expression and how this related to development of the AV valves and fibrous heart skeleton. Periostin expression by epicardium and EPDCs was confirmed in vitro in primary cultures of human and quail EPDCs. Disturbing EPDC formation in quail embryos reduced periostin expression in the endocardial cushions and AV junction. Disturbed fibrous tissue development resulted in AV myocardial connections reflected by preexcitation electrocardiographic patterns. We conclude that EPDCs are local producers of periostin. Disturbance of EPDC formation results in decreased cardiac periostin levels and hampers the development of fibrous tissue in AV junction and the developing AV valves," wrote H. Lievenema and colleagues, Leiden University.

  The researchers concluded: "The resulting cardiac anomalies might link to Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome with persistent AV myocardial connections."

  Lievenema and colleagues published their study in Differentiation (Periostin expression by epicardium-derived cells is involved in the development of the atrioventricular valves and fibrous heart skeleton. Differentiation, 2008;76(7):809-819).

  For more information, contact A.C.G.D. Groot, Leiden University, Medical Center, Dept. of Anatomy & Embryology, Postal Zone S-1-P, POB 9600, NL-2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands.

  Publisher contact information for the journal Differentiation is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

  Keywords: Netherlands, Life Sciences, Cardiology, Mathematics, Leiden University.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Mathematics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Mathematics via VerticalNews.com.