The Progress of Advanced Ultrasonography in Assessing Aortic Stiffness and the Application Discrepancy between Humans and Rodents

Abstract

: Aortic stiffening is a fundamental pathological alteration of atherosclerosis and other various aging-associated vascular diseases, and it is also an independent risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Ultrasonography is a critical non-invasive method widely used in assessing aortic structure, function, and hemodynamics in humans, playing a crucial role in predicting the pathogenesis and adverse outcomes of vascular diseases. However, its applications in rodent models remain relatively limited, hindering the progress of the research. Here, we summarized the progress of the advanced ultrasonographic techniques applied in evaluating aortic stiffness. With multiple illustrative images, we mainly characterized various ultrasound techniques in assessing aortic stiffness based on the alterations of aortic structure, hemodynamics, and tissue motion. We also discussed the discrepancy of their applications in humans and rodents and explored the potential optimized strategies in the experimental research with animal models. This updated information would help to better understand the nature of ultrasound techniques and provide a valuable prospect for their applications in assessing aortic stiffness in basic science research, particularly with small animals.

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“…Interestingly, by using a 2D-STE, we detected even earlier signs of cardiac muscle weakness, reflected by significantly reduced LV regional myocardial activity of deformation. The 2D-STE imaging technique measures myocardial deformation better than conventional M-mode ultrasound imaging by capturing segmental tissue motion across multiple planes and axes serially over the cardiac cycle [29,30]. Thus, analyzing 2D-STE images could provide a much more sensitive and specific assessment of the early alteration of cardiac activity.…”

Age and Blood Pressure Contribute to Aortic Cell and Tissue Stiffness Through Distinct Mechanisms

“…Aortic stiffness was measured by combining noninvasive BP and invasive aortic pressure (AP) with echography, and multiple indices, including Young’s modulus (Ey), pressure-strain modulus (Ep), and arterial stiffness index (ASI), were calculated as described previously. 7,9,10,27…”

“…Aortic stiffness was measured by combining noninvasive BP and invasive aortic pressure (AP) with echography, and multiple indices, including Young's modulus (Ey), pressure-strain modulus (Ep), and arterial stiffness index (ASI), were calculated as described previously. 7,9,10,27 VSMC Isolation, Culture, Treatments, and a 3-Dimensional Reconstituted Tissue Model Primary VSMCs were isolated from rat thoracic aorta and then serially cultured as described previously, 9 and then treated with either CCG (25 µmol/L), Ang II (1.0 µmol/L), CCG+Ang II, or vehicle control, respectively, for 24 hours. The treated cells were collected for RNA and protein extractions or for the stiffness measurements in the 3-dimensional reconstituted tissue (RT) as described previously.…”