Ultrasonographic measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation in dogs with chronic valvular disease

Alpha-smooth muscle actin and serotonin receptors 2A and 2B in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease

“…If verified, this could indicate that valvular endothelial cells are phenotypically different from myocardial endothelial cells and hold a potential for differentiation and activation. Indeed, it has previously been speculated that endothelial dysfunction might be involved in the pathogenesis of MMVD (Jones et al, 2012;Moesgaard et al, 2007;Mow and Pedersen, 1999;Olsen et al, 2003;Pedersen et al, 2003). This hypothesis seems in agreement with the fact that α-SMA positive endothelial cells were found predominantly in healthy areas of the valves, perhaps representing a premature stage in the disease process.…”

Increased NT-proANP predicts risk of congestive heart failure in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with mitral regurgitation caused by myxomatous valve disease

“…21,22 In healthy dogs plasma NOx levels correlate with NT-proANP concentrations and increases with age. 15 Indices of increased tissue activity have been reported in the mitral valves in dogs with MMVD, 23 and signs of endothelial dysfunction have been observed in dogs with MMVD through necropsy material, 24,25 by peripheral blood flow measurements, 26,27 and through analysis of plasma cGMP or precursors 28 and end-products 29 to NO. However, to our knowledge, there are no data on changes and trends in endothelial function with regard to the progression of MMVD.…”

Biopterin Status in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease is Associated with Disease Severity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

“…Veterinary studies have reported altered antioxidant status and biomarkers for oxidative stress in dogs with both spontaneous and experimentally induced cardiovascular disease including MMVD . Other studies of ED examining both circulating biomarkers and functional measurements suggest that ED may play a role in the pathogenesis of MMVD in dogs. Thus, oxidative stress and ED may serve as future targets with regard to improved diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis for dogs with MMVD …”