Sirtuin 1 activation attenuates cardiac fibrosis in a rodent pressure overloadmodel by modifying Smad2/3 transactivation

Abstract

Aims Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a prosclerotic cytokine involved in cardiac remodelling leading to heart failure (HF). Acetylation/de-acetylation of specific lysine residues in Smad2/3 has been shown to regulate TGF-β signalling by altering its transcriptional activity. Recently, the lysine de-acetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been shown to have a cardioprotective effect; however, SIRT1 expression and activity are paradoxically reduced in HF. Herein, we investigate whether pharmacological activation of SIRT1 would induce cardioprotection in a pressure overload model and assess the impact of SIRT1 activation on TGF-β signalling and the fibrotic response. Methods and results Eight..