Targeted inhibition of activin receptor-like kinase 5 signaling attenuates cardiac dysfunction following myocardial infarction

Abstract

Following myocardial infarction (MI), the heart undergoes a pathological process known as remodeling, which in many instances results in cardiac dysfunction and ultimately heart failure and death. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling following MI. We thus aimed to inhibit TGF-β signaling using a novel orally active TGF-β type I receptor [activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5)] inhibitor (GW788388) to attenuate left ventricular remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in a rat model of MI. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation to induce experimental MI and then were randomized to receive GW788388 at..