Abstract
BACKGROUND: Uremic cardiomyopathy (UCM) remains the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Experimental animal models serve as essential tools for elucidating the potential mechanism underlying UCM. However, experimental UCM models are often challenged by inter-individual variability and inconsistent success rates. Reliable phenotypes are not guaranteed by current animal models of UCM. In this study, Tei index from echocardiography was investigated for its potential value in construction of murine UCM model based on 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx). METHODS: Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment, measurement of blood pressure and serum creatinine, histological analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed to reveal the relationship between Tei index and construction of UCM model. RESULTS: The Tei index was significantly elevated in Nx mice despite preserved cardiac function and structural integrity at 8 weeks post-nephrectomy. A longitudinal follow-up to the 12(th) week revealed that the Nx mice with higher Tei index (Nx HT) presented distinct features of hemodynamic remodeling, left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Furthermore, pronounced myocardial hypertrophy and extensive myocardial interstitial fibrosis were confirmed in the Nx HT group. CONCLUSIONS: This study validates the Tei index as a sensitive and non-invasive parameter for the early evaluation and prediction of UCM murine model induced by 5/6 nephrectomy.