Conclusions
Our findings warrant further studies on mesalazine as a potential add-on therapy post-MI, as perivascular fibrosis development was successfully prevented.
Methods
At 8 weeks of age, MI was induced in male C57BL/6J mice by LAD ligation. Mesalazine was administered orally at a dose of 100 μg/g body weight in drinking water. Fluid intake, weight development, and cardiac function were monitored for 28 days post intervention. Fibrosis parameters were assessed histologically and via qPCR.
Results
Compared to controls, mesalazine treatment offered no survival benefit. However, no adverse effects on heart and kidney function and weight development were observed, either. While total cardiac fibrosis remained largely unaffected by mesalazine treatment, we found a distinct reduction of perivascular fibrosis alongside reduced cardiac collagen expression. Conclusions: Our findings warrant further studies on mesalazine as a potential add-on therapy post-MI, as perivascular fibrosis development was successfully prevented.