Effect of neurohormonal therapeutic in left ventricle global and regional function in Chagas cardiomyopathy in a translational animal experimental model

Neurohormonal benefits of Chronic Chagas' Cardiomyopathy (CCC) remain controversial. This study aimed to assess therapeutic interventions on CCC evolution in T. cruzi-infected hamsters at pre and post-treatment (2 months with beta-blocker (CH + BB) or ACE inhibitor (CH + ACEI)). Echocardiography was performed through evolution and compared to histopathological myocardial analysis. At post-treatment, a significant reduction of LV global systolic function and segmental function was observed between the control group and all Chagas' groups. Compared to the Control, a reduction in LV regional strain was observed in three LV segments, regardless of treatment. No differences were observed in apoptosis, myocardial fibrosis, and the number of inflammatory cells among the groups. In an experimental model of CCC, LV global and regional function is compromised, and the treatment with ACEi and BB did not change LV remodeling. Regional LV function was slightly better in animals treated with BB, and this difference was not observed in the CH + ACEi group.