Entelon(R) (vitis vinifera seed extract) reduces inflammation and calcification in a beagle dog model of intravascular bovine pericardium implantation

ObjectiveInflammation and calcification are major factors responsible for failure of bioprosthetic valve and other substitute heart valve implantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification effects of Entelon150(R) (consisting of grape-seed extract) in a beagle dog model of intravascular bovine pericardium implantation. MethodsIn total, 8 healthy male beagle dogs were implanted with a bovine pericardium bilaterally in the external jugular veins and divided into two groups. Animals in the Entelon150(R) group (n = 4) were treated with 150 mg of Entelon150(R) twice daily for six weeks after surgery. The negative control (NC) group (n = 4) was treated with 5 ml of saline using the same method. After six weeks, we measured the calcium content, performed histological examination, and performed molecular analysis. ResultsThe calcium content of implanted tissue in the Entelon150(R) group (0.56{+/-}0.14 mg/g) was significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.48{+/-}0.57 mg/g) (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination showed that infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells, such as fibroblasts and macrophages, occurred around the graft in all groups; however, the inflammation level of the implanted tissue in the Entelon150(R) group was significantly lower than that in the NC group. Both immunohistochemical and western blot analyses revealed that bone morphogenetic protein 2 expression was significantly attenuated in the Entelon150(R) group. ConclusionsOur results indicate that Entelon150(R) significantly attenuates post-implantation inflammation and degenerative calcification of the bovine pericardium in dogs. Therefore, Entelon150(R) may increase the longevity of the bovine pericardium after intravascular implantation.