siRNA Targeting ECE-1 Partially Reverses Pulmonary Arterial Hypertensionassociated Damage in a Monocrotaline Model

Aims:: The aim of this study was to develop a possible treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Background:: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterised by a pulmonary arterial pressure greater than 20 mmHg. One of the factors that contribute to PAH is an increase in the production of endothelin-1, a polypeptide that increases vascular resistance in the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy. Objective:: The objective of this study was to design, synthesize, and evaluate two siRNAs directed against endothelin-1 in a rat model of PAH induced with monocrotaline. Methods:: Wistar rats were administered monocrotaline (60 mg/kg) to induce a PAH model. Following two weeks of PAH evolution, the siRNAs were administered, and after two weeks, right ventricular hypertrophy was evaluated using the RV/LV+S ratio, blood pressure, weight, and relative expression of ECE-1 (Endothelin-converting enzyme-1) mRNA (messenger RNA) by RT-PCR (real-time PCR). Results:: The monocrotaline group showed an increase in the hypertrophy index and in ECE-1 mRNA, as well as a significant decrease in weight compared to the control group, while in the monocrotaline + siRNA group, a significant decrease was observed in the relative expression of ECE-1 mRNA, as well as in right ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions:: Based on the above information, we conclude that the administration of siRNAs directed to ECE-1 decreases the damage associated with PAH.