Acid ceramidase gene therapy ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension with right heart dysfunction

Background Up-regulation of ceramides in pulmonary hypertension (PH), contributing to perturbations in sphingolipid homeostasis and the transition of cells to a senescence state. We assessed the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of acid ceramidase gene transfer in a rodent PH model. Methods A model of PH was established by the combination of left pneumonectomy and injection of Sugen toxin. Magnetic resonance imaging and right heart catheterization confirmed development of PH. Animals were subjected to intratracheal administration of synthetic adeno-associated viral vector (Anc80L65) carrying the acid ceramidase (Anc80L65.AC), an empty capsid vector, or saline. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated 8 weeks after gene delivery. Results Hemodynamic assessment 4 weeks after PH model the development demonstrated an increase in the mean pulmonary artery pressure to 30.4 ± 2.13 mmHg versus 10.4 ± 1.65 mmHg in sham (p < 0.001), which was consistent with the definition of PH. We documented a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in the saline-treated (6.79 ± 0.85 mm Hg) and empty capsid (6.94 ± 0.47 mm Hg) groups, but not in animals receiving Anc80L65.AC (4.44 ± 0.71 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Morphometric analysis demonstrated an increase in medial wall thickness in control groups in comparison to those treated with acid ceramidase. After acid ceramidase gene delivery, a significant decrease of pro-inflammatory factors, interleukins, and senescence markers was observed. Conclusion Gene delivery of acid ceramidase provided tropism to pulmonary tissue and ameliorated vascular remodeling with right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension. Graphical Abstract