Expression Patterns and Functions of Cardiac Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor During Cardiac Development

Objective: This study describes the expression profiles and roles of cardiac pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) during cardiac development. Methods: Gene datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to analyze the correlation between cardiac PEDF expression and heart disease. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histological staining and echocardiography were used to assess the expression patterns and functions of PEDF during cardiac development. Results: Analysis of GEO data sets indicated that the expression of cardiac PEDF correlated with the occurrence and development of various heart diseases. Western blotting of various tissues in mice at 30 postnatal days of age indicated higher PEDF expression in the heart and aorta than the liver. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the expression of cardiac PEDF significantly decreased after birth, mainly because of a significant decrease in PEDF expression in the cytoplasm. Histological staining and echocardiography indicated that PEDF deficiency had no significant effects on cardiac structure, cardiac function and vascular hemodynamics in 8-week-old mice. Conclusion: Cardiac PEDF shows high expression and dynamic changes during cardiac development, but has no effects on cardiac structure, function and vascular hemodynamics.