Fig. 3

Extracellular matrix turnover indices in sham-operated pigs and in right ventricle (RV) paced pigs. Collagen mRNA and ECM turnover was evaluated in subsequent stages of heart failure (mild, moderate, and severe HF), separately in male (black columns) and female animals (white columns). a Col1A1—collagen, type I, alpha 1; b Col1A2—collagen type I, alpha 2; c—Col3A1collagen type III, alpha 1. d shows total gelatinolytic activity quantified using an biotin-gelatin assay; e shows water soluble collagen (μg/mg of wet tissue); f shows total recoverable collagen (μg/mg of wet tissue); Values are presented as means ± SEM. *p < 0.05 vs. the control group; ^# p < 0.05 female vs. male pigs (in particular study group)