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Biomedicines
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Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies
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Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 9827

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yang Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Interests: macrophage; T cell; atherosclerosis; transgenic model; single-cell and spatial transcriptomics; epigenetic
Prof. Dr. Jifeng Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Interests: cardiovascular; CRISPR/Cas9; transgenic model; epigenetic
Dr. Chao Xue

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY 14621, USA
Interests: endothelial cell; macrophage; inflammation; oxidative stress; aneurysm; pulmonary hypertension

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to the Special Issue titled “Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies.” Our aim is to illuminate the latest research trends that explore the complex mechanisms underlying cardiovascular pathologies and ultimately translate these findings into practical therapeutic strategies.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a primary cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In this Special Issue, we seek to highlight significant progress across various aspects of CVD, ranging from the elucidation of molecular and genetic mechanisms to the evaluation of lifestyle and environmental impacts on cardiovascular health. We are looking for research that can shed light on the pathogenesis of conditions, including, but not limited to, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertension, along with studies that introduce unique diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, up-to-date reviews, case studies and short communications that contribute to the expansive field of cardiovascular pathology. This Special Issue aims to provide a dynamic platform to facilitate both collaboration and debate among researchers and clinicians dedicated to combating CVDs.

Kind regards,

Dr. Yang Zhao
Prof. Dr. Jifeng Zhang
Dr. Chao Xue
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cardiovascular pathology
  • coronary artery disease
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • heart failure
  • hypertension
  • aneurysm
  • atherosclerosis

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 592 KiB  
Article
Cardiac Function and Structure before and after Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Elite Athletes Using Biventricular and Left Atrial Strain
by Jana Schellenberg, Lynn Matits, Daniel A. Bizjak, Freya S. Jenkins and Johannes Kersten
Biomedicines 2024, 12(10), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102310 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1562
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Myocardial involvement has been observed in athletes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is unclear if these changes are due to myocardial damage per se or to an interruption in training. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac function and structure in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Myocardial involvement has been observed in athletes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is unclear if these changes are due to myocardial damage per se or to an interruption in training. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac function and structure in elite athletes before and after infection (INFAt) and compare them to a group of healthy controls (CON). Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 32 elite athletes, including 16 INFAt (median 21.0 (19.3–21.5) years, 10 male) before (t0) and 52 days after (t1) mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and 16 sex-, age- and sports type-matched CON. Left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV/RV GLS), RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV FWS) and left atrial strain (LAS) were assessed by an investigator blinded to patient history. Results: INFAt showed no significant changes in echocardiographic parameters between t0 and t1, including LV GLS (−21.8% vs. −21.7%, p = 0.649) and RV GLS (−29.1% vs. −28.7%, p = 0.626). A significant increase was observed in LA reservoir strain (LASr) (35.7% vs. 47.8%, p = 0.012). Compared to CON, INFAt at t1 had significantly higher RV FWS (−33.0% vs. −28.2%, p = 0.011), LASr (47.8% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001) and LA contraction strain (−12.8% vs. −4.9%, p = 0.050) values. Conclusions: In elite athletes, mild SARS-CoV-2 infection does not significantly impact LV function when compared to their pre-SARS-CoV-2 status and to healthy controls. However, subtle changes in RV and LA strain may indicate temporary or training-related adaptions. Further research is needed, particularly focusing on athletes with more severe infections or prolonged symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies)
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16 pages, 3919 KiB  
Article
Unmasking Protein Phosphatase 2A Regulatory Subunit B as a Crucial Factor in the Progression of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
by Fang Lin, Xiaoting Liang, Yilei Meng, Yuping Zhu, Chenyu Li, Xiaohui Zhou, Sangyu Hu, Na Yi, Qin Lin, Siyu He, Yizhuo Sun, Jie Sheng, Huimin Fan, Li Li and Luying Peng
Biomedicines 2024, 12(8), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12081887 - 19 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3704
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major causes of heart failure. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the underlying mechanisms, further investigation is required for clarifying molecular diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this study, we found that the mRNA level [...] Read more.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major causes of heart failure. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the underlying mechanisms, further investigation is required for clarifying molecular diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this study, we found that the mRNA level of protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B’ delta (Ppp2r5d) was altered in the peripheral blood plasma of DCM patients. Knockdown of Ppp2r5d in murine cardiomyocytes increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. In vivo knockdown of Ppp2r5d in an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced DCM mouse model aggravated the pathogenesis and ultimately led to heart failure. Mechanistically, Ppp2r5d-deficient cardiomyocytes showed an increase in phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 and a decrease in phosphorylation of STAT3 at S727. The elevated levels of phosphorylation at Y705 in STAT3 triggered the upregulation of interleukin 6 (IL6) expression. Moreover, the decreased phosphorylation at S727 in STAT3 disrupted mitochondrial electron transport chain function and dysregulated ATP synthesis and ROS levels. These results hereby reveal a novel role for Ppp2r5d in modulating STAT3 pathway in DCM, suggesting it as a potential target for the therapy of the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies)
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Review

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16 pages, 6015 KiB  
Review
Coronary Artery Aneurysm or Ectasia as a Form of Coronary Artery Remodeling: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, Complications, and Treatment
by Patrycja Woźniak, Sylwia Iwańczyk, Maciej Błaszyk, Konrad Stępień, Maciej Lesiak, Tatiana Mularek-Kubzdela and Aleksander Araszkiewicz
Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12091984 - 2 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1266
Abstract
Coronary artery aneurysm or ectasia (CAAE) is a term that includes both coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and coronary artery aneurysm (CAA), despite distinct phenotypes and definitions. This anomaly can be found in 0.15–5.3% of coronary angiography. CAE is a diffuse dilatation of the [...] Read more.
Coronary artery aneurysm or ectasia (CAAE) is a term that includes both coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and coronary artery aneurysm (CAA), despite distinct phenotypes and definitions. This anomaly can be found in 0.15–5.3% of coronary angiography. CAE is a diffuse dilatation of the coronary artery at least 1.5 times wider than the diameter of the normal coronary artery in a patient with a length of over 20 mm or greater than one-third of the vessel. CAE can be further subdivided into diffuse and focal dilations by the number and the length of the dilated vessels. Histologically, it presents with extensive destruction of musculoelastic elements, marked degradation of collagen and elastic fibers, and disruption of the elastic lamina. Conversely, CAA is a focal lesion manifesting as focal dilatation, which can be fusiform (if the longitudinal diameter is greater than the transverse) or saccular (if the longitudinal diameter is smaller than the transverse). Giant CAA is defined as a 4-fold enlargement of the vessel diameter and is observed in only 0.02% of patients after coronary. An aneurysmal lesion can be either single or multiple. It can be either a congenital or acquired phenomenon. The pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the formation of CAAE are not well understood. Atherosclerosis is the most common etiology of CAAE in adults, while Kawasaki disease is the most common in children. Other etiological factors include systemic connective tissue diseases, infectious diseases, vasculitis, congenital anomalies, genetic factors, and idiopathic CAA. Invasive assessment of CAAE is based on coronary angiography. Coronary computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive method that enables accurate evaluation of aneurysm size and location. The most common complications are coronary spasm, local thrombosis, distal embolization, coronary artery rupture, and compression of adjacent structures by giant coronary aneurysms. The approach to each patient with CAAE should depend on the severity of symptoms, anatomical structure, size, and location of the aneurysm. Treatment methods should be carefully considered to avoid possible complications of CAAE. Simultaneously, we should not unnecessarily expose the patient to the risk of intervention or surgical treatment. Patients can be offered conservative or invasive treatment. However, there are still numerous controversies and ambiguities regarding the etiology, prognosis, and treatment of patients with coronary artery aneurysms. This study summarizes the current knowledge about this disease’s etiology, pathogenesis, and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies)
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12 pages, 1613 KiB  
Review
Beyond Blood Sugar: How Left Atrium Strain Predicts Cardiac Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes
by Laura-Cătălina Benchea, Larisa Anghel, Alexandra Zăvoi, Traian Chiuariu, Silviu-Gabriel Birgoan, Radu Andy Sascău and Cristian Stătescu
Biomedicines 2024, 12(8), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12081690 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1288
Abstract
Speckle tracking echocardiography is an innovative imaging technique that evaluates myocardial motion, including the function of the left atrium (LA). The assessment of the left atrium’s function across its dimensions can have diagnostic and prognostic roles in various cardiovascular conditions. Left atrial strain [...] Read more.
Speckle tracking echocardiography is an innovative imaging technique that evaluates myocardial motion, including the function of the left atrium (LA). The assessment of the left atrium’s function across its dimensions can have diagnostic and prognostic roles in various cardiovascular conditions. Left atrial strain has been recognized as a valuable predictor of mortality and cardiovascular incidents in the general population across various conditions. For individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), left atrial dysfunction, as gauged by speckle tracking echocardiography, appears particularly prognostic. Parameters such as peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and left atrial stiffness have been linked with heightened risks of severe cardiovascular events, including atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, or mortality. Consequently, recognizing left atrial dysfunction early is crucial for accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment choices, comprehensive patient management, and prognosis evaluation. Using two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography, results from recent studies report that treatment with empagliflozin significantly enhanced LA function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, improving left atrial strain (LAS) contraction and reservoir values. Furthermore, treatments with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP)-1 receptor agonists and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors were shown to improve LA reservoir strain more effectively than insulin alone, suggesting their potential in reducing cardiovascular complications in T2DM patients. This narrative review further addresses ongoing challenges and potential enhancements needed to boost the clinical value of left atrium strain, emphasizing its significance in managing and improving outcomes for diabetic patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies)
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Other

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13 pages, 5364 KiB  
Case Report
Open Surgical Conversion of Popliteal Endograft Infection: Case Reports and Literature Review
by Marta Ascione, Ada Dajci, Rocco Cangiano, Antonio Marzano, Andrea Molinari, Francesca Miceli, Alessia Di Girolamo, Cristiana Leanza, Alessandra Oliva, Luca Di Marzo and Wassim Mansour
Biomedicines 2024, 12(8), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12081855 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 808
Abstract
Background: Endovascular treatment of popliteal aneurysms (PA) has increased in the last few years, quickly becoming the main treatment performed in many vascular centers, based on the acceptable and promising outcomes reported in the literature. However, endograft infections after endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair [...] Read more.
Background: Endovascular treatment of popliteal aneurysms (PA) has increased in the last few years, quickly becoming the main treatment performed in many vascular centers, based on the acceptable and promising outcomes reported in the literature. However, endograft infections after endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair (EPAR) are the most dangerous complications to occur as they involve serious local compromise and usually require open surgical conversion and device explantation to preserve the affected extremity. Case report: We report two patients who were admitted to the emergency room of our hospital for pain and edema in the lower leg. Both patients had undergone exclusion of a ruptured PA a few years before by endovascular graft. CTA testing showed a significant volume of fluid-corpuscular collection related to perianeurysmal abscess collection in both cases. Blood cultures and drained material cultures were positive for Staphylococcus capitis in the first case and S. aureus in the second. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered for 10 days, then patients underwent an open surgical conversion with the complete explantation of endovascular material and a femoro-popliteal bypass using an autologous vein in the first case and a biological bovine pericardium prosthesis in the second case. The infective department of our hospital had defined a discharged specific antibiotic therapy for each patient, based on intraoperative microbiological samples. Furthermore, we have examined the literature and found six more cases described in case report articles that refer to popliteal graft infections by different microorganisms, mostly presenting acute limb ischemia as the first symptom and suggesting endograft explantation with open conversion and autologous vein bypass as the commonest therapeutic choice. Conclusions: The open surgical conversion of popliteal endograft infection is the best strategy to manage peripheral infection after an endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair procedure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Trends in Cardiovascular Pathologies: From Mechanisms to Therapies)
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