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Topic Review
Cardiotoxic Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies
Cardiotoxicity ranges from arrhythmias to life-threatening myocarditis with very high mortality rates. To date, most treatments of  Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) cardiotoxicity include immune suppression, which is also not cardiac-specific and may result in hampering of tumor clearance. 
  • 950
  • 19 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Novel Therapeutic Strategies in IHD with Reduced EF
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) continues to be the most common cause of heart failure (HF). Traditional HFrEF therapies, which include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), have extensive data from clinical trials to support their beneficial effect in patients with IHD and HFrEF, translated into improvements in survival and ventricular remodeling and function. The treatment of HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) has been innovated by the introduction of novel pharmacological therapies and device strategies which have been demonstrated to ameliorate the prognosis of HFrEF patients
  • 950
  • 04 May 2023
Topic Review
Ankyrin/Spectrin in Cardiac Conduction
The cardiac conduction system is an extended network of excitable tissue tasked with generation and propagation of electrical impulses to signal coordinated contraction of the heart. The fidelity of this system depends on the proper spatio-temporal regulation of ion channels in myocytes throughout the conduction system. Importantly, inherited or acquired defects in a wide class of ion channels has been linked to dysfunction at various stages of the conduction system resulting in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Members of the ankyrin and spectrin families have emerged as important nodes for normal expression and regulation of ion channels in myocytes throughout the conduction system. Human variants impacting ankyrin/spectrin function give rise to a broad constellation of cardiac arrhythmias. Furthermore, chronic neurohumoral and biomechanical stress promotes ankyrin/spectrin loss of function that likely contributes to conduction disturbances in the setting of acquired cardiac disease.
  • 948
  • 12 May 2021
Topic Review
Acute Coronary Syndromes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) induces a process of systemic inflammation, sharing common ground with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Growing evidence points towards a possible association between IBD and an increased risk of ACS.
  • 948
  • 15 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Pyrophosphate in Vascular Calcification
In vertebrates, plasma and other extracellular fluids are supersaturated with phosphate and calcium, causing a tendency for spontaneous calcium-phosphate precipitation. Therefore, the synthesis of calcium phosphate deposition inhibitors is essential for survival, including pyrophosphate and several proteins.
  • 948
  • 21 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Right Ventricle-Predominant Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiogenic shock (CS) remains a highly lethal condition despite many efforts and new interventions. Patients presenting with a rapid onset of hemodynamic instability and subsequent collapse require prompt and appropriate multimodality treatment. Multiple etiologies can lead to heart failure and subsequent shock. As the case prevalence of heart failure increases worldwide, it is of great importance to explore all manners and protocols of presentation and treatment present.
  • 947
  • 20 Feb 2023
Topic Review
The Implication of Gut Microbiome in Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a worldwide health problem with important consequences for the overall wellbeing of affected individuals as well as for the healthcare system. Numerous pieces of evidence have demonstrated that the associated gut microbiota represent an important component of human physiology and metabolic homeostasis, and can affect one’s state of health or disease directly, or through their derived metabolites. The advances in human microbiome studies shed light on the relationship between the gut microbiota and the cardiovascular system, revealing its contribution to the development of heart failure-associated dysbiosis. HF has been linked to gut dysbiosis, low bacterial diversity, intestinal overgrowth of potentially pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in short chain fatty acids-producing bacteria. An increased intestinal permeability allowing microbial translocation and the passage of bacterial-derived metabolites into the bloodstream is associated with HF progression. A more insightful understanding of the interactions between the human gut microbiome, HF and the associated risk factors is mandatory for optimizing therapeutic strategies based on microbiota modulation and offering individualized treatment. 
  • 947
  • 24 May 2023
Topic Review
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Exercise-Based Cancer Rehabilitation
Expression and functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been widely investigated in cancer treatment-induced complications and as a response to physical activity, respectively, but few studies focus on the application of miRNAs as biomarkers in exercise-based cancer rehabilitation. Research has shown that certain miRNA expression is altered substantially due to tissue damage caused by cancer treatment and chronic inflammation. MiRNAs are released from the damaged tissue and can be easily detected in blood plasma. Levels of the miRNA present in peripheral circulation can therefore be used to measure the extent of tissue damage. Moreover, damage to tissues such as cardiac and skeletal muscle significantly affects the individual’s health-related fitness, which can be determined using physiologic functional assessments. These physiologic parameters are a measure of tissue health and function and can therefore be correlated with the levels of circulating miRNAs.
  • 946
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Dopamine Levels and Metabolism in the Heart
Dopamine has effects on the mammalian heart. These effects can include an increase in the force of contraction, and an elevation of the beating rate and the constriction of coronary arteries. Depending on the species studied, positive inotropic effects were strong, very modest, or absent, or even negative inotropic effects occurred.
  • 945
  • 06 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Extracellular Matrix in Heart Disease
Accumulating evidence indicates that two major proteins are responsible for the structural coherence of bounding cardiomyocytes. These biomolecules are known as myocardial fibrillar collagen type I (COL1) and type III (COL3). In addition, fibronectin, laminin, fibrillin, elastin, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans take part in the formation of cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM). In physiological conditions, collagen synthesis and degradation in human cardiac ECM are well-regulated processes, but they can be impaired in certain cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure (HF). Myocardial remodeling is part of the central mechanism of HF and involves cardiomyocyte injury and cardiac fibrosis due to increased fibrillar collagen accumulation.
  • 945
  • 07 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Acute Myocardial Infarction during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was a global pandemic with high mortality and morbidity that led to an increased health burden all over the world. Although the virus mostly affects the pulmonary tract, cardiovascular implications are often observed among COVID-19 patients and are predictive of poor outcomes. Increased values of myocardial biomarkers such as troponin I or NT-proBNP were proven to be risk factors for respiratory failure. Although the risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) was greater in the acute phase of COVID-19, there were lower rates of hospitalization for ACSs, due to patients’ hesitation in presenting at the hospital. Hospitalized ACSs patients with COVID-19 infection had a prolonged symptom-to-first-medical-contact time, and longer door-to-balloon time. The mechanisms of myocardial injury in COVID-19 patients are still not entirely clear; however, the most frequently implicated factors include the downregulation of ACE2 receptors, endothelial dysfunction, pro-coagulant status, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. 
  • 944
  • 05 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes
The benefits of exercise for cardiovascular and general health are many. However, sudden cardiac death (SCD) may occur in apparently healthy athletes who perform at the highest levels. A diverse spectrum of diseases is implicated in SCD in athletes, and while atherosclerotic coronary artery disease predominates in individuals of >35 years of age, primary cardiomyopathies and ion channelopathies are prevalent in young individuals. Prevention of SCD in athletes relies on the implementation of health policies aimed at the early identification of arrhythmogenic diseases (such as cardiac screening) and successful resuscitation (such as widespread utilization of automatic external defibrillators and training members of the public on cardiopulmonary resuscitation). 
  • 943
  • 17 May 2023
Topic Review
The Influence of Polyphenols on Atherosclerosis Development
Polyphenols have attracted tremendous attention due to their pro-health properties, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and neuroprotective activities. Atherosclerosis is a vascular disorder underlying several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). One of the main risk factors causing atherosclerosis is the type and quality of food consumed. Therefore, polyphenols represent promising agents in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated by in vitro, animal, preclinical and clinical studies. However, most polyphenols cannot be absorbed directly by the small intestine. Gut microbiota play a crucial role in converting dietary polyphenols into absorbable bioactive substances. An increasing understanding of the field has confirmed that specific gut microbiota (GM) taxa strains mediate the gut microbiota–atherosclerosis axis.
  • 943
  • 28 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic cardiac disease that presents with cardiac hypertrophy. HCM phenocopies are clinical conditions that are phenotypically undistinguishable from HCM, but with a different underlying etiology. Cardiac tumors are rare entities that can sometimes mimic HCM in their echocardiographic appearance, thus representing an example of HCM phenocopy. At present, only case reports of tumoral HCM phenocopies can be found in literature.
  • 940
  • 07 May 2021
Topic Review
Physical Activity in Polluted Air and Cardiovascular Health
Both exposure to higher levels of polluted air and physical inactivity are crucial risk factors for the development and progression of major noncommunicable diseases and, in particular, of cardiovascular disease. While regular physical activity is well known to improve general health, it may also increase the uptake and deposit of air pollutants in the lungs/airways and circulation, due to increased breathing frequency and minute ventilation, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • 940
  • 17 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is defined as HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) not less than 50%. HFpEF accounts for more than 50% of all HF patients, and its prevalence is increasing year to year with the aging population, with its prognosis worsening.
  • 935
  • 27 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Echocardiography of Infective Endocarditis
Infective endocarditis (IE) refers to an infection of the endocardial surface structures of the heart. It is a complex heterogeneous condition often with systemic complications and carries a high rate of mortality and morbidities.
  • 933
  • 03 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and Atrial Cardiomyopathy
Ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of angina, myocardial remodeling, and eventually heart failure (HF). Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a major endotype of INOCA, and it is caused by structural and functional alterations of the coronary microcirculation. At the same time, atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) defined by structural, functional, and electrical atrial remodeling has a major clinical impact due to its manifestations: atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial thrombosis, stroke, and HF symptoms. Both these pathologies share similar risk factors and have a high comorbidity burden. CMD causing INOCA and ACM frequently coexist. 
  • 933
  • 04 May 2023
Topic Review
Interventional Cardiology of Chronic Heart Failure
Chronic heart failure (HF) is classified into two types: HFrEF—heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; and HFpEF—heart failure with “preserved” EF. In both the cases, increased left ventricular filling pressure impact on symptoms and on myocardial perfusion. Thus, device-based solutions were proposed to improve cardiac physiology in HF and to prevent or treat post-capillary pulmonary hypertension.
  • 932
  • 19 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Peptidic Connexin43 Therapeutics
Connexin (Cx43)-formed channels have been linked to cardiac arrhythmias and diseases of the heart associated with myocardial tissue loss and fibrosis. These pathologies include ischemic heart disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A number of Cx43 mimetic peptides have been reported as therapeutic candidates for targeting disease processes linked to Cx43, including some that have advanced to clinical testing in humans. These peptides include Cx43 sequences based on the extracellular loop domains (e.g., Gap26, Gap 27, and Peptide5), cytoplasmic-loop domain (Gap19 and L2), and cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal domain (e.g., JM2, Cx43tat, CycliCX, and the alphaCT family of peptides) of this transmembrane protein. Additionally, RYYN peptides binding to the Cx43 carboxyl-terminus have been described.
  • 930
  • 16 May 2021
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