{"title":"Leptin and heart failure: the chicken or the egg?","authors":"Nikolaos Theodorakis, Maria Nikolaou","doi":"10.1007/s10741-025-10501-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10741-025-10501-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leptin plays a dual role in heart failure (HF), acting as either a primary driver or a secondary phenomenon depending on the HF subtype. In HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), chronic hyperleptinemia is a primary mediator of disease initiation and progression, closely linked to obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Elevated leptin levels promote systemic inflammation, sympathetic nervous system activation, arterial stiffness, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and sodium retention, culminating in diastolic dysfunction and elevated ventricular filling pressures. Conversely, in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), elevated leptin levels arise as a secondary response to myocardial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and tissue hypoperfusion. Here, leptin exacerbates cardiac dysfunction by amplifying neurohormonal activation, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling. Understanding these distinct roles has potential therapeutic implications. In HFpEF, interventions such as weight loss, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists can improve symptoms and prognosis, partly by mitigating chronic hyperleptinemia. Furthermore, leptin-specific therapies should be investigated in clinical trials as potential approach in managing cardiometabolic HFpEF. In HFrEF, management focuses on guideline-directed therapies targeting neurohormonal activation-the key mechanism driving disease progression. However, future research should explore whether modulating leptin signaling could provide additional benefits translated in hard clinical endpoints. By framing leptin as the initiator (\"chicken\") in HFpEF and a consequence (\"egg\") in HFrEF, this manuscript highlights the need for individualized, integrated treatment strategies. Addressing both metabolic and cardiovascular components could potentially further improve patient outcomes and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143648403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brandon Pecchia, Roy Samuel, Vacha Shah, Emily Newman, Gregory T Gibson
{"title":"Mechanisms of exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).","authors":"Brandon Pecchia, Roy Samuel, Vacha Shah, Emily Newman, Gregory T Gibson","doi":"10.1007/s10741-025-10504-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-025-10504-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exercise intolerance is a well-established symptom of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and is associated with impaired quality of life and worse clinical outcomes. Historically attributed to diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, exercise intolerance in HFpEF is now known to result not only from diastolic dysfunction, but also from impairments in left ventricular systolic function, left atrial pathology, right ventricular dysfunction, and valvular disease. Disorders of heart rate and rhythm such as chronotropic incompetence and atrial fibrillation have also been implicated in exercise intolerance in this population. Pathologic changes to extra-cardiac organ systems including the respiratory, vascular, hormonal, and skeletal muscle systems are also thought to play a role in exercise impairment. Finally, comorbidities such as obesity, inflammation, and anemia are common and likely contributory in many cases. The role of each of these factors is discussed in this review of exercise intolerance in patients with HFpEF.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143624421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrew Ndakotsu, Tagbo Charles Nduka, Simran Agrawal, Edinen Asuka
{"title":"Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: comprehensive insights into pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.","authors":"Andrew Ndakotsu, Tagbo Charles Nduka, Simran Agrawal, Edinen Asuka","doi":"10.1007/s10741-025-10500-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10741-025-10500-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a cardiac dysfunction linked to chronic liver disease, primarily characterized by impaired cardiac response to stress, despite normal baseline function. It presents with both systolic and diastolic dysfunction, along with electrophysiological changes such as QT interval prolongation. CCM is driven by a combination of systemic inflammation, nitric oxide-induced vasodilation, and neurohormonal dysregulation, leading to myocardial impairment and abnormal vascular responses. Clinically, CCM often remains asymptomatic at rest, but patients may experience exercise intolerance or heart failure during stress. Diagnosis includes echocardiographic evaluation, biomarker analysis (NT-proBNP, troponins), and electrocardiography for detecting electrophysiologic abnormalities. Management is complicated by cirrhosis, limiting the use of conventional heart failure treatments, with liver transplantation being the most definitive intervention in severe cases. Early detection of CCM is vital, particularly for patients undergoing liver transplantation or major surgery, where cardiac complications can increase mortality. Further research is necessary to refine diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143604624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emerging, novel gene-modulating therapies for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.","authors":"Song Peng Ang, Jia Ee Chia, Debabrata Mukherjee","doi":"10.1007/s10741-025-10502-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-025-10502-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive, life-threatening disease caused by the pathological deposition of misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein in the myocardium, leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. While TTR stabilizers such as tafamidis and acoramidis are the only FDA-approved treatments, novel gene-modulating therapies are emerging as transformative approaches. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies effectively reduce TTR production and have demonstrated promising clinical outcomes, though their use in cardiac amyloidosis remains investigational. CRISPR-Cas9 therapies represent a paradigm shift, offering a potential one-time treatment by permanently silencing the TTR gene. Recent clinical trials have shown significant TTR reduction and stabilization of disease biomarkers, although long-term safety and efficacy require further evaluation. Despite the lack of direct comparisons among these modalities, their emergence highlights a promising future for ATTR-CM management. This review discusses the pathogenesis of ATTR-CM, mechanisms of novel gene-modulating therapies, clinical evidence, challenges, and the future outlook for advancing treatment options.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143582304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heart Failure ReviewsPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-10-30DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10462-2
Rami Halaseh, Andrew J Sauer, Orly Vardeny, Mario Enrico Canonico, Josephine Harrington, Jana Svetlichnaya, Andrew P Ambrosy
{"title":"A fine addition: Finerenone in the evolving landscape of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.","authors":"Rami Halaseh, Andrew J Sauer, Orly Vardeny, Mario Enrico Canonico, Josephine Harrington, Jana Svetlichnaya, Andrew P Ambrosy","doi":"10.1007/s10741-024-10462-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-024-10462-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"287-291"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142545067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heart Failure ReviewsPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-12-03DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10468-w
Wojciech Tokarczyk, Szymon Urban, Patryk Patrzałek, Łukasz Stolarski, Gracjan Iwanek, Oskar Szymański, Robert Zymliński
{"title":"Potential effects of beta-blockers in HFpEF.","authors":"Wojciech Tokarczyk, Szymon Urban, Patryk Patrzałek, Łukasz Stolarski, Gracjan Iwanek, Oskar Szymański, Robert Zymliński","doi":"10.1007/s10741-024-10468-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-024-10468-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) poses a significant challenge in contemporary medicine, characterized by poor quality of life, high healthcare costs, and increased mortality. Despite advancements in medical research, treatment strategies for HFpEF remain elusive, with unclear guidance on the use of beta-blockers. While sympathetic overstimulation is common in HFpEF, beta-blockers, though potentially beneficial in reducing sympathetic activity, may exacerbate chronotropic incompetence and decrease exercise tolerance. Additionally, their impact on outcomes in HFpEF patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation is uncertain. Some studies suggest the potential benefits of beta-blockers on diastolic function, yet evidence on clinical endpoints remains inconclusive. Recent research indicates a potential reduction in all-cause mortality with beta-blocker use in HFpEF, although their effect on combined mortality or HF hospitalizations is less clear. Moreover, beta-blocker efficacy may vary depending on ejection fraction subgroups, with more favorable outcomes observed in HFmrEF compared to HFpEF. Current literature underscores the need for large-scale randomized clinical trials to clarify the role of beta-blockers in HFpEF management. Given the limitations of existing evidence, future research is essential to inform updated treatment guidelines and therapeutic protocols tailored to the contemporary clinical landscape.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"357-364"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11802620/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142768468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heart Failure ReviewsPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-11-08DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10465-z
Emyal Alyaydin, Danaë Parianos, Julia Hermes-Laufer, Matthias P Nägele, Liesa Castro, Maria Papathanasiou, Holger Reinecke, Andreas J Flammer
{"title":"Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in left ventricular assist device and heart transplant recipients: a mini-review.","authors":"Emyal Alyaydin, Danaë Parianos, Julia Hermes-Laufer, Matthias P Nägele, Liesa Castro, Maria Papathanasiou, Holger Reinecke, Andreas J Flammer","doi":"10.1007/s10741-024-10465-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-024-10465-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) emerged as promising therapeutic agents in managing heart failure (HF). They demonstrated a significant impact on reducing HF hospitalizations and related mortality in patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. However, evidence supporting their use in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and heart transplant (HT) recipients is still limited. We identified six key studies investigating the safety and efficacy of SGLT2i in LVAD and HT recipients. In patients with LVAD, prescription of SGLT2i was predominantly associated with improved fluid management and reduced pulmonary artery pressures. However, the results regarding their effects on body weight, hemoglobin A1c, diuretic use, and right ventricular function were contradictory. In terms of safety, SGLT2i were generally well-tolerated in the LVAD population, and the reported incidence of adverse events was low. In HT recipients, SGLT2i were associated with better glycemic control and weight reduction. No relevant adverse events were reported. Despite these encouraging results, the long-term safety and efficacy of SGLT2i in these vulnerable patient populations are yet to be investigated. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to address existing gaps in evidence and help integrate SGLT2i into clinical practice for LVAD and HT recipients.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"327-335"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11802697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142604370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heart Failure ReviewsPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-12-13DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10475-x
Kristen Callender, Lee-Ann Briggs
{"title":"Peripartum cardiomyopathy in the twenty-first century: a review of the pathophysiology and clinical trials for novel disease-specific therapeutics.","authors":"Kristen Callender, Lee-Ann Briggs","doi":"10.1007/s10741-024-10475-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-024-10475-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an idiopathic and nonischemic systolic dysfunction with onset toward the end of pregnancy and up to 5 months postpartum. Its clinical phenotype overlaps with pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy rendering both a continuum of the same disease. Incidence varies geographically and is highest in areas where risk factors are prevalent. The understanding of its pathophysiology is constantly evolving, but a proposed two-hit model of dysfunctional vasculogenesis and genetic predisposition exacerbated by the hemodynamic stressors of pregnancy is widely accepted. The catalysis of the cleavage of prolactin into an anti-angiogenic fragment provoked by unbalanced oxidative stress forms the bedrock of its pathogenesis. Furthermore, miRNA signaling, placenta-produced factors, and a potential underlying genetic susceptibility convene to disrupt cardiac and endothelial metabolic homeostasis. The role of anti-adrenergic and anti-sarcomeric antibodies, nutritional deficiency, and mutated viral cardiotropes are understudied. There are limited randomized controlled trials for disease-specific drugs; however, most trials are targeted at the D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine. Positive primary endpoints in a large German clinical trial led to its approved use in Europe, but the U.S.A. still renders it experimental with ongoing trials evaluating its long-term efficacy and safety. Despite its popularity since the 1900s, multiple gaps in evidence regarding long-term management after myocardial recovery, management of subsequent pregnancies, optimal anticoagulation strategy, and alternative pathophysiological pathways remain unknown.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"443-451"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142817833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heart Failure ReviewsPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-12-19DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10472-0
Michael P Girouard, Alex J Chang, Yilin Liang, Steven A Hamilton, Ankeet S Bhatt, Jana Svetlichnaya, Jesse K Fitzpatrick, Evan C B Carey, Harshith R Avula, Sirtaz Adatya, Keane K Lee, Matthew D Solomon, Rishi V Parikh, Alan S Go, Andrew P Ambrosy
{"title":"Clinical and research applications of natural language processing for heart failure.","authors":"Michael P Girouard, Alex J Chang, Yilin Liang, Steven A Hamilton, Ankeet S Bhatt, Jana Svetlichnaya, Jesse K Fitzpatrick, Evan C B Carey, Harshith R Avula, Sirtaz Adatya, Keane K Lee, Matthew D Solomon, Rishi V Parikh, Alan S Go, Andrew P Ambrosy","doi":"10.1007/s10741-024-10472-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-024-10472-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Natural language processing (NLP) is a burgeoning field of machine learning/artificial intelligence that focuses on the computational processing of human language. Researchers and clinicians are using NLP methods to advance the field of medicine in general and in heart failure (HF), in particular, by processing vast amounts of previously untapped semi-structured and unstructured textual data in electronic health records. NLP has several applications to clinical research, including dramatically improving processes for cohort assembly, disease phenotyping, and outcome ascertainment, among others. NLP also has the potential to improve direct clinical care through early detection, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based management of patients with HF. In this state-of-the-art review, we present a general overview of NLP methods and review clinical and research applications in the field of HF. We also propose several potential future directions of this emerging and rapidly evolving technological breakthrough.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"407-415"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heart Failure ReviewsPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-11-23DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10469-9
Panayotis K Vlachakis, Panagiotis Theofilis, Anastasios Apostolos, Athanasios Kordalis, Skevos Sideris, Georgios Leventopoulos, Stavros E Mountantonakis, Georgios Kollias, Ioannis Leontsinis, Maria Drakopoulou, Paschalis Karakasis, Dimitrios Tousoulis, Konstantinos Toutouzas, Dimitrios Tsiachris, Konstantinos Gatzoulis, Costas Tsioufis
{"title":"Conduction system pacing in heart failure: Time for a paradigm shift?","authors":"Panayotis K Vlachakis, Panagiotis Theofilis, Anastasios Apostolos, Athanasios Kordalis, Skevos Sideris, Georgios Leventopoulos, Stavros E Mountantonakis, Georgios Kollias, Ioannis Leontsinis, Maria Drakopoulou, Paschalis Karakasis, Dimitrios Tousoulis, Konstantinos Toutouzas, Dimitrios Tsiachris, Konstantinos Gatzoulis, Costas Tsioufis","doi":"10.1007/s10741-024-10469-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10741-024-10469-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heart failure (HF) is a major clinical challenge characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Electrical conduction abnormalities play a critical role in HF pathophysiology and progression, often leading to suboptimal outcomes with conventional pacing techniques. Con-duction system pacing (CSP), encompassing His bundle pacing and left bundle branch area pacing, has emerged as a novel approach. Despite data come from observational studies, recent guidelines recommend that a specific population may benefit from CSP. However, significant practical considerations and challenges need to be clarified before CSP can be routinely implemented in clinical practice. The reliance on observational studies means that long-term clinical outcomes for HF patients remain uncertain until data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) become available. Current CSP practices face challenges with lead implantation, mechanical stress on leads, and the need for more advanced tools and artificial intelligence integration to improve procedure efficacy and safety. Future large-scale RCTs are essential to identify optimal candidates and address these technical challenges, potentially leading to a paradigm shift in HF management.</p>","PeriodicalId":12950,"journal":{"name":"Heart Failure Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"365-380"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142695475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}