Mengfei Cao, Jie Luo, Kewei Fu, Yao Xu, Yinyu Wang, Junying Duan, Rui Chen, Wei Yuan
{"title":"Nuclear Lactate Dehydrogenase A Resists Cardiomyocyte Cell Cycle Arrest Induced by Oxidative Stress.","authors":"Mengfei Cao, Jie Luo, Kewei Fu, Yao Xu, Yinyu Wang, Junying Duan, Rui Chen, Wei Yuan","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070278","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A sudden increase in ambient oxygen concentration after birth forces the metabolic switch from anaerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, which contributes to the rapid decline of cardiomyocyte proliferation. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a metabolic enzyme normally localized in the cytoplasm, has been reported to regulate cardiomyocyte proliferation via inducing metabolic reprogramming. Nuclear LDHA has been observed in multiple proliferative cells, whereas the role of LDHA nuclear translocation in cardiomyocyte proliferation remains unresolved. Here we found that the expression of nuclear LDHA was induced both in the infarct area of myocardial infarction (MI) in mice and hypoxic cardiomyocytes in vitro. Mechanically, mild hypoxia prompted metabolic reprogramming which motivated cardiomyocyte proliferation by alleviating reactive oxygen species (ROS), while severe hypoxia coincided with oxidative stress that induced cardiomyocyte cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, LDHA nuclear translocation in cardiomyocytes occurred in response to oxidative stress, and blocking of nuclear LDHA resulted in elevated ROS generation. Collectively, our findings uncover a non-canonical role of nuclear LDHA in maintaining redox balance and resisting cardiomyocyte cell cycle arrest.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Smaller Bioprosthetic Valves May Be Associated with Worse Clinical Outcomes and Reduced Freedom from Reoperation in sAVR.","authors":"Oliver Lee, David Derish, Dominique Shum-Tim","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070277","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surgical bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement is a ubiquitous procedure, with several factors identified in affecting outcomes. We hypothesize that smaller valves may be associated with worse outcomes and decreased freedom from clinical events, and a shift in implanting larger valves whenever possible may confer benefit to the patient.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review of the literature was conducted using a systematic search strategy to evaluate studies examining the relationship between bioprosthetic valve size and outcomes. Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting paired data on valve size and clinical endpoints in surgical AVR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 15 reviewed studies, smaller valve sizes were consistently associated with higher post-operative transvalvular gradients (6/7 studies) and increased reintervention rates (5/8 studies). Associations with accelerated structural valve degeneration (SVD) (3/5 studies) and reduced survival (8/11 studies) were also observed, although heterogeneity in study design and follow-up durations limited definitive conclusions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings suggest that larger valve sizes may improve freedom from SVD, reduce reintervention rates, and enhanced survival. This may also justify the slight increased risk of enlarging the aortic root to accommodate a larger bioprosthetic valve prosthesis. Further high-quality, controlled studies are needed to clarify the independent impact of valve size on long-term outcomes and guide surgical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Krithika Sundaram, Veenah Stoll, Luciana Da Fonseca Da Silva, Adam Christopher, Arvind Hoskoppal, Jacqueline Kreutzer, David Liddle, Laura Olivieri, Jacqueline Weinberg, Craig P Dobson, José P Da Silva, Tarek Alsaied
{"title":"Mid-Term Recovery of Right Ventricular Function and Improvement of Left Ventricular Function After Da Silva Cone Procedure for Ebstein Anomaly.","authors":"Krithika Sundaram, Veenah Stoll, Luciana Da Fonseca Da Silva, Adam Christopher, Arvind Hoskoppal, Jacqueline Kreutzer, David Liddle, Laura Olivieri, Jacqueline Weinberg, Craig P Dobson, José P Da Silva, Tarek Alsaied","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070276","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070276","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Da Silva Cone procedure for Ebstein anomaly has dramatically improved tricuspid valve competence and clinical outcomes. However, preoperative left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and immediate postoperative right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction are frequently observed. While excellent valve outcomes are well established, recovery of biventricular function following the Cone remains less defined. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in RV and LV function postoperatively and over a minimum of six months post-Cone operation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single center retrospective review of 134 patients who underwent Cone repair for Ebstein's anomaly from 2016 to 2024 was performed. Echocardiograms were analyzed at three time points: preoperative (Time 1), hospital discharge (Time 2), and ≥6 months postoperative (Time 3). RV parameters included fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and tricuspid S'. LV parameters included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-diastolic volume indexed to body surface area (LVEDVi), left ventricular stroke volume (LVSVi), and mitral E/E'. Subgroup analyses examined outcomes by prior Glenn, Starnes procedure, and degree of RV dilation. Paired two sample <i>t</i>-tests were used to compare serial measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median age at surgery was 7.8 years (IQR: 2.3-17.7). All patients had discharge echocardiograms; 70 had follow-up studies at ≥6 months. RV function declined postoperatively with reductions in FAC (35% to 21%), TAPSE (2.0 to 0.8 cm), and S' (13 to 5 cm/s), all <i>p</i> < 0.001. By Time 3, these measures improved (FAC to 29%, TAPSE to 1.3 cm, S' to 7 cm/s) but did not fully return to baseline. LVEDVi and LVSVi increased significantly by Time 3 (LVEDVi: 47 to 54 mL/m<sup>2</sup>; LVSVi: 30 to 34 mL/m<sup>2</sup>; <i>p</i> < 0.001), while LVEF remained unchanged. Patients with prior Glenn or Starnes had greater Time 1 LV volumes and lower RV function, but by Time 3, most differences resolved. Moderate-severe preoperative RV dilation was associated with worse RV function at Time 2 and normalized by Time 3.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Da Silva Cone procedure leads to early postoperative RV dysfunction with partial recovery over the mid-term follow-up. Concurrently, LV filling and stroke volume improve, reflecting favorable interventricular interaction. These findings support echocardiographic surveillance to guide functional recovery post-Cone and inform patient counseling.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Left Ventricular Ring-like Pattern: The Arrhythmic Tale of a Scarred Heart.","authors":"Vanda Parisi, Claudio Bergami, Ferdinando Pasquale, Maria Alessandra Schiavo, Irene Ruotolo, Naomi Fanciullo, Nicolò Sini, Matteo Ziacchi, Mauro Biffi, Raffaello Ditaranto, Maddalena Graziosi, Elena Biagini","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070275","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070275","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides significant advantages in the non-invasive diagnosis of cardiac diseases. An emerging phenotype is increasingly being described in CMR reports, the LGE \"ring-like\" pattern, which resembles a circumferential/semi-circumferential LV scar. Different conditions exhibit this fibrosis distribution, the majority of them being genetically determined and mostly involving cardiomyopathy-causative genes (desmosomal but also other non-desmosomal related genes). Furthermore, inflammatory diseases, such as myocarditis or sarcoidosis, could be responsible for LV fibrosis, potentially exhibiting an RL distribution. Given the heterogeneity of such conditions, effective patient management requires a stepwise and multiparametric diagnostic work-up that integrates clinical, instrumental, and genetic data to identify the specific aetiology and guide personalised treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Plasma Soluble ST2 as a Prognostic Biomarker for Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients.","authors":"Yongcui Yan, Yan Zhuang, Huihui Li, Dao Wen Wang","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequently complicated by cardiovascular involvement. Soluble growth stimulation-expressed gene 2 (sST2) is a promising cardiovascular biomarker, but its prognostic value in COVID-19 remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study included 314 hospitalized COVID-19 patients classified into mild/moderate (<i>n</i> = 168) and severe/critical (<i>n</i> = 146). Plasma sST2 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation analyses evaluated associations between sST2 and clinical parameters. Cox regression assessed the independent predictive value for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>sST2 levels were significantly higher in severe/critical patients (16.877 ng/mL) than in mild/moderate cases (6.189 ng/mL) and healthy controls (4.003 ng/mL). sST2 positively correlated with cardiac injury markers (cTnI, CK-Mb, NT-proBNP), inflammatory indices (IL-1β, hsCRP), D-dimer, and inversely correlated with a left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.86). Elevated sST2 independently predicted cardiovascular events (HR = 2.972) and mortality (HR = 4.681). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated higher cardiovascular event rates and lower survival probabilities in patients with elevated sST2. The ROC curve indicated sST2 outperformed cTnI and NT-proBNP in predicting cardiovascular events (AUC = 0.898) and mortality (AUC = 0.871).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Elevated sST2 is associated with myocardial injury, inflammation, and poor prognosis in COVID-19, supporting its value for risk stratification.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Belen Garcia-Ruano, Elena Sola-Garcia, Maria Martin-Istillarty, Jose Angel Urbano-Moral
{"title":"From Rare Genetic Variants to Polygenic Risk: Understanding the Genetic Basis of Cardiomyopathies.","authors":"Ana Belen Garcia-Ruano, Elena Sola-Garcia, Maria Martin-Istillarty, Jose Angel Urbano-Moral","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070274","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiomyopathies represent a heterogeneous group of myocardial disorders, traditionally classified by phenotype into hypertrophic, dilated, and arrhythmogenic. Historically, these conditions have been attributed to high-penetrance rare variants in key structural genes, consistent with a classical Mendelian pattern of inheritance. However, emerging evidence suggests that this model does not fully capture the full spectrum and complexity of disease expression. Many patients do not harbor identifiable pathogenic variants, while others carrying well-known disease-causing variants remain unaffected. This highlights the role of incomplete penetrance, likely modulated by additional genetic modifiers. Recent advances in genomics have revealed a broader view of the genetic basis of cardiomyopathies, introducing new players such as common genetic variants identified as risk alleles, as well as intermediate-effect variants. This continuum of genetic risk, reflecting an overall genetic influence, interacts further with environmental and lifestyle factors, likely contributing together to the observed variability in clinical presentation. This model offers a more realistic framework for understanding genetic inheritance and helps provide a clearer picture of disease expression and penetrance. This review explores the evolving genetic architecture of cardiomyopathies, spanning from a monogenic foundation to intermediate-risk variants and complex polygenic contribution. Recognizing this continuum is essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, guiding family screening strategies, and enabling personalized patient management.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Long-Term Prognosis in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Heart Failure with Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.","authors":"Lidija Savic, Damjan Simic, Ratko Lasica, Gordana Krljanac, Dragan Matic, Milika Asanin, Sanja Stankovic, Nebojsa Antonijevic, Igor Mrdovic","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070272","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>We aimed to analyze eight-year mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by the development of in-hospital heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We analyzed 3260 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI (pPCI). Reduced EF was defined as value <50% and preserved EF as value ≥50%. Patients were divided in three groups: without HF, with HFpEF, and with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). Patients with cardiogenic shock at admission were excluded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In-hospital HF was registered in 759 (23.2%) patients. Among the patients with in-hospital HF, 80 (10.5%) patients had HFpEF. Patients with HFpEF had significantly higher 8-year mortality compared with patients without HF (11.2% vs. 3.5%, respectively, <i>p</i> < 0.001), but significantly lower mortality compared with patients with HFrEF: 11.2% vs. 25.1%, respectively, <i>p</i> < 0.001. In the Cox regression model, HFpEF and HFrEF were independent predictors for 8-year mortality-HFpEF: HR1.85 (95%CI 1.26-4.25); HFrEF: 4.89 (95%CI 3.19-6.42).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Development of in-hospital HFpEF in STEMI patients was an independent predictor for long-term mortality. The negative prognostic impact of HFpEF was weaker when compared to the impact of in-hospital HFrEF.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Domenico Laviola, Giovanna Manzi, Tommaso Recchioni, Maria Cristina Luise, Valentina Mercurio, Alexandra Mihai, Roberto Badagliacca, Silvia Papa, Carmine Dario Vizza
{"title":"Oral Anticoagulants in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Tradition or Innovation?","authors":"Domenico Laviola, Giovanna Manzi, Tommaso Recchioni, Maria Cristina Luise, Valentina Mercurio, Alexandra Mihai, Roberto Badagliacca, Silvia Papa, Carmine Dario Vizza","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070271","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) can complicate the clinical course of patients with acute pulmonary embolism, with a variable prevalence of 0.5-4%. Beyond specific therapeutic strategies, including pulmonary endarterectomy, balloon pulmonary angioplasty and pulmonary vasodilators, lifelong anticoagulation still represents the mainstay of treatment for this condition. The main historical experience supports the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in CTEPH patients; conversely, the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in this setting are unclear. Growing experience, mainly from small studies and registries, is improving our knowledge, showing that DOACs may represent a valid and promising alternative to warfarin in CTEPH patients. Therefore, in the management of cases with a newly diagnosed CTEPH, clinicians are very often in the difficult position of (a) having to choose which anticoagulant to initiate in anticoagulant-naïve patients or (b) having to evaluate whether it is necessary to switch to a VKA in patients already on DOACs. This article aims to critically summarize the current evidence comparing DOACs and VKAs in CTEPH, discussing their efficacy and safety profiles and exploring their clinical applicability.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Navigating Cardiotoxicity in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: From Diagnosis to Long-Term Management.","authors":"Simone Nardin, Beatrice Ruffilli, Pietro Costantini, Rocco Mollace, Ida Taglialatela, Matteo Pagnesi, Mauro Chiarito, Davide Soldato, Davide Cao, Benedetta Conte, Monica Verdoia, Alessandra Gennari, Matteo Nardin","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070270","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes across multiple malignancies. Nonetheless, these therapies are associated with immune-related adverse effects, including cardiotoxicity, which remains a critical concern. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ICI-related cardiotoxicity, encompassing its pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and management strategies. The onset of cardiotoxicity varies widely, ranging from acute myocarditis to long-term cardiovascular complications. Early identification through clinical assessment, biomarkers, and advanced imaging techniques is crucial for timely intervention. Management strategies include high-dose corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive agents, and supportive therapies, with a focus on balancing oncologic efficacy and cardiovascular safety. Additionally, rechallenging patients with ICIs following cardiotoxic events remains a complex clinical decision requiring multidisciplinary evaluation. As immunotherapy indications expand to include high-risk populations in a curative setting too, optimizing screening, prevention, and treatment strategies is essential to mitigate cardiovascular risks. A deep understanding of the molecular and clinical aspects of ICI-related cardiotoxicity will enhance patient safety and therapeutic decision-making, underscoring the need for ongoing research in this rapidly evolving field.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ziyu Zhou, Yvar P van Steenis, Surya Henry, Elisa C H van Doorn, Jorik H Amesz, Pieter C van de Woestijne, Natasja M S de Groot, Olivier C Manintveld, Beatrijs Bartelds, Yannick J H J Taverne
{"title":"Viability and Longevity of Human Miniaturized Living Myocardial Slices.","authors":"Ziyu Zhou, Yvar P van Steenis, Surya Henry, Elisa C H van Doorn, Jorik H Amesz, Pieter C van de Woestijne, Natasja M S de Groot, Olivier C Manintveld, Beatrijs Bartelds, Yannick J H J Taverne","doi":"10.3390/jcdd12070269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Living myocardial slices (LMSs) have shown great promise in cardiac research, allowing multicellular and complex interplay analyses with disease and patient specificity, yet their wider clinical use is limited by the large tissue sizes usually required. We therefore produced mini-LMSs (<10 mm<sup>2</sup>) from routine human cardiac surgery specimens and compared them with medium (10-30 mm<sup>2</sup>) and large (>30 mm<sup>2</sup>) slices. Size effects on biomechanical properties were examined with mathematical modeling, and viability, contraction profiles, and histological integrity were followed for 14 days. In total, 34 mini-, 25 medium, and 30 large LMS were maintained viable, the smallest measuring only 2 mm<sup>2</sup>. Peak twitch force proved to be size-independent, whereas time-to-peak shortened as slice area decreased. Downsized LMSs displayed excellent contractile behavior for five to six days, after which a gradual functional decline and micro-architectural changes emerged. These findings confirm, for the first time, that mini-LMSs are feasible and viable, enabling short-term, patient-specific functional studies and pharmacological testing when tissue is scarce.</p>","PeriodicalId":15197,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144707629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}