{"title":"Neutrophil extracellular traps in immunothrombosis","authors":"Tyler Artner","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01285-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41569-026-01285-9","url":null,"abstract":"Tyler Artner describes the landmark study by Fuchs and colleagues that demonstrated the role of neutrophil extracellular traps in thrombus formation.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"23 6","pages":"387-387"},"PeriodicalIF":44.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147633792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reframing atherothrombosis through the inflammation hypothesis","authors":"Art Schuermans","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01284-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41569-026-01284-w","url":null,"abstract":"Schuermans highlights one of the first studies that provided robust evidence supporting the inflammatory hypothesis of atherosclerosis in humans.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"23 8","pages":"534-534"},"PeriodicalIF":50.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147630188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arian Ehterami,Sarah E Motta,Melanie Generali,Fergal B Coulter,Henryk Dreger,Volkmar Falk,Simon P Hoerstrup,Maximilian Y Emmert
{"title":"Cardiovascular stent technologies for coronary and valvular heart disease: the potential of 3D printing for stent fabrication.","authors":"Arian Ehterami,Sarah E Motta,Melanie Generali,Fergal B Coulter,Henryk Dreger,Volkmar Falk,Simon P Hoerstrup,Maximilian Y Emmert","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01275-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-026-01275-x","url":null,"abstract":"Over the past two decades, stents have revolutionized the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery and valvular heart disease. In this Review, we evaluate the clinical challenges associated with these diseases, as well as the manufacturing strategies for both coronary and heart valve stents, with a focus on the emerging role of 3D printing. Specifically, we assess the advantages and limitations of clinically available metallic and polymeric stents for coronary artery disease and provide an overview of the metallic and biodegradable polymeric stents developed to treat valvular heart disease. Furthermore, we explore the capabilities of key 3D-printing methods for stent fabrication, highlighting their strengths and drawbacks, and discuss the regulatory considerations that govern the clinical translation of 3D printing-based coronary and valvular stents. Taken together, 3D-printing technologies offer new opportunities to customize geometry, control stent degradation and improve stent implantation approaches for patients with complex anatomies. By merging innovations in material science, manufacturing strategies and bioengineering, 3D-printing technology has a major role in the next generation of personalized and multifunctional cardiovascular stents.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":49.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147524510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity in atherosclerosis","authors":"Laura Alonso-Herranz","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01283-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41569-026-01283-x","url":null,"abstract":"Laura Alonso-Herranz discusses the study that demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cells undergo clonal expansion within atherosclerotic plaques and adopt non-canonical features, a work that laid the foundation for subsequent studies on vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity in atherosclerosis.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"23 6","pages":"386-386"},"PeriodicalIF":44.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147518502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karin Klingel,Carsten Tschöpe,Dong Keon Yon,George A Mensah,Brittany N Weber,Amy R Kontorovich,Sooji Lee,Leslie T Cooper,Enrico Ammirati
{"title":"Global epidemiology of myocarditis: disparities in age, sex and geography.","authors":"Karin Klingel,Carsten Tschöpe,Dong Keon Yon,George A Mensah,Brittany N Weber,Amy R Kontorovich,Sooji Lee,Leslie T Cooper,Enrico Ammirati","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01276-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-026-01276-w","url":null,"abstract":"Myocarditis is a clinically and aetiologically heterogeneous disease that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, with approximately a million new cases and 17,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, the incidence of myocarditis varies widely by geographical region, sex and age. The aetiology of myocarditis is multifactorial and shaped by regional, demographic and socioeconomic contexts. In high-income countries, parvovirus B19 and human herpesvirus 6 are the predominant cardiotropic viruses that induce lymphocytic myocarditis, particularly in children. By contrast, in low-to-middle-income countries, dengue virus, human immunodeficiency virus, Plasmodium spp. (malaria) and Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease) are the most common causative pathogens. Systemic autoimmune conditions and genetic predisposition are also implicated in the development of myocarditis, and increasingly recognized iatrogenic triggers of myocarditis include immune checkpoint inhibitors and gene therapies. This Review synthesizes epidemiological insights across diverse age groups and geographical regions, with a particular emphasis on the undiagnosed disease burden in low-resource settings. Variability in diagnostic criteria and the scarcity of heart-biopsy-confirmed data pose challenges to accurate estimates of global prevalence. Priorities for future research include multicentric registries, multi-omics-based risk stratification, and integration of novel biomarkers and advanced imaging techniques to refine myocarditis surveillance and treatment, and improve the accuracy of disease burden estimates.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":49.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147518501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rory Durand, Daniel O’Callaghan, J. J. Coughlan, Salvatore Cassese, Robert A. Byrne
{"title":"Drug-coated balloon angioplasty for coronary and peripheral artery disease: latest evidence and clinical indications","authors":"Rory Durand, Daniel O’Callaghan, J. J. Coughlan, Salvatore Cassese, Robert A. Byrne","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01262-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41569-026-01262-2","url":null,"abstract":"Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are devices used for the treatment of both coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). One of the hypothesized advantages of DCB angioplasty over stent implantation is that DCB angioplasty does not result in the presence of a permanent metallic scaffold in the vessel wall. However, DCB angioplasty also has some important limitations, such as a potentially lower efficacy compared with other modalities; therefore, the role of DCBs in the treatment of CAD and PAD is not fully defined. Over the past 20 years, many clinical trials have been performed to investigate the use of these devices for a variety of indications. In this Review, we describe the device design and mechanism of action of DCBs and discuss important procedural considerations for successful DCB use. We summarize the scientific and clinical evidence for DCB angioplasty in CAD and PAD. In addition, we highlight the recommendations for DCB use in clinical practice guidelines and provide perspectives on the potential future role that DCB angioplasty might have in the treatment of CAD and PAD. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are used for the treatment of both coronary and peripheral artery disease. In this Review, Byrne and colleagues describe the device design and mechanism of action of DCBs, the scientific and clinical trial evidence for DCB angioplasty and important procedural considerations for successful DCB use.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"23 9","pages":"644-660"},"PeriodicalIF":50.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147506734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ApoC-III inhibition: from regulatory approval to equitable implementation","authors":"Daniel Gaudet, Miriam Larouche, Erik S. G. Stroes","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01281-z","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41569-026-01281-z","url":null,"abstract":"Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) inhibition represents a major therapeutic advance in the management of severe hypertriglyceridaemia and pancreatitis. The potential role of apoC-III inhibition in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease will depend on rigorous outcomes data, appropriate patient selection and equitable implementation across healthcare systems. Beyond the lowering of triglyceride levels, meaningful clinical benefits and broad accessibility will determine the long-term success of this therapeutic approach.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"23 5","pages":"299-300"},"PeriodicalIF":44.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147506735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ANP produced from self-amplifying RNA improves cardiac function after MI","authors":"Gregory B. Lim","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01282-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41569-026-01282-y","url":null,"abstract":"In a new study, treatment with self-amplifying RNA contained in lipid nanoparticles to increase the production of atrial natriuretic peptide preserved ventricular function and reduced cardiac fibrosis in mouse and pig models of myocardial infarction.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"23 5","pages":"302-302"},"PeriodicalIF":44.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147506736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alberto Aimo,Giorgia Panichella,Eleonora Tommasi,Elena Revuelta-López,Elisabet Berastegui,Antoni Bayes-Genis
{"title":"The effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on cardiovascular disease: mechanisms and perspectives.","authors":"Alberto Aimo,Giorgia Panichella,Eleonora Tommasi,Elena Revuelta-López,Elisabet Berastegui,Antoni Bayes-Genis","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01277-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-026-01277-9","url":null,"abstract":"Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants that result from the degradation of plastic materials and the use of plastic-containing products. Although the accumulation of MNPs in the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems is well documented, growing evidence suggests that MNPs can translocate into the bloodstream and accumulate in cardiovascular tissue, raising concerns about their potential role in the development of cardiovascular disease. In this Review, we synthesize the current knowledge on MNP exposure routes, tissue distribution and biological effects relevant to cardiovascular health. We examine the latest clinical and experimental studies on the presence of MNPs in the blood, atherosclerotic plaques, thrombi and myocardial tissue, and critically evaluate the mechanistic evidence linking MNPs to endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis progression, myocardial injury and arrhythmogenesis. In vitro and in vivo data highlight plausible pathophysiological pathways linking MNPs to cardiovascular disease, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and fibrotic remodelling. However, causal associations remain unproven in humans, and major methodological challenges persist, including inconsistent detection methods, limited epidemiological data and inadequate modelling of real-world exposure. We conclude by outlining research priorities and proposing a framework for how to integrate MNPs into environmental cardiology practice. As the global issue of plastic pollution intensifies, elucidating the cardiovascular risks posed by MNPs represents an urgent interdisciplinary challenge with substantial public health implications.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":49.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Inflammatory signalling in diabetic cardiomyopathy: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.","authors":"Miles J De Blasio,Rebecca H Ritchie","doi":"10.1038/s41569-026-01274-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-026-01274-y","url":null,"abstract":"Diabetes mellitus and the associated increased risk of cardiovascular disease is a major health-care issue worldwide. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, a complication of diabetes mellitus, is driven primarily by hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia, which promote cardiac oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and pathological cardiac remodelling, leading to impaired cardiac function and eventual heart failure. Over the past 30 years, research on diabetic cardiomyopathy and other diabetes-associated cardiovascular diseases has focused on the role of chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a complex process involving pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, activation of resident immune cells, and recruitment of immune cells to sites of injury, processes that are exacerbated in the setting of diabetes. Evidence now suggests that the inflammatory processes caused by persistent hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in diabetes contribute to the impairment of cardiac function. Importantly, no treatment options are available to reverse diabetic cardiomyopathy, with clinicians relying on strategies to delay or halt the progression of the disease. In this Review, we describe the inflammatory signalling pathways involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy and discuss strategies that can potentially be used to target these inflammatory pathways for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.","PeriodicalId":18976,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Cardiology","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":49.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}