{"title":"Sex and gender differences in valvular heart disease","authors":"Janine Eckstein , Jay Shavadia , Jessica Forcillo","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Valvular heart disease (VHD) exhibits significant differences between sexes, affecting disease presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Biological factors such as hormonal influences and anatomical variations contribute to differences in valve pathology and response to interventions. Sociocultural factors, including healthcare access and provider bias, further impact care delivery. Women often present with more advanced VHD and experience delays in referral and treatment related to differing symptomatology, lack of evidence and awareness regarding sex-specific considerations, and diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines built on evidence lacking sex and gender diversity. Addressing these gaps through inclusive research and personalized care is essential for improving equity in cardiovascular outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100899"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lecture capture as Universal Design for Learning: a post-pandemic scoping review","authors":"Emily Nordmann , Jill RD MacKay","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lecture capture is frequently justified as an inclusive technology, yet its alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in post-pandemic practice has not been empirically considered. We conducted a scoping review of post-pandemic lecture capture research, identifying 12 studies that considered live lecture recording in higher education. Using the UDL guidelines as an analytic framework, we found that lecture capture primarily supports Engagement and, to a lesser extent, Representation through flexible access, replay and player controls. Action and Expression and higher-level executive functions were rarely addressed. Demographic reporting was limited, with few analyses for disabled, neurodivergent or commuting students. We argue that lecture capture is necessary, but insufficient as a sole adjustment for inclusive design and prioritise future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100896"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tracy K Her , V Pszczolkowski , Grace Chung , Laura A Woollett , Emilyn U Alejandro
{"title":"Multiparity as a key variable in metabolism and pregnancy research","authors":"Tracy K Her , V Pszczolkowski , Grace Chung , Laura A Woollett , Emilyn U Alejandro","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100926","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100926","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parity is defined as the total number of pregnancies reaching ≥20 weeks of gestation. It is an important variable to consider in any metabolic studies involving maternal or offspring health, as multiparity has been identified as a potential driver of numerous aspects of reproduction, maternal-fetal programming, and the health of both maternal and offspring. Currently, it is understood that multiparity may increase the risk of maternal pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, which can have subsequent long-term effects on both the maternal and offspring. Although there are some differences in data between rodents and humans, multiparity has been shown to disrupt glucose homeostasis, decrease pancreatic beta-cell proliferation, alter cardiac hemodynamics, and change the composition of the gut microbiome. In this review, we discuss what is known in the current literature about the impact of multiparity on pregnancy outcomes, maternal health, and offspring health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100926"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sex and ventricular remodeling","authors":"Steven P Jones, Helen E Collins","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100895","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100895","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The composite of changes sustained by the left ventricle during pathologic and physiologic stimuli is known as ventricular remodeling. These changes involve alterations to individual cells, the surrounding matrix, and overall ventricular structure and function. Following myocardial infarction, ventricular remodeling involves partial tissue repair and ultimately determines long-term survival. Biological sex contributes to diverging responses in post-infarction ventricular remodeling and survival, with young female animals having less remodeling post-injury compared with male animals, yet women have reduced long-term survival. Over the last two decades, evidence indicates that sex-dependent differences impact most processes that contribute to post-infarction remodeling, including extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, and cardiomyocyte homeostasis. In addition, there are differences in the transcriptional landscape and cellular composition of male and female hearts. Despite these well-established sex-dependent differences, mechanistic advancements lag. Furthermore, cardiovascular treatments are not yet optimized based on sex. Sex hormones are proffered as the explanation for differences; however, studies that remove the influence of sex hormones still show sex-dependent changes, which suggests hormone-independent contributors. Outside of pathological remodeling in response to infarction, the female heart often undergoes physiological remodeling that does not occur in males: pregnancy. During pregnancy, rapid remodeling and reversion occur, which creates a unique, natural template to study aspects of sex-dependent differences in ventricular remodeling. Therefore, this review summarizes fundamental differences in the ventricular myocardium between sexes and highlights emerging areas that contribute to sex-dependent changes in ventricular remodeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100895"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ketone metabolism in pregnancy and neonates","authors":"Patrycja Puchalska","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although ketone bodies are most often linked to ketogenic diets, exercise, and fasting, evidence indicates that ketone production and turnover increase during late pregnancy, lactation, and the neonatal period. Ketone bodies serve as alternative fuels and as vital substrates for lipid and sterol biosynthesis. In neonates, hyperketonemia reflects both high metabolic demand and dependence on lipid-rich maternal milk, with ketone bodies providing up to half of cerebral energy and aiding in membrane lipid and cholesterol synthesis. Inborn errors of ketone metabolism underscore the crucial role of ketogenesis and ketolysis in survival and neurodevelopment. As ketogenic diets, fasting routines, and exogenous ketones become more popular, further research is necessary to understand the safety and long-term effects of maternal and neonatal ketosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100912"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Larissa J Dixon , Arielle C Patterson , Sedrah Mashhour , Marisol E Lopez
{"title":"A trauma-informed framework for teaching physiology","authors":"Larissa J Dixon , Arielle C Patterson , Sedrah Mashhour , Marisol E Lopez","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Physiology is a challenging course required for many healthcare careers. Students entering higher education have a high prevalence of trauma, which can interfere with their learning. This narrative review of the current published literature proposes the use of a trauma-informed pedagogical framework in physiology teaching. Evidence-based teaching practices such as inclusive syllabi, diverse representation in course materials, peer mentoring, normalizing academic struggles, and alternative grading practices were found to increase academic performance. Some of these practices and others discussed in this paper were also found to increase student belonging, motivation, and engagement. The implementation of these pedagogical practices in physiology courses can support all students regardless of their past trauma exposure by enhancing learning, motivation, academic performance, and inclusivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100921"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruzzell C Flores, Erele Tzidon, Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin
{"title":"The role of epicardial fat in the progression of cardiovascular disease in women","authors":"Ruzzell C Flores, Erele Tzidon, Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obesity is a global health burden with significant sex-specific implications, especially in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epicardial fat tissue (EFT), a metabolically active visceral fat depot between the myocardium and visceral pericardium, plays a critical role in cardiac health. Under normal conditions, EFT supports the heart via anti-inflammatory signaling, fatty acid metabolism, and nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation. However, in obesity and cardiometabolic syndrome, EFT becomes proinflammatory, contributing to cardiac remodeling and endothelial dysfunction. Since women experience unique hormonal and metabolic influences, risk factors such as menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, vitamin D deficiency, and sleep apnea are linked to increased EFT in women, independent of body mass index, and correlate with adverse cardiac remodeling and inflammation. Therapeutic strategies such as exercise, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and hormone replacement therapy show promise in reducing EFT. Understanding sex-specific EFT biology is essential for personalized CVD prevention and treatment in obesity-related disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100888"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Crosstalk between gut microbiota and the renin–angiotensin system in hypertension","authors":"Tania Akter Jhuma, Tao Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100892","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100892","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gut microbiota is a highly modifiable factor that influences disease susceptibility, progression, and response to therapy. In hypertension, it shapes systemic inflammation, metabolite production, and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activity. The RAS is a central regulator of blood pressure, fluid balance, and vascular function, and many antihypertensive therapies target this system. Understanding the interactions between the gut microbiota and RAS offers new opportunities to develop microbiota-targeted interventions that modulate RAS activity, improve blood pressure control, reduce organ damage, and support personalized treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the bidirectional communications between the gut microbiota and RAS in the context of hypertension.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100892"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sex differences in outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention and chronic total occlusions","authors":"Mohammad A Ali, Basem Elbarouni","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100897","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100897","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sex differences in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reflect biological, procedural, and systemic factors. Females are older, carry greater comorbidity, and are underrepresented in trials. Despite similar procedural success, they experience higher rates of bleeding and target vessel revascularization complications, yet adjusted long-term outcomes are comparable to males. These findings highlight the need for equitable trial representation, tailored bleeding-avoidance strategies, and improved understanding of sex-related vascular and plaque biology in CTO PCI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100897"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Perianne Smith , Amy Whillock , Nathaniel J Schuldt
{"title":"Perinatal microbial exposure and the shaping of the early immune system: lessons from experimental models","authors":"Perianne Smith , Amy Whillock , Nathaniel J Schuldt","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100911","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100911","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The perinatal period is critical for immune development, yet the factors that coordinate healthy immune development are ill-defined. One barrier to advancement is the lack of animal models that faithfully recapitulate human immunology. Conventional mouse models are raised with unnaturally low microbial burdens, resulting in underdeveloped immune systems relative to humans. To overcome this limitation, researchers have begun to modulate microbial exposure, with the shared observation that diverse microbial exposure is critical for developing robust immune systems. In this review, we explore the different approaches to microbial exposure and their potential for advancing the fields of perinatal and pregnancy immunology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100911"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}