{"title":"Bridging the virtual and the physical laboratory for physiology education","authors":"Elaine Zhang , Julia Choate","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The COVID-19 pandemic drove the transition of traditional physical physiology laboratories to virtual means, which have been thoroughly evaluated to highlight their benefits and limitations. Studies suggest that although virtual physiology laboratories are superior for visualizing abstract theories and simulating disease parameters, at a reduced cost and time, they cannot replace the technical and motivational benefits associated with haptic sensory feedback and student-staff interactions from the physical laboratory experience. Blended models that integrate both virtual and physical laboratory activities display combined benefits, while minimizing limitations from both formats. Specifically, educators should consider learning objectives, course-specific needs, module complexity, and the unique affordances of virtual and physical laboratories to design student-centred blended physiology laboratories.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100916"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420992","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":"Small vessels, big impact: understanding women’s microvascular heart disease","authors":"Aanchel Gupta , Arjun K Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), angina with no obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA), and ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) are increasingly recognized as key contributors to ischemic heart disease in women, who often present with atypical symptoms and higher symptom burden. CMD arises from structural and functional abnormalities of the coronary microcirculation, resulting in angina, ischemia, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes despite unobstructed epicardial vessels. Accurate, mechanism-based diagnosis using invasive coronary function testing and non-invasive imaging is critical to guide targeted therapy. Management integrates pharmacologic agents with lifestyle and psychosocial interventions. Clinical trials suggest individualized therapy improves symptoms and quality of life, though reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events remain limited. Emerging strategies, including pharmacogenomic approaches, highlight the importance of precision medicine to optimize outcomes in women with CMD, INOCA, and INOCA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100903"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420633","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":"Vasovagal syncope: distinct features and management strategies in women","authors":"Dmitry Neymark, Colette M Seifer","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100901","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100901","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common etiology of syncope affecting millions worldwide. VVS is significantly more prevalent in women who experience an overall higher symptom burden and experience a greater number of triggers and prodromal signs than men. Treatment options can be limited in their effectiveness. The objectives of this review include describing the physiology, epidemiology, and presentation of VVS in women. Also, an up-to-date overview of available treatment modalities, including newer therapies for refractory VVS such as closed-loop stimulation pacing and cardioneuroablation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100901"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421088","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":"Protein phosphatase 2A as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer: past insights, recent advances, and future directions","authors":"Vidhi M Shah , Rosalie C Sears","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100849","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100849","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with an 8% five-year survival rate. KRAS, the major oncogenic driver, triggers several phosphorylation cascades, making phosphatases, particularly protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which accounts for 50–70% of cellular phosphatase activity, a critical regulator. Through association with multiple regulatory subunits, PP2A modulates both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions. The tumor-suppressive function is often inhibited in PDAC by endogenous inhibitors like SET and CIP2A, which are frequently upregulated. This review examines the multifaceted roles of PP2A in PDAC, with a focus on its published roles in KRAS-MYC signaling, DNA damage response, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, as well as current and emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating PP2A activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100849"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050486","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}
Nuraliah Faiqah Mohd Fadzli , Siti Sarah Mustaffa Al Bakri , Norshariza Nordin
{"title":"Centella asiatica as a potential neurotherapeutic adjunct in oxidative stress–targeted stem cell therapies","authors":"Nuraliah Faiqah Mohd Fadzli , Siti Sarah Mustaffa Al Bakri , Norshariza Nordin","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100865","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100865","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neurodegenerative disorders are marked by the progressive deterioration of neurons in the central nervous system, often driven by oxidative stress (OS), which disrupts cellular redox balance, damages neural tissue, and fuels chronic neuroinflammation. Despite ongoing active research on possible treatments, there is still no known cure for these diseases, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches, including the use of herbal extracts. This review explores the potential of <em>Centella asiatica</em>, a traditional medicinal plant rich in antioxidant compounds, as a neuroenhancer in neurotherapeutic strategies targeting OS. By scrutinising the intricate interplay of <em>Centella asiatica’s</em> phytochemical constituents, this review aims to give insights into how this natural extract could offer innovative therapeutic strategies for addressing the complexities and effective treatment modalities of neurodegenerative diseases, potentially via stem cell–based cellular and acellular therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100865"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417056","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}
Zhijun Meng , Mary K Sewell-Loftin , Vinoy Thomas , Xinliang Ma , Yajing Wang
{"title":"Caveolin in extracellular vesicles: orchestrating interorgan communication in diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease","authors":"Zhijun Meng , Mary K Sewell-Loftin , Vinoy Thomas , Xinliang Ma , Yajing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100862","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100862","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been recognized as critical mediators of intercellular communication, impacting processes such as inflammation, tissue repair, and cardiovascular disease progression. Conventionally, research has focused on the general role of sEVs in mediating the signals among cell–cell communication without specifically considering the underlying molecular regulators.</div><div>However, recent insights highlight the emerging importance of Caveolin, a protein integral to the formation of caveolae, in the regulation of EV biogenesis and release, particularly exosomes. This review underscores the novel role of Caveolin in sEV in shaping interorgan communication via sEV-mediated signaling and how it alters the cardiovascular disease development via modulating multiple pathways. These causes of sEVs transport crucial signaling molecules, including small RNAs and proteins, capable of modulating disease progression positively or negatively.</div><div>Furthermore, we emphasize novel developments regarding Caveolin-1’s influence on diabetes-related cardiovascular pathologies and metabolic disturbances, specifically insulin secretion, insulin signaling, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and diabetes-associated complications. By bridging traditional views with recent advancements, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of Caveolin-1’s potential as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100862"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145325048","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}
Amanda A de Oliveira , Floor Spaans , Murilo E Graton , Christy-Lynn M Cooke , Sandra T Davidge
{"title":"Pregnancy complications and later-life maternal cardiovascular health: mechanistic insights from animal models","authors":"Amanda A de Oliveira , Floor Spaans , Murilo E Graton , Christy-Lynn M Cooke , Sandra T Davidge","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100870","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100870","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally in both men and women. Sex differences exist in the onset, progression, and outcomes of CVD, with sex-specific factors such as pregnancy-related conditions likely contributing to these disparities. Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are two of the most common medical complications of pregnancy, affecting approximately 3–5% and 5–18%, respectively. Women with a history of PE or GDM are at a higher risk of developing CVD later in life. Still, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This review presents an overview of the mechanisms underlying the development of PE and GDM, and discusses pathophysiological pathways revealed through animal models that could contribute to long-term maternal cardiovascular dysfunction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100870"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466713","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}
Dhrubo Ahmad , Taslima Akter Shila , Yuhui Yang , Huilan Tan , Yajing Wang
{"title":"Current diagnostic modalities for detecting myocardial relaxation function in diabetes-associated heart failure or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction","authors":"Dhrubo Ahmad , Taslima Akter Shila , Yuhui Yang , Huilan Tan , Yajing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100863","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100863","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Impaired cardiac relaxation, or diastolic dysfunction, is a key contributor to heart failure in diabetic patients, making early detection critical for preventing disease progression. This review explores current diagnostic modalities for assessing myocardial relaxation function in diabetes-associated heart failure or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including imaging techniques, biomarker analysis, and emerging chip-based technologies. We highlight advancements in echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), molecular diagnostics, and innovative microfluidic and biosensor-based devices that offer real-time monitoring of myocardial relaxation dynamics. Integrating these diverse modalities holds promise for enhancing early diagnosis and enabling personalized therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100863"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145325049","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":"Targeting oxidative stress with tea polyphenols: mechanisms and health benefits","authors":"Liang Guo , Ying Gao , Yong-Quan Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100861","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100861","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxidative stress occurs when the production of oxidant burden exceeds the body’s ability to counteract it. It is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it damages normal cells and increases the risk of health problems. On the other hand, it can damage cancer cells and bacteria, showing potential in chemotherapy and infection treatment. Tea polyphenols (TP) are the main bioactive compounds in tea leaves. They are usually antioxidants, but become pro-oxidants when auto-oxidized or reacted with reduced transition metal ions. In this review, the role of TP as antioxidants in preventing neurodegenerative diseases, skin photoaging, atherosclerosis, and cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary injury, as well as the role of TP as pro-oxidants in anticancer and antibacterial activities are summarized and elucidated.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100861"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145325047","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}
Cheng-Wei Lim , Hafizah Abdul Hamid , King Hwa Ling , Pike See Cheah
{"title":"Oxidative stress in Down syndrome: unraveling the intertwined pathways for novel target identification","authors":"Cheng-Wei Lim , Hafizah Abdul Hamid , King Hwa Ling , Pike See Cheah","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100864","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100864","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Down syndrome (DS) individuals experience chronic and widespread oxidative stress across all organs throughout their lives. While the cause of oxidative stress in DS may be difficult to pinpoint, the myriad perturbations investigated to date share commonalities in terms of their mechanisms. Recent studies highlight five main mechanisms of oxidative stress in DS, namely increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased antioxidant defense, impaired mitochondrial biology, defective cellular clearance, and altered metabolism. These mechanisms interact with one another to bring about the overproduction of ROS or a reduction in their clearance. This review attempts to summarize the latest perspective and findings regarding these five mechanisms with emerging evidence within the past five years (2020 to 2025).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100864"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363064","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}