Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cells in Pressure Overload-Induced Heart Disease.

Background: Chronic pressure overload predisposes to heart failure, but the pathogenic role of microvascular endothelial cells (MiVEC) remains unknown. We characterized transcriptional, metabolic, and functional adaptation of cardiac MiVEC to pressure overload in mice and patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods: In mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction or sham surgery, we performed RNA sequencing of isolated cardiac -MiVEC and validated the signature in freshly isolated MiVEC from left ventricle outflow tract and right atrium of patients with AS.

A randomized assessment of an advanced tissue preservation technology in the juvenile sheep model.

Background: Despite improved anticalcification technology, bioprosthetic heart valves still cannot be used in younger patients because of progressive structural valve degeneration. A novel advanced tissue preservation technology was developed that uses stable functional group capping and preservation by glycerolization. Valves incorporating this novel technology can be stored in a dry condition and do not require rinsing before use.

Murine pressure overload models: a 30-MHz look brings a whole new "sound" into data interpretation.

Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and angiotensin II (ANG II) subcutaneous osmotic pump infusion are frequently used murine models of pressure overload hypertrophy. The aim of this paper is to investigate time- and stressor-dependent functional and structural changes using echocardiographic B-mode, M-mode, and Doppler characterization. Ten-week-old male C57BL6/J wild-type mice received 4-wk ANG II (1.

Coating with fibronectin and stromal cell-derived factor-1α of decellularized homografts used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction eliminates immune response-related degeneration.

Objective: This study assesses the performance and cellular features of decellularized ovine aortic homografts coated with stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and its natural linker, fibronectin (FN), after implantation in the right ventricular outflow tract of adolescent sheep.

Methods: Right ventricular outflow tract reconstructions using cryopreserved (n = 7), decellularized (n = 8), and decellularized FN/SDF-1α-coated aortic ovine homografts (n = 6) were performed. Echocardiographic, morphologic, radiographic, histologic, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed 5 months after implantation.

Increased cardiac myocyte PDE5 levels in human and murine pressure overload hypertrophy contribute to adverse LV remodeling.

Background: The intracellular second messenger cGMP protects the heart under pathological conditions. We examined expression of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that hydrolyzes cGMP, in human and mouse hearts subjected to sustained left ventricular (LV) pressure overload. We also determined the role of cardiac myocyte-specific PDE5 expression in adverse LV remodeling in mice after transverse aortic constriction (TAC).

Antithrombotic therapy in patients with heart valve prostheses.

Heart valve prostheses carry a risk for thrombosis and require an antithrombotic strategy to prevent stroke, systemic embolism, and prosthetic valve thrombosis. Contemporary randomized trials to guide the clinician on the optimal anticoagulant treatment are scarce, and the validity of the historical data for current recommendations can be questioned in view of the changes in valve prostheses, the patient population, and antithrombotic therapies. This limited evidence from clinical trials translates into divergent recommendations from the different scientific societies on the optimal intensity of oral anticoagulation and on the indication for antiplatelet therapy.

Mitral annuloplasty for dilated cardiomyopathy with mitral regurgitation.

Objectives: This study reports survival, functional status, the change in post-operative left ventricular dimensions and function after'undersized mitral annuloplasty' in patients with non-ischaemic non-valvular dilated cardiomyopathy and secondary mitral regurgitation.

Patients And Methods: Between 2003 and 2009 10 patients (mean age 61.5 +/- 14 years) with non-ischaemic, non-valvular dilated cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) <40% (mean +/- SD, 30.

Effect of sutureless implantation of the Perceval S aortic valve bioprosthesis on intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes.

Objective: Prolonged aortic crossclamping can increase mortality and morbidity after aortic valve replacement in elderly and high-risk patients. Sutureless implantation of the prosthesis has the potential to shorten aortic crossclamp time.

Methods: The Perceval S valve (Sorin Biomedica Cardio Srl, Sallugia, Italy), a sutureless implantable aortic bioprosthesis, was used in 32 patients (median age, 78 years; median logistic euroSCORE, 9.

Mid-term follow up of triple valve surgery in a western community: predictors of survival.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Triple valve surgery remains a challenge, although with an improved survival rate compared to historical data. Aws assessment was made as to whether the type of valve surgery, underlying valve lesion and pathology were independent predictors of outcome. The patient characteristics were also described according to the type of surgery performed.

Statins for calcific aortic valve stenosis: into oblivion after SALTIRE and SEAS? An extensive review from bench to bedside.

Calcific aortic stenosis is the most frequent heart valve disease and the main indication for valve replacement in western countries. For centuries attributed to a passive wear and tear process, it is now recognized that aortic stenosis is an active inflammatory and potentially modifiable pathology, with similarities to atherosclerosis. Statins were first-line candidates for slowing down progression of the disease, as established drugs in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention.