In vivo and in vitro models to test the hypothesis of particle-induced effects on cardiac function and arrhythmias.

Exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) by inhalation increases the number and severity of cardiac events. The specific mechanism(s) of action are unknown. This study was designed to examine whether UFPs could exert a direct effect on the cardiovascular system without dependence upon lung-mediated responses.

Molecular aspects of ischemic heart disease: ischemia/reperfusion-induced genetic changes and potential applications of gene and RNA interference therapy.

Molecular biologic techniques have a variety of applications in the study of ischemic heart disease, including roles in elucidating cardiac genetic changes resulting from ischemia as well as in developing therapeutic interventions to treat ischemic heart disease. This review describes recent studies documenting genetic changes associated with myocardial ischemia and infarction as well as those investigating the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy for stimulating angiogenesis, protecting the heart against reperfusion injury, and treating heart failure. Also discussed are future research directions, including the potential use of RNA interference and combined stem cell therapy and gene therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Genetic contributors toward increased risk for ischemic heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in the United States, and is a significant cause of death worldwide. In 2002, it accounted for 38.0% of all deaths in the US, and approximately one-third of all global deaths.