SMAD3 mediates the specification of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived epicardium into progenitors for the cardiac pericyte lineage.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), particularly in directing cell fate toward epicardial derivatives, is crucial for regenerative medicine using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived epicardium. Although transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays a pivotal role in epicardial biology, orchestrating EMT during embryonic development via downstream signaling through SMAD proteins, the function of SMAD proteins in the epicardium in maintaining vascular homeostasis or mediating the differentiation of various epicardial-derived cells (EPDCs) is not yet well understood. Our study reveals that TGF-β-independent SMAD3 expression autonomously predicts epicardial cell specification and lineage maintenance, acting as a key mediator in promoting the angiogenic-oriented specification of the epicardium into cardiac pericyte progenitors.

Acute Left Main Coronary Embolization Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Acute coronary occlusion just after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a rare but fatal complication, with an incidence of less than 1% but a 30-day mortality rate of up to 50%. The most likely mechanism of acute coronary occlusion following TAVI is the obstruction by the native aortic valve leaflet. However, acute coronary occlusion due to embolus has been rarely reported, and we herein report the case.

Impact of antithrombotic therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome.

Objective: Antithrombotic therapy has the potential to interfere with false lumen thrombosis. In type B acute aortic syndrome, the degree of false lumen thrombosis affects clinical outcomes. We aimed to explore the association of antithrombotic therapy with the prognosis of patients with type B acute aortic syndrome.

Comparisons between biopsy-proven versus clinically diagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis.

Objectives: Diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) without histological evidence remains controversial. This study aimed to compare characteristics and outcomes of histologically proven versus clinically diagnosed cases of CS, which were adjudicated using Heart Rhythm Society or Japanese Circulation Society criteria.

Methods: A total of 512 patients with CS (age: 62±11 years, female: 64.

Aortic enlargement in two weeks is associated with subsequent aortic events in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome.

Objectives: To determine whether aortic enlargement in 2 weeks in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome is associated with aorta-related adverse events.

Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 183 patients who were diagnosed with uncomplicated type B acute aortic syndrome (classic aortic dissection and intramural hematoma) between 2010 and 2019 and had follow-up computed tomography at second or third week. Aortic diameter was measured at admission and at predischarge follow-up.