Long noncoding TSI attenuates aortic valve calcification by suppressing TGF-β1-induced osteoblastic differentiation of valve interstitial cells.

Introduction: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an active and cellular-driven fibrocalcific process characterised by differentiation of valve interstitial cells (VICs) towards an osteogenic-like phenotype. A recently identified lncRNA, lncTSI, has been reported to inhibit fibrogenesis through transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad3 pathway. Here, the present study aimed to investigate the role of lncTSI in CAVD.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Pathogenesis of Vascular Calcification.

Vascular calcification (VC) is characterized by calcium phosphate deposition in blood vessel walls and is associated with many diseases, as well as increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying of VC development and pathogenesis are not fully understood, thus impeding the design of molecular-targeted therapy for VC. Recently, several studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can exacerbate VC.

Donor-Recipient Weight Match in Pediatric Heart Transplantation: Liberalizing Weight Matching with Caution.

(1) Background: To expand the donor pool, greater donor hearts tended to be used in heart transplantation. However, the data about the feasibility of expanding the donor and recipient weight ratios (DRWRs. All donor and recipient weight ratio (DRWR) in this study or cited from other articles were converted to the DRWR calculated by ((donor weight-recipient weight)/recipient weight) × 100%.

Endothelial cell-derived tetrahydrobiopterin prevents aortic valve calcification.

Aims: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a critical determinant of the biological function of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The present study was to investigate the role of valvular endothelial cell (VEC)-derived BH4 in aortic valve calcification.

Methods And Results: Plasma and aortic valve BH4 concentrations and the BH4:BH2 ratio were significantly lower in calcific aortic valve disease patients than in controls.

Prediction of 1-year mortality after heart transplantation using machine learning approaches: A single-center study from China.

Background: Heart transplantation (HTx) remains the gold-standard treatment for end-stage heart failure. The aim of this study was to establish a risk-prediction model for assessing prognosis of HTx using machine-learning approach.

Methods: Consecutive recipients of orthotopic HTx at our institute between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2018 were included in this study.