Preclinical Models in Cardiovascular Disease Research

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, encompassing a range of conditions including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertension. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind these diseases and developing effective treatments requires a comprehensive research approach. In this context, preclinical models are essential for investigating disease pathways, testing hypotheses, and evaluating the safety and efficacy of therapies before clinical trials.

Two primary types of preclinical models are used in cardiovascular research:

1. In vitro models, including cardiovascular cell systems such as cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, enable controlled studies of cellular responses to genetic, pharmacological, and environmental factors. The development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has allowed for the creation of patient-specific cardiovascular cells that closely mimic disease phenotypes, offering valuable tools for personalized medicine;
2. In vivo models include small animals like mice and rats—used to study gene function and simulate conditions such as myocardial infarction and heart failure—and large animals like pigs, dogs, sheep, and non-human primates, which more closely resemble human cardiovascular anatomy and are useful for translational research, including surgical procedures and the testing of devices and tissue-engineered vascular grafts.

Due to ethical, financial, and regulatory challenges, innovative alternatives such as organ-on-chip platforms, computational models, and artificial intelligence are gaining traction. Selecting the appropriate research model is crucial for transforming basic research into clinical success. This Special Issue of “Preclinical Models in Cardiovascular Disease Research” aims to showcase recent advances in preclinical models for cardiovascular research, thereby enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and supporting the development of effective therapies for patient care.

Topics include but are not limited to the following:

• In vitro cell-based models in mechanism studies and drug screening for cardiovascular disease;
• Small animal rodent models, e.g., mice and rats, for cardiovascular disease research;
• Large animal models such as pigs, dogs, sheep, and non-human primates for cardiovascular disease research;
• Three-dimensional tissue-engineered vascular constructs and organ-on-chip applications in cardiovascular disease research;
• Computational modeling and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular disease research.

Dr. Muhammad Riaz
Guest Editor

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• cardiovascular diseases
• preclinical cell models
• preclinical animal models
• iPSCs
• organ-on-chip
• computational models