Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Biomedicines Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advanced Research on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 2067

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Nandan Kumar Mondal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Interests: cardiothoracic transplantation; organ care system; heart failure and mechanical circulatory support; non-physiological high shear stress; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; robotic-assisted minimally invasive cardiac surgery; cardiopulmonary bypass

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the critical advancements and ongoing challenges in heart failure, particularly focusing on heart transplantation and organ donation. As the prevalence of heart failure rises globally, innovative strategies in donor selection and preservation techniques become increasingly vital. We invite contributions that delve into various aspects of heart transplantation, including the implications of donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD), as well as the impact of ischemic time on donor heart viability. Furthermore, we encourage authors to discuss the complexities of reperfusion injury and myocardial damage, highlighting emerging research and clinical practices to minimize graft failure. We welcome studies investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying transplant rejection, cellular interactions within the transplanted organ, and innovations in molecular therapy and regenerative medicine on heart transplant outcomes. The role of post-transplant care in improving patient outcomes will also be a central theme, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the transplantation process. Ultimately, this Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to share innovative ideas, recent findings, and collaborative approaches that can enhance the effectiveness of heart transplantation and address the pressing needs in managing heart failure.

Dr. Nandan Kumar Mondal
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

heart failure
heart transplantation
DBD (donation after brain death)
DCD (donation after cardiac death)
cardiac arrest
ischemic time and reperfusion injury
myocardial damage
preservation techniques
post-transplant outcomes

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

12 pages, 846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beating Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Preemptive Impella^™ 5.5 Assist Device in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

by Francesco Cabrucci, Massimo Baudo, Yoshiyuki Yamashita, Amanda Yakobitis, Courtney Murray and Gianluca Torregrossa

Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051259 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

Background: Choosing the best surgical approach for coronary revascularization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and low EF is complex. Several strategies have been adopted, including on- and off-pump CABG, the use of IABP, and the combination of ECMO or even LVAD with CABG. Recently, the Impella 5.5 micro-axial pump has been used as perioperative temporary left ventricular support in CABG patients. This study aims to report a series of CABG procedures performed with Impella assistance, highlighting its potential benefits in high-risk surgery cases. Methods: Between January 2023 and December 2024, seven consecutive patients underwent on-pump beating CABG with planned central Impella 5.5 support via a 10 mm graft in the ascending aorta. This study focused on assessing perioperative outcomes in patients with reduced ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction [EF] < 35%) undergoing CABG with Impella-assisted support. Results: Seven patients were included in the study, with a median age of 70 [IQR 57–74.7], and six were male. Hypertension was present in all patients, diabetes in six, and COPD in two, and two were in dialysis. The median preoperative EF was 20% [IQR, 18–29%], and the median STS PROM was 5.5 [IQR: 2.9–8.9]. One patient had preoperative IABP support. Four patients required intraoperative transfusions, but all remained hemodynamically stable upon OR exit. The Impella was removed after an average of 5.6 ± 2.1 days. One patient underwent surgical revision for bleeding. No strokes, myocardial infarctions, repeat revascularizations, or mortality occurred postoperatively. The median postoperative hospital stay was 21 [IQR, 17.5–22] days, with a discharge EF of 38% [IQR 33.5–38%]. One patient died 6 months after the procedure due to sepsis caused by a gangrenous diabetic leg. Conclusions: This initial experience using Impella 5.5 support in CABG patients with reduced EF demonstrated its feasibility in selected cases. The Impella provided effective circulatory support, ensuring stable hemodynamics throughout the postoperative stay without complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Expression of UPRmt Proteins HSP10, HSP60, HTRA2, OMA1, SPG7, and YME1L Is Associated with Accelerated Heart Failure in Humans

by Petra Bakovic, Vid Mirosevic, Tomo Svagusa, Ana Sepac, Ana Kulic, Davor Milicic, Hrvoje Gasparovic, Igor Rudez, Marjan Urlic, Suncana Sikiric, Sven Seiwerth, Drazen Belina, Matija Bakos, Monika Karija Vlahovic, Rea Taradi, Rado Zic, Ivana Ilic, Borislav Belev, Bosko Skoric, Dora Fabijanovic, Ivo Planinc, Maja Cikes and Filip Sedlic Show full author list Hide full author list

Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051142 - 8 May 2025

Viewed by 272

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is one of the mitochondrial quality control mechanisms that is responsible for reparation and removal of damaged proteins in mitochondria. Methods: Here we investigated the role of the UPRmt in the myocardium of humans with and without heart failure and in the cell culture model. Results: The analysis of myocardial samples by ELISA from patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), as well as healthy donors, revealed a significantly reduced expression of the UPRmt proteins HSP10, CLPP, LONP1, OMA1, and SPG7 in patients with DCM and ICM. Furthermore, patients with DCM and ICM exhibited elevated levels of myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS, tested by 4-hydroxynonenal) compared to controls, and a positive correlation between ROS production and mt-HSP70, OMA1, and SPG7 protein expression. The correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the expression of several UPRmt genes. The inhibition of four tested UPRmt effector proteins exacerbated the injury of cultured cells under oxidative stress. The patients with ICM, DCM, or both, who showed lower myocardial expression of HSP10, HSP60, HTRA2, OMA1, SPG7, and YME1L, underwent heart transplantation or implantation of a left ventricular assist device earlier in life compared to those with the higher protein expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings indicate that the reduced expression of several UPRmt effector proteins is associated with accelerated heart failure in patients, which, together with other results, indicates that impaired UPRmt may contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Kidney Function Improvement After Heart Transplantation

by Jakub Ptak, Mateusz Sokolski, Mateusz Wilk, Mateusz Waloszczyk, Kacper Wiśniewski, Dominik Krupka, Paulina Makowska, Magdalena Cielecka, Maciej Szwajkowski, Mateusz Rakowski, Maciej Bochenek, Roman Przybylski and Michał Zakliczyński

Biomedicines 2025, 13(4), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13040933 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 354

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) often suffer from impaired kidney function. Based on the pathophysiology of types I and II of cardiorenal syndrome, heart transplantation (Htx) may restore renal function. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of improvement in kidney function after HTx. Methods: Htx patients from a tertiary hospital were retrospectively divided into three groups—improvement (n = 24), deterioration (n = 31) and no significant change in eGFR (n = 45)—based on changes in their mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within the first three postoperative months, compared to the last three preoperative months. The threshold for eGFR improvement was defined as a ≥20% increase, while deterioration was defined as a ≥20% decrease. The no significant change group was defined as any change falling between these two values. Results: The median age of analyzed cohort was 54 (45–63) years, and 82% were male. Preoperatively, the improvement group was more frequently treated with inotropes or vasopressors and had significantly higher blood urea and total bilirubin levels before Htx. In the multivariate analysis, total bilirubin before Htx (OR 1.66; 95% CI; 1.24–2.69; p = 0.002) and no need for RRT early after Htx (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24–0.88; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of improved kidney function in the first three months after HTx. Conclusions: The improvement in renal function after HTx is uncommon. It could be expected in patients suffering from more severe forms of HF, with impaired kidney and liver function but who did not need RRT after the surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 4367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential of Voxel-Mirrored Homotopic Connectivity (VMHC) and Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) in Understanding Cognitive Changes After Heart Transplantation

by Qian Qin, Jia Liu, Wenliang Fan, Xinli Zhang, Jue Lu, Xiaotong Guo, Ziqiao Lei and Jing Wang

Biomedicines 2025, 13(4), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13040873 - 3 Apr 2025

Viewed by 384

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the application value of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) in evaluating cognitive impairment after heart transplantation. Methods: A total of 68 heart transplant patients and 56 healthy controls were included. ReHo and VMHC were calculated using DPARSF software. A two-sample t-test was applied to compare the differences in ReHo and VMHC between the two groups, and a Pearson correlation analysis was performed by extracting the VMHC and ReHo values of different brain regions and correlating them with cognitive scale scores of the patient groups. Results: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were lower in the heart transplant group than in the control group (MMSE: t = 4.028, p < 0.001; MoCA: t = 4.914, p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the ReHo values of Frontal_Sup_R (t = −4.422, p < 0.001), Thalamus_L (t = −3.911, p < 0.001), and Calcarine_L (t = −3.640, p < 0.001) were lower in the heart transplantation group, while the ReHo of Temporal_Sup_L was higher (t = 4.609, p < 0.001). VMHC was elevated for bilateral Cerebellum_Crus1 (t = 3.803, p < 0.001) and decreased for bilateral calcarine (t = −3.424, p < 0.001). The ReHo of Frontal_Sup_R was positively correlated with MMSE (r = 0.345, p = 0.004) and MoCA (r = 0.376, p = 0.002). The ReHo of Temporal_Sup_L was also positively correlated with MMSE (r = 0.397, p < 0.001) and MoCA (r = 0.542, p < 0.001). The VMHC of bilateral calcarine showed a positive correlation with MMSE (r = 0.513, p < 0.001) and MoCA (r = 0.398, p < 0.001). Other differential brain regions showed no significant correlation with the MMSE and MoCA scale scores. Conclusions: Cognitive decline was observed in heart transplant patients. Heart transplant patients exhibited altered ReHo and VMHC in several brain regions compared with healthy controls. These changes may underlie impaired cognitive function in heart transplant patients. These findings may contribute to understanding the neural mechanisms of cognitive changes in heart transplant patients and could inform future research on potential intervention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advanced Research on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI