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Biomedicines
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Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases
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Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 5976

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Serafino Fazio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80135 Naples, Italy
Interests: hormones and heart; cardiac failure; insulin resistance; hyperinsulinism; metabolic syndrome; nutraceuticals; pulmonary arterial hypertension; COVID-19
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Arturo Cesaro

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: genetic dyslipidemias; familial hypercholesterolemia; LDL mutations; lipid metabolism; cardiovascular genetics; PCSK9; cardiomyopathies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the progress made in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the number of hospital admissions, healthcare spending, and mortality from cardiovascular causes still rank first in developed and developing countries. However, it must be admitted that cardiovascular diseases are a branch of medicine in which the greatest progress is made every year. Maybe we missed something? One of the topics on which a lot of work has been carried out is heart failure, which is the endpoint of the vast majority of cardiac pathologies. While the situation is sufficiently defined, also from a therapeutic point of view, for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), unfortunately this is not the case for HF with preserved EF (EFpEF), which has been seen to have a prevalence of approximately 50% of forms of HF. Albeit lacking, however, there has been considerable progress both in the knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms and in the therapeutic approach of this form of HF. In light of these developments, we have proposed this Special Issue entitled "Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases". It aims to collect the newest and most significant data on cardiovascular research, both in the field of cardiovascular prevention and mechanisms and on therapeutic innovations such as inhibitors of SGLT2 receptors and GLP1 receptor agonists, which have given positive results on adverse cardiovascular outcomes, even regardless of the presence of diabetes.

Dr. Serafino Fazio
Dr. Arturo Cesaro
Guest Editors

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

  • cardiovascular diseases
  • heart failure
  • cardiac arrhythmias
  • metabolic syndrome
  • stroke
  • pulmonary hypertension
  • peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • acute coronary syndrome
  • myocarditis
  • pericarditis
  • valvulopathies

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 630 KiB  
Article
Evidence Gaps and Lessons in the Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Study in a Primary Care Setting (PREFATE Study)
by Josep L. Clua-Espuny, Alba Hernández-Pinilla, Delicia Gentille-Lorente, Eulàlia Muria-Subirats, Teresa Forcadell-Arenas, Cinta de Diego-Cabanes, Domingo Ribas-Seguí, Anna Diaz-Vilarasau, Cristina Molins-Rojas, Meritxell Palleja-Millan, Eva M. Satué-Gracia and Francisco Martín-Luján
Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010119 - 7 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1196
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In Europe, the prevalence of AF is expected to increase 2.5-fold over the next 50 years with a lifetime risk of 1 in 3–5 individuals after the age of 55 years and a 34% rise in AF-related strokes. The PREFATE project investigates [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In Europe, the prevalence of AF is expected to increase 2.5-fold over the next 50 years with a lifetime risk of 1 in 3–5 individuals after the age of 55 years and a 34% rise in AF-related strokes. The PREFATE project investigates evidence gaps in the early detection of atrial fibrillation in high-risk populations within primary care. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of device-detected atrial fibrillation (DDAF) and assess the feasibility and impact of systematic screening in routine primary care. Methods: The prospective cohort study (NCT 05772806) included 149 patients aged 65–85 years, identified as high-risk for AF. Participants underwent 14 days of cardiac rhythm monitoring using the Fibricheck® app (CE certificate number BE16/819942412), alongside evaluations with standard ECG and transthoracic echocardiography. The primary endpoint was a new AF diagnosis confirmed by ECG or Holter monitoring. Statistical analyses examined relationships between AF and clinical, echocardiographic, and biomarker variables. Results: A total of 18 cases (12.08%) were identified as positive for possible DDAF using FibriCheck® and 13 new cases of AF were diagnosed during follow-up, with a 71.4-fold higher probability of confirming AF in FibriCheck®-positive individuals than in FibriCheck®-negative individuals, resulting in a post-test odds of 87.7%. Significant echocardiographic markers of AF included reduced left atrial strain (<26%) and left atrial ejection fraction (<50%). MVP ECG risk scores ≥ 4 strongly predicted new AF diagnoses. However, inconsistencies in monitoring outcomes and limitations in current guidelines, particularly regarding AF burden, were observed. Conclusions: The study underscores the feasibility and utility of AF screening in primary care but identifies critical gaps in diagnostic criteria, anticoagulation thresholds, and guideline recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases)
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Review

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26 pages, 2133 KiB  
Review
New Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Implications and Clinical Utility—A Narrative Review
by Anna Pamies, Joan-Carles Vallvé and Silvia Paredes
Biomedicines 2025, 13(4), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13040870 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 580
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that not only causes joint inflammation but also significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), leading to a higher morbidity and mortality. RA patients face an accelerated progression of atherosclerosis, attributed to both traditional [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that not only causes joint inflammation but also significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), leading to a higher morbidity and mortality. RA patients face an accelerated progression of atherosclerosis, attributed to both traditional cardiovascular risk factors and systemic inflammation. This review focuses on emerging biomarkers for cardiovascular risk assessment in RA, aiming to enhance early detection and treatment strategies. Specifically, we examine the roles of interleukin-32 (IL-32), Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), galectin-3 (Gal-3), catestatin (CST), and fetuin-A (Fet-A) as potential markers for CVD in this patient population. IL-32, a proinflammatory cytokine, is elevated in RA patients and plays a significant role in inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, both of which contribute to atherosclerosis. DKK-1, a Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor, has been associated with both synovial inflammation and the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Elevated DKK-1 levels have been linked to an increased CV mortality and could serve as a marker for CVD progression in RA. Gal-3 is involved in immune modulation and fibrosis, with elevated levels in RA patients correlating with disease activity and cardiovascular outcomes. Catestatin, a peptide derived from chromogranin A, has protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, though its role in RA-related CVD remains under investigation. Finally, Fet-A, a glycoprotein involved in vascular calcification, shows potential as a biomarker for CV events in RA, though data on its role remain conflicting. These biomarkers provide deeper insights into the pathophysiology of RA and its cardiovascular comorbidities. Although some biomarkers show promise in improving CV risk stratification, further large-scale studies are required to validate their clinical utility. Currently, these biomarkers are in the research phase and are not yet implemented in standard care. Identifying and incorporating these biomarkers into routine clinical practice could lead to the better management of cardiovascular risk in RA patients, thus improving outcomes in this high-risk population. This review highlights the importance of continued research to establish reliable biomarkers that can aid in both diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies for cardiovascular complications in RA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases)
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20 pages, 1932 KiB  
Review
Application Strategies of Super-Enhancer RNA in Cardiovascular Diseases
by Yi He, Yuwei Cai, Yanyan Cao, Yan Wang, Jing Wang and Hu Ding
Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010117 - 7 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1123
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) have gradually attracted attention because they offer new directions for the treatment of CVDs. Super-enhancer RNAs (seRNAs) are a subset [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) have gradually attracted attention because they offer new directions for the treatment of CVDs. Super-enhancer RNAs (seRNAs) are a subset of non-coding RNAs that are transcribed from regions of the genome known as super enhancers, which are large clusters of enhancers with a high density of transcription factors and cofactors. These regions play a pivotal role in regulating genes involved in cell identity and disease progression. This article reviews the characteristics of seRNAs, their expression patterns, and regulatory mechanisms in the cardiovascular system. We also explore their role in the occurrence and development of CVDs, as well as their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Currently, therapies targeting seRNAs are a research hotspot. The development of specific inhibitors or activators is expected to facilitate precise interventions for CVDs. In addition, the use of gene editing techniques to modify relevant eRNA introduces new possibilities for disease treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of seRNAs in CVDs and discusses their potential as a novel class of therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases)
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14 pages, 860 KiB  
Review
Current Review of Heart Failure-Related Risk and Prognostic Factors
by Michał Maksymilian Wilk, Jakub Wilk, Szymon Urban and Piotr Gajewski
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2560; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112560 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1667
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart’s inability to maintain sufficient circulation, leading to inadequate organ perfusion and fluid buildup. A thorough understanding of the molecular, biochemical, and hemodynamic interactions that underlie this condition is essential for improving [...] Read more.
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart’s inability to maintain sufficient circulation, leading to inadequate organ perfusion and fluid buildup. A thorough understanding of the molecular, biochemical, and hemodynamic interactions that underlie this condition is essential for improving its management and enhancing patient outcomes. Recent advancements in cardiovascular research have emphasized the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, playing an important part in the development and progression of HF. This review aims to explore the contributions of miRNAs, systemic congestion markers, and traditional biomarkers to the pathophysiology of heart failure, with the objective of clarifying their prognostic value and potential clinical applications. Among the miRNAs studied, miR-30d, miR-126-3p, and miR-483-3p have been identified as key players in processes such as left ventricular remodeling, regulation of pulmonary artery pressure, and adaptation of the right ventricle. These findings underscore the importance of miRNAs in modulating the structural and functional changes seen in HF. Beyond the heart, HF affects multiple organ systems, including the kidneys and liver, with markers of dysfunction in these organs—such as worsening renal function and liver stiffness—being closely linked to increased morbidity and mortality. This highlights the interdependence of the heart and other organs, where systemic congestion, indicated by elevated venous pressures, exacerbates organ dysfunction. In this context, traditional biomarkers like natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins remain vital tools in the diagnosis and management of HF. Natriuretic peptides reflect ventricular strain, while troponins are indicators of myocardial injury, both of which are critical for risk stratification and monitoring disease progression. Emerging diagnostic techniques, such as lung ultrasonography and advanced echocardiographic methods, offer new ways to assess hemodynamic status, further aiding therapeutic decision-making. These techniques, alongside established biomarkers, provide a more comprehensive approach to understanding the complexities of heart failure and managing its impact on patients. In conclusion, miRNAs, systemic congestion markers, and traditional biomarkers are indispensable for understanding HF pathophysiology and determining patient prognosis. The integration of novel diagnostic tools with existing biomarkers holds the promise of improved strategies for the management of heart failure. However, further research is needed to validate their prognostic value and refine their role in optimizing treatment outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases)
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Other

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8 pages, 389 KiB  
Opinion
Pulmonary Hypertension-Related Interstitial Lung Disease: An Expert Opinion with a Real-World Approach
by Rachel N. Criner, Mario Naranjo, Gilbert D’Alonzo and Sheila Weaver
Biomedicines 2025, 13(4), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13040808 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 391
Abstract
Great progress has been made in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO group 1 PAH) over the past two decades, which has significantly improved the morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Likewise, the more recent availability of antifibrotic medications for interstitial [...] Read more.
Great progress has been made in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO group 1 PAH) over the past two decades, which has significantly improved the morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Likewise, the more recent availability of antifibrotic medications for interstitial lung disease (ILD) have also been effective in slowing down the progression of disease. There is no known cure for either of these disease states. When this combination coexists, treatment can be challenging. Interstitial lung disease is a heterogenous group of chronic inflammatory and/or fibrotic parenchymal lung disorders. A subset of patients with ILD, not related to connective tissue disease, can initially present with inflammatory-predominant disease which progresses to irreversible fibrosis. This population of patients is also at risk for developing pulmonary hypertension (PH) or World Health Organization (WHO) group 3 PH. This coexistence of ILD and PH is associated with early morbidity and mortality. The early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of this combination of ILD and PH is vital. Medications available for both ILD and PH require an individualized approach with the intention of slowing down disease progression. Referral to expert centers for clinical trials and transplant evaluation is recommended. The combination of PH-ILD can be challenging to diagnose and treat effectively. Patients require a thorough clinical evaluation to enable the most accurate diagnosis. A vital part of that evaluation is the early recognition of PH. Medications can help improve disease progression along with clinical trials that will further improve our gaps in knowledge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cardiovascular Diseases)
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