Molecular and CelluIar Mechanisms of Valvular Heart Disease

Dear Colleagues,

The understanding of the pathophysiology of heart diseases has undergone major advances over the last decades. In line with the raising expertise in molecular cardiology and the improvement of clinical imaging modalities, several key cellular and molecular pathways leading to specific types of heart disease have been identified. This Special Issue is specifically dedicated to the novel molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to valvular heart disease (VHD). Two major topics are intended to be covered by this collection: the development of degenerative heart valve disease, and the pathophysiology of valvular cardiomyopathy (i.e., cardiomyopathy as a sequel of heart valve dysfunction). Mechanisms leading to heart valve degeneration—genetical, environmental, metabolic, and hemodynamic factors—are intended to be addressed in the first part of this Special Issue. The focus will be on emerging clinical implications, including novel biomarkers and potential innovative treatment targets. Valvular cardiomyopathy is an underestimated and underdiagnosed clinical entity that summarizes myocardial damage as a sequel of heart valve disease. Specific molecular pathways have recently been reported in different types of valvular cardiomyopathy (e.g., valvular stenosis vs. regurgitation) and should be specifically covered by the second part of this Special Issue. Different mechanisms leading to myocardial damage due to specific valvular dysfunction may lead to a differential response to treatment and be associated with variable prognosis. We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as selected case reports/case series dealing with the abovementioned topics. Furthermore, well-designed prospective study protocols will be similarly considered.                        

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Evaldas Girdauskas
Prof. Dr. Tanja Zeller
Guest Editors

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• heart disease
• valvular heart disease
• heart valve disorder
• aortic valve disease
• mitral valve disease
• valvular cardiomyopathy
• myocardial disease
• valvular regurgitation
• valvular stenosis
• myocardial fibrosis