Novel Insights into Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanisms in Heart Failure

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 1728

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
2. Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
3. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: heart failure; arrythmia; coronary artery disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
2. Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
3. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: heart failure; coronary artery disease; cardiomyopathy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
2. Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
3. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: heart failure; arrythmia; coronary artery disease; hypertension
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing a growing public health challenge due to aging populations and the increasing burden of cardiovascular risk factors. While advances in pharmacologic and device therapies have improved outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanisms and dynamic pathophysiology of HF remain incompletely understood. This Special Issue of Life, titled “Novel Insights into Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanisms in Heart Failure”, aims to bring together cutting-edge research that deepens our understanding of the biological underpinnings of HF and identifies novel biomarkers that can enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic stratification.

We invite original research articles, reviews, and translational studies exploring the cellular, genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic mechanisms involved in HF development and progression. Submissions may include investigations into myocardial remodeling, neurohormonal activation, inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic dysregulation, and signaling pathways relevant to different HF phenotypes, such as HF with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying and validating circulating biomarkers, imaging markers, and omics-based signatures that can inform individualized patient care and facilitate early intervention.

Through this Special Issue, we seek to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and highlight innovative approaches that bridge bench and bedside. By elucidating molecular mechanisms and refining biomarker-guided strategies, this collection aims to support precision medicine in HF management and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Chun-Chao Chen
Dr. Wen-Rui Hao
Prof. Dr. Ju-Chi Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • heart failure
  • biomarkers
  • molecular mechanisms

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1070 KB  
Article
Hemoglobin-to-Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio as a Prognostic Marker in Decompensated Heart Failure Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
by Ruxandra Maria Christodorescu, Călin Muntean, Minodora Andor, Daniel Lighezan, Adina Pop Moldovan, Andrei Blajevschi, Samuel Ardelean and Dan Darabanțiu
Life 2026, 16(4), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040551 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 671
Abstract
Background and Methods: This prospective observational study investigated the prognostic value of the hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio (HRR) in 278 patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure (HF). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or HF rehospitalization at 12 months. [...] Read more.
Background and Methods: This prospective observational study investigated the prognostic value of the hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio (HRR) in 278 patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure (HF). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or HF rehospitalization at 12 months. Multivariable Cox regression was employed to adjust for risk factors including age, sex, NT-proBNP, LVEF, and eGFR. Results: The median HRR was 0.89. During follow-up, the primary endpoint occurred in 167 (60.1%) patients. Unadjusted analysis showed a lower HRR was significantly associated with reduced event-free survival (log-rank p = 0.027). However, after multivariable adjustment, this association was no longer statistically significant (p = 0.240). Older age and male sex remained independent predictors. Conclusions: In patients with decompensated HF, a lower baseline HRR correlates with increased risk but does not maintain independent prognostic value after adjusting for powerful confounders. HRR may serve as a simple, initial marker of risk rather than an independent predictor. Full article
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20 pages, 1259 KB  
Article
Integrating GDF-15 into Multimarker Assessment of Acute Heart Failure: Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications
by Bianca-Ana Dmour, Minerva Codruta Badescu, Daniela Constantinescu, Cristina Tuchiluș, Corina Maria Cianga, Gina Eosefina Botnariu, Ionela Lăcrămioara Șerban, Awad Dmour, Amelian Madalin Bobu, Alexandru Dan Costache, Maria-Ruxandra Cepoi, Sandu Cucută and Irina Iuliana Costache-Enache
Life 2026, 16(3), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030503 - 19 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Acute heart failure (AHF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in biomarker-based evaluation, accurate diagnostic and prognostic stratification remains challenging in everyday clinical practice. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has emerged as a biomarker associated with advanced disease profiles, [...] Read more.
Acute heart failure (AHF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in biomarker-based evaluation, accurate diagnostic and prognostic stratification remains challenging in everyday clinical practice. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has emerged as a biomarker associated with advanced disease profiles, poor outcomes and complex underlying pathophysiological processes in heart failure (HF). This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of GDF-15 in the acute setting and to evaluate its incremental role within multimarker assessment strategies. In this prospective cohort study, 60 patients hospitalized with AHF and 42 control subjects were enrolled. Circulating levels of GDF-15, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) were measured at admission. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Prognostic value was evaluated for in-hospital, short-term, and one-year mortality, including multimarker models. GDF-15 levels were significantly elevated in AHF and demonstrated a favorable diagnostic profile, with high specificity and acceptable sensitivity. When integrated into multivariable diagnostic models, GDF-15 added significant value beyond established cardiac biomarkers. For prognosis, standalone biomarkers showed limited long-term discrimination, whereas multimarker approaches incorporating GDF-15 improved short-term mortality prediction and enhanced one-year risk stratification in patients with markedly elevated NT-proBNP levels. GDF-15 provides independent diagnostic and prognostic information in AHF and enhances multimarker strategies for comprehensive patient assessment, supporting its integration as a complementary biomarker in contemporary AHF evaluation. Full article
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