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Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition
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Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 24 April 2026 | Viewed by 12137

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cristiana Bustea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
Interests: cardiovascular disease; pathophysiology; oxidative stress; inflammation; hemostasis; diabetes mellitus
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Delia Mirela Tit

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
2. Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Interests: digital health; natural language processing; predictive modeling; text mining; research mapping
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are grateful to the researchers who contributed to the first and second volume of this issue:

Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/special_issues/0UO87783VR

Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—2nd Edition: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/special_issues/CVD

We are pleased to announce the upcoming publication of our Special Issue, entitled “Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition".

Presently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most prominent threat to human health. Because CVD is still the leading cause of death, research in this field is a critical task. Although recent decades have seen tremendous progress regarding the risk factors of CVD, the molecular basis of atherosclerosis, coronary revascularization, and treatment of heart failure (these being only a few areas of research interest to be reminded), much remains to be found and the prospects are promising. In order to improve the quality and length of life of those at risk of CVD, finding better predictors of this disease and achieving better means of prevention and treatment must be targets of future research.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to identify several important advances in clinical and basic research regarding CVD that will provide the tools for further progress in the prevention and treatment of this disease. As artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in the prevention of CVD, it may be worth considering this aspect as well.

Therefore, it is our pleasure to cordially invite you to submit papers, which address novelties in both clinical and basic cardiovascular research, to this Special Issue. We encourage the submission of all types of manuscripts, including original studies, reviews, and short communications.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Cristiana Bustea
Prof. Dr. Delia Mirela Tit
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Life 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

  • CVDs
  • risk factors
  • prevention
  • treatment
  • novelties in research
  • artificial intelligence

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 1484 KB  
Article
Comparative Study on the Protective Effect of Thiamine and Thiamine Pyrophosphate Against Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats
by Izzet Emir, Bulent Yavuzer, Bahadir Suleyman, Cengiz Sarigul, Ali Sefa Mendil, Esra Tuba Sezgin, Durdu Altuner, Cebrail Gursul and Halis Suleyman
Life 2026, 16(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010037 - 25 Dec 2025
Viewed by 766
Abstract
Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), widely used in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has been associated with cardiotoxicity driven by oxidative, mitochondrial, and metabolic disturbances. However, no comparative evidence exists regarding whether thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), or their combination (TTPC) can mitigate HCQ-induced myocardial injury. Objective: [...] Read more.
Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), widely used in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has been associated with cardiotoxicity driven by oxidative, mitochondrial, and metabolic disturbances. However, no comparative evidence exists regarding whether thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), or their combination (TTPC) can mitigate HCQ-induced myocardial injury. Objective: This study examined the biochemical and histopathological effects of thiamine, TPP, and their combination in a rat model of HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups: healthy control, HCQ, thiamine + HCQ, TPP + HCQ, and TTPC + HCQ. Thiamine (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), TPP (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), or TTPC (20 mg/kg each, intraperitoneal) was administered once daily, followed by HCQ (120 mg/kg, oral, twice daily). After seven days, cardiac tissue was analyzed for MDA, tGSH, SOD, and CAT, while serum TnI, lactate, and LDH were measured from tail-vein blood samples. Cardiac samples underwent histopathological examination. Results: HCQ exposure markedly increased MDA, TnI, LDH, and lactate levels while reducing tGSH, SOD, and CAT, indicating severe oxidative and metabolic insult. Thiamine co-treatment failed to ameliorate these disturbances. Conversely, TPP restored redox balance, attenuated biomarker elevations, and improved cardiac biochemical profiles. TTPC produced comparable improvements but did not exceed those of TPP alone. Histopathologically, HCQ caused pronounced myocyte degeneration and mononuclear infiltration, whereas TPP and TTPC groups showed only mild inflammatory changes with preserved myocardial architecture. Conclusions: HCQ induces a marked redox imbalance accompanied by well-defined histopathological myocardial degeneration. TPP afforded robust cardio-protection, whereas thiamine offered no meaningful benefit. Collectively, these findings position TPP as a biologically plausible, clinically relevant candidate for mitigating HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 990 KB  
Article
Temporal Expression of NLRP3 Inflammasome Components in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
by Paraskevi Papanikolaou, Andreas Aggelopoulos, Alexios S. Antonopoulos, Panagiotis Theofilis, Maria Gazouli, Konstantinos Tsioufis and Dimitris Tousoulis
Life 2026, 16(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010001 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 943
Abstract
Background: Inflammation is a central driver of atherothrombosis, yet the temporal behavior of key inflammasome mediators following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not well characterized. The NLRP3 inflammasome, a major regulator of interleukin (IL)-1β activation, has been implicated in plaque destabilization and recurrent [...] Read more.
Background: Inflammation is a central driver of atherothrombosis, yet the temporal behavior of key inflammasome mediators following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not well characterized. The NLRP3 inflammasome, a major regulator of interleukin (IL)-1β activation, has been implicated in plaque destabilization and recurrent cardiovascular risk. This study aims to investigate the temporal expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with ACS. Methods: In this prospective observational study, PBMCs were collected from 73 patients with ACS during the early in-hospital phase and at 8–12 weeks follow-up. Gene expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β was quantified by qRT-PCR, and fold-change was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCT method. Associations with clinical and biochemical variables were evaluated using multivariable linear regression. Results: Expression of all measured inflammasome-related genes increased significantly at follow-up compared with baseline: caspase-1 (≈2-fold, p = 0.003), NLRP3 (>10-fold, p < 0.001), and IL-1β (≈4-fold, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the post-ACS upregulation of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β was consistent across STEMI and NSTEMI presentations and was not significantly modified by diabetes status. Caspase-1 fold-change correlated positively with IL-1β, LDL-cholesterol, peak troponin I, and high sensitivity C reactive protein, whereas NLRP3 showed minimal correlations with clinical variables. In multivariable analysis, caspase-1 upregulation was independently associated with STEMI presentation and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and IL-1β with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Patients with ACS exhibit significant and persistent upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome components weeks after the acute event, indicating sustained immune cell priming during recovery. These findings highlight a potential molecular substrate for residual inflammatory risk and support further exploration of inflammasome-targeted therapies in the post-ACS period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 397 KB  
Article
Inflammation, Autonomic Control, and Adiposity in Adolescents: Links to Early Cardiovascular Risk
by Vladimir Micieta, Ingrid Tonhajzerova, Nikola Ferencova and Zuzana Visnovcova
Life 2025, 15(9), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15091450 - 16 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1123
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are generally associated with adulthood, although the underlying processes may begin in childhood and adolescence. Thus, detecting increased cardiovascular risk in adolescence is essential for prevention. In this cross-sectional study, we comprehensively evaluated the inter-relationships between inflammatory markers, cardiac autonomic [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are generally associated with adulthood, although the underlying processes may begin in childhood and adolescence. Thus, detecting increased cardiovascular risk in adolescence is essential for prevention. In this cross-sectional study, we comprehensively evaluated the inter-relationships between inflammatory markers, cardiac autonomic control indexed by heart rate variability (HRV), and adiposity measures in healthy adolescents, with sex-stratified analyses. We examined 90 adolescents (55 females; age 15.8 ± 1.5 years; BMI 21.4 ± 3.3 kg/m2). We found mixed (positive and negative) associations between inflammatory markers and HRV indices among the entire adolescent group (absolute r range: 0.266–0.395, p < 0.05 for all), while only negative associations in the male group, and only positive associations in the female group (absolute r range: 0.373–0.404, p < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, predominantly positive associations between inflammatory markers and adiposity measures were found among the adolescent group (absolute r range: 0.298–0.338, p < 0.05 for all) and female group (absolute r range: 0.342–0.485, p < 0.05 for all), while contrasting negative associations were found in the male group (absolute r range: 0.421–0.497, p < 0.05 for all). These associations, representing early pathways to cardiovascular vulnerability, seem sex-dependent, but longitudinal confirmation is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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Review

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18 pages, 1081 KB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Telerehabilitation in Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Narrative Review of Opportunities, Evidence, and Future Directions
by Alina Gherghin, Mircea Ioan Alexandru Bistriceanu, Ilie Onu, Daniel Andrei Iordan, Florentin Dimofte, Adriana Neofit, Dan Eugen Costin and Alexandru Scafa-Udriste
Life 2026, 16(3), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030444 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Cardiac telerehabilitation has become a promising alternative to traditional programmes for preventing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the secondary phase. However, current implementations are still reactive and standardised, lacking personalisation and flexibility in clinical settings. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), it may be [...] Read more.
Cardiac telerehabilitation has become a promising alternative to traditional programmes for preventing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the secondary phase. However, current implementations are still reactive and standardised, lacking personalisation and flexibility in clinical settings. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), it may be possible to overcome these limitations and provide intelligent, scalable, and patient-centred care. Methods: We conducted a structured literature review across PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, targeting English-language studies published from January 2015 to May 2025. Inclusion criteria included adult populations with a history of ACS or high cardiovascular risk, assessing interventions based on AI, telerehabilitation, or their combination. Studies are needed to report clinical, functional, behavioural, or technological outcomes. A thematic narrative synthesis was utilised. Results: AI-enhanced telerehabilitation demonstrates potential advantages over conventional digital care in selected domains, including adaptive risk prediction, personalised exercise modulation, and adherence support. Several systems report real-time adjustment of exercise protocols, early dropout detection, and predictive analytics for rehospitalisation. AI integration may also contribute to personalised behavioural feedback and psychosocial monitoring. Nevertheless, the overall level of evidence remains preliminary and heterogeneous, with most AI-based interventions evaluated in pilot, feasibility, or modelling studies rather than large-scale randomized trials. Conclusions: The integration of AI into telerehabilitation represents a promising evolution in post-ACS care, shifting from predominantly reactive monitoring toward more adaptive and data-driven support models. While early-phase studies suggest feasibility and potential clinical benefit, robust multicentre randomized controlled trials and cost-effectiveness analyses are required before definitive conclusions regarding superiority or widespread implementation can be drawn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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13 pages, 2142 KB  
Review
Unmet Need to Verify Coronary Artery Spasm in Patients with Chronic or Acute Coronary Syndrome and Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries
by Ming-Jui Hung and Ming-Yow Hung
Life 2026, 16(3), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030412 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 533
Abstract
Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a common endotype in patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Pathophysiologically, the presence of CAS among arteries is not normal, as evidenced by several interacting mechanisms involving CAS development, including the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle cells, adventitia, [...] Read more.
Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a common endotype in patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Pathophysiologically, the presence of CAS among arteries is not normal, as evidenced by several interacting mechanisms involving CAS development, including the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle cells, adventitia, autonomic nervous system, local inflammation, and systemic inflammation. Clinically, CAS is a dynamic process with a threshold effect on presentation; it can present as silent ischemia, atypical chest pain, resting angina, chronic coronary syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, variant angina, and even sudden cardiac arrest. Incomplete intracoronary provocation testing to exclude CAS as the etiology of chronic or acute coronary syndrome leads to an incorrect diagnosis and, subsequently, inappropriate treatment. Identification of the correct endotypes of chronic and acute coronary syndromes is critical for the selection of appropriate therapy, which thus affects disease outcome. Therefore, it is essential to complete intracoronary provocation testing for both the right and left coronary arteries to reach a correct diagnosis regarding CAS, including epicardial vasospasm and microvascular spasm. If CAS is found not to be the cause of myocardial ischemia, then a microvascular functional assessment is the next step to identify the etiology of the ischemic event. A comprehensive assessment of CAS is essential before appropriate treatments can be started. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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50 pages, 1478 KB  
Review
MicroRNAs in Heart Failure Pathogenesis and Progression: Mechanistic Control, Biomarker Potential, and Translational Perspectives
by Dorotea Zivalj, Lou Marie Salomé Schleicher, Antea Krsek, Hadid Joseph Farzad Diamee, Damir Raljevic and Lara Baticic
Life 2026, 16(3), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030400 - 1 Mar 2026
Viewed by 821
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is driven by complex, interconnected pathophysiological processes, including maladaptive cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, hypertrophy, metabolic dysregulation, and cardiomyocyte loss. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that act as key post-transcriptional regulators of [...] Read more.
Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is driven by complex, interconnected pathophysiological processes, including maladaptive cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, hypertrophy, metabolic dysregulation, and cardiomyocyte loss. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that act as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, have emerged as important coordinators of these processes across cardiomyocytes and non-myocyte cardiac cell populations. In addition to altered expression patterns, accumulating evidence indicates that miRNA activity is dynamically influenced by regulated biogenesis, maturation, and context-dependent mechanisms of action. Through reversible translational repression and longer-term mRNA destabilization, miRNAs support adaptive responses to acute cardiac stress, whereas their persistent dysregulation contributes to remodeling pathways that promote HF progression. This comprehensive narrative review provides an integrative overview of current knowledge on the role of miRNA networks in shaping the molecular heterogeneity of heart failure across disease stages, phenotypes, and cardiac cell types. Drawing on a broad body of experimental and clinical literature, we discuss advances in understanding miRNA biogenesis, post-transcriptional control, and cell-specific effects, while highlighting conceptual developments rather than applying systematic selection criteria. We further examine the translational and clinical implications of miRNA biology, critically considering the progress of miRNA-based therapeutics alongside the biological and practical challenges that continue to limit their widespread clinical implementation. In parallel, we explore the emerging potential of circulating miRNAs as minimally invasive biomarkers that reflect upstream regulatory stress at the level of RNA processing and post-transcriptional regulation. Finally, we address the growing application of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to high-dimensional miRNA datasets, which enable integrative analyses across clinical, imaging, and multi-omics domains and support biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and prediction of therapeutic response. Collectively, miRNA biology, supported by systems-level and AI-driven analytical frameworks, offers a unifying perspective for understanding, classifying, and monitoring cardiac remodeling in heart failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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26 pages, 593 KB  
Review
Coronary Artery Spasm in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Theodor Iulian Matei, Minerva Codruta Badescu, Alexandru Dan Costache, Ionuț Tudorancea, Ionela Lăcrămioara Șerban, Sandu Cucută, Bianca-Ana Dmour, Raluca Daria Mitea, Radu-George Ciorap, Ciprian Rezus and Irina Iuliana Costache-Enache
Life 2026, 16(2), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020354 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 691
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus have now reached pandemic proportions, and their association has become very common. Some patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes remain symptomatic, with chest pain present despite the implementation of evidence-based medical treatment and maximal therapy. A hypothesis [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus have now reached pandemic proportions, and their association has become very common. Some patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes remain symptomatic, with chest pain present despite the implementation of evidence-based medical treatment and maximal therapy. A hypothesis increasingly confirmed in clinical practice is that epicardial or microvascular spasm, or both, are frequently responsible for the lack of symptom control or for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events. Our review provides the most up-to-date and in-depth analysis of the available literature to provide solid knowledge about coronary spasm in diabetes patients. We have deepened the substrate of coronary spasm in relation to the multiple and complex structural and functional abnormalities produced by chronic hyperglycemia, with the ultimate goal of allowing optimization of treatment and improving patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 1328 KB  
Review
Hypertension and Valvular Heart Disease: An Overview of a Complex and Clinically Meaningful Relationship
by Roxana Oana Darabont, Diana Mihalcea and Dragos Vinereanu
Life 2026, 16(1), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010125 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 874
Abstract
The overlooked relationship between hypertension (HTN) and valvular heart disease (VHD) has been brought to wider attention by large-scale population studies and the latest guidelines. Approximately 45% of patients with VHD have been diagnosed with HTN. This association increases with age, but cannot [...] Read more.
The overlooked relationship between hypertension (HTN) and valvular heart disease (VHD) has been brought to wider attention by large-scale population studies and the latest guidelines. Approximately 45% of patients with VHD have been diagnosed with HTN. This association increases with age, but cannot be explained solely by the rising prevalence of both conditions. HTN promotes the onset or worsening of VHD by mechanically stressing the valves and by modified blood flow dynamics through increased filling pressures and afterload. It has been shown that a 20 mmHg rise in BP triples the risk of aortic valvular disease and mitral regurgitation. This review will address the impact of HTN on the occurrence and progression of valvular lesions, its effect on the prognosis of patients with VHD, and the available data on blood pressure management. As long as relatively well-documented data on aortic valve disease are available, studies are still needed to clarify target blood pressure values under therapy and the most appropriate drug classes for mitral regurgitation, especially in its primary forms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 957 KB  
Review
Paclitaxel- and Sirolimus-Coated Balloons Versus Drug-Eluting Stents in Coronary Artery Disease: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
by Flavius-Alexandru Gherasie, Al Hassan Ali, Ana Maria Corzanu, Eva Catalina Costescu and Sonia-Gabriela Cornea
Life 2026, 16(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010063 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1786
Abstract
Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as an alternative to drug-eluting stents (DESs) in percutaneous coronary intervention, delivering antiproliferative drugs without leaving a permanent implant. This review provides a comparative analysis of sirolimus-coated DCBs (DCB-S), paclitaxel-coated DCBs (DCB-P), and DESs across key scenarios: de [...] Read more.
Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as an alternative to drug-eluting stents (DESs) in percutaneous coronary intervention, delivering antiproliferative drugs without leaving a permanent implant. This review provides a comparative analysis of sirolimus-coated DCBs (DCB-S), paclitaxel-coated DCBs (DCB-P), and DESs across key scenarios: de novo coronary lesions in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and in-stent restenosis (ISR). We discuss late lumen loss (LLL), target lesion/vessel revascularization (TLR/TVR), vessel patency, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) outcomes, along with current guidelines and emerging indications for DCB-S. We also examine pharmacological differences between sirolimus and paclitaxel (mechanisms of action, tissue uptake, and healing profiles), trial methodologies, and recent innovations in DCB technology. Across stable de novo lesions (especially small vessels and high bleeding-risk patients), multiple trials show DCB-P can achieve non-inferior clinical outcomes to DES. Early data suggest newer DCB-S may likewise match DES outcomes in broader populations. In ACS, DCB-only strategies have demonstrated feasibility and safety in carefully selected lesions without heavy thrombus, with randomized studies like REVELATION (STEMI) showing non-inferior fractional flow reserve and low revascularization rates compared to DES. For ISR, DCB-P is an established Class I treatment in both BMS-ISR and DES-ISR, yielding similar or lower TLR rates than repeat stenting. DCB-S are now being evaluated as an alternative in ISR, aiming to avoid additional stent layers. Contemporary guidelines endorse DCB use in ISR and small vessels, and experts anticipate expanding indications as evidence grows. Sirolimus and paclitaxel differ in antiproliferative mechanisms and pharmacokinetics—sirolimus (cytostatic, mTOR inhibition) may offer faster endothelial recovery, whereas paclitaxel’s high lipophilicity ensures sustained arterial wall retention. Technological advances (e.g., phospholipid micro-reservoirs for sirolimus) are enhancing drug transfer and addressing prior limitations. In summary, DCB-P and DCB-S now represent viable alternatives to DES in specific scenarios, especially where “leaving nothing behind” could reduce long-term complications. Ongoing large randomized trials, such as SELUTION DeNovo, currently available as conference-presented data, together with longer-term follow-up will further clarify the optimal niches for DCB-S versus DCB-P and DES. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 674 KB  
Review
DynamX Bioadaptor as an Emerging and Promising Innovation in Interventional Cardiology
by Julia Soczyńska, Kamila Butyńska, Mateusz Dudek, Wiktor Gawełczyk, Sławomir Woźniak and Piotr Gajewski
Life 2025, 15(10), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101549 - 2 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1588
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a major cause of mortality worldwide. Among the standard therapeutic approaches are percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) employing stents. The main limitation of the procedure lies in the permanent stiffening of the vessel wall. The DynamX Bioadaptor, representing a [...] Read more.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a major cause of mortality worldwide. Among the standard therapeutic approaches are percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) employing stents. The main limitation of the procedure lies in the permanent stiffening of the vessel wall. The DynamX Bioadaptor, representing a new generation of vascular stents, combines the advantages of standard implants with a unique mechanism—“uncaging.” Its helical structure, linked by a biodegradable material, enables the restoration of the vessel’s natural functions. This breakthrough concept in interventional cardiology holds the potential to establish a new standard of care for patients suffering from CAD. In this work, we aim to synthesize the available evidence concerning the characteristics of the DynamX Bioadaptor and its impact on vascular physiology. We provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of current clinical reports on its use, analyzing the available literature in comparison with other stent technologies. Recognizing that the DynamX Bioadaptor is a relatively recent innovation, we also seek to identify existing gaps in the literature and propose future directions for research to fully assess its long-term clinical potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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Other

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10 pages, 6571 KB  
Case Report
Swinging Mass Through the Pulmonary Valve: A Rare Case of Right Ventricular Myxoma
by Cristiana Bustea, Andrei-Flavius Radu, Paula Bianca Maghiar, Roxana Brata and Elena Emilia Babes
Life 2025, 15(11), 1750; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15111750 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 599
Abstract
Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.001% to 0.3% in autopsy series. Most are benign, the most common being cardiac myxomas, which typically originate in the left atrium. Right ventricular myxoma is among the rarest primary cardiac tumors, and [...] Read more.
Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.001% to 0.3% in autopsy series. Most are benign, the most common being cardiac myxomas, which typically originate in the left atrium. Right ventricular myxoma is among the rarest primary cardiac tumors, and its true incidence is difficult to determine, as most data come from isolated case reports. This paper aims to report a case of right ventricular myxoma in a young woman with a history of childhood malignancy and to discuss the possible association between the two conditions. Echocardiography, thoracic computed tomography (CT), and pulmonary CT angiography were used to assess the presence, location, and size of the tumor. The definitive diagnosis was established by histopathological examination. A 34-year-old woman, with a past medical history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in childhood, presented with a dry cough and exertional dyspnea persisting for three weeks. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mass located in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), attached near the tricuspid valve and intermittently prolapsing into the pulmonary trunk. CT imaging confirmed the presence of the tumor in the RVOT and the main pulmonary artery. Because of the high risk of massive pulmonary embolism, the patient underwent urgent surgical excision of the tumor. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac myxoma. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the three-month follow-up showed no recurrence or signs of pulmonary embolism. The patient’s history of ALL raised the question of a possible association; however, a review of the literature revealed no previously reported link. In conclusion, right ventricular myxomas are extremely rare. The occurrence of cardiac myxoma in this patient following childhood ALL appears to be incidental. Further research is needed to determine whether ALL survivors have an increased predisposition to subsequent cardiac tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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12 pages, 1590 KB  
Case Report
Patient Diagnosed Initially with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, Later Rediagnosed with Peripartum Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report
by Spas Kitov, Maria-Florance Kitova, Meri Hristamyan and Lyudmila Vladimirova-Kitova
Life 2025, 15(10), 1502; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101502 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1025
Abstract
Differentiating peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) from pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction (PAMI) is challenging due to shared risk factors. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who suffered a seizure and cardiac arrest in the final month of her second pregnancy. Echocardiography showed a normal [...] Read more.
Differentiating peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) from pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction (PAMI) is challenging due to shared risk factors. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who suffered a seizure and cardiac arrest in the final month of her second pregnancy. Echocardiography showed a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Three days later, she developed heart failure symptoms and a marked reduction in LVEF. After one month of treatment, LVEF nearly normalized, but regional wall motion abnormalities subsequently appeared, prompting coronary angiography, which showed normal coronary arteries. Thus, PPCM was diagnosed. One year later, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, performed due to her wish for another pregnancy, showed a scar consistent with a previous transmural myocardial infarction. We interpret this as a case of PAMI. Despite medical contraindications, she became pregnant one year after the infarction and delivered via C-section. Five years post-event, there are no signs of heart failure. This case lies in the gray zone of pregnancy-related cardiac complications and highlights the importance of multimodality imaging for thorough structural and functional assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Application—3rd Edition)
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