Cardiogenetics

23 pages, 1720 KB

Open AccessReview

From Genetics to Phenotype: Understanding the Diverse Manifestations of Cardiovascular Genetic Diseases in Pediatric Populations

by Jule Leonie Gutmann, Alina Spister and Lara Baticic

Cardiogenetics 2025, 15(4), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiogenetics15040029 - 11 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Congenital genetic heart defects are major contributors to pediatric morbidity and mortality, underscoring the importance of early detection and individualized therapeutic strategies. This review aimed to summarize current knowledge on a spectrum of inherited cardiovascular disorders, with a focus on their genetic etiology, molecular pathogenesis, and phenotypic presentation in children. Conditions discussed include Marfan syndrome, Noonan syndrome, various cardiomyopathies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, DiGeorge syndrome, and the tetralogy of Fallot. These six conditions were selected to represent the spectrum of pediatric cardiovascular genetic diseases, encompassing connective tissue disorders, multisystem syndromes, primary myocardial diseases, neuromuscular cardiac involvement, and structural congenital defects, thereby illustrating how distinct genotypes lead to diverse phenotypes. For each disorder, the underlying genetic mutations, associated molecular pathways, cardiovascular involvement, clinical features, and approaches to diagnosis and management are examined. Emphasis is placed on the role of timely diagnosis, genetic counseling, and personalized treatment in improving patient outcomes. The review concludes by highlighting emerging research directions and novel therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing care for these complex pediatric conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inherited Heart Disease-Children)

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18 pages, 762 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

MicroRNA and DNA Methylation Adaptation Mechanism to Endurance Training in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

by Jil Delhez, Jeanne Ougier, Francisco Xavier de Araujo, Raphael Martins de Abreu and Camilo Corbellini

Cardiogenetics 2025, 15(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiogenetics15040028 - 11 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Background: Regular endurance training induces physiological changes in cardiac structure and function. The precise epigenetic mechanisms by which cardiovascular adaptations are mediated are still unclear. This review seeks to clarify the role of epigenetic regulation in exercise-induced cardiovascular adaptation. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines up to 30 April 2025, using the databases PubMed, VHL, and LILACS Plus. Studies were included if they focused on microRNA expression and DNA methylation in individuals with cardiovascular disease who underwent endurance training. Results: Six articles, including 384 participants with heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, were included in the final analysis. Changes in DNA methylation and microRNA expression of specific genes involved in cardiovascular structural and functional adaptation were observed. Significant improvements were found in body composition, VO_2peak, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and left ventricular function and structure. Conclusions: Endurance training has a positive impact on epigenetic mechanisms related to cardiovascular structural and functional adaptation. A clear causal link between epigenetic modifications and clinical outcomes remains to be established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Genetics in Clinical Practice)

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10 pages, 383 KB

Open AccessReview

Polygenic Risk Scores and Coronary Artery Disease

by Salman Ansari, Suvasini Lakshmanan and Matthew J. Budoff

Cardiogenetics 2025, 15(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiogenetics15040027 - 26 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1357

Abstract

Background: Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) aggregate the effects of many common genetic variants and are being investigated as tools to refine coronary artery disease (CAD) risk prediction beyond traditional clinical models. Methods and Results: We review the development of PRS from early unweighted scores to contemporary genome-wide models and summarize evidence from major studies. We identified key studies through PubMed searches using the terms “polygenic risk score,” “genetic risk prediction,” and “coronary artery disease,” supplemented by citation chaining of highly cited articles and recent reviews. Large cohorts, such as the UK Biobank, show that individuals in the highest PRS percentiles have a 3–5-fold higher risk of CAD, and may gain the greatest benefit from statin therapy. PRS can also reclassify younger adults at borderline or intermediate risk and may complement coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. Conclusions: PRSs hold promise for lifetime risk stratification and targeted prevention in CAD but are limited by ancestry bias in GWAS, underrepresentation of diverse populations, inconsistency in individual estimates, and lack of standardized reporting. Future research should focus on expanding multi-ancestry databases, standardizing methods, prospective validation, and effective communication strategies to support equitable and evidence-based clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Genetics in Clinical Practice)

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Cardiogenetics, Volume 15, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 3 articles

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