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Keywords = cardiovascular diseases

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21 pages, 1585 KB  
Review
Cardiovascular Vulnerability, Including Heart Failure Risk, in Breast Cancer Surgery: The Role of Operative Technique, Frailty, and Postoperative Complications
by Andrei Marginean, Madalin Margan, Dragos-Mihai Gavrilescu, Diana-Maria Mateescu, Ioana Cotet, Cristina Tudoran, Dan Alexandru Surducan and Camelia-Oana Muresan
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050877 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Breast cancer surgery is increasingly performed in older patients with multimorbidity, in whom cardiovascular disease and frailty may substantially modify perioperative risk, including vulnerability to heart failure decompensation and other major medical complications. However, most available studies report global [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Breast cancer surgery is increasingly performed in older patients with multimorbidity, in whom cardiovascular disease and frailty may substantially modify perioperative risk, including vulnerability to heart failure decompensation and other major medical complications. However, most available studies report global perioperative complication rates and composite medical endpoints, with heart failure events only rarely captured as dedicated outcomes, and operative technique, cardiovascular comorbidity, and frailty are often treated as separate domains rather than components of an integrated risk framework. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematized narrative review with a structured literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 31 January 2026, including original studies of adult patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, and/or reconstruction that reported early postoperative outcomes in relation to comorbidities, cardiovascular risk, or frailty. Eligibility assessment, data extraction, and qualitative synthesis followed key PRISMA 2020 principles, and findings were organized into three prespecified domains: surgical complexity, cardiovascular vulnerability (including patients with heart failure where reported), and frailty. Results: Nineteen studies (retrospective cohorts, registry-based analyses, and large database studies, primarily ACS NSQIP) met inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse breast surgery populations, including elderly, metastatic, and reconstructive cohorts. Across datasets, escalation from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy and then to increasingly complex reconstruction was associated with a stepwise increase in perioperative complications, reoperations, bleeding, and, in selected series, catastrophic events. Preexisting cardiovascular disease and systemic vascular pathology significantly amplified postoperative morbidity even in procedures considered low or intermediate cardiac risk, with signals that patients with underlying heart failure carry particularly heightened vulnerability, although HF-specific events were infrequently reported as separate endpoints. Frailty, mainly assessed using modified frailty indices, consistently emerged as a strong, age-independent predictor of 30-day complications, mortality, and readmissions across surgical types, including both breast-conserving and reconstructive procedures. Conclusions: Early postoperative outcomes after breast cancer surgery are associated with the interaction between surgical complexity, cardiovascular comorbidity (with limited HF-specific reporting), and frailty rather than by operative technique alone. In this context, our synthesis primarily reflects overall cardiovascular vulnerability in comorbid and frail patients, with heart failure risk inferred indirectly from the available data. These findings support a patient-centered, risk-adapted surgical strategy in which the extent and timing of surgery and reconstruction are tailored to each patient’s cardiovascular profile and frailty status, with preferential use of breast-conserving or less complex procedures in vulnerable individuals. Integrating standardized frailty assessment and cardio-oncologic evaluation into preoperative workflows, and prospectively validating this tri-axial framework in dedicated cohorts, may improve perioperative risk stratification and reduce the burden of postoperative medical complications in an aging breast cancer population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Prevention of Acute Heart Failure)
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30 pages, 85587 KB  
Article
Ferroptosis in Septic Cardiomyopathy Is Alleviated by Ondansetron: The Critical Role of the HTR3A-ATF3 Axis in Mitochondrial and Oxidative Homeostasis
by Xinyun Wang, Yangyi Lin, Wei Liu, Yufeng Wu, Boshen Yang, Yiming Qi, Yipeng Zhang, Yuanyuan Jin, Yuanlong Wang, Kaifan Niu and Xian Jin
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051040 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Emerging evidence has established ferroptosis as a vital factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, especially in septic cardiomyopathy (SCM). Meanwhile, ondansetron (OND), a well-established 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, has gained increasing attention for its pleiotropic effects. However, its potential to modulate ferroptosis [...] Read more.
Background: Emerging evidence has established ferroptosis as a vital factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, especially in septic cardiomyopathy (SCM). Meanwhile, ondansetron (OND), a well-established 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, has gained increasing attention for its pleiotropic effects. However, its potential to modulate ferroptosis in the cardiovascular field remains unexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the potential of OND as an innovative therapeutic intervention for SCM. Methods: This study utilized both in vitro and in vivo models of septic cardiomyopathy (SCM), which was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and C57BL/6 mice. Through RNA sequencing, as well as molecular and functional assessments—including echocardiography and ferroptosis-related measurements—we revealed the anti-ferroptotic effect of ondansetron (OND). Mechanistically, ATF3 was identified as a pivotal regulator, with its overexpression via AAV9 in vivo and ADV in vitro confirming its role in OND-induced cardioprotection. Results: Ondansetron (OND) showed potent anti-ferroptotic effects in both cellular and murine models of septic cardiomyopathy (SCM). Treatment with OND not only improved cardiac performance but also reduced ferroptotic markers, mitigated lipid peroxidation and iron overload, and bolstered antioxidant defense. Notably, OND administration attenuated oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress while restoring mitochondrial integrity. Mechanistically, the anti-ferroptotic activity of OND was mediated through the HTR3A/ATF3 axis: ATF3 overexpression negated OND’s protective effects, while HTR3A antagonism with VUF10166 recapitulated its benefits. Conversely, HTR3A agonism with PBG attenuated ferroptosis resistance, further implicating this pathway as central to OND’s mechanism. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a novel pharmacological role for ondansetron (OND) in attenuating ferroptosis in septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) via the HTR3A/ATF3 signaling pathway. This finding delineates a novel therapeutic avenue and supports the repurposing of OND beyond its traditional antiemetic use to cardiovascular applications. Full article
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12 pages, 690 KB  
Article
Roflumilast Enhances Liraglutide’s Atrial Natriuretic Peptide-Dependent Suppression of Adrenal Aldosterone Secretion
by Ariana Hosseini, Alexis J. M’Sadoques, Renee A. Stoicovy, Victoria L. Altsman, Laura Raynshteyn, Emma Weinstein, Teresa Baggio Lopez, Giselle Del Calvo, Madyson G. Leiker and Anastasios Lymperopoulos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 4098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27094098 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists exert a multitude of beneficial cardiovascular effects beyond control of blood glucose levels and obesity reduction. GLP-1R is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), coupling to adenylyl cyclase (AC)-stimulatory Gs proteins to raise cyclic 3′-5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels [...] Read more.
Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists exert a multitude of beneficial cardiovascular effects beyond control of blood glucose levels and obesity reduction. GLP-1R is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), coupling to adenylyl cyclase (AC)-stimulatory Gs proteins to raise cyclic 3′-5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in cells. cAMP exerts various effects mainly via protein kinase A (PKA) and Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac). Cardiac GLP-1R has been reported to induce atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion via Epac2, while ANP is known to inhibit aldosterone secretion from adrenocortical zona glomerulosa (AZG) cells. Herein, we tested the effects of the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide on ANP secretion in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and on angiotensin II (AngII)-induced aldosterone secretion. We also examined whether phosphodiesterase (PDE)-4 inhibition with roflumilast could potentiate liraglutide’s effects. We found that liraglutide stimulated ANP secretion from H9c2 cardiomyocytes, an effect potentiated by roflumilast but blocked by AC inhibition. Epac inhibition with ESI-09 also significantly reduced liraglutide-dependent ANP secretion in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Moreover, application of medium from liraglutide-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes, but not from control cardiomyocytes, led to suppression of AngII-dependent aldosterone secretion from H295R cells. This effect was blocked by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase inhibition (an effector of ANP) in H295R cells, while direct application of liraglutide to these cells failed to suppress AngII-induced aldosterone secretion. Again, aldosterone suppression was more potent when medium from liraglutide plus roflumilast-treated cardiomyocytes was applied to H295R cells. Taken together, these results suggest that roflumilast enhances the adrenocortical aldosterone suppression induced by GLP-1R agonists via cardiac GLP-1R/cAMP/Epac-dependent ANP secretion. Given the cardio-toxic effects of elevated aldosterone levels in the context of various heart diseases, such as post-myocardial infarction heart failure, combination of a GLP-1R agonist drug with a PDE4 inhibitor drug may be more advantageous than either agent alone in treatment of certain cardiovascular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)
13 pages, 1344 KB  
Article
Iron Deficiency in Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated with Percutaneous Angioplasty—A Factor of Unestablished Significance
by Aleksander Misiewicz, Krzysztof Badura, Julia Wnuk-Misiewicz, Krzysztof Śliz, Maciej Nadel, Jan Krekora and Jarosław Drożdż
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051038 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent condition in patients with cardiovascular diseases, irrespective of anemia, associated with adverse outcomes. Its incidence and prognostic value in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are yet to be established. Current literature on the matter is scarce, [...] Read more.
Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent condition in patients with cardiovascular diseases, irrespective of anemia, associated with adverse outcomes. Its incidence and prognostic value in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are yet to be established. Current literature on the matter is scarce, and further research is necessary to confirm a clear link between ID and possible adverse outcome prediction in this group. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prognostic value of ID in ACS patients, and associations between iron parameters and patients’ characteristics, comorbidities, hospitalization length, laboratory results, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic assessment, and invasive coronary angiography results. Methods: We conducted an observational prospective study enrolling 214 consecutive patients after ACS. Adverse events were defined as all-cause death or non-elective rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes. Results: ID patients constituted 46.7% of the studied cohort. ID was associated with higher NT-proBNP on admission (p = 0.03). Higher TSAT was independently associated with lower peak troponin levels (β = −0.03, standardized β = −0.15, p = 0.03). Ferritin < 100 ng/mL was paradoxically associated with shorter in-hospital stay (p = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, ID was an independent predictor of composite endpoint (HR 1.94 [95% CI: 1.02–3.67], p = 0.04); however, no significant differences in event-free survival have been identified between ID and non-ID groups. Conclusions: ID is a common condition in ACS patients, associated with higher values of biomarkers reflecting cardiac damage, and may constitute an important predictor of adverse events after discharge. Further, larger, preferably multicenter studies are required to establish the exact association between ID and mortality among ACS patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Full article
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12 pages, 230 KB  
Case Report
ICNP®-Based Nursing Care of a Patient with Erectile Dysfunction, Type 2 Diabetes, and Obesity: A Case Study
by Filip Miłosz Tkaczyk
Reports 2026, 9(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9020142 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes and obesity and significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Nursing care for patients with metabolic multimorbidity requires a holistic, structured approach. The International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) enables [...] Read more.
Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes and obesity and significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Nursing care for patients with metabolic multimorbidity requires a holistic, structured approach. The International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) enables standardized formulation of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes and supports structured and individualized ICNP®-based care planning. Aim: This study aimed to develop and present an ICNP®-based nursing care plan for a patient with erectile dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity and to demonstrate the applicability of ICNP® in holistic nursing management of chronic disease. Methods: A descriptive single-case study was conducted in 2025 in a cardiology ward in Poland. Data were collected using a nursing interview, observation, medical documentation analysis, and standardized tools (IIEF-5, SF-36v2). Based on a comprehensive assessment of physical, psychological, and social status, nursing diagnoses, interventions, and expected outcomes were formulated according to ICNP® terminology. Results: The patient presented with poorly controlled diabetes, class I obesity, moderate erectile dysfunction, reduced testosterone levels, and decreased quality of life, particularly in psychosocial domains. Key ICNP® nursing diagnoses included erectile dysfunction, deficient knowledge, obesity, disturbed psychological status, impaired endocrine function, impaired cardiovascular function, and impaired adaptation. Individualized ICNP®-based interventions focused on metabolic control, lifestyle modification, sexual health support, education, and psychosocial support. Implementation of the care plan was associated with improvements in health behaviors, disease knowledge, and psychological well-being. Conclusions: ICNP® provides a useful framework for structured and comprehensive nursing care in patients with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction and multimorbidity. Case-based ICNP® care planning supports holistic management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality improvement in chronic disease nursing. Full article
16 pages, 800 KB  
Article
Clinical and Inflammatory Determinants of Heart Failure Severity Following Myocardial Infarction: Implications for Post-Infarction Care
by Alexandra Manuela Buzle, Priscilla Matache, Mădălina Ioana Moisi, Corina Cinezan, Marc Cristian Ghitea, Evelin Claudia Ghitea, Timea Claudia Ghitea, Ioana Adriana Ardelean, Marius Rus, Roxana Daniela Brata and Mircea Ioachim Popescu
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2026, 13(5), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13050197 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Post-infarction heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality despite advances in reperfusion and pharmacological management. However, the combined influence of clinical background, myocardial injury, neuro-hormonal activation, and angiographic disease on HF severity is not fully defined. Methods: We [...] Read more.
Background: Post-infarction heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality despite advances in reperfusion and pharmacological management. However, the combined influence of clinical background, myocardial injury, neuro-hormonal activation, and angiographic disease on HF severity is not fully defined. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 181 patients with confirmed myocardial infarction treated in a tertiary cardiology center. Demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, prior chronic HF, inflammatory markers (CRP, fibrinogen, ESR, leukocyte indices), and high-sensitivity troponin (hs-Tn) were measured at admission (pre-intervention), immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and at 48 h, angiographic lesion distributions were collected. HF severity was graded on a five-level scale and further dichotomized as no/mild HF (grade 0–1) versus moderate–severe HF (grade ≥ 2). Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent determinants of severe HF. Results: Moderate–severe HF occurred in 42.5% of patients (77/181). Compared to HF 0–1, the HF ≥ 2 group was older (64.0 vs. 60.5 years, p = 0.042) and exhibited substantially higher systemic inflammation (CRP 41.5 vs. 9.75 mg/L, p < 0.001; fibrinogen 435 vs. 346 mg/dL, p = 0.0002; ESR 28 vs. 18 mm/h, p = 0.0004). hs-Tn levels and NT-proBNP were significantly elevated in HF ≥ 2 (NT-proBNP 3449 vs. 1243 pg/mL, p = 0.0003), while left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced. Prior HF increased the likelihood of HF ≥ 2 (54.5% vs. 33.7%, p = 0.0078), and conservative therapy was associated with adverse outcomes (87.5% vs. 40.5%, p = 0.0235). In multivariable analysis, NT-proBNP remained the only independent predictor of moderate–severe HF, while CRP showed a positive but non-significant trend after adjustment. Conclusions: Post-MI HF severity reflects the combined influence of myocardial injury, neurohormonal stress, and systemic inflammatory activation. However, in multivariable analysis, NT-proBNP emerged as the dominant independent predictor of moderate–severe HF, while CRP reflected an associated but non-independent inflammatory signal. Full article
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14 pages, 3948 KB  
Article
Development of a Multi-Channel and Multilayered PDMS Microfluidic Platform for Real-Time Visualization and Multi-Condition Parallel Testing of Mechanically Stimulated Cells
by Shichao Zhu, Mieradilijiang Abudupataer, Zheng Zuo, Yongxin Sun and Ben Huang
Micromachines 2026, 17(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17050568 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
We developed a multi-channel and multilayered polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic platform that integrates cyclic mechanical stimulation, independent reagent delivery, and real-time optical observation within a single device. The platform employs a four-layer architecture comprising a pneumatic valve control layer, an observation channel for cell [...] Read more.
We developed a multi-channel and multilayered polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic platform that integrates cyclic mechanical stimulation, independent reagent delivery, and real-time optical observation within a single device. The platform employs a four-layer architecture comprising a pneumatic valve control layer, an observation channel for cell culture and imaging (24 mm × 4 mm), a medium perfusion layer with independent inlet ports, and a vacuum actuation layer that deforms a 200 μm PDMS membrane under −20 kPa cyclic pressure at 1 Hz. Cyclic membrane strain of 10% was calibrated using fluorescent bead tracking and image analysis. Finite element analysis based on nonlinear Föppl–von Kármán plate theory confirmed that the central cell culture region (60% of membrane area) exhibits a mean von Mises strain of 14.2% with a uniformity of 81.3% (CV = 18.7%), validating relatively uniform mechanical stimulation across the culture surface. As a proof-of-concept, human aortic smooth muscle cells (CRL-1999) cultured under cyclic strain showed significant upregulation of HIF-1α expression (2.5-fold, p<0.01) and pronounced F-actin stress fiber alignment visualized by fluorescence microscopy, confirming the platform’s capability for mechanotransduction studies and real-time cellular observation. The multi-channel architecture enables multi-condition parallel testing by simultaneously introducing different reagent concentrations through independent inlet ports while maintaining identical mechanical parameters across all channels, providing a versatile tool for systematic investigation of cellular responses under controlled biomechanical conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B:Biology and Biomedicine)
19 pages, 16663 KB  
Article
Sheng Mai San Regulating the Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage to Alleviate Liver Injury in Heat Stress Rats
by Qian Ma, Jiaqi Dong, Xiaosong Zhang, Rong Yang and Yanming Wei
Animals 2026, 16(9), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16091391 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Sheng Mai San (SMS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating qi and yin deficiency, is widely used in the management of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and heatstroke. However, its role in mitigating heat stress (HS)-induced liver injury remains underexplored. In this [...] Read more.
Sheng Mai San (SMS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating qi and yin deficiency, is widely used in the management of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and heatstroke. However, its role in mitigating heat stress (HS)-induced liver injury remains underexplored. In this study, a rat model of HS was established under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, and SMS was administered as an intervention. The pharmacodynamic effects of SMS were comprehensively evaluated through histopathological examination, detection of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein 90(HSP90) expression, and analysis of liver function biomarkers (AST, ALT). Meanwhile, oxidative stress indicators were measured using biochemical assay kits (GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, T-AOC), and transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure, thereby assessing the protective effects of SMS on hepatic oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by HS. In vitro, BRL-3A cells were cultured, subjected to HS, and treated with SMS. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and changes in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated using fluorescent probes. The results showed that SMS effectively restored HS-induced histopathological damage in rat liver tissues, reduced serum AST and ALT levels, and downregulated the mRNA expression of HSP70 and HSP90 in liver tissues. Meanwhile, SMS strengthened the hepatic antioxidant system by increasing the levels of GSH, SOD, T-AOC, and CAT, while decreasing MDA content. In vitro experiments confirmed that SMS increased the viability of BRL-3A cells, reduced ROS production, improved MPTP opening/closing regulation, and stabilized MMP. This study provides a clinical reference for its application in treating HS-related conditions in humans and animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)
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16 pages, 591 KB  
Review
Finerenone Across the Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic Continuum: From Mechanistic Rationale to Clinical Positioning—A Narrative Review
by Jacek Kubica, Aldona Kubica, Jakub Ratajczak, Robert Gajda, Łukasz Szarpak and Eliano P. Navarese
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3486; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093486 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
The cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome has emerged as an integrated framework linking obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction through shared mechanisms including inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis. Persistent mineralocorticoid receptor [...] Read more.
The cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome has emerged as an integrated framework linking obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction through shared mechanisms including inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis. Persistent mineralocorticoid receptor overactivation plays a central role in this continuum, contributing to progressive cardiac and renal injury despite optimized renin–angiotensin system blockade. Finerenone, a selective non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, has therefore gained increasing attention as a targeted strategy to reduce residual cardiorenal risk. This narrative review summarizes the mechanistic rationale and clinical evidence supporting finerenone across the CKM spectrum. Experimental data indicate that finerenone attenuates inflammation, fibrosis, myocardial hypertrophy, and adverse remodeling, while proteomic and translational analyses suggest biological complementarity with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Clinically, pivotal randomized trials have demonstrated that finerenone reduces kidney disease progression and major cardiovascular events in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes, while the FINEARTS-HF trial extended these benefits to patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction by reducing worsening heart failure events. Additional subgroup, pooled, and meta-analytic data reinforce the consistency of these effects across a broad range of cardiorenal phenotypes. Taken together, current evidence positions finerenone as an important component of contemporary CKM management, particularly in patients with diabetic CKD and selected heart failure phenotypes. Its principal value lies in targeting residual inflammatory and fibrotic risk beyond conventional hemodynamic and metabolic control. Future progress will depend on earlier phenotype recognition, improved implementation and adherence, and wider adoption of pathway-oriented combination therapy across the cardiorenal continuum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends and Future Challenges in Heart Failure)
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18 pages, 2687 KB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Signal Representations Methods and Deep Learning Architectures for PPG-Based Cuffless Blood Pressure Estimation
by Han Zhang, Xudong Hu, Xizhuang Zhang, Zhencheng Chen, Yongbo Liang and Gang Wang
Sensors 2026, 26(9), 2847; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26092847 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and requires effective long-term monitoring. Photoplethysmography (PPG), acquired from wearable optical sensors, offers a convenient and non-invasive signal source for cuffless blood pressure (BP) estimation, but existing studies have mainly emphasized model architecture optimization, [...] Read more.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and requires effective long-term monitoring. Photoplethysmography (PPG), acquired from wearable optical sensors, offers a convenient and non-invasive signal source for cuffless blood pressure (BP) estimation, but existing studies have mainly emphasized model architecture optimization, with limited systematic investigation of signal representation. This study systematically compares seven one-dimensional-to-two-dimensional signal transformation methods and evaluates multiple architectural variants for PPG-based cuffless BP estimation under a unified framework. Experiments were conducted using PPG and arterial BP signals from the UCI Open Blood Pressure Database. The best-performing configuration, based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT), achieved estimation errors of 3.80 ± 5.02 mmHg for systolic BP and 1.65 ± 2.70 mmHg for diastolic BP. Further real-world validation on 26 participants using an Omron cuff-based monitor as the reference showed good consistency, with correlation coefficients of R = 0.96 for SBP and R = 0.74 for DBP. The results demonstrate that appropriate signal representation, particularly CWT, plays a critical role in improving estimation accuracy and robustness, and may facilitate the development of wearable cuffless BP monitoring systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensing Techniques in Biomedical Signal Processing)
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34 pages, 10640 KB  
Review
Emerging Role and Potential Therapeutic Application of TRIM Proteins in Cardiovascular Diseases
by Yiyang Cui, Yuxuan Wen, Xinling Wang, Yu Xu and Meixiu Jiang
Biomolecules 2026, 16(5), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16050676 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have high mortality rates and present a high burden on society and the global healthcare system. A large quantity of drugs have been developed, such as aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and statins. Although these traditional drugs have decreased the morbidity and [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases have high mortality rates and present a high burden on society and the global healthcare system. A large quantity of drugs have been developed, such as aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and statins. Although these traditional drugs have decreased the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases, they still have multiple limitations. Due to their shortcomings, researchers have continued to search for novel targets for drug treatment. The tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family is a superfamily with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and involves diversified processes including proliferation, development, signal transduction, and immune regulation. The latest research has shown that TRIM proteins participate in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury, heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and so on. In this review, we summarize the structure and function of TRIM proteins, as well as the mechanisms of their involvement in various cardiovascular diseases, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of TRIM proteins in cardiovascular disease research and treatment. Advancing our understanding of mechanisms mediated by TRIM proteins may emphasize their contributions to cardiovascular diseases and provide the opportunity to develop novel and targeted therapeutic strategies to combat cardiovascular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
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14 pages, 1026 KB  
Article
All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality by SEER Stage in Gastric Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
by Jihoon Hong, Mi Jin Oh, Bokyung Kim, Seunghan Lee, Yoon Jin Choi, Kyungdo Han and Soo-Jeong Cho
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3484; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093484 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, gastric cancer remains a major global malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) stages on all-cause and cause-specific mortality in gastric cancer. Methods: This nationwide population-based cohort [...] Read more.
Background: Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, gastric cancer remains a major global malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) stages on all-cause and cause-specific mortality in gastric cancer. Methods: This nationwide population-based cohort study analyzed data from the Cancer Public Library Database (CPLD). Patients aged ≥ 30 years diagnosed with gastric cancer between 2012 and 2019 were followed up until 31 December 2020. Cox proportional hazards models and Fine–Gray models were used to compare the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality based on SEER stages. The Kaplan–Meier method and cumulative incidence functions were applied to analyze cumulative incidences of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Statistical significance was assessed using the log-rank test and Gray’s test. Additionally, a subgroup analysis was performed. Results: Among 218,491 individuals, 59,952 died during a median follow-up of 3.62 years. Compared with the localized stage, the risk of all-cause mortality was 4.31 and 24.73 times higher in patients with the regional and distant stages, respectively, after adjusting for sex, age, income, residential area, and comorbidities. The regional stage was associated with an 8.70-, 6.08-, 1.28-, and 1.43-fold higher risk of stomach cancer death, cancer death, cardiovascular death, and respiratory death, respectively. The distant stage was associated with 51.67-, 35.97-, 1.74, and 1.54-fold higher risk of stomach cancer death, cancer death, cardiovascular death, and respiratory death, respectively. Conclusions: Higher SEER stage in gastric cancer is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, gastric cancer-specific mortality, overall cancer mortality, cardiovascular disease-related mortality, and respiratory disease-related mortality. Notably, cardiopulmonary mortality increased with advancing SEER stage, particularly among younger patients, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)
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14 pages, 2508 KB  
Article
Retinal Arteriosclerosis in a Large Health Screening Cohort: Associations with Systemic Vascular Comorbidities and Stroke in Young Adults
by Kunho Bae, Ju-Yeun Lee and Hyuk Jin Choi
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051035 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Routine fundus photography is widely accessible; however, its utility in stratifying systemic vascular risk in asymptomatic, general populations remains understudied. We utilized a large-scale health screening cohort in South Korea to evaluate the clinical validity of the retinal arteriosclerosis index (RAI) in [...] Read more.
Background: Routine fundus photography is widely accessible; however, its utility in stratifying systemic vascular risk in asymptomatic, general populations remains understudied. We utilized a large-scale health screening cohort in South Korea to evaluate the clinical validity of the retinal arteriosclerosis index (RAI) in a generally healthy population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 74,608 adults who underwent routine health screening (2003–2010) at a tertiary center. Retinal arteriosclerosis was graded (0–4) by masked readers with a modified Scheie classification; a higher eye grade was defined as a person-level grade. High-grade RAI was prespecified as ≥2. Associations with systemic conditions (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and stroke) were examined by using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and laboratory covariates; moreover, analyses were stratified by age and sex. Results: High-grade RAI was present in 4.5% of the participants and increased with age. After adjustment, high-grade RAI was associated with hypertension (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 2.73–3.23), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.22–1.50), cardiovascular disease (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.25–1.71), metabolic syndrome (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.49–1.78), and stroke (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.41–2.79) but not with hyperlipidemia. Sex-stratified analyses revealed broadly similar patterns, although high-grade RAI was associated with stroke in women and cardiovascular disease in men. Age-stratified analyses demonstrated consistent associations with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and stroke across all age groups, with stronger effect sizes being observed in younger individuals. With respect to lifestyle factors, frequent alcohol consumption was associated with higher odds of high-grade RAI. Laboratory correlates included higher uric acid levels and lower red blood cell, albumin, and bilirubin levels (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Fundus-defined arteriosclerotic changes were independently associated with multiple systemic vascular and metabolic conditions. An association with stroke in adults younger than 40 years of age was also observed, although this finding should be interpreted with caution given the cross-sectional design and limited number of events. These findings support the potential role of retinal vascular changes as cross-sectional correlates of systemic vascular health. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships and causality. Full article
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13 pages, 388 KB  
Article
Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Altered Gait Biomechanics but Demonstrates Limited Predictive Performance in Young Adults
by Jason Simpson, Matthew Ott, Andrew Killgore, Nuno Oliveira, Jon Stavres, Austin J. Graybeal, Megan E. Renna and Tanner A. Thorsen
Physiologia 2026, 6(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia6020033 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Although gait impairments are documented in older adults with MetS, few studies have examined gait biomechanics or the potential for gait-related measures to differentiate metabolic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Although gait impairments are documented in older adults with MetS, few studies have examined gait biomechanics or the potential for gait-related measures to differentiate metabolic syndrome status in young adults. This study examined whether gait biomechanics, functional gait performance, and muscle strength are associated with MetS risk factors in young adults, and whether these measures predict MetS classification. Methods: Twenty-four young adults meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS+) and 24 participants without MetS (MetS−) completed cardiometabolic assessments, gait analysis, functional gait testing, and lower extremity isometric strength testing. Multiple linear regression examined associations between gait velocity and MetS risk factors, and binary logistic regression assessed the ability of biomechanical, functional, and strength variables to differentiate MetS status. Results: Compared with matched controls, MetS+ participants demonstrated slower gait velocity, longer stance time, and lower propulsive ground reaction forces. Regression models examining MetS risk factors did not significantly explain variance in gait velocity. Logistic regression indicated that spatiotemporal gait parameters and GRF variables could differentiate MetS classification with fair predictive ability, whereas functional gait performance and strength measures showed limited classification performance. Conclusions: Young adults with MetS demonstrated modest differences in select gait variables, but the MetS risk factors did not show strong relationships with gait velocity in regression analyses. Spatiotemporal gait parameters differentiated MetS+ and MetS− groups but offered limited predictive value. These findings suggest that subtle biomechanical differences may be present early in the progression of MetS, although stronger functional impairments may not yet be detectable in young adults. Full article
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18 pages, 13013 KB  
Article
Dynamic Transformer Based on Wavelet and Diffusion Prior Guidance for Cardiac Cine MRI Reconstruction
by Bolun Zhao and Jun Lyu
Sensors 2026, 26(9), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26092842 - 1 May 2026
Abstract
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is widely used for the diagnosis and functional assessment of cardiovascular diseases because of its noninvasive nature and excellent soft-tissue contrast. However, accelerated cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine MRI) acquisition usually relies on undersampling, which may lead to [...] Read more.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is widely used for the diagnosis and functional assessment of cardiovascular diseases because of its noninvasive nature and excellent soft-tissue contrast. However, accelerated cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine MRI) acquisition usually relies on undersampling, which may lead to noise, aliasing artifacts, and detail loss in reconstructed images. To address this issue, we propose a wavelet-guided dynamic Transformer with diffusion priors for cardiac cine MRI reconstruction. Specifically, a diffusion model is introduced into a reduced latent feature space to generate high-frequency prior features with only 8 reverse sampling steps, thereby enhancing detail recovery while maintaining moderate computational cost. In addition, a wavelet-guided dynamic Transformer is designed to capture low-frequency structural information and temporal dependencies across adjacent frames. By combining wavelet-domain decomposition, diffusion priors, and dynamic spatiotemporal modeling, the proposed framework improves reconstruction quality while preserving temporal consistency. Experimental results on multiple cardiac cine MRI datasets show that the proposed method achieves superior reconstruction accuracy and temporal consistency over several competing approaches, while maintaining a favorable balance between computational efficiency and reconstruction performance. These findings indicate that the proposed framework is an effective and robust solution for accelerated cardiac cine MRI reconstruction. Full article
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