Sex still matters in cardiovascular research

Lindsey, Merry L.; Carter, Jason R.; Ripplinger, Crystal M.; Kassiri, Zamaneh; Keehan, Kara Hansell; Brunt, Keith R.; Kirk, Jonathan A.; Kleinbongard, Petra; LeBlanc, Amanda J.

doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00643.2022

Cited by 11 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

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“…While both pre-clinical and clinical studies may both blind the investigators, such early intervention is not always clinically feasible and studies should investigate the effect of timing to better understand the effective treatment window. Moreover, pre-clinical investigations should better reflect the population and patient demographics, particularly with regard to sex as a biological variable [ 109 , 110 ] but also in considering the ancestry of cells such as those used for in vitro studies [ 111 ]. As discussed in recent reviews, the interdependence of age and sex is a critical factor in the sexual dimorphism of HF cause, disease progression, and response to treatment [ 112 , 113 ].…”

Section: Experimental Models and Assessment Of Inflammatory Pathophys...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Control of the post-infarct immune microenvironment through biotherapeutic and biomaterial-based approaches

Soni

D'Elia

Rodell

2023

Drug Deliv. and Transl. Res.

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Ischemic heart failure (IHF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, for which heart transplantation remains the only definitive treatment. IHF manifests from myocardial infarction (MI) that initiates tissue remodeling processes, mediated by mechanical changes in the tissue (loss of contractility, softening of the myocardium) that are interdependent with cellular mechanisms (cardiomyocyte death, inflammatory response). The early remodeling phase is characterized by robust inflammation that is necessary for tissue debridement and the initiation of repair processes. While later transition toward an immunoregenerative function is desirable, functional reorientation from an inflammatory to reparatory environment is often lacking, trapping the heart in a chronically inflamed state that perpetuates cardiomyocyte death, ventricular dilatation, excess fibrosis, and progressive IHF. Therapies can redirect the immune microenvironment, including biotherapeutic and biomaterial-based approaches. In this review, we outline these existing approaches, with a particular focus on the immunomodulatory effects of therapeutics (small molecule drugs, biomolecules, and cell or cell-derived products). Cardioprotective strategies, often focusing on immunosuppression, have shown promise in pre-clinical and clinical trials. However, immunoregenerative therapies are emerging that often benefit from exacerbating early inflammation. Biomaterials can be used to enhance these therapies as a result of their intrinsic immunomodulatory properties, parallel mechanisms of action (e.g., mechanical restraint), or by enabling cell or tissue-targeted delivery. We further discuss translatability and the continued progress of technologies and procedures that contribute to the bench-to-bedside development of these critically needed treatments. Graphical Abstract

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