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New $3.1M NIH grant for University of Houston to study how ‘spongy heart’ disease develops — and whether it can be stopped

University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...

Male bodybuilders face high risk of sudden cardiac death, especially those who compete professionally

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that male bodybuilders have a high risk of sudden cardiac death, with professional bodybuilders facing a more than fivefold increase in risk. The study highlights the need for greater awareness, preventive strategies and policy changes within the bodybuilding community.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2025

Cause of sleep disturbance in cardiac disease identified: Ganglia play previously unrecognized role

A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

New approach to treating breast and prostate cancers

Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine have identified a regulatory protein that binds to RSK, keeping its activity in check. This discovery could lead to new treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and heart enlargement, as well as Carney complex.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 2010

Researchers identify key step in cocaine-induced heart enlargement, sudden death

Researchers identified a key step in cocaine-induced heart enlargement, where high concentrations of the drug lead to increased calcium within heart muscle cells, prompting the accumulation of primitive fetal proteins. This process can cause irregular heart rhythms and sudden death, affecting young people between 18-29 years old.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology·DateSep 7, 2006

Natural hormone could reverse heart damage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that altering leptin's signaling pathway can minimize or even reverse left ventricular hypertrophy, a condition causing the heart to expand and stiffen. Leptin infusions led to weight loss and improved heart function in mice with obesity, while caloric restriction had no effect.