Researchers have successfully transformed mouse stem cells into heart muscle cells using vitamin C, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for heart failure. The study found that the cells exhibited cardiac myosin and actin, and beat spontaneously, suggesting a potential path forward for clinical applications.
A genetic defect in muscle growth and survival is linked to human heart failure, causing the heart muscle to lose its ability to adapt to stress. Researchers identified a specific gene mutation that disrupts normal stretch activity, leading to enlarged hearts with thin ventricular walls.
Penn researchers have identified a key gene, Hop, that plays a vital role in regulating the development of heart cells. By inhibiting the expression of another important regulator, serum response factor (SRF), Hop protects cardiac muscle cells from over-development and fatal abnormalities.
Rutgers researchers found that acetaminophen can exert an antioxidant effect on heart muscle cells, blocking damage caused by oxidants. The study suggests that acetaminophen may play a role in preventing some of the damaging effects of cardiovascular disease and hardening of the arteries.
A virtual robot developed by researchers at Leiden University Medical Center can accurately outline the damaged areas of a patient's heart muscle using MRI images. The robot uses machine learning algorithms to create 'surgically precise' contours, eliminating the need for manual drawing and increasing efficiency.
Researchers found that embryonic stem cells can survive in damaged heart muscle and improve cardiac function. The study demonstrated significant reduction of MI damage and improvement in left ventricular function, suggesting a potential future treatment option for congestive heart failure.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a treatment for heart failure by correcting a specific cellular defect. Beta blockers prevent the excessive phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor, allowing it to respond to signals and release calcium ions as needed. This finding offers new hope for treating heart failure.
Researchers found that troponin levels can accurately predict future heart attack risk, even when traditional measures are negative. The study suggests using troponin as a reliable indicator of cardiac cell damage, rather than creatine kinase-MB, to detect high-risk patients.
A UCSF study finds that eptifibatide helps preserve microvasculature and blood flow into the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply to patients undergoing angioplasty. The drug improves large artery blood flow by 39% and microvascular blood flow by 84%, potentially reducing irreversible heart injury.
Researchers have successfully created viable new heart muscle cells using marrow stromal cells from an animal's own bone marrow. The goal is to replace dead heart muscle cells with new ones, potentially offering a treatment for life-threatening heart failure.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a new noninvasive test that measures creatine levels in the heart, which can indicate muscle damage from a heart attack. The test uses MRI and MRS to pinpoint depleted concentrations of creatine in injured heart tissue.
Duke University Medical Center is testing a new laser system to pierce blood-carrying channels in ailing heart muscle, showing promising results for eight treated patients. The procedure, known as transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), creates new passageways that increase oxygenation and functional heart muscle.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between mumps virus infection and infantile rapid progression of congestive heart failure (EFE), with 72% of cases positive for the virus. The study's findings support the development of a vaccine against adenovirus, which is currently being produced but not widely available.