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Nature Reviews. Cardiology Sep 2022Interest in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is growing rapidly, and research in this area appeals to a broad, multidisciplinary audience. EAT is unique in its anatomy... (Review)
Review
Interest in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is growing rapidly, and research in this area appeals to a broad, multidisciplinary audience. EAT is unique in its anatomy and unobstructed proximity to the heart and has a transcriptome and secretome very different from that of other fat depots. EAT has physiological and pathological properties that vary depending on its location. It can be highly protective for the adjacent myocardium through dynamic brown fat-like thermogenic function and harmful via paracrine or vasocrine secretion of pro-inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines. EAT is a modifiable risk factor that can be assessed with traditional and novel imaging techniques. Coronary and left atrial EAT are involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, respectively, and it also contributes to the development and progression of heart failure. In addition, EAT might have a role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related cardiac syndrome. EAT is a reliable potential therapeutic target for drugs with cardiovascular benefits such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. This Review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the role of EAT in cardiovascular disease and highlights the translational nature of EAT research and its applications in contemporary cardiology.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Atrial Fibrillation; COVID-19; Cardiology; Humans; Pericardium
PubMed: 35296869
DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00679-9 -
American Journal of Medical Genetics.... Mar 2020In 2014, an extensive review discussing the major steps of cardiac development focusing on growth, formation of primary and chamber myocardium and the development of the... (Review)
Review
In 2014, an extensive review discussing the major steps of cardiac development focusing on growth, formation of primary and chamber myocardium and the development of the cardiac electrical system, was published. Molecular genetic lineage analyses have since furthered our insight in the developmental origin of the various component parts of the heart, which currently can be unambiguously identified by their unique molecular phenotype. Moreover, genetic, molecular and cell biological analyses have driven insights into the mechanisms underlying the development of the different cardiac components. Here, we build on our previous review and provide an insight into the molecular mechanistic revelations that have forwarded the field of cardiac development. Despite the enormous advances in our knowledge over the last decade, the development of congenital cardiac malformations remains poorly understood. The challenge for the next decade will be to evaluate the different developmental processes using newly developed molecular genetic techniques to further unveil the gene regulatory networks operational during normal and abnormal cardiac development.
Topics: Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Gene Regulatory Networks; Heart; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Valves; Humans; Pericardium; Phenotype
PubMed: 32048790
DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31778 -
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases 2017Acute pericarditis is an acute inflammatory disease of the pericardium, which may occur in many different disease states (both infectious and non-infectious). Usually...
Acute pericarditis is an acute inflammatory disease of the pericardium, which may occur in many different disease states (both infectious and non-infectious). Usually the diagnosis is based on symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath), electrocardiographic changes (ST elevation), physical examination (pericardial friction rub) and elevation of cardiac biomarkers. It may occur in isolation or be associated with an underlying inflammatory disorder. In routine clinical practice, acute pericarditis can be associated with myocarditis due to their overlapping etiologies.
Topics: Acute Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Electrocardiography; Humans; Pericarditis; Pericardium; Prognosis
PubMed: 27956197
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2016.12.001 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Sep 2017This paper describes a pericardial fold that has not yet been mentioned in the Anatomy or Surgery literature.The "Zamvar" pericardial fold is formed by the parietal...
This paper describes a pericardial fold that has not yet been mentioned in the Anatomy or Surgery literature.The "Zamvar" pericardial fold is formed by the parietal pericardium and the overlying fibrous pericardium folding back onto themselves over the left-sided pulmonary veins; it is 1 to 3 mm wide, and runs from the inferior edge of the left inferior pulmonary vein, to the superior edge of the left superior pulmonary vein. A similar fold is not seen on the right side.The presence of this fold allows for the safe placement of the deep pericardial retraction suture used during off-pump coronary artery surgery.
Topics: Coronary Artery Bypass; Coronary Artery Disease; Humans; Pericardium; Pulmonary Veins; Sutures
PubMed: 28899414
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-017-0641-1 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... May 2023
Topics: Humans; Pneumopericardium; Pericardium
PubMed: 37220925
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.221137-f -
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in... Feb 2020The epicardium, the outermost tissue layer that envelops all vertebrate hearts, plays a crucial role in cardiac development and regeneration and has been implicated in... (Review)
Review
The epicardium, the outermost tissue layer that envelops all vertebrate hearts, plays a crucial role in cardiac development and regeneration and has been implicated in potential strategies for cardiac repair. The heterogenous cell population that composes the epicardium originates primarily from a transient embryonic cell cluster known as the proepicardial organ (PE). Characterized by its high cellular plasticity, the epicardium contributes to both heart development and regeneration in two critical ways: as a source of progenitor cells and as a critical signaling hub. Despite this knowledge, there are many unanswered questions in the field of epicardial biology, the resolution of which will advance the understanding of cardiac development and repair. We review current knowledge in cross-species epicardial involvement, specifically in relation to lineage specification and differentiation during cardiac development.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Pericardium; Regeneration; Stem Cells
PubMed: 31451510
DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037192 -
Folia Histochemica Et Cytobiologica 2016Normal pericardium consists of an outer sac called fibrous pericardium and an inner one called serous pericardium. The two layers of serous pericardium: visceral and... (Review)
Review
Normal pericardium consists of an outer sac called fibrous pericardium and an inner one called serous pericardium. The two layers of serous pericardium: visceral and parietal are separated by the pericardial cavity, which contains 20 to 60 mL of the plasma ultrafiltrate. The pericardium acts as mechanical protection for the heart and big vessels, and a lubrication to reduce friction between the heart and the surrounding structures. A very important role in all aspects of pericardial functions is played by mesothelial cells. The mesothelial cells form a monolayer lining the serosal cavity and play an important role in antigen presentation, inflammation and tissue repair, coagulation and fibrinolysis. The two major types of mesothelial cells, flat or cuboid, differ substantially in their ultrastructure and, probably, functions. The latter display abundant microvilli, RER, Golgi dense bodies, membrane-bound vesicles and intracellular vacuoles containing electron-dense material described as dense bodies. The normal structure and functions of the pericardium determine correct healing after its injury as a result of surgery or microbial infection. The unfavorable resolution of acute or chronic pericarditis leads to the formation of adhesions between pericardial leaflets which may lead to serious complications.
Topics: Animals; Heart; Humans; Pericardium
PubMed: 27654013
DOI: 10.5603/FHC.a2016.0014 -
Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic... Dec 2020Chronic constrictive pericarditis results from inflammation and fibrosis of the pericardium. This situation eventually leads to impairment of diastolic filling and right...
Chronic constrictive pericarditis results from inflammation and fibrosis of the pericardium. This situation eventually leads to impairment of diastolic filling and right heart failure. Once the diagnosis is made, because the disease is basically irreversible, a pericardiectomy is the mandatory treatment. The standard surgical treatment has been extensively described. The goal of this video tutorial is to render a visual explanation of the described techniques and to provide tips to help make the procedure easier to perform. The standard technique is performed through a median sternotomy, preferably without cardiopulmonary bypass if feasible. The procedure includes the complete removal of the anterior pericardium from phrenic nerve to phrenic nerve and the removal of the diaphragmatic pericardium and of part of the pericardium posterior to both phrenic nerves. Before starting the actual pericardiectomy procedure, it is useful to separate the pericardial rigid shell from the pleurae and from the diaphragm; this step allows the operator to see both phrenic nerves clearly and to give clear boundaries between the pericardium and the diaphragm, which are not often as clear as desirable due to fat, edema, inflammation, and scarring. Once a portion of the pericardium has been detached from the myocardium, it can be excised, making the portion yet to be removed more visible.
Topics: Adult; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Pericardiectomy; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Pericardium; Sternotomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33399281
DOI: 10.1510/mmcts.2020.076 -
The Journal of Thoracic and... Jun 2018
Topics: Aortic Valve; Glutaral; Pericardium
PubMed: 29567132
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.01.091 -
Nature Reviews. Cardiology Oct 2018After decades of directed research, no effective regenerative therapy is currently available to repair the injured human heart. The epicardium, a layer of mesothelial... (Review)
Review
After decades of directed research, no effective regenerative therapy is currently available to repair the injured human heart. The epicardium, a layer of mesothelial tissue that envelops the heart in all vertebrates, has emerged as a new player in cardiac repair and regeneration. The epicardium is essential for muscle regeneration in the zebrafish model of innate heart regeneration, and the epicardium also participates in fibrotic responses in mammalian hearts. This structure serves as a source of crucial cells, such as vascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts, during heart development and repair. The epicardium also secretes factors that are essential for proliferation and survival of cardiomyocytes. In this Review, we describe recent advances in our understanding of the biology of the epicardium and the effect of these findings on the candidacy of this structure as a therapeutic target for heart repair and regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Lineage; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Disease Models, Animal; Heart Diseases; Humans; Mice, Transgenic; Organogenesis; Pericardium; Recovery of Function; Regeneration; Regenerative Medicine; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 29950578
DOI: 10.1038/s41569-018-0046-4