Review
Cell Biology
Peng Yin, Shihua Li, Xiao-Jiang Li, Weili Yang
Summary: Animal models are crucial for studying the pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Rodents with genetic modifications are commonly used, but lack overt neurodegeneration. Recent studies showed that large animals targeted with CRISPR/Cas9 (pigs and monkeys) can produce pathological events resembling those in patients' brains.
Review
Neurosciences
Chuansen Wang, Xiaoqiang Wang, Changwu Tan, Yuchang Wang, Zhi Tang, Zhiping Zhang, Jingping Liu, Gelei Xiao
Summary: Hydrocephalus, characterized by ventricular dilation and abnormal intracranial pressure, is typically treated with cerebrospinal fluid shunting, which has high failure and complication rates. Nonsurgical treatments only provide symptom relief without addressing the underlying cause, driving the need for more effective therapies. This review focuses on the current progress of nonsurgical treatment in animal models of hydrocephalus to guide future research and clinical practices.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sana Ayyoub, Ramon Orriols, Eduardo Oliver, Olga Tura Ceide
Summary: Occlusions in blood vessels caused by blood clots, known as thrombosis, and their consequences contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality. In vitro and in vivo thrombosis models have enhanced our understanding of the intricate pathways involved in its development and facilitated the evaluation of potential therapeutic approaches. This review provides an overview of commonly used methods to induce thrombosis in vivo and in vitro, without delving into specific protocols or mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kevin R. Duffy, Mark F. Bear, Nimesh B. Patel, Vallabh E. Das, Lawrence Tychsen
Summary: Amblyopia is a common visual impairment that often occurs in early infancy. Deprivation amblyopia, the most difficult subtype to treat, is often excluded from human studies. Animal models provide a unique opportunity to develop innovative therapies for deprivation amblyopia.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Mattia Volta
Summary: The discovery of mutations in LRRK2 and GBA1 has provided evidence for the involvement of autophagy and lysosome pathways in Parkinson's disease. These mutations slow down the degradation of alpha-synuclein, leading to dysfunction in the neuropathology of the disease. The development of genetic rodent models holds promise for studying pathogenic processes and validating drugs.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Mattia Volta
Summary: The discovery of mutations in LRRK2 and GBA1 that are linked to Parkinson's disease provides further evidence of the involvement of autophagy and lysosomal pathways in the disease's pathology. The development of genetic rodent models for LRRK2 and GBA1 has the potential to enhance our understanding of lysosome alterations in Parkinson's disease and provide new insights. Further research is needed to exploit these rodent models in the fight against the disease.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Anton Gistera, Daniel F. J. Ketelhuth, Stephen G. Malin, Goran K. Hansson
Summary: This review summarizes the current understanding of vascular disease models, highlighting the complex interplay between cholesterol homeostasis, immune activation, and adaptations of the vascular system. It emphasizes the limitations of atherosclerosis models and suggests improvements for future research. Continued work in improved and new models is of great value for cardiovascular disease diagnostics and therapeutics.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Longhong Zhu, Shihua Li, Xiao-Jiang Li, Peng Yin
Summary: Researchers have created animal models to study ALS, a complex neurodegenerative disease. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack key pathological features. Recent studies using large animals like pigs and non-human primates have provided important insights into the disease.
TRANSLATIONAL NEURODEGENERATION
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Nick R. Winder, Emily H. Reeve, Ashley E. Walker
Summary: This article highlights the association between large artery stiffness and deleterious brain outcomes, with a specific emphasis on causative evidence obtained from animal models. It discusses the gaps in knowledge that remain in our understanding of how large artery stiffness affects brain function and disease outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Judy S. Y. Choi, Judy B. de Haan, Arpeeta Sharma
Summary: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder with accelerated development of vascular complications, causing related morbidity and mortality. Current research on diabetes-driven vascular complications relies on animal models to study cellular and molecular pathways. Selecting appropriate animal models is crucial in identifying innovative and mechanism-based targeted therapies for diabetic complications.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Pinaki Mondal, Katie L. Bailey, Sara B. Cartwright, Vimla Band, Mark A. Carlson
Summary: This mini review discusses the current status, advantages, and disadvantages of large animal modeling of breast cancer (BC). Recently, there has been interest in developing porcine BC models, which show promising results for mimicking human disease. The widely used rodent models of BC are also briefly reviewed. The availability of large animal BC models could provide additional tools for BC research and models with greater biological relevance.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex A. Gandhi, Shanea K. Estes, Christine E. Rysenga, Jason S. Knight
Summary: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a leading cause of thrombosis, with pathogenic antibodies circulating at stable levels in blood, but thrombotic events often requiring a second hit. Investigators have turned to animal models to explore APS mechanisms, with each model having potential advantages and disadvantages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Haslam
Summary: Investigating whether orangutans have the capacity to make stone tools, to gain insights into the origin of this behavior.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yafei Zhai, Jinxin Miao, Ying Peng, Yaohe Wang, Jianzeng Dong, Xiaoyan Zhao
Summary: Danon disease is an X-linked multisystem disorder characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle weakness, and mental retardation. It is caused by LAMP2 gene mutation leading to deficiency of LAMP-2B isoform. Studies have shown that autophagy impairment due to LAMP-2 deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in the pathology of Danon disease. Research using animal models and induced pluripotent stem cells has provided insights into the mechanism of Danon disease and potential therapeutic approaches. Gene therapies show promising results in improving partial phenotypes, with one clinical trial currently underway.
TRENDS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Katherine Muksuris, David M. Scarisbrick, James J. Mahoney, Mariya V. Cherkasova
Summary: The main treatments for Parkinson's Disease (PD) have been limited to medication and deep brain stimulation, but new research is exploring noninvasive neuromodulation methods as potential treatments. Some promising methods include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and focused ultrasound (FUS). This rapid review assesses the available animal literature on these noninvasive techniques and discusses the possible mechanisms behind their therapeutic effects.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sean M. Davidson, Chantal M. Boulanger, Elena Aikawa, Lina Badimon, Lucio Barile, Christoph J. Binder, Alain Brisson, Edit Buzas, Costanza Emanueli, Felix Jansen, Miroslava Katsur, Romaric Lacroix, Sai Kiang Lim, Nigel Mackman, Manuel Mayr, Philippe Menasche, Rienk Nieuwland, Susmita Sahoo, Kaloyan Takov, Thomas Thum, Pieter Vader, Marca H. M. Wauben, Kenneth Witwer, Joost P. G. Sluijter
Summary: This article provides an overview of the techniques and technologies available for the separation and characterization of EVs from different sources. It discusses methods for determining the protein, RNA, and lipid content of EVs. The guidance provided in this document is important for investigating the role of EVs in cardiovascular diseases and highlights key methodological issues to consider.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Frank Lezoualc'h, Lina Badimon, Hana Baker, Monique Bernard, Gabor Czibik, Rudolf A. de Boer, Thomas D'Humieres, Micheline Kergoat, Mark Kowala, Jennifer Rieusset, Gemma Vilahur, Maximin Detrait, Chris Watson, Genevieve A. Derumeaux
Summary: Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct, multifactorial disease that leads to ventricular hypertrophy and abnormal myocardial contractility. Animal models provide opportunities to study its mechanisms, but there are limitations when extrapolating findings to humans.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Emiel P. C. van der Vorst, Lina Badimon
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lina Badimon, Guiomar Mendieta, Gemma Vilahur
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Carmen Garcia-Gomez, Teresa Padro, Natalia Munoz-Garcia, Maria Bianchi, Lorenzo Alvarez, Lina Badimon, Emili Corbella, Xavier Pinto
Summary: This study investigated the HDL antioxidant function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that RA patients had lower HDL antioxidant capacity and a lower resistance of LDL particles to oxidation, mainly related to the degree of inflammation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alberto Cordero, Natalia Munoz-Garcia, Teresa Padro, Gemma Vilahur, Vicente Bertomeu-Gonzalez, David Escribano, Emilio Flores, Pilar Zuazola, Lina Badimon
Summary: This study investigated the role of lipoprotein functionality as well as particle number and size in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and on-target LDL-C levels. It was found that ACS patients had higher susceptibility to LDL oxidation and lower HDL-antioxidant capacity. They also had lower HDL-C and Apolipoprotein A-I levels compared to non-ACS patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex Gallinat, Gemma Vilahur, Teresa Padro, Lina Badimon
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of beer consumption on the gene expression response of the heart under oxidative stress, and found that beer intake can regulate gene expression in the heart and have a protective effect. It was also found that different doses of beer intake have different effects.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jeanine E. Roeters van Lennep, Lale S. Tokgozoglu, Lina Badimon, Sandra M. Dumanski, Martha Gulati, Connie N. Hess, Kirsten B. Holven, Maryam Kavousi, Meral Kayikcioglu, Esther Lutgens, Erin D. Michos, Eva Prescott, Jane K. Stock, Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen, Marieke J. H. Wermer, Marianne Benn
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) being the main contributor. ASCVD mortality is currently increasing, especially in middle-aged women. Sex-specific factors, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, premature menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome, are associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa Suades, Alba Vilella-Figuerola, Teresa Padro, Sonia Mirabet, Lina Badimon
Summary: In this study, circulating extracellular microvesicles (cEVs) from chronic heart failure patients were phenotypically and quantitatively characterized. It was found that PS--cEVs were predominantly present in both chronic heart failure patients and non-HF subjects, but the proportions of PS-cEVs varied depending on the parental markers. PS+-cEVs were mainly derived from platelets and increased in the non-HF group, while PS--cEVs were mainly derived from endothelium and connexin 43-rich sources and significantly increased in chronic heart failure patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maria Bergami, Olivia Manfrini, Stefano Nava, Gaetano Caramori, Jinsung Yoon, Lina Badimon, Edina Cenko, Antonio David, Ilir Demiri, Maria Dorobantu, Natalia Fabin, Oana Gheorghe-Fronea, Radmilo Jankovic, Sasko Kedev, Nebojsa Ladjevic, Ratko Lasica, Goran Loncar, Giuseppe Mancuso, Guiomar Mendieta, Davor Milicic, Petra Mjehovic, Marijan Pasalic, Milovan Petrovic, Lidija Poposka, Marialuisa Scarpone, Milena Stefanovic, Mihaela van der Schaar, Zorana Vasiljevic, Marija Vavlukis, Maria Laura Vega Pittao, Vladan Vukomanovic, Marija Zdravkovic, Raffaele Bugiardini
Summary: This study found that the use of azithromycin in COVID-19 patients with prior history of cardiovascular disease is significantly associated with an increased risk of acute heart failure and all-cause 30-day mortality. However, in patients without prior cardiovascular disease, azithromycin treatment is associated with significantly reduced risk of death and no significant increase in acute heart failure.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Lola Fernandez Encinas, Nuria Lluch, Alan H. B. Wu, Juan Carlos Kaski, Lina Badimon, Judit Cubedo
Summary: This study aimed to validate the analytical performance of two novel ELISAs for two different glycosylated ApoJ variants (ApoJ-GlycA2 and ApoJ-GlycA6). The results showed that these methods fulfilled the acceptance criteria established by the European Medicines Agency for precision, accuracy, recovery, cross-reactivity, and stability. These newly developed ELISAs accurately measured serum levels of ApoJ-GlycA2 and ApoJ-GlycA6.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gemma Arderiu, Anna Civit-Urgell, Lina Badimon
Summary: The incidence and prevalence of critical limb ischemia have increased, but there are no successful treatments available. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a promising source of stem cells for cell-based therapy due to their multilineage capacity and low immunogenicity. The proangiogenic benefits of ASCs are attributed to their secretion of proangiogenic molecules, microvesicles/exosomes, and their differentiation capability toward endothelial cells (ECs). However, the therapeutic efficacy of ASCs in peripheral artery diseases patients is still relatively low.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jeanine E. Roeters van Lennep, Lale S. Tokgozoglu, Lina Badimon, Sandra M. Dumanski, Martha Gulati, Connie N. Hess, Kirsten B. Holven, Maryam Kavousi, Meral Kayikcioglu, Esther Lutgens, Erin D. Michos, Eva Prescott, Jane K. Stock, Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen, Marieke J. H. Wermer, Marianne Benn
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with women experiencing the fastest relative increase in middle-aged mortality. In addition to missed or delayed diagnosis and undertreatment, sex-specific factors contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in women. The European Atherosclerosis Society's position statement focuses on the impact of gender-specific factors and the effects of these factors on women's lifelong lipid profiles, including lipoprotein(a). Sociocultural components further compound these effects. Early identification and treatment of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in women, especially those related to sex-specific conditions, are necessary to reduce the high burden of cardiovascular disease in women.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)