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Bridges J, Ramirez-Guerrero JA, Rosa-Garrido M. Gender-specific genetic and epigenetic signatures in cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1355980. [PMID: 38529333 PMCID: PMC10962446 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1355980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac sex differences represent a pertinent focus in pursuit of the long-awaited goal of personalized medicine. Despite evident disparities in the onset and progression of cardiac pathology between sexes, historical oversight has led to the neglect of gender-specific considerations in the treatment of patients. This oversight is attributed to a predominant focus on male samples and a lack of sex-based segregation in patient studies. Recognizing these sex differences is not only relevant to the treatment of cisgender individuals; it also holds paramount importance in addressing the healthcare needs of transgender patients, a demographic that is increasingly prominent in contemporary society. In response to these challenges, various agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, have actively directed their efforts toward advancing our comprehension of this phenomenon. Epigenetics has proven to play a crucial role in understanding sex differences in both healthy and disease states within the heart. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the physiological distinctions between males and females during the development of various cardiac pathologies, specifically focusing on unraveling the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms at play. Current findings related to distinct sex-chromosome compositions, the emergence of gender-biased genetic variations, and variations in hormonal profiles between sexes are highlighted. Additionally, the roles of DNA methylation, histone marks, and chromatin structure in mediating pathological sex differences are explored. To inspire further investigation into this crucial subject, we have conducted global analyses of various epigenetic features, leveraging data previously generated by the ENCODE project.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manuel Rosa-Garrido
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Ricci F, Banihashemi B, Pirouzifard M, Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Sutton R, Fedorowski A, Zoller B. Familial risk of vasospastic angina: a nationwide family study in Sweden. Open Heart 2023; 10:e002504. [PMID: 38056914 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vasospastic angina (VSA) is a complex coronary vasomotor disorder associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death. Despite considerable advances in understanding VSA pathophysiology, the interplay between genetic and environmental factors remains elusive. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the familial VSA risk among first-degree relatives of affected individuals. METHODS A population-based multigenerational cohort study was conducted, including full-sibling pairs born to Swedish parents between 1932 and 2018. Register-based diagnoses were ascertained through linkage to the Swedish Multigeneration Register and National Patient Register. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and adjusted HRs were calculated for relatives of individuals with VSA compared with relatives of individuals without VSA. RESULTS The total study population included 5 764 770 individuals. Overall, 3461 (0.06%) individuals (median age at disease onset 59 years, IQR: 63-76) were diagnosed with VSA. Of these, 2236 (64.61%) were women. The incidence rate of VSA for individuals with an affected sibling was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.42) per 1000 person-years compared with 0.04 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.04) per 1000 person-years for those without an affected sibling, yielding an IRR of 7.58 (95% CI: 5.71 to 10.07). The risk of VSA for siblings with an affected sibling was significantly increased in the fully adjusted model (HR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.73 to 3.79). No increased risk of VSA was observed in spouses of affected individuals (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.19 to 2.09). CONCLUSIONS In this nationwide family study, we identified high familial risk for VSA independent of shared environmental risk factors. Our findings indicate that VSA tends to cluster in families, emphasising the need to explore genetic and non-genetic factors that may contribute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Ricci
- Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Zoller
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Ottaviani A, Mansour D, Molinari LV, Galanti K, Mantini C, Khanji MY, Chahal AA, Zimarino M, Renda G, Sciarra L, Pelliccia F, Gallina S, Ricci F. Revisiting Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Current Practice and Novel Perspectives. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5710. [PMID: 37685777 PMCID: PMC10489039 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a prevalent genetic disorder characterised by left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial disarray, and an increased risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Despite advances in understanding its pathophysiology, treatment options for HCM remain limited. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current clinical practice and explore emerging therapeutic strategies for sarcomeric HCM, with a focus on cardiac myosin inhibitors. We first discuss the conventional management of HCM, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapies, and invasive interventions, emphasizing their limitations and challenges. Next, we highlight recent advances in molecular genetics and their potential applications in refining HCM diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. We delve into emerging therapies, such as gene editing, RNA-based therapies, targeted small molecules, and cardiac myosin modulators like mavacamten and aficamten, which hold promise in modulating the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCM. Mavacamten and aficamten, selective modulators of cardiac myosin, have demonstrated encouraging results in clinical trials by reducing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and improving symptoms in patients with obstructive HCM. We discuss their mechanisms of action, clinical trial outcomes, and potential implications for the future of HCM management. Furthermore, we examine the role of precision medicine in HCM management, exploring how individualised treatment strategies, including exercise prescription as part of the management plan, may optimise patient outcomes. Finally, we underscore the importance of multidisciplinary care and patient-centred approaches to address the complex needs of HCM patients. This review also aims to encourage further research and collaboration in the field of HCM, promoting the development of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies, such as cardiac myosin modulators, to hopefully improve the quality of life and outcome of patients with sarcomeric HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ottaviani
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Davide Mansour
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenzo V. Molinari
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Kristian Galanti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cesare Mantini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mohammed Y. Khanji
- Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London EC1A 7BE, UK
- Newham University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E13 8SL, UK
- NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1A 7BE, UK
| | - Anwar A. Chahal
- Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London EC1A 7BE, UK
- Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, WellSpan Health, Lancaster, PA 17605, USA
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 17605, USA
| | - Marco Zimarino
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Heart Department, SS. Annunziata Hospital, ASL 2 Abruzzo, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Renda
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Heart Department, SS. Annunziata Hospital, ASL 2 Abruzzo, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Pelliccia
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Heart Department, SS. Annunziata Hospital, ASL 2 Abruzzo, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Heart Department, SS. Annunziata Hospital, ASL 2 Abruzzo, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 21428 Malmö, Sweden
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Arata A, Ricci F, Khanji MY, Mantini C, Angeli F, Aquilani R, Di Baldassarre A, Renda G, Mattioli AV, Nodari S, Gallina S. Sex Differences in Heart Failure: What Do We Know? J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:277. [PMID: 37504533 PMCID: PMC10380698 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) remains an important global health issue, substantially contributing to morbidity and mortality. According to epidemiological studies, men and women face nearly equivalent lifetime risks for HF. However, their experiences diverge significantly when it comes to HF subtypes: men tend to develop HF with reduced ejection fraction more frequently, whereas women are predominantly affected by HF with preserved ejection fraction. This divergence underlines the presence of numerous sex-based disparities across various facets of HF, encompassing aspects such as risk factors, clinical presentation, underlying pathophysiology, and response to therapy. Despite these apparent discrepancies, our understanding of them is far from complete, with key knowledge gaps still existing. Current guidelines from various professional societies acknowledge the existence of sex-based differences in HF management, yet they are lacking in providing explicit, actionable recommendations tailored to these differences. In this comprehensive review, we delve deeper into these sex-specific differences within the context of HF, critically examining associated definitions, risk factors, and therapeutic strategies. We provide a specific emphasis on aspects exclusive to women, such as the impact of pregnancy-induced hypertension and premature menopause, as these unique factors warrant greater attention in the broader HF discussion. Additionally, we aim to clarify ongoing controversies and knowledge gaps pertaining to the pharmacological treatment of HF and the sex-specific indications for cardiac implantable electronic devices. By shining a light on these issues, we hope to stimulate a more nuanced understanding and promote the development of more sex-responsive approaches in HF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allegra Arata
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Y Khanji
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Cesare Mantini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Angeli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni, 33-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Aquilani
- Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Heart Department, SS Annunziata University Hospital, Via dei Vestini 5, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, and Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Renda
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Vittoria Mattioli
- Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena, Italy
| | - Savina Nodari
- Department of Cardiology, University of Brescia and ASST "Spedali Civili" Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sabina Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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