Trends in worldwide research on cardiac fibrosis over the period 1989-2022: a bibliometric study

Deciphering myocardial fibrosis: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of mechanism over the period 1992-2023

BACKGROUND

Myocardial fibrosis is a critical link in preventing the progression of heart disease. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of its mechanism to identify trends and hotspots, aiming to provide valuable references for heart disease prevention and treatment.

METHODS

This research relies on the Web of Science Core Collection, capturing all related publications on the mechanism of myocardial fibrosis up to November 11, 2023. For the bibliometric analysis, CiteSpace 6.2.R5 (64-bit) and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software tools were utilized.

RESULTS

The mechanism of myocardial fibrosis research involves 14,931 authors from 2,370 institutions in 71 countries/regions, resulting in 2,431 published studies. Nattel Stanley is the most prolific author, while Francogianis Ng is noted for the highest co-publication frequency. The United States leads in countries/regions, with the University of California System being the top institution. Cardiovascular Research is a primary outlet for new studies, and Circulation is a key reference in this research community. Current research primarily examines how myocardial fibrosis contributes to heart failure, myocardial infarction, and myocardial hypertrophy. This emerging field also explores the role of fibroblasts in myocardial injury and investigates innovative treatments to reduce myocardial fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventing myocardial fibrosis is a crucial strategy in the fight against heart disease. This study utilises bibliometric analysis to explore the vast array of literature on the mechanism of myocardial fibrosis, mapping the research landscape and provide literature references for potential breakthroughs in heart disease prevention and treatment strategies.

Molecular Interplay in Cardiac Fibrosis: Exploring the Functions of RUNX2, BMP2, and Notch

Cardiac fibrosis, characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. This article explores the complex interplay between Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and Notch signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. Each of these pathways plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular functions and interactions that underpin fibrotic processes in the heart. Through a detailed review of current research, we highlight how the crosstalk among RUNX2, BMP2, and Notch not only facilitates our understanding of the fibrotic mechanisms but also points to potential biomolecular targets for intervention. This article delves into the regulatory networks, identifies key molecular mediators, and discusses the implications of these signaling pathways in cardiac structural remodeling. By synthesizing findings from recent studies, we provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that could guide future research directions, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies to manage and treat cardiac fibrosis effectively.

Mechanism of streptozotocin to induce cardiac fibrosis through TNFa and Bcl2 pathways in in silico and in vivo study

Background

Cardiac fibrosis is often associated with various heart-related problems such as heart failure, atrial arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death, making it a leading cause of death globally. Diabetes-associated fibrosis, on the other hand, is influenced by activated cardiac fibroblasts and potentially involves fibrosis-inducing activity of macrophages, cardiomyocytes, and vascular cells. Streptozotocin (STZ) is a known diabetogenic agent, but inadequate preclinical data in animal models hinders its clinical success.

Aim

This study aims to provide practical guidelines for STZ utilization in inducing diabetes-associated cardiac fibrosis.

Methods

The research was conducted in vivo using white rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Wistar strain, induced with STZ at doses of 30 mg/KgBW and 50 mg/KgBW per injection. Observations were carried out in the 4th and 8th weeks, consisting of the measurement of blood sugar levels and the examination of heart muscle cell fibrosis. Subsequently, in silico validation of STZ's affinity with inflammatory receptors causing diabetes pathology, such as TNFα and Bcl2, was performed.

Results

The study results indicated that the administration of STZ led to an increase in random blood sugar levels and extensive fibrosis of heart muscle cells in mice. The optimal dose for the diabetes model experimented in this study was 50 mg/KgBW for 8 weeks. In silico tests revealed an affinity for TNFα (PDB ID 2AZ5) and Bcl2 (PDB ID 6QGH).

Conclusion

Consequently, it can be concluded that administering STZ to mice at a dose of 50 mg/KgBW for 8 weeks is an effective inducer of a diabetes-associated cardiac fibrosis model.

Empagliflozin protects against isoprenaline-induced fibrosis in rat heart through modulation of TGF-β/SMAD pathway

AIM

Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation of fibrous tissue, particularly collagens, in the myocardium. Accumulated fibrous tissue renders myocardium stiffer and reduces its contractility. Empagliflozin is an oral hypoglycemic agent with extra-diabetic functional profile toward maintaining cardiac functions. The present study aimed to examine protective effect of empagliflozin against an in-vivo model of cardiac fibrosis induced by isoprenaline and targeting TGF-β/SMAD signaling as a possible pathway responsible for such effect.

MAIN METHODS

Sixty animals were divided into six groups; the first was normal, and the second was treated with isoprenaline only (5 mg/kg/day I.P.) as a control. The third received pirfenidone (500 mg/kg/day P.O.), and the remaining groups received graded doses (5, 10, 20 mg/kg respectively) of empagliflozin for 14 days before fibrosis induction by isoprenaline (5 mg/kg/day) for 30 days.

KEY FINDINGS

Isoprenaline increased cardiac enzymes, and cardiac tissues revealed elevated concentrations of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins. Expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagens, suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMADs), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and fibronectin was upregulated. Empagliflozin improved the histological picture of heart tissue in comparison to fibrosis developed in controls, and protected against fibrosis through significant modulation of all mentioned parameters' concentrations and expressions.

SIGNIFICANCE

Empagliflozin demonstrated a promising protective approach against biological model of cardiac fibrosis through an anti-fibrotic effect through targeting TGF-β signaling pathways.