After a heart attack, where do cardiomyocyte-derived small EVs go in the body and how does that change over time? In this episode, Associate Editor Dr. Crystal Ripplinger (UC Davis School of Medicine) interviews author Dr. Jiang Chang (Texas A&M University Health Science Center) and expert Dr. Raj Kishore (Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine) about the study by Wang et al. that investigated the role of small extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their production and biodistribution after myocardial infarction. Using a genetically modified mouse model, the authors mapped the spatiotemporal distribution of these cardiac EVs at different time points post-MI. Initially the authors generated data from only one sex, which does not align with AJP-Heart and Circulatory Physiology journal policies on sex as a biological variable. Treating this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, the authors completed more rigorous experiments using both male and female mice. What key sex differences did Wang et al. uncover in post-MI pathophysiology? Listen and learn more.

Xinjie Wang, Xiao Du, Zhishi Chen, Wei Yu, Zhongjing Wang, Yanping Chen, Daniel Y. Chang, Garrett Jensen, Weijia Luo, and Jiang Chang Dynamics and Biodistribution of Cardiomyocyte-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Following Myocardial Infarction: Sex Differences Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, published December 15, 2025. DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00835.2025

In this episode, Associate Editor Dr. Keith Brunt (Dalhousie University) interviews lead author Dr. Shrushti Shah (University of Calgary) and expert Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic* (University of South Florida) about the exciting new study by Shah et al. that explores the relationship between the cardiovascular system and the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome contains nearly 40 trillion microbial cells, and major alterations to the gut microbiome can be determinants of health and disease. The research by Shah and co-authors as part of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project, which published in the Call for Papers on Women’s Health Research and Cardiovascular Disease, allowed for a matched unbiased omics study of serum biomarkers with concurrent fecal microbiota analysis to compare hypertensive and normotensive study participants. Did changes in circulating tryptophan in middle-aged women signal a risk for developing hypertension? Listen now to find out.

Shrushti Shah, Chunlong Mu, Grace Shen-Tu, Kristina Schlicht, Nils D. Forkert, Matthias Laudes, Harald C. Köfeler, and Jane Shearer Altered tryptophan metabolism and gut immune crosstalk in hypertensive middle-aged women Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, published November 11, 2025. DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00395.2025

*Dr. Jasenka Zubcevic is co-founder of Panthea Life and has an equity interest. No compensation was provided for this podcast appearance. Content is for educational purposes and does not constitute endorsement by APS.

AJP-Heart and Circulatory Physiology has been championing women’s health research for many years, and in 2021 launched a special call for papers, which later became a standing collection in the journal, that has amassed over 100 peer reviewed publications focused on women’s cardiovascular health. In 2024 the American Physiological Society launched the Women’s Health Research Initiative aimed at addressing critical scientific gaps underlying health conditions that uniquely impact women. In this episode, Dr. Jason Carter (Baylor College) interviews authors Jenna Stone (McMaster University), Dr. Maureen McDonald (McMaster University), and Dr. Kerrie Moreau (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus) about their recent Review article published as part of the Women’s Health Research Initiative. Stone et al. discuss how traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors have been historically misidentified in females, the importance of certain metrics such as arterial stiffness and vascular endothelial function, and how early risk indicators are impacted during premenopausal period, pregnancy, and menopause. Ready to learn more? Listen now.

Jenna C. Stone, Margie H. Davenport, Kerrie L. Moreau, Kyra E. Pyke, Megan M. Wenner, Jennifer S. Williams, and Maureen J. MacDonald Endocrine enigmas: vascular health in females throughout the lifespan Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, published November 11, 2025. DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00412.2025