Epicardial Cells Regulate Ventricular Compaction 01/04/26

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 04, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like dendritic cells and allograft tolerance. Key takeaway: Epicardial Cells Regulate Ventricular Compaction. Article Links: Article 1: Activation of the Immunoregulatory Cation Channel TMEM176B by a Nitroalkene Derivative of Salicylate Prolongs Graft Survival. (Transplantation) Article 2: Invasion of Epicardial-Derived Cells to the Trabeculae Mediated by NFPs-Fgf Signaling Regulates Ventricular Compaction. (Circulation. Heart failure) Article 3: Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Cardiogenic Shock After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 4: Impacts of Mitral Annular Calcification on Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 5: Mini-Crush Versus Double Kissing Crush in Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From PROGRESS-BIFURCATION Registry. (The American journal of cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/epicardial-cells-regulate-ventricular-compaction-01-04-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Activation of the Immunoregulatory Cation Channel TMEM176B by a Nitroalkene Derivative of Salicylate Prolongs Graft Survival. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40691833 Summary: Researchers found that transmembrane protein 176B, an intracellular cation channel, is associated with allograft tolerance. The study demonstrated that this protein controls the tolerogenic function of dendritic cells and inhibits the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome. Activation of transmembrane protein 176B by a nitroalkene derivative of salicylate successfully prolonged graft survival. These findings reveal a mechanism by which transmembrane protein 176B activation contributes to sustained graft survival. Article 2: Invasion of Epicardial-Derived Cells to the Trabeculae Mediated by NFPs-Fgf Signaling Regulates Ventricular Compaction. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41477684 Summary: Researchers found that the invasion of epicardial-derived cells into the trabeculae regulates ventricular compaction. This crucial process is mediated by Numb and fibroblast growth factor signaling pathways. These findings establish a fundamental mechanism underlying normal ventricular compaction and provide significant insight into the pathogenesis of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy. Understanding this pathway offers a clearer picture of this prevalent pediatric cardiomyopathy. Article 3: Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Cardiogenic Shock After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41161558 Summary: This retrospective cohort study conducted a comparative analysis of outcomes for adults experiencing myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study directly compared patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours to those who did not. Researchers utilized propensity score matching and Fine-Gray models to derive adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios and subdistribution hazard ratios for various outcomes. This comprehensive approach established a direct comparison of interventional strategies in this specific, high-risk patient population. Article 4: Impacts of Mitral Annular Calcification on Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41138985 Summary: A multi-cohort study successfully created and propensity score matched various cohorts to investigate the links between mitral annular calcification and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Researchers found that hospitalized patients without prior heart failure, when stratified by the presence or absence of mitral annular calcification, allowed for assessment of the risk of developing heart failure. These studies explored established associations and shared risk factors between mitral annular calcification and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundational dataset for understanding their relationship. Article 5: Mini-Crush Versus Double Kissing Crush in Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From PROGRESS-BIFURCATION Registry. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41138984 Summary: An observational, multicenter study compared procedural characteristics of patients undergoing two-stent bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention using either the mini-crush or double kissing crush techniques. The study found that an international cohort from the PROGRESS-BIFURCATION registry was assembled for this comparative analysis...