Current Cardiology Reviews - Volume 22, Issue 2, 2026

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), which mediates inflammation, is implicated in an extensive variety of diseases, including cardiovascular dysfunction. Recently, studies focusing on the role of P2X7R in cardiovascular disorders have garnered significant attention. However, a bibliometric evaluation within this area has yet to be carried out.

A bibliometric analysis was performed by searching for research related to P2X7R and cardiovascular diseases in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2005 to 2024. The tools CiteSpace and VOSviewer were utilized to analyze data and create visual representations of various elements, including countries, institutions, authors, journals and keywords.

Over the past two decades, 371 articles in English were obtained in the last 20 years. The People's Republic of China, Nanchang University, the journal 'Purinergic Signalling,' and author Shandong Liang had the highest productivity in their respective categories. The top 4 keywords were “activation',' “p2x7 receptor',' “ATP',' and “inflammation”. Burst keyword analysis indicated that “purinergic signaling” and “oxidative stress” are emerging key areas worthy of further investigation. These topics, seeing a surge in interest, are predicted to remain prominent in research.

This is the first bibliometric analysis of P2X7R in cardiovascular disorders, which reports the hot spots and emerging trends. The interaction between “purinergic signaling”, “inflammation”, and “oxidative stress” are considered to be the current research priorities, suggesting that these topics are likely to remain central in future research.

This study underscores the growing importance of P2X7R in cardiovascular research and offers valuable insights to guide future investigations.

Immunologic responses to cardiac allografts initiate before transplantation during brain-dead organ procurement and might persist for years after transplantation, culminating in chronic allograft dysfunction. Despite remarkable advances in post-transplant care and immunosuppressive agents, acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejections as well as chronic allograft vasculopathy significantly affect cardiac allograft and patient survival.

Herein, recent findings of the molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammatory responses before and after heart transplantation, including brain death donor inflammation, acute cellular rejection, antibody-mediated rejection, and chronic allograft dysfunction, have been summarized, along with novel therapeutic approaches for their treatment. Finally, recent developments in prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for immunological complications have been provided, with an overview of the most promising biomarkers to date.

Due to the recent developments in the description of molecular mechanisms involved in the immunopathogenesis of cardiac allograft rejection, some immune cells, proinflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecules have been proposed as therapeutic targets for the prevention or treatment of alloimmune responses. In addition, several molecules derived from graft tissue or immune cells, e.g. natriuretic peptides, cardiac troponins, exosomal products, microRNAs, and donor-derived cell-free DNA, have been suggested as potential biomarkers for the prediction or diagnosis of cardiac transplant rejection.

Considering the need to design non-invasive, low-cost tests for early diagnosis of post-transplant complications and convenient follow-up of the cardiac transplant recipients, peripheral blood biomarkers could be appropriate candidates for this purpose.

Percutaneous atrial septal defects (ASD) closure with fluoroscopy guidance is the standard procedure. However, fluoroscopy poses stochastic and deterministic risks for small infants and children. Zero fluoroscopy ASD closure is an alternative, yet its feasibility and safety compared to fluoroscopy remain unclear. Therefore, this study compares outcomes using standardized fluoroscopy and zero fluoroscopy methods for transcatheter ASD closure.

Four databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Wiley) were used to search literature published before July 2023. The main results were the success rate and the complications. Outcomes were processed using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model of proportional meta-analysis to determine the overall proportion.

A total of 68 cohort studies (8,989 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, percutaneous ASD closure was successfully performed in 97% of patients (95%CI: 96-98%) based on 59 studies (8,989 patients), of which fluoroscopy accounted for 97% (95%CI: 96-98%) based on 51 studies (7,760 patients) and non-fluoroscopy for 98% (95%CI: 96-100%)] based on 8 studies (1,229 patients). Device embolization, AV block, and other arrhythmias did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the percentage difference in residual leaks between the two groups was quite vast, with 5% in the non-fluoroscopy group and 12% in the fluoroscopy group.

Percutaneous ASD closure with zero fluoroscopy is safe and effective, as evidenced by the high success rate, and is non-inferior to the standardized fluoroscopy method.

This study aims to investigate the impact of different double-stent methods on the structure and mechanics of coronary bifurcation lesions, providing reference indicators for clinicians in selecting an appropriate interventional procedure.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) image data of a patient with coronary bifurcation disease was performed. Two types of double-stent (Cullotte and Crush) procedures were simulated, and their effects were evaluated using Finite element analysis. Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) validation and retrospective clinical analysis were performed to support computational findings.

The stress distribution following the Cullotte stent was concentrated in the SB, whereas the stress after the Crush procedure was localized at the overlap with the proximal main vessel three-layer stent. Compared with the Crush procedure, the Culotte approach resulted in a lower percentage of double-stent malapposition, better dilation of vascular stenosis, and less narrowing of the SB stent, suggesting a more favorable clinical outcome. IVUS validation and retrospective clinical analysis were performed to support computational findings.

Culotte stenting resulted in better stent-vessel conformity and more favorable stress distribution. The findings support FEA as a valuable tool in procedural planning.

The findings suggest that the Culotte technique may offer mechanical advantages over the Crush technique, potentially improving long-term clinical outcomes. These results emphasize the role of computational modeling in optimizing interventional strategies.

From 1931 to 2025, spanning 94 years, cardiac cancer has remained a rare and sporadic tumor that poses both an investigative dilemma and a therapeutic challenge. Autopsy findings indicate that the incidence of primary cardiac malignancies is approximately 0.02 percent. Surgical resection is considered a viable and often successful treatment option.

The present study aims to provide an overall assessment of cardiac cancer in Isfahan Province, Iran.

To provide detailed information on specific aspects, such as frequency and demographic characteristics of cardiac cancer.

The representative data of this study were drawn from the general population of Isfahan Province. SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) data were obtained from the Deputy of Health, Division of Registry of Cancer (between 2011 and 2015). With attention to subject selection (the authors followed the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) Guidelines), and according to the ICDO topography code, C38 was considered for further investigation as heart cancer or cardiac tumors.

During the study period, a total of 30,465 cancer patients were recorded, comprising 14,638 females and 15,827 males. Among these, 122 cases (0.4 percent) were identified as cardiac cancer, including 42 females and 80 males. The patients' ages ranged from 3 to 95 years, with a mean age of 46.8 ± 21.5 years. The annual distribution of reported cardiac tumors during the study period was as follows: 34, 37, 18, and 33 cases, respectively. Based on available data from the monographic code M, which does not specify subtypes, the following conditions were recorded: mesothelioma (n = 25), neoplasm (n = 11), Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis, NOS (n = 14), and other unspecified conditions. A total of three deaths were reported.

In the population studied, the frequency of cardiac cancer in men was significantly higher than in women. Age related to cardiac cancer in 51% was between 40-70 years old. For the patient satisfaction and financial aspects of the Iranian health system, further consideration is suggested regarding referral systems, evidence-based pharmacotherapy, and post-surgery outcome inquiries.

Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrotic scarring are fundamental contributors to the progression of heart failure and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Recent advancements in cardiovascular research have emphasized the central role of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, in regulating the gene expression changes underlying these pathological processes.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Predefined keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant studies focusing on epigenetic regulation in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Particular attention was given to studies involving DNA methyltransferases, TET enzymes, histone deacetylases, demethylases, chromatin remodeling complexes, and non-coding RNAs. Methodological transparency was ensured through a structured screening and data extraction process.

The review highlights the dynamic regulation of cardiac gene expression by epigenetic factors. DNA methylation and demethylation influence fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition. Histone-modifying enzymes reshape chromatin architecture, altering transcriptional accessibility. Chromatin remodeling complexes regulate nucleosome positioning during stress responses. Emerging insights into epigenetic memory and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance further reveal the heritable nature of disease susceptibility.

These epigenetic perturbations collectively orchestrate the maladaptive gene expression patterns seen in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Understanding their roles provides a mechanistic basis for identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The review also discusses recent omics-based technologies that aid in the characterization of epigenetic alterations, thereby expanding diagnostic and therapeutic horizons.

Epigenetic mechanisms are pivotal in the development and progression of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Advances in epigenomic profiling are facilitating the development of precise and targeted interventions. This review underscores the potential of epigenetic therapies and calls for intensified research efforts to translate these findings into clinical applications.