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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
09:13
Optimized Protocol for the Extraction of Proteins from the Human Mitral Valve
Published on: June 14, 2017
Cellular pathology of mitral valve prolapse
Marco Prunotto1, Philippe Primo Caimmi, Massimo Bongiovanni
1Pathology and Immunology Department, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. marco.prunotto@gmail.com
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) involves key microscopic changes in the valve fibrosa. Proteoglycans and valvular interstitial cells contribute to MVP, transforming fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the leading cause of chronic mitral regurgitation, affecting over 144 million people globally.
- This review examines the structural and cellular aspects of human MVP.
- The fibrosa layer is critical for valve integrity and shows key microscopic changes in MVP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural and cellular mechanisms underlying mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
- To highlight the role of proteoglycans and valvular interstitial cells in MVP.
- To understand the cellular transformation from fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in MVP.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mitral valve prolapse.
- Focus on microscopic and cellular changes in human MVP.
- Analysis of the role of proteoglycans and valvular interstitial cells.
Main Results:
- The fibrosa layer's structural integrity is compromised in MVP.
- Proteoglycans and valvular interstitial cells are implicated in MVP initiation and progression.
- MVP involves the transformation of resting fibroblasts into activated myofibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- The mitral valve serves as a model for studying early fibroblast transformation into protomyofibroblasts.
- Understanding cellular changes is crucial for a comprehensive view of MVP beyond mechanics.
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