Large and Small Animal Models of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Translational Medicine
• Animal Models

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a complex condition involving cardiac remodeling and impaired function, rising globally due to aging populations.
• HF encompasses conditions like systolic and diastolic dysfunction, exacerbated by comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is characterized by compromised cardiac output, with left ventricular ejection fraction typically below 40%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze the strengths, limitations, and outcomes of current small and large animal models of HFrEF.
• To guide the selection of appropriate animal models for basic and translational research into HFrEF.
• To highlight the importance of accurately recapitulating HFrEF symptoms and pathology in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on small and large animal models of HFrEF.
• Analysis of reported outcomes, including physiological, pathological, and functional parameters.
• Evaluation of how well each model replicates human HFrEF symptoms and underlying mechanisms.

Main Results:

• No single animal model fully replicates the complexity of human HFrEF.
• Various models offer insights into specific aspects of HFrEF, such as cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, and reduced ejection fraction.
• Strengths and weaknesses vary significantly across different species and induction methods.

Conclusions:

• Careful selection of animal models based on research questions is essential for advancing HFrEF understanding.
• Continued development and refinement of HFrEF animal models are needed to improve translational success.
• Evaluating model limitations is critical for interpreting research findings and guiding future therapeutic strategies.