Dynamic and static biomechanical traits of cardiac fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Cardiac fibrosis is a significant factor in cardiovascular diseases, a leading global cause of death.
• Biomechanical properties of fibrosis are increasingly recognized for their roles in cardiac fibrosis development, progression, and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the distinct biomechanical traits influencing cardiac fibrosis.
• To categorize these traits as static or dynamic based on cardiac characteristics.
• To explore their effects, transduction mechanisms, and in vitro models for identifying therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on biomechanical traits in cardiac fibrosis.
• Categorization of biomechanical factors (stretch, fluid shear stress, ECM microarchitecture, ECM stiffness) into static and dynamic types.
• Analysis of in vitro engineered models relevant to biomechanical stimulation.

Main Results:

• Identified four main biomechanical traits: stretch, fluid shear stress, ECM microarchitecture, and ECM stiffness.
• Classified these traits into static and dynamic categories pertinent to cardiac function.
• Highlighted the impact of these traits on fibrosis and discussed transduction mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Biomechanical traits significantly influence cardiac fibrosis initiation, progression, and treatment.
• In vitro models targeting biomechanical factors can aid in predicting mechano-based therapeutic targets.
• Further research into mechanobiology offers potential for ameliorating cardiac fibrosis.