Animal models and cardiac extracellular matrix research

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death worldwide for the last 15 years, accounting for 15 million deaths per year. While interventions are saving more lives, more than 20% of survivors will end up in heart failure. Cell-based and other types of therapy for advanced heart and vascular disease may offer new hope for those afflicted. Although a variety of cell types are under investigation, common issues include cell survival, retention, engraftment, and proliferation. Cardiac extracellular matrix (C-ECM) has compelling features that offer advantages to not only aid cell survival, retention, engraftment, and proliferation but likely has independent therapeutic (paracrine) and mechanical effects. Animal studies and clinical trials are underway to characterize the role of C-ECM and demonstrate efficacy for acute and chronic heart disease. This chapter reviews animal models used to enhance our knowledge of C-ECMs in heart disease and its use in the treatment of heart disease.