Circulation
Audio Summaries

ALKBH5-Dependent m⁶A Demethylation Promotes Cardiac Aging Through SLC38A3 Reduction and Glutamine Metabolic Alteration

Sep 22, 2026

The authors investigate the role of ALKBH5, an m⁶A demethylase, in cardiac aging and its underlying mechanisms. They find that increased ALKBH5 expression leads to reduced m⁶A levels and downregulation of SLC38A3, which contributes to impaired glutamine metabolism and cardiac dysfunction. This study highlights the ALKBH5-SLC38A3 axis as a significant regulator of aging-related cardiac phenotypes, suggesting it as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Novel mTORC1 Booster LAPTM4A Potentiates Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Sep 22, 2026

The authors investigate the role of LAPTM4A, a lysosomal protein, in regulating mTORC1 signaling and its impact on pathological cardiac hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes. They find that LAPTM4A promotes hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction by enhancing mTORC1-mediated protein synthesis, and its deletion mitigates hypertrophy in a mouse model. The study suggests that targeting the LAPTM4A-mTORC1 pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating cardiac hypertrophy.

Real-World Experience With the Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Through 1 Year: The Enlighten Post Approval Registry Study

Sep 22, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of the extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (EV-ICD) over one year following its implantation. Results from the Enlighten Post Approval Registry indicated that the EV-ICD demonstrated a high rate of successful implantation and effective therapy, with a one-year freedom from major complications of 89.1% and a first appropriate therapy rate of 7.3%. These findings suggest that the positive outcomes observed in premarket trials are consistent in everyday clinical practice across a diverse patient population.

Prognostic Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve From a Large Nationwide Cohort

Sep 22, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) in predicting future cardiovascular events in a large nationwide cohort over a three-year follow-up period. They found that lower FFR-CT values were significantly associated with increased risks of myocardial infarction, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality, with a threshold of 0.67 identified as optimal for predicting these outcomes. The study highlights the importance of FFR-CT measurements in assessing cardiovascular risk beyond traditional factors and stenosis severity.

Sotatercept Improves Right Heart Mechanics Despite Reduced Myocardial Contractility in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Prospective Exercise Hemodynamic Study

Sep 22, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of sotatercept on right ventricular (RV) mechanics in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), specifically examining load-independent measures of RV contractility and RV-PA coupling during rest and exercise. The study found that while sotatercept reduced RV contractility and pulmonary artery afterload, it preserved RV-PA coupling and improved global right heart performance, suggesting a favorable adaptation of the right heart mechanics despite decreased contractility. These findings indicate that sotatercept may enhance right heart function in PAH by optimizing the relationship between contractility and afterload.

Asb2-KIF11 Axis Protects Against Heart Failure by Restoring Lysosomal Distribution and Mitochondrial Homeostasis

Sep 22, 2026

The authors investigate the role of Asb2, a muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, in cardiac remodeling and heart failure, particularly its impact on mitochondrial function and autophagic flux. They find that Asb2 deficiency leads to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure through impaired KIF11-mediated lysosomal distribution and autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Restoring Asb2 expression or inhibiting KIF11 can reverse these pathological changes, suggesting that targeting the Asb2-KIF11 axis may offer a therapeutic approach for chronic heart failure.

Acute Coronary Syndrome in Kawasaki Disease From Infancy to Adulthood

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aim to address the underrecognition of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and highlight the need for tailored management strategies that differ from traditional atherosclerotic disease guidelines. They review current evidence on the unique epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment approaches for KD-associated ACS, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between pediatric and adult cardiologists to improve clinical outcomes.

Women's Kidney Health in Focus: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Sep 17, 2026

This scientific statement from the American Heart Association addresses the unique challenges and considerations in kidney health for women, highlighting the higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among women compared to men and the disparities in treatment and outcomes. The authors aim to elucidate the biological and hormonal factors influencing CKD progression and response to therapies in women, while advocating for improved representation of women in clinical trials and the integration of reproductive health assessments in kidney care. Ultimately, the statement calls for a more equitable and precise approach to kidney health that considers the specific needs of women.

Intestinal Serotonergic Vagal Signaling as a Mediator of Microbiota-Induced Hypertension

Sep 15, 2026

The authors investigate the role of intestinal serotonergic vagal signaling in mediating the relationship between gut microbiota and hypertension. They find that reduced intestinal serotonin levels and vagal 5HT3a receptor signaling are linked to hypertension in both rats and humans, suggesting that restoring this signaling pathway may offer a novel therapeutic approach for resistant hypertension associated with gut dysbiosis. This study enhances understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypertension and highlights the gut-brain axis as a potential target for treatment.

Impact of Prolonged Spaceflight on Cardiac Structure and Function: An Exploratory Longitudinal Observational Study

Sep 15, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the effects of prolonged spaceflight on cardiac structure and function by tracking changes in astronauts' hearts during and after missions to the International Space Station. The findings revealed that while there were initial reductions in left ventricular volume and function upon transitioning to microgravity, these changes stabilized over time, and cardiac measures returned to baseline levels after exposure to simulated Martian gravity, suggesting that significant cardiac adaptations are unlikely with appropriate countermeasures during long-duration spaceflight.