Abstract Aims Human atherosclerotic plaque cells display DNA damage that if left unrepaired can promote premature cell senescence. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) predisposed to senescence promote atherogenesis and features of unstable plaques and increase neointima formation after injury. However, how premature VSMC senescence promotes vascular disease and its effects on VSMC phenotype are unknown. Methods and results Bulk RNA-seq of primary human VSMCs identified 126 significantly up- or down-regulated gene…

Aging leads to structural and functional deterioration of the heart, reducing its capacity to withstand internal and external stressors and consequently increasing the risk of heart failure. Exercise is a potent modulator of cardiovascular and metabolic health, offering numerous physiological benefits that can persist throughout the aging process. Studies suggest that exercise can decelerate age-related cardiac deterioration and mitigate the risk of heart failure. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our …

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) tools hold great promise for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) from intravascular optical coherent tomography (IVOCT) images. Numerous papers have been published describing AI-based models for different diagnostic tasks, yet it remains unclear, which models have potential clinical utility and have been properly validated. This systematic review considered published literature between January 2015 and December 2024 describing AI-based diagnosis o…

Abstract Aims Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and exhibit remarkable phenotypic plasticity, contributing to both plaque growth and stability. The plaque-stabilizing fibrous cap is rich in VSMC-derived cells, yet the cellular transitions and regulatory mechanisms governing fibrous cap formation remain unclear. Here, we aimed to identify the VSMC phenotypic transitions associated with this critical process. Methods and results Mapping of lineage-traced VSMCs during plaque d…

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) can identify changes following drug/device treatment and high-risk plaques, but analysis requires expert clinician or core laboratory interpretation, while artifacts and limited sampling markedly impair reproducibility. Assistive technologies such as artificial intelligence-based analysis may therefore aid both detailed OCT interpretation and patient management. We determined if artificial intelligence-based OCT analysis (AutoOCT) can rapidly process, op…