Research Progress on Epicardial Repair After Myocardial Injury

Cardiol Rev. 2024 Nov 6. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000806. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Myocardial Injuries, such as myocardial infarction, trigger complex biological responses. The epicardium, known for its regenerative capabilities, plays a pivotal role in cardiac repair by undergoing activation and subsequent cellular transformations. This review examines the mechanisms of epicardial activation after myocardial injury, focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation, and cell migration. It underscores the significance of the epicardium in heart repair processes and discusses potential implications for developing novel cardiac therapies. These insights may pave the way for leveraging epicardial cell dynamics to enhance cardiac regeneration, ultimately reducing the morbidity associated with heart disease.