Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative approaches to address the limitations of traditional therapies. Cardiac bioengineering, a rapidly evolving field, has emerged as a promising avenue for bridging the gap between medicine and engineering, offering novel solutions for cardiac regeneration, tissue engineering, and personalized medicine. This chapter provides an overview of recent advancements in cardiac bioengineering, highlighting its role in revolutionizing the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. It explores the interdisciplinary nature of this field, bringing together principles from engineering, biology, and medicine to create effective and tailored solutions for heart repair and regeneration. Key areas covered include the understanding of the complex physiology and biomechanics of the human heart, the development of biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering, and the integration of fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and bioprinting. The chapter also delves into the use of electroactive materials to enhance electrical signaling and contractility in engineered cardiac constructs and the application of drug delivery systems for targeted therapy. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the role of stem cells in cardiac regeneration and their potential for tissue repair. It explores the challenges associated with translational applications, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between bench research and clinical implementation. By highlighting these advancements, this chapter aims to inspire researchers, engineers, and clinicians to collaborate and push the boundaries of cardiac bioengineering, ultimately bringing forth innovative treatments and improving patient outcomes in the realm of cardiovascular medicine.
The intricate architecture of the intestinal epithelium, crucial for nutrient absorption, is constantly threatened by environmental factors. The epithelium undergoes rapid turnover, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis, under the control of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The central regulator, Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in intestinal integrity and turnover. Despite its significance, the impact of environmental factors on this pathway has been largely overlooked. This study, for the first time, investigates the influence of Cd on the intestinal Wnt signaling pathway using a mouse model. In this study, male BALB/c mice were administered an environmentally relevant Cd dose (0.98 mg/kg) through oral gavage to investigate the intestinal disruption and Wnt signaling pathway. Various studies, including histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA, intestinal permeability assay, and flow cytometry, were conducted to study Cd-induced changes in the intestine. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway experienced significant downregulation as a result of sub-chronic Cd exposure, which caused extensive damage throughout the small intestine. Increased intestinal permeability and a skewed immune response were also observed. To confirm that Wnt signaling downregulation is the key driver of Cd-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, mice were co-exposed to LiCl (a recognized Wnt activator) and Cd. The results clearly showed that the harmful effects of Cd could be reversed, which is strong evidence that Cd mostly damages the intestine through the Wnt/β-catenin signalling axis. In conclusion, this research advances the current understanding of the role of Wnt/β catenin signaling in gastrointestinal toxicity caused by diverse environmental pollutants.
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