Understanding heart tissue changes caused by mitral valve prolapse
Mechanism of Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Mitral Valve Prolapse
This study is looking at how mitral valve prolapse affects heart tissue and can lead to scarring in the heart, using a special sheep model to see how the condition impacts the heart over time, which is important for understanding the risks of serious heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890967 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mitral valve prolapse (MVP) leads to changes in heart tissue, specifically focusing on the development of fibrosis in the left ventricle. By creating a unique surgical model in sheep, the study aims to isolate the mechanical forces caused by MVP and observe their effects on heart tissue over time. The researchers will measure how these forces contribute to fibrosis and the risk of dangerous heart rhythms, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. This work seeks to fill a significant gap in understanding the relationship between MVP and heart complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, particularly those experiencing ventricular arrhythmias.
Not a fit: Patients without mitral valve prolapse or those with severe mitral regurgitation requiring surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with mitral valve prolapse and reduce the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the mechanics of heart conditions, but this specific approach using a surgical model in sheep is novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levine, Robert a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Levine, Robert a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.