Ultrathin and Flexible Bioelectronic Arrays for Functional Measurement of iPSC-Cardiomyocytes under Cardiotropic Drug Administration and Controlled Microenvironments.

Emerging heart-on-a-chip technology is a promising tool to establish in vitro cardiac models for therapeutic testing and disease modeling. However, due to the technical complexity of integrating cell culture chambers, biosensors, and bioreactors into a single entity, a microphysiological system capable of reproducing controlled microenvironmental cues to regulate cell phenotypes, promote iPS-cardiomyocyte maturity, and simultaneously measure the dynamic changes of cardiomyocyte function in situ is not available. This paper reports an ultrathin and flexible bioelectronic array platform in 24-well format for higher-throughput contractility measurement under candidate drug administration or defined microenvironmental conditions. In the array, carbon black (CB)-PDMS flexible strain sensors were embedded for detecting iPSC-CM contractility signals. Carbon fiber electrodes and pneumatic air channels were integrated to provide electrical and mechanical stimulation to improve iPSC-CM maturation. Performed experiments validate that the bioelectronic array accurately reveals the effects of cardiotropic drugs and identifies mechanical/electrical stimulation strategies for promoting iPSC-CM maturation.

Exercise intervention on cardiovascular disease risk factors in a university population in the United Arab Emirates.

Objective 1) To assess the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a university population, and 2) to investigate the effects of an 8-week exercise intervention on CVD risk factors. Methods Forty-six students participated in this study. Baseline cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max). Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness were also assessed. Participants performed 8weeks of exercise consisting of 60 min of moderate-high intensity exercise three times a week, and all parameters were repeated following the 8-week program. Results Participants were divided into an apparently healthy control group (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and an overweight/obese experimental group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Both groups had low cardiorespiratory fitness and clear evidence of risk for CVD. Following the 8-week program, participants demonstrated significant improvement in biochemical parameters and in overall fitness (p < 0.05). WHRs decreased whilst peak oxygen volumes increased when comparing baseline and post-exercise values (p < 0.05). BMI decreased in both groups following exercise (p < 0.05). Systolic BP was surprisingly elevated in nearly 30% of participants, but was comparatively lower in the control group (p < 0.05). There was a clear increase in HDL-cholesterol values post-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion Early detection of CVD risk factors, particularly in a young population, can lead to earlier prevention of disease through lifestyle changes. Moreover, short-term exercise can have important effects on reducing CVD risk factors, improving body composition and overall cardiorespiratory fitness.