A Review on Recent Advances in Assessment of Myocardial Toxicity

Review Article

Abstract

Myocardial toxicity is a significant challenge in drug development, chemotherapy, and environmental exposure assessments. Current techniques to evaluate cardiac damage uses multiple parameters like functional, biochemical, and molecular domains. Traditional markers like cardiac troponins and creatine kinase-MB remain valuable indicators of acute injury, while newer biomarkers including natriuretic peptides, galectin-3, and ST2 provide information about chronic remodeling processes. Advanced imaging techniques such as strain echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance provide detailed structural and functional information. In vitro platforms utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and organ-on-chip technologies enable high-throughput screening and mechanistic studies. Animal models, particularly rodent systems, continue to offer irreplaceable insights into integrated cardiovascular responses. The combination of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, and tissue-specific molecular signatures enhances our ability to detect subclinical injury and predict long-term outcomes. Recent developments in telemetry systems and real-time monitoring have improved temporal resolution in toxicity assessment. Usage of these parameters has led to more sensitive and specific evaluation strategies, crucial for early detection and intervention in cardiac injury. The aim of this review is to outline the main parameters and methodologies in myocardial toxicity assessment, emphasizing their complementary roles in providing information about mechanisms involved in cardiac damage