Key result
In vitro MI co-culture models show marked methodological heterogeneity and limited clinical verification.
Why the study?
The clinical relevance of in vitro myocardial infarction co-culture models is often assumed rather than rigorously validated, with considerable heterogeneity in experimental design and verification strategies.
Systematic Review (n=28)
Current in vitro co-culture models of myocardial infarction exhibit significant methodological heterogeneity and lack standardized clinical validation, highlighting the need for human-derived cells and standardized protocols to improve translational relevance.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Current MI co-culture models require cautious translational use; leaves open need for standardized human-derived protocols to strengthen research relevance.
Background Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a critical focus in cardiovascular research, with in vitro models serving as essential tools for investigating pathophysiological mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic strategies. Despite their widespread use, the clinical relevance of these models is often assumed rather than rigorously validated. Methods In this review, we systematically examined 28 studies from the last decade that employed in vitro co-culture models of MI, selected via a PubMed search according to pre-defined criteria. Each study was analysed with respect to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R)-mimicking conditions applied, species and cell types used, and strategies for verifying clinical relevance. Results Our analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity in experimental design. Protocols for inducing I/R stress and the duration of treatment varied widely between studies, underscoring a lack of methodological standardization. Cell sources included swine, rat, mouse and human-derived cells, with nearly half of the studies utilizing cross-species combinations – often without addressing the implications for translational validity. Verification strategies were inconsistently applied and frequently limited to basic endpoints such as cell viability and oxidative stress assays. Some studies also employed in vivo models to validate in vitro findings. Conclusions To enhance translational potential, future studies should prioritize human-derived cells, standardized I/R protocols and verification strategies that better recapitulate MI pathology.
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Lugmayr et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Myocardial infarction (in vitro models) (n=28). In vitro co-culture models of myocardial infarction was evaluated on Methodological standardization, cell sources, and verification strategies for clinical relevance. Current in vitro co-culture models of myocardial infarction exhibit considerable methodological heterogeneity, frequent use of cross-species cell combinations, and limited verification of clinical relevance.
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