The Cardiac Lipidome in Models of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. There are numerous factors involved in the development of CVD. Among these, lipids have an important role in maintaining the myocardial cell structure as well as cardiac function. Fatty acids (FA) are utilized for energy, but also contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD and heart failure. Advances in mass spectrometry methods have enabled the comprehensive analysis of a plethora of lipid species from a single sample comprised of a heterogeneous population of lipid molecules. Determining cardiac lipid alterations in different models of CVD identifies novel biomarkers as well as reveals molecular mechanisms that underlie disease development and progression. This information could inform the development of novel therapeutics in the treatment of CVD. Herein, we provide a review of recent studies of cardiac lipid profiles in myocardial infarction, obesity, and diabetic and dilated cardiomyopathy models of CVD by methods of mass spectrometry analysis.