Current in vitro Myocardial Infarction Co-Culture Models and their Verification for Clinical 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.