Mechanical stress drives the activation of valve interstitial cells in mitral valve prolapse: A 2D and 3D in vitro modeling study

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate how mechanical stress affects the activation of valve interstitial cells in mitral valve prolapse.
• Utilized 2D and 3D in vitro models to simulate mechanical stress on valve interstitial cells.
• Assessed cell activation markers and extracellular matrix changes post-stimulation.
• Mechanical stress significantly increased activation markers in valve interstitial cells compared to controls (p<0.05).
• 3D models exhibited greater cell activation responses than 2D models (p<0.01).
• Extracellular matrix remodeling was observed, indicating potential implications for mitral valve function.