Interstitial Fibrosis in Heart Failure, edited by Francisco J. Villarreal, M.D., Ph.D., provides a timely and integrative review of the basics of cardiac extracellular matrix structure. Topics covered include how cardiac remodeling influences its disposition, abundance and function; possible non-invasive techniques for diagnosis; and potential drug-based or molecular therapeutic strategies that may interrupt or even reverse the course of the development of cardiac fibrosis.

Focused volume on cardiac extracellular matrix structure

Architecture of the Normal and Remodeled Heart.- The Architecture of the Heart: Myocyte Organization and the Cardiac Extracellular Matrix.- Extracellular Matrix and Cardiac Remodeling.- Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Cardiac Extracellular Matrix: Regulation of Fibroblast Phenotype.- Pharmacology of G-Protein-linked Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts.- Diagnostic Tools for the Identification of Myocardial Fibrosis and Changes in Ventricular Mechanics.- Serum Markers of Fibrillar Collagen Metabolism in Cardiac Diseases.- Ultrasonic Characterization of the Myocardium.- The Mechanics of the Fibrosed/Remodeled Heart.- Pathophysiology of Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis.- Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System and Cardiac Extracellular Matrix.- Matrix Metalloproteinases and Myocardial Remodeling.- Cardiac Mast Cells as Mediators of Ventricular Remodeling.- Matrix Metalloproteinasses in Cardiac Remodeling.- Turmoil in the Cardiac Myocyte: Acute Intracellular Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases.- Regulation of Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Following Myocardial Infarction..- Experimental Models of MMP Activation: Ventricular Volume Overload.- Prospect for Therapy of the Fibrosed Heart.- Targets for Pharmacological Modulation of Cardiac Fibrosis.- Biological and Functional Effects of Chronic Mechanical Support Induced by Left Ventricular Assist Devices on Failing Human Myocardium.- Molecular Strategies for the Prevention of Cardiac Fibrosis.- Prospects for Gene Therapy for the Fibrosed Heart: Targeting Regulators of Extracellular Matrix Turnover.- Therapeutic Potential of TIMPs in Heart Failure.