Human-based approaches to pharmacology and cardiology: an interdisciplinary and intersectorial workshop

Europace. 2016 Sep;18(9):1287-98. doi: 10.1093/europace/euv320. Epub 2015 Nov 29.

Abstract

Both biomedical research and clinical practice rely on complex datasets for the physiological and genetic characterization of human hearts in health and disease. Given the complexity and variety of approaches and recordings, there is now growing recognition of the need to embed computational methods in cardiovascular medicine and science for analysis, integration and prediction. This paper describes a Workshop on Computational Cardiovascular Science that created an international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectorial forum to define the next steps for a human-based approach to disease supported by computational methodologies. The main ideas highlighted were (i) a shift towards human-based methodologies, spurred by advances in new in silico, in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo techniques and the increasing acknowledgement of the limitations of animal models. (ii) Computational approaches complement, expand, bridge, and integrate in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experimental and clinical data and methods, and as such they are an integral part of human-based methodologies in pharmacology and medicine. (iii) The effective implementation of multi- and interdisciplinary approaches, teams, and training combining and integrating computational methods with experimental and clinical approaches across academia, industry, and healthcare settings is a priority. (iv) The human-based cross-disciplinary approach requires experts in specific methodologies and domains, who also have the capacity to communicate and collaborate across disciplines and cross-sector environments. (v) This new translational domain for human-based cardiology and pharmacology requires new partnerships supported financially and institutionally across sectors. Institutional, organizational, and social barriers must be identified, understood and overcome in each specific setting.

Keywords: Arrhythmias; Biomarkers; Computational approaches; Computer modelling and simulations; Human electrophysiology; Human-based methods; Stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

Publication types

  • Congress

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques
  • Cardiology / methods*
  • Cardiotoxicity
  • Cardiovascular Agents / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Diffusion of Innovation
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Heart Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Heart Diseases* / metabolism
  • Heart Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Patient-Specific Modeling
  • Pharmacology / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Public-Private Sector Partnerships
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / methods*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cardiovascular Agents