Keio University · Medicine
Professor Hiroki Kitakata's research lab focuses on the pathophysiology of heart failure, particularly in the context of metabolic and inflammatory stressors such as obesity and diabetes. The lab investigates novel cell death mechanisms—especially ferroptosis and apoptosis—in cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin, as well as in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). A key research direction involves evaluating emerging therapeutics, such as imeglimin, for their potential to modulate cardiac inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and diastolic dysfunction. The lab also explores patient-centered care, including advance care planning and the impact of sleep-disordered breathing on cardiovascular outcomes.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Doxorubicin (DOX) is the most widely used anthracycline anticancer agent; however, its cardiotoxicity limits its clinical efficacy. Numerous studies have elucidated the mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, wherein apoptosis has been reported as the most common final step leading to cardiomyocyte death. However, in the past two years, the involvement of ferroptosis, a novel programmed cell death, has been proposed. The purpose of this review is to summarize the historical background
The pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in obese diabetic patients has been implicated in metainflammation. Increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and dysfunction of the unfolded protein response (UPR), especially inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-X-box binding protein 1 (IRE1α-Xbp1s) signaling in the heart, have been associated with HFpEF. We investigated the effect of imeglimin, a potential new treatment for type 2 diabetes, on the pathogen
Background Although 30-day readmission is thought to be an important quality indicator in patients with hospitalized heart failure, its prognostic impact and comparison of patients who were readmitted beyond 30 days has not been investigated. We assessed early (0-30 days) versus midrange (31-90 days) readmission in terms of incidence and distribution, and elucidated whether the timing of readmission could have a different prognostic significance. Methods and Results We examined patients with hos
Despite patients' preferences for ACP conversations, there was a discrepancy between preference and engagement in ACP among patients hospitalized for HF. Patients' preferences regarding EOL care may differ; physicians need to consider the appropriate ACP approach to align with patients' care goals.
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is characterized by repetitive suspension or reduction of breathing, causing nocturnal intermittent hypoxia, which is followed by re-oxygenation.
There were substantial disparities in the confidence levels associated with lifestyle modification and recognition/response to heart attack. These gaps need to be studied further and disseminated to improve cardiovascular care.
Background The implementation of advance care planning (ACP) in heart failure management is insufficient. Social isolation (SI) could be a barrier to ACP initiation, albeit the relationship between SI and patients' preference for ACP or end-of-life care remains unknown. Methods and Results We conducted a questionnaire survey, including assessments of SI using the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale as well as patients' perspectives on ACP and end-of-life care. Of the 160 patients approached by ou
Systemic inflammation and hypercoagulopathy are known pathophysiological processes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly in patients with known cardiovascular disease or its risk factors (CVD). However, whether a cumulative assessment of these biomarkers at admission could contribute to the prediction of in-hospital outcomes remains unknown. The CLAVIS-COVID registry was a Japanese nationwide retrospective multicenter observational study, supported by the Japanese Circulation Soci
<b><i>Background:</i></b> Patient perspectives in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are significantly associated with clinical outcomes. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> Among 100 patients who responded to a telephone survey in a university hospital setting in Tokyo during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, 20% reported depressive symptoms and 33% were hesitant to contact medical staff in the event of CVD exacerbation. Interestingly, the frequency of depressive symptoms was maintained ev
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