https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi
volume 4, issue 2, 2025
634
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE HEART UNDER EXPERIMENTAL
HYPOKINESIA
S.M. Akhmedova,
J.S. Turobov,
Q.S. Komilov
Abstract:
This article analyzes the morphological changes in the heart caused by physical
inactivity (hypokinesia), their pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical significance based on
international sources. Studies show that hypokinesia promotes myocardial dilatation,
hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis processes. Consequently, the heart's pumping function
declines, increasing the risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular diseases.
These processes are visually represented through graphical data.
Keywords:
Hypokinesia, Morphological changes in the heart, Interstitial fibrosis, Myocardial
dilatation, Cardiac hypertrophy, Pathophysiological mechanisms, Metabolic dysfunction,
Oxidative stress, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Inflammatory processes, Apoptosis, Heart failure,
Arrhythmias, Microscopic changes, Impact of physical activity on the heart, Regular physical
activity, Cardiovascular diseases, Clinical outcomes, Experimental research, Preventive
measures.
Introduction
Regular physical activity is essential for the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system.
However, modern lifestyles are characterized by widespread hypokinesia, which can lead to
structural and functional changes in the heart (Haskell et al., 2007). This article analyzes the
morphological changes caused by hypokinesia and their clinical implications.
Figure 1
Myocardial swelling and
fibrosis.
Vascular
congestion.
Staining:Hematoxylin-
eosin.
Objective
40x,
ocular 10x.
Materials and Methods
This
analysis
was
conducted based on articles, meta-analyses, and guidelines published in the last 20 years from
international databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The research
methodology includes:
Literature Review:
Selection of reviews, original studies, and meta-analyses on
hypokinesia and heart morphology.
Experimental and Clinical Studies:
Structural changes in the heart muscle (left and
right ventricles, wall thickness, interstitial fibrosis) and their functional outcomes were analyzed.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms:
Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and
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inflammatory processes were examined.
Table 1. Findings from International Studies
Study Author Publisher & Year
Key Findings
Blair et al.
JAMA, 1989
Hypokinesia leads to cardiac dilatation
Haskell et al.
Circulation, 2007
Importance of physical activity for heart health
Lavie et al.
Circulation, 2015
Hypertrophy and worsening heart function
Swift et al.
Mayo Clin Proc, 2013 Metabolic dysfunction and oxidative stress
This table summarizes key findings from international scientific studies.
Results
3.1 Structural Changes in the Myocardium
Analysis shows that hypokinesia leads to the following changes:
Dilatation:
The left ventricle expands, increasing its overall volume (Blair et al., 1989).
Hypertrophy:
The ventricular walls thicken, initially as a compensatory response, but in
the long term, it reduces functional capacity (Lavie et al., 2015).
Figure 2. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining
(400×)
Microscopic imaging reveals pathological changes
associated with myocardial hypertrophy. In
hypertrophied myocardium, cardiomyocytes are
significantly enlarged with widened cross-sections.
The nuclei are also enlarged and hyperchromatic.
Interstitial tissues appear slightly expanded, with
initial signs of fibrosis in some areas.
Pathological
markers:
Cardiomyocyte
hypertrophy, nuclear enlargement, initial signs of
interstitial fibrosis.
Interstitial Fibrosis:
Increased fibrosis,
reduced capillary density, and decreased muscle elasticity.
3.2 Pathophysiological Mechanisms
Hypokinesia is associated with the following mechanisms:
Metabolic Dysfunction:
Reduced mitochondrial energy production and increased
oxidative stress.
Inflammation:
Activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory markers.
Apoptotic Processes:
Premature cardiac cell death and worsening interstitial fibrosis.
Figure 3
The microscopic
appearance of the heart reflects the
morphological
changes
occurring
under the influence of hypodynamia.
A, C, D – Hematoxylin and Eosin
(H&E); A and B images: 500 µm (4x,
10x
objective);
B
–
Masson’s
Trichrome;
C – 100 µm (20x objective);
D – 50 µm (40x objective).
Microscopic images illustrate the
morphological changes in the heart due
to hypokinesia.
(A,
B)
–
Low-power
microscopic view of the left ventricular apex. These images show interstitial fibrosis and
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volume 4, issue 2, 2025
636
myocardial degeneration. The H&E-stained image (A) highlights the general morphology, while
the Masson trichrome-stained image (B) clearly visualizes the fibrosis process. (Scale: 500 µm;
Magnification: ×40).
(C) – High-power view of myocardial tissue, showing significant degeneration, necrosis,
and wave-like changes in cardiac muscle fibers, likely associated with circulatory disorders and
hypoxia caused by hypokinesia. (Scale: 100 µm; Magnification: ×200).
(D) – Contraction band necrosis in the posterior inferior heart wall. This microscopic
image highlights necrosis and morphological changes in muscle fibers, potentially linked to
hypokinesia. (Scale: 50 µm; Magnification: ×400).
These morphological changes confirm the deterioration of myocardial tissues, interstitial fibrosis
development, and the emergence of necrotic processes due to hypokinesia. The images provide
scientific evidence for the correlation between hypokinesia and pathological modifications in
heart structure.
Discussion
Analysis shows that hypokinesia leads to significant morphological changes in the myocardium:
Structural Changes:
Dilatation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis reduce the mechanical
efficiency of the heart.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms:
Oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction accelerate
apoptosis, leading to myocardial deterioration.
Clinical Implications:
These changes increase the risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and
other cardiovascular diseases.
Regular physical activity is a key factor in preventing these negative effects and maintaining
heart health (Haskell et al., 2007). Aerobic and resistance exercises, along with a healthy diet,
improve structural and functional heart health.
Conclusion
Hypokinesia has a significant impact on heart morphology.
Cardiac dilatation and hypertrophy
initially act as short-term compensatory responses
but ultimately reduce cardiac pumping function.
Interstitial fibrosis
decreases myocardial elasticity and increases the risk of heart failure.
Preventive measures:
Regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle play a crucial role
in maintaining heart health.
Graphical data (figures, tables, and diagrams) have been included to visually represent the
findings and strengthen their scientific basis.
References
1.
Blair SN, Kohl HW, Paffenbarger RS Jr, Clark DG, Cooper KH. Physical fitness and all-
cause mortality: a prospective study of healthy men and women. JAMA. 1989;262(17):2395–
2401.
2.
Haskell WL, Lee IM, Pate RR, et al. Physical activity and public health: updated
recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American
Heart Association. Circulation. 2007;116(9):1081–1093.
3.
Lavie CJ, De Schutter A, Patel DA, et al. Exercise and cardiovascular health: a review of
recent clinical evidence. Circulation. 2015;132(8):813–822.
4.
Swift DL, McGee JE, Earnest CP, et al. The role of exercise and physical activity in
weight loss and maintenance. Mayo Clin Proc. 2013;88(8):963–975.
5.
Lee IM, et al. Physical activity and coronary heart disease in men. N Engl J Med.
1995;332(12):912–918.
