Molecular Advances in the Diagnosis and Drug Therapies of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases (ASCVD)

Dear Colleagues,

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world. Atherosclerotic narrowing of coronary and/or peripheral arteries is related to acute, potentially lethal cardiovascular events (e.g., acute myocardial infarction and stroke) and non-acute chronic disorders (e.g., stable angina). An early detection of ASCVDs and their prompt therapy may alleviate the morbidity and mortality rates. However, multiple and complex pathophysiologic mechanisms are involved in atherosclerosis progression. There is still an increasing need to develop and apply more effective diagnostic tests and therapeutic regimen for ASCVDs.

In the context of molecular advances for the diagnosis and therapy of ASCVDs, the objectives of the present Special Issue are the following: (1) Novel biomarkers and/or gene expression for risk stratification of either the general population or patients with already-established ASCVDs. Potential candidates could be adipokines, cytokines, vascular calcification mediators, Lp(a) and other lipid-related molecules. (2) Novel therapeutic approaches tailoring primary and secondary prevention. As well as the established therapies (e.g., statins), novel, especially gene-oriented, lipid-lowering agents have been developed over the last decade yielding greater benefits for high-risk groups, like those with familial hypercholesterolemia. (3) New drug candidates may be substances used in other, non-cardiovascular diseases, with the potential expansion of their indications to ASCVDs, like immunomodulators used in auto-immune diseases. (4) Medicinal chemistry has introduced technological and conceptual innovations with a wide potential application in ASCVDs. Liver-directed gene transfer of the LDLR or vaccines targeting key proteins are some of them. Overall, there is an increasing need for diagnostic tests and drugs that could serve effectively in the primary and secondary prevention of ASCVDs in order to improve the survival and the quality of life of patients.

Dr. Nikolaos Kadoglou
Guest Editor

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• atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases
• gene expression
• gene therapy
• biomarkers
• lipid lowering
• hypercholesterolemia
• PCSK9
• immunomodulators
• anti-inflammatory drugs