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Cellular and Molecular Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 6492

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: cardiovascular disease; genetics; miRNA; telomeres; mitochondria; molecular epidemiology; ionizing radiation; radiobiology

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Guest Editor
Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 54100 Massa, Italy
Interests: coronary artery disease; cardiology; abdominal aortic aneurysm; thoracic aortic aneurysm; carotid disease; aortic disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Insititute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: sensors; biosensors; artificial Intelligence; wearable sensors; biomedical signal processing; machine learning; chemosensory analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 18 million lives annually. Despite extensive research, gaining novel insights into the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of CVDs through both basic and clinical research is crucial. This effort is essential for identifying new diagnostic/prognostic tools and developing therapeutic strategies that can enhance patient management and outcomes.

The integration of multi-omics data (including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) offers a holistic perspective on the patient, providing insights into regulatory mechanisms, pathways, and networks involved in the development and progression of CVDs. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a powerful framework capable of recognizing complex patterns within large-scale clinical and molecular data. Its potential to improve risk prediction is substantial, allowing for the identification of biomarkers for more accurate diagnoses, the prediction of treatment outcomes, and the development of novel therapies for personalized approaches.

For this Special Issue, we invite investigators to contribute original research and review papers. The aim is to cover the most recent advances in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying CVDs. Manuscripts that also discuss the value of AI-related strategies in Molecular Level.

Dr. Andrea Borghini
Dr. Antonio Rizza
Dr. Alessandro Tonacci
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cardiovascular diseases
  • multi-omics data
  • biomarkers
  • molecular level
  • pathophysiology

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 4611 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Predictive Model for Macrovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: microRNAs Expression, Lipid Profile, and Oxidative Stress Markers
by Ayauly Duisenbek, María D. Avilés Pérez, Miguel Pérez, José Miguel Aguilar Benitez, Víctor Roger Pereira Pérez, Juan Gorts Ortega, Botagoz Ussipbek, Arailym Yessenbekova, Gabriela C. López-Armas, Nurzhanyat Ablaikhanova, Fabiola Olivieri, Germaine Escames, Darío Acuña-Castroviejo and Iryna Rusanova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11763; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111763 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 795
Abstract
To assay new circulating markers related to macrovascular complications (MVC) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study. We recruited 30 controls (CG), 34 patients with T2DM (DG), and 28 patients with T2DM and vascular complications (DG+C); among [...] Read more.
To assay new circulating markers related to macrovascular complications (MVC) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study. We recruited 30 controls (CG), 34 patients with T2DM (DG), and 28 patients with T2DM and vascular complications (DG+C); among them, 22 presented MVC. Peripheral blood was used to determine redox status (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione reductase, GRd; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PD) and markers of oxidative damage (advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP; lipid peroxidation, LPO), nitrite levels in plasma (NOx). Inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, MCP-1, TNF-α) and the relative expression of c-miRNAs were analyzed. The real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of miR-155-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-146a-3p, and miR-210-3p were significantly higher in the DG group compared to the CG. The DG+C group presented statistically relevant differences with CG for four miRs: the increased expression of miR-484-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-210-3p, and decreased expression of miR-126a-3p. Moreover, miR-126a-3p was significantly less expressed in DG+C compared to DG. The application of binary logistic regression analysis and construction of receiving operator characteristic curves (ROC) revealed two models with high predictive values for vascular complications presence: (1) HbAc1, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), LPO, GPx, SOD, miR-126, miR-484 (Exp(B) = 0.926, chi2 = 34.093, p < 0.001; AUC = 0.913). (2) HbAc1, creatinine, TC, IL-6, LPO, miR-126, miR-484 (Exp(B) = 0.958, Chi2 = 33.863, p < 0.001; AUC = 0.938). Moreover, our data demonstrated that gender, TC, GPx, CAT, and miR-484 were associated with MVC and exhibited higher predictive values (Exp(B) = 0.528, p = 0.024, Chi2 = 28.214, AUC = 0.904) than classical variables (Exp(B) 0.462, p = 0.007, Chi2 = 18.814, AUC = 0.850). miR-126, miR-484, IL-6, SOD, CAT, and GPx participate in vascular damage development in the studied diabetic population and should be considered for future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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14 pages, 1061 KiB  
Article
OXY-SCORE and Volatile Anesthetics: A New Perspective of Oxidative Stress in EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair—A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Alba Burgos-Santamaría, Pilar Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Ana Arnalich-Montiel, Silvia M. Arribas, Carmen Fernández-Riveira, I. María Barrio-Pérez, Javier Río, José Manuel Ligero and Begoña Quintana-Villamandos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10770; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910770 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 733
Abstract
An aortic aneurysm (AA) is a life-threatening condition. Oxidative stress may be a common pathway linking multiple mechanisms of an AA, including vascular inflammation and metalloproteinase activity. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the preferred surgical approach for AA treatment. During surgery, inflammation and [...] Read more.
An aortic aneurysm (AA) is a life-threatening condition. Oxidative stress may be a common pathway linking multiple mechanisms of an AA, including vascular inflammation and metalloproteinase activity. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the preferred surgical approach for AA treatment. During surgery, inflammation and ischemia–reperfusion injury occur, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in their modulation. Increased perioperative oxidative stress is associated with higher postoperative complications. The use of volatile anesthetics during surgery has been shown to reduce oxidative stress. Individual biomarkers only partially reflect the oxidative status of the patients. A global indicator of oxidative stress (OXY-SCORE) has been validated in various pathologies. This study aimed to compare the effects of the main volatile anesthetics, sevoflurane and desflurane, on oxidative status during EVAR. Eighty consecutive patients undergoing EVAR were randomized into two groups: sevoflurane and desflurane. Plasma biomarkers of oxidative damage (protein carbonylation and malondialdehyde) and antioxidant defense (total thiols, glutathione, nitrates, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity) were measured before surgery and 24 h after EVAR. The analysis of individual biomarkers showed no significant differences between the groups. However, the OXY-SCORE was positive in the desflurane group (indicating a shift towards antioxidants) and negative in the sevoflurane group (favoring oxidants) (p < 0.044). Compared to sevoflurane, desflurane had a positive effect on oxidative stress during EVAR. The OXY-SCORE could provide a more comprehensive perspective on oxidative stress in this patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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14 pages, 6121 KiB  
Article
Novel Identification of Ankyrin-R in Cardiac Fibroblasts and a Potential Role in Heart Failure
by Aaron D. Argall, Holly C. Sucharski-Argall, Luke G. Comisford, Sallie J. Jurs, Jack T. Seminetta, Michael J. Wallace, Casey A. Crawford, Sarah S. Takenaka, Mei Han, Mona El Refaey, Thomas J. Hund, Peter J. Mohler and Sara N. Koenig
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158403 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1016
Abstract
Altered ankyrin-R (AnkR; encoded by ANK1) expression is associated with diastolic function, left ventricular remodeling, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). First identified in erythrocytes, the role of AnkR in other tissues, particularly the heart, is less studied. Here, we [...] Read more.
Altered ankyrin-R (AnkR; encoded by ANK1) expression is associated with diastolic function, left ventricular remodeling, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). First identified in erythrocytes, the role of AnkR in other tissues, particularly the heart, is less studied. Here, we identified the expression of both canonical and small isoforms of AnkR in the mouse myocardium. We demonstrate that cardiac myocytes primarily express small AnkR (sAnkR), whereas cardiac fibroblasts predominantly express canonical AnkR. As canonical AnkR expression in cardiac fibroblasts is unstudied, we focused on expression and localization in these cells. AnkR is expressed in both the perinuclear and cytoplasmic regions of fibroblasts with considerable overlap with the trans-Golgi network protein 38, TGN38, suggesting a potential role in trafficking. To study the role of AnkR in fibroblasts, we generated mice lacking AnkR in activated fibroblasts (Ank1-ifKO mice). Notably, Ank1-ifKO mice fibroblasts displayed reduced collagen compaction, supportive of a novel role of AnkR in normal fibroblast function. At the whole animal level, in response to a heart failure model, Ank1-ifKO mice displayed an increase in fibrosis and T-wave inversion compared with littermate controls, while preserving cardiac ejection fraction. Collagen type I fibers were decreased in the Ank1-ifKO mice, suggesting a novel function of AnkR in the maturation of collagen fibers. In summary, our findings illustrate the novel expression of AnkR in cardiac fibroblasts and a potential role in cardiac function in response to stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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Review

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27 pages, 1245 KiB  
Review
Remodeling of the Intracardiac Ganglia During the Development of Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutics
by Anthony J. Evans and Yu-Long Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212464 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most significant health issues worldwide, with associated healthcare costs estimated to surpass USD 1054 billion by 2045. The leading cause of death in T2DM patients is the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most significant health issues worldwide, with associated healthcare costs estimated to surpass USD 1054 billion by 2045. The leading cause of death in T2DM patients is the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the early stages of T2DM, patients develop cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction due to the withdrawal of cardiac parasympathetic activity. Diminished cardiac parasympathetic tone can lead to cardiac arrhythmia-related sudden cardiac death, which accounts for 50% of CVD-related deaths in T2DM patients. Regulation of cardiovascular parasympathetic activity is integrated by neural circuitry at multiple levels including afferent, central, and efferent components. Efferent control of cardiac parasympathetic autonomic tone is mediated through the activity of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons located in the cardiac extensions of the vagus nerve that signals to postganglionic parasympathetic neurons located in the intracardiac ganglia (ICG) on the heart. Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons exert local control on the heart, independent of higher brain centers, through the release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine. Structural and functional alterations in cardiac parasympathetic postganglionic neurons contribute to the withdrawal of cardiac parasympathetic tone, resulting in arrhythmogenesis and sudden cardiac death. This review provides an overview of the remodeling of parasympathetic postganglionic neurons in the ICG, and potential mechanisms contributing to the withdrawal of cardiac parasympathetic tone, ventricular arrhythmogenesis, and sudden cardiac death in T2DM. Improving cardiac parasympathetic tone could be a therapeutic avenue to reduce malignant ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, increasing both the lifespan and improving quality of life of T2DM patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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26 pages, 2099 KiB  
Review
Cardiovascular Effects of Herbal Products and Their Interaction with Antihypertensive Drugs—Comprehensive Review
by Kinga-Ilona Nyulas, Zsuzsánna Simon-Szabó, Sándor Pál, Márta-Andrea Fodor, Lóránd Dénes, Margit Judit Cseh, Enikő Barabás-Hajdu, Bernadett Csipor, Juliánna Szakács, Zoltán Preg, Márta Germán-Salló and Enikő Nemes-Nagy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126388 - 9 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2654
Abstract
Hypertension is a highly prevalent population-level disease that represents an important risk factor for several cardiovascular complications and occupies a leading position in mortality statistics. Antihypertensive therapy includes a wide variety of drugs. Additionally, the potential antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of several phytotherapy [...] Read more.
Hypertension is a highly prevalent population-level disease that represents an important risk factor for several cardiovascular complications and occupies a leading position in mortality statistics. Antihypertensive therapy includes a wide variety of drugs. Additionally, the potential antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of several phytotherapy products have been evaluated, as these could also be a valuable therapeutic option for the prevention, improvement or treatment of hypertension and its complications. The present review includes an evaluation of the cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects of garlic, Aloe vera, green tea, Ginkgo biloba, berberine, ginseng, Nigella sativa, Apium graveolens, thyme, cinnamon and ginger, and their possible interactions with antihypertensive drugs. A literature search was undertaken via the PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Cochrane databases. Research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2023, in the English, Hungarian, and Romanian languages were selected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Progression of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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