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Carotid stenosis is characterized by the progressive narrowing of the carotid arteries due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to stroke and death as major complications. Numerous biomarkers allow for its study and characterization, particularly those related to "omics" sciences. Through the most common research databases, we report representative studies about carotid stenosis biomarkers based on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in a narrative review. To establish a priority among studies based on their internal validity, we used a quality assessment tool, the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). Genes, transcriptomes, proteins, and metabolites can diagnose the disease, define plaque connotations, predict consequences after revascularization interventions, and associate carotid stenosis with other patient comorbidities. It also emerged that many aspects determining the patient's psychological and social sphere are implicated in carotid disease. In conclusion, when taking the multidisciplinary approach that combines human sciences with biological sciences, it is possible to comprehensively define a patient's health and thus improve their clinical management through precision medicine.

Metalloproteinases (MPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes with proteolytic activity and a variety of functions in the pathophysiology of human diseases. The main objectives of this review are to analyze a specific family of MPs, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in the most common chronic and complex diseases that affect patients' social lives and to better understand the nature of the associations between MMPs and the psychosocial environment. In accordance with the PRISMA extension for a scoping review, an examination was carried out. A collection of 24 studies was analyzed, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of MMP and their connection to the manifestation of social aspects in human disease. The complexity of the relationship between MMP and social problems is presented via an interdisciplinary approach based on complexity paradigm as a new approach for conceptualizing knowledge in health research. Finally, two implications emerge from the study: first, the psychosocial states of individuals have a profound impact on their overall health and disease conditions, which implies the importance of adopting a holistic perspective on human well-being, encompassing both physical and psychosocial aspects. Second, the use of MPs as biomarkers may provide physicians with valuable tools for a better understanding of disease when used in conjunction with "sociomarkers" to develop mathematical predictive models.