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Cardiovascular diseases and cancer represent the largest disease burden worldwide. Previously, these two conditions were considered independent, except in terms of cardiotoxicity, which links cancer treatment to subsequent cardiovascular issues. However, recent studies suggest that there are further connections between cancer and heart disease beyond cardiotoxicity. It has been revealed that myocardial dysfunction may promote carcinogenesis, indicating that additional common pathophysiological mechanisms might be involved in the relationship between cardiology and oncology, rather than simply a connection through cardiotoxic effects. These mechanisms may include shared risk factors and common molecular pathways, such as persistent inflammation and neurohormonal activation. This review explores the connection between myocardial dysfunction and cancer, emphasizing their shared risk factors, similar biological mechanisms, and causative factors like cardiotoxicity, along with their clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging process can have notable effects on the mitral valve. During life, the mitral valve undergoes various changes that can impact its structure and function. The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the literature published up to February 2024 in the Medline database regarding the impact of aging on the mitral valve. The studies were combined with the personal experience of the authors. Until 2024, out of the 12,189 publications that deal with the mitral valve in elderly individuals, 308 refer to mitral valve aging. After reviewing these data, we selected and analyzed the 73 most informative works regarding the age-related transformation of the mitral valve. Understanding the mechanisms driving the aging of the mitral valve is crucial for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for reducing age-related valve dysfunction and the subsequent cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional lipids are dietary substances that may have an impact on human health by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous functional lipids have been reported to have potential health benefits in the prevention, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, there is still insufficient and contradictory information in the literature about their effectiveness and associated mechanisms of action. The objective of this review, therefore, is to evaluate available literature regarding these functional lipids and their health benefits. Various studies have been conducted to understand the links between functional lipids and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Recent studies on phytosterols have reported that CLA, medium-chain triglycerides, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids have positive effects on human health. Also, eicosanoids, which are the metabolites of these fatty acids, are produced in relation to the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may modulate disease conditions. These functional lipids are available either in dietary or supplement forms and have been proven to be efficient, accessible, and inexpensive to be included in the diet. However, further research is required to properly elucidate the dosages, dietary intake, effectiveness, and their mechanisms of action in addition to the development of valid disease biomarkers and long-term effects in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of children suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is rising globally. Therefore, there is an urgent need to acquire a better understanding of the genetic factors and molecular mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of CVDs in order to develop new prevention and treatment strategies for the future. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small non-coding RNA fragments that range from 17 to 25 nucleotides in length and play an essential role in regulating gene expression, controlling an abundance of biological aspects of cell life, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, thus affecting immune response, stem cell growth, ageing and haematopoiesis. In recent years, the concept of miRNAs as diagnostic markers allowing discrimination between healthy individuals and those affected by CVDs entered the purview of academic debate. In this review, we aimed to systematise available information regarding miRNAs associated with arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis and congenital heart diseases in children. We focused on the targeted genes and metabolic pathways influenced by those particular miRNAs, and finally, tried to determine the future of miRNAs as novel biomarkers of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unhealthy dietary habits have clearly been shown to contribute to the development of CVDs. Beyond the primary nutrients, a healthy diet is also rich in plant-derived compounds. Natural polyphenols, found in fruits, vegetables, and red wine, have a clear role in improving cardiovascular health. In this review, we strive to summarize the results of the relevant pre-clinical and clinical trials that focused on some of the most important natural polyphenols, such as resveratrol and relevant flavonoids. In addition, we aim to identify their common sources, biosynthesis, and describe their mechanism of action including their regulatory effect on signal transduction pathways. Finally, we provide scientific evidence regarding the cardiovascular benefits of moderate, long-term red wine consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality worldwide and imposes a significant social burden on many countries. Methods: This study assessed the health and economic benefits of omega-3 associated with CVD. The meta-analysis estimated the risk ratio (RR) and absolute risk reduction (ARR), and the economic impact was calculated using direct and indirect costs related to CVD treatments in Korean adults. Results: A total of 33 studies were included in the meta-analysis on CVD outcomes, with 80,426 participants in the intervention group and 80,251 participants in the control group. The meta-analysis determined a significant reduction in omega-3 in CVD (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86~0.97) and ARR (1.48%). Additionally, the subgroup analysis indicated that higher doses and the long-term consumption of omega-3 could further enhance these effects. After applying ARR from meta-analysis to the target population of about 1,167,370 in 2021, the Republic of Korea, it was estimated that omega-3 consumption could result in an economic benefit of KRW 300 billion by subtracting the purchase expenses of omega-3 supplements from the total social cost savings. Conclusion: Omega-3 supplements can help to reduce the risk of CVD and subsequent economic benefits in the Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aorta and aortic wall have a complex biological system of structural, biochemical, biomolecular, and hemodynamic elements. Arterial stiffness could be considered a manifestation of wall structural and functional variations, and it has been revealed to have a strong connection with aortopathies and be a predictor of cardiovascular risk, especially in patients affected by hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and nephropathy. Stiffness affects the function of different organs, especially the brain, kidneys, and heart, promoting remodeling of small arteries and endothelial dysfunction. This parameter could be easily evaluated using different methods, but pulse-wave velocity (PWV), the speed of transmission of arterial pressure waves, is considered the gold standard for a good and precise assessment. An increased PWV value indicates an elevated level of aortic stiffness because of the decline in elastin synthesis and activation of proteolysis and the increase in fibrosis that contributes to parietal rigidity. Higher values of PWV could also be found in some genetic diseases, such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) or Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS). Aortic stiffness has emerged as a major new cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, and its evaluation using PWV could be very useful to identify patients with a high cardiovascular risk, giving some important prognostic information but also being used to value the benefits of therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were early established as therapeutic option for patients with high triglyceride levels. Their effects on lipoprotein particles, including a reduction in very low-density lipoprotein and a shift from small to large low-density lipoprotein, is increasingly recognised. This is coupled with their ability to be incorporated within the cellular membrane, leading to plaque stability and anti-inflammatory effects. Nonetheless, recent clinical trials have not been consistent in demonstrating the potential cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids. This is despite the circumstantial evidence from imaging studies illustrating the stabilising effects on atherosclerotic plaques and slowing of plaque progression. In this article, we will review the effects of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on lipid biomarkers, atherosclerotic plaque features, and clinical outcome studies and provide a mechanistic role in managing residual risk of atherosclerosis. This will provide better insight into the inconsistency of the recently reported clinical outcome studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a prevalent medical condition in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors and is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), if left undiagnosed and undertreated. Current guidelines identify HTG as a risk-enhancing factor and, as a result, recommend clinical evaluation and lifestyle-based interventions to address potential secondary causes of elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. For individuals with mild to moderate HTG at risk of ASCVD, statin therapy alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications known to decrease ASCVD risk are guideline-endorsed. In addition to lifestyle modifications, patients with severe HTG at risk of acute pancreatitis may benefit from fibrates, mixed formulation omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin; however, evidence does not support their use for ASCVD risk reduction in the contemporary statin era. Novel therapeutics including those that target apoC-III and ANGPTL3 have shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective for lowering TG levels. Given the growing burden of cardiometabolic disease and risk factors, public health and health policy strategies are urgently needed to enhance access to effective pharmacotherapies, affordable and nutritious food options, and timely health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a non-reversible process that occurs following acute or chronic myocardial damage. MF worsens myocardial deformation, remodels the heart and raises myocardial stiffness, and is a crucial pathological manifestation in patients with end-stage cardiovascular diseases and closely related to cardiac adverse events. Therefore, early quantitative analysis of MF plays an important role in risk stratification, clinical decision, and improvement in prognosis. With the advent and development of strain imaging modalities in recent years, MF may be detected early in cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes the clinical usefulness of strain imaging techniques in the non-invasive assessment of MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary habits have major implications as causes of death globally, particularly in terms of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, but to precisely define the role of the single components of diet in terms of cardiovascular risk is not an easy task, since current epidemiological cohorts do not include sufficient information regarding all the confounding factors typical of nutritional associations. As an example, complex and multifactorial are the possible nutritional or detrimental effects of dietary fats, due to the huge variety of lipid metabolites originating from either the enzymatic or non-enzymatic oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol and phospholipids. The area of research that has allowed the benefit/risk profile of a dietary supplement to be tested with controlled studies is that of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have showed a potential therapeutic role only in secondary cardiovascular prevention, while controlled studies in primary prevention have consistently produced neutral results. Despite some favorable evidence in patients with chronic heart failure; a treatment with n-3 PUFA in this clinical context is presently overlooked. The potential risk of atrial fibrillation, especially when n-3 PUFA are used in high doses, is still under scrutiny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum levels of cardiac troponins can be increased both with myocardial damage and in the absence of myocardial damage. In the second case, this is due to the influence of false-positive factors, among which heterophilic antibodies play a significant role. Understanding the causes of the formation of heterophilic antibodies, the features and mechanisms of their effect on serum levels of cardiac troponins, is an important condition for interpreting a false-positive result due to the influence of heterophilic antibodies. This brief, descriptive review presents the causes of heterophilic-antibodies formation and discusses their effect on serum levels of cardiac troponins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: although an association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease risk has been documented, the relationship in patients with complex calcified coronary lesions undergoing rotational atherectomy (RA) and drug-eluting stent(DES) insertion remains controversial. Here, the influence of MS on outcomes was assessed. Methods and results: we retrospectively included 398 patients who underwent RA and DES insertion for complex calcified coronary lesions in our institution between June 2015 and January 2019. The modified Adult Treatment Plan III was used to diagnose MS. The endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), comprising mortality from all causes, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization (TVR). In all, 173 (43.5%) patients had MS. MS was significantly associated with MACE over the 28.32 ± 6.79-month follow-up period (HR 1.783, 95% CI from 1.122 to 2.833) even after adjustment for other possible confounders. Conclusion: MS was frequently observed in patients treated with RA with DES insertion for complex calcified coronary lesions. MS independently predicted MACE in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acids (FAs) have structural and functional diversity. FAs in the heart are closely associated with cardiac function, and their qualitative or quantitative abnormalities lead to the onset and progression of cardiac disease. FAs are important as an energy substrate for the heart, but when in excess, they exhibit cardio-lipotoxicity that causes cardiac dysfunction or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. FAs also play a role as part of phospholipids that compose cell membranes, and the changes in mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin and the FA composition of plasma membrane phospholipids affect cardiomyocyte survival. In addition, FA metabolites exert a wide variety of bioactivities in the heart as lipid mediators. Recent advances in measurement using mass spectrometry have identified trace amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)-derived bioactive metabolites associated with heart disease. n-3 PUFAs have a variety of cardioprotective effects and have been shown in clinical trials to be effective in cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. This review outlines the contributions of FAs to cardiac function and pathogenesis of heart diseases from the perspective of three major roles and proposes therapeutic applications and new medical perspectives of FAs represented by n-3 PUFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular events and a promising new therapeutic target in CVDs. Here, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the role of EAT in the development of CVDs, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation; compile data regarding the association between EAT's function and the course of COVID-19; and present new potential therapeutic possibilities, aiming at modifying EAT's function. The development of novel therapies specifically targeting EAT could revolutionize the prognosis in CVDs. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is defined as a fat depot localized between the myocardial surface and the visceral layer of the pericardium and is a type of visceral fat. EAT is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events and a promising new therapeutic target in CVDs. In health conditions, EAT has a protective function, including protection against hypothermia or mechanical stress, providing myocardial energy supply from free fatty acid and release of adiponectin. In patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes mellitus, EAT becomes a deleterious tissue promoting the development of CVDs. Previously, we showed an adverse modulation of gene expression in pericoronary adipose tissue in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the role of EAT in the development of CVDs, including CAD, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Due to the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also discuss data regarding the association between EAT and the course of COVID-19. Finally, we present the potential therapeutic possibilities aiming at modifying EAT's function. The development of novel therapies specifically targeting EAT could revolutionize the prognosis in CVDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates on the new evidence relative to the health benefits of the long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC3PUFA). Findings of the study reveals that consuming LC3PUFA helps prevent cardiovascular disease and improves inflammatory conditions and mental health issues. However, it denotes that intakes of these fatty acids remain below than recommended levels

Aging can be seen as process characterized by accumulation of oxidative stress induced damage. Oxidative stress derives from different endogenous and exogenous processes, all of which ultimately lead to progressive loss in tissue and organ structure and functions. The oxidative stress theory of aging expresses itself in age-related diseases. Aging is in fact a primary risk factor for many diseases and in particular for cardiovascular diseases and its derived morbidity and mortality. Here we highlight the role of oxidative stress in age-related cardiovascular aging and diseases. We take into consideration the molecular mechanisms, the structural and functional alterations, and the diseases accompanied to the cardiovascular aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we will evaluate how high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway are critical for proper cardiovascular–renal physiology. We will begin by reviewing the basic concepts of HDL cholesterol synthesis and pathway regulation, followed by cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) pathophysiology. After explaining how the HDL and RCT pathways become dysfunctional through oxidative processes, we will elaborate on the potential role of HDL dysfunction in CRS. We will then present findings on how HDL function and the inducible antioxidant gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are interconnected and how induction of HO-1 is protective against HDL dysfunction and important for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular–renal system. This will substantiate the proposal of HO-1 as a novel therapeutic target to prevent HDL dysfunction and, consequently, cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, and the onset of CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, which have been found able to counteract cardiovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, have been found to produce both vaso- and cardio-protective response via modulation of membrane phospholipids thereby improving cardiac mitochondrial functions and energy production. However, antioxidant properties of n-3 PUFAs, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in both blood vessels and cardiac cells, seem to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular impairment. In fact, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis, an effect occurring via an increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to counteract the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both vascular tissues and in the myocardium, thereby restoring vascular reactivity and myocardial performance. Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFAs in vascular and cardiac tissues and their implication in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world and represents an enormous global health burden. Significant advances have been made in the conservative, medical and surgical management across the range of cardiovascular diseases however the inflammatory components of these diseases have traditionally been neglected. Inflammation is certainly a key component of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition, but it is at least correlative and predictive of risk in many other aspects of cardiovascular medicine ranging from heart failure to outcomes following reperfusion strategies. Inflammation therefore represents significant potential for future risk stratification of patients as well as offering new therapeutic targets across cardiovascular medicine. This review explores the role of inflammation in several of the major aspects of cardiovascular medicine focusing on current and possible future examples of the targeting of inflammation in prognosis and therapy. It concludes that future directions of cardiovascular research and clinical practice should seek to identify cohorts of patients with a significant inflammatory component to their cardiovascular condition or reaction to cardiovascular intervention. These patients might benefit from therapeutic strategies mounted against the inflammatory components implicated in their condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids and inflammation regulate each other. Early studies on this topic focused on the systemic effects that the acute inflammatory response—and interleukins—had on lipid metabolism. Today, in the era of the obesity epidemic, whose primary complications are cardio-metabolic diseases, attention has moved to the effects that the nutritional environment and lipid derangements have on peripheral tissues, where lipotoxicity leads to organ damage through an imbalance of chronic inflammatory responses. After an overview of the effects that acute inflammation has on the systemic lipid metabolism, this review will describe the lipid-induced immune responses that take place in peripheral tissues and lead to chronic cardio-metabolic diseases. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of lipid lowering drugs, as well as the possibility of using anti-inflammatory agents against cardio-metabolic diseases, will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Moderate wine consumption is a characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. Studies around the world have shown a beneficial effect of moderate alcohol intake, especially wine, on health. This review aims to critically summarise the most recent studies that investigate the beneficial effects of moderate wine intake on human health. Methods: The PubMed database was comprehensively searched to identify trials published from 2013 to 2018 that investigated the association between moderate wine consumption and health. Results: The most recent studies confirm the valuable role of moderate wine consumption, especially red wine, in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline, depression, and cancer. In the meantime, recent studies also highlight the beneficial role of red wine against oxidative stress and in favour of desirable gut bacteria. The beneficial role of red wine has been attributed to its phytochemical compounds, as highlighted by clinical trials, where the effect of red wine has been compared to white wine, non-alcoholic wine, other alcoholic drinks, and water. Conclusions: Moderate wine intake, at 1–2 glasses per day as part of the Mediterranean diet, has been positively associated with human health promotion, disease prevention, and disease prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]