Anti-apoptotic serpins as therapeutics in cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Acute cardiovascular syndromes (ACS), including myocardial infarction and stroke, are leading causes of death, primarily due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
• Current treatments for atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of ACS, are insufficient for many patients, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches.
• Key pathogenic processes in atherosclerosis and plaque rupture include lipid accumulation, inflammation, matrix degradation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death) of plaque cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of serine protease inhibitors (serpins) in cardiovascular diseases.
• To emphasize the role of serpins in regulating apoptotic cell death within atherosclerotic plaques.
• To explore the potential therapeutic applications of serpins in managing atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on serpins, apoptosis, and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of the dual role of serpins in both inducing and inhibiting apoptosis.
• Discussion of preclinical and clinical evidence related to serpin function in cardiovascular pathology.

Main Results:

• Serpins are implicated in the complex processes of atherosclerosis, including plaque development, progression, and rupture.
• Serpins demonstrate a significant role in modulating apoptotic cell death, a critical factor in atherosclerotic plaque stability and ACS incidence.
• The involvement of serpins in apoptosis suggests their potential as novel therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

• Serpins represent a promising class of molecules for developing new treatments for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
• Targeting serpin activity could offer a novel strategy to manage atherosclerotic plaque instability and reduce ACS events.
• Further investigation into serpin-mediated apoptosis pathways may unlock innovative therapeutic interventions for patients with cardiovascular disease.