Amyloid and the cardiovascular system: A review of pathogenesis and pathology with clinical correlations

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pathology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Amyloidogenesis, the process of protein misfolding and deposition, can lead to systemic or localized disease.
• The cardiovascular system is a common site for amyloid deposition, arising from diverse precursor proteins.
• Manifestations of amyloidosis can be predictable based on the causative protein.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of cardiovascular amyloidosis.
• To emphasize the pathogenesis of amyloid formation within the cardiovascular system.
• To describe the pathology associated with different cardiovascular components affected by amyloid.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on cardiovascular amyloidosis.
• Analysis of precursor proteins involved in cardiac amyloid deposition.
• Examination of pathological findings in affected cardiovascular tissues.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular amyloidosis arises from various precursors including immunoglobulin light chains, serum amyloid-A, transthyretin, and others.
• The deposition of amyloid proteins impacts different anatomical structures of the cardiovascular system.
• Pathogenesis and clinical sequelae vary depending on the specific amyloid type.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular amyloidosis is a complex condition with diverse etiologies and presentations.
• Further research into the pathogenesis of specific amyloid types is crucial for improved management.
• Understanding the precursor protein is vital for predicting the course of cardiovascular amyloidosis.