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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices
Published on: August 11, 2021
Emerging role of monoamine oxidase as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease
Soni Deshwal1, Moises Di Sante2, Fabio Di Lisa1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
In the past decade, accumulating evidence highlighted the role of monoamine oxidases (MAOs) in cardiovascular disease (CVD). MAOs are flavoenzymes located in the outer mitochondrial membrane, responsible for the degradation of neurotransmitters and biogenic amines. During this process they generate hydrogen peroxide, aldehydes and ammonia, species that can target mitochondria and induce mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte death. Indeed, MAO inhibition affords cardioprotection in several models of CVD, such as ischemia/reperfusion, heart failure and diabetes. Importantly, a few studies provided encouraging results suggesting that MAO inhibition might be beneficial also in patients with CVD. Thus, selective and reversible MAO inhibitors, currently used as therapy for depression and neurodegenerative disorders, might be considered as candidate drugs for the treatment of CVD.
Insights
Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) by damaging mitochondria. Inhibiting MAOs shows promise for protecting the heart in various CVD models and potentially in patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are enzymes involved in neurotransmitter degradation.
- MAO activity generates reactive species that can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
- Evidence links MAOs to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of MAOs in cardiovascular disease.
- To evaluate the cardioprotective potential of MAO inhibition in CVD models.
- To explore the therapeutic implications of MAO inhibitors for CVD patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MAOs and CVD.
- Analysis of studies investigating MAO inhibition in experimental CVD models.
- Examination of clinical data regarding MAO inhibitors in CVD.
Main Results:
- MAO activity contributes to mitochondrial damage and cardiomyocyte death in CVD.
- MAO inhibition demonstrates cardioprotective effects in models of ischemia/reperfusion, heart failure, and diabetes.
- Preliminary studies suggest potential clinical benefits of MAO inhibition in CVD patients.
Conclusions:
- MAO enzymes play a significant role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
- MAO inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing various cardiovascular conditions.
- Selective and reversible MAO inhibitors warrant consideration as potential drug candidates for CVD treatment.
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