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Isolation and Characterization of Primary Rat Valve Interstitial Cells: A New Model to Study Aortic Valve Calcification
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Isolation and Characterization of Primary Rat Valve Interstitial Cells: A New Model to Study Aortic Valve Calcification

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Novel pharmacological targets for calcific aortic valve disease: Prevention and treatments

Veronika A Myasoedova1, Alessio L Ravani1, Beatrice Frigerio1

  • 1Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Pharmacological Research
|August 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) affects 3% of Western adults, progressing from sclerosis to stenosis. This review explores novel therapeutic targets for CAVD, offering hope beyond current surgical interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a prevalent valvular disorder in the elderly.
  • It progresses from aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) to aortic valve stenosis (AS), involving complex pathological mechanisms.
  • Current treatments for severe CAVD are limited to surgical or transcatheter interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on pathological mechanisms of CAVD.
  • To identify and discuss potential future pharmacological therapeutic targets for CAVD.
  • To highlight the need for effective medical treatments for this condition.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of existing research on CAVD.
  • Analysis of pathological cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated in CAVD.
  • Identification and evaluation of emerging therapeutic targets based on current evidence.

Main Results:

  • CAVD pathogenesis involves matrix degradation, fibrosis, mineralization, inflammation, lipid accumulation, and neo-angiogenesis.
  • Clinical risk factors for CAVD overlap significantly with atherosclerosis.
  • Several potential therapeutic targets, including PCSK9, P2Y2 receptor, cadherin 11, and DDP-4, have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • No approved pharmacological treatments currently exist for CAVD.
  • Emerging therapeutic targets show promise for future medical interventions in CAVD.
  • Further research into these targets could lead to novel treatments for this debilitating disease.

Keywords:
Aortic valve stenosisCalcific aortic valve diseaseDipeptidyl peptidase 4 enzymeLipoprotein(a)Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9Purinergic receptor 2Y2

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