Clonal hematopoiesis, aging, and cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hematology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death, driven by factors including atherosclerosis.
• Atherosclerosis, an inflammatory condition, is linked to aging and influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• Clonal hematopoiesis (CH), characterized by somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells, is an emerging CVD risk factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of CH's contribution to cardiovascular diseases.
• To discuss CH's role in atherosclerosis, cardiac dysfunction, and CVD progression.
• To explore CH's implications for CVD risk assessment and novel therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental evidence and existing literature on CH and cardiovascular diseases.
• Analysis of the association between CH, somatic mutations, and atherosclerosis.
• Synthesis of data on CH prevalence, age-dependency, and its link to myeloid neoplasms.

Main Results:

• CH, driven by mutations in genes often associated with myeloid neoplasms, significantly contributes to atherosclerosis and cardiac dysfunction.
• CH is age-dependent, affecting 10%-20% of individuals over 70, and not always accompanied by hematologic abnormalities.
• A growing body of evidence links myeloid leukemia-driver mutations to CVD progression.

Conclusions:

• CH represents a novel and significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
• Understanding CH's mechanisms is crucial for improving CVD risk stratification and developing targeted therapies.
• Further research into CH is warranted to fully elucidate its impact on cardiovascular health and disease management.