Chronic inflammatory diseases, myocardial function and cardioprotection

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) are linked to heightened cardiovascular (CV) risk, a serious complication.
• The precise cellular and biochemical pathways driving this increased CV risk in CIDs are not fully understood.
• Animal models for studying cardiac involvement in CIDs have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cardiac manifestations, risk factors, and pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in five major CIDs.
• To analyze the impact of CID treatments on myocardial function and explore cardioprotective strategies.
• To propose recommendations for targeting shared pathways in CIDs and CVD for improved therapeutic design.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cardiac manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms linking CIDs to cardiovascular complications.
• Evaluation of treatment effects on cardiovascular outcomes and cardioprotection.

Main Results:

• CIDs present with diverse cardiac manifestations and associated risk factors.
• Pathogenetic mechanisms involve complex cellular and biochemical pathways.
• Treatments for CIDs have variable effects on cardiac function, with some offering cardioprotection and others posing direct toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the interplay between CIDs and CVD is crucial for patient management.
• Targeting common pathways may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for CID-related CVD.
• Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and optimize cardioprotective treatments in CID patients.