Aortic Valve Stenosis: From Basic Mechanisms to Novel Therapeutic Targets

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pathophysiology
• Translational Research

Background:

• Aortic valve stenosis is the most common heart valve disease globally.
• Symptomatic cases lead to significant morbidity and mortality despite improved interventions.
• Calcific aortic valve stenosis involves progressive fibro-calcific remodeling and thickening of valve cusps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex pathomechanisms underlying aortic valve calcification.
• To identify and discuss novel therapeutic targets for aortic valve calcification.
• To provide an overview of current knowledge and future treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathomechanisms in aortic valve calcification.
• Analysis of current and emerging therapeutic strategies.
• Synthesis of existing knowledge on valve remodeling and calcification.

Main Results:

• Pathophysiology involves endothelial dysfunction, immune cell infiltration, and myofibroblastic/osteoblastic differentiation.
• No pharmacotherapy currently prevents aortic valve calcification.
• Novel therapeutic targets have been identified in recent research.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the complex pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Targeting specific pathways involved in fibro-calcific remodeling may prevent or slow disease progression.
• Further research into novel therapeutic strategies holds promise for managing aortic valve stenosis.