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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Impact of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on the Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis
Daniela Matei1, Ioana Buculei1,2, Catalina Luca1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa" Iasi, 700454 Iasi, Romania.
Insights
Atherosclerosis, a major global health issue, can be managed through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. New therapies, including vagus nerve stimulation, show promise for preventing and treating this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Preventive Cardiology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity.
- Characterized by atheroma plaque deposition in overloaded vasculature.
- The increasing burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease presents a significant healthcare challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore effective long-term strategies for managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- To highlight primary prevention methods for reducing cardiovascular risk.
- To investigate novel therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical tools such as fasting, Mediterranean diet, and caloric restriction.
- Analysis of recent studies on the cardiovascular protective effects of physical exercise.
- Exploration of molecular and biochemical mechanisms, including heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes.
Main Results:
- Lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise show protective cardiovascular impacts.
- Physical exercise is associated with increased heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes.
- Vagus nerve stimulation is identified as a potential new therapeutic strategy.
Conclusions:
- Primary prevention through lifestyle modifications is crucial for managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of exercise provides insights into cardiovascular protection.
- Emerging therapies like vagus nerve stimulation offer hope for improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide characterized by the deposition of lipids and fibrous elements in the form of atheroma plaques in vascular areas which are hemodynamically overloaded. The global burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is steadily increasing and is considered the largest known non-infectious pandemic. The management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is increasing the cost of health care worldwide, which is a concern for researchers and physicians and has caused them to strive to find effective long-term strategies to improve the efficiency of treatments by managing conventional risk factors. Primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the preferred method to reduce cardiovascular risk. Fasting, a Mediterranean diet, and caloric restriction can be considered useful clinical tools. The protective impact of physical exercise over the cardiovascular system has been studied in recent years with the intention of explaining the mechanisms involved; the increase in heat shock proteins, antioxidant enzymes and regulators of cardiac myocyte proliferation concentration seem to be the molecular and biochemical shifts that are involved. Developing new therapeutic strategies such as vagus nerve stimulation, either to prevent or slow the disease's onset and progression, will surely have a profound effect on the lives of millions of people.
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