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Current Landscape of Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders
Pranay Wal1, Namra Aziz1, Chetan Pratap Singh2
1PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), NH-19, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 209305, India.
Insights
Gene therapy offers a novel approach to combat cardiovascular disorders (CVD) by targeting the molecular mechanisms of the disease. This review explores gene therapy methods and their associated ethical considerations for treating heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are a leading global cause of mortality.
- Risk factors include smoking, inactivity, poor diet, age, and family history.
- Current interventions (lifestyle changes, medications, surgery) manage symptoms but don't halt disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review gene therapy as a novel therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disorders.
- To discuss various gene therapy methods applicable to CVD.
- To address the ethical challenges associated with gene therapy for heart conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of gene therapy approaches for cardiovascular diseases.
- Analysis of existing therapeutic interventions and their limitations.
- Examination of ethical considerations and risks of gene therapy.
Main Results:
- Gene therapy presents a potent approach to address the molecular basis of CVD.
- Potential for permanent disease eradication and heritability.
- Significant risks and ethical concerns require careful consideration.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy holds promise for a more effective and potentially curative treatment for cardiovascular disorders.
- Further research and ethical frameworks are necessary to realize its full potential.
- Addressing the molecular mechanisms offers a paradigm shift from current symptomatic treatments.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are the primary cause of death worldwide. Multiple factors have been accepted to cause cardiovascular diseases; among them, smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, age, and family history are flag-bearers. Individuals at risk of developing CVD are suggested to make drastic habitual changes as the primary intervention to prevent CVD; however, over time, the disease is bound to worsen. This is when secondary interventions come into play, including antihypertensive, anti-lipidemic, anti-anginal, and inotropic drugs. These drugs usually undergo surgical intervention in patients with a much higher risk of heart failure. These therapeutic agents increase the survival rate, decrease the severity of symptoms and the discomfort that comes with them, and increase the overall quality of life. However, most individuals succumb to this disease. None of these treatments address the molecular mechanism of the disease and hence are unable to halt the pathological worsening of the disease. Gene therapy offers a more efficient, potent, and important novel approach to counter the disease, as it has the potential to permanently eradicate the disease from the patients and even in the upcoming generations. However, this therapy is associated with significant risks and ethical considerations that pose noteworthy resistance. In this review, we discuss various methods of gene therapy for cardiovascular disorders and address the ethical conundrum surrounding it.
