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The role of cardiac microenvironment in cardiovascular diseases: implications for therapy
Jiayu Yao1, Yuejun Chen1, Yuqing Huang1
1School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases stem from aging and lifestyle changes, impacting heart tissue homeostasis. Understanding cellular interplay and the cardiac environment offers new insights into novel stem cell and targeted therapies for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of death, exacerbated by aging and lifestyle.
- The heart comprises diverse cell types (cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial, smooth muscle, immune cells) essential for its function.
- Cardiac tissue homeostasis relies on cellular specialization and intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the composition and homeostasis of cardiac tissues.
- To explore the role of the cardiac microenvironment in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
- To discuss novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on cardiac tissue composition and homeostasis.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease development.
- Examination of emerging treatments like stem cell and targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Dysfunctional cells and altered cardiac microenvironments are implicated in CVDs.
- Complex cellular interactions are critical for maintaining heart health.
- Novel therapeutic approaches show promise for cardiovascular conditions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cardiac cellular interplay and microenvironment is key to preventing and treating CVDs.
- Stem cell therapy and targeted treatments represent promising avenues for cardiovascular disease management.
- Further research into these areas may reveal new prevention strategies and therapeutic targets.
Abstract:
Due to aging populations and changes in lifestyle, cardiovascular diseases including cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, are the leading causes of death worldwide. The heart is a complicated organ composed of multicellular types, including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. Cellular specialization and complex interplay between different cell types are crucial for the cardiac tissue homeostasis and coordinated function of the heart. Mounting studies have demonstrated that dysfunctional cells and disordered cardiac microenvironment are closely associated with the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, we discuss the composition and the homeostasis of cardiac tissues, and focus on the role of cardiac environment and underlying molecular mechanisms in various cardiovascular diseases. Besides, we elucidate the novel treatment for cardiovascular diseases, including stem cell therapy and targeted therapy. Clarification of these issues may provide novel insights into the prevention and potential targets for cardiovascular diseases.
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