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Future horizons in cardiovascular molecular therapeutics
V J Dzau1, G H Gibbons, M Mann
1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Cardiovascular therapeutics have advanced significantly, with new drugs for major heart conditions. Future treatments will focus on molecular mechanisms to reverse vascular disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Significant advancements in cardiovascular therapeutics over the past two decades.
- Effective drug therapies are available for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease.
- To highlight the importance of understanding molecular mechanisms for future therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current and emerging therapeutic approaches.
- Focus on molecular targets in vascular disease progression.
Main Results:
- Three major approaches to novel cardiovascular therapies: altering vascular disease biology, intervening in ischemic events, and modifying post-ischemic course.
- Key molecular targets include endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, inflammation, cell growth/apoptosis, vascular phenotype, and mechanicotransduction.
Conclusions:
- Future cardiovascular therapies depend on a deeper understanding of molecular pathobiology.
- Targeting molecular steps in vascular disease will drive the development of new therapeutic agents.