Viral Infection and Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for the Molecular Basis of COVID-19 Pathogenesis

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While this respiratory virus only causes mild symptoms in younger healthy individuals, elderly people and those with cardiovascular diseases such as systemic hypertension are susceptible to developing severe conditions that can be fatal. SARS-CoV-2 infection is also associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial injury, acute coronary syndrome, and thromboembolism. Understanding the mechanisms of the effects of this virus on the cardiovascular system should thus help develop therapeutic strategies to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since this virus causes severe and fatal conditions in older individuals with cardiovascular comorbidities, effective therapies targeting specific populations will likely contribute to ending this pandemic. In this review article, the effects of various viruses—including other coronaviruses, influenza, dengue, and human immunodeficiency virus—on the cardiovascular system are described to help provide molecular mechanisms of pathologies associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. The goal is to provide mechanistic information from the biology of other viral infections in relation to cardiovascular pathologies for the purpose of developing improved vaccines and therapeutic agents effective in preventing and/or treating the acute and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Download Full-text

Inflammageing in the cardiovascular system: mechanisms, emerging targets, and novel therapeutic strategies

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20191213 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (17) ◽

pp. 2243-2262

Author(s):

Danlin Liu ◽

Gavin Richardson ◽

Fehmi M. Benli ◽

Catherine Park ◽

João V. de Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Cardiovascular System ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Molecular Targets ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Low Grade ◽

Cardiovascular Research ◽

Inflammatory Processes ◽

Ach Receptors

Abstract In the elderly population, pathological inflammation has been associated with ageing-associated diseases. The term ‘inflammageing’, which was used for the first time by Franceschi and co-workers in 2000, is associated with the chronic, low-grade, subclinical inflammatory processes coupled to biological ageing. The source of these inflammatory processes is debated. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has been proposed as the main origin of inflammageing. The SASP is characterised by the release of inflammatory cytokines, elevated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, altered regulation of acetylcholine (ACh) nicotinic receptors, and abnormal NAD+ metabolism. Therefore, SASP may be ‘druggable’ by small molecule therapeutics targeting those emerging molecular targets. It has been shown that inflammageing is a hallmark of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and adverse cardiac remodelling. Therefore, the pathomechanism involving SASP activation via the NLRP3 inflammasome; modulation of NLRP3 via α7 nicotinic ACh receptors; and modulation by senolytics targeting other proteins have gained a lot of interest within cardiovascular research and drug development communities. In this review, which offers a unique view from both clinical and preclinical target-based drug discovery perspectives, we have focused on cardiovascular inflammageing and its molecular mechanisms. We have outlined the mechanistic links between inflammageing, SASP, interleukin (IL)-1β, NLRP3 inflammasome, nicotinic ACh receptors, and molecular targets of senolytic drugs in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We have addressed the ‘druggability’ of NLRP3 and nicotinic α7 receptors by small molecules, as these proteins represent novel and exciting targets for therapeutic interventions targeting inflammageing in the cardiovascular system and beyond.

Download Full-text

Effects of Dust Storms and Climatological Factors on Mortality and Morbidity of Cardiovascular Diseases Admitted to ED

Emergency Medicine International ◽

10.1155/2018/3758506 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Behcet Al ◽

Mustafa Bogan ◽

Suat Zengin ◽

Mustafa Sabak ◽

Seval Kul ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Chest Pain ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Dust Storm ◽

Dust Storms ◽

Maximum Temperature ◽

Inpatient Hospitalization ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Coronary Syndrome

Objective. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Desert Dust Storms and Climatological Factors on Mortality and Morbidity of Cardiovascular Diseases admitted to emergency department in Gaziantep. Method. Hospital records, obtained between September 01, 2009 and January 31, 2014, from four state hospitals in Gaziantep, Turkey, were compared to meteorological and climatological data. Statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) for windows version 24.0. Results. 168,467 patients were included in this study. 83% of the patients had chest pain and 17% of patients had cardiac failure (CF). An increase in inpatient hospitalization due to CF was observed and corresponded to the duration of dust storms measured by number of days. However, there was no significant increase in emergency department (ED) presentations. There was no significant association of cardiac related mortality and coinciding presence of a dust storm or higher recorded temperature. The association of increases in temperature levels and the presence of dust storms with “acute coronary syndrome- (ACS-) related emergency service presentations, inpatient hospitalization, and mortality” were statistically significant. The relationship between the increase in PM10 levels due to causes unrelated to dust storms and the outpatient application, admission, and mortality due to heart failure was not significant. The increase in particle matter 10 (PM) levels due to causes outside the dust storm caused a significant increase in outpatient application, hospitalization, and mortality originated from ACS. Conclusion. Increased number of dust storms resulted in a higher prevalence of mortality due to ACS while mortality due to heart failure remained unchanged. Admission, hospitalization, and mortality due to chest pain both dependent and independent of ACS were increased by the presence of dust storms, PM10 elevation, and maximum temperature.

Download Full-text

Cellular and molecular effects of mechanical stretch on vascular cells and cardiac myocytes

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20080163 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 116 (5) ◽

pp. 377-389 ◽

Cited By ~ 83

Author(s):

Kou-Gi Shyu

Keyword(s):

Shear Stress ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Cardiovascular System ◽

Cardiac Myocytes ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽

Mechanical Stretch ◽

Vascular Cells ◽

Molecular Effects ◽

The Impact

Cells in the cardiovascular system are permanently subjected to mechanical forces due to the pulsatile nature of blood flow and shear stress, created by the beating heart. These haemodynamic forces play an important role in the regulation of vascular development, remodelling, wound healing and atherosclerotic lesion formation. Mechanical stretch can modulate several different cellular functions in VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). These functions include, but are not limited to, cell alignment and differentiation, migration, survival or apoptosis, vascular remodelling, and autocrine and paracrine functions. Laminar shear stress exerts anti-apoptotic, anti-atherosclerotic and antithrombotic effects on ECs (endothelial cells). Mechanical stretch of cardiac myocytes can modulate growth, apoptosis, electric remodelling, alterations in gene expression, and autocrine and paracrine effects. The aim of the present review is primarily to summarize the cellular and molecular effects of mechanical stretch on vascular cells and cardiac myocytes, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation. Knowledge of the impact of mechanical stretch on the cardiovascular system is vital to the understanding of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, and is also crucial to provide new insights into the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Modifiable Risk Factors among Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i47b33181 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 765-772

Author(s):

I. Mariraj ◽

M. Naveen Kumar ◽

N. S. Ani Rubitha ◽

R. Rameshwar

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Great Reduction ◽

Tertiary Care Hospital ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Modifiable Risk Factors ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Coronary Syndrome

Background and Objectives: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is one of the major causes for mortality and morbidity among the cardiovascular diseases in India. In this study the modifiable risk factors leading to ACS are considered and its prevalence in a Tertiary care hospital is studied. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective type of study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with ACS were taken in this study. Their data was taken, and results were formulated in excel data sheet. Results: Among the UA patients, 65% were found to be dyslipidaemic, 60% as obese, 45% as diabetics, 47.5% as hypertensive and 40% as smokers. Among the NSTEMI patients, 66.67% were found to be dyslipidaemic, 52.78% as hypertensive, 44.44% as smokers, 30.56% as diabetics and 27.78% as obese. Among the STEMI patients, 37.50% were found to be dyslipidemic, 25% as both diabetic and obese, 20.83% as hypertensive,12.5% as smokers. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and obesity showed significance. Conclusion: The prevalence of modifiable risk factors is a major concern for developing ACS and when they are modified there will be a great reduction in the incidence of ACS.

Download Full-text

Emerging role of VCP/p97 in cardiovascular diseases: novel insights and therapeutic opportunities

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst20200981 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hongyang Shu ◽

Yizhong Peng ◽

Weijian Hang ◽

Ning Zhou ◽

Dao Wen Wang

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Reperfusion Injury ◽

Cardiovascular System ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion ◽

Heart Research

Valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97) is a member of the conserved type II AAA+ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) family of proteins with multiple biological functions, especially in protein homeostasis. Mutations in VCP/p97 are reportedly related to unique autosomal dominant diseases, which may worsen cardiac function. Although the structure of VCP/p97 has been clearly characterized, with reports of high abundance in the heart, research focusing on the molecular mechanisms underpinning the roles of VCP/p97 in the cardiovascular system has been recently undertaken over the past decades. Recent studies have shown that VCP/p97 deficiency affects myocardial fibers and induces heart failure, while overexpression of VCP/p97 eliminates ischemia/reperfusion injury and relieves pathological cardiac hypertrophy caused by cardiac pressure overload, which is related to changes in the mitochondria and calcium overload. However, certain studies have drawn opposing conclusions, including the mitigation of ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibition of VCP/p97 ATPase activity. Nevertheless, these emerging studies shed light on the role of VCP/p97 and its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases. In other words, VCP/p97 may be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, and is anticipated to be a new therapeutic target. This review summarizes current findings regarding VCP/p97 in the cardiovascular system for the first time, and discusses the role of VCP/p97 in cardiovascular disease.

Download Full-text

Age-associated (cardio)metabolic diseases and cross-talk between adipose tissue and skeleton: endocrine aspects

Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation ◽

10.1515/hmbci-2014-0030 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Silvia Migliaccio ◽

Emanuela A. Greco ◽

Antonio Aversa ◽

Andrea Lenzi

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

The Elderly ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Age Related ◽

Age Related Changes

AbstractAged individuals continue to increase in number, and it is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of age-related changes in order to develop interventions that could contribute to “successful aging”. Metabolic and hormonal factors, age-related changes in body composition, and a decline in physical activity are all involved in the tendency to lose muscle mass, to gain fat mass, and, also, to experience bone loss. Obesity, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis are important widespread health problems that lead to high prevalence of both mortality and morbidity. Indeed, during the last decades, obesity and osteoporosis have become a major health threat around the world. Aging increases the risk of developing obesity, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and, also, cardiovascular diseases. A reduction of both bone and muscle mass with a corresponding increase of fat mass and inflammation and hormonal imbalance in the elderly lead to and may synergistically increase cardiovascular diseases. This review will focus on the relationship among these different medical situations, trying to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Download Full-text

Study on drug use pattern in the management of the cardiovascular diseases and with comorbidities

International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology ◽

10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20214503 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1380

Author(s):

Mutharasan M. ◽

Manikkannan M. ◽

Pachayappan K. ◽

Veeramani G. ◽

Paari N.

Keyword(s):

Medication Adherence ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Drug Use ◽

Cardiovascular Drugs ◽

World Health ◽

Systemic Hypertension ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Use Pattern ◽

Drug Use Pattern

Background: Cardiovascular drugs are the number one cause of death globally; more people die annually from CVDs then from any other cause CVD. The purpose of this study to identify the rationality of drug prescribed for cardiovascular diseases with its comorbidities. Along with medication adherence and cost analysis. To assess the drug use pattern and to observe the drug related complications in patients with cardiovascular diseases.Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was conducted at department of medicine in RMMCH. A total of 79 patients were enrolled based on inclusion criteria and the data was collected using designed data collection form.Results: Data of 79 patients were collected over 6 months mean age of patients with 19.95-60.5. Male to female ratio was 1.43:1. In cardiovascular diseases, most common disease conditions are systemic hypertension and acute coronary syndrome seen in our study population. Average drugs prescribed per patient was 4-9. Most frequently prescribed drug classes were beta blocker, antiplatelet, hypolipidemic agent. In these few minor drug interactions have been found. Study has no adverse drug reaction. The average cost of drugs was prescribed for 2500-3200 IND. Before patient counseling medication adherence and outcomes were less after counseling, medication adherence and outcomes are increased from 5% to 65%.Conclusions: The study concludes that most of the drugs were prescribed rationally according to world health organization/ESC guidelines. As behalf of this study, we could provide the information about the risk factor, leading commodities. Importance of medication adherence and cost of medications to cardiovascular drugs.

Download Full-text

Metabolic Disorders in Patients with HIV

Romanian Journal of Diabetes Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases ◽

10.1515/rjdnmd-2016-0046 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 397-401

Author(s):

Florentina Radu ◽

Raluca Elena Jipa ◽

Emilia Rusu ◽

Raluca Cursaru ◽

Ramona Drăguţ ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Metabolic Disorders ◽

Bone Fractures ◽

Chronic Renal Disease ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus

AbstractHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and subsequent antiretroviral therapy (ART) are known to be related to different metabolic disorders. Although ART decreased HIV-associated mortality and morbidity, mortality rates in patients with HIV and ART are 3 to 15 higher than those in the general population. More than 50% of the mortality is due to diseases like: diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic renal disease and complications following bone fractures. In patients with HIV the metabolic disorders are mainly caused by mithocondrial toxicity, a side effect of ART, and they are represented by: dyslipidemia, lipoatrophy, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.

Download Full-text

The Effect of Resveratrol on the Cardiovascular System from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Results

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms221810152 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (18) ◽

pp. 10152

Author(s):

Roland Gal ◽

Laszlo Deres ◽

Kalman Toth ◽

Robert Halmosi ◽

Tamas Habon

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Cardiovascular System ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Causes Of Death ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Pathological Conditions ◽

Cardioprotective Effects ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. The cardioprotective effects of natural polyphenols such as resveratrol (3,5,4-trihydroxystilbene) have been extensively investigated throughout recent decades. Many studies of RES have focused on its favorable effects on pathological conditions related to cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors. The aim of this review was to summarize the wide beneficial effects of resveratrol on the cardiovascular system, including signal transduction pathways of cell longevity, energy metabolism of cardiomyocytes or cardiac remodeling, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, this paper discusses the significant preclinical and human clinical trials of recent years with resveratrol on cardiovascular system. Finally, we present a short overview of antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and possible future perspectives on RES against COVID-19 in cardiovascular diseases.

Download Full-text

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases: Potential Function as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets of Exercise Training

Non-Coding RNA ◽

10.3390/ncrna7040065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 65

Author(s):

Camila Caldas Martins Correia ◽

Luis Felipe Rodrigues ◽

Bruno Rocha de Avila Pelozin ◽

Edilamar Menezes Oliveira ◽

Tiago Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Cardiovascular System ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Cell Function ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Protective Role ◽

Cardiovascular Pathology ◽

Non Coding Rnas ◽

Regular Physical Exercise

Despite advances in treatments and therapies, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The discovery that most of the human genome, although transcribed, does not encode proteins was crucial for focusing on the potential of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as essential regulators of cell function at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. This class of non-coding RNAs is related to the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. The different expression profiles of lncRNAs, in different contexts of CVDs, change a great potential in their use as a biomarker and targets of therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, regular physical exercise plays a protective role against CVDs; on the other hand, little is known about its underlying molecular mechanisms. In this review, we look at the accumulated knowledge on lncRNAs and their functions in the cardiovascular system, focusing on the cardiovascular pathology of arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, and heart failure. We discuss the potential of these molecules as biomarkers for clinical use, their limitations, and how the manipulation of the expression profile of these transcripts through physical exercise can begin to be suggested as a strategy for the treatment of CVDs.

Download Full-text