Novel molecular targets for coronary angiogenesis and ischemic heart disease

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the number one cause of death for men and women in the United States. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors lead to the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessel walls of the coronary arteries resulting in decreased myocardial perfusion. Treatment includes a combination of revascularization procedures and medical therapy. Due to the high surgical risk of many of the patients undergoing revascularization procedures, medical therapies to reduce ischemic disease is an area of active research. Small molecule, cytokine, endothelial progenitor cell, stem cell, gene and mechanical therapies show promise in increasing the collateral growth of blood vessels, thereby reducing myocardial ischemia.

Associations between coronary heart disease and risk of cognitive impairment: A meta‐analysis

“…In the United States, CHD accounts for about 25% of all deaths annually (Brown et al., 2020). CHD is closely related to atherosclerosis, and the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessel walls of the coronary arteries supplying the heart decreased the myocardial perfusion (Potz et al., 2017). CHD is a range of clinical disorders manifested as stable and unstable angina, myocardial infraction (MI), or sudden cardiac death (Álvarez‐Álvarez et al., 2017; Libby & Theroux, 2005).…”

Contradictory Effect of Coronary Collateral Circulation on Regional Myocardial Perfusion That Assessed by Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy

“…In addition, therapeutic angiogenesis studies aimed at increasing the development of CCC have become a popular research area. Studies with cytokine, stem cell and gene therapies that are effective on CCC development are still ongoing and showing promising results on animal models [ 5 , 23 , 24 ].…”

“…Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) is a natural anastomosis develops as a consequence of severe stenosis or total coronary occlusion in normal coronary circulation [ 1 - 3 ]. The presence of different degrees of collateral circulation in patients with similar levels of coronary artery disease suggests that this important phenomenon is developed by complex mechanisms [ 4 , 5 ]. Evaluation and grading of CCC depend mainly on invasive procedures such as coronary angiography [ 6 - 8 ].…”

Cardiac CT scanning in coronary artery disease: Epicardial fat volume and its correlation with coronary artery lesions and left ventricular function

“…Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a frequent cardiovascular disease that is mainly caused by coronary atherosclerosis. It may result in arterial blood vessel stenosis, blockage or spasm, further leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia and/or a series of lesions ( 1-3 ). CAD may also cause further conditions, including angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure or sudden death ( 4 , 5 ).…”