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Biomedicines
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Feature Reviews on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
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Feature Reviews on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Biology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 27468

Editor

Dr. Cristiana Bustea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
Interests: hypertension; clinical cardiology; heart failure; echocardiography; myocardial infarction; atherosclerosis; blood pressure; atrial fibrillation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For a long time, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases have been two of the most significant global health challenges, contributing to a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As our understanding of these complex and interrelated conditions advances, it is essential to synthesize the latest developments and emerging trends to foster better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in these fields. By focusing on the intersections between cardiovascular and metabolic health, or either of them separately, this collection of reviews will offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms driving disease progression, as well as innovative approaches to managing these conditions in the face of their rising global prevalence. We hope that this Special Issue will serve as a useful resource for researchers, clinicians, and scholars committed to advancing health in these areas.

This Special Issue welcomes all up-to-date review articles that address recent research and developments in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Dr. Cristiana Bustea
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cardiovascular diseases
  • metabolic diseases
  • global health
  • disease prevention
  • innovative treatments

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Review

34 pages, 1837 KB  
Review
Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Heterogeneous Syndrome with Evolving Management—A Narrative Review
by Silviu Raul Muste, Elena Emilia Babes, Cristiana Bustea, Luciana Dobjanschi, Francesca Andreea Muste and Dana Carmen Zaha
Biomedicines 2026, 14(6), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14061379 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 360
Abstract
Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has become the predominant form of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is frequently associated with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). Patients presenting with NSTEMI and MVD represent a particularly high-risk population characterized by advanced age, comorbidities, and an [...] Read more.
Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has become the predominant form of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is frequently associated with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). Patients presenting with NSTEMI and MVD represent a particularly high-risk population characterized by advanced age, comorbidities, and an increased atherosclerotic burden. Although advances in pharmacological therapy and early invasive management have improved prognosis, the optimal revascularization strategy in this setting remains uncertain. In contrast to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), where randomized controlled trials consistently support complete revascularization, evidence in NSTEMI with MVD is limited and is largely derived from observational studies and registry data. This has generated ongoing debate regarding whether complete revascularization offers superior outcomes compared with culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and whether non-culprit lesions should be treated during the index procedure (immediate strategy) or in a staged manner. Current data suggest that complete PCI is generally associated with reduced recurrent ischemia, reinfarction, and repeat revascularization, with potential long-term survival benefits. However, patient comorbidities, lesion complexity, and procedural risk continue to influence outcomes, highlighting the importance of individualized decision-making. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence on PCI-based revascularization strategies in NSTEMI with MVD, focusing on two central aspects: the extent of revascularization (complete versus incomplete) and the timing of intervention (single-stage versus staged). By integrating findings from registries, randomized trials and guideline recommendations, the review identifies areas of consensus, persisting uncertainties, and key evidence gaps. Ultimately, it underscores the need for large, dedicated trials to guide practice and optimize outcomes for NSTEMI patients with multivessel coronary disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases)
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19 pages, 1804 KB  
Review
Management of Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity After Childhood-Onset Craniopharyngioma—A Narrative Review
by Hermann L. Müller
Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051016 - 22 Apr 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5606
Abstract
Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas are rare sellar embryonic malformational tumors of low-grade histological malignancy. Despite high overall survival rates (92%), quality of life is frequently reduced due to adverse late effects caused by hypothalamic obesity. It is well known that morbid hypothalamic obesity is [...] Read more.
Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas are rare sellar embryonic malformational tumors of low-grade histological malignancy. Despite high overall survival rates (92%), quality of life is frequently reduced due to adverse late effects caused by hypothalamic obesity. It is well known that morbid hypothalamic obesity is associated with the grade of hypothalamic damage. Accordingly, craniopharyngioma should be considered a paradigmatic disease, reflecting challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of acquired hypothalamic obesity. Methods: A narrative review was performed after searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for initial identifying articles. The search terms childhood-onset craniopharyngioma and hypothalamic obesity were used. Results: Despite the availability of promising therapeutic approaches, such as medication with central stimulating agents, antidiabetic drugs, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists, and Setmelanotide, it must be emphasized that there is currently no pharmaceutical treatment for hypothalamic obesity in craniopharyngioma proven to be effective in randomized controlled trials. For Setmelanotide, a prospective blinded randomized trial over a 12-month treatment period is ongoing. Bariatric interventions are effective, but non-reversible procedures such as bypass operations are controversial in the pediatric age group due to legal and ethical concerns. Recently, a treatment algorithm was introduced to improve the management of hypothalamic syndrome/obesity by offering more personalized treatment. Decisions on treatment strategies focusing on the preservation of visual, neuroendocrine, and hypothalamic integrity should be made by experienced multidisciplinary teams. Conclusions: Treatment approaches for hypothalamic obesity are limited. Further research on novel treatment approaches for hypothalamic obesity is warranted to improve the quality of life after childhood-onset craniopharyngioma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases)
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22 pages, 1163 KB  
Review
Silent Effects of High Salt: Risks Beyond Hypertension and Body’s Adaptation to High Salt
by Raisa Nazir Ahmed Kazi
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030746 - 18 Mar 2025
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 11373
Abstract
Hypertension is a major contributor to heart disease, renal failure, and stroke. High salt is one of the significant risk factors associated with the onset and persistence of hypertension. Experimental and observational studies have confirmed cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular detrimental effects associated with chronic [...] Read more.
Hypertension is a major contributor to heart disease, renal failure, and stroke. High salt is one of the significant risk factors associated with the onset and persistence of hypertension. Experimental and observational studies have confirmed cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular detrimental effects associated with chronic intake of high salt. Because of convenience and present urban lifestyles, consumption of fast food has led to daily salt intake above the recommended level by the World Health Organization. This study provides an understanding of the body regulatory mechanisms that maintain sodium homeostasis under conditions of high salt intake, without health consequences, and how these mechanisms adapt to chronic high salt load, leading to adverse cardiovascular, renal, and non-cardiovascular outcomes. Recent research has identified several mechanisms through which high sodium intake contributes to hypertension. Of them, heightened renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and sympathetic activity associated with impaired pressure diuresis and natriuresis and decreased renal excretory response are reported. Additionally, there is the possibility of endothelial and nitric oxide dysfunction leading to vascular remodeling. These changes raise cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. Knowing how these collective mechanisms adapt to chronic intakes of high salt helps develop effective therapeutic policies to fight salt-induced hypertension. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases)
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13 pages, 1552 KB  
Review
The Genetic Mechanisms and Pathology of Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review
by Elio Zito, Lorenzo Bianchini, Elena Sommariva, Mariabeatrice Costa, Giovanni B. Forleo, Claudio Tondo and Marco Schiavone
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030654 - 7 Mar 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5395
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent tachyarrhythmia worldwide, is a complex condition influenced by genetic, structural, and environmental factors. While AF in the elderly is often associated with underlying cardiac disease, early-onset or “lone” AF (LAF) exhibits a stronger genetic predisposition. Studies have [...] Read more.
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent tachyarrhythmia worldwide, is a complex condition influenced by genetic, structural, and environmental factors. While AF in the elderly is often associated with underlying cardiac disease, early-onset or “lone” AF (LAF) exhibits a stronger genetic predisposition. Studies have identified both monogenic and polygenic contributors to AF risk. Monogenic mutations, inherited in Mendelian patterns, often affect ion channels and regulatory proteins, while polygenic variants modulate susceptibility and interact with environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and exosome-wide association studies (ExWAS) have expanded our understanding of AF genetics, identifying numerous susceptibility loci, though challenges remain in linking these variants to specific molecular mechanisms. Pathophysiologically, AF results from a balance of triggers, drivers, and substrates. Triggers, such as ectopic foci in the pulmonary veins, initiate AF episodes, while structural and electrical remodeling perpetuates the arrhythmia. Fibrosis, atrial dilation, and tachycardia-induced remodeling promote reentry circuits and irregular conduction, increasing AF vulnerability. The interplay between genetic predisposition and remodeling processes underscores the complexity of AF maintenance, particularly in persistent AF forms. Emerging insights into AF genetics and pathophysiology highlight the need for personalized approaches to its prevention and management. Understanding genetic risk, combined with targeted therapies addressing structural and electrical remodeling, holds promise for improved patient outcomes. Future research into AF’s molecular and genetic mechanisms will be key to advancing precision medicine in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases)
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21 pages, 3188 KB  
Review
Effects of Weight Loss on Endothelium and Vascular Homeostasis: Impact on Cardiovascular Risk
by Margherita Tiezzi, Francesco Vieceli Dalla Sega, Paolo Gentileschi, Michela Campanelli, Domenico Benavoli and Elena Tremoli
Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020381 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3477
Abstract
Available knowledge shows that obesity is associated with an impaired endothelial function and an increase in cardiovascular risk, but the mechanisms of this association are not yet fully understood. Adipose tissue dysfunction, adipocytokines production, along with systemic inflammation and associated comorbidities (e.g., diabetes [...] Read more.
Available knowledge shows that obesity is associated with an impaired endothelial function and an increase in cardiovascular risk, but the mechanisms of this association are not yet fully understood. Adipose tissue dysfunction, adipocytokines production, along with systemic inflammation and associated comorbidities (e.g., diabetes and hypertension), are regarded as the primary physiological and pathological factors. Various strategies are now available for the control of excess body weight. Dietary regimens alone, or in association with bariatric surgery when indicated, are now widely used. Of particular interest is the understanding of the effect of these interventions on endothelial homeostasis in relation to cardiovascular health. Substantial weight loss resulting from both diet and bariatric surgery decreases circulating biomarkers and improves endothelial function. Extensive clinical trials and meta-analyses show that bariatric surgery (particularly gastric bypass) has more substantial and long-lasting effect on weight loss and glucose regulation, as well as on distinct circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. This review summarizes the current understanding of the distinct effects of diet-induced and surgery-induced weight loss on endothelial function, focusing on the key mechanisms involved in these effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases)
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