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Cardiovascular Disease: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Innovations

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 16292

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Section of Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPReJ), University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
Interests: cardiovascular pathology; head and neck diseases; immunohistochemistry; autopsies
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death driven by complex genetic, molecular, and environmental factors. Advances in molecular biology have shed light on key pathways, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism, offering critical insights into the mechanisms underlying conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart failure. However, challenges remain in translating these findings into effective therapies and addressing variability across populations.

This Special Issue focuses on the molecular underpinnings of CVD and their implications for innovative therapeutic strategies. We welcome advanced studies, including the discovery of novel biomarkers, elucidation of disease mechanisms, development of targeted interventions, etc. By integrating multidisciplinary perspectives, this Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of CVD and bridge the gap between molecular research and clinical application, fostering progress in cardiovascular health.

We would like to thank Dr. Cecilia Salzillo from University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli", who contributed to and supported the collaboration promotion process and the operation and development of this Special Issue as the assistant of Guest Editor.

Dr. Andrea Marzullo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cardiovascular pathophysiology
  • molecular biomarkers
  • inflammation and oxidative stress
  • therapeutic targets
  • lipid metabolism

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 3403 KB  
Article
MLKL Deficiency Stabilizes RIP3 and Aggravates Myocardial Injury by Promoting Apoptosis and Pyroptosis
by Ziguan Zhang, Zuheng Liu, Yilei Liu, Changqing Sun, Weihua Li and Wuyang Zheng
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(4), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48040380 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Regulated cardiomyocyte death is a central contributor to myocardial infarction (MI)-associated injury. Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), a key effector of necroptosis, has been implicated in cardiovascular disease; however, its role in MI remains incompletely defined. MLKL expression was evaluated in hypoxia-treated [...] Read more.
Regulated cardiomyocyte death is a central contributor to myocardial infarction (MI)-associated injury. Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), a key effector of necroptosis, has been implicated in cardiovascular disease; however, its role in MI remains incompletely defined. MLKL expression was evaluated in hypoxia-treated cardiomyocytes, infarcted murine hearts, and human cardiac tissue. MLKL function was investigated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and genetic deletion in mice subjected to left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. Apoptosis- and pyroptosis-related signaling were assessed by immunoblotting and immunostaining. RIP3 expression and regulation were examined at both protein and mRNA levels, and the RIP3 inhibitor GSK’872 was used to assess pathway dependence. MLKL expression was increased in hypoxic cardiomyocytes, infarcted mouse hearts, and human failing cardiac tissue. Unexpectedly, MLKL deficiency was associated with aggravated myocardial injury, impaired cardiac function, and increased fibrosis following MI. Mechanistically, MLKL deficiency was associated with increased RIP3 protein abundance without a corresponding increase in RIP3 mRNA, consistent with post-transcriptional regulation. Further analyses indicated that MLKL deficiency reduced RIP3 ubiquitination and impaired proteasome-mediated degradation, resulting in RIP3 stabilization. Elevated RIP3 levels were accompanied by increased expression of apoptosis- and pyroptosis-related proteins, particularly at early time points after MI. Pharmacological inhibition of RIP3 with GSK’872 was associated with reduced apoptosis- and pyroptosis-related signaling and improved cardiac function. MLKL deficiency is associated with stabilization of RIP3 and enhanced activation of apoptosis- and pyroptosis-related signaling following MI, contributing to aggravated myocardial injury. These findings support a regulatory role for the MLKL–RIP3 axis in cardiomyocyte death and suggest that targeting RIP3 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in myocardial infarction. Full article
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23 pages, 21400 KB  
Article
Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Biomarkers in Coronary Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis: A Transcriptomic and Mendelian Randomization Study
by Junyan Zhang, Ran Zhang, Li Rao, Chenyu Tian, Shuangliang Ma, Chen Li, Yong He and Zhongxiu Chen
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010075 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 745
Abstract
Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) have recently emerged as critical mediators in cardiovascular pathophysiology; however, their specific contributions to CHD pathogenesis remain largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) have recently emerged as critical mediators in cardiovascular pathophysiology; however, their specific contributions to CHD pathogenesis remain largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to identify and validate MAM-related biomarkers in CHD through integrated analysis of transcriptomic sequencing data and Mendelian randomization, and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. Methods: We analyzed two gene expression microarray datasets (GSE113079 and GSE42148) and one genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset (ukb-d-I9_CHD) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CHD. MAM-related DEGs were filtered using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment analysis, Mendelian randomization, and machine learning algorithms were employed to identify biomarkers with direct causal relationships to CHD. A diagnostic model was constructed to evaluate the clinical utility of the identified biomarkers. Additionally, we validated the two hub genes in peripheral blood samples from CHD patients and normal controls, as well as in aortic tissue samples from a low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR−/−) atherosclerosis mouse model. Results: We identified 4174 DEGs, from which 3326 MAM-related DEGs (DE-MRGs) were further filtered. Mendelian randomization analysis coupled with machine learning identified two biomarkers, DHX36 and GPR68, demonstrating direct causal relationships with CHD. These biomarkers exhibited excellent diagnostic performance with areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve exceeding 0.9. A molecular interaction network was constructed to reveal the biological pathways and molecular mechanisms involving these biomarkers. Furthermore, validation using peripheral blood from CHD patients and aortic tissues from the Ldlr−/− atherosclerosis mouse model corroborated these findings. Conclusions: This study provides evidence supporting a mechanistic link between MAM dysfunction and CHD pathogenesis, identifying candidate biomarkers that have the potential to serve as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for CHD. While the validated biomarkers offer valuable insights into the molecular pathways underlying disease development, additional studies are needed to confirm their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in larger, independent cohorts. Full article
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26 pages, 10132 KB  
Article
The Role of Oxytocin Neurons in the Paraventricular Nucleus in Chronic-Sleep-Deprivation-Mediated Abnormal Cardiovascular Responses
by Yifei Zhang, Yuxin Wang, Zhendong Xu, Xiangjie Kong, Hairong Wang, Zhibing Lu, Ming Chen and Linlin Bi
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47040220 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3336
Abstract
Sleep disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to examine the critical role of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVNOXT) in regulating the cardiovascular system and to elucidate potential mechanisms through [...] Read more.
Sleep disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to examine the critical role of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVNOXT) in regulating the cardiovascular system and to elucidate potential mechanisms through which sleep disturbance may contribute to cardiovascular diseases. In this study, using an automated sleep deprivation system, mice were given chronic sleep deprivation (cSD) for 7 days, 6 h per day. cSD induced blood transcriptomic alterations accompanied by lower heart rate, higher blood pressure, and elevated cardiac autophagy/apoptosis. Instant optogenetic activation of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVNOXT) provoked heart rate suppression in normal mice, whereas in cSD mice, activation precipitated intermittent cardiac arrest. On the contrary, inhibition of PVNOXT showed no influence on the cardiovascular system of normal mice, but it attenuated cSD-induced rise in blood pressure. Long-term low-frequency stimulation (LTF) of PVNOXT decreased neuronal excitability and oxytocin release, effectively reversing cSD-mediated cardiovascular responses. Mechanistically, cSD triggered the upregulation of blood-derived 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (mPST), and a suppression of PVNOXT postsynaptic activity to a certain extent. The quick and long-term decrease of oxytocin by LTF could lead to feedback inhibition in mPST expression and thus reverse cSD-mediated cardiovascular responses. Altogether, modulation of PVNOXT could mediate cSD-induced cardiovascular abnormalities without affecting normal mice. Our research provided potential targets and key mechanisms for cardiovascular diseases associated with sleep disorders. Full article
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19 pages, 3783 KB  
Article
Effects of a Three-Day vs. Six-Day Exposure to Normobaric Hypoxia on the Cardiopulmonary Function of Rats
by Charly Bambor, Sarah Daunheimer, Coralie Raffort, Julia Koedel, Aida Salameh and Beate Raßler
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47020125 - 14 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2230
Abstract
In rats, normobaric hypoxia significantly reduced left ventricular (LV) inotropic function while right ventricular (RV) function was not impaired. In parallel, the animals developed pulmonary edema and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether cardiac function and pulmonary injury would aggravate after [...] Read more.
In rats, normobaric hypoxia significantly reduced left ventricular (LV) inotropic function while right ventricular (RV) function was not impaired. In parallel, the animals developed pulmonary edema and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether cardiac function and pulmonary injury would aggravate after three and six days of hypoxia exposure or whether cardiopulmonary reactions to prolonged hypoxia would become weaker due to hypoxic acclimatization. Sixty-four female rats were exposed for 72 or 144 h to normoxia. They received a low-rate infusion (0.1 mL/h) with 0.9% NaCl solution. We evaluated indicators of the general condition, blood gas parameters, and hemodynamic function of the rats. In addition, we performed histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the lung. Despite a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration, the LV function deteriorated with prolonged hypoxia. In contrast, the RV systolic pressure and contractility steadily increased by six days of hypoxia. The pulmonary edema and inflammation persisted and rather increased with prolonged hypoxia. Furthermore, elevated protein concentration in the pleural fluid indicated capillary wall stress, which may have aggravated the pulmonary edema. In conclusion, six days of hypoxia and NaCl infusion place significant stress on the cardiopulmonary system of rats, as is also reflected by the 33% of premature deaths in this rat group. Full article
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Review

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19 pages, 1930 KB  
Review
Dynamic Organelle Remodeling in HIV-Associated Myocardial Disease: Mechanisms, Fibrotic Pathways, and Therapeutic Opportunities
by Katongo Hope Mutengo, Sepiso Kenias Masenga and Annet Kirabo
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(4), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48040371 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 518
Abstract
People with HIV experience a disproportionate burden of myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction that is not fully explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors or systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that HIV-associated cardiomyopathy originates from persistent disturbances in cardiomyocyte homeostasis driven by chronic immune-metabolic [...] Read more.
People with HIV experience a disproportionate burden of myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction that is not fully explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors or systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that HIV-associated cardiomyopathy originates from persistent disturbances in cardiomyocyte homeostasis driven by chronic immune-metabolic stress. Metabolic dysregulation, antiretroviral-related toxicity, and residual inflammatory signaling converge at the cardiomyocyte organelle level, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and impaired autophagy. These interrelated processes precede overt structural heart disease and promote progressive myocardial stiffening, despite effective viral suppression. Framing myocardial remodeling as a consequence of unresolved organelle stress highlights opportunities for earlier intervention, including aggressive management of metabolic risk factors, the use of established cardioprotective therapies with antifibrotic effects, and emerging strategies targeting mitochondrial and proteostatic pathways. This organelle-centered perspective supports prevention-focused approaches that combine accessible imaging modalities and circulating biomarkers to mitigate the long-term cardiovascular risk in people with HIV, particularly in resource-limited settings. Full article
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19 pages, 1474 KB  
Review
Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Fibrosis: A Pathologist’s Perspective
by Andrea Marzullo and Cecilia Salzillo
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(3), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48030278 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 735
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis represents a final common pathway in a wide range of cardiac disorders, leading to structural remodeling, diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure. From a pathologist’s viewpoint, fibrotic remodeling displays distinctive morphologic patterns such as interstitial, perivascular, and replacement fibrosis, which mirror specific [...] Read more.
Cardiac fibrosis represents a final common pathway in a wide range of cardiac disorders, leading to structural remodeling, diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure. From a pathologist’s viewpoint, fibrotic remodeling displays distinctive morphologic patterns such as interstitial, perivascular, and replacement fibrosis, which mirror specific cellular and molecular mechanisms. Central to this process is the activation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, driven by profibrotic signaling cascades such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog proteins (SMAD), Wingless/Integrated signaling pathway (Wnt)/βeta-catenin, and Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) pathways. Neurohumoral mediators, including angiotensin II and aldosterone, further amplify extracellular matrix synthesis and tissue stiffness. Epigenetic modulators and non-coding RNAs (n-c RNAs) orchestrate transcriptional programs that perpetuate fibroblast activation. Histopathological correlates of these molecular events, collagen deposition, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, and extracellular matrix (ECM) cross-linking, can be demonstrated through immunohistochemistry and digital morphometry. This review integrates molecular signaling and morphologic evidence to delineate the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis, emphasizing the pathologist’s role as a link between molecular insight and diagnostic interpretation. Understanding these intertwined processes provides the foundation for novel antifibrotic therapies targeting key molecular nodes of fibroblast activation and matrix remodeling. Full article
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21 pages, 382 KB  
Review
Molecular Pathology of Cardiomyopathies: Bridging Morphology, Genomics, and Clinical Phenotypes
by Andrea Marzullo and Cecilia Salzillo
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010060 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 902
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies represent a heterogeneous group of myocardial diseases that share overlapping clinical and genetic profiles but distinct morphological and molecular signatures. Advances in molecular genetics and next-generation sequencing have revolutionized the diagnostic landscape, revealing that up to 60% of cardiomyopathies have an identifiable [...] Read more.
Cardiomyopathies represent a heterogeneous group of myocardial diseases that share overlapping clinical and genetic profiles but distinct morphological and molecular signatures. Advances in molecular genetics and next-generation sequencing have revolutionized the diagnostic landscape, revealing that up to 60% of cardiomyopathies have an identifiable genetic basis. From a pathologist’s perspective, integrating histopathological findings with molecular data is crucial for understanding genotype–phenotype correlations and for guiding precision medicine. This review provides an updated overview of the molecular pathology of major cardiomyopathy subtypes, including dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, arrhythmogenic, and non-compaction forms. For each entity, we discuss morphologic hallmarks, genetic mechanisms, and their impact on disease progression and sudden cardiac death. Special emphasis is placed on the role of desmosomal, sarcomeric, and cytoskeletal proteins in myocardial structure and function, and on how their mutations disrupt cardiomyocyte integrity and signaling pathways. Furthermore, we address the emerging role of molecular autopsy in unexplained sudden cardiac death, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration among pathologists, geneticists, and clinicians. Finally, we highlight future directions in molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies, which are reshaping the classification and management of cardiomyopathies. Full article
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28 pages, 2012 KB  
Review
Role of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Natural Products in Curing Cardiovascular Diseases
by Amit Kulkarni, Chaitra Chidambar Kulkarni, Seetur Radhakrishna Pradeep, Jagadeesha Poyya, Avinash Kundadka Kudva, Vijay Radhakrishnan and Ajay Sathyanarayanrao Khandagale
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(11), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47110955 - 17 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3174
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide. According to the WHO, every year, there is an increase in the rate of death globally due to CVDs, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Several risk factors contribute to the development of CVDs, one [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide. According to the WHO, every year, there is an increase in the rate of death globally due to CVDs, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Several risk factors contribute to the development of CVDs, one of which is hypoxia, defined as a reduction in oxygen levels. This major stressor affects aerobic species and plays a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Research has uncovered the “hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) switch” and investigated the onset, progression, acute and chronic effects, and adaptations of hypoxia, particularly at high altitudes. The hypoxia signalling pathways are closely linked to natural rhythms such as the circadian rhythm and hibernation. In addition to genetic and evolutionary factors, epigenetics also plays an important role in postnatal cardiovascular responses to hypoxia. Oxidized LDL-C initiates atherosclerosis amidst oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular remodelling in CVD pathogenesis. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers are needed to identify individuals at risk of cardiovascular events and enhance risk prediction. Among these, C-reactive protein (CRP) is a recognized marker of vascular inflammation in coronary arteries. Elevated pro-atherogenic oxidized LDL (oxLDL) expression serves as an antioxidant marker, predicting coronary heart disease in apparently healthy men. Natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules protect the heart by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing vasodilation, and improving endothelial function. For instance, the flavonoid quercetin exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects primarily by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby enhancing cellular antioxidant defense and reducing reactive oxygen species. Carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, exhibit potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and preserving mitochondrial integrity. The alkaloid berberine mediates cardiovascular benefits through activation of AMO-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B [NF-kB] signalling, improving lipid metabolism and suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Emerging evidence highlights microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential regulators of oxidative stress via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog (SIRT1). While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, their benefits are likely to include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, notably reducing the susceptibility of low-density lipoproteins to oxidation. Additionally, the interactions between organs under hypoxia signalling underscore the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework that can support the identification of therapeutic targets, advance clinical research, and enhance treatments, including FDA-approved drugs and those in clinical trials. Promising natural products, including polysaccharides, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and peptides, as well as traditional Indian medicines, have demonstrated anti-hypoxic properties. Their mechanisms of action include increasing haemoglobin, glycogen, and ATP levels, reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, preserving mitochondrial function, and regulating genes related to apoptosis. These findings emphasise the importance of anti-hypoxia research for the development of effective therapies to combat this critical health problem. A recent approach to controlling CVDs involves the use of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutics through low-dose dietary supplementation. Despite their effectiveness at low doses, further research on ROS, antioxidants, and nutrition, supported by large multicentre trials, is needed to optimize this strategy. Full article
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15 pages, 2783 KB  
Review
Angiotensin II and Cardiovascular Disease: Balancing Pathogenic and Protective Pathways
by Ulvi Bayraktutan
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070501 - 1 Jul 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3595
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormone system that controls blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance. Angiotensin II, a key effector, is produced from angiotensin I by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and exerts its effects through binding to its type 1 (AT1R) or [...] Read more.
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormone system that controls blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance. Angiotensin II, a key effector, is produced from angiotensin I by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and exerts its effects through binding to its type 1 (AT1R) or type 2 (AT2R) receptors. AT1R activation promotes vasoconstriction, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, peripheral vascular resistance, and atherosclerosis, all of which substantially contribute to cellular senescence and organismal ageing. Conversely, AT2R activation counteracts these effects by inducing vascular relaxation and attenuating vascular cell proliferation and migration, offering protection against occlusive vascular disease. Additionally, conversion of angiotensin II to angiotensin (1-7) or angiotensin I to angiotensin (1-9) by ACE2 provides further cardiovascular protection by lowering oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal cell growth. Bearing these in mind, measures to control angiotensin II synthesis or receptor activity have been at the forefront of antihypertensive treatment. This paper briefly reviews the RAAS and explores the dual role of angiotensin II in promoting disease and mediating vascular protection, with a focus on its impact on ageing and cardiovascular pathology. Full article
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