Endothelial Function and Cardiovascular Disease: Molecular Advances and Challenges

Dear Colleagues,

The keeping endothelial function plays a central role for the regulation of physiologic processes related to the cardiovascular system. In general, endothelial activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress may represent the starting points leading to later events, like endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and endothelial apoptosis, which result in the loss of endothelial function and the genesis of various cardiovascular diseases. This phenomenon has a multifactorial nature, being influenced by genetics and aging, as well as lifestyle.

Understanding the dynamic interplay between the above causes and traditional risks factors is crucial for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and to tailor therapeutic interventions focused on the treatment of the different pathologies by targeting the underlying mechanism(s).

Speaking about molecular advances, pathways related to endothelial senescence, such as those involving sirtuins, klotho, and nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), could represent interesting and innovative therapeutic targets to treat or prevent cardiovascular aging and age-related vascular pathologies. Also, endothelium-derived vesicles could act both as biomarkers and contributors to the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases and represent challenges.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect information about innovative aspects related to the regulation of endothelial functions and about their role in the genesis of cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to the knowledge of molecular advances in this field, it could be possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of endothelial dysfunctions and to develop strategies to mitigate their impact on cardiovascular diseases’ onset and progression.

Dr. Elena Grossini
Guest Editor

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