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Pathophysiology and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular, Cardiometabolic, and Cardiorenal Diseases

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 613

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Clinical and Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
Interests: cardiology; cardiovascular diseases
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with their burden further amplified by metabolic disorders and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The interplay of cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal dysfunction defines the expanding spectrum of cardiometabolic and cardiorenal diseases, representing critical public health and socioeconomic challenges. Despite therapeutic progress, the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic dysregulation, renal impairment, and cardiovascular pathology remain incompletely understood, hindering the implementation of effective precision medicine. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences aims to provide a comprehensive platform for cutting-edge research into the molecular and cellular pathways underlying cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, and cardiorenal diseases. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, signaling mechanisms in vascular and myocardial remodeling, oxidative stress and redox biology, inflammation and immune regulation, genetic and epigenetic determinants, non-coding RNAs and transcriptomic regulation, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, and novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. Special emphasis will be placed on studies elucidating the molecular crosstalk between the heart, kidneys, and metabolic organs, as well as translational approaches bridging basic science with clinical outcomes. By gathering original research articles and state-of-the-art reviews, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of the complex molecular networks underlying cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, and cardiorenal diseases and to foster innovative strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

Prof. Dr. Carmine Savoia
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • heart failure
  • cardiorenal syndrome
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • endothelial dysfunction
  • fibrosis and remodeling
  • mitochondrial function and energy metabolism
  • insulin resistance
  • epigenetics and microRNAs
  • biomarkers and precision medicine

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

28 pages, 1787 KB  
Review
Adipokines and Vascular Modulators in CKM: Emerging Biomarkers as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets
by Cezara-Andreea Gerdanovics, Șoimița-Mihaela Suciu, Olga-Hilda Orășan, Ioana Para, Vladiana-Romina Turi, Mircea-Vasile Milaciu, Mirela-Georgiana Perne, Lorena Ciumărnean, Nicoleta-Valentina Leach, Teodora-Gabriela Alexescu, Vlad-Dumitru Brata, Alexandru Gerdanovics and Angela Cozma
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11083; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211083 - 16 Nov 2025
Viewed by 463
Abstract
Cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome represents an integrated clinical and molecular continuum encompassing metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. This multidimensional disorder arises from interdependent biological pathways that extend beyond conventional risk factors. Emerging evidence highlights a group of adipokines and vascular modulators—including [...] Read more.
Cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome represents an integrated clinical and molecular continuum encompassing metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. This multidimensional disorder arises from interdependent biological pathways that extend beyond conventional risk factors. Emerging evidence highlights a group of adipokines and vascular modulators—including retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), lipocalin 2 (LCN2), apolipoprotein M (ApoM), Klotho and matrix Gla protein (MGP)—emerging molecular modulators with potential involvement in CKM pathophysiology. Pro-inflammatory adipokines such as RBP4 and LCN2 contribute to insulin resistance, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. In contrast, protective molecules including ApoM and Klotho preserve nitric oxide bioavailability, lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense. MGP modulates vascular calcification and adipose remodeling, with its inactive form (dp-ucMGP) linked to vascular stiffness and renal decline. The combined dysregulation of these molecules sustains cycles of inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue remodeling that drive CKM progression. Collectively, current data support their dual role as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Nonetheless, clinical translation remains limited, emphasizing the need for standardized assays, longitudinal validation, and integrative multimarker approaches within precision medicine frameworks for CKM syndrome. Full article
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