Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases: Diagnosis, Pathology and Treatment

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, destined to increase their diffusion due to the aging of the world population. Biomarker assessment represents a cornerstone for the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, in order to improve the management of these conditions, it is important to identify new molecular biomarkers reflecting new pathophysiological pathways involved in cardiovascular diseases.

In heart failure, the leading biomarkers used either in diagnosis or prognostic evaluation are natriuretic peptides released from cardiomyocytes in response to parietal stretch. Beyond this, there are other interesting and promising biomarkers, such as sST-2 or galectine-3, respectively, an interleukin receptor and a regulator of fibrosis development, which have been shown to be predictors of mortality and new onset of HF. Moreover, high-sensitivity troponins are useful biomarkers in several cardiovascular conditions. In myocardial infarction, their release is due to cardiomyocyte necrosis. Different studies have shown how progressive cardiomyocyte injury has also been demonstrated to be predictive of cardiovascular events in HF. Other biomarkers reflecting alternative pathophysiological pathways are under study. In particular, C-reactive protein, IL-6, fibrinogen and TNF-α are the biomarkers of inflammation, while isoprostane is a marker of oxidative stress.

To better highlight the recent advances, this Special Issue will focus on findings regarding new biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases, as well as innovative use of the already-known biomarkers that may help in patient management.

Specifically, original articles reporting new results or reviews of the current literature on this aspect will be taken into account. The Special Issue wants to focus on basic research (clinical studies are excluded from the scope of this Special Issue) to produce a more complete comprehension of the role of biomarkers in diagnostic, pathology and therapeutic guidance in cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Marco Valerio Mariani
Guest Editor

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