Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 16, Issue 37, 2010

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and the main cause of heart disease is coronary artery disease [1]. This Special Issue on New Perspectives in Cardiovascular Medicine presents a series of reviews on potential new therapeutic targets for both vascular and cardiac pathologies. Unsurprisingly, given the powerful cardioprotective influence of endothelial cells, many of the reviews focus on Read More

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase produces ATP in cells and is found on the inner membrane of mitochondria or the cell plasma membrane (ectopic ATP synthase). Here, we summarize the functions of ectopic ATP synthase in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Ectopic ATP synthase is involved in adenosine metabolism on the cell surface through its ATP generation or hydrolysis activity. The ATP/ADP generated by the en Read More

Natriuretic peptides play a fundamental role in cardiovascular homeostasis by modulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and vascular tone. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) represents the paracrine element of the natriuretic peptide axis which complements the endocrine actions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). CNP is produced by the endothelium and the heart and appears to play a p Read More

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenously produced molecule that inhibits nitric oxide synthase and consequently may have adverse effects on physiology, in particular in the cardiovascular system. This review highlights the mechanisms involved in the synthesis and metabolism of ADMA and their role in the control of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. We describe how the effects of both cellular and circulating ADMA can a Read More

While many naturally occurring polyphenols have been shown to have therapeutic benefits against myocardial injury following ischemia-reperfusion in various experimental models, our studies have demonstrated that synthetic flavonoids may also have potent cardiac cytoprotective actions. Together with the results reported in the literature, we suggest that synthetic polyphenols may be an ideal replacement for natural com Read More

Inflammation plays a fundamental role in many chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis associated cardiovascular disease. Adhesion of immune cells plays a critical role in the inflammatory response and indeed the pathophysiology of inflammatory related diseases. P-selectin is an inflammatory adhesion molecule, enabling the recruitment of leukocytes to the endothelium and to activated platelets involved in the gr Read More

The platelet integrin GPIIb/IIIa plays an essential role in thrombus formation through interactions with adhesive ligands and has emerged as a primary target for the development of anti-thrombotic agents. Receptor activation is under strict control, with activators, inhibitors, and signalling mechanisms controlling its conformation. Structural biology research has produced high-resolution images defining the ligand binding sit Read More

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The disease is largely controlled with interventions managing atherogenic lipids including LDL and triglycerides. However a number of studies have shown that increasing HDL levels is likely to provide better outcomes for patients suffering from this disease. There has been an extensive research effort into understanding how HDL levels are r Read More

This review describes the clinical application of β-adrenergic blocking drugs over time in patients with congestive heart failure. The different pharmacological properties of these drugs in relation to clinical outcomes raise questions as to their optimal desirable profile based on studies showing the undesirable effects of excessive β2-AR activation. The rationale for the use of selective β2-AR antagonists in heart failure is discussed.