1
|
Alradwan I, AL Fayez N, Alomary MN, Alshehri AA, Aodah AH, Almughem FA, Alsulami KA, Aldossary AM, Alawad AO, Tawfik YMK, Tawfik EA. Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review towards Healthier Aging. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1037. [PMID: 39204382 PMCID: PMC11360443 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16081037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are classed as diseases of aging, which are associated with an increased prevalence of atherosclerotic lesion formation caused by such diseases and is considered as one of the leading causes of death globally, representing a severe health crisis affecting the heart and blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is described as a chronic condition that can lead to myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease and to date, most pharmacological therapies mainly aim to control risk factors in patients with cardiovascular disease. Advances in transformative therapies and imaging diagnostics agents could shape the clinical applications of such approaches, including nanomedicine, biomaterials, immunotherapy, cell therapy, and gene therapy, which are emerging and likely to significantly impact CVD management in the coming decade. This review summarizes the current anti-atherosclerotic therapies' major milestones, strengths, and limitations. It provides an overview of the recent discoveries and emerging technologies in nanomedicine, cell therapy, and gene and immune therapeutics that can revolutionize CVD clinical practice by steering it toward precision medicine. CVD-related clinical trials and promising pre-clinical strategies that would significantly impact patients with CVD are discussed. Here, we review these recent advances, highlighting key clinical opportunities in the rapidly emerging field of CVD medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Alradwan
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Nojoud AL Fayez
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Mohammad N. Alomary
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Abdullah A. Alshehri
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Alhassan H. Aodah
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Fahad A. Almughem
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Khulud A. Alsulami
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| | - Ahmad M. Aldossary
- Wellness and Preventative Medicine Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah O. Alawad
- Healthy Aging Research Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yahya M. K. Tawfik
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Essam A. Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.F.); (M.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (A.H.A.); (F.A.A.); (K.A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Beghini A, Sammartino AM, Papp Z, von Haehling S, Biegus J, Ponikowski P, Adamo M, Falco L, Lombardi CM, Pagnesi M, Savarese G, Metra M, Tomasoni D. 2024 update in heart failure. ESC Heart Fail 2024. [PMID: 38806171 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last years, major progress has occurred in heart failure (HF) management. The 2023 ESC focused update of the 2021 HF guidelines introduced new key recommendations based on the results of the last years of science. First, two drugs, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and finerenone, a novel nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), are recommended for the prevention of HF in patients with diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Second, SGLT2 inhibitors are now recommended for the treatment of HF across the entire left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum. The benefits of quadruple therapy in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are well established. Its rapid and early up-titration along with a close follow-up with frequent clinical and laboratory re-assessment after an episode of acute HF (the so-called 'high-intensity care' strategy) was associated with better outcomes in the STRONG-HF trial. Patients experiencing an episode of worsening HF might require a fifth drug, vericiguat. In the STEP-HFpEF-DM and STEP-HFpEF trials, semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly administered for 1 year decreased body weight and significantly improved quality of life and the 6 min walk distance in obese patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with or without a history of diabetes. Further data on safety and efficacy, including also hard endpoints, are needed to support the addition of acetazolamide or hydrochlorothiazide to a standard diuretic regimen in patients hospitalized due to acute HF. In the meantime, PUSH-AHF supported the use of natriuresis-guided diuretic therapy. Further options and most recent evidence for the treatment of HF, including specific drugs for cardiomyopathies (i.e., mavacamten in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and tafamidis in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis), device therapies, cardiac contractility modulation and percutaneous treatment of valvulopathies, with the recent finding from the TRILUMINATE Pivotal trial, are also reviewed in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Beghini
- Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Maria Sammartino
- Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Zoltán Papp
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Stephan von Haehling
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan Biegus
- Institute of Heart Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Piotr Ponikowski
- Institute of Heart Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marianna Adamo
- Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi Falco
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Mario Lombardi
- Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Pagnesi
- Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Savarese
- Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Heart and Vascular and Neuro Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Metra
- Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Tomasoni
- Institute of Cardiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thau H, Neuber S, Emmert MY, Nazari-Shafti TZ. Targeting Lipoprotein(a): Can RNA Therapeutics Provide the Next Step in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease? Cardiol Ther 2024; 13:39-67. [PMID: 38381282 PMCID: PMC10899152 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-024-00353-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous genetic and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and cardiovascular disease. As a result, lowering Lp(a) levels is widely recognized as a promising strategy for reducing the risk of new-onset coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Lp(a) consists of a low-density lipoprotein-like particle with covalently linked apolipoprotein A (apo[a]) and apolipoprotein B-100, which explains its pro-thrombotic, pro-inflammatory, and pro-atherogenic properties. Lp(a) serum concentrations are genetically determined by the apo(a) isoform, with shorter isoforms having a higher rate of particle synthesis. To date, there are no approved pharmacological therapies that effectively reduce Lp(a) levels. Promising treatment approaches targeting apo(a) expression include RNA-based drugs such as pelacarsen, olpasiran, SLN360, and lepodisiran, which are currently in clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed overview of RNA-based therapeutic approaches and discuss the recent advances and challenges of RNA therapeutics specifically designed to reduce Lp(a) levels and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Thau
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neuber
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Y Emmert
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8044, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Timo Z Nazari-Shafti
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité (Junior) (Digital) Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. RNA Therapeutics for the Cardiovascular System. Circulation 2024; 149:707-716. [PMID: 38408142 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.067373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics hold significant promise in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. RNAs are biologically diverse and functionally specific and can be used for gain- or loss-of-function purposes. The effectiveness of mRNA-based vaccines in the recent COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly proven the benefits of an RNA-based approach. RNA-based therapies are becoming more common as a treatment modality for cardiovascular disease. This is most evident in hypertension where several small interfering RNA-based drugs have proven to be effective in managing high blood pressure in several clinical trials. As befits a rapidly burgeoning field, there is significant interest in other classes of RNA. Revascularization of the infarcted heart through an mRNA drug is under clinical investigation. mRNA technology may provide the platform for the expression of paracrine factors for myocardial protection and regeneration. Emergent technologies on the basis of microRNAs and gene editing are tackling complex diseases in a novel fashion. RNA-based gene editing offers hope of permanent cures for monogenic cardiovascular diseases, and long-term control of complex diseases such as essential hypertension, as well. Likewise, microRNAs are proving effective in regenerating cardiac muscle. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current landscape of RNA-based therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The review describes the large number of RNA molecules that exist with a discussion of the clinical development of each RNA type. In addition, the review also presents a number of avenues for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (V.J.D., C.P.H.)
- National Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC (V.J.D.)
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (V.J.D., C.P.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sarzani R, Spannella F, Di Pentima C, Giulietti F, Landolfo M, Allevi M. Molecular Therapies in Cardiovascular Diseases: Small Interfering RNA in Atherosclerosis, Heart Failure, and Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:328. [PMID: 38203499 PMCID: PMC10778861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) represents a novel, fascinating therapeutic strategy that allows for selective reduction in the production of a specific protein through RNA interference. In the cardiovascular (CV) field, several siRNAs have been developed in the last decade. Inclisiran has been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) circulating levels with a reassuring safety profile, also in older patients, by hampering proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) production. Olpasiran, directed against apolipoprotein(a) mRNA, prevents the assembly of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] particles, a lipoprotein linked to an increased risk of ischemic CV disease and heart valve damage. Patisiran, binding transthyretin (TTR) mRNA, has demonstrated an ability to improve heart failure and polyneuropathy in patients with TTR amyloidosis, even in older patients with wild-type form. Zilebesiran, designed to reduce angiotensinogen secretion, significantly decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Thanks to their effectiveness, safety, and tolerability profile, and with a very low number of administrations in a year, thus overcoming adherence issues, these novel drugs are the leaders of a new era in molecular therapies for CV diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Sarzani
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, ESH “Hypertension Excellence Centre”, SISA LIPIGEN Centre, IRCCS INRCA, 60127 Ancona, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Spannella
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, ESH “Hypertension Excellence Centre”, SISA LIPIGEN Centre, IRCCS INRCA, 60127 Ancona, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Pentima
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, ESH “Hypertension Excellence Centre”, SISA LIPIGEN Centre, IRCCS INRCA, 60127 Ancona, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Federico Giulietti
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, ESH “Hypertension Excellence Centre”, SISA LIPIGEN Centre, IRCCS INRCA, 60127 Ancona, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Landolfo
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, ESH “Hypertension Excellence Centre”, SISA LIPIGEN Centre, IRCCS INRCA, 60127 Ancona, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Allevi
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, ESH “Hypertension Excellence Centre”, SISA LIPIGEN Centre, IRCCS INRCA, 60127 Ancona, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|