Identification of novel molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

Research studies in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) field allowed the identification of several molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic drugs. In this context, inflammation plays a key role in the development of CVD. In particular, GRK2 a serine/threonine kinases is abundant in the heart and is a critical regulator of cardiac function. Indeed, GRK2 regulates NFkappaB that it represents a functional bridge between inflammation and cardiac pathologies. Moreover, GRK2 is also important for evolution of endothelium, which exerts a crucial role in maintaining vascular integrity. In addition, GRK2 is critical to preserve mitochondrial integrity and favor cardiac cell survival. Several other contributors to CVD have been identified, such as air pollution. Clinical and epidemiological studies demonstrate that short- and long-term exposure to air pollution increases mortality due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Also, anthracyclines, the most effective antineoplastic drugs, exert a dosedependent cardiotoxic effect leading to irreversible heart failure. Further studies will be needed to better explore these issues but these data have great translational potentiality with important clinical implications.