CONTENT

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by a series of abnormalities in downstream molecular signaling pathways, including DNA damage, immune dysregulation, VEGF signaling deficiency, and the ferroptosis process. These may represent the core pathophysiological mechanisms of PAH. Shao et al from China aimed to identify the key pathways and potential therapeutic targets for PAH and to further evaluate the antiPAH effects of isorhamnetin.

There is increasing evidence that thrombomodulin (THBD) polymorphisms along with inflammatory markers (i.e. C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, albumin), may increase the risk of myocardial infarction (AMI). Mehri et al from Austria investigated the role of the THBD −33G>A polymorphism (rs1042579) as a marker of AMI risk and to correlate it with serum levels of inflammatory markers.

Cardiac fibrosis, a key contributor to heart failure, is driven by the activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), often induced by Angiotensin II (Ang II). Relaxin, a peptide hormone, has been reported to counteract fibrotic processes. Liu et al from China evaluated the anti-fibrotic effects of relaxin on Ang II-induced CF activation, with a focus on the involvement of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are known for their benefits in conditions like cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes and obesity. They also show promise for aging-related conditions with minimal side effects. However, their impact on cardiovascular risk is still debated. So Olğar et al from Türkiye examined acute GLP-1R agonism on the electrical activity of elderly hearts.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with small diameter stents (SDS), that are equal to or less than 2.5 mm in diameter face increased risks of restenosis and complications. Algazzar et al from Saudi Arabia aimed to evaluate the 1-year follow up to assess rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and bleeding risk between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in T2DM patients after SDS implantation. What are the results?

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I hope this new issue will be interest of our readers.