Harnessing Redox Status and Novel Molecular Signals and Targets Involved in Oxidative Stress to Afford Cardioprotection: From Experimental Insights to Clinical Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) play crucial roles as messengers in numerous biological processes. They are involved in regulating various redox-sensitive signaling pathways and organ functions, including cardiovascular regulation. The preservation of the nitroso/redox balance in the heart is maintained by major endogenous antioxidant systems that finely control ROS and RNS levels to prevent their accumulation. Additionally, within the vasculature, ROS and RNS are intricately involved in regulating several vascular processes, such as endothelial and smooth muscle cell function, angiogenesis, and vascular tone. However, the inefficient removal of these reactive species can disrupt normal redox signaling pathways, leading to cardiovascular oxidative stress. While there are various causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD), oxidative stress is a common pathological factor in most cases. It can alter myocardial calcium and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, induce inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, cause arrhythmia, and contribute to adverse cardiac remodeling by promoting hypertrophy and cell death. Oxidative stress not only affects the myocardium, correlating with left ventricular dysfunction, but also promotes endothelial dysfunction and the progression of atherosclerosis. Although several cardioprotective approaches targeting oxidative stress—such as the administration of exogenous antioxidants, stimulation of key endogenous antioxidant systems, and inhibition of pro-oxidant pathways—have shown potential benefits in pre-clinical and small clinical studies, there is still significant discrepancy in the results from most short- and long-term clinical trials. As a result, much remains unknown about the complex network of interconnected pathways that govern redox status in the cardiovascular system and the actions of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants in providing cardioprotection.

This Special Issue aims to explore the impact of redox status and oxidative stress, along with potential therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular disease, including but not limited to coronary heart disease, myocardial ischemia, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. We welcome pre-clinical (in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro, and in silico), translational, and clinical studies, as well as critical review articles. Through this invitation, we hope to further elucidate the role of oxidative stress in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases and enhance our understanding of the experimental and clinical factors contributing to the discrepancies observed in antioxidant therapies for the treatment and prevention of CVD.

Prof. Dr. Tommaso Angelone
Dr. Carmine Rocca
Dr. Anna De Bartolo
Guest Editors

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• oxidative stress
• redox signaling
• cardioprotection
• antioxidants
• heart disease
• vascular dysfunction
• molecular targets
• therapeutic approaches