Cardiovascular disease Target

What is Cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular diseases are a class of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels and is the number one killer in the world. Some of the diseases include coronary artery disease which affects the blood supply to the heart muscle, cerebrovascular disease which is the disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain and may lead to stroke, and hypertension or high blood pressure. Other risk factors include; smoking, lack of physical activity, unhealth lifestyles, high cholesterol levels, and genetic predisposition.

Exploring Therapeutic Strategies by Mechanism of Action (MOA)

It is therefore important to understand the MOAs of all the different CVDs in order to be able to diagnose, manage and even prevent them. Here's how CVDs are categorized by their MOAs:Here's how CVDs are categorized by their MOAs:

• Atherosclerosis: This is a disease whereby there is accumulation of plaques in the arteries and leads to hardening of arteries and can cause diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and carotid artery disease.

• Thrombosis: Blood clots which are formed within the vessels may lead to obstruction of blood flow and may result in myocardial infarction, stroke or venous thromboembolism.

• Hypertension: Hypertension is a strain to the cardiovascular system and is a predictor of other CVDs such as stroke and heart failure.

• Heart Failure: These include ; congestive heart failure and left sided heart failure or right sided heart failure.

• Arrhythmias: Synthem the abnormal rhythms of the heart include the fast or irregular rates known as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

• Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease that leads to the abnormal heart muscle and it affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively with the types being dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

• Valve Disorders: Abnormal heart valves cause obstructive and regurgitant diseases that affect blood flow such as aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.

In the management of diseases or in diagnosis, the molecular targets or biomarkers for these MOAs are usually considered. This approach will facilitate generation of disease specific therapeutics and diagnostics that target the specific pathways for each of the CVDs based on the distinct UniProt IDs of the relevant targets.

Detailed Insights into Therapeutic and Diagnostic Targets of MOA-Based Strategies

CVDs are multifactorial conditions and management and/ or treatment may be directed at one or more molecular processes linked to the diseases. Below is a detailed table of therapeutic and diagnostic targets for various mechanisms of action (MOA) in CVDs:Below is a detailed table of therapeutic and diagnostic targets for various mechanisms of action (MOA) in CVDs:

MOA	Target/Biomarker	Target ID	Therapeutic Use	Diagnostic Use
Atherosclerosis	Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)	GM-T94692	Statins (e.g., atorvastatin) lower LDL-C levels to reduce plaque buildup.	LDL-C levels are a primary diagnostic marker for assessing CVD risk.
	PCSK9	GM-T62206	PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., evolocumab) lower LDL-C by preventing the degradation of LDL receptors.
Thrombosis	Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa	GM-TA029	Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel) and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (e.g., abciximab) prevent platelet aggregation.	Platelet function tests; specific inhibitors used in acute settings.
	Coagulation factor X	GM-T84631	Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban inhibit factor Xa, reducing the risk of clot formation.	Coagulation tests, including PT/INR, are used to monitor therapy.
Hypertension	Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)	GM-T82577	ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) lower blood pressure by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.	Blood pressure measurements; Renin and angiotensin levels.
	Angiotensin II receptor	GM-T74456	ARBs (e.g., losartan) block the action of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation.
Heart Failure	Beta-adrenergic receptors	GM-T52522	Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand.	Ejection fraction measured via echocardiography; BNP/NT-proBNP levels.
	B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)	GM-T55302	Natriuretic peptide receptor agonists (e.g., sacubitril/valsartan) enhance diuresis and natriuresis.	BNP and NT-proBNP are biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring HF.
Arrhythmias	Potassium channels	GM-T20251	Potassium channel blockers (e.g., amiodarone) used to treat various arrhythmias by affecting the electrical conduction of the heart.	ECG for diagnosis; specific biomarkers for myocardial damage (troponin).
	Sodium channels	GM-MP1486	Sodium channel blockers (e.g., flecainide) used to manage arrhythmias by slowing heart rate.
Cardiomyopathy	Myosin heavy chain 7	GM-T07507	Investigational drugs targeting sarcomere proteins to improve heart muscle function.	Genetic testing for mutations; Echocardiography for structural changes.
	Troponin	GM-T20186	Not directly targeted by therapies but used as a diagnostic marker for myocardial injury and cardiomyopathy.	Troponin levels indicate myocardial injury.
Valve Disorders	Natriuretic peptides	GM-T55302	Not directly targeted by current therapies but serve as biomarkers for heart failure secondary to valve disorders.	BNP/NT-proBNP levels can indicate cardiac stress due to valve disorders.