Abstract

PATHOLOGICAL SIGNALING PATHWAYS AND THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES FOR CARDIAC FIBROSIS: A REVIEW

Idris Mithaiwala*, Anas Jamsa and Shery Babu

ABSTRACT

Background: Cardiovascular diseases encompass various disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, including cardiac fibrosis, which is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in cardiac muscles. This results in alterations in the composition and quality of the cardiac matrix, leading to impaired cardiac function. The development of cardiac fibrosis is associated with aberrant activation of signaling pathways, which represent potential therapeutic targets. Main Body: This review discusses the pathological activation and prognosis of cardiac fibrosis, the role of signaling pathways in its pathogenesis, and current targeted anti-fibrotic therapies and diagnostic approaches. Conclusions: By understanding the underlying signaling pathways and their dysregulation in cardiac fibrosis, novel therapeutic strategies can be developed to mitigate the progression of this condition and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Cardiac Fibrosis, extracellular matrix protein, Transforming growth factor ?, Connective-tissue growth factor, Cardiac magnetic resonance.