Targeted Therapy to Reverse an Aortic Stenosis – A Serious Cardiovascular Disease
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most commonly acquired valvular disorder in developed countries. CAVD ranges from moderate thickening of the valve, known as aortic valve sclerosis, to severe impairment of the valve motion, which is characterized by aortic valve stenosis. The occurrence of CAVD is nearing epidemic status in which there is aortic sclerosis without the obstruction of the left ventricular outflow, which is present in almost 35% of adults aged over 65 years. As there is no current medical therapy to treat or slow the progression of CAVD, surgery for advanced disease represents the only available treatment. Aortic valve replacement is the second most frequently performed cardiac surgical procedure after coronary artery bypass grafting, and subsequently, CAVD represents a major public and financial burden. The pathophysiological development of CAVD is somewhat defined. At present, the major methods for its diagnosis are clinical examination, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization. Yet, due to the multiple biological pathways leading to CAVD Aortic valve calcification is a condition in which calcium deposits form on the aortic valve in the heart. These sediments can cause narrowing at the opening of the aortic valve. This narrowing can become acute enough to reduce blood flow through the aortic valve – a condition known as aortic valve stenosis. If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to death by heart failure.
Figure 4. Targeted Therapy to Reverse an Aortic Stenosis
Our studies include unique and novel combinations of experimental methods and approaches, animal models, and drug delivery system which is only possible through the novel grouping of the investigative team with diverse training and background from genetically engineered mouse modeling of Aortic Stenosis and therapy and industry-based drug discovery and drug delivery (Figure 4). Overall, our efforts have been to eradicate AV calcification by candidate drugs and/or small molecules as a potential therapy to restore aortic valve structure and function.
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