The Role of the Vascular System in Degenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Implications

Abstract

Degenerative diseases, encompassing a wide range of conditions affecting various organ systems, pose significant challenges to global healthcare systems. This comprehensive review explores the intricate interplay between the vascular system and degenerative diseases, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms and profound implications for disease progression and management. The pivotal role of the vascular system in maintaining tissue homeostasis is highlighted, as it serves as the conduit for oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to vital organs and tissues. Due to the vital role of the vascular system in maintaining homeostasis, its dysfunction, characterized by impaired blood flow, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammation, emerges as a common denominator of degenerative diseases across multiple systems. In the nervous system, we explored the influence of vascular factors on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, emphasizing the critical role of cerebral blood flow regulation and the blood–brain barrier. Within the kidney system, the intricate relationship between vascular health and chronic kidney disease is scrutinized, unraveling the mechanisms by which hypertension and other vascular factors contribute to renal dysfunction. Throughout this review, we emphasize the clinical significance of understanding vascular involvement in degenerative diseases and potential therapeutic interventions targeting vascular health, highlighting emerging treatments and prevention strategies. In conclusion, a profound appreciation of the role of the vascular system in degenerative diseases is essential for advancing our understanding of degenerative disease pathogenesis and developing innovative approaches for prevention and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive foundation for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers seeking to address the intricate relationship between vascular health and degenerative diseases in pursuit of improved patient outcomes and enhanced public health.

Atherosclerosis and Bidirectional Relationship between Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside—Part 1

“…The reasons for such interest are certified by 2021 Global Disease Burden data where unhealthy "dietary risk" and air pollution have passed cigarette smoking in the ranking of CV risk factors [30] and by the newest evidence of clinical impact of microplastics and nano-plastics contaminant in atherosclerotic plaques [31,32]. Almost all the components of the exposome raise the endocrinesympathetic response to stress, alter the metabolic state in the obesogenic sense, increase oxidative stress and inflammation [33][34][35], furthermore they affect haematopoiesis, the circulating leukocytes, and the recruitment of monocytes in the atherosclerotic plaque [36]. In the last analysis, the trajectory of CVD is increasingly recognized as being shaped by intricate interactions between polygenic factors and environmental influences.…”

Atherosclerosis and the Bidirectional Relationship between Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside—Part 1

“…The reasons for such interest are certified by 2021 Global Disease Burden data where unhealthy "dietary risk" and air pollution have passed cigarette smoking in the ranking of CV risk factors [30] and by the newest evidence of the clinical impact of microplastic and nanoplastic contaminants in atherosclerotic plaques [31,32]. Almost all the components of the exposome raise the endocrine-sympathetic response to stress, alter the metabolic state in the obesogenic sense, and increase oxidative stress and inflammation [33][34][35]. Furthermore, they affect hematopoiesis, the circulating leukocytes, and the recruitment of monocytes in the atherosclerotic plaque [36].…”