Metabolic Dysregulation in Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Abstract

Metabolic dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), linking systemic metabolic disorders to cardiac dysfunction. Key mechanisms include insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation, contributing to endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and myocardial remodeling. Insulin resistance disrupts glucose and lipid metabolism, leading to elevated free fatty acids and triglycerides that promote vascular inflammation and plaque formation. Dyslipidemia exacerbates oxidative stress and endothelial injury, fostering atherogenesis. Chronic inflammation, driven by adipokines and cytokines from dysfunctional adipose tissue, further aggravates vascular and cardiac damage. Therapeutic targets are being explored to mitigate these metabolic disturbances, including agents that improve insulin sensitivity, modulate lipid profiles, and reduce inflammation. Novel strategies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory therapies hold promise in addressing the metabolic underpinnings of CVD, offering a multifaceted approach to treatment and prevention.