Page 168 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Key signaling proteins in cardiovascular disease

factors, and underlying systemic diseases, all of which effective interventions and novel therapeutic strategies. In
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contribute to the increasing global prevalence of CVD. 2 addition, the identification of network modules associated
Studies have shown a significant association with specific disease phenotypes offers valuable insights
between cognitive impairment and an increased risk of into underlying molecular mechanisms, facilitating the
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cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction discovery of new therapeutic targets. Integrating PPIs
(MI), stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. Similarly, with clinical data offers an opportunity to uncover potential
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depression has been consistently linked to an increased disease biomarkers. By correlating protein expression
risk of various CVDs. The underlying mechanisms likely levels or genetic variations with clinical parameters,
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involve shared risk factors, such as inflammation, oxidative researchers can identify proteins associated with disease
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stress, and endothelial dysfunction, which are implicated onset, severity, or prognosis. These biomarkers can aid
in cognitive decline, depression, and CVD. 5 in early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of CVDs,
providing new avenues for personalized medicine and
Heart attacks, scientifically referred to as MI, occur targeted interventions. 17
when there is a disruption in blood flow to the heart
muscle, leading to tissue damage or death. They commonly The incorporation of PPI networks into CVD research,
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result from atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty particularly for conditions such as MI and hypertension,
plaques accumulate in the coronary arteries, narrowing holds immense promise for advancing our understanding
the passages and restricting blood flow. A range of risk of disease mechanisms and identifying key proteins and
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factors, including smoking, elevated cholesterol levels, therapeutic targets. Therefore, this study was conducted
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hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle to investigate CVDs, with a specific focus on heart attacks
can contribute to the onset of heart attacks. Identifying and and hypertension, which are leading contributors to
managing these risk factors are pivotal in minimizing the global morbidity and mortality. The objective is to gain a
likelihood of heart attacks and reducing their burden on comprehensive understanding of the molecular pathways
individuals and society. underlying these conditions by examining key signaling
proteins, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes. The
Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular condition insights gained from this study may significantly enhance
often referred to as high blood pressure, is characterized by our understanding of the mechanisms driving CVD
persistently elevated blood pressure levels above the normal progression. These findings could also open new avenues
range. It poses a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular for developing advanced cardiovascular therapies in the
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conditions, such as MI, heart failure, stroke, and kidney future.
disease. Hypertension is influenced by various factors,
including genetic predisposition, an unhealthy diet, 2. Materials and methods
physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, A specific methodology was implemented in our previous
and stress. Recognizing the importance of blood pressure study to analyze PPIs using graph theory approaches.
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control and adopting lifestyle modifications or medication PPIs were treated as a space that follows metric properties,
are vital in preventing and managing this condition. with each interaction represented as a node in a graph.
In recent years, protein–protein interaction (PPI) The core center in each network was identified, and the
networks have emerged as powerful tools for studying the remaining proteins were categorized into distinct “zones”
intricate interplay between proteins involved in various based on their spatial positioning relative to the central
biological processes. PPIs offer a comprehensive framework protein, using graph-theoretical measures. For instance,
for deciphering the molecular interactions and pathways proteins located one step from the core were assigned to
involved in CVDs. These networks provide a holistic zone 1, while those two steps away were placed in zone
perspective, enabling the identification of key modules 2. The analysis revealed a radial interaction pattern, with
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and sub-networks that contribute to disease progression. a high concentration of proteins at the central node and
By integrating data from various sources, such as PPI fewer proteins distributed farther from the center. Protein
databases and gene expression profiles, researchers can distribution within the hierarchical structures of the
unravel the complex interplay between proteins involved network demonstrated biological significance. Based on
in CVDs. The application of PPIs in the analysis of CVDs these findings, it was concluded that evaluating PPIs as
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facilitates the exploration of potential therapeutic targets. a metric space, focusing on zones relative to the central
For instance, identifying highly connected proteins protein, can unveil important distinctions between PPIs
within the network, known as hubs, allows researchers to in normal and diseased tissues. Core proteins, particularly
prioritize crucial proteins that play vital roles in disease those involved in sensory functions, were proposed as
pathogenesis. Targeting these hubs could lead to more valuable therapeutic targets, further assessment of this
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Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 160 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.8086