Kv11.1 (hERG1) channels, encoded by KCNH2, mediate the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) crucial for cardiac repolarization. Disruptions, via mutations or antiarrhythmic drugs like dofetilide cause severe arrhythmogenic disorders, including Long QT Syndrome Type 2 (LQT2), Brugada Syndrome (BrS), and Torsades de Pointes (TdP). While Kv11.1’s role in channelopathies and drug-induced arrhythmias is established, understanding its complex regulation and therapeutic targeting remains a challenge. This review synthesizes the structural, functional, and regulatory aspects of Kv11.1 channels and their clinical implications. Recent studies using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes highlight regulation by PI3K/Akt, PKC, and PKA signaling via phosphorylation (Ser283, Ser890) and interactions with proteins like 14-3-3. Beyond electrophysiology, Kv11.1 influences pathological hypertrophy and non-cardiac functions including insulin secretion. Pharmacological efforts focus on activators to shorten action potential duration and suppress TdP, and blockers with overdose risks. Mutation heterogeneity, exemplified by trafficking impairment (G785D) in LQT2 and gain-of-function (R397C) in BrS, complicates precision therapy. Clinically, systematic risk stratification using electrocardiographic parameters and genotype-specific approaches enables personalized management. Beta-blockers remain first-line therapy for LQTS2, while rigorous avoidance of QT-prolonging medications and electrolyte monitoring form the cornerstones of preventive care. Advancing Kv11.1-targeted therapies with approaches like CRISPR-Cas9 and pharmacological chaperones (e.g., lumacaftor) holds promise for personalized treatments, ultimately reducing arrhythmic events and sudden cardiac death.
Recent studies in cardiac biology have identified a complex interplay between the Hippo, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways, establishing an integrated regulatory network that influences cardiac growth and function. Deletion of MST1/2 activates the YAP/TAZ, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch pathways, highlighting the key role of YAP/TAZ in facilitating the crosstalk of these pathways. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibits the positive feedback loop between Notch signaling and YAP/TAZ, elucidating the dynamic balance of these signaling systems. Communication between YAP and β-catenin in the nucleus regulates the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation and reprogramming, including Sox2 and Snai2. Although YAP forms a complex with the transcription factors TEAD/TEF while β-catenin with LEF/TCF, the two pathways exhibit distinct regulatory functions with partial overlap in gene targets. The Hippo pathway regulates heart size and cardiomyocyte proliferation by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Disruption of this balance can result in aberrant cardiac development and associated diseases, highlighting the need for a thorough understanding of these interactions. Therapeutics targeting of these signaling pathways have the potential to impact cardiac development and repair, creating new treatment options for heart disease.
L-type Ca2+ channels, particularly CaV1.2, play a crucial role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and are known to exhibit mechanosensitivity. However, the mechanisms regulating their response to mechanical stress remain poorly understood. To investigate the mechanosensitivity and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, we used RNA sequencing to assess isoform expression and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to measure L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) under controlled mechanical and pharmacological conditions. RNA sequencing revealed predominant expression of CaV1.2 (TPM: 0.1170 ± 0.0075) compared to CaV1.3 (0.0021 ± 0.0002) and CaV1.1 (0.0002 ± 0.0002). Local axial stretch (6–10 μm) consistently reduced ICa,L in proportion to stretch magnitude. The NO donor SNAP (200 μM) had variable effects on basal ICa,L in unstretched cells (stimulatory, inhibitory, or biphasic) but consistently restored stretch-reduced ICa,L to control levels. Ascorbic acid (10 μM), which reduces S-nitrosylation, increased basal ICa,L and partially restored the reduction caused by stretch, implicating S-nitrosylation in channel regulation. The sGC inhibitor ODQ (5 μM) decreased ICa,L in both stretched and unstretched cells, indicating involvement of the NO–cGMP pathway. Mechanical stress modulates L-type Ca2+ channels through a complex interplay between S-nitrosylation and NO–cGMP signaling, with S-nitrosylation playing a predominant role in stretch-induced effects. This mechanism may represent a key component of cardiac mechanotransduction and could be relevant for therapeutic targeting in cardiac pathologies involving mechanically induced dysfunction.
Since hypergravity and simulated microgravity alter the morphological and physiological properties of the heart and the quantity of gene transcripts for mechanically gated channels (MGCs), it was hypothesized that cardiomyocyte sensitivity to stretching would be altered. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique during stretching of isolated cells, we have demonstrated that hypergravity in rats increases cardiomyocyte sensitivity to stretching, which manifests as a pronounced increase in the ion currents through MGCs in response to cell stretching. On the contrary, simulated microgravity substantially decreases cardiomyocyte sensitivity to stretching, which manifests as a significant reduction in stretch-induced currents through MGCs. Considering previously published data, we believe that these effects are based on the respective increase or decrease in MGC gene transcripts.
Ion channels activity is regulated through soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and adenylate cyclase (AC) pathways, while phosphodiesterases (PDE) control the intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP. Here we applied RNA transcriptome sequencing to study changes in the gene expression of the sGC, AC, and PDE isoforms in isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes under conditions of microgravity and hypergravity. Our results demonstrate that microgravity reduces the expression of sGC isoform genes, while hypergravity increases their expression. For a subset of AC isoforms, gene expression either increased or decreased under both microgravity and hypergravity conditions. The expression of genes encoding 10 PDE isoforms decreased under microgravity, but increased under hypergravity. However, under both microgravity and hypergravity, the gene expression increased for 7 PDE isoforms and decreased for 3 PDE isoforms. Overall, our findings indicate specific gravity-dependent changes in the expression of genes of isoforms associated with the studied enzymes.
This manuscript explores the intricate role of acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier potassium (KACh) channels in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia. It delves into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin AF, emphasizing the vital function of KACh channels in modulating the atrial action potential and facilitating arrhythmogenic conditions. This study underscores the dual nature of KACh activation and its genetic regulation, revealing that specific variations in potassium channel genes, such as Kir3.4 and K2P3.1, significantly influence the electrophysiological remodeling associated with AF. Furthermore, this manuscript identifies the crucial role of the KACh-mediated current, IKACh, in sustaining arrhythmia through facilitating shorter re-entry circuits and stabilizing the re-entrant circuits, particularly in response to vagal nerve stimulation. Experimental findings from animal models, which could not induce AF in the absence of muscarinic activation, highlight the dependency of AF induction on KACh channel activity. This is complemented by discussions on therapeutic interventions, where KACh channel blockers have shown promise in AF management. Additionally, this study discusses the broader implications of KACh channel behavior, including its ubiquitous presence across different cardiac regions and species, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of AF dynamics. The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that targeting KACh channels might offer new therapeutic avenues for AF treatment, particularly in cases resistant to conventional approaches. By integrating genetic, cellular, and pharmacological perspectives, this manuscript offers a holistic view of the potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets in AF, making a significant contribution to the field of cardiac arrhythmia research.
Glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5) overexpression has gained increasing attention due to its profound implications for tumorigenesis. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the key findings and implications associated with GLUT5 overexpression in cancer. GLUT5 has been found to be upregulated in various cancer types, leading to alterations in fructose metabolism and enhanced glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen, a hallmark of cancer cells. This metabolic shift provides cancer cells with an alternative energy source and contributes to their uncontrolled growth and survival. Beyond its metabolic roles, recent research has unveiled additional aspects of GLUT5 in cancer biology. GLUT5 overexpression appears to play a critical role in immune evasion mechanisms, which further worsens tumor progression and complicates therapeutic interventions. This dual role of GLUT5 in both metabolic reprogramming and immune modulation highlights its significance as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving GLUT5 overexpression is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies that can disrupt the unique vulnerabilities of GLUT5-overexpressing cancer cells. This review emphasizes the complexities surrounding GLUT5’s involvement in cancer and underscores the pressing need for continued research to unlock its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target, ultimately improving cancer management and patient outcomes.
Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is a metabolite of curcumin (CUR). It shares many of CUR’s beneficial biological activities in addition to being more water-soluble, chemically stable, and bioavailable compared to CUR. However, its mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. This paper addresses the preventive role of THC on various brain dysfunctions as well as its effects on brain redox processes, traumatic brain injury, ischemia-reperfusion injury, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease in various animal or cell culture models. In addition to its strong antioxidant properties, the effects of THC on the reduction of amyloid β aggregates are also well documented. The therapeutic potential of THC to treat patterns of mitochondrial brain dysmorphic dysfunction is also addressed and thoroughly reviewed, as is evidence from experimental studies about the mechanism of mitochondrial failure during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. THC treatment also results in a dose-dependent decrease in ERK-mediated phosphorylation of GRASP65, which prevents further compartmentalization of the Golgi apparatus. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is possibly the most involved mechanism in the anti-apoptotic effect of THC. Overall, studies in various animal models of different brain disorders suggest that THC can be used as a dietary supplement to protect against traumatic brain injury and even improve brain function in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. We suggest further preclinical studies be conducted to demonstrate the brain-protective, anti-amyloid, and anti-Parkinson effects of THC. Application of the methods used in the currently reviewed studies would be useful and should help define doses and methods of THC administration in different disease conditions.
The study aimed to identify transcripts of specific ion channels in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes and determine their potential role in the regulation of ionic currents in response to mechanical stimulation. The gene expression levels of various ion channels in freshly isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were investigated using the RNA-seq technique. We also measured changes in current through CaV1.2 channels under cell stretching using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. Among channels that showed mechanosensitivity, significant amounts of TRPM7, TRPC1, and TRPM4 transcripts were found. We suppose that the recorded L-type Ca2+ current is probably expressed through CaV1.2. Furthermore, stretching cells by 6, 8, and 10 μm, which increases ISAC through the TRPM7, TRPC1, and TRPM4 channels, also decreased ICa,L through the CaV1.2 channels in K+ in/K+ out, Cs+ in/K+ out, K+ in/Cs+ out, and Cs+ in/Cs+ out solutions. The application of a nonspecific ISAC blocker, Gd3+, during cell stretching eliminated ISAC through nonselective cation channels and ICa,L through CaV1.2 channels. Since the response to Gd3+ was maintained in Cs+ in/Cs+ out solutions, we suggest that voltage-gated CaV1.2 channels in the ventricular myocytes of adult rats also exhibit mechanosensitive properties. Our findings suggest that TRPM7, TRPC1, and TRPM4 channels represent stretch-activated nonselective cation channels in rat ventricular myocytes. Probably the CaV1.2 channels in these cells exhibit mechanosensitive properties. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying stretch-induced responses in rat ventricular myocytes, which may have implications for understanding cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.
The release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment due to oil and diesel fuel spills is a serious threat to Arctic fish populations. PAHs produce multiple toxic effects in fish, but disturbance of electrical and contractile activity of the heart seems to be the most negative effect. Our study focused on the effects of fluorene, a tricyclic PAH resembling the well-investigated tricyclic phenanthrene, on major ionic currents and action potential (AP) waveform in isolated ventricular myocytes and on contractile activity in isolated whole hearts of polar navaga cod (Eleginus nawaga). Among the studied currents, the repolarizing rapid delayed rectifier K+ current IKr demonstrated the highest sensitivity to fluorene with IC50 of 0.54 μM. The depolarizing inward currents, INa and ICaL, were inhibited with 10 μM fluorene by 20.2 ± 2.8 % and 27.9 ± 8.4 %, respectively, thereby being much less sensitive to fluorene than IKr. Inward rectifier IK1 current was insensitive to fluorene (up to 10 μM). While 3 μM fluorene prolonged APs, 10 μM also slowed the AP upstroke. Resting membrane potential was not affected by any tested concentrations. In isolated heart experiments 10 μM fluorene caused modest depression of ventricular contractile activity. Thus, we have demonstrated that fluorene, a tricyclic PAH present in high quantities in crude oil, strongly impacts electrical activity with only slight effects on contractile activity in the heart of the polar fish, the navaga cod.
Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) have mRNA transcripts that encode different mechanosensitive ion channels and channel regulatory proteins whose functions are not known yet. The primary goal of this work was to define the mechanosensitive ion channelome of HCFs. The most common type of cationic channel is the transient receptor potential (TRP) family, which is followed by the TWIK-related K+ channel (TREK), transmembrane protein 63 (TMEM63), and PIEZO channel (PIEZO) families. In the sodium-dependent NON-voltage-gated channel (SCNN) subfamily, only SCNN1D was shown to be highly expressed. Particular members of the acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) (ASIC1 and ASIC3) subfamilies were also significantly expressed. The transcripts per kilobase million (TPMs) for Piezo 2 were almost 100 times less abundant than those for Piezo 1. The tandem of P domains in a weak inward rectifying K+ channel (TWIK)-2 channel, TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ channel (TASK)-5, TASK-1, and the TWIK-related K1 (TREK-1) channel were the four most prevalent types in the K2P subfamily. The highest expression in the TRPP subfamily was found for PKD2 and PKD1, while in the TRPM subfamily, it was found for TRPM4, TRPM7, and TRPM3. TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPV3, and TRPV6 (all members of the TRPV subfamily) were also substantially expressed. A strong expression of the TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPC6, and TRPC2 channels and all members of the TRPML subfamily (MCOLN1, MCOLN2, and MCOLN3) was also shown. In terms of the transmembrane protein 16 (TMEM16) family, the HCFs demonstrated significant expression of the TMEM16H, TMEM16F, TMEM16J, TMEM16A, and TMEM16G channels. TMC3 is the most expressed channel in HCFs of all known members of the transmembrane channel-like protein (TMC) family. This analysis of the mechanosensitive ionic channel transcriptome in HCFs: (1) agrees with previously documented findings that all currently identified mechanosensitive channels play a significant and well recognized physiological function in elucidating the mechanosensitive characteristics of HCFs; (2) supports earlier preliminary reports that point to the most common expression of the TRP mechanosensitive family in HCFs; and (3) points to other new mechanosensitive channels (TRPC1, TRPC2, TWIK-2, TMEM16A, ASIC1, and ASIC3).
EF24, a synthetic monocarbonyl analog of curcumin, shows significant potential as an anticancer agent with both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. It exhibits rapid absorption, extensive tissue distribution, and efficient metabolism, ensuring optimal bioavailability and sustained exposure of the target tissues. The ability of EF24 to penetrate biological barriers and accumulate at tumor sites makes it advantageous for effective cancer treatment. Studies have demonstrated EF24’s remarkable efficacy against various cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer. The unique mechanism of action of EF24 involves modulation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways, disrupting cancer-promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. EF24 inhibits tumor growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, mainly through inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and by regulating key genes by modulating microRNA (miRNA) expression or the proteasomal pathway. In summary, EF24 is a promising anticancer compound with a unique mechanism of action that makes it effective against various cancers. Its ability to enhance the effects of conventional therapies, coupled with improvements in drug delivery systems, could make it a valuable asset in cancer treatment. However, addressing its solubility and stability challenges will be crucial for its successful clinical application.
The mechanoelectrical feedback in the heart is based on the work of mechanically gated (MGCs) and mechanosensitive (MSCs) channels. Since microgravity alters the heart’s morphological and physiological properties, we hypothesized that the expression of both MGCs and MSCs would be affected. We employed RNA transcriptome sequencing to investigate changes in the gene transcript levels of MGCs and MSCs in isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes under control conditions and in a simulated microgravity environment. For the first time, our findings demonstrated that simulated microgravity induces alterations in the gene transcript levels of specific MGCs, such as TRPM7, TRPV2, TRPP1, TRPP2, Piezo1, TMEM63A, TMEM36B, and known MSCs, including K 2P 2.1, K 2P 3.1, Kir6.1, Kir6.2, Na V 1.5, Ca V 1.2, K V 7.1. However, other voltage-gated channels and channels lacking a voltage sensor remained unaffected. These findings suggest that the altered expression of MGCs and MSCs could lead to changes in the net currents across the membrane, ultimately impacting the heart’s function.
Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric that has potential beneficial properties for cardiovascular and renal diseases and is relatively safe and inexpensive. However, the application of curcumin is rather problematic due to its chemical instability and low bioavailability. The experimental results showed improved chemical stability and potent pharmacokinetics of one of its analogs - (2E,6E)-2,6-bis[(2-trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]cyclohexanone (C66). There are several advantages of C66, like its synthetic accessibility, structural simplicity, improved chemical stability (in vitro and in vivo), presence of two reactive electrophilic centers, and good electron-accepting capacity. Considering these characteristics, we reviewed the literature on the application of C66 in resolving diabetes-associated cardiovascular and renal complications in animal models. We also summarized the mechanisms by which C66 is preventing the release of pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory molecules in the priming and in activation stage of cardiomyopathy, renal fibrosis, and diabetic nephropathy. The cardiovascular protective effect of C66 against diabetes-induced oxidative damage is Nrf2 mediated but mainly dependent on JNK2. In general, C66 causes inhibition of JNK2, which reduces cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the settings of diabetic cardiomyopathy. C66 exerts a powerful antifibrotic effect by reducing inflammation-related factors (MCP-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and CAV-1) and inducing the expression of anti-inflammatory factors (HO-1 and NEDD4), as well as targeting TGF-β/SMADs, MAPK/ERK, and PPAR-γ pathways in animal models of diabetic nephropathy. Based on the available evidence, C66 is becoming a promising drug candidate for improving cardiovascular and renal health.
Brain ischemia is a complex of damaging factors, which include oxygen and glucose deprivation, as well as the possibility of repeated lesions during tissue reperfusion. Thrombin, a key serine protease of hemostasis, can be detected in the parenchyma of the brain in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, where it enters directly from the bloodstream through the damaged blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, the effect of thrombin on the state of glial brain cells under conditions of oxygen-glucose deprivation and subsequent normoxia (ischemia/reperfusion model) was evaluated. It was found that thrombin at low concentrations (10 nM) has a protective effect on rat astrocytes during ischemia/reperfusion. Pre-incubation of astrocytes with the protease at a low concentration caused an increase in cell survival under these conditions, while an increase in concentration (50 nM) reduced its protective effect. It was found that thrombin at both concentrations did not affect the proliferation of astrocytes induced by ischemia/reperfusion. It has been shown that oxygen-glucose deprivation led to the redistribution of actin filaments in astrocytes from the near membrane space to the region of the cell nucleus. Thrombin at high concentration potentiated the effect of oxygen-glucose deprivation on the actin cytoskeleton of astrocytes. Thus, thrombin is an endogenous regulatory molecule for brain astrocytes, and its effect under oxygen-glucose deprivation and subsequent reperfusion is dose-dependent.
The mechanoelectrical feedback (MEF) mechanism in the heart that plays a significant role in the occurrence of arrhythmias, involves cation flux through cation nonselective stretch-activated channels (SACs). It is well known that nitric oxide (NO) can act as a regulator of MEF. Here we addressed the possibility of SAC's regulation along NO-dependent and NO-independent pathways, as well as the possibility of S-nitrosylation of SACs. In freshly isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, using the patch-clamp method in whole-cell configuration, inward nonselective stretch-activated cation current ISAC was recorded through SACs, which occurs during dosed cell stretching. NO donor SNAP, α1-subunit of sGC activator BAY41-2272, sGC blocker ODQ, PKG blocker KT5823, PKG activator 8Br-cGMP, and S-nitrosylation blocker ascorbic acid, were employed. We concluded that the physiological concentration of NO in the cell is a necessary condition for the functioning of SACs. An increase in NO due to SNAP in an unstretched cell causes the appearance of a Gd3+ -sensitive nonselective cation current, an analog of ISAC , while in a stretched cell it eliminates ISAC . The NO-independent pathway of sGC activation of α subunit, triggered by BAY41-2272, is also important for the regulation of SACs. Since S-nitrosylation inhibitor completely abolishes ISAC , this mechanism occurs. The application of BAY41-2272 cannot induce ISAC in a nonstretched cell; however, the addition of SNAP on its background activates SACs, rather due to S-nitrosylation. ODQ eliminates ISAC , but SNAP added on the background of stretch increases ISAC in addition to ODQ. This may be a result of the lack of NO as a result of inhibition of NOS by metabolically modified ODQ. KT5823 reduces PKG activity and reduces SACs phosphorylation, leading to an increase in ISAC . 8Br-cGMP reduces ISAC by activating PKG and its phosphorylation. These results demonstrate a significant contribution of S-nitrosylation to the regulation of SACs.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated oxidative stress are the main contributors to pathophysiological changes following myocardial infarction (MI), which is the principal cause of death from cardiovascular disease. The glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase (GPx) system appears to be the main and most active cardiac antioxidant mechanism. Hence, enhancement of the myocardial GSH system might have protective effects in the setting of MI. It follows that by increasing antioxidant capacity, the heart will be able to reduce the damage associated with MI and even prevent/weaken the occurrence of oxidative stress, which is highly ranked among the factors responsible for the occurrence of acute MI. For these reasons, the primary goal of future investigations should be to address the effects of different antioxidative compounds and especially cysteine derivatives like N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC) as precursors responsible for the enhancement of the GSH-related antioxidant system's capacity. It is assumed that this will lay down the basis for elucidation of the mechanisms throughout which applicable doses of OTC will manifest a potentially positive impact in the reduction of adverse effects of acute MI. The inclusion of OTC in the models for prediction of the distribution of oxygen in infarcted animal hearts can help to upgrade existing computational models. Such a model would be based on computational geometries of the heart, but the inclusion of biochemical redox features in addition to angiogenic therapy, despite improvement of the post-infarcted oxygenated outcome could enhance the accuracy of the predictive values of oxygenation.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and scientists pay a lot of attention to identify and reveal the mechanisms of their occurrence. Recently, the attention of scientists is focused increasingly on plant derivatives, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, due to their specific biological effects. One of these compounds is curcumin, which has many biological properties. Numerous studies have been performed to understand the molecular basis of the therapeutic properties of curcumin. As a result of these studies, there is considerable evidence to suggest that curcumin may affect signaling pathways associated with the cell growth, proliferation, survival, inflammation, and gene transcription. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms are the two basic mechanisms to which many of the effects of curcumin in various conditions are attributed. Many factors influence the development of heart disease, but one of the main culprits in their occurrence is the inflammatory process. According to recent research, curcumin is an ingredient that could be used in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease. Also, some studies have shown that it has beneficial effects in preventing vascular damage and ischemia. Despite its beneficial and biological properties, it has been proven that curcumin has relatively low bioavailability and low stability in the human body, which limits its therapeutic application. In this regard, several attempts have been made to synthesize curcumin derivatives with improved bioavailability. In this paper, we review the potential and possibilities of using curcumin and its derivatives in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, which would significantly reduce the mortality rate in the population. Based on all of the above, it can be concluded that further studies of animal models and humans are needed to verify current knowledge about the application of curcumin and its derivatives in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this way through these studies more reliable data will be generated concerning the effects of curcumin and its analogs on cellular and subcellular/molecular levels. Prospectively, we believe that this will ground the basis for further improved synthesis of curcumin-analogs, appropriate for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.