Alexander N. Orekhov
Institute of Experimental Medicine, 12, Academician Pavlov Street Street, 197022, Saint Petersburg, RussiaPublications
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Review Article
Rheumatic Heart Disease: An In-Depth Review of Prevention, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Options
Author(s): Anastasia V. Poznyak*, Natalia Vladimirovna Elizova, Aleksandra Sergeevna Utkina, Romanovna Korchagina, Olga Nikolaevna Maltseva and Alexander N. Orekhov
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a major global health problem, particularly affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries. This disease results from an autoimmune response triggered by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. The aim of this review is to thoroughly examine the complex pathophysiology of RHD, emphasizing the important role of molecular mimicry, which leads to autoimmune reactions, chronic inflammation of the heart valves, and subsequent long-term damage. Key etiologic factors contributing to RHD include inflammatory processes characterized by immune cell infiltration. This infiltration stimulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which further exacerbate inflammation and tissue damage. Furthermore, Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a vital role in heart valve remodeling, exacerbating the structural degeneration associated with this disease. Ge.. Read More»
DOI: 10.4303/JDAR/236467