This review explores the potential link between lead (Pb) exposure and angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation. Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that Pb exposure may disrupt the regulation of angiogenic factors, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to either excessive or insufficient angiogenesis. Such dysregulation is
This in-depth review outlines the molecular pathways affected by arsenic toxicity and surveys both conventional and emerging therapeutic strategies. Arsenic exposure—primarily via contaminated water and food—induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic alterations, and DNA damage, contributing to carcinogenesis, cardiovascular disorders, and neurotoxicity. The review highlights the use of chelating agents
This review explores the impact of heavy metal exposure, particularly cadmium and lead, on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It highlights that both acute and chronic low-level exposures contribute to renal and cardiovascular toxicity. The article discusses the potential benefits of chelation therapy, specifically with calcium EDTA,
This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelation therapy in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Analyzing 24 studies—including 4 randomized clinical trials, 15 prospective before/after studies, and 5 retrospective case series—the review found that 17 studies reported improved outcomes following EDTA treatment. Notably, the most significant
This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the relationship between exposure to environmental toxic metals—arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, and copper—and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Drawing from 37 studies with over 348,000 participants, the analysis revealed that higher levels of arsenic, lead,
This population-based cohort study utilized data from 14,289 adults in NHANES III (1988–1994) with mortality follow-up through 2011 to evaluate the relationship between low blood lead levels and long-term mortality. The analysis revealed that individuals with blood lead levels between 1.0 and 6.7 μg/dL faced significantly higher risks of all-cause
This 2023 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (COSMOS-Mind) evaluated the effects of daily cocoa extract (500 mg flavanols) and a multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplement on cognitive function in 2,262 older adults over three years. Cocoa extract supplementation showed no significant impact on global cognition, memory, or executive function. In contrast, daily MVM
This 2012 review explores the vascular effects of estrogenic menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Estrogen exerts both genomic and non-genomic actions on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), including inhibition of contraction mechanisms such as intracellular calcium, protein kinase C, and Rho-kinase pathways. Estrogen also modulates the vascular cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, lipid
This 2022 recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises against the use of hormone therapy—either combined estrogen and progestin or estrogen alone—for the primary prevention of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer in asymptomatic postmenopausal individuals. The USPSTF assigns a Grade D recommendation, indicating
This nationwide cohort study from the Netherlands analyzed the impact of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy on mortality in adults with GH deficiency (GHD). The study included 2,229 GH-treated patients, 109 untreated patients, and 356 partially treated patients. Results showed that GH-treated men had mortality rates comparable to the general
