Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, posing a significant challenge to global health. Recent studies have identified several pathophysiological processes that contribute to the development and progression of CVDs, including inflammation, increased reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Despite these advancements, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are not fully understood, leaving critical gaps in our knowledge. Physical exercise has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention, known to mitigate these pathophysiological processes and enhance cardiovascular function. It achieves this by modulating the expression of various genes, non-coding RNAs, and proteins, thereby promoting beneficial adaptations within the cardiovascular system. However, a comprehensive understanding of these molecular mechanisms is essential to develop novel therapeutic strategies and identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted gene therapy. This underscores the need for further investigation into the physiological and molecular benefits of physical exercise in the context of CVDs.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the dysregulated pathophysiological and molecular processes in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with a particular focus on the role of physical exercise in modulating these processes. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to answer critical questions regarding the molecular pathways influenced by exercise and their potential therapeutic implications. The objective is to advance our understanding of how exercise-induced molecular changes can be harnessed to develop innovative treatments for CVDs.

To gather further insights into the physiological and molecular benefits of physical exercise in cardiovascular diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular pathways modulated by physical exercise in CVDs;
- Role of non-coding RNAs in exercise-induced cardiovascular adaptations;
- Gene expression changes associated with exercise in CVD patients;
- Impact of exercise on inflammation and oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system;
- Potential biomarkers for exercise response in cardiovascular health;
- Comparative studies on different types of exercise and their effects on CVDs;
- Mechanistic insights from animal models of exercise and cardiovascular disease.

We encourage the submission of original articles, reviews and mini-reviews. Clinical data will be appreciated and considered for publication if supported by studies on the underlying physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. Please note that clinical trials and case reports cannot be submitted to Integrative Physiology and Vascular Physiology.

Submit your idea

Impact

Frontiers in Physiology

Submit your idea

Impact