%0 Journal Article %A Aquila, Giorgio %A Pannella, Micaela %A Morelli, Marco Bruno %A Caliceti, Cristiana %A Fortini, Cinzia %A Rizzo, Paola %A Ferrari, Roberto %T The role of Notch pathway in cardiovascular diseases %D 2014 %J Global Cardiology Science and Practice, %V 2013 %N 4 %@ 2305-7823 %C 44 %R https://doi.org/10.5339/gcsp.2013.44 %K atherosclerosis %K cardiotoxicity %K apoptosis %K endothelial cells %K cardiomyocytes %K heart failure %I Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press), %X The recent increase in human lifespan, coupled with unhealthy diets and lifestyles have led to an unprecedented increase in cardiovascular diseases. Even in the presence of a wide range of therapeutic options with variable efficacy, mortality due to heart failure is still high and there is a need to identify new therapeutic targets. Genetic and in vitro studies have implicated the Notch signalling in the development and maintenance of the cardiovascular system through a direct effect on biological functions of vascular cells (endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells) and cardiomyocytes. Notch signalling is also involved in the modulation of inflammation, which plays a major role in causing and exacerbating cardiovascular diseases. The Notch pathway could represent a new therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. %U https://www.qscience.com/content/journals/10.5339/gcsp.2013.44