Colchicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: old drug, new targets

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2021 Jan;22(1):1-8. doi: 10.2459/JCM.0000000000001079.

Abstract

: Well known in past centuries as a herbal remedy for osteoarticular pain and commonly used in the treatment of gout and familial Mediterranean fever, colchicine has an emerging role in the setting of cardiovascular diseases. Its unique properties not only target the key mechanisms of recurrent inflammation underlying pericardial syndromes but also inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques, atrial fibrillation recurrence and adverse ventricular remodelling leading to heart failure.The effect of colchicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases along with essential pharmacology will be discussed, reviewing the most important and recent clinical studies. Colchicine is a valuable, well tolerated and inexpensive drug in the setting of cardiovascular diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Agents / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects*
  • Cardiovascular System / physiopathology
  • Colchicine / adverse effects
  • Colchicine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Repositioning*
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Colchicine