Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading causes of global mortality; however, their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The tumor suppressor factor p53 has been extensively studied for its role in cancer and is also known to play an important role in regulating CVDs. Abnormal p53 expression levels and modifications contribute to the occurrence and development of CVDs. Additionally, mounting evidence underscores the critical involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in CVDs. Notably, studies indicate that p53 abnormalities directly correlate with mitochondrial dysfunction and may even interact with each other. Encouragingly, small molecule inhibitors targeting p53 have exhibited remarkable effects in animal models of CVDs. Moreover, therapeutic strategies aimed at mitochondrial-related molecules and mitochondrial replacement therapy have demonstrated their advantageous potential. Therefore, targeting p53 or mitochondria holds immense promise as a pioneering therapeutic approach for combating CVDs. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the mechanisms how p53 influences mitochondrial dysfunction, including energy metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondria-induced apoptosis, mitochondrial autophagy, and mitochondrial dynamics, in various CVDs. Furthermore, we summarize and discuss the potential significance of targeting p53 or mitochondria in the treatment of CVDs.
Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial dynamics; Mitochondrial transplantation; Mitophagy; ROS; p53.
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