Mitochondrial‑endoplasmic reticulum crosstalk: Molecular mechanisms and implications for cardiovascular disease (Review).

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure and diabetes cardiomyopathy, is a major cause of mortality among middle‑aged and elderly populations worldwide; however, there is a concerning trend of individuals of increasingly younger ages being affected. Despite extensive research and numerous treatments available, CVD remains a major health threat for middle‑aged and elderly individuals due to its complex causes and the effect of environmental and lifestyle factors. In recent years, the structural and functional abnormalities of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) organelles have been associated with CVD. In addition to the intrinsic role of organelles, the interaction between organelles, particularly the homeostasis imbalance between the mitochondria and the ER through the interaction of the mitochondria‑associated ER membrane (MAM), serves a key role in CVD, such as ischemia‑reperfusion, diabetic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The main mechanism involves regulating lipid transport, calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial function, cell survival and death, as well as signal transduction. The present review summarized recent advancements in MAM research, elucidated key mechanisms that influence MAM homeostasis, highlighted its significance in cardiovascular health and disease and explored its potential as a therapeutic target for CVD, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for future research.