Targeting pathological chemokines in CVD: the role of saffron on CCL2 and CXCL8.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. This narrative review explores the pivotal role of chemokines, specifically CCL2 and CXCL8, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disorders. Chemokines are critical mediators of inflammation, orchestrating the recruitment of immune cells to sites of vascular injury, thereby contributing to the progression of atherosclerotic plaques and endothelial dysfunction. The review further examines the therapeutic potential of saffron (Crocus sativus), a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in modulating the activity of these pathological chemokines. Furthermore, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which saffron affects CCL2 and CXCL8 levels, including the inhibition of key inflammatory signaling pathways, reduction of oxidative stress, and modulation of microRNA expression. The findings suggest that saffron may offer a promising adjunctive therapy for managing CVDs by attenuating the inflammatory processes driven by chemokines. This review underscores the need for further research to validate saffron’s efficacy and explore its mechanisms of action in clinical settings, ultimately aiming to enhance therapeutic strategies for CVD management.