Pathophysiology of cilia in cardiovascular diseases.

Cilia are organelles on the surface of eukaryotic cells, characterized by complex microtubule structures and diverse physiological functions. By sensing external environmental changes, cilia play critical roles in cell movement, signal transduction, and molecule transport. Ciliary dysfunction has been associated with pathogenesis of human diseases. Primary cilia in the cardiovascular system sense blood flow shear stress, fluid dynamics, and external signals, and regulate cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation and movement. Dysfunction of cilia has been closely linked to the onset of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, myocardial fibrosis, atherosclerosis and congenital heart disease. This relationship emphasizes the role of cilia in maintaining cardiovascular health and their potential in both prevention and therapeutic strategies. By exploring the regulatory mechanisms of cilia in the cardiovascular system and their involvement in disease pathogenesis, this review aims to provide a theoretical basis for cilia-related research and highlight their potential in early diagnosis and treatment.