The Sodium Pump and Cardiotonic Steroids in Health and Disease

The field of research concerning the sodium pump and cardiotonic steroids (CS) in health and disease has seen significant advancements over the years. Initially, the concept of the natriuretic hormone as a third factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension was met with skepticism. However, the work of pioneering scientists like deWardener, Blaustein, and Buckalew has laid the foundation for understanding the complex interactions of cardiotonic steroidal sodium pump ligands. Recent studies have revealed that these endogenous steroidal factors interact on multiple biochemical levels, contributing to the effects of the putative natriuretic hormone. Despite these advancements, there remain gaps in understanding the full spectrum of CS functions and their implications in various diseases. The ongoing debates and emerging evidence highlight the need for a deeper investigation into the multifaceted roles of these molecules, particularly in the context of their involvement in oncological events, tissue growth, and neurological dysfunctions.This Research Topic aims to explore the diverse roles of cardiotonic steroids and their interaction with the Na+/K+-ATPase in health and disease. The primary objectives include understanding how CS regulate tissue growth, apoptosis, immune responses, and inflammation, as well as their potential as targets for developing personalized and specific drugs. Key questions to be addressed include the mechanisms by which CS influence cellular functions and their dysregulation in diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancers, preeclampsia, and hypertension.To gather further insights into the sodium pump and cardiotonic steroids, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Na/K-ATPase in disease and cellular functions- Role in cancer cell adhesion and migration;- Modulation of apoptosis and autophagy;- Signaling in bipolar disorder.Cardiotonic steroids and signal transduction- Effects on Na/K-ATPase-mediated signal transduction;- Role as endogenous regulators in the nervous system;- Ouabain and cell-cell adhesion mediated by the N/K-ATPase;- Ouabain and cell migration through a cSrc and ERK1/2;- Potential of bufadienolides in cancer therapy.Cardiotonic steroids in hypertension and renal diseases- Influence on hypertension pathophysiology and management;- Relationship of endogenous ouabain and specific genes to renal disease progression.- Role in preeclampsia;- Impacts of endogenous bufadienolides and aldosterone antagonists on fibrosis and chronic kidney disease treatment.Cardiotonic steroids and other health conditions- Effects on aging processes;- Regulations of oxidative stress;- Role in obesity;- Involvement in vascular remodeling and cognitive functions related to marinobufagenin.- Contribution of endogenous Na/K-ATPase inhibitors and cerebrospinal fluid [Na+] to migraine formation;- Exploration of antiviral properties against emerging coronavirus infections;- Roles in natriuresis and vasoconstriction.Cardiotonic steroid biosynthesis and drug developmentAuthors are encouraged to submit their contributions through Frontiers in Physiology or Frontiers in Pharmacology. Topic Editor Dr. Alexei Bagrov is a principal investigator at Padakonn Pharma, Narva, Estonia. He also holds a patent related to the antibodies to marinobufagenin and their use. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject. Topic editors: Alexei Bagrov, Olga V Fedorova, Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/66801/the-sodium-pump-and-cardiotonic-steroids-in-health-and-disease