Bile acids (BA) are classically known as an important agent in lipid absorption and cholesterol metabolism. Nowadays, their role in glucose regulation and energy homeostasis are widely reported. BAs are involved in various cellular signaling pathways, such as protein kinase cascades, cyclic AMP (cAMP) synthesis, and calcium mobilization. They are ligands for several nuclear hormone receptors, including farnesoid X-receptor (FXR). Recently, BAs have been shown to bind to muscarinic receptor and Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), both G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), independent of the nuclear hormone receptors. Moreover, BA signals have also been elucidated in other nonclassical BA pathways, such as sphingosine-1-posphate and BK (large conductance calcium- and voltage activated potassium) channels. Hydrophobic BAs have been proven to affect heart rate and its contraction. Elevated BAs are associated with arrhythmias in adults and fetal heart, and altered ratios of primary and secondary bile acid are reported in chronic heart failure patients. Meanwhile, in patients with liver cirrhosis, cardiac dysfunction has been strongly linked to the increase in serum bile acid concentrations. In contrast, the most hydrophilic BA, known as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), has been found to be beneficial in improving peripheral blood flow in chronic heart failure patients and in protecting the heart against reperfusion injury. This review provides an overview of BA signaling, with the main emphasis on past and present perspectives on UDCA signals in the heart.

Ischemic heart disease, often known as coronary heart disease (CHD), is a term for heart disorders caused by narrowing heart arteries (coronary arteries) that provide blood to the heart's muscles. The body is prone to heart attacks when there is less oxygen supply (hypoxia) to the heart resulting a major cell death in the heart tissues. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Over the last few decades, the potential therapeutic effects of herbs and other types of complementary medicines for managing risk factors for CVD have gotten a lot of attention. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum Linn.) is a very important spice in most Asian dishes. In Malaysia, fenugreek, locally known as ‘halba’, is used in the preparation of popular dishes; ‘nasi dagang’ for breakfast, and ‘putu halba’ as snacks for hi-tea and sometimes applied in drinks. Although, to date, the effect of fenugreek against diabetes and heart diseases is well investigated, most studies do not focus on its the effects at molecular levels. This review gives an insight on the ischemic heart disease and the nutritional values of fenugreek as functional food in protecting the heart.

Arsenic is a natural compound of metalloid (both metal and non-metal) found in soil and minerals used in semiconductor and alloys. Arsenic exposure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk from drinking water or environmental sources. Exploring the emerging biomarkers associated with CVD upon arsenic exposure is crucial. Thus, this review paper aimed to analyze the prediction of emerging CVD biomarkers in population exposed to arsenic and their associated risk factors in humans by a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify eligible studies on arsenic exposure associated with CVDs and their risk factors. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of biomarkers for CVD of arsenic exposed population were assessed by calculating the quality criteria, standard means different (SMD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A meta-analysis was used to derive a combined SMD and OR for the heterogeneity test in between studies. The meta-analysis of nine articles were included. The overall effect sizes revealed significant heterogeneity across studies ( I ² = 97.57%), with pooled effect size was 3.578 (95% CI 3.032 to 4.123, p < 0.0001) under the random-effects model. These results indicate a robust association between arsenic exposure and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, as confirmed by sensitivity analyses and bias assessments (Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42024616848). To improve the quality of future research, efforts should concentrate on enhancing control for confounders, enrolling diverse participant populations, and implementing and yield more substantial findings concerning the cardiovascular effects of arsenic exposure.

Bile acids (BA) are classically known as an agent important in lipid absorption and cholesterol metabolism. Nowadays, BAs have been found to be involved in various cellular signaling pathways such as protein kinase cascades, cyclic AMP (cAMP) synthesis and calcium mobilization. In addition, they have also been shown to regulate glucose and energy homeostasis. Bile acids are ligands for several nuclear hormone receptors, including FXR. Recently, muscarinic receptor and TGR5, G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), have been suggested to play a role in bile acid activity which is independent of nuclear hormone receptors. Moreover, BAs have also been studied in other GPCR associated pathways, namely sphingosine-1-posphate and glucagon receptor. Hydrophobic bile acids have been proven to affect heart rate and its contraction. Elevated bile acids are associated with arrhythmias in adults and fetal heart. Altered ratios of primary and secondary bile acid are reported in chronic heart failure patients. Meanwhile in patients with liver cirrhosis, cardiac dysfunction has been strongly linked to the increase of serum bile acid concentrations. In contrast, the most hydrophilic BA known as ursodeoxycholic acid has been found beneficial in improving peripheral blood flow in chronic heart failure patients and protecting heart against reperfusion injury.