Aptamers as Theranostics in Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (particularly atherosclerosis) is a leading cause of death around the world, and there still exists a need for improved diagnostic techniques and treatments to improve patient outcomes as well as minimize the disease’s global burden. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that are accompanied by unique characteristics such as specificity, high binding affinity, ease of cellular internalization, and rapid tissue accumulation capabilities, offering great potential as theranostic agents in cardiovascular diseases with significantly improved sensitivity and accuracy. These theranostic agents provide a combination of therapy and diagnostics in which aptamers may diagnose and treat disease simultaneously. Therefore, this review article summarizes the role of aptamer-based probes for imaging and theranostics in cardiovascular disease. It also provides insight into current research and future treatment techniques that are very relevant for future clinical practice with the aim of improving the quality of life of cardiovascular disease patients.