Signalling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease (Review)

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is frequently encountered in underdeveloped areas and primarily affects patients under the age of 40 years old. The pathogenesis of RHD has yet to be fully elucidated and surgical treatment remains the only option, which is expensive and technically demanding for patients in less developed areas. Signalling pathways are crucial for the occurrence and development of several diseases, and researchers worldwide have made progress in elucidating the signalling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of RHD. The aim of the present review was to discuss 6 signalling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of RHD, summarize the methods and progress of these studies and propose future research directions. Important information on the pathogenesis of RHD according to the current progress of signalling pathway studies was also summarized, in the hope that this review may serve as a reference for future research on the signalling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of RHD.