Heme oxygenses (HO), first discovered over forty years ago, are a family of enzymes responsible for the catabolism of heme and in this process generate metabolites with a wide variety of cardiovascular actions. Recent advances in our understanding of HO enzymes have demonstrated an important role for HO enzymes and metabolites, carbon monoxide (CO), and bilirubin, in the regulation of a wide variety of cardiovascular functions and in the prevention of many pathological conditions. Knowledge and understanding of the regulation of HO enzymes and the role of subsequently generated CO and bilirubin offers the opportunity for the selective targeting of this system for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will highlight the emerging role of heme oxygenase and its metabolites in the regulation of cardiovascular function. We are particularly interested in original research articles describing the role of HO and/or its metabolites in the development and prevention of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, heart disease, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and stroke. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Recent developments regarding the role of HO and its metabolites in the regulation of blood pressure and the development of all forms of hypertension including portal and pulmonary
• Recent developments regarding the role of HO and its metabolites in the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity and inflammation
• Recent developments regarding the role of HO and its metabolites in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, stroke, and other vascular diseases
• Advances in the genetics/biochemistry of bilirubin metabolizing enzymes and their role in cardiovascular disease
• Innovative techniques and developments in the therapeutic administration of carbon monoxide for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Articles published in this special issue will not be subject to the journal's Article Processing Charges.

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