From Bench to the Heart: Metal-Based Complexes and Nanoparticles as Pioneers in Cardio-Protection and Cardiovascular Management

Cardiovascular Disorders (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Nanotechnology involving metal complexes as drug delivery systems is gaining attention for its cardioprotective potential. This review article discusses the effects of specific metal complexes implicated in CVD treatment. Complexation of these metals with some ligands and co-ligands such as VOL, Olmesartan, Metallothionein, α-Methyldopa, ADR-925, EDTA, DOX, p-cymene, and phenanthroline exhibit promising upshots in treating CVDs. This review compiles some metallic Nanoparticles (NPs) such as AgNPs, CuO, ZnO, SA-SeNPs, and Se-NPs with more specific physical, chemical, and biological characteristics along with their biological significance and their outstanding effectiveness in cardioprotection due to their smaller size. The discussion also highlights the mechanisms of metal complexes and nanoparticles and their role in ischemia-reperfusion injury, along with an emphasis on the potential toxicity of these metal complexes. These complexes demonstrated enhanced pharmacokinetics, reduced side effects, and superior cardioprotective outcomes by selectively targeting ischemic and infarcted tissues. Hence, coordinated complexes prove more effective than their free metal ions or drugs. The groundbreaking potential of metal complexes redefines the domain of cardioprotective strategies.