Peripheral Artery Disease Pathophysiology: Scoping Review with ☸️SAIMSARA

This paper aims to synthesize current research on the pathophysiology of peripheral artery disease, identifying key biological mechanisms, molecular markers, and contributing factors to provide a comprehensive overview of the disease's underlying processes. Drawing on 62 references, this scoping review maps the current evidence on peripheral artery disease pathophysiology, highlighting its complex and multifactorial nature. A central finding across the evidence base is the pervasive role of endothelial dysfunction, driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation, which collectively impair angiogenesis and lead to localized tissue damage. The synthesis further indicates critical involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic and environmental interactions, gut-derived metabolites, and specific molecular pathways like non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicle signaling in disease progression. While this review provides a broad overview of the evidence landscape, the qualitative nature of its synthesis means that further rigorous studies are needed to establish causal links and validate novel biomarkers. Ultimately, understanding these diverse pathophysiological facets is crucial for developing more effective diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies for PAD patients.