Fig. 4.

Novel and innovative therapeutic concepts for cardiovascular disease. Potential therapeutics to enhance circadian rhythm pathways during myocardial ischemia or stroke could be light boxes, adenosine (e.g. adenosine receptor A2b agonists) or small molecules that are able to specifically enhance Period 2 (Per2) levels or Per2 dependent pathways (Hif1α). Based on the circadian nature of cardiovascular diseases, infarct sizes, Per2 or Hif1α levels, future therapies have to consider the time-of-day when and what type of treatment is initiated.