LL-37 is a natural peptide in our bodies best known for killing microbes, but recent research shows it also affects heart health by influencing plaque buildup, blood clotting, inflammation, and heart muscle growth. Scientists have made modified versions that can change these disease processes, hinting at future treatments, but there’s no clear way to use LL-37 right now for personal health optimization.

Heart disease is a common human disease with high morbidity and mortality. Timely and effective prevention and treatment is an urgent clinical problem. The pathogenesis of heart disease is complex and diverse, involving hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, drug toxicity, thrombosis, infection and other aspects. LL-37, an endogenous peptide, is well known for its antimicrobial properties. In recent years, LL-37 has been found to have a variety of biological functions, including its role in the regulation of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammatory responses, and cardiac hypertrophy. Engineered LL-37-related peptides were developed and proved to regulate the development of disease, which revealed its potential clinical application. A comprehensive review and summary of LL-37 is presented to clarify its role in heart disease and to provide a reference and direction for future research.