Cytokines in atherosclerosis: pathogenic and regulatory pathways

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic arterial disease driven by complex immunoinflammatory mechanisms.
• Inflammation is critical throughout all stages, from fatty streak formation to plaque rupture and thrombus formation.
• Cytokines are soluble factors that mediate and regulate the immune response in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of cytokine roles in atherosclerosis development, progression, and complications.
• To emphasize the contribution of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines to pathogenic and regulatory immunity.
• To propose novel therapeutic strategies and discuss cytokine biomarkers for coronary artery disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current scientific information on cytokines and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of the role of specific cytokines, such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta.
• Discussion of immunoinflammatory pathways and regulatory mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines significantly modulate the immune response in atherosclerosis.
• Regulatory cytokines like interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta play critical roles.
• Cytokine profiles may serve as potential biomarkers for coronary artery disease.

Conclusions:

• Cytokines are central to the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis.
• Targeting cytokine pathways offers potential therapeutic avenues for atherosclerosis.
• Circulating cytokine levels warrant further investigation as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk.