Related Experiment Videos
Assessment of inflammatory markers and endothelial function
Mikko J Järvisalo1, Markus Juonala, Olli T Raitakari
1The Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, and Department of Internal Medicine, Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori, Finland.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|August 17, 2006
Summary
Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are key to atherosclerosis development. Measuring these markers may predict cardiovascular risk, but their clinical use needs further definition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Endothelial dysfunction is central to atherosclerosis.
- Inflammatory conditions increase atherosclerosis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis.
- To assess the significance of endothelial function in atherosclerosis.
- To discuss the clinical implications of these factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent observations and clinical studies.
- Analysis of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, acute-phase reactants).
- Evaluation of endothelial function assessment in relation to atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Specific inflammation markers are linked to atherosclerosis pathophysiology.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases are independent risk factors for early atherosclerosis.
- Endothelial function modulates the impact of risk factors on atherosclerosis development, supporting the response-to-injury theory.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are critical in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- Elevated inflammatory mediators and endothelial dysfunction correlate with increased cardiovascular morbidity risk.
- The clinical utility of measuring inflammatory markers and endothelial function requires further investigation.