[Atherosclerosis and the role of inflammation]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Immunology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Atherosclerotic vascular disease is a leading cause of death, with inflammation playing a critical role in its development.
• Risk factors initiate inflammatory responses, involving adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factors, which worsen inflammation and lipid accumulation.
• Chronic inflammation can lead to plaque rupture, causing acute coronary syndromes, highlighting the importance of understanding inflammatory mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of inflammation in atherosclerotic vascular disease.
• To discuss markers of subclinical inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
• To explore therapeutic strategies, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic agents, for suppressing inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trials and scientific literature on inflammation and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of the impact of lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise) on inflammatory markers.
• Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of pharmacologic agents, particularly statins.

Main Results:

• Increased hs-CRP levels are a marker of subclinical inflammation in atherosclerosis.
• Lifestyle changes like low-fat diets, the Mediterranean diet, and exercise reduce inflammatory responses.
• Statins demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects on atheromatous plaques, with greater benefit in patients with elevated inflammatory responses.

Conclusions:

• Suppression of the inflammatory response can delay or decrease the atherosclerotic process.
• Targeting inflammation offers a promising therapeutic avenue for managing atherosclerotic vascular disease.
• Further research into direct anti-inflammatory therapies and vaccination strategies for atherosclerosis is ongoing.