Inflammation in atherosclerosis: transition from theory to practice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Immunology
• Metabolic Disease

Background:

• Inflammation is a key driver in the development, progression, and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Obesity is increasingly linked to inflammation and cardiovascular events, creating a significant clinical concern.
• Visceral adipose tissue and its inflammatory mediators, like C-reactive protein, play a role in thrombogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the intricate link between inflammation, obesity, and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• To highlight the role of immune cells, such as monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes, in atherosclerotic plaque formation.
• To investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of adiponectin in the context of atherogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental studies on inflammatory processes in atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of the role of immune cell subsets (monocytes, macrophages, T lymphocytes) in plaque development.
• Examination of the impact of obesity-related factors, including visceral adipose tissue and adiponectin, on inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• Inflammatory monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques, producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting thrombosis.
• Obesity is associated with increased inflammation in adipose tissue, elevated C-reactive protein, and heightened immune cell activity.
• Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) plays a role in adipose tissue inflammation, while adiponectin demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in atherogenesis.
• The JUPITER trial indicates clinical utility in assessing inflammatory status for cardiovascular event risk management.

Conclusions:

• Accumulating evidence confirms inflammation's critical role linking atherosclerosis risk factors to disease complications.
• Targeting inflammatory pathways, especially those influenced by obesity, presents a viable strategy for cardiovascular risk assessment and therapy.
• Inflammation assessment is transitioning from a theoretical concept to a practical clinical tool for managing cardiovascular events.