Biomarkers associated with vulnerable atheromatous plaque

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Immunology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Atherosclerosis involves lipid core expansion and macrophage accumulation, leading to plaque rupture.
• Plaque rupture is triggered by inflammatory reactions and involves complex cellular interactions.
• Vascular inflammation, rather than vessel stenosis, is a significant risk factor in high-risk patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of identifying reliable biomarkers for monitoring vascular inflammation.
• To discuss the diagnostic and prognostic significance of newly identified biomarkers in clinical investigations.
• To emphasize the need for further studies and technological advancements for clinical application of biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Review of pathological studies and clinical investigations on atherosclerosis progression.
• Analysis of cellular interactions, mediators, chemokines, and cytokines involved in plaque vulnerability.
• Evaluation of existing and emerging biomarkers for differentiating disease phases.

Main Results:

• Inflammation is a key driver in the transition from stable to vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
• Serum and plasma biomarkers can differentiate pathophysiologic phases of disease progression.
• Several new biomarkers show diagnostic and prognostic significance, but require further validation.

Conclusions:

• Reliable biomarkers are essential for monitoring vascular inflammatory state in atherosclerosis.
• Further confirmatory studies, automated assays, and defined cut-off levels are needed for clinical use.
• Multimarker profiling holds promise for identifying coronary vulnerable plaques with technological advances.