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Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
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Anti-inflammatory therapies for atherosclerosis
Magnus Bäck1, Göran K Hansson1
1Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|February 11, 2015
Summary
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, with immune activation and inflammatory biomarkers indicating cardiovascular risk. Targeting specific inflammatory pathways shows promise for delaying atherosclerosis progression, warranting further clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized as an inflammatory disease, evidenced by immune cell involvement in lesions and inflammatory markers predicting cardiovascular events.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) triggers immune responses, and animal studies confirm that reducing inflammation can slow atherosclerosis.
- Specific inflammatory pathways implicated in atherosclerosis are targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting the view of atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disease.
- To identify specific inflammatory pathways and potential therapeutic targets.
- To discuss the current evidence for anti-inflammatory therapies in atherosclerosis and the need for further research.
Main Methods:
- Review of observational studies and animal models linking inflammation to atherosclerosis.
- Identification of inflammatory biomarkers and signaling pathways involved in atherosclerosis.
- Survey of existing and developing anti-inflammatory drugs targeting these pathways.
Main Results:
- Immune activation and inflammatory signaling are key features of atherosclerotic lesions.
- Inflammatory biomarkers are independent risk factors for cardiovascular events.
- Various anti-inflammatory drugs, including classic agents, biologics, and pathway inhibitors, are being evaluated.
Conclusions:
- The role of inflammation in atherosclerosis is well-established, supported by observational and preclinical data.
- Targeting specific inflammatory pathways offers potential therapeutic benefits for atherosclerosis.
- Further randomized controlled studies are essential to confirm the efficacy of anti-inflammatory strategies on cardiovascular outcomes.
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