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Published on: January 28, 2020
Inflammatory Biomarkers and Atherosclerosis
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School.
Insights
This review explores inflammatory biomarkers for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. It discusses established markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and novel targets for anti-atherosclerotic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Inflammation Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic vascular inflammation.
- Inflammatory biomarkers are crucial for monitoring cardiovascular risk.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established but non-specific inflammatory marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review established and novel inflammatory biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
- To highlight biomarkers reflecting local atherosclerotic inflammation.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of inflammatory biomarkers in anti-atherosclerotic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of established and novel inflammatory biomarkers.
- Analysis of biomarker specificity and clinical utility.
- Discussion of biomarker roles in therapeutic development.
Main Results:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a widely studied biomarker but has limitations due to non-specific responses.
- Novel biomarkers offer greater specificity for local atherosclerotic inflammation.
- Inflammatory biomarkers show promise for guiding anti-atherosclerotic treatments.
Conclusions:
- While CRP is a recognized marker, novel biomarkers are needed for accurate cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Targeting local atherosclerotic inflammation via specific biomarkers is a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into inflammatory biomarkers can advance the development of effective anti-atherosclerotic therapies.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis has been regarded as a form of chronic vascular inflammation. Numerous biomarkers associated with inflammation have been identified as novel targets to monitor atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most actively studied and established inflammatory biomarkers for cardiovascular events. However, CRP response is triggered by many disorders unrelated to cardiovascular disease, which interferes with the clinical application. This review describes established and traditional inflammatory biomarkers including CRP as well as novel inflammatory biomarkers reflective of local atherosclerotic inflammation. In addition, we focus on the potential usefulness of inflammatory biomarkers in developing anti-atherosclerotic therapeutic approaches.
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