Inflammation: a trigger for acute coronary syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease and a leading global cause of mortality.
• Acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including myocardial infarction and unstable angina, are severe complications of atherosclerosis.
• Inflammation plays a critical role in the initiation, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pivotal role of inflammatory leukocytes in vascular inflammation.
• To elucidate how these leukocytes contribute to atherosclerotic disease progression.
• To explain the mechanisms by which leukocytes destabilize plaques, causing acute coronary syndromes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on inflammatory processes in atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of leukocyte involvement.
• Synthesis of current understanding regarding inflammation-driven plaque destabilization.

Main Results:

• Inflammatory leukocytes are central players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• Leukocyte recruitment and activation promote plaque growth and complexity.
• Leukocyte-mediated processes are key drivers of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis.

Conclusions:

• Targeting inflammatory leukocytes may offer therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.
• Understanding leukocyte function is crucial for preventing acute coronary syndromes.
• Inflammation is a critical therapeutic target in managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.