Atherosclerosis and inflammation: overview and updates.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Immunology
• Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized as an active inflammatory process, not merely a cholesterol storage issue.
• While low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction is effective, residual cardiovascular risk persists.
• Inflammation is a key factor contributing to this residual risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mechanisms linking inflammation and atherogenesis.
• To discuss the clinical consequences of inflammation in atherosclerosis.
• To highlight the potential of anti-inflammatory therapies in preventive cardiology.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and clinical evidence on inflammation in atherosclerosis.
• Elucidation of molecular and cellular inflammatory pathways.
• Analysis of clinical trial data on anti-inflammatory interventions.

Main Results:

• Mononuclear phagocytes are integral to all stages of atherosclerosis.
• Anti-inflammatory interventions have shown promise in reducing cardiovascular events in patients on LDL-lowering therapy.
• Residual inflammatory risk is a targetable factor in cardiovascular prevention.

Conclusions:

• Inflammation is a critical driver of atherosclerosis and its complications.
• Targeting residual inflammatory risk presents a novel approach to preventive cardiology.
• Future clinical practice may incorporate assessment and treatment of inflammation beyond lipid management.