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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Targeting inflammation in atherosclerosis - from experimental insights to the clinic
Oliver Soehnlein1,2,3, Peter Libby4
1Institute for Experimental Pathology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany. soehnlein@uni-muenster.de.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis, a dominant and growing cause of death and disability worldwide, involves inflammation from its inception to the emergence of complications. Targeting inflammatory pathways could therefore provide a promising new avenue to prevent and treat atherosclerosis. Indeed, clinical studies have now demonstrated unequivocally that modulation of inflammation can forestall the clinical complications of atherosclerosis. This progress pinpoints the need for preclinical investigations to refine strategies for combatting inflammation in the human disease. In this Review, we consider a gamut of attractive possibilities for modifying inflammation in atherosclerosis, including targeting pivotal inflammatory pathways such as the inflammasomes, inhibiting cytokines, manipulating adaptive immunity and promoting pro-resolution mechanisms. Along with lifestyle measures, pharmacological interventions to mute inflammation could complement traditional targets, such as lipids and hypertension, to make new inroads into the management of atherosclerotic risk.
Insights
Targeting inflammation offers a promising strategy to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, a major global health issue. Preclinical research is crucial to refine these anti-inflammatory approaches for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity.
- Inflammation is integral to the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
- Clinical evidence confirms that modulating inflammation can prevent atherosclerotic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for targeting inflammation in atherosclerosis.
- To explore potential preclinical investigations for refining anti-atherosclerotic therapies.
- To highlight the role of inflammation modulation alongside traditional risk factor management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical and preclinical data on inflammation in atherosclerosis.
- Discussion of various inflammatory pathways and therapeutic targets.
- Consideration of lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Modulating inflammation is a validated approach to prevent atherosclerosis complications.
- Several promising targets exist, including inflammasomes, cytokines, adaptive immunity, and pro-resolution pathways.
- Pharmacological interventions can complement lipid and hypertension management.
Conclusions:
- Targeting inflammation represents a significant therapeutic opportunity for atherosclerosis.
- Further preclinical research is needed to optimize anti-inflammatory strategies.
- A multi-faceted approach combining lifestyle, traditional risk factor control, and inflammation modulation is key for managing atherosclerotic risk.
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