Targeting the residual cardiovascular risk by specific anti-inflammatory interventions as a therapeutic strategy in...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chronic subclinical inflammation is integral to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) pathogenesis.
• Macrophages drive atherosclerosis via oxidative stress and cytokine release.
• While lipid management is established, inflammation's role in residual risk is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review novel anti-inflammatory agents targeting inflammatory pathways in ASCVD.
• To evaluate these agents in light of the canakinumab anti-inflammatory thrombosis outcomes study (CANTOS) trial.
• To discuss the potential of anti-inflammatory therapies to alter preventive cardiology practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on inflammation in ASCVD.
• Analysis of results from key clinical trials, including CANTOS.
• Discussion of various anti-inflammatory agents and their clinical implications.

Main Results:

• Canakinumab demonstrated significant cardiovascular risk reduction in the CANTOS trial.
• Emerging data suggest other anti-inflammatory agents may also impact ASCVD outcomes.
• The precise role and optimal use of anti-inflammatory strategies require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Targeting inflammation represents a promising strategy for managing residual cardiovascular risk in ASCVD.
• Anti-inflammatory agents, exemplified by canakinumab, show potential to become a new paradigm in preventive cardiology.
• Further research is needed to confirm efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of these novel therapies.