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Published on: July 1, 2011
Interleukin 17, the double-edged sword in atherosclerosis
Aysan Moeinafshar1, Sepideh Razi2, Nima Rezaei3
1School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading global cause of death. This review explores the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in atherosclerosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Atherosclerosis is recognized as an inflammatory condition where immune cells and signaling molecules play a crucial role in its development.
- Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a recently identified signaling molecule, is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunological underpinnings of atherosclerosis.
- To emphasize the specific role of IL-17 in the context of atherosclerosis.
- To briefly explain the impact of IL-17 on atherosclerotic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on immunological aspects of atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the function of IL-17 in cardiovascular disease.
- Synthesis of current understanding regarding IL-17's pro- and anti-atherogenic effects.
Main Results:
- IL-17 exhibits a complex, potentially dual role in atherosclerosis, acting as both a pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic factor.
- Evidence suggests IL-17 is a significant mediator in the inflammatory processes underlying atherosclerosis.
- The dual nature of IL-17 necessitates careful consideration for therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- IL-17 is a key immunological player in atherosclerosis.
- Understanding IL-17's multifaceted role is crucial for developing targeted treatments.
- IL-17 represents a promising, yet complex, target for managing atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, are the number one cause of death worldwide. These diseases have taken the place of pneumonia and other infectious diseases in the epidemiological charts. Thus, their importance should not be underestimated. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. Therefore, immunological signaling molecules and immune cells carry out a central role in its etiology. One of these signaling molecules is interleukin (IL)-17. This relatively newly discovered signaling molecule might have a dual role as acting both pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic depending on the situation. The majority of articles have discussed IL-17 and its action in atherosclerosis, and it may be a new target for the treatment of patients with this disease. In this review, the immunological basis of atherosclerosis with an emphasis on the role of IL-17 and a brief explanation of the role of IL-17 on atherosclerogenic disorders will be discussed.
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