title: Inflammation and restenosis: implications for therapy.
abstract: Restenosis is the process of luminal narrowing in an atherosclerotic artery after an intra-arterial intervention such as balloon angioplasty and stenting. It is believed that this process is mainly characterized by migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix accumulation. However, there is now increasing evidence for a role of inflammation in the development of restenosis. The underlying molecular mechanisms of restenosis are, in fact, most probably regulated by inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines. Understanding the molecular mechanisms in restenosis is crucial for the development of a suitable therapy for this disease. Recently, the use of immunosuppressives in drug-eluting stents has provided very promising results in the treatment of restenosis. In this review, we will describe the molecular mechanisms involved in restenosis with a focus on the role of inflammation and the use of immunosuppressive therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marjo M P C
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Donners
authors.forename: Mat J A P
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Daemen
authors.forename: Kitty B J M
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Cleutjens
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heeneman
mesh_terms: D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D016572:Cyclosporine; D020123:Sirolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus