title: Markers of inflammation and their clinical significance.
abstract: Inflammation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and the development of atherosclerotic events. Understanding the molecular basis of inflammation has led to the identification of markers that may also serve as new targets of therapy in the management of atherothrombotic disease. Inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), have been shown to predict future cardiovascular events in individuals with and without established cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins substantially reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and recently their anti-inflammatory properties have been investigated. In this paper, we discuss biomarkers implicated in the inflammatory process leading to atherothrombosis, including CRP, adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), CD40 ligand and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)), and the effect of statins on these markers and their potential relationship to cardiovascular events.
authors.affiliation: Section of Atherosclerosis and Lipoprotein Research, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin, M.S. A-601, Houston, TX 77030-3498, USA. cmb@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Christie M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Ballantyne
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nambi
mesh_terms: D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D010741:Phospholipases A; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase