Inflammatory biomarkers and statins.
The concept of atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disorder has led to the exploration of new pathogeneses of this disease. In this regard, the levels of several inflammatory molecules are frequently increased in subjects at high risk of developing an acute coronary event. With a simple analysis we can characterize the circulating levels of a marker and its therapeutic modulation with various drugs. In this review we have analyzed different inflammatory markers currently used, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), CD40 ligand, adhesion molecules and chemokines, and their possible modulation by therapeutic intervention with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. Moreover, in the future, new technologies will allow us to discover new markers, or sets of them, that could indicate the direction to be taken in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Blanco-Colio
Luis Miguel
LM
Vascular Research Lab, Department of Cardiology, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Autonoma University, Madrid, Spain.
Tuñón
José
J
Martín-Ventura
José Luis
JL
Egido
Jesús
J
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors