New trends in anti-atherosclerotic agents.
New approaches to atherosclerosis-related diseases include novel uses of proven treatments and development of innovative agents. Several commonly used cardiovascular drugs such as dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors containing the sulphydryl group, or highly lipophilic beta-blockers have some anti-atherosclerotic activities. Moreover, new clinical trials suggesting that additional reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with statin therapy results in additional benefit in coronary heart disease prevention. Notably, new cholesterol transport or bile acid transport inhibitors have been found to produce significant reductions in intestinal cholesterol absorption and experimental atherosclerosis. Inhibitors of acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase, which can reduce cholesterol storage in macrophages and in arterial lesions, have also been developed. Finally, newer therapeutical strategies against atherogenesis may include the use of antioxidants and cholestyramine during pregnancy or the development of metalloproteinase inhibitors.
Napoli
C
C
Department of General Pathology, Division of Clinical Pathology and Excellence Research Center on Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, II University of Naples, Italy. claunap@tin.it
Sica
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V
Pignalosa
O
O
de Nigris
F
F
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents