title: Pharmacological basis of different targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
abstract: The development of atherosclerotic plaque is a highly regulated and complex process which occurs as a result of structural and functional alterations in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), monocytes/macrophages, T-lymphocytes and platelets. The plaque formation in the coronary arteries or rupture of the plaque in the peripheral vasculature in latter stages of atherosclerosis triggers the onset of acute ischemic events involving myocardium. Although lipid lowering with statins has been established as an important therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis, partially beneficial effects of statins beyond decreasing lipid levels has shifted the focus to develop newer drugs that can affect directly the process of atherosclerosis. Blockade of renin angiotensin system, augmentation of nitric oxide availability, reduction of Ca(2+) influx, prevention of oxidative stress as well as attenuation of inflammation, platelet activation and SMC proliferation have been recognized as targets for drug treatment to control the development, progression and management of atherosclerosis. A major challenge for future drug development is to formulate a combination therapy affecting different targets to improve the treatment of atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Harjot K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.forename: Yan-Jun
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Amarjit S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Arneja
authors.forename: Paramjit S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Tappia
authors.forename: Naranjan S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Dhalla
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D007249:Inflammation; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008055:Lipids; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D002784:Cholesterol