title: Drug-induced immunomodulation to affect the development and progression of atherosclerosis: a new opportunity?
abstract: Inflammation and cytokine pathways are crucial for the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In this review, the hypothesis that immunomodulatory drugs provide a possible therapeutic modality for cardiovascular disease is evaluated. Therefore, after a short overview of the specific inflammatory pathways involved in atherosclerosis, literature on the effect of several immunomodulatory drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, specific cyclooxygenase inhibitors and immunosuppressive drugs, used currently in the prevention of rejection after organ transplant, on the development and progression of atherosclerosis is reviewed. In addition, the pleiotropic immunomodulatory effect of two established cardiovascular drugs (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins) is discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Maastricht, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. s.heeneman@path.unimaas.nl
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heeneman
authors.forename: Marjo M P C
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Donners
authors.forename: Lili
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Mat J A P
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Daemen
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents