Do we need to consider inflammatory markers when we treat atherosclerotic disease?
This review considers the value of monitoring inflammatory markers as a guide to selecting appropriate drugs in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical and experimental studies investigated inflammation in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic syndrome (MetS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD). Evidence suggests that in these high risk groups inflammation plays a role in the extent and severity of atherosclerosis. Simple inflammatory markers (e.g. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen) can be monitored cost effectively and may influence the selection of drugs that can normalize both traditional CVD risk factors and inflammation. However, this concept requires proof in appropriately designed trials that include clinically relevant end points.
Athyros
Vasilios G
VG
Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. athyros@med.auth.gr
Kakafika
Anna I
AI
Karagiannis
Asterios
A
Mikhailidis
Dimitri P
DP
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002097:C-Reactive Protein