Neopterin for risk assessment in angina pectoris.
Inflammation plays a major pathogenic role in atherosclerosis and its complications. Among the inflammatory cells that take part in this process, activated macrophages contribute significantly to atherosclerotic plaque progression, fibrous cap disruption and intracoronary thrombus formation. Neopterin, a pteridine derivative and a byproduct of the guanosine triphosphate-biopterin pathway, is mainly produced by activated macrophages. This article reviews the existing evidence suggesting an important role for neopterin as a marker for cardiovascular risk and also as a possible pathogenic factor in atherosclerosis.
Avanzas
Pablo
P
Area del Corazon, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
Kaski
Juan Carlos
JC
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D019798:Neopterin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012306:Risk; D018570:Risk Assessment
D015415:Biomarkers; D019798:Neopterin