title: Neopterin for risk assessment in angina pectoris.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Area del Corazon, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Avanzas
authors.forename: Juan Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kaski
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D019798:Neopterin