Imaging and molecular biomarkers of vulnerable atheromatous plaques.
Rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is the main cause of acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction and death. Identification of biomarkers that accurately predict the risk of plaque rupture may be a means to establish and monitor response to therapeutic intervention. This review focuses on recent advances for the use of circulating molecular biomarkers and imaging modalities to assess atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques in both preclinical models and clinical conditions.
Wang
Xinkang
X
Wyeth Research, Translational Medicine, 500 Arcola Road, S2324, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA. wangx8@wyeth.com
Rutkowsky
J Lynn
JL
Feuerstein
Giora Z
GZ