title: Mycophenolate mofetil--a new atheropreventive drug?
abstract: Atherosclerosis is a form of chronic inflammation in which endothelial cell dysfunction, fibroproliferative process, oxidative stress and inflammatory cell activation are linked to plaque development and destabilization. T-lymphocytes also play a key role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. As a consequence, the suggested concept that modulation of an immunological response could be an appropriate target in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, is an important focus of research. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), that exerts anti-proliferative and pro-apototic effects, particularly on activated T-lymphocytes. MMF has other anti-atherogenic effects at the level of endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, smooth muscle cells and dendritic cells. In addition, MMF exhibits anti-oxidative properties. The present review paper provides an overview about the mechanisms of anti-atherosclerotic properties of MMF.
authors.forename: Wioletta
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Olejarz
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bryk
authors.forename: Danuta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zapolska-Downar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid