Biomarkers of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and their clinical significance

Abstract

Inflammatory reaction plays a crucial role in the occurence and development of atherosclerosis. Both basic and clinical trials have provided evidence that the expression of inflammatory biomarkers are closely related with the degree of atherosclerosis. Treatment towards inflammatory factors would bring benefit to atherosclerotic patients. This review highlighted the mechanistic rationale and specific therapies targeting traditional and novel inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-17 (IL-17), secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), endoglin, chemokine receptor and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), so as to review its mechanism of action and treatment prospect.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2016.09.004