Georgios Latsios

Anti-Inflammatory Treatment

The underlying role of inflammation in atherosclerosis has been widely described and is critical in all the stages of atherogenesis, from plaque formation to plaque rupture and the development of acute coronary syndromes. Despite the efficacy of therapies targeting serum lipid abnormalities, atherosclerosis remains the most significant cause of death in the world. It seems that the measurement of circulating levels of inflammatory molecules can be useful in risk assessment or even in the design of therapeutic approaches against the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis. However, current treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) primarily targets in the reduction of serum lipoprotein levels rather than altering the detrimental effects of acute and chronic inflammation. Over the last decades, basic studies and clinical trials have shed light on the potential benefits of treatments targeting inflammation in CAD.

Chapter 1.3 – Atherosclerotic Plaque

Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition in which several pathophysiological mechanisms contribute to atheromatic plaque creation, which under certain circumstances may lead to life-threatening acute syndromes. Atherosclerotic process seems to be inflammatory initiated disorder that may proceed to an acute clinical event by the induction of plaque rupture, which in turn leads to thrombosis. Atherosclerotic plaques are caused by a sequence of multiple pathophysiological events that occur on a dysfunctional endothelium, causing accumulation of cholesterol, macrophages, foam cells, smooth muscle cells, mineral crystals and oxidative products in the subendothelial space. Interestingly beyond classical risk factors an increasing number of genetic, systemic and topical parameters, have been recognized for their role in the formation, evolution and complications of the atheromatic plaques.