Title:Inflammatory Markers in Cardiovascular Disease; Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Dimitrios Patoulias, Konstantinos Stavropoulos, Konstantinos Imprialos, Vasilios Athyros, Haris Grassos, Michael Doumas and Charles Faselis*
Affiliation:
- VA Medical Center, and George Washington University, Washington, DC 20422,United States
Keywords:
Cardiovascular disease, inflammation, atherosclerosis, biomarker, acute ischemic events, therapeutic targets.
Abstract: Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) still remains the leading cause of morbidity and
mortality worldwide. It is now established that inflammation plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis and
atherothrombosis, and thus, it is closely linked to cardiovascular disease.
Objective: The aim of the present review is to summarize and critically appraise the most relevant evidence
regarding the potential use of inflammatory markers in the field of CVD.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive research of the relevant literature, searching MEDLINE from
its inception until November 2018, primarily for meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials and observational
studies.
Results: Established markers of inflammation, mainly C-reactive protein, have yielded significant results
both for primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Newer markers, such as lipoprotein-associated
phospholipase A2, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, cytokines, myeloperoxidase,
cell adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinases, and the CD40/CD40 ligand system, have been
largely evaluated in human studies, enrolling both individuals from the general population and patients
with established CVD. Some markers have yielded conflicting results; however, others are now recognized
not only as promising biomarkers of CVD, but also as potential therapeutic targets, establishing
the role of anti-inflammatory and pleiotropic drugs in CVD.
Conclusion: There is significant evidence regarding the role of consolidated and novel inflammatory
markers in the field of diagnosis and prognosis of CVD. However, multimarker model assessment, validation
of cut-off values and cost-effectiveness analyses are required in order for those markers to be
integrated into daily clinical practice.