Translating molecular discoveries into new therapies for atherosclerosis

Nature. 2008 Feb 21;451(7181):904-13. doi: 10.1038/nature06796.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the thickening of the arterial wall and is the primary cause of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, two of the most common causes of illness and death worldwide. Clinical trials have confirmed that certain lipoproteins and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and that interventions targeted towards these are beneficial. Furthermore, efforts to understand how risk factors such as high blood pressure, dysregulated blood lipids and diabetes contribute to atherosclerotic disease, as well as to understand the molecular pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques, are leading to new targets for therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aldosterone / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / genetics
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • Atherosclerosis / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Lipoproteins / metabolism
  • Renin-Angiotensin System
  • Thrombosis

Substances

  • Lipoproteins
  • Aldosterone