Inflammatory Cytokines and Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression. Therapeutic Implications

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Inflammatory cytokines play a major role in atherosclerotic plaque progression. This review summarizes the rationale for personalized anti-inflammatory therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Systemic inflammatory parameters may be used to follow the clinical outcome in primary and secondary prevention. Medical therapy, both in patients with stable cardiovascular disease, or with acute events, may be tailored taking into consideration the level and course of systemic inflammatory mediators. There is significant space for improvement in primary prevention and in the treatment of patients who have suffered from severe cardiovascular events, paying attention to not only blood pressure and cholesterol levels but also including inflammatory parameters in our clinical analysis. SUMMARY: The potential exists to alter the course of atherosclerosis with anti-inflammatory drugs. With increased understanding of the specific mechanisms that regulate the relationship between inflammation and atherosclerosis, new, more effective and specific anti-inflammatory treatment may become available.