The nuclear factor - kappa B pathway in atherosclerosis: A potential therapeutic target for atherothrombotic vascular disease

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) is a transcription factor belonging to 'Rel' family that represents a crucial intracellular signal transduction system involved in several inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis. Activation of NF kappa B mediated signal transduction has been established at different stages of atherosclerosis, beginning from plaque formation to its destabilization and rupture. The NF kappa B pathway is also involved in angiogenic, apoptotic and neoplastic processes. Experimental studies indicate that inhibition of these pathway may reduce inflammatory burden. The development of natural or pharmaceutical, selective and specific inhibitors of NF kappa B pathway over I kappa B kinase alpha or beta, may ultimately prove to be promising anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and antiapoptotic therapeutic instruments that could potentially reduce inflammation, attenuate atherogenesis and prevent its complications. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.