Journal
CURRENT DRUG TARGETS
Volume 16, Issue 4, Pages 321-333Publisher
BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD
DOI: 10.2174/1389450115666141110093013
Keywords
Atherosclerosis; inflammation; matrix metalloproteinase; myeloperoxidase; neutrophil; vulnerable plaque
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Funding
- European Commission [FP7-INNOVATION I HEALTH-F2-2013-602114]
- Swiss National Science Foundation [310030_152639/1, 310030_152912/1]
- Foundation Gustave and Simone Prevot
- Foundation Leenaards
- Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) [310030_152912] Funding Source: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF)
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Atherosclerosis is the main pathophysiological process underlying acute cardiovascular diseases. Life-threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, are provoked by the sudden rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, characterized by thin, highly inflamed and collagen-poor fibrous cap. Whereas both innate and adaptive inflammation progressively emerged as driving force of this processes, less is known about the involvement of neutrophils (PMNs). Advances in laboratory techniques during the last two decades disclosed that PMNs play a crucial role in promoting plaque vulnerability by the release of different enzymes, such as gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinases) collagenases, elastase and myeloperoxidase. Accordingly, circulating levels of PMNs and their products have been investigated as potential markers of plaque instability in both primary and secondary prevention on cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the development of different classes of drugs targeting PMNs activation is emerging as an interesting field of research. This narrative review will provide an update on the role of PMNs in promoting plaque vulnerability also discussing the potential effects of therapeutic strategies targeting PMN on plaque vulnerability.
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