Anti-inflammatory therapy in atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. Although once considered merely as a lipid storage disease, studies indicate the role of inflammation in initiation and progression of atherosclerotic CVD, as well as the development of thrombotic complications. Despite significant advances in treatment of atherosclerosis, there still exists a residual risk for CVD-related morbidity and mortality. Even with optimal treatment, the rate of a new event after an index acute coronary syndrome event, such as myocardial ischemia or infarction, in the first three years has been reported to be as high as 20%. In the last decades, inflammation due to apoB-lipoproteins and other traditional risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking, is accepted as a new target for CVD prevention. Up to now, several anti-inflammatory drugs have been tested for use in atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the current status of anti-inflammatory drug therapy for atherosclerotic CVD in humans.