Biomarkers for atherosclerosis: pathophysiological role and pharmacological modulation

Purpose of review The aim of this article is to discuss the potential value of biomarkers for atherosclerosis in the assessment of risk for cardiovascular disease, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and in the monitoring of pharmacological treatment. Recent findings In an attempt to improve global cardiovascular risk prediction, considerable effort has been made in the discovery and characterization of soluble biomarkers which can go beyond the measure of total and LDL cholesterol levels. In particular, circulating molecules related to chronic inflammation have emerged as potential biomarkers for atherosclerosis. Evidence, obtained from in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models, has also documented that the majority of biomarkers play a pathological role in atherogenesis. Multiple screening of different biomarkers may therefore improve the assessment of risk, diagnosis, and prognosis for cardiovascular disease. In addition, soluble biomarkers have been shown to be modulated by hypolipidemic drugs and to be potentially useful in determining the clinical benefits of pharmacological therapies that do not alter serum lipid levels. Summary Altered levels of soluble biomarkers are associated with cardiovascular disease, and profiling of multiple biomarkers for atherosclerosis will be a useful indicator for better risk assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis, as well as monitoring pharmacological treatments for atherosclerosis.