Title:Adhesion Molecules as Prognostic Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease
Volume: 23
Issue: 6
Author(s): Marios Sagris*, Panagiotis Theofilis, Alexios S. Antonopoulos, Evangelos Oikonomou, Spiros Simantiris, Spyridon Papaioannou, Constantinos Tsioufis and Dimitris Tousoulis
Affiliation:
- 1st Cardiology Department, “Hippokration” General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
Keywords:
Adhesion molecules, Atherosclerosis, Coronary artery disease, Cytokines, Depressive disorders, Nanoparticles.
Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease, culminating in the production of atherosclerotic
plaques in arteries through intricate pathophysiological processes. The progression of this disorder
is based on the effect of triggering factors -mainly hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension,
and smoking- on the endothelium. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an atherosclerotic disease
with a higher prevalence among individuals. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are the
main contributors to atherosclerotic plaque formation. CAD and its manifestations multifactorial affect
patients’ quality of life, burdening the global healthcare system. Recently, the role of adhesion
molecules in CAD progression has been recognized. Physicians delve into the pathophysiologic basis
of CAD progression, focusing on the effect of adhesion molecules. They are proteins that mediate
cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interaction and adhesion, driving the formation of atherosclerotic
plaques. Several studies have assessed their role in atherosclerotic disease in small cohorts
and in experimental animal models as well. Furthermore, several agents, such as nanoparticles, have
been introduced modifying the main atherosclerotic risk factors as well as targeting the endothelial
inflammatory response and atherosclerotic plaque stabilization. In this review, we discuss the role
of adhesion molecules in atherosclerosis and CAD progression, as well as the potential to be used as
targeting moieties for individualized treatment.