Title:The Molecular Concept of Atheromatous Plaques
Volume: 18
Issue: 11
Author(s): Zar Chi Thent, Chiranjib Chakraborty, Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh, Nik Nik Ritza Kosai Nik Mahmood, Reynu Rajan and Srijit Das*
Affiliation:
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak 56000, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Keywords:
Atherosclerosis, plaques, anatomy, microstructure, inflammatory, cells, therapeutic.
Abstract: Background: Recently, there are scientific attempts to discover new drugs in the biotechnology
industry in order to treat various diseases including atherosclerosis.
Objective: The main objective of the present review was to highlight the cellular, molecular biology
and inflammatory process related to the atheromatous plaques.
Methods: A thorough literature search of Pubmed, Google and Scopus databases was done.
Results: Atherosclerosis is considered to be a leading cause of death throughout the world. Atherosclerosis
involves oxidative damage to the cells with production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Development
of atheromatous plaques in the arterial wall is a common feature. Specific inflammatory markers
pertaining to the arterial wall in atherosclerosis may be useful for both diagnosis and treatment.
These include Nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF), leucocytes and Pselectin.
Modern therapeutic paradigms involving endothelial progenitor cells therapy, angiotensin II
type-2 (AT
2R) and ATP-activated purinergic receptor therapy are notable to mention.
Conclusion: Future drugs may be designed aiming three signalling mechanisms of AT
2R which are
(a) activation of protein phosphatases resulting in protein dephosphorylation (b) activation of
bradykinin/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate pathway by vasodilation and (c) stimulation
of phospholipase A(2) and release of arachidonic acid. Drugs may also be designed to act on
ATP-activated purinergic receptor channel type P2X7 molecules which acts on cardiovascular system.
