Abstract
Atherosclerosis is now generally accepted as an inflammatory disease, characterized by degenerative changes and extracellular accumulation of lipid and cholesterol. The evolving inflammatory reaction plays an important role in the initiation of atherosclerotic plaques and their destabilization, converting a chronic process into an acute disorder with an ensuing thrombo-embolism. Neovascularization has been, also, recognized as an important process for the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. In fact, vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque prone to rupture are characterized by an enlarged necrotic core containing an increased number of vasa vasorum, apoptotic macrophages, and more frequent intraplaque haemorrhage. Various functional roles have been assigned to intimal microvessels. This network of immature blood vessels is a viable source of intraplaque haemorrhage providing erythrocyte-derived phospholipids and free cholesterol. However, it is still challenging and controversial the relationship between the very process of angiogenesis and its causal association with the progression and complication of atherosclerosis. The selective targeting of neoangiogenesis poses a possible approach for the elimination of pre-existing and new growth of microvessels. The identification of target lesions is a critical issue, because current technologies have yet to achieve the goal of characterizing plaque morphology to the degree necessary to correctly identify rupture-prone lesions according to pathologic criteria. However, few imaging techniques can be used to detect the neovascularization within the atherosclerotic plaque in vivo. This review discusses the potential role of intraplaque angiogenesis as risk factor for plaque vulnerability.
Keywords: Angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, intraplaque neovascularization, plaque vulnerability
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Angiogenesis as Risk Factor for Plaque Vulnerability
Volume: 15 Issue: 10
Author(s): Rossella Di Stefano, Francesca Felice and Alberto Balbarini
Affiliation:
Keywords: Angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, intraplaque neovascularization, plaque vulnerability
Abstract: Atherosclerosis is now generally accepted as an inflammatory disease, characterized by degenerative changes and extracellular accumulation of lipid and cholesterol. The evolving inflammatory reaction plays an important role in the initiation of atherosclerotic plaques and their destabilization, converting a chronic process into an acute disorder with an ensuing thrombo-embolism. Neovascularization has been, also, recognized as an important process for the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. In fact, vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque prone to rupture are characterized by an enlarged necrotic core containing an increased number of vasa vasorum, apoptotic macrophages, and more frequent intraplaque haemorrhage. Various functional roles have been assigned to intimal microvessels. This network of immature blood vessels is a viable source of intraplaque haemorrhage providing erythrocyte-derived phospholipids and free cholesterol. However, it is still challenging and controversial the relationship between the very process of angiogenesis and its causal association with the progression and complication of atherosclerosis. The selective targeting of neoangiogenesis poses a possible approach for the elimination of pre-existing and new growth of microvessels. The identification of target lesions is a critical issue, because current technologies have yet to achieve the goal of characterizing plaque morphology to the degree necessary to correctly identify rupture-prone lesions according to pathologic criteria. However, few imaging techniques can be used to detect the neovascularization within the atherosclerotic plaque in vivo. This review discusses the potential role of intraplaque angiogenesis as risk factor for plaque vulnerability.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Di Stefano Rossella, Felice Francesca and Balbarini Alberto, Angiogenesis as Risk Factor for Plaque Vulnerability, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2009; 15 (10) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161209787846892
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161209787846892 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
"Tuberculosis Prevention, Diagnosis and Drug Discovery"
The Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and streptomycin have enabled an appropriate diagnosis and an effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Since then, many newer diagnosis methods and drugs have been saving millions of lives. Despite advances in the past, TB is still a leading cause of infectious disease mortality ...read more
?Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Nano-Therapeutics Targeting Tumor Microenvironment?
This thematic issue explores the forefront of cancer treatment, centering on the groundbreaking potential of nano-therapeutics meticulously designed to target the tumor microenvironment. At its core, the issue aims to unravel the latest advancements in nanotechnology, showcasing innovative materials, formulations, and delivery systems that hold promise for redefining cancer therapeutics. ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Comparative Analysis of the Rabbit Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Treated with Selenium Nanoparticles
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Vincristine-Induced Seizure Potentiated by Itraconazole Following RCHOP Chemotherapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Current Drug Safety Update on Clinical, Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Aspects in ANCAAssociated Vasculitides
Current Drug Discovery Technologies Colchicine: An Old Wine in a New Bottle?
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Platelet Activation in Atherogenesis Associated with Low-Grade Inflammation
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Current Proposed Mechanisms of Action of Intravenous Immunoglobulins in Inflammatory Neuropathies
Current Neuropharmacology MEFV Mutation Carriers and Diseases Other than Familial Mediterranean Fever: Proved and Non-Proved Associations; Putative Biological Advantage
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy Flexible Bronchoscopy Biopsy Tools and Techniques to Optimize Diagnostic Yield: A Contemporary Review
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Minocycline: Neuroprotective Mechanisms in Parkinsons Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Neoplastic Actions of Resveratrol
Current Nutrition & Food Science STING Activation and its Application in Immuno-Oncology
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Rheumatic Manifestations in Malignancy
Current Rheumatology Reviews Accessing the Blood-Brain Barrier to Treat Brain Disorders
Current Nanomedicine Neurosarcoidosis
Current Neuropharmacology Chronic Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer: The Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Current Pharmaceutical Design Haptoglobin Phenotype Correlates with the Extent of Cerebral Deep White Matter Lesions in Hypertensive Patients
Current Neurovascular Research Adrenal Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Current Pharmaceutical Design Detection and Transport Mechanisms of Circulating microRNAs in Neurological, Cardiac and Kidney Diseases
Current Medicinal Chemistry Synthetic 2-Methoxyestradiol Derivatives: Structure-Activity Relationships
Current Medicinal Chemistry Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for Evaluation of Heart Involvement in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis. A Luxury or a Valuable Diagnostic Tool?
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued)