Title:Update on the Role of Neutrophils in Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability
Volume: 16
Issue: 4
Author(s): Federico Carbone, Francois Mach and Fabrizio Montecucco
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Atherosclerosis, inflammation, matrix metalloproteinase, myeloperoxidase, neutrophil, vulnerable plaque.
Abstract: Atherosclerosis is the main pathophysiological process underlying acute cardiovascular diseases.
Life-threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, are provoked by
the sudden rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, characterized by thin, highly inflamed and
collagen-poor fibrous cap. Whereas both innate and adaptive inflammation progressively emerged as driving force of this
processes, less is known about the involvement of neutrophils (PMNs). Advances in laboratory techniques during the last
two decades disclosed that PMNs play a crucial role in promoting plaque vulnerability by the release of different enzymes,
such as gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinases) collagenases, elastase and myeloperoxidase. Accordingly, circulating
levels of PMNs and their products have been investigated as potential markers of plaque instability in both primary
and secondary prevention on cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the development of different classes of drugs targeting
PMNs activation is emerging as an interesting field of research. This narrative review will provide an update on the role of
PMNs in promoting plaque vulnerability also discussing the potential effects of therapeutic strategies targeting PMN on
plaque vulnerability.
