Clinical relevance of biomarkers for the identification of patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque: Potential role and limitations of cysteine protease legumain

Asymptomatic carotid artery stenoses are common in the elderly population [1]. The presence of a carotid plaque is a major risk factor for the occurrence of athero-embolic stroke [2], and is associated with a higher incidence of silent brain ischemia [3]. Biomarkers, in addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, can help identify patients at risk of bearing an asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, leading to the implementation of effective ultrasonographic screening programs [4]. In particular, inflammatory regulators, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor- α, were shown to predict the presence and characteristics of the plaque.

Source: Atherosclerosis - January 16, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Enrico Ammirati, Federica Fogacci Tags: Editorial Source Type: research