sCD40L: An overestimated marker for cardiovascular risk prediction?

Vascular inflammation was suggested as an important contributor to atherosclerosis half a century ago [1]. Lately, and finally, in the CANTOS Trial [2], the application of 150 mg canakinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1 β, resulted in a 15% relative risk reduction, independent of lipid lowering. Thus, the last remaining doubters of the inflammation hypothesis in general were silenced. In addition, plaques in the artery wall were demonstrated to rupture more likely when inflammation is present; and plaque rupture i s a common cause for myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death [2,3].
Source: Atherosclerosis - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research