Biomarkers for diagnosis of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting all vascular beds. The atherosclerotic plaque, as a first manifestation of the disease, involves a complex pathophysiological mechanism that is differentiated accordingly during its formation, progression and destabilization. This cascade of biomechanisms is orchestrated by the endothelium and is accompanied by the production and secretion of a variety of proteins referred to as biomarkers. The ‘vulnerable’ plaque is a term which describes a plaque that is destabilized and thus prone to induce atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. The determination of biomarkers related to vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in blood serum may aid in the planning of intervention and in choosing the best medical treatment. Moreover, the utilization of biomarker panels can increase the accuracy of predicting the transformation of the atherosclerotic plaque into a vulnerable one.