This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Lucas, A. R. Articles by Pepine, C. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Lucas, A. R. Articles by Pepine, C. J. Related Collections Other Stroke Treatment - Medical Acute coronary syndromes Other diabetes Platelets Other Treatment Related Article

(Circulation. 2006;113:e728-e732.)
© 2006 American Heart Association, Inc.

Clinician Update

Inflammation in Atherosclerosis

Some Thoughts About Acute Coronary Syndromes

Alexandra R. Lucas, MD; Renee Korol, MSc; Carl J. Pepine, MD

From Robarts Research Institute (A.R.L.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.R.L.) and Department of Medical Biophysics (A.R.L., R.K.), University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario; and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (C.P.).

Correspondence to Alexandra Lucas, MD, Robarts Research Institute, 100 Perth Dr, PO Box 5015, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 2K8 (e-mail arl{at}robarts.ca); after July 1, 2006, c/o Linda H. Horne, Assistant to Dr Carl Pepine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Box 100277, Gainesville, FL 32610–0277.

	Introduction

Top Introduction Antiinflammatory Actions of... Case Study Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone... Newer Experimental Treatments References

 
The innate or natural immune response is the body’s rapid first line of defense for environmental threats (eg, trauma and infection), responding long before an immune defense is mounted.^1,2 This response involves a series of reactions that have evolved to limit damage, isolate pathogens (noxious agents), and initiate repair processes. Cells distinguish between pathogen and self by using signals from pattern-recognition receptors, scavenger receptors (CD-36, SR-A), and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on macrophage and dendritic cells.² These receptors recognize pathogen-associated patterns in nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Flow-dependent regulation of TLR2 surface expression in endothelial cells and ligation of TLR1, TLR2, and TLR4 in plaque result in recruitment of adaptor protein myeloid differentiation factor 88, followed by activation of nuclear factor-B and mitogen-activated protein kinases.^1–4 This results in a cascade of proinflammatory molecules such as interleukin (IL)-6 that drive C-reactive protein (CRP) production, chemokines that act as chemoattractants, and serine proteases that drive thrombosis, all of which contribute to inflammation and pathogen clearance.

Accumulating evidence supports a central role for inflammation in preclinical atherosclerosis, with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as a principle clinical expression.⁴ Indeed, ACS, ischemic brain syndrome (stroke/transient ischemic attack), and peripheral arterial occlusion^1–4 result from a chronic inflammatory process, as well as disorders of lipid metabolism, modified by genetic and environmental factors. Arterial wall function and structure are modulated by interactions between injurious agents, blood vessel wall elements and monocytes, T lymphocytes, and platelets. Invading mononuclear cells release enzymes (eg, matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs]) that degrade collagen and elastin, thereby allowing cells to invade by disrupting matrix layers that otherwise stabilize developing plaque (Figures 1 and 2). Clot forming and inflammatory pathways then work in tandem to accelerate local macrophage and T-cell activation, which contributes to plaque erosion or rupture, forming a surface on which activated platelets may initiate thrombosis and microembolism and perhaps lead to continuing inflammation.

View larger version (81K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 1. A and B, Coronary angiography in a patient with ACS/non-STEMI illustrating thrombotic right coronary artery stenosis, bracketed by yellow arrows, before (A) and after (B) stent implant. C through F, Altered blood flow dynamics in an arterial bifurcation phantom (courtesy of Dr David Steinman, Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada) (C) and modified Movat’s pentachrome–stained histological images of carotid arterial plaque buildup at a high-risk carotid bifurcation area (D) with thrombotic and fibrotic plaque (E), as well as an area of hemorrhagic plaque with adjacent fibrous and inflamed regions (macrophage/foam cells, T lymphocytes, apoptosis, and cytokine release) occurring where the fibrous cap region has collagen breakdown and smooth muscle cell apoptosis (F). Movat’s pentachrome stains nuclei and elastic fibers black, collagen and reticular fibers yellow, ground substance and mucin blue, fibrin intense red, and smooth muscle cells red. Th indicates thrombus; F, fibrosis; H, hemorrhage; and I, inflammation.

View larger version (52K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 2. Frequently cited inflammatory mediators or markers (both circulating and tissue bound), targets, and therapeutic approaches shown to reduce circulating markers of inflammation. Inflammatory mediators/markers are indicated in red; therapeutic approaches, in green. Many known inflammatory mediators and markers in the circulating blood are shown in the box.

In vulnerable patients, atherosclerosis develops under the influence of conditions that traumatize the endothelium, eg, aging, elevated blood pressure, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and potentially infections. Inflammation is documented by increased temperature in unstable plaque and an increase in circulating leukocytes consistent with the rubor, calor, and tumor of classic description.^3,4 Lesion susceptibility is greatest in vascular branches or curvatures with altered hemodynamics (Figure 1C and 1D) where endothelial proliferation, apoptosis, and permeability increase. Expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines facilitates recruitment of macrophages laden with oxidized lipid (foam cells) and weakening of the fibrous cap. Platelet and leukocyte microaggregates at sites of plaque erosion release cytokines and other factors (eg, CD40 ligand [CD40L] and receptor, CRP, local angiotensin II, tissue-type plasminogen activator and inhibitor, IL-1, IL-6, MMPs, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules) are all important contributors to and/or markers for inflammatory processes involved in atherothrombosis (Figure 2). What specifically initiates and maintains this inflammation is unclear, but it is intriguing that rates of ACS and stroke/transient ischemic attack increase during acute infections.^2,4

Genetic predisposition to accelerated plaque growth and rupture also is under investigation. For example, Asp299Gly polymorphism in human TLR4 impairs signaling,⁵ and polymorphism in chemokine ligand 2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and 2578G and CX3CR1 chemokine receptor V249I alleles⁶ that direct monocyte and T cells to sites of arterial injury are associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) disease. Other recent work has identified high-risk genotypes associated with inflammation and restenosis. The inflammatory mediators discussed above, specifically leukocytes, CRP, IL-1, IL-6, MMPs, MCP-1, plasminogen activator and inhibitor, serum amyloid A, CD40L, tumor necrosis factor alpha-,^1–4 and a newer marker called LIGHT (lymphotoxinlike inducible protein that competes with glycoprotein D for binding herpesvirus entry mediator on T cells), provide sensitive markers for ACS when combined with assessment of risk factors.

	Antiinflammatory Actions of Therapies for ACS

Top Introduction Antiinflammatory Actions of... Case Study Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone... Newer Experimental Treatments References

 
The remainder of this review focuses on management strategies for ACS and their influences on inflammation. Each treatment is discussed with reference to a case study of ACS.

	Case Study

Top Introduction Antiinflammatory Actions of... Case Study Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone... Newer Experimental Treatments References

 
Mrs C. is a 70-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department complaining of severe retrosternal chest discomfort that radiates to neck and arm with accompanying nausea and dyspnea. Details of clinical findings, treatment, and outcome are outlined in Figure 3.

View larger version (38K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 3. Hypothetical patient presenting with ACS, crescendo angina, and non-STEMI. hsCRP indicates high-sensitivity CRP; SAA, serum amyloid A; LAD, left anterior descending; RCA, right coronary artery; and EF, ejection fraction.

Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Therapy
Plaque erosion and rupture release extrinsic coagulation factors, tissue factor, and factor VII and activate platelets that also release inflammatory mediators such as CD40L. Prothrombotic and proinflammatory agents increase in concert with fibrinogen, a mediator of arterial thrombosis, and cardiac troponin, a marker of myocyte damage in ACS. These changes correlate with elevations in CRP.^1,2,4

The antiplatelet agents aspirin, which is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor,⁷ and clopidogrel, which is a thienopyridine adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonist,⁸ as well as the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa antagonists⁹ and low-molecular-weight¹⁰ and unfractionated heparins, are beneficial and antiinflammatory in ACS patients. Studies confirming a clear association between inhibition of platelets and thrombosis, inflammation, and long- or short-term prognosis are ongoing. CRP levels are suppressed by aspirin,⁷ clopidogrel,⁸ and GP IIb/IIIa antagonists⁹; CD40L and CD62 are reduced with clopidogrel.

The patient described above has no contraindications to these therapies; aspirin and heparin reduce risk of progression to an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and mortality. It was reasonable to wait until catheterization, given the patient’s stability, before administering clopidogrel or GP IIb/IIIa antagonists, but both would likely be used with recurrent ischemia, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and stent implantation. Aspirin and clopidogrel have continuing benefit over the long term after PCI; however, clopidogrel and the GP IIb/IIIa antagonists may increase risk of bleeding with bypass surgery.

Lipid-Lowering Therapy
Excess lipids, particularly many of the neoepitopes that result from LDL oxidation, are immunogenic and lead to proatherogenic consequences such as endothelial cell dysfunction, thrombosis, and macrophage activation. These events may lead to plaque rupture.

The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) reduce LDL and plaque progression in coronary arteries, along with risk of CV events.¹¹ Statin use before PCI has the potential to reduce periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) and improve 1-year survival. Statin-mediated immunomodulation assessed by reduction in inflammatory markers is, in part, independent of the magnitude of lipid lowering, and reduced inflammation may relate to the early benefit observed in ACS. Survival benefit after PCI is associated with reduced CRP levels, and high-dose statins are considered the preferred approach.

Studies using peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor- (PPAR) agonists (eg, fibrates) have suggested antiinflammatory actions. These agents have antiatherogenic effects in experimental models, and some clinical trials (Veterans Administration HDL Intervention Trial [VA-HIT], Diabetes Atherosclerosis Intervention Study [DAIS])¹² have shown a reduction in CV events. Large randomized trials in ACS, however, are lacking.

Additional reduction in lipids with combination therapy has been proposed with ezetimibe and niacin. Ezetimibe blocks cholesterol absorption and augments statin-mediated reduction in lipid and CRP levels, but data are lacking to document clinical outcome benefits. Experimentally, high-density lipoprotein has potent antiinflammatory actions and is increased by statins and high-dose nicotinic acid. A novel therapeutic approach in ACS with intravenous apolipoprotein A1 Milano as a synthetic high-density lipoprotein resulted in rapid resorption of coronary atheroma detected by intravascular ultrasound.¹³

In our case, there are no contraindications to lipid-lowering therapy, and statins, specifically high-dose statins, are clearly indicated to reduce early inflammation and plaque burden and to improve long-term outcomes.

	Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Active Agents

Top Introduction Antiinflammatory Actions of... Case Study Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone... Newer Experimental Treatments References

 
In addition to reducing mortality in patients with acute MI, left ventricular dysfunction, or congestive heart failure, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce risk for MI, stroke, and death in patients with (as documented by EURopean trial on reduction Of cardiac events with Perindopril in patients with stable coronary Artery disease [EUROPA]) or at high risk for (as shown in the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation [HOPE] and HOPE–The Ongoing Outcomes [HOPE–TOO]) coronary artery disease. Angiotensin II drives inflammation, and ACE inhibitors reduce markers of inflammation and tissue factor.¹⁴ Associated with decreased mortality and CV morbidity is an early reduction of inflammatory markers, MMPs, IL-6, CRP, and platelet aggregation. Angiotensin receptor blockers provide an efficacy similar to that of ACE inhibitors for hypertension and heart failure with associated decreases in CRP, yet the relevance of CRP reduction to reduced adverse outcomes remains uncertain. Information on angiotensin receptor blockers in ACS is limited. Aldosterone antagonists (eg, spironalactone, eplerenone) have benefit in hypertension and heart failure early after acute MI with reduced ejection fraction (as shown in the Randomized Aldactone (Spironolactone) Evaluation Study for Congestive Heart Failure [RALES] and Eplerenone Post-AMI Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study [EPHESUS]) and may reduce inflammatory markers.¹⁵ These agents, however, have not yet been examined in randomized trials of ACS patients without heart failure.

Mrs C. has no contraindication to angiotensin II active agents and has hypertension. Findings on physical examination suggest insulin resistance, and she subsequently developed congestive heart failure. Therefore, she is likely to benefit from angiotensin II and aldosterone active agents. The degree to which the antiinflammatory actions of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system contribute to clinical benefit is unknown. Adding an aldosterone antagonist would have benefit if her heart failure is associated with reduced ejection fraction or if she remains hypertensive.

Antianginals: ß-Blockers, Calcium Antagonists, and Nitrates
Antiatherosclerosis effects have been suggested for all of these antianginal agents in multiple experimental models and some randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials.¹⁶ How this effect relates to antiinflammation pathways or the documented reduction in adverse outcomes in patients with MI, heart failure, or hypertension with ß-blockers is not clear. Observed antiatherogenic effects of ß-blockers could be due to combined central nervous system actions leading to reduced peripheral sympathetic nerve discharge; hemodynamic changes caused by reduced heart rate, blood pressure, and contractility; and biochemical systems leading to increased production of prostacyclins, inhibition of platelet accumulation, decreased affinity of LDL to proteoglycans, decreased endothelial injury, and even inhibition of renin.

Most calcium antagonists have antioxidant effects and reduce experimental inflammatory cell invasion. In regions of inflamed atheroma, nitric oxide levels are low, leading to reduced vasodilatation; conversely, excess nitric oxide can form highly reactive peroxynitrite. Dihydropyridine-type calcium antagonists increase nitric oxide, block lipid peroxidation, and may be associated with reduction in CV events.¹⁷

Therapeutic Approaches to Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and the Metabolic Syndrome
Poor glycemic control is closely associated with increased inflammation and a range of clinical events such as MI, stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, microvascular disease, and renal failure. Weight loss and improved glucose control are cornerstones of treatment, reducing microvascular but not necessarily macrovascular complications. This remains one of the more difficult long-term challenges.

Some newer glycemic control agents target PPAR, improve insulin resistance, and reduce inflammation and reperfusion injury after MI or stroke/transient ischemic attack.¹⁸ Evidence from observational, experimental, and surrogate outcome studies suggests these agents reduce macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes, and several trials are testing this hypothesis. Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular Events (PROactive),¹⁸ the first to be reported, found that pioglitazone reduced the composite outcome all-cause mortality, MI, or stroke with beneficial trends across all CV outcomes except heart failure and edema. Other studies indicate that these agents also reduce CRP, MMP-9, and MCP-1 while reducing plaque progression in patients without diabetes, independently of glycemic control. More studies are needed in patients with and without diabetes to fully characterize the mechanism of benefit.

Our patient with diabetes would be a candidate for a PPAR agonist, but her heart failure is a relative contraindication because of the risk of fluid retention.

PCI and Coated Stent Implants
PCI is frequently used in ACS to reperfuse patients with STEMI, control angina, and avert progression to vascular occlusion in some cases. Although vascular trauma from PCI denudes endothelium and initiates vascular wound healing with early inflammation and smooth muscle cell proliferation, there is generally a reduction in systemic markers of inflammation after PCI.¹⁹ Genetic analyses suggest markers for increased risk of restenosis. The improved blood flow and reduced stasis at sites where stenosis is removed also may reduce the intense inflammation seen in unstable plaque before intervention, but this remains speculative. Some investigators have detected increased inflammation at sites of coated stent implants,²⁰ which may have implications for early thrombotic occlusion in the absence of adequate antiplatelet therapy.

PCI of the right coronary artery stenosis in Mrs C. is certainly a reasonable approach, given her recent unstable symptoms.

	Newer Experimental Treatments

Top Introduction Antiinflammatory Actions of... Case Study Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone... Newer Experimental Treatments References

 
Many new approaches aimed at inhibiting inflammation are under investigation. One pilot study using the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor meloxicam in ACS suggested evidence for benefit in clinical outcomes and reduction in inflammation, but more randomized trials are needed,²¹ especially in view of concerns about increased risk of CV events with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Other early clinical approaches include the MMP inhibitors and more unique approaches such as endothelial progenitor cells²² or viral antiinflammatory proteins that can target chemokines and serine proteases or act as IL10 agonists.²³

	Acknowledgments

 
We would like to acknowledge the funding from the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research that supports our research and the help of Joan Fleming with the collation of this manuscript.

Disclosures

Dr Lucas serves as a consultant and on the Advisory Board for Viron Therapeutics, Inc. She has also received research support from and has an ownership interest in Viron Therapeutics, Inc. The other authors report no conflicts.

	References

Top Introduction Antiinflammatory Actions of... Case Study Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone... Newer Experimental Treatments References

 

1. Henson PM. Dampening inflammation. Nat Immunol. 2005; 6: 1179–1182.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
   
2. Fuster V, Moreno PR, Fayad ZA, Corti R, Badimon JJ. Atherothrombosis and high risk plaque, part 1: evolving concepts. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005; 46: 937–954.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
   
3. Davies MJ, Thomas AC. Plaque fissuring: the cause of acute myocardial infarction, sudden ischemic death, and crescendo angina. Br Heart J. 1985; 53: 363–373.[Free Full Text]
   
4. Willerson JT, Ridker PM. Inflammation as a cardiovascular risk factor. Circulation. 2004; 109 (suppl II): II-2–II-10.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
   
5. Pasterkamp G, Van Keulen JK, De Kleijn DP. Role of toll-like receptor 4 in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic disease. Eur J Clin Invest. 2004; 34: 328–334.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
   
6. McDermott DH, Yang Q, Kathiresan S, Cupples A, Massaro JM, Keaney JF, Larson MG, Vasan RS, Hirschhorn JN, O’Donnell CJ, Murphy PM, Benjamin EJ. CCL2 polymorphisms are associated with serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels in the Framingham Heart Study. Circulation. 2005; 112: 1113–1120.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
   
7. Kennon R, Price, CP, Mills PG, Ranjadayalan K, Cooper J, Clarke H, Timmis AD. The effect of aspirin on C-reactive protein as a marker of risk in unstable angina. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001; 37: 1266–1270.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
   
8. Mehta SR, Yusuf S, Peters RJ, Bertrand ME, Lewis BS, Natarajan MK, Malmberg K, Rupprecht H, Zhao F, Chrolacicius S, Copland I, Fox KA, for the Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events Trial (CURE) Investigators. Effects of pretreatment with clopidogrel and aspirin followed by long-term therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: the PCI-CURE study. Lancet. 2001; 358: 527–533.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
   
9. Kereiakes DJ. Inflammation as a therapeutic target: a unique role for abciximab. Am Heart J. 2003; 146: S1–S4.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
   
10. Lindahl B, Toss H, Siegbahn A, Venge P, Wallentin L. Markers of myocardial damage and inflammation in relation to long-term mortality in unstable coronary artery disease: FRISC Study Group: Fragmin During Instability in Coronary Artery Disease. N Engl J Med. 2000; 343: 1139–1147.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
11. Ridker PM, Morrow DA, Rose LM, Rifai N, Cannon CP, Braunwald E. Relative efficacy of atorvastatin 80mg and pravastatin 40mg in achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <70 mg/dl and C-reactive protein <2 mg/L: an analysis of the PROVE-IT TIMI-22 trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005; 45: 1644–1648.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
12. Diabetes Atherosclerosis Intervention Study Investigators. Effect of fenofibrate on progression of coronary-artery disease in type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes Atherosclerosis Intervention Study, a randomized study. Lancet. 2001; 357: 905–910.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
    
13. Nissen SE, Tsunoda T, Tuzcu EM, Schoenhagen P, Cooper CJ, Yasin M, Eaton GM, Lauer MA, Sheldon WS, Grines CL, Halpern S, Crowe T, Blankenship JC, Kerensky R. Effect of recombinant ApoA-I Milano on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003; 290: 2292–2300.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
14. Scheiffer B, Bunte C, Witte J, Hoeper K, Boger RH, Schwedhelm E, Drexler H. Comparative effects of AT1-antagonism and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition upon markers of inflammation and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004; 44: 362–368.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
15. Meier DJ, Pitt B, Rajagopalan S. Eplerenone: will it have a role in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes? Curr Cardiol Rep. 2004; 6: 259–263.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
    
16. Beattie Ms, Shlipak MG, Liu H, Browner WS, Schiller NB, Whooley MA. C-reactive protein and ischemia in users and nonusers of ß-blockers and statins: data from the Heart and Soul Study. Circulation. 2003; 107: 245–250.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
17. Zanchetti A, Bond MG, Hennig M. Calcium antagonist lacidipine slows down progression of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis: principal results of the Lacidipine Study on Atherosclerosis (ELSA). Circulation. 2002; 106: 2422–2427.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
18. Dormandy JA, Charbonnel B, Ecklund DJA, Erdmann E, Massi-Benedetti M, Moules IK, Skene AM, Tan MH, Lefebvre PJ, Murray GD, Standt E, Wilcox RG, Wilhelmensen L, Betteriidge J, Birkeland K, Golay A, Heine RJ, Kordnyi L, Laakso M, Mokan M, Norkus A, Pirags V, Podr T, Scheen A, Scherbaum W, Schemthaner G, Schmitz O, Skrha J, Smith U, Taton J, for the PROactive Investigators. Secondary prevention of macrovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes in the PROactive study (Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular Events): a randomized controlled trial. Lancet. 2005; 366: 1279–1289.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
    
19. Palmerini T, Marzocchi A, Marrozzini C, Ortolani P, Saia F, Bacchi-Reggiani L, Virzi S, Gianstefani S, Branzi A. Preprocedural levels of C-reactive protein and leukocyte counts predict 9-month mortality after coronary angioplasty for the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis. Circulation. 2005; 112: 2332–2338.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
20. Nebecker JR, Virmani R, Bennett CL, Hoffman JM, Samore MH, Alvarez J, Davidson CJ, McKoy JM, Raisch DW, Whisenant BK, Yarnold PR, Belknap SM, West DP, Gage JE, Morse RE, Gligoric G, Davidson L, Feldman MD. Hypersensitivity cases associated with drug-eluting coronary stents: a review of available cases from the Research on Adverse Events and Reports (RADAR) project. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006; 47: 175–181.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    
21. Pitt B, Pepine C, Willerson JT. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and cardiovascular events. Circulation. 2002; 106: 167–169.[Free Full Text]
    
22. Szmitko PE, Fedak PWM, Weisel RD, Stewart DJ, Kutryk MJB, Verma S. Endothelial progenitor cells: new hope for a broken heart. Circulation. 2003; 107: 3093–3100.[Free Full Text]
    
23. Lucas A, McFadden G. Secreted immunomodulatory viral proteins as novel biotherapeutics. J Immunol. 2004; 173: 4765–4774.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
    

Related Article:

Issue Highlights
Circulation 2006 113: 2031. [Full Text]

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Jimenez-Valero, R. Moreno, A. Sanchez-Recalde, G. Galeote, L. Calvo, A. Viana, E. Lopez de Sa, and J. Lopez-Sendon Review: Avoiding restenosis: is there a role for glucocorticoids in the drug-eluting stent era? Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, June 1, 2008; 2(3): 137 - 146. [Abstract] [PDF]

				P. K. Cheruvu, A. V. Finn, C. Gardner, J. Caplan, J. Goldstein, G. W. Stone, R. Virmani, and J. E. Muller Frequency and Distribution of Thin-Cap Fibroatheroma and Ruptured Plaques in Human Coronary Arteries: A Pathologic Study J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 4, 2007; 50(10): 940 - 949. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Esmaillzadeh, M. Kimiagar, Y. Mehrabi, L. Azadbakht, F. B. Hu, and W. C. Willett Dietary Patterns and Markers of Systemic Inflammation among Iranian Women J. Nutr., April 1, 2007; 137(4): 992 - 998. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. Libby and P. M. Ridker Inflammation and Atherothrombosis: From Population Biology and Bench Research to Clinical Practice J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., October 27, 2006; 48(9_Suppl_A): A33 - A46. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Lucas, A. R. Articles by Pepine, C. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Lucas, A. R. Articles by Pepine, C. J. Related Collections Other Stroke Treatment - Medical Acute coronary syndromes Other diabetes Platelets Other Treatment Related Article