[Inflammation, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk: PAPP-A, Lp-PLA2 and cystatin C. New insights or redundant information?]

Abstract

It is well-known that inflammation plays a role in atherogenesis, atherosclerotic plaque progression, and acute coronary syndrome. Inflammatory cells, and cytokines and other biomolecules are implicated in these processes, and have, therefore, been investigated as potential markers of atherosclerotic plaque progression and cardiovascular disease risk. The best characterized and most widely studied is C-reactive protein. However, its role in the clinical setting is still debated. Emerging novel biomarkers that may provide information complementary to that derived from C-reactive protein include pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, and cystatin C. This article focuses on the potential value of these three new markers in patients with coronary heart disease, and their use as markers of disease risk in apparently healthy individuals.