Anti-apoptotic agents for the treatment of vascular disease

Abstract

Background: Recognition of the importance of apoptosis in atherosclerosis could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at the reduction of apoptotic death. Many of the available therapeutic agents that have been shown to reduce the progression of the disease and the incidence or recurrence of acute coronary syndromes may have been active, at least in part, through reduction in apoptosis. Statins, antioxidants and thiazolidinediones are implicated in the amelioration of endothelial function, regulation of inflammatory status and downregulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Objectives: To evaluate the anti-apoptotic properties of current atherosclerosis therapeutics. Methods: A thorough enquiry in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and patent databases was carried out for important original and review articles in the field of vascular anti-apoptotic therapies. Results: Statins, antioxidants and other agents with nonspecific anti-apoptotic properties are effective in preventing adverse cardiovascular events. However, more research in the field of targeted anti-apoptotic therapies may revolutionize therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis.

Keywords::

• apoptosis
• atherosclerosis
• caspases
• statins