Therapeutic Strategies and Chemoprevention of Atherosclerosis: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?

Abstract

Despite progress in understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the development of effective therapeutic strategies is a challenging task that requires more research to attain its full potential. This review discusses current pharmacotherapy in atherosclerosis and explores the potential of some important emerging therapies (antibody-based therapeutics, cytokine-targeting therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, photodynamic therapy and theranostics) in terms of clinical translation. A chemopreventive approach based on modern research of plant-derived products is also presented. Future perspectives on preventive and therapeutic management of atherosclerosis and the design of tailored treatments are outlined.

Keywords

• atherosclerosis
• pharmacotherapy
• emergent therapeutics
• natural anti-atherosclerotic products