Inflammatory and oxidative markers in atherosclerosis: relationship to outcome.

Inflammation and oxidative processes are key components of atherosclerosis, from fatty streak formation to plaque rupture and thrombosis. Recent basic and clinical studies have identified a number of inflammatory and oxidative processes that appear to play a direct role in atherothrombosis and identify potentially clinically useful markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, we highlight recent results on several of the more promising markers of inflammation for cardiovascular disease risk assessments, such as C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, and soluble CD40 ligand and nitrotyrosine, as well as other potential markers.