Focusing on inflammation in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Modern-day treatment of atherosclerosis has arisen primarily from an understanding of the epidemiology of the disease rather than its pathophysiology, in that risk factors have traditionally been targeted. Now that the pivotal role of inflammation in the process of atherosclerosis is recognized, it is noteworthy to evaluate the effect of modern therapies on this facet of the disease. This article first reviews the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, and then explores potential mechanisms by which modern-day therapies can modify this inflammation. Copyright 2004 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins