Biomarkers in Unstable Carotid Plaque: Physiopathology and Prediction

Abstract

Aims: To study the role of cytokines and vascular inflammatory biomarkers in unstable carotid plaque.

Background: Clinical studies showed that not only the degree of stenosis but also the type of carotid plaque can be responsible for ipsilateral ischemic stroke.

Objective: The objective of this study is to suggest a role for vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic disease in the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and reference lists have been used to evaluate articles published until February 15, 2021.

Results: Several factors may be involved in unstable plaque. Clinical studies support the involvement of brain inflammatory biomarkers as well as cytokines in the unstable carotid plaque.

Conclusions: Biomarkers could help to stratify patients with a vulnerable carotid plaque and to personalize the drug treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics of vulnerable plaque and the role of biomarkers in the vulnerable carotid plaque.

Keywords: Brain inflammation; atherosclerosis; carotid artery disease; cytokines; stroke; vascular inflammatory biomarker.