This 2012 review article examines the role of carotenoids—fat-soluble pigments found in fruits and vegetables—in cardiovascular health. Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, possess antioxidant properties that can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress—a key factor in atherosclerosis development. The review highlights that carotenoids may
This comprehensive review highlights lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a genetically determined, independent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, aortic valve stenosis, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease. Elevated Lp(a) levels (≥50 mg/dL or ≥100 nmol/L) are prevalent in approximately 20% of the population and contribute
This 2015 review article provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution and clinical utility of cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease (CAD). The review highlights CCTA’s high sensitivity and negative predictive value in detecting coronary atherosclerosis in both stable and acute chest pain presentations.
This 2022 study investigated the effects of berberine (BBR) on atherosclerosis through modulation of the gut microbiota. BBR was found to reduce the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite associated with atherosclerosis, by down-regulating the choline-TMA-TMAO pathway. The mechanism involves BBR’s metabolite, dihydroberberine (dhBBR), which inhibits key enzymes in
This 2018 review underscores the pivotal role of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in the primary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAC scoring, obtained through non-contrast CT scans, provides a direct measure of atherosclerotic plaque burden, offering superior risk stratification compared to traditional risk assessment tools. The article highlights
This 2017 review article discusses the significance of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in cardiovascular risk assessment. Elevated CAC scores indicate advanced atherosclerosis and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), warranting conventional therapies such as aspirin, statins, and lifestyle modifications. The 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend intensified statin therapy for
This 2019 review provides an in-depth examination of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring using computed tomography (CT) as a non-invasive method to assess coronary atherosclerosis and guide cardiovascular risk stratification. The article details the technical aspects of performing CAC scans, including acquisition protocols and calculation of the Agatston score. It
This review explores the potential link between lead (Pb) exposure and angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation. Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that Pb exposure may disrupt the regulation of angiogenic factors, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to either excessive or insufficient angiogenesis. Such dysregulation is
This 2024 review explores the potential of vaccines to address aging and associated chronic diseases. It discusses strategies targeting specific antigens linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, abdominal aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, fibrosis, and cancer. Additionally, the article examines emerging vaccines aimed at eliminating senescent
This 2014 review explores the relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and atherosclerosis, highlighting that shortened LTL is associated with cardiovascular aging. The study suggests that telomere attrition in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) due to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction and plaque formation. It emphasizes that
