Unraveling Sterile Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms, Implications and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a leading factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, is a complex and multifaceted condition with inflammation emerging as a pivotal determinant of its pathogenesis. This review comprehensively investigates the role of sterile inflammation in atherosclerosis and deliberates on potential therapeutic interventions targeting this underlying mechanism. Despite advancements in the understanding of atherosclerosis, diagnosing, preventing, and choosing effective treatment methods remain challenging due to its intricate pathogenesis. In the absence of pathogenic agents, sterile inflammation signifies a promising avenue for therapeutic measures. Through the comprehensive analysis of current literature encompassing reviews and original articles obtained from the PubMed database, we aimed to unravel the intricate mechanisms triggered by sterile inflammation within the context of atherogenesis. Our exploration reveals that sterile inflammation contributes significantly to the development of atherosclerosis through diverse mechanisms beyond the conventional association with macrophages, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach in therapeutic targeting. We emphasize the potential of sterile inflammation as a prospective target for the development of atherosclerosis treatments while acknowledging the imperative consideration of the disease's complex nature in devising effective therapeutic modalities. This review underscores the significance of tailored interventions aimed at modifying sterile inflammation to counteract the progression of atherosclerosis, affirming the importance of holistic strategies in addressing this intricate disease. In particular, our findings highlight the potential for targeted interventions to modulate specific pathways involved in sterile inflammation, offering new avenues for the development of precision treatments in atherosclerosis management.