Abstract

ApoB: The way from atherogenic component to biomarker and therapeutic target

Author(s): Alexander V. Blagov, Vasily N. Sukhorukov, Ilya I. Eremin, Irina I. Nadelyaeva, Nikita A. Gutyrchik, Alexander N. Orekhov

There are numerous mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerosis. While most available methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the disease are based on LDL-C management, there is a strong need for alternative strategies that could be used in cases where standard treatment practices are not efficient enough. ApoB plays a critical role in atherogenesis. Being an important constituent of lipoproteins, ApoB promotes the retention of atherogenic particles in the arterial intima, thus contributing to the initiation and progression of the disease. In this review, we will look into the mechanisms through which ApoB is involved in atherogenesis to reveal alternative diagnostic methods based on the plasma ApoB levels which can be used as a biomarker indicating cardiovascular risk. In the last section of the paper, we will consider possible therapeutic strategies for the prevention and containment of atherosclerosis based on the downregulation of ApoB levels and suppression of its synthesis.