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Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation and Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract:

Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) is characterized by the persistent elevation of the levels of proinflammatory mediators and circulating immunitary cells. Since the end of the pre-vious century, evidence has been collected regarding the link between this type of inflammation and the development of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Cardiovascular disease is a serious health problem on the rise due to the ageing of the population and the current pandemic obesity. Both phenomena are related with cardiovascular affectation via CLGI, which although it does not produce evident injuries, it does augment the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease, having as triggers inflammatory ageing and dysregulation of adipose tissue. This leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, as well as diminished anti-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide, which in ensemble produce endothelial dysfunction, injuries of the smooth muscle cells, and alterations of blood pressure. In this context, it is pertinent to describe in this review the pathophysiological mechanisms through which CLGI increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Likewise, it may be useful to assess the possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets which may be able to modulate the inflammatory response and decrease the risk of these disorders.