Elevated plasma pentraxin 3: a potential cardiovascular risk factor?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still a primary cause of death in most countries. The pathogenesis of CVD can be influenced by multiple risk factors. Recent studies suggested that the innate immune system may be involved in the development of CVD. Pentraxins are critical components of the innate immune system. Recent researches have demonstrated that elevated plasma pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, we hypothesized that elevated plasma PTX3 is a potential cardiovascular risk factor evidenced by the following aspects: (1) PTX3 inhibited angiogenesis and promoted restenosis, (2) the expression of PTX3 increased in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and the blood of patients with ischemic heart disorders, (3) elevated plasma PTX3 levels were associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. If the hypothesis is confirmed, PTX3 will be an effective target point to the prevention and treatment of CVD.