Molecular approaches to prevent atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries, characterised by a build-up of lipids, cellular debris, and other substances, in and on the artery wall. This results in the narrowing or stiffening of the arteries, reducing blood flow to vital organs, and potentially leading to atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). ASCVD remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with over seven million deaths a year from coronary artery disease alone. An elevated level of circulating lipoproteins, hyperlipidaemia, is one of the known risk factors for atherosclerosis and subsequent ASCVD development. Recent years have seen exciting advances in targeted molecular approaches to prevent atherosclerosis which, combined with diet and lifestyle, allows us to contemplate a future of significantly reduced ASCVD prevalence. Examples of this are molecular risk-stratification approaches using omic data sets or imaging, and approaches targeting lipoprotein metabolism, such as PCSK9 inhibitors, or pro-inflammatory cytokines, for example IL-6, and include monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides, as well as gene- or base-editing therapies.

This cross-journal Collection welcomes submissions of original research on the development, clinical validation, and epidemiological study of molecular approaches for atherosclerosis and ultimately ASCVD prevention. These include risk-stratification strategies or approaches to reduce hyperlipidaemia, focused on established or new targets, and with a view to clinical translation. We are particularly interested in studies that will improve our understanding of, or address health disparities in, atherosclerosis and ASCVD prevention across sex, ethnicity, as well as intra- and inter-country diversity.

In addition to original research, we are open to receiving other article types, such as Reviews, Perspectives, and Comments that offer significant insights into the topic.