Novel markers of inflammation and traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease

What is it about?

Inflammation plays a major role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Two novel markers of inflammation involved in cardiovascular disease that have recently been identified are platelet activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). This study aimed to examine whether there was an association between these markers of inflammation and traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, waist circumference and physical activity.

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Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The process of atherosclerosis is very complex and involves many different markers of inflammation. Investigating new ways of measuring this inflammatory process is important so that we may gain a better understanding of what is happening in the arteries and can detect and monitor the progression of this inflammation.This study found that novel markers of inflammation and the more traditional marker of inflammation CRP are all associated with traditional risk factors in different ways suggesting each marker may be involved in individual atherogenic pathways. Interestingly, this study found that PAF and Lp-PLA2 may have been elevated due to Covid-19 vaccines and/or infection. The results of this study will increase the understanding of how Covid-19 vaccines and/or infection are involved in inflammation and platelet activation.

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