Unstable atherosclerotic plaques: from pathogenesis to diagnosis

Recent scientific advancements have significantly improved the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, there remains a need to systematize this data. Numerous factors act as inducers of the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, including endothelial aging, metabolic dysfunctions, autoimmune factors, and, in some cases, infectious damage. In the clinical picture of atherosclerosis, it is crucial to timely diagnose signs of destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, as unstable plaques are prone to rupture, which can lead to life-threatening complications (such as stroke, myocardial infarction, etc.). Therefore, the search for and identification of molecular markers and instrumental methods reflecting the processes associated with plaque destabilization are particularly relevant for patients with asymptomatic disease progression.