Coronary alarmins as residual risk markers of atherosclerosis under hypolipidemic therapy

Increased levels of low-density lipoproteins are the main risk factor in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Although statin treatment can effectively lower these levels, there is still a residual risk of cardiovascular events. A more recent therapy, with encouraging results, to regulate the low-density lipoproteins levels, has been represented by the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibition, a protein with critical role in lipid metabolism.Alarmins are endogenous danger signals that are released or secreted from damaged or dead/dying cells as a result of various insults. These stress-sensing molecules have been correlated with various inflammatory states or diseases. We hypothesize that a specific panel of alarmins could indicate the persistence of silent atherosclerosis residual risk.