Leukotrienes in the atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases — a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic diseases is strongly suggested. There are multiple studies indicating the possibility of a pathophysiological connection between atherosclerotic changes and leukotrienes (LTs) — the products of arachidonic acid metabolism. The goal of this systematic review, performed in line with the PRISMA statement, was to investigate the potential role of LTs in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Material and methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify the potentially eligible studies. Publications that contained information on any type of LTs identified in blood or urine were included in the review. A database search identified 2082 records. Reliable LTs identification in patients with CVD was used in 30 publications. Results: Stable and acute forms of coronary artery disease are characterized by the overproduction of different types of LTs. The level of LTB4 and LTC4 in the blood is elevated in patients with cerebral ischemia. Patients with acute and chronic peripheral artery disease have elevated levels of LTE4 in urine. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review show that there is a clear tendency to indicate the association of cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases with increased production of LTs. This dependency detailed characteristic remains unclear and the question on the impact of elevated leukotrienes on clinical atherosclerotic disease manifestations is still open.