Biomarkers Differentiating Plaque Erosion from Stable Plaque.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Plaque erosion is the second most frequent cause of acute coronary syndrome, yet the biological processes and biomarkers associated with erosion remain incompletely understood. This review aims to examine the current understanding of plaque erosion, with a focus on identifying potential biomarkers.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have identified distinct pathophysiological characteristics associated with plaque erosion, including variations in inflammatory response and immune cell infiltration within the culprit lesions and thrombi. Additionally, differences in the expression patterns of specific molecules have been noted, suggesting unique underlying mechanisms that contribute to plaque erosion. Understanding the differential expression and role of immune cells and biomarkers in erosion may be crucial for developing targeted therapies. The identification of biomarkers may help in the early detection and treatment of erosion-prone plaques, potentially reducing the incidence of acute coronary events.