The Role of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation in Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Cardiac Injury

ABSTRACT

The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors plays a critical role in many tissues by modulating both inflammation and cell survival, and this primarily comes about through transcriptional regulation of the downstream effecter genes. This central role of coordinating complex programs of gene induction suggests that the NF-kappaB transcription factors and/or the signaling pathways leading to their activation may present a prime opportunity for performing therapeutic intervention. However, the dual role of this pathway in inflammation and survival dictates rigorous and empiric validation of such interventions in realistic models of disease before we can translate research findings to the clinical arena. Interestingly, the precise approach chosen to modulate NF-kappaB activation appears to dramatically alter the balance of the downstream effects on apoptosis and inflammation. Here we provide a brief overview of NF-kappaB signaling and its role in atherogenesis as well as in acute coronary syndromes, while considering the clinical implications for therapeutic strategies.