Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
1535576 
Journal Article 
Neopterin: From Forgotten Biomarker to Leading Actor in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology 
De Rosa, S; Cirillo, P; Pacileo, M; Petrillo, G; D'Ascoli, GL; Maresca, F; Ziviello, F; Chiariello, M 
2011 
Yes 
Current Vascular Pharmacology
ISSN: 1570-1611 
9 
2 
188-199 
21143176 
WOS:000288984600009 
Inflammation plays a role at all stages of atherosclerosis.
Neopterin, a pteridine mainly synthesized by activated macrophages, is a marker of inflammation,
immune system activation and an active participant in cardiovascular disease. Measurement of
neopterin levels may help follow the evolution of specific inflammatory conditions (e. g. viral
infection, renal transplant rejection, systemic inflammatory diseases, nephritic syndrome and
autoimmune diseases). Serum levels of neopterin are elevated also in patients with coronary
artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Moreover, plasma levels of this
molecule might predict adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CAD, acute coronary
syndromes or severe PAD. In addition, neopterin levels are related to the development of heart
failure. We provide an updated overview on neopterin and, its links with CAD, left ventricular
dysfunction, and PAD. We also describe its potential role in cardiac regenerative strategies with
using bone marrow cells. 
Atherosclerosis; cardiovascular disease; inflammation; neopterin