Long non-coding RNA-ZFAS1: A novel possible biomarker to monitor and hamper the atherosclerotic process?

Atherosclerosis, a multifactorial disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors, is a growing, worldwide epidemic. Several scien- tific pieces of evidence have shown that the interaction between modi- fied and oxidized lipoproteins (ox-LDL), inflammatory cells such as monocyte-macrophages and T-lymphocytes, and the normal constitu- ents of the arterial wall (endothelial and smooth muscle cells) are the main causative factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclero- sis. On this regard, increased Apolipoprotein (Apo) B, oxLDL, lipopro- tein(a), triglycerides (TGs), or C-reactive protein, and the presence of albuminuria in association with the conventional non-invasive cardio- vascular imaging techniques are actually considered the gold-standard for the assessment of total cardiovascular disease risk. As indicated by the ESC/EAS guidelines, taking into account these markers, it is possible to estimate the extent, and evaluate the clinical consequences of athero- sclerotic vascular damage. Despite numerous improvements in our understanding of mechanisms contributing to the onset and progres- sion of the atherogenic process, its mortality and economic burden re- main high. Thus, the intensification of preventive actions and the identification of novel predictive biomarkers represent the primary goal of the research community.