Data from basic science experiments is overwhelmingly supportive of the causal role of immune‐inflammatory response(s) at the core of atherosclerosis, and therefore, the theoretical potential to manipulate the inflammatory response to prevent cardiovascular events. However, extrapolation to humans requires care and we still lack definitive evidence to show that interfering in immune‐inflammatory processes may safely lessen clinical atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss key therapeutic targets in the treatment of vascular inflammation, placing basic research in a wider clinical perspective, as well as identifying outstanding questions.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc
BackgroundGlobally hypertension is stabilising, but in sub-Saharan Africa the incidence
of hypertension remains on an increase. Although this might be attributed to
poor healthcare and ineffective antihypertensive treatment, there is a
limited understanding of population and individual-specific cardiovascular
pathophysiology – necessary for effective prevention and treatment
strategies in Africa. As there is a lack of longitudinal studies tracking
the early pathophysiological development of hypertension in black
populations, the African-PREDICT study was initiated. The purpose of this
paper is to describe the detailed methodology and baseline cohort profile of
the study.Methods and resultsFrom 2013 to 2017, the study included 1202 black (N = 606)
and white (N = 596) men and women (aged 20–30 years) from
South Africa – screened to be healthy and clinic normotensive. At baseline,
and each 5-year follow-up examination, detailed measures of health
behaviours, cardiovascular profile and organ damage are taken. Also,
comprehensive biological sampling for the ‘omics’ and biomarkers is
performed. Overall, the baseline black and white cohort presented with
similar ages, clinic and 24-hour blood pressures, but black adults had lower
socioeconomic status and higher central systolic blood pressure than white
individuals.ConclusionsThe prospective African-PREDICT study in young black and white adults will
contribute to a clear understanding of early cardiovascular disease
development.
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