Sialic acid: an important contributor to cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide.1 Although substantial improvement has been made regarding CVD risk factor management, there is still an unmet need for prevention of disease. Cholesterol, which plays a pivotal role in atherosclerosis has been studied widely. It was proved to be the trigger of atherosclerosis and almost all clinical trials have shown the lower was better for cholesterol. However, there is a residual risk despite aggressive lowering of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This residual risk was partially addressed by the inflammatory theory. The role of inflammation in atherosclerosis has long been noticed and has been proved recently.2 There are numerous studies searching for the link between lipids and inflammation.