Role of lipid and lipoprotein metabolizing enzymes in the development of atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in developed and developing nations. With an increase in the aging population, there is a surge in the incidence of atheroscleortic cardiovascular diseases. One of the most common and lethal manifestations of atherosclerosis is coronary heart disease, accounting for 50% of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in men and women younger than 75 years. Peripheral arterial diseases, manifested mainly as intermittent claudication constitute approximately 10% of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. According to the American Heart Association 2001 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update, atherosclerosis accounts for 75% of all deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, atherosclerosis continues to remain the primary cause of health concern for the population at large. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of lipid and lipoproteins in the development of atherosclerosis.