ARE THERE STILL NEW THERAPEUTIC TARGETS IN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS? LXR AND FXR

In the last few years, partly due to the use of modern techniques for differential analysis of gene expression, potential therapeutic targets for arteriosclerosis have been identified. Some of these are transcription factors that regulate metabolic pathways in the liver. Among this type are the nuclear receptors LXR (Liver X receptor) and FXR (Farnesol X receptor), although these nuclear receptors not only act in the liver but are also present in vascular cells and in monocytes/macrophages where they regulate key mechanisms for atherogenesis. These and other nuclear receptors that have recently been identified in the vascular wall constitute a promising field of investigation, as they are involved in many of the processes associated with atherogenesis. Furthermore, because they are activated by ligands, they are ideal targets for its pharmacological modification.