Extracellular neutrophil traps in cardiovascular diseases: problems and prospects of research

Abstract

One of the links in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is chronic low-intensity systemic inflammation. In 2004, a previously unknown process was discovered — the formation of extracellular neutrophil traps (NETs) — NETosis (n eutrophil extracellular traps). NETs play a role in antimicrobial immunity though in certain cases they become a factor in the development of pathology. This review presents data on the effect of extracellular neutrophil traps on individual pathologies of the cardiovascular system (atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, thrombosis). The authors describe the mechanisms of NET formation (vital NETosis, suicidal NETosis) and their role in thrombus formation (as a framework for thrombus formation, initiation of coagulation), in the development of endothelial dysfunction, and electrical heterogeneity of the atrial myocardium. Data are presented indicating the connection between atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and atrial fibrillation with the activity of NETosis. Most studies demonstrate existing correlations on laboratory models, while the determination of NETs in patients with cardiovascular pathology in real clinical practice is almost absent. At the same time, understanding the processes associated with NETosis can help to identify specific markers and further strategies for the therapy of cardiovascular diseases.