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Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration within the arterial wall, representing the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in the inflammatory response responsible for atherosclerosis progression and atherosclerotic plaque instability. Objective: To analyze the mechanisms by which the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to vascular inflammation and the development of unstable atherosclerotic plaques, as well as to discuss its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: This is a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative narrative literature review conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Virtual Health Library (VHL). Controlled descriptors related to atherosclerosis, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and vascular inflammation were employed. After applying the eligibility criteria, 20 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Results and discussion: The selected studies demonstrated that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by cholesterol crystals, reactive oxygen species, and other danger signals promotes caspase-1 activation and the release of IL-1β and IL-18, amplifying vascular inflammation. This process contributes to foam cell formation, extracellular matrix degradation, fibrous cap thinning, and plaque instability. Furthermore, experimental and clinical evidence indicates that anti-inflammatory therapies targeting the NLRP3 pathway reduce cardiovascular events, highlighting the translational potential of this therapeutic strategy. Conclusion: The NLRP3 inflammasome is a key mediator of atherosclerosis progression and plaque instability, representing both a promising biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for preventing cardiovascular complications. Further studies are needed to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating vascular inflammation.
Referências
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Copyright (c) 2026 Luiz Coelho Soares Figueiredo, Bruno de Oliveira Figueiredo, Valdinei Gonçalves dos Santos, Catarina Helena Costa Nunes Jório, Gabriela Amaral Gonçalves, Marcelo Costa Albani, Isabela da Silva Vieira, Milene Vargas da Silva Batista, Ana Luiza Latini Girolamy Daflon, Mariana Manhães Pinto Braga, Arthur Valiatti Simões, Claudete Lúcia Carvalho Oliveira, Gabriela Coelho Soares Figueiredo