Role of Inflammasomes in Atherosclerosis and Stroke Pathogenesis.

Inflammation is a devastating outcome of cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), namely stroke and atherosclerosis. Numerous studies over the decade have shown that inflammasomes play a role in mediating inflammatory reactions post cellular injury occurring after stroke or a rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. In view of this, targeting these inflammatory pathways using different pharmacological therapies may improve outcomes in patients with CVD. Here we review the mechanisms by which inflammasomes drive the pathogenesis of stroke and atherosclerosis. Also discussed here are the possible treatment strategies available for inhibiting inflammasomes or their up-stream/down-stream mediators.