Aernoud Fiolet

98 Chapter 4 Figure 3. Processes continually active within the vascular bed. Multiple cellular processes, continually active within the vascular bed, affect the growth and instability of atherosclerotic plaque as well as stent-related disease that predispose to cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, worsening angina and ischemic stroke. Table I. Actions of colchicine relevant to atherosclerosis. Action Effect Demonstrated in atherosclerosis Reference number Antitubulin Inhibits tubule action No 58, 59 Inhibits assembly of NRLP3 inflammasome Delays initiation of innate immune response Yes 29, 59, 60 Uptake and concentration in leukocytes Prolonged anti-inflammatory action No 61 Limitation of IL-1 β uptake in NETs Inhibits IL-1 β action No 62 Inhibits platelet leucocyte interaction Indirect effect on platelet function Yes 19 Inhibits the expression of E Selectin Reduces leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells Yes 13 Inhibits release of IL-1 β Limits release of cytokines IL- 6, TNF α and CRP Yes 29, 63, 64 Abbreviations: CRP, C-Reactive Protein; IL, interleukin; NET, Neutrophil extracellular trap; NLR3, NOD- like receptor family pyrin containing domain 3; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.