Targeting α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to combat inflammation in cardio-cerebral-vascular diseases.

Cardio-cerebral-vascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and stroke etc, are the major reasons for morbidity and mortality all over the world. Recent studies showed that inflammation exerts an important impact on the pathogenesis and development of cardio-cerebral-vascular diseases. At present, “the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway”, mainly modulated through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), has attracted much attention. We focused on the role of α7nAChR during the pathological processes in myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke. Finally, using the α7nAChR as potential therapeutic targets was also discussed.