Summary
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that involves the arterial wall and is
characterised by the progressive accumulation of lipids in the vessel wall. The first
step is the internalisation of lipids (LDL) in the intima with endothelial activation
which enhances the permeability of the endothelial layer and the expression of cytokines/chemokines
and adhesion molecules. These events increase LDL particles accumulation in the extracellular
matrix where they aggregate/fuse, are retained by proteoglycans and become targets
for oxidative and enzymatic modifications. In turn, retained pro-atherogenic LDLs
enhance selective leukocyte recruitment and attachment to the endothelial layer inducing
their transmigration across the endothelium into the intima. While smooth muscle cell
numbers decline with the severity of plaque progression, monocytes differentiate into
macrophages, a process associated with the upregulation of pattern recognition receptors
including scavenger receptors and Toll-like receptors leading to foam cell formation.
Foamcells release growth factors, cytokines, metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen
species all of which perpetuate and amplify the vascular remodelling process. In addition,
macrophages release tissue factor that, upon plaque rupture, contributes to thrombus
formation. Smooth muscle cells exposed in eroded lesions are also able to internalise
LDL through LRP-1 receptors acquiring a pro-thrombotic phenotype and releasing tissue
factor. Platelets recognise ligands in the ruptured or eroded atherosclerotic plaque,
initiate platelet activation and aggregation leading to thrombosis and to the clinical
manifestation of the atherothrombotic disease. Additionally, platelets contribute
to the local inflammatory response and may also participate in progenitor cell recruitment.
Keywords
Atherosclerosis - thrombosis - inflammation