Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis.
- Author:
Jeong Euy PARK
1
Author Information
1. Cardiology Division, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Korea. jepark@smc.samsung.co.kr
- Publication Type:Review ; Clinical Trial
- Keywords:
Atherosclerosis;
Pathogenesis;
Inflammation;
Plaques;
Statins
- MeSH:
Acute Coronary Syndrome;
Animals;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid;
Atherosclerosis*;
Cholesterol;
Cholesterol, LDL;
Collagen;
Cytokines;
Foam Cells;
Humans;
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors;
Inflammation;
Insulin Resistance;
Macrophages;
Myocytes, Smooth Muscle;
Oxidoreductases;
Risk Factors;
Rupture;
T-Lymphocytes
- From:Hanyang Medical Reviews
2006;26(2):4-10
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
In humans, early lesions of atherosclerosis, fatty streaks, already begin to be observed from the twenties. In animals grown in nature, atherosclerosis is not known to exist and serum cholesterol levels in the animals are lower than 100mg/dL. Recent clinical trials suggest that if we lower the LDL cholesterol to below 40mg/dL, we can probably halt the progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can either progress or regress according to the control of risk factors. If the risk factors are not well controlled, the pressure in the core can be increased and the cap weakens because of the infiltration of macrophages and foam cells instead of healthy smooth muscle cells and the matrix metalloprotenases secreted from these cells weakens the collagen. Acute coronary syndrome results when rupture or erosion occurs in the cap. Recently, atherosclerosis is understood as an inflammatory process, because the infiltrating cells, inflammatory cytokines and T-cells are very much similar to the other inflammatory lesions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Endothelial dysfunction, lipid oxidation and insulin resistance are also the main abnormal findings observed from the early stages of atherosclerosis. HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors can effectively prevent and regress atherosclerosis and is now very widely prescribed for these purposes.
