Inflammation and Atherosclerosis—Revisited

Abstract

Atherogenesis has been traditionally viewed as a metabolic disease representing arterial obstruction by fatty deposits in its wall. Today, it is believed that atherogenesis involves highly specific biochemical and molecular responses with constant interactions between various cellular players. Despite the presence of inflammatory reaction in each and every step of atherosclerosis from its inception to terminal manifestation, the cause--effect relationship of these 2 processes remains unclear. In this article, we have attempted to review the role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis and in its major complication--coronary heart disease.

Kynurenines as predictors of acute coronary events in the Hordaland Health Study

“…But when associations with HK were adjusted for neopterin and KTR in the current study, the association of HK with acute coronary events remained essentially the same. This may reflect the influence of various inflammatory cytokines on different steps of the kynurenine pathway [2], and emphasizes the complexity of the inflammatory processes in atherogenesis [34].…”

The research of new markers of inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type 2

“…По мнению некоторых авторов, изучение но-вых биомаркеров воспаления у пациентов с ишеми-ческой болезнью сердца и сахарным диабетом 2 типа является крайне важным вопросом, так как маркеры воспаления могут быть предикторами развития ИБС у лиц с бессимптомным атеросклерозом [8]. Более того в многочисленных исследованиях доказано, что …”

Possible Pivotal Role of Latent Chronic T. gondii Infection in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

“…Macrophages and foam cells present in the evolving atherosclerotic lesion, secrete various proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and chemokines, including ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. In response to enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines, endothelial cells express high levels of leukocyte adhesion molecules on their surface, leading to further mononuclear cell recruitment and, hence, to development of a chronic inflammatory state [21][22][23] .…”

“…Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting approximately 17.3 million deaths per year [1,2] , and this number will probably increase to 23.3 million by 2030 [3] . Atherosclerosis also is the main cause of death, and in Europe, cardiovascular disease, atherothrombosis, coronary artery disease and stroke account for over 4 million deaths per year [4] .…”