Atherosclerosis: Difference between revisions

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!Figure 6. Factors correlated with endothelial dysfunction<br />
!Table 6. Factors correlated with endothelial dysfunction<br />


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! Figure 7. Interventions that enhance endothelial function
! Table 7. Interventions that enhance endothelial function
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In conclusion, hemodynamic and chemical stressors contribute to disturbance of the endothelial homeostasis and promote endothelial dysfunction. This results in impairment of permeability barrier function, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, stimulation of adhesion molecules on the cell surface that promote leukocyte recruitment, and altered antithrombotic properties and release of vasoactive molecules (Figure 8). Consequently, these effects establish the groundwork for further advancement of atherosclerosis.<br />
In conclusion, hemodynamic and chemical stressors contribute to disturbance of the endothelial homeostasis and promote endothelial dysfunction. This results in impairment of permeability barrier function, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, stimulation of adhesion molecules on the cell surface that promote leukocyte recruitment, and altered antithrombotic properties and release of vasoactive molecules (Figure 8). Consequently, these effects establish the groundwork for further advancement of atherosclerosis.<br />
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==== ''Lipoprotein entry and modification'' ====
==== ''Lipoprotein entry and modification'' ====
Disruption of the integrity of endothelial barrier due to endothelial dysfunction allows the passage of circulating lipoproteins (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) into the intima. By binding to proteoglycans, LDL starts accumulating. This accumulation is a critical process in atherogenesis since LDL may undergo chemical modifications while residing longer in intima. It is needless to say that an elevated circulating LDL concentration strongly contributes to this accumulating process. Another major risk factor for this process is hypertension since it causes augmented vessel wall stress. Elevated vessel wall stress influences smooth muscle cells to synthesize proteoglycans in the intima, promoting LDL-binding with proteoglycans and therefore contributing to “trapping” of lipoproteins and lipid accumulation within the intima. At this point, macrophages adhere to dysfunctional endothelial cells and transmigrate into the intima. These macrophages are called ‘foam cells’ after they have taken up lipids.<br />
Disruption of the integrity of endothelial barrier due to endothelial dysfunction allows the passage of circulating lipoproteins (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) into the intima. By binding to proteoglycans, LDL starts accumulating. This accumulation is a critical process in atherogenesis since LDL may undergo chemical modifications while residing longer in intima. It is needless to say that an elevated circulating LDL concentration strongly contributes to this accumulating process. Another major risk factor for this process is hypertension since it causes augmented vessel wall stress. Elevated vessel wall stress influences smooth muscle cells to synthesize proteoglycans in the intima, promoting LDL-binding with proteoglycans and therefore contributing to “trapping” of lipoproteins and lipid accumulation within the intima. At this point, macrophages adhere to dysfunctional endothelial cells and transmigrate into the intima. These macrophages are called ‘foam cells’ after they have taken up lipids.<br />

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