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Inflammatory process in atherogenesis: New facts about old flame

Vučević Danijela (Medicinski fakultet, Institut za patološku fiziologiju, Beograd)
Radak Đorđe (Medicinski fakultet, Institut za kardiovaskularne bolesti Dedinje, Beograd)
Radosavljević Tatjana (Medicinski fakultet, Institut za patološku fiziologiju, Beograd)
Mladenović Dušan (Medicinski fakultet, Institut za patološku fiziologiju, Beograd)
Milovanović Ivan (Medicinski fakultet, Institut za patološku fiziologiju, Beograd)

Introduction. Atherosclerosis is a progressive, multifactorial, diffuse, multisystemic, chronic, inflammatory disease, which is manifested by disorders of vascular, immune and metabolic system. Pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammatory Process. Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as the crucial step in atherogenesis. A lot of studies have confirmed the involvement of various mediators of inflammation in initial proatherogenic processes, such as the upregulation of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, binding of low density lipoproteins to endothelium, activation of macrophages and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Fatty stain and Inflammatory Process. Fatty stain consists of foam cell accumulation. After foam cell formation, mediators of inflammation initiate a series of intracellular events that include the induction of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, a vicious circle of inflammation, modification of lipoproteins and further inflammation can be maintained in the artery. Transitory Lesion and Inflammatory Process. In transitory lesion intensive phagocytosis of oxidized low density lipoproteins additionally activates monocytes and macrophages and consequently facilitates and exacerbates the inflammatory response. Fibrotic Plaque and Inflammatory Process. Inflammatory process, matrix-degrading metalloproteinases activity, platelets aggregation and smooth muscle cells proliferation play a central role in development of fibrotic plaque. Complex Lesion and Inflammatory Process. It has been shown that inflammation is closely related to the development of atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Conclusion. The contribution of inflammatory process has become increasingly meaningful in understanding the initiation, progression and clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Inflammation, Endothelium, Vascular + physiopathology, Foam Cells, Plaque, Atherosclerotic, Cytokines, Macrophage Activation, Inflammation Mediators, Muscle, Smooth, Vascular + physiopathology, Lipoproteins, LDL, Oxidants