Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
07:36

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice

Published on: September 26, 2018

Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Mark A Crowther1

  • 1Joseph's Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave. East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 4A6. crowthrm@mcmaster.ca

Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program
|November 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis is now understood to be driven by inflammation, not just lipid issues. New therapies targeting these inflammatory pathways offer revolutionary treatment options for this complex vascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Inflammation Biology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis pathogenesis is shifting from a lipid metabolism disorder to an inflammatory insult.
  • The inciting inflammatory event precedes clinical manifestation by decades.
  • Understanding the cellular and cytokine-mediated changes in the vessel wall is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the evolving understanding of atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
  • To emphasize the development of novel, target-specific therapies.
  • To discuss the role of inflammation in initiating and propagating atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of inflammatory pathways involved in disease progression.
  • Evaluation of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation is identified as the primary initiator of atherosclerosis.
  • Cytokine-mediated events are essential for atherosclerotic lesion growth.
  • Current interventions address symptoms but not the underlying inflammatory process.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis is fundamentally an inflammatory disease.
  • Novel anti-inflammatory therapies are revolutionizing treatment approaches.
  • Targeting inflammatory pathways offers a promising strategy for managing atherosclerosis.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...