[Atherogenesis: interplay between cholesterol, inflammation and coagulation]

It is now generally accepted that, in addition to hypercholesterolemia, pro-inflammatory and procoagulatory factors play a major role in atherogenesis. Risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes and renal diseases alter lipoprotein profile and composition thus rendering them susceptible to modification. Modified lipoproteins induce local inflammation possibly due to activation of nuclear factor (NF-)kappaB and subsequent expression of adhesion molecules, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and mitogens, which are mediators for cell growth, proliferation and lipid deposition. Furthermore, activation of collagenases and proteases in combination with prothrombotic processes attenuate clot formation, plaque rupture and occlusion of vessels. Clinical as well as experimental studies suggest that elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers may have a diagnostic potential. Thus, a therapeutic approach which modulates circulating cholesterol levels and improves pro-inflammatory and procoagulatory situation may prove beneficial as adjuvant therapy in atherosclerotic disease.