Mechano-pathobiology of atherogenesis: a review

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular science
• Biomedical engineering
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the United States.
• Atherosclerosis, the primary cause of CVD, is a time-dependent response to arterial injury.
• The uneven distribution of atherosclerosis suggests biomechanical factors play a role, despite systemic risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review pathological features of atherogenesis.
• To explore how mechanical stimuli influence atherogenesis.
• To identify the mechanistic link between mechanical stimuli and early atherogenic processes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of atherogenesis pathology.
• Analysis of how physiologically-consistent mechanical stimuli impact arterial processes.
• Identification of research gaps in understanding mechanical influences on early atherogenesis.

Main Results:

• Biomechanical factors are implicated in the heterogeneous distribution of atherosclerosis.
• Mechanical stimuli can impact pathological features of atherogenesis.
• Specific mechanistic links between mechanical stimuli and early atherogenesis require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the mechanistic link between mechanical stimuli and atherogenesis is crucial.
• This knowledge can guide the search for potential clinical intervention targets.
• Further research is needed to differentiate between stimuli that promote and inhibit atherogenesis.