Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
05:51

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Published on: May 6, 2014

Systemic inflammation and early atheroma formation: are they related?

Serban Balanescu1, Lucian Calmac, Dana Constantinescu

  • 1Cardiology Department, Bucharest Emergency Hospital, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Maedica
|October 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study investigates the link between inflammation markers and atherosclerosis severity. It found that higher inflammation levels correlate with more severe coronary atheroma volume and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with early atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Inflammation Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by endothelial injury and lipid accumulation.
  • Inflammation, triggered by cardiovascular risk factors or autoimmune conditions, plays a key role in atherogenesis.
  • The relationship between systemic inflammation markers and early atherosclerotic burden remains controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the amplitude of inflammation, measured by serum markers, correlates with atherosclerosis severity.
  • To assess this correlation in patients with early atherosclerosis, stratified by conventional risk factors versus autoimmune diseases.
  • To investigate specific inflammatory markers associated with different pathogenic steps in atherogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Selected inflammatory markers include C-reactive protein, TNF-alpha, interleukin-6 and -18, soluble VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and anticardiolipin antibodies.
  • Atherosclerosis severity was measured by coronary atheroma volume and carotid intima-media thickness.
  • Two patient subsets were enrolled: those with conventional risk factors and those with autoimmune diseases lacking traditional risk factors.

Main Results:

  • The study aims to identify correlations between specific serum inflammatory markers and measures of atherosclerotic burden.
  • Results will elucidate the role of systemic inflammation in different patient cohorts with early atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis will focus on markers representing acute phase reactants, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and endothelium activation.

Conclusions:

  • Findings are expected to clarify the association between systemic inflammation and atherosclerotic progression.
  • The study will provide insights into inflammation's role in atherogenesis, independent of traditional risk factors.
  • Results may inform diagnostic or therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory pathways in cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:
early atheroma formationsystemic inflammation

More Related Videos

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions09:41

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Published on: October 17, 2017

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas15:15

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas

Published on: July 1, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
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...
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...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
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...