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Multiple roles for neutrophils in atherosclerosis

Oliver Soehnlein1

  • 1Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. oliver.soehnlein@med.uni-muenchen.de

Circulation Research
|March 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Neutrophils, once overlooked, are now recognized as key players in atherosclerosis. This review details how neutrophils contribute to plaque development and destabilization, offering new therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Immunology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Neutrophil involvement in atherosclerosis was historically underestimated due to infrequent detection in lesions.
  • Recent studies confirm neutrophil presence and causal roles in atherosclerotic plaque development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of neutrophil involvement in atherosclerosis.
  • To explore neutrophil-driven atherogenesis and plaque destabilization.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophils in cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on neutrophils and atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of mechanisms linking hyperlipidemia to neutrophilia.
  • Examination of neutrophil infiltration into atherosclerotic lesions.
  • Discussion of neutrophil-mediated pathways in atherogenesis and plaque rupture.

Main Results:

  • Hyperlipidemia induces neutrophilia, increasing neutrophil numbers.
  • Neutrophils actively infiltrate atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Neutrophils contribute to plaque formation, growth, and destabilization through various mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Neutrophils play a significant, multifaceted role in atherosclerosis.
  • Understanding neutrophil contributions opens new therapeutic avenues for treating atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis.

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