Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
08:14
Rapid Magnetic-microbead Method for Efficient Purification of Low-density Neutrophils
Published on: November 11, 2025
Multiple roles for neutrophils in atherosclerosis
1Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. oliver.soehnlein@med.uni-muenchen.de
Circulation Research
|March 20, 2012
Summary
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:30Atherosclerosis 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...
01:26Acute Inflammation II: Cellular Phase
The cellular phase of acute inflammation is a tightly orchestrated sequence of events that recruits leukocytes, primarily neutrophils, to sites of tissue injury or infection. Following the initial vascular changes, this phase ensures effective immune cell migration, activation, and function at the affected site to eliminate pathogens and initiate tissue repair.Leukocyte Recruitment CascadeLeukocyte recruitment happens in four steps: margination, adhesion, transmigration, and chemotaxis. Reduced...
01:26Coronary 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...
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...