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Neutrophils in atherosclerosis. A brief overview
H Hartwig1, C Silvestre Roig, M Daemen
1Helene Hartwig, AMC - Department of Pathology, Meibergdreef 15,1105 AZ Amsterdam, NL,
Insights
Neutrophils, often overlooked in atherosclerosis research, are increasingly recognized for their significant role in both the development and destabilization of arterial plaques. This review highlights their evolving importance in cardiovascular disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis involves chronic arterial wall inflammation and leukocyte infiltration, driving lesion progression.
- Neutrophils were historically underestimated in atherosclerosis due to low detection rates compared to other immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging evidence on the role of neutrophils in atherogenesis.
- To provide an overview of neutrophil involvement in early and late-stage atherosclerosis and plaque destabilization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on neutrophils in atherosclerosis.
- Synthesis of findings regarding neutrophil function in different stages of atherosclerotic lesion development.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence supports a significant contribution of neutrophils to the development of atherosclerosis.
- Emerging research indicates neutrophils play a role in advanced atherosclerosis and plaque destabilization.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils are increasingly recognized as key players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Understanding neutrophil roles is crucial for comprehending cardiovascular disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation of the arterial wall and the continuous infiltration of leukocytes into the plaque enhances the progression of the lesion. Because of the scarce detection of neutrophils in atherosclerotic plaques compared to other immune cells, their contribution was largely neglected. However, in the last years studies have accumulated pointing towards the contribution of neutrophils to atherogenesis. In addition, studies are emerging implying a role for neutrophils in advanced atherosclerosis and/or plaque destabilization. Thus, this brief review delivers an overview of the role of neutrophils during early and late stage atherosclerosis.
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