Cholesterol and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: An Immune-Metabolic Hypothesis

Didac Mauricio1,2,3, Esmeralda Castelblanco1,2, Nuria Alonso2,4,5

  • 1Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau & Institut d'Investigació Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain.

Nutrients
|August 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) poses a significant global health burden. Understanding its mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Medical Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) represents a leading cause of death globally.
  • The complex pathophysiology of ASCVD involves lipid accumulation, inflammation, and plaque formation in arteries.
  • Effective management strategies are essential to reduce ASCVD-related morbidity and mortality.

Discussion:

  • ASCVD pathogenesis involves intricate molecular and cellular processes.
  • Current therapeutic approaches target risk factors like hyperlipidemia and hypertension.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate novel pathways for intervention.

Key Insights:

  • Identifying key molecular targets in ASCVD is critical.
  • Translational research aims to bridge basic science discoveries with clinical applications.
  • Personalized medicine approaches may improve ASCVD outcomes.

Outlook:

  • Future research will focus on advanced imaging and genetic profiling for early ASCVD detection.
  • Novel therapeutic agents targeting inflammatory pathways are under investigation.
  • Public health initiatives emphasizing lifestyle modifications remain paramount in ASCVD prevention.

Related Concept Videos

Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
60.8K
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...
586
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
1.1K
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
245
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...
730
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis 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...
246