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Updated: Jun 7, 2025
A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
Published on: May 6, 2014
Inflammation in atherosclerosis: pathophysiology and mechanisms
Amir Ajoolabady1, Domenico Pratico2, Ling Lin3,4
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
Insights
Inflammation is key to atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Understanding its molecular and cellular basis can reveal new therapeutic targets for treating conditions like coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a primary driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary artery disease and heart failure.
- Inflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
- Preclinical research into atherosclerotic inflammation is crucial for identifying new treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review and discuss recent molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation in atherosclerosis.
- To delineate signaling pathways and inflammatory responses in leukocytes that contribute to plaque inflammation.
- To highlight potential therapeutic targets and evaluate current interventions for atherosclerotic inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical discussion of existing research.
- Analysis of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in inflammatory responses.
- Evaluation of signaling cascades in macrophages and leukocytes.
Main Results:
- Inflammation is central to atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- Specific signaling cascades and leukocyte responses drive plaque inflammation.
- Novel therapeutic targets and anti-inflammatory mechanisms have been identified.
Conclusions:
- In-depth knowledge of atherosclerotic inflammation mechanisms is vital for developing novel therapies.
- Targeting inflammatory pathways in macrophages and leukocytes offers therapeutic potential.
- Further research is needed to optimize anti-inflammatory strategies for CVD prevention and treatment.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis imposes a heavy burden on cardiovascular health due to its indispensable role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. Ample clinical and experimental evidence has corroborated the vital role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Hence, the demand for preclinical research into atherosclerotic inflammation is on the horizon. Indeed, the acquisition of an in-depth knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation in atherosclerosis should allow us to identify novel therapeutic targets with translational merits. In this review, we aimed to critically discuss and speculate on the recently identified molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation in atherosclerosis. Moreover, we delineated various signaling cascades and proinflammatory responses in macrophages and other leukocytes that promote plaque inflammation and atherosclerosis. In the end, we highlighted potential therapeutic targets, the pros and cons of current interventions, as well as anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective mechanisms.
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