[The inflammatory aspects in the initial phases of atherogenesis]

Inflammatory features have been found in various phases of the atherosclerotic process, from its inception-monocyte adhesion to the arterial endothelium-to its progression, up to the final steps of its clinical emergence. The present review re-examines recent elements of knowledge on the pathogenesis of the very early phases in atherosclerosis, highlighting how they may be described as an alteration of the endothelial adhesive properties towards circulating leukocytes, in a fashion similar to that occurring in acute inflammation. Such phenomena are referred to as "endothelial activation." The molecular mechanisms of such modifications are described, since they may presently offer a new target for interventional-especially preventive-strategies, in order to delay the onset of atherosclerosis.