Focus On Atherosclerosis Research

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative condition in which arteries build up deposits called plaques (atheromas) which consist of lipids (mainly cholesterol), connective tissue and smooth muscle cells originating from the arterial wall. Plaques develop quietly over a period of years and are unnoticeable until there is an interruption in the normal flow of blood. Plaques may partially or totally block the blood's flow through an artery. Two things that can happen where plaques occur are: bleeding (hemorrhage) into the plaque; and formation of a blood clot (thrombus) on the plaque's surface. Atherosclerosis affects large and medium-sized arteries. The type of artery and where the plaque develops varies with each person. Atherosclerosis research has witnessed startling progress in recent years, partially due to new drugs as well as to new breakthroughs in molecular medicine.

This monograph on recent progress in atherosclerosis research presents state-of-the art morphological investigations on the cells and their metabolism in the atherosclerotic plaque in situ. The spectrum of methods includes immunohistologic and immunoelectron microscopic investigations on the localization of apolipoproteins in the cells of the arterial intima, presenting new data on the lipoprotein metabolism in plaque. The collagen metabolism is analysed by in situ hybridization techniques for demonstrating the synthesis of different collagen types on the messenger RNA level. Concentrating on in situ investigations with sophisticated morpholocial methods, the widespread discussion on atherogenesis is focused on the arterial wall and its morphological alterations. As morphology remains the basis for understanding the pathogenesis of disease, the results presented here could be of interest not only to pathologists, but also to clinicians and researchers working in the field of biology of atherosclerosis.

This book covers many aspects of atherogenesis, with particular emphasis on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. It includes all aspects of the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and the importance of each pathway. Also explored are the roles of nuclear hormone receptors on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and their complex roles in atherogenesis. The book further discusses how genetic studies can help understand the complexities that mediate these aspects of atherogenesis.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the major cause of death and disability in Western society. The field of atherosclerosis research has grown tremendously over the last forty years, shedding a great deal of light on the contributing factors and natural history of the disorder and enabling strategies for its treatment and prevention. Some of the greatest strides in this field in recent years have derived from advances in molecular biology techniques. These strides were chosen for emphasis in the most recent Princess Lilian symposium, whose proceedings this volume represents. Historically, the Princess Lilian meetings have been small ones aimed at bringing together investigators from diverse specialties to discuss a particular subject. The most recent meeting was no exception and included clinicians, clinical investigators, and research ers in basic science. The symposium began with an extensive review of coronary morphopathological findings in patients who died of coronary heart disease. Any rational hypothesis of atherogenesis must take into account clinical findings, and any attempt to bridge the gap between experimental laboratory findings and studies in man is highly desirable. Three chapters focus on endothelial injury: one on the nitric oxide pathway in physiology and pathology, a second on the activation of endothelial cells, and a third on the monocyte and endothelial injury. Still another chapter examines growth factors, in particular the fibroblast growth factor in atherogenesis.

This monograph on recent progress in atherosclerosis research presents state-of-the art morphological investigations on the cells and their metabolism in the atherosclerotic plaque in situ. The spectrum of methods includes immunohistologic and immunoelectron microscopic investigations on the localization of apolipoproteins in the cells of the arterial intima, presenting new data on the lipoprotein metabolism in plaque. The collagen metabolism is analysed by in situ hybridization techniques for demonstrating the synthesis of different collagen types on the messenger RNA level. Concentrating on in situ investigations with sophisticated morpholocial methods, the widespread discussion on atherogenesis is focused on the arterial wall and its morphological alterations. As morphology remains the basis for understanding the pathogenesis of disease, the results presented here could be of interest not only to pathologists, but also to clinicians and researchers working in the field of biology of atherosclerosis.

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

Atherosclerosis is a subject of enormous contention for cardiologists and in general for all medical doctors. With this publication we have given you a concise "state-of-the-art" look at the world of atheroma. Many other elements could be included and so it is only a brief analysis of "today" (the preventive medicine era) and "tomorrow" (transforming the cure medicine era into the care medicine era) but also remembering "yesterday" (the ex-cathedra medicine era). Let's hope our arteries are free from atherosclerotic events: have a good read!