Inflammatory Atherosclerosis

It has been known for over 150 years that hallmarks of inflammation can be observed in the wall of atherosclerotic vessels. It was, however, not clear if this inflammation is the cause or the consequence of atherogenesis. More recently, it has become evident that inflammation mediated both by innate and adaptive immunity is instrumental even in the earliest stages of the development of atherosclerotic lesions, i.e., that it plays an important pathogenetic role. In this volume, international experts in the field discuss the pathogenetic, diagnostic, preventive and possible therapeutic relevance of inflammation in atherogenesis. This book is intended for researchers and physicians in the fields of vascular biology, immunology and atherosclerosis.

In the last ten years, major strides have been made in defining the presence and role of inflammation in atherosclerosis as well as in injury to the tissues that occurs after episodes of ischemia and reperfusion. In sixteen chapters, written by world-renowned individuals from different countries, the role of inflammation and different mediators in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is presented. The significance of inflammation and possible therapeutic implications is also described in depth. This book is of great interest for a wide range of physicians, researchers, and scientists who may want to study more and develop the concept of inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Stroke is a major cause of death and the major cause of adult neurological disability in most of the world. Despite its importance on a population basis, research into the genetics of stroke has lagged behind that of many other disorders. However, the situation is now changing. Anincreasing number of single gene disorders causing stroke are being described, and there is growing evidence that polygenic factors are important in the risk of apparently "sporadic" stroke.Stroke Genetics provides an up-to-date review of the area, suitable for clinicians treating stroke patients, and both clinical and non-clinical researchers in the field of cerebrovascular disease. The full range of monogenic stroke disorders causing cerebrovascular disease, including ischaemicstroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, are covered. For each, clinical features, diagnosis, and genetics are described. Increasing evidence suggest that genetic factors are also important for the much more common multifactorial stroke; this evidence isreviewed along with the results of genetic studies in this area. Optimal and novel strategies for investigating multifactorial stroke, including the use of intermediate phenotypes such as intima-media thickness and MRI detected small vessel disease are reviewed. The book concludes by describing apractical approach to investigating patients with stroke for underlying genetic disorders. Also included is a list of useful websites.

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.

The circulatory system provides the tissues of the body with oxygen and nutrients for survival, allows for the dissemination of inflammatory cells, and clears metabolic waste from building up and damaging tissue. Atherosclerotic disease, the build-up of fat, inflammatory cells, and fibrotic tissue in the vessel wall, hinders this function, resulting in inadequate perfusion of the target tissue. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, rapidly results in cellular dysfunction that profoundly affects the functionality of the overall tissue. Atherosclerosis-associated tissue ischemia and hypoxia because of loss of blood flow underlies several significant disease pathologies including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. In this eBook, we examine the process of atherosclerotic plaque formation both at the cellular level and the level of clinical presentation. Through this book, we hope to impart to the reader a better understanding of how vessel structure, environmental risk factors, and genetic predisposition contribute to atherosclerotic disease and how current and future therapies seek to circumvent the cellular processes contributing to plaque formation to reduce atherosclerotic plaque burden and clinical complications. Table of Contents: List of Videos / Introduction to Atherosclerosis / Epidemiology / Endothelial Cell Activation and Arterial Hemodynamics / Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease / Inflammation in Atherosclerosis / Smooth Muscle Cells and Plaque Vulnerability / Diagnosing Atherosclerotic Disease / Treatment and Prevention / Summary and Future Perspectives / References / Author Biographies

In recent years, the understanding of the pathophysiological processes of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the vessel wall being the leading cause for mortality in industrial countries, has tremendously increased. The feasibility of translating such knowledge to novel therapeutic approaches is currently being explored at various levels. This book highlights advances in atherosclerosis and links these to relevant therapeutic strategies. It compiles and details cutting-edge research in cardiovascular medicine from internationally renowned authors.

Presenting further studies in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease, this book brings together the knowledge accrued in the past decade concerning the role of immunity in the initiation and perpetuation of atherosclerosis. A strong group of international contributors summarize the diverse aspects of the interrelationship between the immune system and atherosclerosis.