Trends In 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.

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 (haemorrhage) 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.

Comprehensive and in-depth in itscoverage, Atherosclerosis: Cellular, Molecular &Biochemical Mechanism and Novel Therapy reviews the recentprogress in atherosclerosis research and offers cutting edgeperspectives from experts in the field. Written by an internationalteam of authors including leading physician-scientists, researchexperts and physicians, chapters are divided into four majorsections, covering risk factors, cellular and molecular mechanisms,biochemical mechanisms and novel and future therapeutics. Atherosclerosis: Cellular, Molecular & BiochemicalMechanism and Novel Therapy analyses recent progress from bothconceptual and technological perspectives, suggesting newdirections for atherosclerosis research and treatment for a growingpopulation of researchers and clinicians in cardiovascular andrelated fields.

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative process affecting blood vessels, which determines narrowing of the lumen, plaque growth, and hardening of the walls. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The focus of this book is on the management of the atherosclerotic disease. The coverage of this book spans from histological presentation of the various stages of atherosclerotic lesions to the earliest studies in atherosclerosis therapy, from advanced clinical diagnosis to monitoring, follow-up, and home-care of the atherosclerotic patient. The book shows well-established diagnostic techniques covering several medical imaging modalities such as Ultrasounds, IVUS, MRI, Computer Tomography, along with new trends in early and advanced atherosclerosis diagnosis (innovative drugs and tissue characterization procedures). Surgical standards will be presented along with innovative experimental trials for the treatment of the atherosclerotic patient. The book will also cover emerging techniques based on molecular imaging and vibro-acoustics.

This open access book is supported by the European Atherosclerosis Society Association (EAS). This follow-up edition of the well-received Handbook volume 'Atherosclerosis: Diet and Drugs' reflects the state-of-the-art and most recent developments in atherosclerosis research. Outstanding international experts give a comprehensive overview of the field covering topics, such as improving the treatment focusing on established targets, novel drug developments addressing pre-defined targets, hypothesis-based and hypothesis-free approaches to unravel novel targets.

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.

In 1982 Berlin was host for the second time to the International Symposium on Atherosclerosis. In 1973 the third symposium was held there, following the first in Athens -opened by the unforgettable Paul D. White -and the second in Chicago, where the great gentlemen of atherosclerosis research - Louis Katz and Irving Page - left their special imprint on the meeting. Since the third symposium in Berlin impressive advances have been made in the field of atherosclerosis. The symposia in Tokyo in 1976 and in Houston in 1979 introduced important new knowledge from current research, stimulating worldwide interest; Berlin highlighted the latest developments. The International Atherosclerosis Society (lAS) provides an international forum for the entire field of atherosclerosis research. Its main purpose is to apply the results of basic research to clinical medicine, and thereby to benefit the practitioner. Prevention and rehabilitation are of special importance. Intensified international cooperation is urgently needed at all levels. A declared goal of the lAS is contact between young investigators and between international research and work groups. Participating in the Berlin meeting were 1400 researchers from 42 nations. This illustrates the growing interest in atherosclerosis as the leading cause of death in "developed" societies. However, the incidence of atherosclerosis is increasing worldwide, although there are national differences in the pattern and appearance of the disease; this was documented at the Berlin Symposium.