Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What are causes of chronic endothelial injury/dysfunction?

Answer 1

\+ haemodynamic disturbances
\+ hypercholesterolemia
\+ hypertension
\+ smoking 
\+ toxins
\+ viruses
\+ immune reactions

Question 2

what are examples of endothelial dysfunction?

Answer 2

+ increased endothelial permeability
+ increased leukocyte adhesion
+ increased monocyte adhesion and migration

Question 3

what are the effects of hyperlipidaemia (LDL cholesterol)?

Answer 3

+ impairs endothelial function
+ accumulates within intima
+ causes oxidative modification of LDL

Question 4

what is the role of macrophages in endothelial injury?

Answer 4

+ engulf oxidised LDL (foam cells)

+ secrete IL1, TNF, MCP1 and growth factors

+ causes fatty streaks

Question 5

what is the role of smooth muscle proliferation in endothelial injury?

Answer 5

+ collagen and extracellular matrix deposition

+ turns fatty streaks into mature fibro-fatty atheromas