Figure 3.

Schematic of atherogenesis.

Notes: The oxidized-LDL_s induce the activation of endothelial cells and the expression of various leukocyte adhesion molecules (such as VCAM1) and consequent monocyte adhesion to the endothelium (1,2); subsequent transmigration of monocytes into the intima, where they differentiate into macrophages (3,4); T lymphocytes join macrophages in the intima during plaque evolution (5); macrophages, incorporating modified lipoproteins, become lipid-rich foam cells (6); the inflammatory response stimulates migration and replication of vascular smooth muscle cells, which accumulate in the plaque to form a fibroproliferative lesion (7,8); macrophages in the plaque show abnormal lipid metabolism with a reduction of the cholesterol efflux, (9) which leads to accumulation of apoptotic bodies and necrotic debris, forming a necrotic core (10). ©[designua]/123RF.COM