Atherosclerosis: Difference between revisions

Leukocyte recruitment to the arterial wall is another key step in atherogenesis, which is dependent on two important factors; expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules (LAM) on the endothelial wall and chemoattractant signals such as IL-8 that direct diapedesis (intruding of molecules through the intact vessel wall). These two factors mainly direct monocytes to the atherosclerotic lesion. T lymphocytes that play the central role in the immune system reside within plaques at all stages of atherogenesis, mainly producing cytokines. <br />

As mentioned earlier, modified LDL can maintain leukocyte recruitment by inducing LAM and chemokine expression. It can also stimulate endothelial and smooth muscle cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-α. These proinflammatory cytokines can also induce LAM and chemoattractant cytokine expression, equivalent to the working of modified LDL. In conclusion, modified LDL can directly or indirectly promote leukocyte recruitment and atherogenesis. <br />