Back to Search Start Over

Contribution of the arterial cells to atherosclerosis and plaque formation.

Authors :
Naiya T
Meganathan I
Ness N
Oudit GY
Murray A
Kassiri Z
Source :
American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology [Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol] 2024 Oct 01; Vol. 327 (4), pp. H804-H823. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Aug 02.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is commonly known as an inflammatory disease that is characterized by lipid deposition in the arterial wall, causing gradual restriction or complete blockade of blood flow, which can cause complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Several factors contribute to initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaque formation. The role of macrophages and leukocytes in atherosclerosis has been well explored. Here, we provide an overview of what has been reported on the role and impact of the arterial cells on plaque formation, and vice versa. The atherogenic environment can trigger transformation and dedifferentiation of the endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts (FBs) whereby they can either directly contribute to plaque formation or influence its composition. Recent studies have demonstrated the plasticity in the identity of the arterial cells, the formation of intermediate cell types that share the characteristics of multiple cell types, and have revealed novel roles and functions for these cells in atherosclerosis. The potential for all vascular cells to cross-transdifferentiate, and detection of cells with mosaic characteristics in the atherosclerotic plaques reveal that the plaque environment is a complex and dynamic environment that could regulate the disease progression independent from the circulating lipid levels. We will also provide an overview on the interplay between sex and atherosclerosis, which has remained an underexplored area.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1522-1539
Volume :
327
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39092998
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00346.2024