Reflections on Atherosclerosis: Lesson from the Past and Future Research Directions

Figures & data

Figure 1 Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902).

Note: Photo courtesy of Carl Günther (public domain).¹⁰⁵

Figure 2 Carl von Rokitansky (1804–1878).

Note: Photo courtesy of Adolf Dauthage (public domain).¹⁰⁶

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

Wikimedia Commons [webpage on the Internet]. Germany: Rudolf Virchow; 1902. Available from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rudolf_Virchow_(Carl_G%C3%BCnther).png. Accessed July 01, 2020..

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Wikimedia Commons [webpage on the Internet]. Germany: Carl vo Rokitanskay Litho; 1853. Available from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carl_von_Rokitansky_Litho.jpg. Accessed July 01, 2020.

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