How macrophage foam cells develop atherosclerosis?

By increasing both the internalization of oxLDL and the accumulation of lipid droplets in the macrophage, foam cell formation gradually occurs, which initially leads to fatty streaks and ultimately, to primary atherosclerotic lesions. Foam cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

What do foam cells do in atherosclerosis?

Macrophage foam cells play a critical role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. The generation of these cells is associated with imbalance of cholesterol influx, esterification and efflux.

How do macrophages and smooth muscles cells contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis?

These studies indicate that SMC-derived macrophage-like cells may promote atherosclerosis by having reduced ability to clear lipids, dying cells, and necrotic debris, and by exacerbating inflammation.

What kind of muscle cells are involved in atherosclerosis?

1: Overview of the role of VSMCs in atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are a major source of plaque cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) at all stages of atherosclerosis and contribute to numerous processes throughout the disease.

What causes foamy macrophages?

Foamy macrophages are also found in diseases caused by pathogens that persist in the body, such as Chlamydia, Toxoplasma, or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In tuberculosis (TB), bacterial lipids disable macrophages from pumping out excess LDL, causing them to turn into foam cells around the TB granulomas in the lung.

How does atherosclerosis develop?

Atherosclerosis is thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.

What are macrophage foam cells?

Definition. Foam cells are a type of macrophage that localize to fatty deposits on blood vessel walls, where they ingest low-density lipoproteins and become laden with lipids, giving them a foamy appearance.

What happens to smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis?

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a key role in fibrous cap formation and plaque stability in advanced atherosclerosis; however, less is known about the role of SMCs in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. This review summarizes the present data implicating SMCs in the development of early atherogenesis.

What is the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a disease of large and medium-sized arteries, characterized by endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and the accumulation of modified lipid, inflammatory cells and cell debris in ‘plaques’ within the vascular wall.

What is a foam cell?

What happens to smooth muscle cells during atherosclerosis?

How does LDL become foam cells?

The formation of foam cells occurs when macrophages engulf an excess of many types of LDL, including oxidized LDL (OxLDL) and minimally modified LDL (mmLDL), which result in the death of the macrophages once they become oversaturated with LDLs.